bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor Necrosis Factor–Like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis Stimulation of Glioma Cell Survival Is Dependent on Akt2 Function
Authors: Fortin Shannon P. , Ennis Matthew J. , Savitch Benjamin A. , Carpentieri David , McDonough Wendy S. , Winkles Jeffrey A. , Loftus Joseph C. , Kingsley Christopher , Hostetter Galen , Tran Nhan L.
Published: October 2009

Malignant gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors. Despite intensive clinical investigation and significant technical advances in surgical and radiation treatment, the impact on clinical outcome for patients with malignant gliomas is disappointing. We have previously shown that tumor necrosis factor–like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, can stimulate glioma cell survival via binding to the Fn14 receptor, activation of the NF-κB pathway, and upregulation of BCL-XL gene expression. Here, we show that TWEAK treatment of glioma cells leads to phosphorylation of Akt and BAD. TWEAK stimulation results in the phosphorylation of both Akt1 and Akt2. However, small interfering RNA (siRNA)–mediated depletion of either Akt1 or Akt2 showed that BAD serine 136 phosphorylation is dependent specifically on Akt2 function. Depletion of Akt2 expression by siRNA also abrogates TWEAK-stimulated glioma cell survival, whereas no effect on glioma cell survival was observed after siRNA-mediated depletion of Akt1 expression. Surprisingly, although siRNA-mediated depletion of BAD in glioma cells abrogates cytotoxic- and chemotherapy-induced apoptosis, TWEAK still displays a strong protective effect, suggesting that BAD serine 136 phosphorylation plays a minor role in TWEAK-Akt2–induced glioma cell survival. We also report here that AKT2 gene expression levels increased with glioma grade and inversely correlate with patient survival. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis showed that Akt2 expression positively correlates with Fn14 expression in glioblastoma multiforme specimens. We hypothesize that the TWEAK-Fn14 signaling axis functions, in part, to enhance glioblastoma cell survival by activation of the Akt2 serine/threonine protein kinase. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(11):1871–81)
A Novel Look into Estrogen Receptor–Negative Breast Cancer Prevention with the Natural, Multifunctional Signal Transduction Inhibitor Deguelin
Authors: Rodenberg Jennifer M. , Brown Powel H.
Published: October 2009

This perspective on Murillo et al. (beginning on page 942 in this issue of the journal) examines the potential of the naturally derived agent deguelin to prevent mammary tumorigenesis. These investigators showed that deguelin inhibits wnt/β-catenin signaling in breast cancer cell lines, in addition to inhibiting other previously reported signaling pathways. Our growing understanding of deguelin mechanisms could lead to important advances in the prevention of estrogen receptor–negative breast and other cancers.
A Non-Human Primate BAC Resource to Study Interchromosomal Segmental Duplications
Authors: Kirsch S. , Hodler C. , Schempp W.
Published: October 2009

Segmental duplications (SDs) are involved in the reshaping and evolutionary development of primate genome architecture. Their intrinsic property to promote genomic instability facilitates genome rearrangements, thereby contributing to karyotype diversity in primates. However, comparative analyses of SDs based on whole-genome shotgun assemblies of primate genomes may lead to a distorted view of their evolutionary dynamics as this method will incorrectly assemble or simply not represent these regions. Therefore high-quality sequences of chromosomally assigned SDs are indispensable for unraveling the amplification and dispersal pattern of SDs during primate evolution. Here, we use an updated version of the ancestral duplicon state of the non-palindromic SDs of all 4 human Y-chromosome euchromatin/heterochromatin transition regions to perform a survey of duplicons genome-wide across 7 primate species. By adjusting experimental conditions to the mean nucleotide sequence divergence to human we identified 11,075 BAC clones carrying primate orthologs or paralogs of human Y chromosome-derived duplicons. Preliminary results indicate lineage-specific amplification of duplicons in prosimians and gibbons. This BAC-based framework represents the first complete set of a defined number of duplicons over 60 million years of primate evolution. Comparative sequence analysis of this genetic resource can contribute to our deeper understanding of the impact of segmental duplications on primate genome evolution.
New Metacentric Population of the House Mouse (Mus musculus domesticus) Found in Valchiavenna, Northern Italy
Authors: Burt G. , Hauffe H.C. , Searle J.B.
Published: October 2009

Although the standard karyotype of the western house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus) consists entirely of telocentric chromosomes, there are over 100 populations across western Europe and North Africa characterized by different sets of metacentrics formed by Robertsonian fusions and whole-arm reciprocal translocations. Here we report the discovery of a new metacentric population from Valchiavenna, northern Italy, that we have named the ‘Lower Valchiavenna population’ (abbreviated as ILVC). This metacentric population is found in villages and on farms over a 10-kilometer stretch comprising the southern half of Valchiavenna. ILVC is characterized by the metacentrics 1.18, 2.4, 3.8, 5.15, 6.7, 9.14, 10.12, 11.13 and 16.17, and appears to be closely related to the Chiasso population (CHCH), which possesses the same set of metacentrics except 1.18. We discuss the evolutionary origin of ILVC in relation to human occupation of the region. We also suggest that the geographical position of ILVC between 2 other metacentric populations with entirely different sets of metacentrics (Chiavenna, ICHI, and lower Valtellina, ILVA) may provide 2 additional chromosomal hybrid zones for the study of speciation.
Characterisation of a GC-Rich Telomeric Satellite DNA in Eumeces schneideri Daudin (Reptilia, Scincidae)
Authors: Giovannotti M. , Nisi Cerioni P. , Caputo V. , Olmo E.
Published: October 2009

A hitherto undescribed satellite DNA family (AvaII satDNA) has been isolated and characterised in Eumeces schneideri, a squamate reptile belonging to the family Scincidae. AvaII satDNA is characterised by a monomer length of 208 bp, a GC content of 59% and exhibits a certain degree of CpG methylation. FISH experiments with AvaII satDNA probe produced bright signals (i) at the end of the short arms of all subtelocentric chromosomes except for pair 14, in which the signal was at the end of the long arms, (ii) at the ends of both arms of the small metacentric chromosomes 12, and (iii) in a terminal position on the acrocentric chromosomes 11 and 13. AvaII satDNA repeats were not found in the metacentric pair 3, whereas only a weak interstitial signal occurred in the metacentric pairs 1 and 2. C-banding showed that this satellite represents most of the constitutive heterochromatin in the genome of this skink, and chromomycin A3 staining produced a clear signal overlapping with the satellite, except for NOR-associated heterochromatin. In addition, quantitative dot blot analysis showed that these repetitive sequences constitute about 3% of the genomic DNA of this lizard. AvaII satDNA sequence analysis revealed the occurrence of short guanine residue stretches for which a function in structural stability of these sequences and a role in recombination with telomeric sequences can be hypothesised. Fibre FISH experiments showed that on some chromatin fibres telomeric sequences and AvaII satellite DNA repeats are intermingled or overlapping.
Sex Chromosome Evolution in Cotton Stainers of the Genus Dysdercus (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae)
Authors: Bressa M.J. , Papeschi A.G. , Vítková M. , Kubíčková S. , Fuková I. , Pigozzi M.I. , Marec F.
Published: October 2009

The neo-X and neo-Y sex chromosomes of Dysdercus albofasciatus represent a unique model for the study of early stages of sex chromosome evolution since they retained the ability to pair and recombine, in contrast to sex chromosomes in most Heteroptera. Here we examined structure, molecular differentiation, and meiotic behaviour of the D. albofasciatus neo-sex chromosomes. Two related species with the ancestral X0 system, D. chaquensis and D. ruficollis, were used for a comparison. In D. albofasciatus, 2 nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) were identified on the neo-X chromosome using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with an rDNA probe, whereas a single NOR was found on an autosomal pair in the other 2 species. Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) differentiated a part of the original X in the neo-X chromosome but not the neo-Y chromosome. The same segment of the neo-X chromosome was identified by Zoo-FISH with a chromosome painting probe derived from the X chromosome of D. ruficollis, indicating that this part is conserved between the species. Immunostaining against the cohesin subunit SMC3 revealed that only terminal regions of the D. albofasciatus neo-Xneo-Y bivalent pair and form a synaptonemal complex, which is in keeping with the occurrence of terminal chiasmata, whereas the interstitial region forms a large loop indicating the absence of homology. These results support the hypothesis that the neo-X chromosome evolved by insertion of the original X chromosome into 1 NOR-bearing autosome in an ancestor carrying the X0 system. As a consequence, the homologue of this NOR-autosome became the neo-Y chromosome. A subsequent inversion followed by transposition of the NOR located on the neo-Y onto the neo-X chromosome resulted in the present neo-sex chromosome system in D. albofasciatus.
Characterization of a 5.8-Mb Interstitial Deletion of Chromosome 3p in a Girl with 46,XX,inv(7)dn Karyotype and Phenotypic Abnormalities
Authors: Morales C. , Mademont-Soler I. , Armengol L. , Milà M. , Badenas C. , Andrés S. , Soler A. , Sánchez A.
Published: October 2009

Interstitial deletions of the short arm of chromosome 3 are rare, and a specific clinical phenotype has not been defined. We report the first isolated cryptic proximal interstitial 3p deletion, del(3)(p12.3p13), assessed by array-based comparative genomic hybridization in a girl with an inversion of chromosome 7, whose phenotype includes neurodevelopmental delay, growth retardation, dysmorphic facial features, hypophysis hypoplasia, gastroesophageal reflux, clinodactyly, preauricular appendix, and myopia. Her features are similar to those observed in the previously reported cases of proximal 3p deletions overlapping with our imbalance, indicating that her clinical manifestations are likely to be due to the deletion. As our patient’s imbalance is the first non-cytogenetically visible proximal interstitial 3p deletion uncomplicated by other imbalances, its characterization has allowed us to narrow the minimal deletion interval associated with growth retardation and neurodevelopmental delay to the 3p12.3–p13 region. Among the genes found in this region, ROBO1, ROBO2, PDZRN3 and CNTN3 might play a role in the neurodevelopmental delay of the patient. This study provides additional evidence that cryptic imbalances anywhere along the genome can be found in patients with phenotypic abnormalities and a balanced chromosome rearrangement.
Dorsal Onlay versus Ventral Onlay Urethroplasty for Anterior Urethral Stricture: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Kunjie , Miao Xunzhong , Wang Li , Li Hong
Published: October 2009

Background: Ventral and dorsal sides of urethra were chosen to place grafts in free graft onlay urethroplasty. As the advantages and disadvantages of these two sites are still unclear, we systemically analyzed clinical articles reported in the literature. Materials and Methods: The literature till October 2007 regarding the use of ventral/dorsal graft urethroplasty in anterior urethral strictures was searched using the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases. ‘Urethral stricture’ or ‘urethral stenosis’ and ‘urethroplasty’ or ‘urethral reconstruction’ were used as search terms. Data were analyzed independently by two reviewers. Results: 49 studies (1,263 cases) were included. The success rates of ventral onlay urethroplasty (750 cases) and dorsal onlay (513 cases) were 82.5 and 86.9% (p = 0.034). Buccal mucosa graft had the highest success rate (88.1%) and had a similar rate between the dorsal and ventral onlay techniques (89.2 vs. 87.6%, p = 0.472). For free skin graft, the dorsal onlay success rate was higher than ventral (84.7 vs. 74.7, p = 0.016). Bulbar urethral stricture achieved the higher success rate than pendulous urethral stricture (87.4 vs. 77.6%, p = 0.019). Conclusions: Dorsal onlay is better than ventral onlay in free skin graft urethroplasty. Bulbar urethra is the most suitable site for graft onlay urethroplasty, and buccal mucosa graft is helpful for achieving good results.
Screening Echocardiography of Military Aircrew Candidates: Aeromedical Implications
Authors: Wand Ori , Prokupetz Alex , Assa Amit , Barenboim Erez
Published: October 2009

Objectives: Cardiovascular evaluation has a significant aspect in the medical screening process of aircrew candidates. Echocardiography may identify asymptomatic cardiac abnormalities which can jeopardize the aviator and flight safety, as well as conditions which may progress and disqualify a trained aviator. We assessed the value of adding routine echocardiography to the aeromedical screening process. Methods: The study population consisted of 17- to 21-year-old healthy aircrew candidates. We retrospectively reviewed all routine echocardiographic studies performed during 1997–2008 at our clinic. Studies performed for a clinical indication were excluded. Results: A total of 2,657 echocardiographic studies were analyzed. 2,506 were considered ‘normal’ (94.3%). 151 studies (5.7%) demonstrated findings which required further consideration and were considered ‘abnormal’. Additional consideration included limitation to low-performance aircrafts (n = 22, 14.7%), prompt disqualification (n = 23, 15.3%), or further cardiovascular assessment (n = 106, 70% of ‘abnormal’ studies), which resulted in disqualification of 2 more candidates. Echocardiography resulted in disqualification of 0.94% of candidates, limitation to low-performance aircrafts in 0.83%, and need for follow-up in additional 1.54%. Conclusions: Echocardiographic screening affected aeromedical designation and follow-up decisions in 3.31% of candidates. Contribution of routine echocardiography is dependent on aeromedical policies. The Israeli Air Force policies regarding common findings are presented.
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Phase II Pilot Study to Investigate the Potential Efficacy of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Neuroaid (MLC 601) in Enhancing Recovery after Stroke (TIERS)
Authors: Kong Keng He , Wee Seng Kwee , Ng Chwee Yin , Chua Karen , Chan Kay Fei , Venketasubramanian N. , Chen Christopher
Published: October 2009

Background and Objective: Previous clinical studies have shown that Neuroaid (MLC 601) may be beneficial in post-stroke rehabilitation. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy of Neuroaid on motor recovery in ischemic stroke patients using rehabilitation endpoints in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonization/Good Clinical Practice guidelines, in order to provide predictive information for further larger trials. Methods:This is a phase II double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of 40 subjects admitted with a recent (less than 1 month) ischemic stroke. All subjects were given either Neuroaid or placebo, 4 capsules 3 times a day for 4 weeks. Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and Functional Independence Measure scores were measured at initiation of the treatment, and at 4 and 8 weeks. Results: None of the outcomes was statistically significant between the two groups. However, FMA scores showed a positive trend for improvement with Neuroaid treatment over time. Subgroup analysis of subjects with posterior circulation infarction and severe stroke both showed a tendency for better recovery. Conclusion: Some positive trends were observed in the Neuroaid group. A larger multicenter trial focusing on severe stroke patients is needed to better evaluate the role of Neuroaid in aiding stroke recovery in rehabilitation.
Expression of c-myc in Cutaneous Lymphomas and Pseudolymphomas
Authors: Peris K. , Cerroni L. , Kerl H. , Radaszkiewicz T. , Chimenti S. , Höfler H.
Published: October 2009

The expression of the proto-oncogene c-myc was studied in tumorous skin lesions of (cutaneous) lymphoproliferative diseases (3 cases of pseudolymphoma, 8 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 1 case of lymph node involvement in mycosis fungoides) in a total of 12 patients, c-myc mRNA levels were quantified by Northern blot analysis followed by densitometric evaluation of the specific bands. Higher levels of c-myc mRNA expression were observed in lymphomas as compared with pseudolymphomas (p > 0.05). No significant differences in c-myc mRNA values were detected between B and T cell pseudolymphomas. Our results suggest that c-myc mRNA overexpression is associated with malignant lymphomas of the skin. We conclude that the measurement of c-myc mRNA levels may contribute to further characterize cutaneous lymphoproliferative diseases.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors in Nuclei of a Subpopulation of Keratinocytes and Sweat Gland Cells
Authors: Piérard-Franchimont C. , Colige A. , Arrese Estrada J. , Lapière C.M. , Piérard G.E.
Published: October 2009

We have raised a polyclonal antibody to the 170-kD epidermal growth factor receptor. We found an intercellular pattern of immunoreactivity in the epidermis as well as a positivity of the cytoplasm of keratinocytes and eccrine secretory cells. In some samples, a nuclear labelling was evidenced in these types of cells. There is a close resemblance in the topographical distribution of these cells with nuclear labelling and those synthesizing DNA under phytohaemagglutinin stimulation.
Lymphopenia and Decrease in the Total Number of Circulating CD3+ and CD4+ T Cells during ‘Long-Term’ PUVA Treatment for Psoriasis
Authors: Borroni G. , Zaccone C. , Vignati G. , Fietta A. , Gatti M. , Brazzelli V. , Rabbiosi G.
Published: October 2009

The relationship between high-dose PUVA treatment in psoriatic patients and peripheral T lymphocyte subsets (total number and percentage) has been studied. Of the two groups of patients considered, the first included 19 patients, all affected by chronic, progressively worsening psoriasis; they had never been previously treated by photochemotherapy. The second group included 13 psoriatic patients, who had received an average cumulative dose of 2,007.69 ± 1 191.05 J/cm2. The ‘long-term’ PUVA-treated group was assessed while undergoing maintenance therapy. No significant differences were found between untreated patients and healthy controls for any of the parameters considered. A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the total number of lymphocytes in long-term PUVA-treated patients both versus untreated patients and controls was found. Furthermore, long-term PUVA-treated patients showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the percentage of lymphocytes as compared with controls. The reduction in the total number of CD3+ and CD4+ T cells was, moreover, significant (p < 0.05) as compared with untreated patients. The impairment of circulating CD3+ and CD4+ T cells (total number) was only on the borderline of statistical significance vis-à-vis controls. These findings suggest the usefulness of a careful assessment of circulating T lymphocyte subsets in patients who undergo long-term PUVA therapy.
Repeated Cultured Epidermal Allografts in the Treatment of Chronic Leg Ulcers of Various Origins
Authors: Beele H. , Naeyaert J.M. , Goeteyn M. , De Mil M. , Kint A.
Published: October 2009

Twelve patients with 16 leg ulcers, existing for at least 3 months and not responsive to conventional inpatient therapy of at least 3 weeks, were treated with repeated applications of cultured allogenic keratinocyte sheets. A marked decrease in size was seen in all ulcers but 2. Complete closure of the ulcer was seen in 62% of the ulcers within 8 weeks. Healing was due to enhanced granulation and increased epithelialization, starting from the periphery of the wound. This edge effect suggests that the epidermal allografts act by stimulation of migration and/or multiplication of the acceptor’s keratinocytes, rather than by take of the allograft.
Drug-Induced versus Drug-Triggered Pemphigus
Authors: Wolf R. , Tamir A. , Brenner S.
Published: October 2009

112 cases of induced pemphigus were reviewed. The causative drugs were divided into three groups according to their chemical structure, and the clinical, prognostic and laboratory characteristics were analyzed and compared. Our literature screening indicates that the biological progress and clinical course of the disease depend upon the type of the inducing/triggering drug in the majority of patients. Patients with penicillamine-induced pemphigus or with pemphigus induced by SH drugs (drugs containing a sulfhydryl radical) showed spontaneous recovery in 39.4 and 52.6% respectively, once the drug was discontinued. Patients whose pemphigus was induced by other drugs showed spontaneous recovery in only 15% of the cases. These results indicate that in patients with pemphigus induced by penicillamine (or SH drugs), the drug plays a major role in the pathogenesis of the disease, as compared to patients with pemphigus induced by other drugs. It seems that penicillamine (and SH drugs) actually induces pemphigus in most of the cases, whereas other drugs only trigger the disease in patients with a previous predisposition.
Hormonal Parameters in Androgenetic Hair Loss in the Male
Authors: Schmidt J.B. , Lindmaier A. , Spona J.
Published: October 2009

Alopecia in the male is considered as a genetically determined disorder. Increased local androgen metabolism and androgen receptor binding in the balding areas confirm the importance of the target organ hair follicle as regulative of androgen influences. In our study the hormonal parameters of 65 male patients with male pattern hair loss with a mean age of 24.31 years were compared with those of 58 age-matched controls. Determinations of the androgens, sex-hormone-binding globulin, the hypophyseal hormones luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and prolactin, 17β-estradiol and cortisol were performed by standard radioimmunoassay. Significant differences in serum levels of androstenedione cortisol 17β-estradiol and luteinizing hormone were noted between hair loss patients and control subjects. Suprarenal stimulation as well as hypophyseal feedback mechanisms therefore seem to be involved in male pattern alopecia.
Acitretin in the Treatment of Erythrokeratodermia variabilis
Authors: van de Kerkhof P.C.M. , Steijlen P.M. , van Dooren-Greebe R.J. , Happle R.
Published: October 2009

A patient with erythrokeratodermia variabilis (Mendes da Costa’s disease) is presented, and the clinical and histological response to acitretin is described. An initial dose of 35 mg of acitretin and a maintenance dose of 25–35 mg resulted in a pronounced and sustained improvement. Further reduction of the dosage resulted in a relapse within a few days. At the histological level the extensive hyperkeratosis and the moderate dermal inflammatory infiltrate decreased during treatment with acitretin. In comparison with the other retinoids available so far, acitretin is the derivative of first choice in the treatment of erythrokeratodermia variabilis Mendes da Costa.
PUVA Increases Ornithine Decarboxylase Gene Expression in Mouse Skin
Authors: Kono T. , Mizuno N. , Taniguchi S. , Ishii M. , Yoshida H. , Matsui-Yuasa I. , Otani S. , Hamada T.
Published: October 2009

The influence of topical PUVA on the activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and its gene expression was investigated in the skin of hairless mouse. After 1 h of application of 0.3% 8-methoxypsoralen, irradiation of 3 J/cm2 of ultraviolet A (UV-A) was administered. The ODC activity markedly increased and peaked at 24 h following UV-A irradiation. The ODC raRNA level analyzed in dot-blot analysis elevated to about 5 times that of control at 24 h after treatment. These results show that the PUVA-induced ODC activity is due in part to an increase in ODC gene expression.
Silica Granuloma Mimicking Granulomatous Cheilitis
Authors: Harms M. , Masouyé I. , Saurat J.-H.
Published: October 2009

A 45-year-old female presented with macrocheilitis of the upper lip. Histologically numerous well-demarcated granulomas were present in the dermis and hypodermis. Examination under polarized light revealed birefringent crystalline particles. The patient had suffered a road accident 25 years ago. This case illustrates the characteristic features of silica granuloma without systemic manifestations. The clinical presentation as macrocheilitis may mislead into the wrong diagnosis.
Erythema multiforme Associated with Autoreactivity to 17α-Hydroxyprogesterone
Authors: Pinto Jorge Sousa , Sobrinho Luis , da Silva Maria Berta , Porto Maria Teresa , Santos Maria Amparo , Baló-Banga Mathew , Arala-Chaves Mário
Published: October 2009

We report a case of a 23-year-old woman who was afflicted with disseminated skin erythema multiforme-like eruptions that started at the menarche, relapsed at the premenstrual periods, dramatically spread during two pregnancies and cleared after abortion; the skin lesions responded dramatically to thalidomide treatment. A high-affinity binding factor to 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) was found in the serum of this patient. Her lymphocytes did not proliferate in vitro after exposure to exogenous 17-OHP but showed significant chromatin activation. There was a decreased expression of HLA antigens at the surface of the patient’s blood lymphocytes. This is a unique well-documented case of erythema multiforme most possibly due to autoreactivity to 17-OHP; the precise mechanism(s) of this autoreactivity has not been established.
Pemphigus Associated with Castelman’s Pseudolymphoma
Authors: Monpoint S. , Frappier J.M. , Petibon E. , Feneyrou B. , Guillot B. , Baldet P. , Barneon G. , Thorel M. , Zabarino P. , Guilhou J.J.
Published: October 2009

Several cases of association between pemphigus vulgaris and Castleman’s pseudolymphoma have been reported. We describe a new case with mucocutaneous involvement and improvement after tumor removal. A review of the literature is presented.
Deux cas d’histiocytome fibreux malin du cuir chevelu
Authors: Costa Claudine , Schmied Edmond , Saurat Jean-Hilaire
Published: October 2009

We report 2 cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the scalp, an unusual localization for such a soft tissue sarcoma. Since 1 case occurred in a very old lady, surgery was not performed but rather radiotherapy, which resulted in a complete control of the scalp lesion. 5 months later, however, a new lesion occurred in the abdomen but no recurrence was seen on the scalp.
Oral Etoposide for Kaposi’s Mediterranean Sarcoma
Authors: Brambilla L. , Boneschi V. , Fossati S. , Melotti E. , Clerici M.
Published: October 2009

22 patients affected by locally aggressive or generalized form of Kaposi’s Mediterranean sarcoma were treated with oral etoposide (VP16) as single-drug therapeutic regimen. Of the 17 evaluable patients, 10 were pretreated with other chemotherapeutic regimens. VP16 was administered at the dose of 100 mg daily for 3–5 days every 3 weeks for 3 times during induction, then every 4 weeks for 10–12 times during maintenance. Hematological (35.2%) and gastrointestinal (64.7%) toxicities were always mild and swiftly reversible. Good percentages of objective responses were achieved in both nonpretreated (85.6%) and pretreated (70%) patients. The chemotherapeutic regimen employed, the way of drug administration, the results as well as the comparison to another study with vinblastine are discussed.
Pemphigus-Like IgA Deposits and Vesiculo-Pustular Dermatosis in a 10-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Saurat J.-H. , Mérot Y. , Salomon D. , Didierjean L.
Published: October 2009

Pemphigus-like IgA deposits have been found to be associated with a recurrent pustular eruption in an adult reported as: ‘Intraepidermal neutrophilic IgA dermatosis’. We report here the case of a 10-year-old girl affected with recurrent crops of antibiotic-resistant, inpetigo-like, dermatosis of the scalp and body associated with (1) blood eosinophilia (up to 1,750/mm3); (2) up to 90% eosinophils in Tzanck’s smears; (3) histological picture of neutrophilic spongiosis; (4) IgA) deposits in a pemphigus-like pattern in both lesional and nonlesional skin, and (5) no IgA antibodies to epidermal antigens detectable in the serum either by indirect immunofluorescence or Western blot. The case does not fulfill the diagnostic criteria for other eosinophilic and/or neutrophilic dermatoses, including intraepidermal neutrophilic IgA dermatosis, and suggests that the spectrum of skin diseases associated with pemphigus-like IgA deposits remains to be clarified.
Clinical Pharmacology of 3 Generations of Retinoids
Authors: Vahlquist Anders , Rollman Ola
Published: October 2009

The bioavailability, plasma transport and tissue distribution of various retinoids are largely determined by their physicochemical properties; some are extremely lipid-soluble whereas others are relatively hydrophilic. Isotretinoin, a 1st generation retinoid, lacks the problematic affinity for fat. Etretinate, a 2nd generation aromatic retinoid, has been shown to accumulate in both fat tissues and in the adrenals. Etretin, the main free-acid metabolite of etretinate, is less lipophilic and is presently being tested as an alternative drug. Arotinoid ethyl ester, a 3rd generation aromatic retinoid which has as yet only undergone limited trials, is extremely potent making pharmacological evaluation difficult. The search for more potent retinoids has not so far resulted in a complete resolution of the efficacy and toxicity of the drugs.
Behavior of Cutaneous Langerhans’ Cells and Skin Reactivity after Gold Sodium Thiomalate Treatment of Pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Blitstein-Willinger Eveline
Published: October 2009

Skin biopsies from pemphigus vulgaris patients in the acute phase of disease and after successful GST therapy were studied in respect to their capacity to express OKT6, OKIa1 and HLA-DR antigens. In comparison to controls, the epidermis overlaying noninvolved skin contained significantly (p = 0.0001) fewer detectable la and T6 antigen-bearing Langerhans’ cells. Lower epidermal Langerhans’ cell density in comparison to controls was detected in both prednisolone-treated and untreated patients. A normalization of prior defective antigen expression was observed in patients in remittence after GST therapy. This correlated with a normal delayed type hypersensitivity reaction (Multitest Mérieux).
Skin Cellular Retinoid-Binding Proteins and Retinoid-Responsive Dermatoses
Authors: Siegenthaler Georges , Saurat Jean-Hilaire , Salomon Denis , Mérot Yves
Published: October 2009

We have previously found an important increase of cellular retinoic acid-binding protein (CRABP) in psoriatic plaques whereas the cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP) was not elevated compared to normal human skin and nonlesional psoriatic skin. In the present study we analyzed CRABP and CRBP levels in a panel of dermatoses in order to address several questions raised by the above findings. Three observations were made: (1) CRBP showed little or no variations whereas CRABP was either normal (seborrheic keratosis, lichenification, nonlesional psoriatic and nonlesional Darier disease skin) or elevated (psoriatic plaques, lamellar ichthyosis, lesional Darier disease, pityriasis rubra pilaris, keratosis pilaris); (2) high levels of CRABP might indicate a greater sensitivity of the lesions to systemic synthetic retinoids with a carboxyl group in the C15 position, and (3) systemic administration of etretin increased the levels of CRABP but not CRBP. These observations suggest that CRABP might be the receptor for synthetic retinoids in the skin and that its analysis might be useful in monitoring retinoid therapy.
Incidence of Brittle Nails
Authors: Lubach D. , Cohrs W. , Wurzinger R.
Published: October 2009

Only few reports exist about the occurrence of brittle nails. We examined 1,584 persons with respect to the incidence of this anomaly. The patients were from five different groups: outpatients of a dental clinic, blood donors, residents of an old people’s home, patients of a clinic for internal diseases and patients of a general practice. Approximately 20% of the subjects examined had brittle nails. Women suffered from brittleness of nails much more frequently than men (27 vs. 13%) with a ratio of men to women from 1:1.6 to 1:7 depending on age. 44% of the subjects affected (75% of the females, 25% of the males) had tried one or several treatments but only 26% believed in their curative effect. The market for the therapy of brittle nails in the FRG is estimated to be between 2 and 4 million people.
Bilateral First-Rib Hypoplasia: A New Feature of the Nail-Patella Syndrome
Authors: Green Stephen T. , Natarajan Sivakumar
Published: October 2009

Bilateral first-rib hypoplasia, a skeletal anomaly not previously associated with the nail-patella syndrome, is reported occurring in a young woman possessing numerous other features of this potentially lethal condition.
Treatment of Gonorrhoea with Cefotiam: Activity in vitro and Clinical Results of a 1-Gram Single-Dose Regimen
Authors: Korting H.C. , Neubert U.
Published: October 2009

Cefotiam is clearly more active against Neisseria gonorrhoeae in vitro than penicillin. This applies especially to strains producing beta-lactamase but also to those which do not. No strain requires more than 0.25 μg/ml for inhibition. 1 g of cefotiam dissolved in 3 ml of 1% lidocaine solution cures 90.0% of patients suffering from uncomplicated genital gonorrhoea if injected once intramuscularly. Tolerance of this regimen is very good, no major side-effect being found.
Dermatologische Kryotherapie
Authors: Cajacob A.
Published: October 2009

The fundamental principles and the practical application of cryosurgery are described. Our experiences based on approximately 600 epitheliomas have shown that cryosurgery is a therapeutic tool well suited for the dermatological practice. The healing rate of cutaneous neoplasms is 94% and equals that of other modalities. The indications and contraindications as well as the side effects are discussed.
Macular Amyloidosis in Unusual Distribution
Authors: Okamoto Hiroyuki , Danno Kiichiro , Horio Takeshi
Published: October 2009

A case of macular amyloidosis representing only hyperpigmentation on the knees, elbows, and left flank was reported. At the first examination, pigmented contact dermatitis was suspected but histology showed abundant amyloid deposits in the papillary dermis. Such an unusual distribution may make the clinical diagnosis difficult.
Traitement oral de l’ichtyose lamellaire (Erythrodermie ichtyosiforme congénitale non bulleuse) avec un rétinoïde aromatique
Authors: Frenk E.
Published: October 2009

3 patients with lamellar ichthyosis have been treated orally with the aromatic retinoid Ro 10–9359 for periods of more than 2 years. This treatment resulted in a satisfactory improvement in the skin condition without any major side-effects. A light- and electron-microscopic study showed a marked decrease in the thickness of the lamellar stratum corneum without giving any clues concerning the mechanism of the therapeutic effect of this drug.
Ro 11–1430, a New Retinoic Acid Derivative for the Topical Treatment of Acne
Authors: Nordin Karin , Fredriksson Torsten , Rylander Christina
Published: October 2009

The clinical efficacy and tolerance of a new retinoic acid derivative, Ro 11–1430, in the treatment of acne vulgaris have been compared with those of tretinoin in a double-blind trial with 60 patients during 8 weeks. The efficacy of both drugs was good. Tretinoin showed a tendency to give better effect but this was not statistically significant. However, tolerance of the new derivative was better. 48 of the patients were treated with Ro 11–1430 for another 3 months with good effect and tolerance. In a long-term study, 32 patients with previous irritation of tretinoin have been treated with Ro 11–1430 between 1.5 and 17 months with good tolerance.
T Cell Defect in Patients with Epidermodysplasia verruciformis due to Human Papillomavirus Type 3 and 5
Authors: Gliński Wieslaw , Obałek Sławomir , Jabłońska Stefania , Orth Gerard
Published: October 2009

Most of the patients with epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) were anergic to sensitization to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and were shown to have a decreased number of T lymphocytes and reduced lymphocyte PHA responsiveness. Preserved cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was found only in the abortive cases of EV infected with human papillomavirus type 3 (HPV-3). CMI was impaired to the same extent in patients with EV induced by HPV-3 and HPV-5, and in EV cases with combined infection with both viruses. In contrast to this, malignant transformation, i.e. of Bowen’s carcinoma type, was observed only in the 7 patients infected with HPV-5. This could indicate that malignancy in EV is related rather to the oncogenic potential of HPV-5 type than to the extent of T cell defect that was similar in both EV varieties due to HPV-3 and HPV-5.
Failure of Benzoyl Peroxide to Decrease Sebaceous Gland Secretion in Acne
Authors: Goldstein Jay A. , Pochi Peter E.
Published: October 2009

10 male patients with inflammatory facial acne were treated for 6 weeks with a 10% benzoyl peroxide gel (PanOxyl®-10) applied to the forehead. There was no significant mean change in sebaceous gland secretion after 4, 5, and 6 weeks of treatment. These findings are at variance with a previously published study which showed that 5% benzoyl peroxide gel inhibited sebaceous gland secretion. Conflicting results from the two studies may be due to differences in patient populations or, more likely, in technical factors, such as the methods used for sebum production, collection, and analysis.
Eine ungewöhnliche Form von bullöser Mucinose der Haut bei Hashimoto-Thyreoiditis
Authors: Schuppli R. , Forrer J.
Published: October 2009

A female patient developed a severely irritating papulous dermatosis localized on the face and arms, running a chronic course. Histology displayed blister formation and mucin deposits in the corium. Laboratory determinations showed antibodies against thyroglobulin and cytoplasmic antibodies with high titers; thyroid function tests were normal.
Infection microsporique du cuir chevelu chez un adulte
Authors: Grigoriu D. , Cheseaux A.
Published: October 2009

Infection of the scalp in an elderly woman due to Microsporum canis (zoophilic, long-lived fungus) after repeated direct contact with infected cats. We think that the infection could occur because of an age-induced decrease in some of the organic functions which govern the healing process of microsporous infections during puberty.
Effect of Grenz Rays on Psoriasis Treated with Local Corticosteroids
Authors: Brodersen Ingelise , Reymann Flemming
Published: October 2009

In a double-blind study comprising 20 patients with symmetrical psoriasis, grenz ray treatment was shown to have a significant effect even when combined with local steroids.
Primäres kutanes Zentrozytom: Diagnose, Verlauf und Therapie
Authors: Schultz-Ehrenburg Ulrich , Lämmer Dieter
Published: October 2009

A primary B-cell lymphoma of the skin is described, showing the clinical picture of a lymphadenosis cutis circumscripta. According to the Kiel classification, it has been classified as a centrocytic lymphoma (centrocytoma) belonging to the low-grade malignancy group. The centrocytoma is a newly defined type of lymphoma which is not identical with any earlier entity of lymphoreticular neoplasia. Although the centrocytoma is said to occur relatively often in the skin, the present case report seems to be the first clinical description of this variant.In our patient a solitary tumor of the face was found, which had slowly enlarged since 3½ years. No lymph node and no systemic involvement were detectable. With a telecobalt-60 treatment up to a total of 40 Gy (= 4,000 rad) a complete involution could be achieved without recurrence 6 months after radiotherapy had been finished. In contrast to the centrocytoma of lymphonodal origin, the primary cutaneous type may obviously remain localized for a long time with low tendency to progression.
Balanite circonscrite chronique
Authors: Decroix J. , Wery-Follet B. , Saussez-De Temmerman A.
Published: October 2009

Report of a case with benign chronic plasmocytic balanitis. The differences between this disease and the erythroplasia of Queyrat are stressed.
An Unusual Presentation of Fixed Drug Eruption
Authors: Kanwar A.J. , Majid A. , Singh M. , Malhotra Y.K.
Published: October 2009

A patient had occurrence of two groups of lesions of fixed drug eruption, one group reacting to hyoscine-N-butylbromide and metamizole and the other group to tetracycline. In the literature, we could not find any report of this kind.
Etude comparée de la perte insensible d’eau et de la pénétration cutanée des corticoïdes
Authors: Guillaume J.C. , De Rigal J. , Levèque J.L. , Galle P. , Touraine R. , Dubertret L.
Published: October 2009

Modifications of transepidermal water loss due to repeated topical applications of water/oil emulsion, salicylic acid and urea, with and without occlusion, were studied on the forearms of healthy volunteers. Percutaneous absorption of three different corticosteroids was evaluated by means of the bleaching test on each treated area. It was shown that only salicylic acid significantly increased transepidermal water loss. This increase was positively correlated with an increase in the percutaneous absorption of corticosteroids. Thus it seems that a comparative evaluation of the percutaneous absorption of topical treatments in normal and lesional skin may be obtained, in vivo in man, by non-aggressive comparative evaluation of transepidermal water loss.
Erythroplakia of Queyrat of the Oral Mucosa
Authors: Laskaris George C. , Nicolis George D.
Published: October 2009

2 cases of erythroplakia of Queyrat of the oral mucosa are presented. In both cases the disease presented as the clinical variety of erythroplakia known as ‘speckled erythroplakia’. In both cases invasive squamous cell carcinoma developed and was fatal in one. The histologic features which support the view that erythroplakia of Queyrat is a different entity from Bowen’s disease are emphasized.
Treatment of Psoriasis by Oral PUVA Therapy Combined with Aromatic Retinoid (Ro 10–9359; Tigason®)
Authors: Grupper C. , Benetti B.
Published: October 2009

The authors discuss results observed in 126 patients affected with severe psoriasis covering more than 40% of the whole body area, some of them representing failures of oral photochemotherapy (PUVA). They were treated according to 5 different schedules, 3 of them combining aromatic retinoid Ro 10–9359 (AR) with PUVA therapy. The most effective results were obtained with a schedule entailing initial treatment for a 2-week period with AR only, followed on the 15th day by the adjunction of classic PUVA therapy with progressive daily decrease of AR dosage (schedule C). It was possible to reduce the frequency and duration of PUVA treatments and the amount of energy used although to a lesser degree than described by other authors. Even more important, far longer remissions were obtained than with PUVA therapy alone, even where the ratio of clearing was identical. This combination therapy made it possible to recover over 70% of the complete or relative failures of PUVA monotherapy. Thus the combination of AR + PUVA therapy (RE-PUVA) as in this schedule appears to be the most important improvement to PUVA since its introduction as a therapy for psoriasis.
Antigenic Similarities within Circulating Immune Complexes in Patients Suffering from Cutaneous Vasculitis
Authors: Dambuyant C. , Thivolet J.
Published: October 2009

Circulating immune complexes (IC) were searched by 2% polyethylene glycol precipitation in 24 patients with clear-cut clinical cutaneous vasculitis. 13 patients were IC-positive. Isolated IC were shown to cross-react specifically within three different groups. One group possessed the same or highly similar antigenic determinants in circulating IC. No correlation was found between common antigenic determinants in IC and the histological and clinical features of the disease.
Hypereosinophilic Dermatitis
Authors: Nir Mark A. , Westfried Morris
Published: October 2009

Hypereosinophilic dermatitis is a clinically distinct disease within the spectrum of the hypereosinophilic syndrome. It is characterized by a generalized polymorphous pruritic eruption, blood eosinophilia and a predominantly perivascular eosinophilic infiltrate. In our case, the eruption and eosinophüia resolved on dapsone therapy.
Trois cas de lichen nitidus chez des patients de race noire
Authors: Sordet M. , Chavaz P.
Published: October 2009

Report of 3 cases of lichen nitidus in black people. The last publications and our observations allow us to confirm that this affection occurs as frequently in white as in black people but is recognised more easily in black people in whom it takes a characteristic depigmented aspect. The relationship between lichen nitidus and lichen planus is briefly discussed.
Penicillamininduzierte dermolytische Dermatose bei einer Patientin mit Morbus Wilson
Authors: Bardach H. , Gebhart W.
Published: October 2009

A 29-year-old female patient developed a dermolytic dermatosis after 2 years’ treatment with penicillamine for Wilson’s disease. The skin lesions were localized on skin areas exposed to trauma. Light and electron microscopic investigations showed alterations of all compartments of connective tissue. Patients unter long-term high-dose treatment with penicillamine should be closely monitored for cutaneous and systemic connective tissue disease.
Immunglobulin E bei kutanen Lymphomen und bei der Parapsoriasis en plaques (Brocq)
Authors: Schlaeger M.
Published: October 2009

Immunoglobulin E was determined in 13 patients with cutaneous lymphoma and in 30 patients with parapsoriasis en plaques. 11 out of the patients with cutaneous lymphomas showed mycosis fungoides. In 8 patients with parapsoriasis en plaques serum IgE was elevated. These patients revealed signs of the premalignant form of parapsoriasis en plaques. In mycosis fungoides elevated IgE is common, but normal levels are found, too.
Human Epidermal Cell Proliferation with Regard to Circadian Variation of Plasma Cortisol
Authors: Schell H. , Hornstein O.P. , Schwarz W.
Published: October 2009

This study was performed in 6 healthy young men under analogous experimental conditions to investigate whether or not the epidermal proliferative activity is influenced by the physiological circadian rhythmicity of cortisol concentration in blood. Every 6 h of total duration of the experiments, blood samples were taken for radioimmunoassay of serum cortisol and skin punch biopsies (upper arm inside) were labelled in vitro by 3H-thymidine. In 4 out of 6 individuals, an inverse and time-shifted correlation between the combined serum cortisol levels and the epidermal 3H-LI could be found, i.e., a rise or decline of serum cortisol were followed by a lowered or elevated rate of epidermal LI 6 h later. In particular, a steep increase of serum cortisol from midnight to 6 a.m. correlated to a decrease of 3H-LI from 6 a.m. to noon. This indicates that in man the rate of the epidermal proliferative activity inversely depends, apart from other mechanisms of regulation, on the concentration and circadian periodicity of endogenous cortisol in blood. However, we failed to demonstrate a clear circadian rhythm of the epidermal proliferation, possibly due to the short duration of the experiments extended in each individual to 48 h only.