bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Journalistic coverage of the Central High crisis (1957)
Authors: Rocha Augusto Machado
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this article is to analyze the journalistic experience of the coverage of the Central High Crisis of 1957, in the city of Little Rock, capital of the state of Arkansas, in the United States. By contextualizing the event we will focus on the experience and memory of a young professional from the Arkansas Democrat newspaper, Phyllis Brandon, who covered the events of September 1957. With this work it is possible to understand the difference in coverage between the two main media outlets in the state, highlighting the effects of such construction and their interests.
La diplomacia continental de la República de Colombia (1819-1826)
Authors: Cifuentes Rojas Carlos Felipe
Published: July 2023

En este artículo se analiza la diplomacia colombiana con las nuevas unidades políticas hispanoamericanas entre 1821 y 1826. Para ello, se seguirán los tres pilares de esa diplomacia con sus pares, propuestos por el secretario de Relaciones Internacionales colombiano, que incluyen: «alianza y confederación perpetua entre los beligerantes; uniformidad de conducta con los neutrales; y aplicación de todos sus elementos disponibles de ofensa y defensa contra el enemigo, hasta reducirlo al estado de solicitar paz» . Se propone que la diplomacia colombiana en el continente se basaba en acabar con el poder monárquico en América y garantizar la unión entre las nuevas unidades políticas hispanoamericanas con el fin de mantener su independencia.
Literatura, libros y revistas de letras en tiempos de violencia. Colombia y México a mediados de siglo XX
Authors: Duarte Rangel Carlos Geovanny
Published: July 2023

El siguiente artículo presenta una reflexión sobre el rol que asumieron algunos autores en la publicación de libros y revistas culturales en México y Colombia durante diferentes procesos de violencia, represión y censura, vividos a mediados del siglo XX. En Colombia, en el contexto del Frente Nacional. En México, durante el proceso que desemboca en los sucesos de octubre de 1968. Ello a partir de una perspectiva interdisciplinar, entre la historia cultural y los estudios literarios, como una propuesta para aportar a la comprensión de los efectos de la represión de los regímenes autoritarios en el campo cultural.
Impulsos «daguerranos» en Chihuahua, México. Vínculos entre la fotografía y la prensa antirreeleccionista durante la Revolución de 1911
Authors: Meléndez Fernández Jorge
Published: July 2023

El artículo aborda la relación entre la fotografía y la prensa durante los inicios del gobierno revolucionario en la ciudad de Chihuahua, al norte de México. Se examinan los posibles diálogos entre los periódicos antirreeleccionistas El Correo y El Padre Padilla, y la producción fotográfica local. Se develan los vínculos y tensiones entre los periodistas Silvestre Terrazas, José Reyes Estrada, Adolfo Fuentes Gámez y Rafael Martínez, apodado Rip-Rip, y los fotógrafos locales, como Ignacio Medrano Chávez, conocido como El Gran Lente. Por último, se reflexiona sobre el papel de la prensa antirreeleccionista y la fotografía como factores relevantes en el desplazamiento de la opinión pública durante los acontecimientos sociales de la Revolución de 1911.
Relevance classification on service desk texts using Natural Language Processing
Authors: Degasperi Marciel Mario , Cavalieri Daniel , Castro Fidelis Zanetti de
Published: July 2023

Service desk systems have a vast and rich base of information,
consisting of the history of calls made, which can and should be used as
a reference base for subsequent calls. Common search tools, such as
keyword searches, prove to be unfeasible in large datasets, in addition
to being able to bring results not necessarily related to the problem.
“State-of-the-art” techniques exist, but they require high
computational and operational costs for their training and use. In this
sense, the purpose of this work is to investigate the sensitivity of
machine learning algorithms in finding the characteristic defined here
as “relevance”: the characteristic of texts with knowledge that can be
reused. The motivation is that non-relevant texts can be removed in
advance from the database, allowing complex algorithms to be employed in
a more condensed database, reducing computational costs. Tests were
performed with several combinations between the TF-IDF vectorizer and
the word embedding Doc2Vec and the classic classifiers Naive-Bayes,
Adaptive Boosting, Random Forest, Stochastic Gradient Descent, Logistic
Regression, Support Vector Machine and Light Gradient Boosting Machine,
and the classifier TextConvoNet, an architecture based on Convolutional
Neural Networks. The TextConvoNet classifier presented the best results,
with metrics close to 0.93, showing that the concept is detectable and
that the technique is viable for removing non-relevant texts from a
database.
An Effective LS-DFT Weiner Model Based Channel Estimation Using STBC Coding & 128-QAM Modulation Scheme in OFDM System
Authors: Eswaramoorthi R. , DrSSenthilkumar * , Raja Dr.L. , DrAVelliangiri *
Published: July 2023

Due to the characteristics of efficient transmission method, Orthogonal
Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) becomes the key technology of the
mobile communication network. The channel estimation (CE) is employed in
channel conditions at which there is a need for time-varying features.
To overcome the complexity of CE technique, this work integrates the
Linear Time Invariant (LTI)-Weiner filter model based Least Square
estimation (LS)-Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). A 128-QAM modulation
is applied to attain the Channel State Information (CSI) for coherent
demodulation. The input binary data encoded by Space Time Block coding
(STBC) technology and is being modulated by 128-QAM modulator. The pilot
insertion is responsible for decreasing the spectral efficiency more
effectively if the channel is a high frequency selective one or
time-invariant one. IFFT transforms the signal to compressed form after
which the estimated input stream is transmitted over Additive White
Gaussian Noise (AWGN) for the transmission purpose. At the receiver
side, the received data is demodulated by 128-QAM and decoded by STBD to
attain original information. The performance of channel estimation is
carried in terms of Bit Error Rate (BER), complexity and throughput
which is compared with traditional methods to highlight the benefit of
proposed method.
ABA explains the soil water threshold of stomatal regulation during drought
Authors: McAdam Scott , Manandhar Anju , Pichaco Javier
Published: July 2023

By regulating carbon uptake and water loss by plants, stomata are not
only responsible for productivity but also survival during drought. The
timing of stomatal closure is crucial for preventing excessive water
loss during drought, yet has high ecological variability between
species. An aspect of stomatal response that remains disputed is the
mechanism driving the trigger for stomatal closure during drought. We
investigated this in a highly embolism resistant tree species
Umbellularia californica. We tracked leaf endogenous abscisic
acid (ABA) levels and determined the predawn and midday leaf water
potential and gravimetric soil water content (gSWC) thresholds for
stomatal closure and transpiration decline during a progressive drought.
We found that while U. californica plants have a peaking type ABA
dynamic where ABA levels rise early in drought then decline under
prolonged drought conditions. The early increase in ABA levels
corresponded to the closing of stomata and reduced transpiration.
Furthermore, we found that the gSWC at which transpiration declines
occurs before any large decreases in soil and predawn plant water status
and could best be explained by declines in midday water potentials along
with increased ABA levels. Our results indicate that ABA mediated
stomatal regulation is an integral mechanism for delaying whole plant
dehydration and can occur with minimal changes in bulk soil and plant
water status.
Population pharmacokinetics models of vancomycin among critically ill obese patients: A systematic review Running head: Population Pharmacokinetic of vancomycin word count 5179
Authors: Al-Muhur Mohammed , Harun Sabariah Noor , Alghamdi Adnan , Alamro Rayed , Ghadzi Siti Maisharah Sheikh
Published: July 2023

Background: Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic used for
gram-positive infections. Several vancomycin population pharmacokinetic
models have been introduced in the last decades. Thus, a systematic
review was performed to compare published pharmacokinetics models and
(ii) to summarise and explore identified covariates influencing the
vancomycin pharmacokinetics models. Methods: A search of publications
for population pharmacokinetic analyses of vancomycin in critically ill
obese patients from inception to October 2022 was conducted in PubMed
and SCOPUS databases. Reviews, methodology articles, in vitro and animal
studies, and noncompartmental analyses were excluded. Data on study
characteristics, patient demographics, clinical parameters,
pharmacokinetic parameters, and outcomes were collected. Results: Six
studies were included in this review. Vancomycin pharmacokinetics was
described as one-compartment in most of the studies. Significant
interindividual variations of vancomycin pharmacokinetic parameters were
found in most of the included studies. Age, sex, body weight,
fibrinogen, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, cystatin,
and concomitant nephrotoxic drugs were the most commonly identified
covariates affecting these parameters. External validation was only
performed in one study to determine the predictive performance of the
models. Conclusions. Large pharmacokinetic variability remains despite
the inclusion of several covariates. This can be improved by including
other potential factors, such as metabolic factors and significant
drug-drug interactions in a well-designed population pharmacokinetic
model in the future, taking into account the incorporation of a larger
sample size and a more stringent sampling strategy. External validation
should also be performed to the previously published models to compare
their predictive performances.
Increasing Use of Diabetes Devices: What Do Health Care Professionals Need?
Authors: Messer Laurel H. , Vigers Tim , Akturk Halis K. , Forlenza Gregory P. , Huss Kelsey B. , Karami Angela J. , Malecha Emily , Oser Sean M. , Polsky Sarit , Pyle Laura , Shah Viral N. , Wadwa R. Paul , Oser Tamara K.
Published: July 2023

  

Key Points

· Continuous glucose monitoring systems, smart insulin pens, insulin pumps, and hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery systems can improve clinical outcomes for people with diabetes. However, many health care professionals (HCPs), especially in primary care, are not comfortable using these devices in their practice.

· HCPs in pediatric endocrinology, adult endocrinology, and primary care practices in the United States all endorsed the usefulness of clinical tools such as device insurance information and coverage assistance, online data platforms, and automated decision support for insulin dosing.

· Future innovative care systems that integrate clinical tools into a streamlined platform may help improve HCPs’ confidence with diabetes technology and increase uptake of these devices for people with diabetes. 
Comparison of four different serological methods for detection of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in erythema migrans.
Authors: Olsson I , Von Stedingk L V , Hanson H S , Von Stedingk M , Asbrink E , Hovmark A
Published: July 2023

Three different enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and Western blot were compared in regard to the detection of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in sera from 100 patients with erythema migrans and from 100 controls. For IgG detection, a commercial indirect ELISA kit with flagellum antigen (flagellum ELISA) was significantly more sensitive than the routinely-used indirect ELISA with sonicated whole-cell antigen (sonicate ELISA) (p = 0.008). The difference in positivity in the IgM test was of borderline significance (p = 0.058). An IgM antibody-capture ELISA with sonicated whole-cell antigen (capture ELISA) was significantly more sensitive than either the IgM sonicate ELISA (p less than 0.001) or IgM flagellum ELISA (p less than 0.001). With the Western blot pattern chosen as the criterion for positivity, IgM Western blot was at least equal to IgM capture ELISA in terms of the number of positive erythema migrans sera, but a frequent discrepancy between these two tests was noted as to positivity in individual sera. IgG Western blot was considered to be of less value for the diagnosis of current disease due to a high occurrence of positivity among controls.
Racial differences in corneocytes. A comparison between black, white and oriental skin.
Authors: Corcuff P , Lotte C , Rougier A , Maibach H I
Published: July 2023

It is well known that spontaneous desquamation and corneocyte size can reflect respectively stratum corneum cohesiveness and epidermal cell proliferation. The influence of skin pigmentation on these parameters has been investigated on the upper-outer arm of black, white and oriental volunteers, using the detergent scrub method. We found no difference between race in corneocyte surface area, a mean size of 900 microns 2 agreeing closely with that generally encountered in Whites on the upper-outer arm. By contrast, spontaneous desquamation is increased in black vis-à-vis white and oriental skin (factor 2.5, p less than 0.001). Taking into account the importance of the intercellular cement for the cohesion between corneocytes, racial differences in epidermal lipid composition should be investigated.
Immunohistochemical investigation of dermal capillaries in chronic venous insufficiency.
Authors: Vanscheidt W , Laaff H , Weiss J M , Schöpf E
Published: July 2023

Skin biopsies from the area of the medial malleolus of 24 patients with chronic venous insufficiency, of 5 patients without signs or history of chronic venous insufficiency and of seven corpses without manifestation of chronic venous insufficiency, were sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and with Ki-67, a monoclonal antibody expressed in the nuclei of proliferating cells. Hematoxylin- and eosin-stained sections of all specimens were assessed blindly to determine the state of capillary increase in stasis dermatosis. Twenty-four patients were found to have different stages of stasis dermatosis. During the examination of the Ki-67 frozen sections, close attention was paid to the capillary bed of all sections for any Ki-67-positive nuclei in capillary cells. None of the three groups showed positive staining of nuclei in capillary cells. This finding proves that there is no capillary proliferation, but an elongation and distension of the capillaries.
Levels of essential and other fatty acids in plasma and red cell phospholipids from normal controls and patients with atopic eczema.
Authors: Oliwiecki S , Burton J L , Elles K , Horrobin D F
Published: July 2023

Blood samples were collected from 48 atopic eczema patients and 33 normal subjects in Bristol, and from 434 normal individuals worldwide. In the plasma phospholipids in the atopic eczema patients, the concentrations of linoleic acid and the ratio of linoleic acid to its metabolites were significantly elevated as compared with both sets of controls. In the atopic eczema patients there were major abnormalities in the red cell phospholipids with saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids being significantly elevated and the concentrations of most essential fatty acids being significantly reduced. Patients with atopic eczema thus show abnormalities related both to desaturation of essential fatty acids and to their incorporation into red cell membranes.
Clinical, serologic, and immunogenetic studies in patients with dermatomyositis.
Authors: Duncan A G , Richardson J B , Klein J B , Targoff I N , Woodcock T M , Callen J P
Published: July 2023

Dermatomyositis is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by progressive, symmetrical, proximal muscle weakness with accompanying compatible cutaneous findings. Thirty-nine patients with dermatomyositis from the Louisville, Kentucky area were enrolled in this study. Patients were grouped into those with or without a malignancy. Ten patients (26%) either had or have had a malignancy. Twenty-five Caucasian patients were HLA typed for the A, B, DR and DQ locus antigens, of whom 5 had an associated malignancy and 20 did not have a malignancy. We found that no single antigen had a significantly increased or decreased frequency as compared with our control population for the entire group, or for any clinical subset we examined. Serologic testing revealed 4 patients with anti-Mi-2 antibodies and 1 patient with anti-PM-SCL antibodies. No patient had a positive anti-Jo-1 antibody in this group. The results of serologic tests in this group did not correlate with any clinical subset or HLA antigen. Our findings were in agreement with the previous reports in which approximately 25% of patients with DM have an associated malignancy. Our findings also support the notion that untargeted malignancy searches are not warranted. Contrary to previous reports we did not observe an inverse relationship between cancer and pulmonary disease in the dermatomyositis patient. This study does not indicate that there are any HLA associations or clinical associations, other than age, that distinguish patients with dermatomyositis as running a greater risk of developing malignancy.
Clinical report and investigation of a patient with localized heat urticaria.
Authors: Higgins E M , Friedmann P S
Published: July 2023

Localized heat urticaria is a rare disorder, in which the nature of the mediator is not fully established. We report the case of a 41-year-old woman with the condition, dependent upon mast cell integrity, in which histamine was demonstrated as the dominant, if not sole mediator. Non-sedative antihistamines conferred some therapeutic benefit, but subsequent sequential desensitization has enabled her to lead a full and active life again.
A conventional compression bandage lacks effect on subcutaneous blood flow when walking and during passive dependence in chronic venous insufficiency.
Authors: Kristensen J K , Sindrup J H , Jelstrup Petersen L , Peters K , Danielsen L
Published: July 2023

Blood flow in subcutaneous tissue of the lower leg decreased by 45% on changing from recumbency to the sitting position in patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency. When walking, blood flow increased significantly to values near those measured during resting recumbency. A conventional elastic compression bandage (Weromedium) had no effect on these parameters, indicating that therapeutic gain through compression is not mediated by an improvement in subcutaneous blood flow.
The influence of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 on IgE production in B lymphocytes of patients with atopic dermatitis. A possible criterion for selection of patients for interferon therapy.
Authors: Gruner S , Liebenthal C , Heusser C , Brinkmann V , Zwirner A , Reinicke C , Harnack K , Sönnichsen N , Volk H D
Published: July 2023

The regulation of IgE production in B lymphocytes of patients with atopic dermatitis by interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) was studied. IL-4 stimulated IgE production in vitro in B-cells of healthy donors and of children with atopic dermatitis, but had only a marginal effect on the high basal level of IgE production by lymphocytes from adult patients with atopic dermatitis. The addition of IFN-gamma prevented in all cases the stimulation of IgE synthesis induced by IL-4. The production of IgG and IgM was differently influenced. These results indicate that the in vitro production of IgE by mononuclear cells from adult patients is more resistant to the regulatory effects of IL-4 and IFN-gamma than is that in B cells of children with atopic dermatitis. We propose that a previous in vitro test of the responsiveness of IgE-producing B cells to IFN-gamma may be used to select patients with atopic dermatitis for treatment with IFN-gamma.
Blood flow response to cryosurgery on basal cell carcinomas.
Authors: Bircher A J , Büchner S A
Published: July 2023

Cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen is commonly used to treat benign and malignant skin tumours. One of the crucial factors which influences the freezing and thawing rate of the target cells is the response of the microcirculation to cold stimulus. In our experiment, laser Doppler flowmetry was used to monitor blood flow during cryosurgical treatment of basal cell carcinomas. Outside the frozen tissue hemisphere, blood flow, as measured by laser Doppler flowmetry, increased almost instantaneously and remained on a high level during thawing. Baseline blood flow at the contralateral anatomical site remained stable. Pharmacological or physical modification of the cutaneous microcirculation before therapy may influence freezing and thawing times, and therefore the outcome with regard to healing, cosmetic appearance and the recurrence rate of basal cell carcinomas.
Re-evaluation of the pathergy test in Behçet's disease.
Authors: Ozarmagan G , Saylan T , Azizlerli G , Ovül C , Aksungur V L
Published: July 2023

A positive pathergy test in patients with Behçet's disease has been accepted as a diagnostic criterion by many authors, but in recent years it has been claimed that the test has a decreased positivity. We have examined the test in 92 proven cases of Behçet's disease, using 20G and 26G disposable needles and evaluated them after 48 h. Maximum positivity was found to be 65% when we used needles of size 0.9 mm (20G), but the reactivity was considerably less when 0.3 mm diameter (26G) needles were used. The disposable needles used nowadays are less traumatic to initiate the reaction than were the non-disposable ones used in the pre-AIDS era.
Sweet's syndrome associated with Salmonella typhimurium infection.
Authors: Zillikens D , Goldstein R K , Elsner P , Hartmann A A , Burg G
Published: July 2023

A 41-year-old woman presented with the typical clinical and pathohistological features of acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (AFND). The disease had been preceded by diarrhoea and vomiting for 2 weeks. Stool cultures proved positive for Salmonella typhimurium infection. Antibiotic therapy and tapering oral steroids led to a complete remission of skin lesions within 2 weeks. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Sweet's syndrome associated with salmonellosis.
The influence of a single application of different moisturizers on the skin capacitance.
Authors: Lodén M , Lindberg M
Published: July 2023

Moisturizers are believed to improve the skin condition by increasing the water content of the stratum corneum. A variety of techniques for assessing skin hydration has been developed. In the present study the capacitance following a single application of different moisturizers to normal skin on 12 volunteers was measured with the commercial available Corneometer 420. The moisturizers were pure petrolatum and three oil-in-water creams. The latter contained either glycerine, glycerine and pyrollidone carboxylic acid, or urea as humectant agents. The first measurement of the change in the capacitance was done 2 h after application of the products. All tested products increased the capacitance in the same order of magnitude. For the creams the values were significantly enhanced during the experimental period (6 h). Excess product were removed from some skin areas after the 2 h measurement. This caused immediately a significant decrease in the capacitance of the cream treated sites, whereas a tendency towards higher values were noted on the petrolatum-treated sites. These findings indicate that the non-absorbed components influences the capacitance values. Hence, the interpretation of electrical measurements with respect to skin moisture should be made with caution.
Keratinocyte-expression of interleukin-6 but not of tumour necrosis factor-alpha is increased in the allergic and the irritant patch test reaction.
Authors: Oxholm A , Oxholm P , Avnstorp C , Bendtzen K
Published: July 2023

The cytokine expression on epidermal cells in the allergic patch test reaction (APR) and irritant patch test reaction (IPR) was studied using antibodies against rIL-6, rTNF alpha, rIL-1 alpha and rIL-1 beta in a histochemical biotin-avidin technique. Nickel sulphate was used for APR in 5 nickel allergic patients and sodium lauryl sulphate for IPR in 5 healthy individuals. The individuals served as their own control. Enhanced keratinocyte expression of IL-6 was observed in APR and IPR, whereas staining for TNF alpha remained unaltered compared with non-tested and petrolatum-tested skin. Staining for IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta proved negative in all specimens. Double-staining experiments demonstrated that epidermal and dermal OKT-6 (CD1) positive Langerhans cells (LC) remained negative for all cytokines. These results demonstrate that enhancement of keratinocyte-bound IL-6 does not induce TNF alpha, IL-1 alpha/beta or IL-6 expression by LC during APR or IPR, and that enhanced keratinocyte expression of IL-6 fails to distinguish between these two reactions.
A comparison of morphoea and lichen sclerosus et atrophicus in vitro: the effects of para-aminobenzoate on skin fibroblasts.
Authors: Griffiths M R , Priestley G C
Published: July 2023

To study the effects of para-aminobenzoate on the dermis, fibroblast cell lines derived from lesions of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, from morphoea and from normal skin were incubated with Potaba in vitro. Monolayer cultures containing Potaba showed a dose-dependent inhibition of proliferation beginning at 1,000 micrograms/ml with total inhibition at 10,000 micrograms/ml. Mean ID50 values for the three groups were not significantly different. There was a similar dose dependent inhibition of glycosaminoglycan secretion in all 3 groups, except at 10,000 micrograms/ml where secretion by lichen sclerosus et atrophicus and morphoea fibroblasts was significantly more inhibited than normal lines. Inhibition of the glycosaminoglycan secretion at 10-1,000 micrograms/ml was a direct effect of the drug rather than an indirect effect of changes in cell density, and lichen sclerosus et atrophicus fibroblasts produced about 40% more GAG than the morphoea or normal lines growing at similar densities. Collagen synthesis was increased in both lichen sclerosus et atrophicus and morphoea cell lines, with increased non-collagenous protein in morphoea lines. These results confirm that there are differences between lichen sclerosus et atrophicus and morphoea, and suggest glycosaminoglycan secretion as a possible target for the therapeutic action of Potaba.
Effects of antihistamines on cutaneous reactions and influx of eosinophils after local injection of PAF, kallikrein, compound 48/80 and histamine in patients with chronic urticaria and healthy subjects.
Authors: Juhlin L , Pihl-Lundin I
Published: July 2023

The effects of one week's daily treatment with dexchlorpheniramine (3 + 3 mg x 2) and loratadine (10 mg x 2) on the cutaneous reactions to putative mediators of urticarial reactions were studied in healthy subjects and in patients with chronic urticaria. Biopsy specimens were taken from skin with delayed reactions and studied immunohistochemically for the presence of eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP). In healthy subjects both antihistamines significantly decreased the weal and flare induced by histamine and the histamine releaser compound 48/80. They also reduced the flare seen after injection of PAF (platelet activating factor) and kallikrein. In patients with chronic urticaria the delayed reactions to PAF and kallikrein were larger than in healthy subjects. The immediate flare seen after injection of histamine, 48/80 and PAF, and the delayed reaction to 48/80, were significantly decreased by treatment with loratadine. No correlation was found between the clinical response and test reactions. In the group of healthy subjects, eosinophils were increased in the skin of all subjects after intradermal injection of 100 micrograms of PAF and in 50% after 1 microgram of PAF, but no eosinophils were seen after injection of 1 ng of PAF. In patients with chronic urticaria the eosinophils were increased at all sites where 1 ng of PAF had been injected and also at a limited number of sites of injection of histamine, 48/80, kallikrein and saline. Treatment with the antihistamines had no effect on the influx of eosinophils in the skin.
Topical glucocorticoids of the non-fluorinated double-ester type. Lack of atrophogenicity in normal skin as assessed by high-frequency ultrasound.
Authors: Kerscher M J , Korting H C
Published: July 2023

With the advent of non-fluorinated double esters the spectrum of topical dermatotherapy with glucocorticoids seems to have broadened to include safer congeners. To assess the atrophogenicity potential of glucocorticoids, high-frequency ultrasound has been proposed. In a comparative trial using the DUB 20 system, 24 healthy volunteers applied hydrocortisone aceponate, the corresponding vehicle, prednicarbate ointment and betamethasone-17-valerate ointment over a period of 6 weeks. While both hydrocortisone aceponate and prednicarbate ointment induced no significant reduction in skin thickness, the onset of epidermal-dermal thinning with betamethasone-17-valerate was early and the extent marked. These findings imply an increased therapeutic index with the non-fluorinated double esters.
Expression of the high affinity IgE-receptor on human Langerhans' cells. Elucidating the role of epidermal IgE in atopic eczema.
Authors: Haas N , Hamann K , Grabbe J , Cremer B , Czarnetzki B M
Published: July 2023

Epidermal Langerhans' cells have previously been shown to bear IgE molecules, particularly in atopic dermatitis skin. Using two highly specific antibodies against the antibody-binding chain of the high affinity IgE-receptor, 29C6 and 6F7, we here provide evidence that Langerhans' cells express this receptor in both normal skin (foreskin) and in lesional skin of patients with atopic and stasis eczema. A specific antibody against the low affinity IgE-receptor, Tü1, showed only a low expression of this receptor. This finding has important potential functional implications for the role of Langerhans' cells in transepidermal, IgE-mediated allergy.
Non-Hodgkin malignant lymphoma in the nails in the course of a chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Authors: Pedersen L M , Nordin H , Nielsen H , Lisse I
Published: July 2023

We describe a 70-year-old woman with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia without nodal involvement, who developed non-Hodgkin malignant lymphoma in the toe-nails. Clinically, the affected nails looked like a typical mycotic infection, but later small tumours developed which affected the nails, and biopsy established the diagnosis. Treatment with chlorambucil (Leukeran) and prednisolone had a striking effect. Malignant infiltration of B lymphocytes in the nails is very rare, but should be considered in patients with malignant haematologic disease.
Adjuvant treatment of recalcitrant genitoanal warts with systemic recombinant interferon-alpha-2c.
Authors: Höpel R M , Sandbichler M , Zelger B W , Conrad F G , Fritsch P O
Published: July 2023

Seventeen male patients with recalcitrant genitoanal warts, who had been unsuccessfully treated with classical destructive modalities for 16 months on average, were included in an open uncontrolled trial. The treatment regimen consisted of caustic and/or surgical measures as judged optimally suited in the individual cases, combined with an intermittent systemic low-dose adjuvant interferon-alpha-2c regimen (3 or 6 5-day-courses with intervals of 2 weeks) followed by a 1-year-observation period. At the end of interferon treatment, no patient had clinically visible warts but 10 still had subclinical acetic acid positive lesions. At the end of the 1-year-observation period, clearance of both warts and acetowhite lesions was observed in 4 patients (23.5%), whereas acetowhite lesions persisted in 4 others (23.5%). Recurrence of clinically visible lesions, always within the acetowhite areas, was observed in 9 (53%) patients. Interferon may thus have been effective in suppressing clinical recurrences of genitoanal warts, but its potency to eradicate subclinical papillomavirus infection was disappointing.
Morphometry in clinical dermatology.
Authors: Bahmer F A , Smolle J
Published: July 2023

Rapid and simple methods are presented which allow the estimation of areas, area fraction and contour lengths in clinical dermatology. They are based on point counting and intercept measurements using simple grids made on transparent film or on overhead foils. Because of their ease of use, these grids allow the determination of the size as well as the irregularity of skin lesions even during daily clinical work. The applications presented here include the area determination of naevi, leg ulcers, wheal and flare reactions and migration areas in lymphocyte and macrophage migration assays. Additionally, the determination of area fraction in psoriasis and sebutape evaluation is described. Other possible applications such as estimation or contour length, and determination of irregularity and estimation of the volume of tumours are discussed.
The trichogram as a prognostic tool in alopecia areata.
Authors: Peereboom-Wynia J D , Beek C H , Mulder P G , Stolz E
Published: July 2023

The value of the trichogram as a prognostic tool in alopecia areata was investigated in 93 patients with not more than three lesions on the scalp. Evaluation of the clinical features was one year later. In each patient, two regions were investigated: the margin of one of the lesions and the control region. In 80% of the patients with a normal trichogram at the margin of the lesional hair at the first visit, hair growth was restored one year later, whereas in those with an abnormal trichogram, hair growth was restored in 62.5%. In 11.5% of the patients an alopecia totalis or universalis developed. At the margin of the lesion, no significant association was observed between the trichogram and the clinical features. In the control region, however, the prognosis was much better (p < 0.001) in patients with a normal trichogram than in those with an abnormal trichogram. Out of the 62 patients with a normal trichogram, hair growth was restored in 53 (85%), whereas out of the 31 patients with an abnormal trichogram hair growth was restored in only 6 (19%). These findings indicate that a normal trichogram in the control region is a valuable prognostic tool in alopecia areata.
Mitosis of mast cells in skin lesions of atopic dermatitis.
Authors: Sugiura H , Uehara M
Published: July 2023

Mitoses of mast cells with cytoplasmic granules were observed in 6 out of 55 skin lesions of atopic dermatitis. It is thus likely that the local proliferation process of mast cells contributes to the increased number of mast cells in skin lesions of atopic dermatitis. Mitotic mast cells with cytoplasmic granules were also observed in 2 out of 8 dinitrochlorobenzene contact dermatitis lesions provoked in patients with atopic dermatitis. It is suggested that some mast cells in skin lesions of atopic dermatitis might be involved in the pathogenesis of type IV eczematous skin lesions of the disease.
Does a patient's occupation influence the course of atopic dermatitis?
Authors: Lammintausta K , Kalimo K
Published: July 2023

The importance of occupational environments in relation to the course of an atopic skin disease was investigated. A series of 1008 adult patients, who had had an atopic disease since their teenage years, were studied. Severe or moderate childhood atopic dermatitis tended to persist or relapse in adulthood independent of occupation. Only dermatitis of the hands showed a correlation with extensive daily exposure to occupational irritation factors. Atopic dermatitis patients did not go on sick leave more often than controls or those with atopic mucosal symptoms, although sick leave caused by skin problems lasted longer than sick leave caused by other circumstances. Atopic patients did not change their occupation because of their disease more often than the non/atopics. On the whole, changes in occupation were most common for patients without special education.
Atypical varicella/zoster infection in AIDS.
Authors: Løkke Jensen B , Weismann K , Mathiesen L , Klem Thomsen H
Published: July 2023

A case of atypical varicella zoster in a 33/year/old AIDS patient is reported. The patient had had two attacks of herpes zoster within a year and was given high/dose acyclovir several times. Thereafter he developed small keratotic pellucid papules on fingers, wrists and face, which were found to contain varicella/zoster antigen by the ELISA test. Skin biopsy showed acanthosis and lack of vesication, as is usually seen in herpes infections. The atypical varicella/like lesions persisted despite repeated doses of acyclovir but cleared temporarily when the patient was given foscarnet. We believe that the prolonged therapy may have allowed selection of acyclovir/resistant varicella/zoster strains, resulting in the atypical clinical course.
Expression of stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme in reconstructed human epidermis and its suppression by retinoic acid.
Authors: Egelrud T , Régnier M , Sondell B , Shroot B , Schmidt R
Published: July 2023

The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme (SCCE) in human epidermis reconstructed in vitro on dead de/epidermized dermis and the effect of retinoic acid (RA) on its expression. SCCE is a recently discovered serine proteinase which has been purified from human stratum corneum, and evidence has been presented that it may play a role in stratum corneum turnover, especially in desquamation. The SCCE/specific monoclonal antibody TE/9B showed positive immunofluorescence staining of high suprabasal keratinocytes, mainly in the stratum granulosum, in normal non/palmo/plantar human epidermis as well as in reconstructed epidermis in the absence of RA. This staining was also seen in reconstructed epidermis cultured in the presence of 10(/8) M RA, a concentration at which the reconstructed epidermis still formed an orthokeratotic stratum corneum. At 10(/7) M RA, however, not only the formation of the stratum corneum but also SCCE expression was suppressed. These results support the hypothesis that SCCE expression is related to and may be part of the epidermis/specific differentiation program, where the enzyme may be involved in the homeostasis of the stratum corneum, possibly by degrading the intercorneocyte cohesive structures.
Electrical measurement of the water content of the stratum corneum in vivo and in vitro under various conditions: comparison between skin surface hygrometer and corneometer in evaluation of the skin surface hydration state.
Authors: Hashimoto-Kumasaka K , Takahashi K , Tagami H
Published: July 2023

Two commercially available electrical instruments which evaluate the hydration state of the skin surface were compared in in vitro and in vivo experiments. The skin surface hygrometer (Skicon/200) employs high/frequency conductance, whereas the corneometer (CM 420, CM 820) uses electrical capacitance to determine the level of hydration. In a simulation model of in vivo stratum corneum (SC), the high frequency conductance device showed a much closer correlation with the hydration state of the surface SC (r = 0.99) than the capacitance device (r = 0.79), suggesting that the former can accurately assess the hydration dynamics of SC, particularly that due to the accumulation of easily releasable secondary bound water and free water. Both devices were insensitive to changes of hydration taking place in deeper viable skin tissues, e.g. the accumulated tissue fluids in suction blisters. Although the capacitance device correlated poorly with the hydration dynamics in normal SC, its sensitivity to changes occurring in extremely dry skin, such as scaly psoriatic lesions, suggests its measurements characteristics at an extremely low state of hydration, consisting of mostly bound water, such as noted in pathologic SC.
Interferon alpha/2b treatment of symptomatic chronic vulvodynia associated with koilocytosis.
Authors: Larsen J , Peters K , Petersen C S , Damkjaer K , Albrectsen J , Weismann K
Published: July 2023

In an open study with identical criteria for diagnosis, 16 female patients with typical symptoms of chronic vulvodynia associated with acetowhitening of the vestibular epithelium and koilocytosis in biopsy specimens received recombinant interferon alpha/2b 5 MIU intralesionally 3 times weekly for 3 weeks or subcutaneously 3 times weekly for 8 weeks. Three months after end of therapy, clinical symptoms had disappeared in 7 (70%) of the 10 patients treated intralesionally, compared with only one (16%) of the 6 patients treated subcutaneously. In addition, the last 3 (30%) patients in the first group had a partial response to therapy. The acetowhitening persisted in all patients. The koilocytosis remained unchanged in 13 (81%) of the 16 patients. Our results indicate that recombinant interferon alpha/2b administered intralesionally seems to be efficacious in reducing clinical symptoms in vulvodynia with suspected human papillomavirus infection but does not eliminate the infection. Subcutaneous administration had neither symptomatic nor antiviral effect. A placebo/controlled study is needed, but with our present knowledge we recommend intralesionally administered interferon as a symptomatic treatment of vulvodynia.
Demodex/attributed rosacea/like lesions in AIDS.
Authors: Redondo Mateo J , Soto Guzmán O , Fernández Rubio E , Domínguez Franjo F
Published: July 2023

The association between AIDS and demodicidosis has been occasionally described elsewhere. We present a new case, in a patient with post/transfusional AIDS, who had many papules and pustules localized to the upper trunk and face, in relation to zidovudine treatment.
A follow-up study of bone marrow chromosomes and in vitro colony growth in patients with mastocytosis.
Authors: Swolin B , Rödjer S , Al-Obaidy A , Jonell R , Roupe G
Published: July 2023

Proliferation of mast cells can give rise to many clinical manifestations in patients, and an association with hematological disorders has been pointed out. The study was initiated to determine whether patients with mastocytosis show a clinical progression in relation to bone marrow cell parameters analyzed. During a median follow-up period of 5.5 years, 10 patients with mastocytosis were re-examined with regard to clinical symptoms, urine histamine metabolites (U-MeImAA), bone marrow cells examined with chromosome analyses, and in vitro stem cell growth for CFU-GM. Seven patients showed a clinical progression with increase of either symptoms, bone marrow infiltrates of mast cells or U-MeImAA. One patient with a myeloproliferative bone marrow morphology had a malignant course. Four of the 7 patients showed an increased colony growth, while 3 showed a decreased growth, in the second examination compared with the first examination. One patient had a persistent clone with the chromosome aberration 9p+. A variable pattern was observed in the other patients, in resemblance with findings in chronic myeloproliferative disorders. Our conclusion is that mastocytosis belongs to the myeloproliferative disorders.
Enzyme immunoassay and direct immunofluorescence for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis antigen in male first-void urine.
Authors: Domeika M A , Bassiri M , Mårdh P A
Published: July 2023

First-void urine specimens, collected from 309 military recruits, 246 male adolescent gymnasium students and 194 patients consulting venereal disease clinics, were studied for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis with the use of antigen detection tests--two enzyme immunoassays (EIA) and a direct immunofluorescence test (DIF Syva MicroTrak). Urethral swabs were collected when discrepancies between the EIA and DIF tests were detected. The patient was regarded as positive when the culture result was positive or when two antigen detection tests corraborated one another. The Syva MicroTrak EIA and DIF tests were more sensitive than the Orion EIA, i.e. 98.5%, 99.2% and 74%, respectively. This was true when testing both low- and high-risk groups, with a prevalence of chlamydial infection ranging from 0.4% to 58.6%. All three tests were highly specific. The positive predictive values for the Syva MicroTrak EIA, the DIF and the Orion EIA were 99.2%, 100% and 100%, respectively and the negative predictive values 99.8%, 99.8% and 94.8%, respectively.
Expression of thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) and its receptor (CD36) in healthy and diseased human skin.
Authors: Bégány A , Simon M Jr , Dehmel N , Hunyadi J
Published: July 2023

In the present study, an analysis was made of the expression pattern of thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) and its receptor (CD36) in skin biopsies obtained from healthy volunteers and from patients with lichen planus, lupus erythematosus, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and psoriasis vulgaris. Using monoclonal antibodies against TSP1 in biopsies from the healthy volunteers and from both clinically involved and uninvolved skin of the patients, a specific peroxidase-positive reaction was detected around the sweat glands in the dermis. In all cases investigated, the CD36-positive lesional keratinocytes remained TSP1-negative. These findings favour the hypothesis that CD36-positive keratinocytes might have some functional relevance via oxidized low-density lipoprotein and/or collagen fibrils, without any connection with TSP1.
Analysis of beta-glucocerebrosidase and ceramidase activities in atopic and aged dry skin.
Authors: Jin K , Higaki Y , Takagi Y , Higuchi K , Yada Y , Kawashima M , Imokawa G
Published: July 2023

To elucidate the mechanisms that are involved in the decrease of ceramide levels in atopic dry skin and in aged skin, we examined both the activities of beta-glucocerebrosidase, which is a major enzyme in ceramide production, and of ceramidase, which is an essential enzyme in ceramide degradation, in the stratum corneum of atopic dry skin and aged skin. The specimens of the stratum corneum of forearm skin were obtained by tape-stripping from 61 healthy volunteers and 23 patients with atopic uninvolved skin. The beta-glucocerebrosidase activity in the stratum corneum extracts was estimated using fluorescent 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside as the substrate. Ceramidase activity was determined using 14C-palmitoylsphingosine as the substrate. Among the atopic skin samples, neither beta-glucocerebrosidase nor ceramidase activities were different from those of age-matched healthy controls. Nor was the beta-glucocerebrosidase activity deficient in the aged skin samples as compared to that seen in samples from the young, healthy group. In contrast, there was an age-related upregulation in ceramidase activity. The results indicate that the decrease of ceramides in atopic dry skin may not be accompanied by reduced synthesis or by enhanced degradation, each of which is primarily attributable to the above two enzymes, respectively. The pathogenesis of aged dry skin can be explained, at least partially, in terms of elevated ceramidase activity, which results in a disturbance of the lamellar structure of the stratum corneum lipids.
Cross-reactivity to metal compounds studied in guinea pigs induced with chromate or cobalt.
Authors: Lidén C , Wahlberg J E
Published: July 2023

Multiple sensitivity to metals is often seen in humans. This may be due to cross-reactivity or to multiple sensitization. The pattern of cross-reactivity to some metal compounds was studied, using the guinea pig maximization test method. Animals were induced with K2Cr2O7 and CoCl2, respectively, and then challenged with K2Cr2O7, CoCl2, NiSO4, PdCl2 and RhCl3. No simultaneous reactivity was recorded. This supports the view that simultaneous reactivity in patients to nickel-cobalt and to chromate-cobalt is due to multiple exposure and sensitization, and not to cross-reactivity. The purity of the test compounds was analysed.