bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex Interventions Across Primary and Secondary Care to Optimize Population Kidney Health
Authors: Taylor Dominic M. , Nimmo Ailish M. , Caskey Fergus J. , Johnson Rachel , Pippias Maria , Melendez-Torres G.J.
Published: March 2023

Background

CKD affects 850 million people worldwide and is associated with high risk of kidney failure and death. Existing, evidence-based treatments are not implemented in at least a third of eligible patients, and there is socioeconomic inequity in access to care. While interventions aiming to improve delivery of evidence-based care exist, these are often complex, with intervention mechanisms acting and interacting in specific contexts to achieve desired outcomes.

Methods

We undertook realist synthesis to develop a model of these context-mechanism-outcome interactions. We included references from two existing systematic reviews and from database searches. Six reviewers produced a long list of study context-mechanism-outcome configurations based on review of individual studies. During group sessions, these were synthesized to produce an integrated model of intervention mechanisms, how they act and interact to deliver desired outcomes, and in which contexts these mechanisms work.

Results

Searches identified 3371 relevant studies, of which 60 were included, most from North America and Europe. Key intervention components included automated detection of higher-risk cases in primary care with management advice to general practitioners, educational support, and non–patient-facing nephrologist review. Where successful, these components promote clinician learning during the process of managing patients with CKD, promote clinician motivation to take steps toward evidence-based CKD management, and integrate dynamically with existing workflows. These mechanisms have the potential to result in improved population kidney disease outcomes and cardiovascular outcomes in supportive contexts (organizational buy-in, compatibility of interventions, geographical considerations). However, patient perspectives were unavailable and therefore did not contribute to our findings.

Conclusions

This systematic review and realist synthesis describes how complex interventions work to improve delivery of CKD care, providing a framework within which future interventions can be developed. Included studies provided insight into the functioning of these interventions, but patient perspectives were lacking in available literature.

Podcast

This article contains a podcast at https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2023_05_08_CJN0000000000000136.mp3
Fabrication of Cross Trainer with Bicycle
Authors: Hemanth Balabomma , Jena Debi Prasad , Ramu Channella , Reddy Kethireddy Jagan Mohan , Chakri Badugu , Babu Gopichandu
Published: March 2023

Abstract: The construction of a cross trainer with a bicycle is the subject of this study. We employ the same approach for shorter distances by using the cross trainer as an exercise machine that allows us to run and walk at the same time. By the idea of a cross trainer, the motion of the machine is produced by transferring human energy to the machine. This device can be utilized by people for exercise as well as for shorter distance transport. It is unnecessary to set up a specific time for their exercise when using this equipment. The movement of the machine is controlled by the same action as on the cross trainer. The machine advances as we (the operator) walk by utilizing the chains.An training machine that combines the low-impact elliptical action with the pedaling motion of a stationary bicycle is a cross trainer with a bicycle function. This is a thorough workout that works the upper and lower bodies. It is appropriate for persons who wish to increase their cardiovascular fitness, lose weight, and tone their muscles because it offers a wide range of motion and muscle activation. It is a common option for folks looking for a lowimpact and effective workout and is available in gyms, fitness facilities, as well as some houses.
Quality Improvement of Oil and Fuel Leakage in Diesel Engine by using Semi Automatic Setup
Authors: Kurhekar Swapnil D , Tamse Abhijeet B
Published: March 2023

Abstract: As we know when engine goes to testing department before that we test it through semi-automatic setup which is installed on assembly line converyor to test the oil and fuel leakage of diesel engine.Now different trial were taken on engine by using methodology which includes ATEQ D520 unit and air pressure regulator for detecting the leakage quantity.Actually ATEQ D520 UNIT is a flowmeter which measure a drop in pressure with a differential sensor.Here we supplied pressurized air into the engine through breather plug and overflow pipe.If leakage not found engine will dispatched to testing department and if leakage is found the problem may solve by spraying soap water in leakage area so that in that area bubbles comes out .This work which emphasis on the analysis of problem due to which engine reject from testing department and also time and cost saving analysis for one month.Due to this setup improvement in PQCDSM,PPM and reduction in cost poor quality supplied to customers from 28% to 18% of cost per benefit,better customer satisfaction
Colon perforation due to collagenous colitis: a case report
Authors: Ito Kei
Published: March 2023

Collagenous colitis (CC) is microscopic colitis characterized by watery
diarrhea without bloody stools. The main treatment for CC is
discontinuing the causative drugs and smoking cessation. Very few
patients are refractory to drug treatment and require surgical
management.
Respiratory virus surveillance in hospitalized children less than two-years of age in Kenema, Sierra Leone during the COVID-19 pandemic (October 2020- October 2021)
Authors: Samuels Robert , Sumah Ibrahim , Alhasan Foday , McHenry Rendie , Short Laura , Chappell James , Haddadin Zaid , Halasa Natasha , Valério Inaê , Amorim Gustavo , Grant Donald , Schieffelin John , Moon Troy
Published: March 2023

Background Globally, viral pathogens are the leading cause of acute
respiratory infection in children under-five years. We aim to describe
the epidemiology of viral respiratory pathogens in hospitalized children
under-two years of age in Eastern Province of Sierra Leone, during the
second year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Methods We conducted a
prospective study of children hospitalized with respiratory symptoms
between October 2020 and October 2021. We collected demographic and
clinical characteristics and calculated each participant´s respiratory
symptom severity. Nose and throat swabs were collected at enrollment.
Total nucleic acid was purified and tested for multiple respiratory
viruses. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.2.0
software. Results 502 children less than two-years of age were enrolled.
376 (75%) had at least one respiratory virus detected. The most common
viruses isolated were HRV/EV (28.2%), RSV (19.5%) and PIV (13.1%).
Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 were identified in only 9.2% and 3.9% of
children, respectively. Viral co-detection was common. Human
metapneumovirus and RSV had more than two-fold higher odds of requiring
O2 therapy while hospitalized. Conclusion Viral pathogen prevalence was
high (75%) in our study population. Despite this, 100% of children
received antibiotics, underscoring a need to expand laboratory
diagnostic capacity and to revisit clinical guidelines implementation in
these children. Continuous surveillance and serologic studies among more
diverse age groups, with greater geographic breadth, are needed in
Sierra Leone to better characterize the long-term impact of COVID-19 on
respiratory virus prevalence and to better characterize the seasonality
of respiratory viruses in Sierra Leone.
Disparity Map from the Heterogeneous Cameras within Mobile Devices
Authors: Kim SeongKi
Published: March 2023

As the applications using augmented reality have been widespread, the
depth information on mobile devices has been important. For example, it
can be used for the natural interaction with the environment in
augmented reality and the bokeh effects during image processing.
However, it is difficult to get depth information on general mobile
devices without any depth sensors. As one of the methods for the depth
information without any special sensors, stereo vision through recent
multiple cameras can be used to generate the disparity map, which can be
finally used to generate the depth map. However, the cameras have
heterogeneous characteristics each vendor, which makes it challenging to
utilize the cameras. In this research, we propose a method for the
disparity map to use the cameras that most of the recent devices
internally include. With our method, the devices don’t have to include
depth sensors such as ToF (Time Of Flight) and SL (Structured Light) and
could get the depth information at the raw image from the camera within
275.64 msec (3.63 FPS) on commodity devices. As far as we know, the
proposed method is the first research that can generate the disparity
map from captured figures by commercial mobile devices.
Heat transfer behavior of a PTC receiver tube using transversal focal inserts and CFD.
Authors: HADDOUCHE Mohammed Reda , HADDOUCHE Abdelhadi
Published: March 2023

The thermohydraulic performance of an enhanced PTC’s tube is evaluated
in this paper. A passive method is used by introducing transversal
inserts on the bottom part of the receiver. The height of the inserts is
investigated using MCRT method coupling FVM for Reynolds number range
from 2 . 36 ∙ 10 4 to 11 . 83 ∙ 10 4 . the heat transfer fluid used in
this study is the Therminol VP1 with. The numerical
results show that the tube enhanced by inserts augments the reliability
of the system, and the introduction of the inserts into the receiver
tube decreases the temperature difference over the circumferential area
of the absorber tube and minimizes the heat losses and also increase the
lifetime of the receiver.
Manipulating tunnelling gateways in condensed phase isomerization
Authors: Choudhury Arnab , Sinha Shreya , Harlander David , DeVine Jessalyn , Kandratsenka Alexander , Saalfrank Peter , Schwarzer Dirk , Wodtke Alec
Published: March 2023

When a chemical reaction occurs via tunnelling, a simple mass-dependence
is expected, where substitution of atoms by heavier isotopes leads to a
reduced reaction rate. However, as shown in a recent study of CO
orientational isomerization at the NaCl(100) interface [Choudhury et
al., Nature 612, 691 (2022)], the lightest isotopologue need
not exhibit the fastest tunnelling; for the CO/NaCl system, the
non-monotonic mass-dependence is understood through a new picture of
condensed phase tunnelling where the overall rate is dominated by a few
pairs of reactant/product states. These state-pairs – termed quantum
gateways – gain dynamical importance through accidentally-enhanced
tunnelling probabilities, facilitated by a confluence of the energetic
landscape underlying the reaction as well as the phonon bath of the
surrounding medium. Here, we explore gateway tunnelling through
measurements of the kinetic isotope effect (KIE) for CO isomerization in
a monolayer buried by many layers of either CO or N.
With an N overlayer, tunnelling rates are accelerated
for all four isotopologues (CO,
CO,
CO, and
CO), but the degree of
acceleration is isotopologue-specific and non-intuitively mass
dependent. A one-dimensional tunnelling model involving an Eckart
barrier cannot capture this behaviour. This reflects how a change to the
potential energy surface moves states in and out of resonance, changing
which tunnelling gateways can be accessed in the isomerization reaction.
Antibiotic-associated acute kidney injury among older adults: A case-crossover study
Authors: Chinzowu Tichawona , Chyou Te-yuan , S Prasad Nishtala
Published: March 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to ascertain
antibiotic-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) in older adults aged 65
years or above in New Zealand using a case-crossover study design.
Methods: We used the International Statistical Classification of
Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Australian
Modification code N17.9 to identify all individuals aged 65 years and
above with a diagnosis of incident AKI between January 01, 2005, and
December 31, 2020, from the New Zealand National Minimum Data Set. We
created a case-crossover cohort for antibiotic exposures, with a 3-day
observation period and two 30 days washout periods, summed up to a
66-day study period. We calculated the changed odds of AKI due to
exposures to an antibiotic as matched odds ratios and their 95%
confidence intervals, using conditional logistic regression.
Results: We identified a total of 2399 incident cases of AKI
between 2005 and 2020 among older adults. The adjusted odds of consuming
a sulphonamide antibiotic during the case period was 3.57 times (95%
CI: 2.86 to 4.46) higher than the reference period among the incident
AKI cases. Fluoroquinolone utilisation was also associated with incident
AKI (adjusted OR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.90 to 3.46). The number needed to
harm for sulphonamides and fluroquinolones were 6.55 (95% CI: 5.15 to
8.65) and 21.38 (95% CI: 13.97 to 36.41), respectively.
Conclusion: The potential of sulphonamides and fluoroquinolones
to be associated with AKI raises the significant need for vigilant
prescribing of these antibiotics in frail older adults.
Genotype-environment associations reveal genes potentially linked to avian malaria infection in populations of an endemic island bird
Authors: Sheppard Eleanor , Martin Claudia , Armstrong Claire , González-Quevedo Catalina , Illera Juan Carlos , Suh Alexander , Spurgin Lewis , Richardson David
Published: March 2023

Patterns of pathogen prevalence are, at least partially, the result of
coevolutionary host-pathogen interactions. Thus, exploring the
distribution of host genetic variation in relation to infection by a
pathogen within and across populations can provide important insights
into mechanisms of host defence and adaptation. Here we use a landscape
genomics approach (Bayenv) in conjunction with genome-wide data
(ddRADseq) to test for associations between avian malaria (Plasmodium)
prevalence and host genetic variation across 13 populations of the
island endemic Berthelot’s pipit (Anthus berthelotii). Considerable and
consistent spatial heterogeneity in malaria prevalence was observed
among populations over a period of 15 years, and the prevalence of
malaria infection was strongly correlated with pox (Avipoxvirus)
prevalence. Evidence of significant association with malaria was found
for multiple host loci after controlling for genome-wide divergence due
to neutral genetic structure. These sites were located near to or within
genes linked to metabolism, stress response, transcriptional regulation,
complement activity and the inflammatory response, many previously
implicated in vertebrate responses to malarial infection. Taken
together, our findings identify diverse genes - not just limited to the
immune system - that may be involved in host protection against malaria
and suggests that spatially variable pathogen pressure is an important
evolutionary driver of genetic divergence among wild animal populations,
such as Berthelot’s pipit. Further, our data indicate that
spatio-temporal variation in multiple different pathogens (e.g., malaria
and pox in this case) may have to be studied together to develop a more
holistic understanding of host pathogen-mediated evolution.
Development and Characterization of a Low-cost Magnetron Sputtering System for Deposition of Metal Films on Borosilicate Glass Substrates
Authors: Motsei Tebogo , Ocaya R.O.
Published: March 2023

In this study, we present the development and characterization of a
homegrown magnetron sputtering system (MSS) constructed from repurposed
materials. Borosilicate glass slides were used as the substrate
material, while Al, Fe, and Cu were employed as target materials. The
system was validated, optimized, and successfully utilized for the
deposition of Cu, Al, and Fe films onto the glass substrate. The
resulting samples were analyzed for their structure, morphology,
photoluminescence, and electrical conductivity using XRD, EDS, SEM, and
the 4-point probe method. Our findings indicate that the MSS produces
results that compare favorably with standard sputtering equipment, but
with significant potential for further refinement. Overall, our work
highlights the feasibility and versatility of utilizing homegrown
sputtering systems for a range of research applications.
Electroacupuncture improves the prognosis of ischemic stroke by activating parasympathetic nervous system and regulating spleen immune function in mice
Authors: Hong Pan , Laiting Chi , Qianqian Xie , Yao Meng , Rui Zhang , Dengming Zhao , Yuting Wei , wenzhi Li
Published: March 2023

Immunosuppression due to ischemic stroke is a pivotal factor that can
increase the incidence of infectious diseases and mortality after
stroke. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been confirmed to improve the
prognosis of ischemic stroke model through the parasympathetic nervous
system (PNS). The role of EA in regulating immunosuppression after
ischemic stroke through PNS is unclear. Using ischemic stroke model, the
experiment found that EA exerted the effects in improving survival rate,
and neurological deficits, reducing infarct volume, proportion of
neuronal apoptosis, and systemic inflammation. Importantly, mice
received EA showed a significantly higher in weight, cell number, and
α7nAChR levels of spleen, suggesting the improvement of
immunosuppression; EA also activated dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus
which was the main source of vagus, the main component of the PNS.
However, none of these changes were found in mice that did not receive
EA. Taken together, EA improves the prognosis of ischemic stroke by
activating PNS and regulating spleen immune function in mice.
Numerical study using a double grid to model the effect of the grooves of a vertical wall in a heated cavity on the natural convection of a nanofluid
Authors: Lafdaili Zakaria , Mounir Hamid , Nouari Soufiane , El-Hamdani Sakina , Belarche Lahoucine
Published: March 2023

In this work we study numerically the natural-convection of a carbon-based nanofluid (water + C60) in a differentially heated square cavity. One of the vertical walls of the cavity is grooved and maintained at a high temperature. The purpose of this work is to compare the effect of the macrostructural aspect of the grooves and the effect of the addition of fullerene nanoparticles (C60) to pure water on the heat exchange by natural-convection in this type of geometry. To better quantify the convective heat exchange numerically near the grooves we used a refined grid with two non-conforming blocks at the hot wall level. The governing equations were discretized by the finite volume method using a power law scheme which offers a good stability characteristic in this type of flow. A numerical code was designed and produced in this context to use numerical simulation as an investigative tool. The results are represented in the form of streamlines and isothermal fields. The variation in the mean Nusselt number of the cold wall to the right of the cavity is calculated as a function of the volume fractions of the nanoparticles (0 ? ? ? 0.06) for different numbers and sizes of the grooves and for different Rayleigh numbers (103 ? Ra ? 106).
Hydrodynamic study of a solar chimney power plant for better power production
Authors: Faisal Safaa , Aziz Buthaina , Jabbar Tahseen , Hameed Raed
Published: March 2023

Solar chimney power plants consist of three main parts: collector, chimney, and turbine. The biggest flow losses of these stations are in the entrance area of the chimney. In this study, three different shapes of the chimney entrance area were proposed in order to reduce the flow losses. The simulation process was done using the FLUENT 2020. The change of the radius of the shapes in the chimney entrance was studied on the percentage of increase in the energy available in the chimney for Cases 1-3 compared to the available energy for Case 0. The results showed that the highest percentage of energy increase available in the chimney was 55%, 54%, and 4% for Cases 1-3, respectively. Case 3 is the optimal case while Case 2 is weak and unhelpful compared to the rest of the cases.
Investigation on micro-flame structure of ammonium perchlorate composite propellant under wide pressure range
Authors: Chen Kaixuan , Xue Xiaochun , Yu Yonggang , Ye Zhenwei
Published: March 2023

This present work proposes a method to exactly evaluate the thermal process of ammonium perchlorate/hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene propellant. The 3-D propellant pack is generated by the Monte-Carlo method to obtain a representative sandwich model on the base of the dual-slicing technique. The ammonium perchlorate monopropellant flame height H1, the primary diffusion flame height H2, and the final diffusion flame height H3 are jointly determined by the temperature and component distributions of the gas phase thermodynamic field, which is more accurate to capture this complicated combustion field distribution of the gas phase comparing with earlier reported studies. Peclet number and Damkohler number are also introduced to quantitatively investigate the influence mechanism of chemical kinetics and diffusion mixing process of components on this micro-flame structure under wide pressure range (0.69-20.7 MPa). Further, based on the criterion of whether the premixed flow above the burning surface can absorb heat flux continuously from the diffusion flame to approach adiabatic flame temperature, the diffusion flame is divided into two regions in detail: flame front and trailing diffusion flame.
Experimental hemosiderosis: relationship between skin pigmentation and hemosiderin
Authors: Tsuji T.
Published: March 2023

Iron (totalling 7.5 mg per mouse in three doses) was injected into hairless mice to determine the relationship between skin pigmentation and hemosiderin deposition. The skin color reached its maximum 24 to 48 hours after the last injection and then gradually faded over the subsequent 8 months. In the skin, hemosiderin granules were present extracellularly between collagen bundles as well as within dermal macrophages, Langerhans cells and indeterminate dendritic cells of the epidermis. A larger amount of iron was deposited in the facial than in the dorsal skin, resulting in darker pigmentation of the former. This study suggests that brownish discoloration of skin in hemochromatosis might be attributable in some degree to accumulation of hemosiderin and that pronounced hyperpigmentation of the face in hemochromatosis might be due to increased activation of melanocytes by a high content of hemosiderin.
Vibratory perception in patients with generalized scleroderma
Authors: Dahlgaard T. , Nielsen VK. , Kristensen JK.
Published: March 2023

The vibratory perception threshold (VPT) was measured on eight different test-spots in 13 patients suffering from generalized scleroderma of the acrosclerosis type without clinical evidence of peripheral neuropathy. VPT was significantly elevated in skin areas severely involved in the sclerodermic process, whereas normal on test-spots with less affected skin. The pattern of impaired vibratory perception differs from that usually seen in peripheral neuropathy and it is concluded that the pattern most probably reflects the viscous-elastic properties of the test-spots, indicating that cutaneous sclerosis exerts a damping effect on external vibrations. It is suggested that this phenomenon could be utilized as an objective gauge for the severity of the sclerosis.
The effect of zinc on the sebum secretion rate
Authors: Demetree JW. , Safer LF. , Artis WM.
Published: March 2023

In accordance with a randomized double-blind experimental design, capsules of zinc sulfate, 440 mg total daily dose, and lactose placebo were administered orally to 10 normal Caucasian males for 3 weeks. Sebum secretion rates and serum zinc levels were determined prior to and following treatment. There was a statistically significant change in the before and after mean sebum secretion rates of the zinc group when compared with those of the placebo group (p less than 0.028). The results of this preliminary study indicate that supplemental zinc sulfate may reduce the quantity of skin-surface sebum. Further investigation is warranted.
Eosinophilic fasciitis (Shulman syndrome) in association with morphoea and systemic sclerosis
Authors: Coyle HE. , Chapman RS.
Published: March 2023

No abstract available
Comparison of patch test results in two adjacent areas of England. II. Medicaments
Authors: Wilkinson JD. , Hambly EM. , Wilkinson DS.
Published: March 2023

A 3-year study of patch test reactions to the Standard European Battery (S. E. B.) has been carried out in two adjacent areas of South-east England with the same climatic and cultural background. The source of materials and method of testing were identical; all observers have worked together in the same Contact Dermatitis Clinic and the interpretation of reactions can therefore be considered to be consistent. The main differences between the two areas lay in the pattern of employment and in local prescribing habits. Only the second aspect is considered here. Seven allergens--lanolin, neomycin, parabens, iodochlorhydroxyquinoline, ethylene diamine, caine 'mix' and chlorocresol--accounted for approximately 30% of all positive patch test reactions. 'Medicament sensitivity' correlated well with the known prescribing habits of both regions. Certain sites were shown to be especially important in the pathogenesis of medicament contact sensitivity.
One case of confluent and reticulate papillomatosis (Gougerot-Carteaud)
Authors: Faergemann J. , Fredriksson T. , Nathorst-Windahl G.
Published: March 2023

A 16-year-old girl with dark-brown coalescing papules symmetrically localized to the cheeks, is reported. The diagnosis may be consistent with the criteria for confluent and reticulate papillomatosis (Gougerot-Carteaud). The association between this disease and Pityrosporum orbiculare is discussed.
Eosinophilic fascitis (Shulman syndrome) in a 13-year-old girl
Authors: Clemmensen OJ. , Thomsen K.
Published: March 2023

Symptoms compatible with the diagnosis of eosinophilic fasciitis (morphea-like changes of the skin, restricted joint movement, eosinophilia, elevated immunoglobulin levels in serum) in a 13-year-old girl and the response to systemic corticosteroid treatment are reported. The literature is reviewed.
Azathioprin in the treatment of airborne contact dermatitis from compositae oleoresins and sensitivity to UVA
Authors: Roed-Petersen J. , Thomsen K.
Published: March 2023

No abstract available
An improved quantitative method for the study of fibrinolysis in the skin as exemplified in patients with leukocytoclastic vasculitis and erysipelas
Authors: Hammar H. , Blombäck M. , Sverdrup B. , Borglund E.
Published: March 2023

The activity of plasminogen activator has been measured in tissue sections with the aid of a modified Todd technique. Frozen skin biopsies were sectioned and the tissue covered with fibrin-plasminogen film. After incubation at 37 degrees C fibrinolysis was studied for a period of 30 min and was graded into six exponentially increasing steps. During this period, grades were linear with the llogarithm of time of incubation. The rate of fibrinolysis is a measure of the activity of the plasminogen activator and is expressed by the slope of the linear regression of grades versus the ogarithm of time; the value of the slope is proportional to the common logarithm of the activity of the plasminogen activator present in the section. Using urokinase as a specific plasminogen activator, the same linear expression was shown with time, indicating the validity of our grading and experimental system. Eleven healthy subjects served as controls to 6 patients with leukocytoclastic vasculitis and 4 patients with erysipelas and 4 with necrotizing fascilitis. The controls showed values similar to the non-involved skin in the patients. The activity was higher in the arm than in the thigh sites. The activity in the thighs was lower in women than in men. A decrease in the plasminogen activator activity was found in the three disorders.
Papilloma virus particles in a fibroma of the tongue
Authors: Gross GE. , Pfister H. , Mittermayer C.
Published: March 2023

Papilloma virus particles could be identified in material from a fibroma of the tongue. Histology revealed an irritated fibroma with a very high degree of intranuclear and cytoplasmic vacuolization.
Cockade naevus: an unusual variant of the benign cellular naevus
Authors: James MP. , Wells RS.
Published: March 2023

A patient with benign cellular naevi with unusual target-like morphology is described. Histological and histochemical examination of the lesions showed Dopa oxidase positive cells in the epidermal portion of the tumour but only the naevus cells and keratinocytes at the periphery of the tumour stained for melanin. It is suggested that failure of melanin synthesis is the cause of the target-like appearance.
Studies on human epidermal Langerhans' cells: II. Activation of human T lymphocytes to herpes simplex virus
Authors: Braathen LR. , Berle E. , Mobech-Hanssen U. , Thorsby E.
Published: March 2023

Epidermis from patients suffering from recurrent herpes labialis was separated from dermis by means of a suction blister device and dissociated with trypsin. The epidermal cell suspensions obtained were 80--95% viable and contained 3--5% Langerhans' cells, as judged by immunofluorescence staining of the cells with a rabbit anti-DR antiserum. T lymphocytes from the same patients were co-cultured with herpes simplex virus antigen (HSV-Ag) or live virus (HSV), with or without epidermal cells or macrophages. A strong proliferative T cell response to HSV-Ag and HSV was obtained, provided that the cultures also contained epidermal cells or macrophages. Pretreatment of the epidermal cells with a rabbit anti-DR antiserum plus complement abolished the responses, while pretreatment with normal rabbit serum plus complement did not. These data therefore indicate that HLA--DR positive Langerhans' cells are able to present herpes simplex virus in an immunogenic way to T lymphocytes.
Multiple kerato-acanthoma: a case report
Authors: Wantzin GL. , Agdal N. , Svejgaard E.
Published: March 2023

A case of multiple keratoacanthomas in a 36-year-old healthy seaman is presented. Four months prior to the onset of the disease the patient had been exposed to strong sunlight. Histopathological examination gave the diagnosis of keratoacanthoma.
Protective effects of various types of clothes against UV radiation
Authors: Berne B. , Fischer T.
Published: March 2023

The UV protection factors of twenty commonly used textiles were determined. Protection factors varied between 1.3 and 1700, which shows the importance of giving careful advice to light-sensitive and psoralensensitized patients, regarding suitable clothes.
Solitary adult xanthogranuloma: a case report with new observation on lipid droplet formation
Authors: Niizuma K.
Published: March 2023

A case of solitary xanthogranuloma was studied by optical and electron microscopy. The tumor parenchyma cells were composed mainly of multilocular lipid droplets together with rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, a few mitochondria, glycogen particles, and fine filaments sparsely scattered throughout the cytoplasm. The parenchyma cells bore a close structural resemblance to Ito's "fat-storing cells" which are situated in Disse's space, contain lipid droplets and are thought to be the only cells participating in intralobular fibrillogenesis in the liver. Another notable finding was that the lipid droplets of the tumor parenchyma cells originated directly from rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. Thus, the tumor morphology was incompatible with the currently favored concept of a benign, reactive non-neoplastic process of prominently histiocyte cells, being characterized instead by prominently fibroblastic cells.
Antideoxyribonuclease B titers in psoriasis
Authors: Quimby SR. , Markowitz H. , Winkelmann RK.
Published: March 2023

Psoriatic patients were examined for serologic evidence of streptococcal infections by using antideoxyribonuclease B (ADB), which has been shown to be a more sensitive screening tool than antistreptolysin O (ASO) for detecting such evidence in other clinical circumstances. Antistreptococcal antibody titers (ASO and ADB) of 71 patients with psoriasis vulgaris, 7 with guttate psoriasis, and 6 with erythrodermic psoriasis were compared with ASO and ADB antibody titers of 25 non-psoriatic dermatologic patients hospitalized at the same time and of an adult group that was used as a control for the test itself. Thirty-six of 71 patients with psoriasis vulgaris had elevated titers of ADB or ASO (41% vs. 15%). Compared with control values the ADB titers were significantly higher in patients with psoriasis vulgaris (P less than 0.02) and patients with guttate psoriasis (P less than 0.05). The ASO titers were significantly higher in patients with psoriasis vulgaris than in controls (P less than 0.04). Within the group with psoriasis vulgaris, ADB titers were significantly higher than ASO titers (P less than 0.01). Among patients with psoriasis vulgaris, histories of sudden flares of psoriasis and early recurrences of psoriasis after previous successful hospital treatment, family histories of psoriasis, and histories of potential streptococcal infections were more frequent in those with elevated antistreptococcal antibodies.
Quantitative studies on the reactions of psoriatic epidermis to treatment
Authors: McMinn RM. , Woods MS. , Fry L.
Published: March 2023

An image-analysing computer has been used to assess the changes in the length of the dermo-epidermal junction and in the epidermal area in histological sections from psoriatic plaques in groups of patients undergoing various treatment regimes. The changes in these two features closely parallel one another, and measurement of the length of the dermo-epidermal junction may be a relatively simple quantitative method of gauging the course of the disease. Topical fluocinolone acetonide produced a greater improvement than did dithranol or coal tar. Variation in the number of epidermal mitotic figures was not a reliable guide to improvement or otherwise in the psoriatic lesion and reappearance of the granular layer can occur independently of any decrease in mitosis.
Methacycline hyperpigmentation: a five-year follow-up
Authors: Möller H. , Rausing A.
Published: March 2023

A five-year follow-up is presented of a unique material of patients who acquired a greyish black hyperpigmentation during long-term methacycline therapy for chronic bronchitis. The melanosis disappeared in cases in which tetracycline therapy was discontinued during the observation period but not in those in which doxycycline had been substituted. In two autopsy cases pigment deposits were also found in cartilage and atherosclerotic lesions. Overall clinical and microscopic findings suggest a similarity to the pigmentation occurring in iatrogenic ochronosis.
A congenital ichthyosiform syndrome with deafness and elevated serum steroid disulphate levels
Authors: Oikarinen A. , Käär ML. , Ruokonen A.
Published: March 2023

A congenital ichthyosiform syndrome with deafness and elevated serum steroid disulphate levels.
Familial multiple lipomatosis
Authors: Mohar N.
Published: March 2023

A family genealogy, comprising four cases of familial multiple lipomatosis, making their appearance one after the other in three generations is reported. Two cases with impressive clinical features are presented in detail. This report contributes to the opinion that the disease is transmitted by the autosomal dominant route of inheritance.
Therapeutic trials with oral colchicine in psoriasis
Authors: Wahba A. , Cohen H.
Published: March 2023

Twenty-two psoriatic patients were treated orally with the antichemotactic agent, colchicine, at a dosage of 0.02 mg per kg per day for a duration of 2-4 months. Complete clearing or marked improvement were noted in 8 of the 9 patients, in whom thin papules and thin plaques were the predominant type of lesion. Much less favorable results were obtained in patients with chronic, stable, thick plaque-type disease, although decreased scaliness, erythema and infiltration and marked diminution of the pruritus were observed in almost all of the cases. A considerable improvement of the joint pains was noted in each of the 8 patients who suffered from arthralgias. Five additional patients with extensive, chronic, stable plaque-type psoriasis were given oral colchicine immediately after complete clearing of their skin lesions with Goeckerman's method or with methotrexate. Four of them continued to take colchicine for 8-9 months and during that time they remained free of significant skin disease. These findings lend support to the hypothesis that the migration of the activated psoriatic neutrophils into the skin could be an important factor in the initiation and possibly also in the perpetuation of the psoriatic lesions. Closely controlled, long-term studies conducted in large numbers of patients are warranted in order to determine the exact therapeutic role of oral colchicine in the long-term management of psoriasis.
Nuclear DNA-polymerase estimation in human epidermal cells
Authors: Wantzin GL. , Kobayasi T.
Published: March 2023

A new technique which detects the presence of DNA-polymerase and primer-template DNA by measuring the incorporation of 3H-thymidine-5'-triphosphate (3H-TTP) showed nuclear labelling of enzymatically liberated epidermal cells of human skin.
Two cases of scleromyxedema
Authors: Jepsen LV.
Published: March 2023

We report two cases of scleromyxedema treated with melphalan (alkeran) and dermabrasion, both patients with central nervous system involvement. In the first case, herpetic encephalitis, possibly due to the immunoglobulin disturbance, preceded the skin changes. In the second case, impaired cerebral function was caused by a meningeoma. In the first case of short duration it seems as if progression of the disease has been arrested. In the second, of more than 26 years duration the skin changes have seemed unchanged, sclerotic for some years, though some improvement was noticed following dermabrasion.
Dimethyl sulphoxide and macular amyloidosis
Authors: Bonnetblanc JM. , Catanzano G. , Roux J.
Published: March 2023

No abstract available
Desmosomes in pemphigus vegetans
Authors: Higashida T , Hino H , Kobayasi T
Published: March 2023

Desmosomes of a patient suffering from pemphigus vegetans were studied by electron microscopy and analysed by morphometry, The desmosomes were fewer in the patient´s skin than in healthy individuals. The desmosomes of the patient were thin and short, showing pathological ultrastructures, viz. lack of median lines, single-sided attachment plaques and direct cell contact with some thickened cell membranes. These desmosomal changes were more manifest in the involved than in the uninvolved skin. The changes suggest deterioration or defective formation of desmosomes in pemphigus vegetans.
Urinary excretion of 5-S-cysteinyldopa in healthy Japanese
Authors: Morishima T , Hanawa S
Published: March 2023

Urinary excretion of 5-S-cysteinyldopa was investigated in 20 healthy Japanese (10 men and 10 women). The values of excretion varied between 46 and 193 microgram/24 h. The mean (+/- S.D.) was 96 1 +/- 9.8 microgram/24 h. It was higher in the men than in the women, being 13 +/- 15 vis-a-vis 80.8 +/- 11.4 microgram/24 h. This finding indicates that 5-S-cysteinyldopa is formed and excreted by active melanocytes even in Mongoloids. The excretion of dopa and dopamine was found not correlative with the excretion of 5-S-cysteinyldopa.
Lack of association between allergic contact dermatitis and HLA antigens of the A and B series
Authors: Lidén S , Beckman L , Cedergren B , Groth O , Göransson K , Wählby L
Published: March 2023

A previous study of patients with allergic contact dermatitis yielded results which supported the hypothesis that the presence of certain HLA antigens led to a predisposition to allergen-specific reactions and others to multiple contact sensitivity. The present study was performed to test this hypothesis. 129 patients sensitive to one allergen only (either chromium, nickel, formalin or balsam of Peru) and 83 patients sensitive to two or more allergens were HLA typed regarding the A and B loci. A series of 368 persons matched with regard to sex, age and place of residence were used as controls. A tendency towards an association between HLA B7 and contact allergy was observed. No other data confirming the hypothesis mentioned above were obtained. Among 37 patients who also had atopic diathesis a decreased frequency of HLA B7 was found.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome associated with intrahepatic cholestasis and respiratory disease: a case report
Authors: Schønheyder H
Published: March 2023

In an 8-year-old boy, the Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) was associated with protracted intrahepatic cholestasis and ultimately fatal respiratory disease. No precipitating factors of SJS were identified, but a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was suspected. The appearance of jaundice on the seventh day of illness was preceded by the prescription of erythromycin ethyl succinate, but intrahepatic cholestasis has never before been associated with this derivative of erythromycin. It is suggested that there may exist a subtype of SIS with severe hepato-pulmonary pathology.
Metronidazole and Demodex folliculorum
Authors: Persi A , Rebora A
Published: March 2023

In vitro survival of Demodex folliculorum was tested in the presence of various concentrations of metronidazole (Flagyl). Demodex was found to survive in concentrations of as much as 1 mg/ml. Thus, it seems unlikely that the effect of metronidazole on rosacea is attributable to its direct activity on the mite.
Unusual structures in the epidermal Langerhans´ cells of normal human skin
Authors: Morohashi M , Hashimoto K
Published: March 2023

Two unusual structures were found in the epidermal Langerhans´ cells of normal human adult skin: (1) an intramitochondrial crystalline lattice structure composed of numerous electron-dense, fine particles approximately 90 A in diameter, with a lucent spacing of nearly 90 A; (2) bundles of unusual cytoplasmic tubular structures, approximately 120 A wide.
Mixed connective tissue disease: a follow-up study of 12 patients with special reference to cold sensitivity and skin manifestations
Authors: Johansson EA , Niemi KM , Lassus A , Gripenberg M
Published: March 2023

A great variety of skin manifestations and the frequent occurrence of cold sensitivity, vascular symptoms with peripheral painful ulcerations, headache of migraine type, and muscle and joint symptoms are described in a series of 12 patients with an overlap syndrome compatible with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). The patients have been followed up for an average of 7 years. The peripheral symptoms on the extremities in particular were exacerbated by exposure to cold and caused much inconvenience and early disability for the patients. In addition to the symptoms generally connected with MCTD, some of the patients presented signs of other diseases of autoimmune type as well. For instance 2 of the patients presented autoimmune thyroiditis and one patient developed myasthenia gravis and cold agglutinin syndrome.
Increased prevalence of antithyroid antibodies and thyroid diseases in pustulosis palmoplantaris
Authors: Rosén K , Mobacken H , Nilsson LA
Published: March 2023

A statistically significant increased prevalence of antithyroid antibodies was found by an indirect immunofluorescence technique in 37 patients with pustulosis palmoplantaris, as compared with an approximatley age- and sex-matched group of healthy controls. A history of thyroid disease was also more frequent in patients with PPP than in the population at large. The increased risk of thyroid dysfunction should be kept in mind in the long-term care of PPP cases. The prevalence of non-cutaneous autoantibodies was not increased in psoriatic subjects. The results accord with the concept that PPP and psoriasis may be separate entities.
Regional differences in microvascular responses in generalized scleroderma
Authors: Kristensen JK
Published: March 2023

In 7 patients suffering from generalized scleroderma of the acrosclerosis type, a decreased reactivity towards changes in vascular transmural pressure was observed in subcutaneous tissue of finger, as compared with arm. Clinically, the fingers were regularly found to be more severely involved in the sclerodermal process, and the pathologic microvascular responses seem to parallel the tissue pathology.
A randomized double blind comparison of an aspirin dipyridamole combination versus a placebo in the treatment of necrobiosis lipoidica
Authors: Statham B , Finlay AY , Marks R
Published: March 2023

Fourteen patients with a clinical and histological diagnosis of necrobiosis lipoidica were treated in a double-blind control study with either an aspirin dipyridamole combination or a matching placebo for an 8-week period. None of the patients in the aspirin dipyridamole group showed a significant improvement.
Size of desmosomes and hemidesmosomes in normal human epidermis
Authors: Hino H , Kobayasi T , Asboe-Hansen G
Published: March 2023

The dimensions of desmosomes and hemidesmosomes in normal human epidermis, i.e. their length and thickness, were studied in ordinary ultrathin sections. The length of desmosomes in the inner and middle squamous cell layer was 310 nm and 300 nm, while the thickness was 31 nm and 30 nm, respectively. In the outer squamous cell layer the values increased to 340 nm and 35 nm, respectively. The percentage total desmosomal length in relation to the perimeter of a cell showed the same tendency.
Formation of glutathionedopa in albino rats after DOPA injection
Authors: Fehling C , Hansson C , Poulsen J , Rorsman H , Rosengren E
Published: March 2023

Abstract not available
A comparative study of the results of phlebotomy therapy and low-dose chloroquine treatment in porphyria cutanea tarda
Authors: Malina L , Chlumský J
Published: March 2023

Longer remissions after the phlebotomy therapy than after the low-dose chloroquine treatment were ascertained by means of the long-term follow-up of a large group of porphyria cutanea tarda patients. An attempt to prove the dependence of the length of laboratory and clinical remission on the values of initial porphyrinuria, on the degree of morphological liver changes, and on the total amount of blood withdrawn at phlebotomy was unsuccessful. On the contrary, a direct relationship was observed between the length of remission and the age of the subject on commencing treatment. At the same time, it was impossible to prove a causal relationship between the length of remission and initial porphyrinuria, the degree of morphological liver changes, and the total dose of drug taken, in the group of patients on the low-dose chloroquine therapy.
Successful treatment of actinic reticuloid induced by whole-body topical application of mechlorethamine
Authors: Volden G , Falk ES , Wisløff-Nilssen J , Stenvold SE , Moseng D , Kavli G , Midelfart K
Published: March 2023

A man suffering from actinic reticuloid for 2 years showed highly abnormal light sensitivity over a broad action spectrum. He has been successfully treated with daily whole-body topical applications of mechlorethamine, initially for 4 weeks and after a 2-month interruption, for 3 weeks. Gauzes moistened with the same solution were placed over lichenified areas for 10-15 min. His skin became normal pale and the lichenification decreased. After treatment his tolerance for daylight increased.