bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leishmaniarequires Rab7-mediated degradation of endocytosed hemoglobin for their growth
Authors: Patel Nitin , Singh Sudha B. , Basu Sandip K. , Mukhopadhyay Amitabha
Published: March 2008

Leishmaniais unable to synthesize heme and must acquire it from exogenous source, the mechanism of which is not known. We have shown thatLeishmaniaendocytoses hemoglobin (Hb) and subsequently degrade it probably to generate heme. To understand how internalized Hb is degraded, we have cloned and expressed Rab7 homolog fromLeishmania donovani. Interestingly, Rab7 inLeishmaniais found to be localized both on early and late endocytic compartment and regulates both uptake and degradation of endocytosed Hb demonstrating that Rab7 inLeishmaniaplay a very unique role connecting both early and late events of Hb endocytosis. Our data also indicate that overexpression of Rab7:WT inLeishmaniainduces transport of Hb to lysosomes and rapidly degrade internalized Hb. Whereas Hb transport to lysosomes and its degradation is significantly inhibited in cells overexpressing Rab7:T21N, a GDP locked mutant of Rab7. Moreover, cells overexpressing Rab7:T21N grow at a slower rate (<50%) compared with controlLeishmania. Addition of exogenous hemin recovers the growth of Rab7:T21N mutant cells almost to the control level, suggesting that intracellular heme generated by Rab7-mediated Hb degradation is required for optimal growth of the parasites. Thus, our results identify a potential target which might be exploited to suppress the growth ofLeishmania.
Genetic Dissection Defines the Roles of Elsinochrome Phytotoxin for Fungal Pathogenesis and Conidiation of the Citrus Pathogen Elsinoë fawcettii
Authors: Liao Hui-Ling , Chung Kuang-Ren
Published: March 2008

Elsinochrome pigments produced by many phytopathogenic Elsinoë spp. are nonhost-selective toxins which react with oxygen molecules after light activation to produce highly toxic reactive oxygen species. The structures and chemical properties of four derivatives are well known. However, the biological roles of elsinochromes in fungal pathogenesis are poorly understood. Many isolates of Elsinoë fawcettii causing citrus scab are able to produce elsinochromes under axenic conditions. In this article, we report the cloning, expression, and functional characterization of the polyketide synthase-encoding gene, EfPKS1, which we show is required for the production of elsinochromes and fungal pathogenesis. Targeted disruption of EfPKS1 in E.fawcettii completely abrogated elsinochrome production, drastically reduced conidiation, and significantly decreased lesion formation on rough lemon leaves. All mutant phenotypes were restored to the wild type in fungal strains expressing a functional copy of EfPKS1. Accumulation of the EfPKS1 transcript and elsinochromes by a wild-type strain appears to be coordinately regulated by light, nutrients, and pH. The results indicate that the product of EfPKS1 is involved in the biosynthesis of elsinochromes via a fungal polyketide pathway, and that elsinochromes play an important role in fungal pathogenesis.
A Survey of the Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 Type III Secretion System Effector Repertoire Reveals Several Effectors That Are Deleterious When Expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Munkvold Kathy R. , Martin Michael E. , Bronstein Philip A. , Collmer Alan
Published: March 2008

The injection of nearly 30 effector proteins by the type III secretion system underlies the ability of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 to cause disease in tomato and other host plants. The search for effector functions is complicated by redundancy within the repertoire and by plant resistance (R)-gene sentinels, which may convert effector virulence activities into a monolithic defense response. On the premise that some effectors target universal eukaryotic processes and that yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) lacks R genes, the DC3000 effector repertoire was expressed in yeast. Of 27 effectors tested, HopAD1, HopAO1, HopD1, HopN1, and HopU1 were found to inhibit growth when expressed from a galactose-inducible GAL1 promoter, and HopAA1-1 and HopAM1 were found to cause cell death. Catalytic site mutations affecting the tyrosine phosphatase activity of HopAO1 and the cysteine protease activity of HopN1 prevented these effectors from inhibiting yeast growth. Expression of HopAA1-1, HopAM1, HopAD1, and HopAO1 impaired respiration in yeast, as indicated by tests with ethanol glycerol selective media. HopAA1-1 colocalized with porin to yeast mitochondria and was shown to cause cell death in yeast and plants in a domain-dependent manner. These results support the use of yeast for the study of plant-pathogen effector repertoires.
Are the small human-like fossils found on Flores human endemic cretins?
Authors: Obendorf Peter J , Oxnard Charles E , Kefford Ben J
Published: March 2008

Fossils from Liang Bua (LB) on Flores, Indonesia, including a nearly complete skeleton (LB1) dated to 18 kyr BP, were assigned to a new species,Homo floresiensis. We hypothesize that these individuals are myxoedematous endemic (ME) cretins, part of an inland population of (mostly unaffected)Homo sapiens. ME cretins are born without a functioning thyroid; their congenital hypothyroidism leads to severe dwarfism and reduced brain size, but less severe mental retardation and motor disability than neurological endemic cretins. We show that the fossils display many signs of congenital hypothyroidism, including enlarged pituitary fossa, and that distinctive primitive features of LB1 such as the double rooted lower premolar and the primitive wrist morphology are consistent with the hypothesis. We find that the null hypothesis (that LB1 is not a cretin) is rejected by the pituitary fossa size of LB1, and by multivariate analyses of cranial measures. We show that critical environmental factors were potentially present on Flores, how remains of cretins but not of unaffected individuals could be preserved in caves, and that extant oral traditions may provide a record of cretinism.
Size-dependent resistance of protected areas to land-use change
Authors: Maiorano Luigi , Falcucci Alessandra , Boitani Luigi
Published: March 2008

One of the major threats facing protected areas (PAs) is land-use change and habitat loss. We assessed the impact of land-use change on PAs. The majority of parks have been effective at protecting the ecosystems within their borders, even in areas with significant land-use pressures. More in particular, the capacity of PAs to slow down habitat degradation and to favour habitat restoration is clearly related to their size, with smaller areas that on average follow the dominant land-use change pattern into which they are embedded. Our results suggest that small parks are not going to be viable in the long term if they are considered as islands surrounded by a ‘human-dominated ocean’. However, small PAs are, in many cases, the only option available, implying that we need to devote much more attention to the non-protected matrix in which PAs must survive.
Promoter-Proximal Introns in Arabidopsis thaliana Are Enriched in Dispersed Signals that Elevate Gene Expression
Authors: Rose Alan B. , Elfersi Tali , Parra Genis , Korf Ian
Published: March 2008

Introns that elevate mRNA accumulation have been found in a wide range of eukaryotes. However, not all introns affect gene expression, and direct testing is currently the only way to identify stimulatory introns. Our genome-wide analysis in Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that promoter-proximal introns as a group are compositionally distinct from distal introns and that the degree to which an individual intron matches the promoter-proximal intron profile is a strong predictor of its ability to increase expression. We found that the sequences responsible for elevating expression are dispersed throughout an enhancing intron, as is a candidate motif that is overrepresented in first introns and whose occurrence in tested introns is proportional to its effect on expression. The signals responsible for intron-mediated enhancement are apparently conserved between Arabidopsis and rice (Oryza sativa) despite the large evolutionary distance separating these plants.
Lack of eosinophilia can predict remission in wheezy infants?
Authors: Just J. , Nicoloyanis N. , Chauvin M. , Pribil C. , Grimfeld A. , Duru G.
Published: March 2008

Background
Early wheezing in infants is a potential risk factor for persistence of asthma into adulthood. Moreover, a personal or familial history of atopy are risk factors associated with persistence of pre‐existing wheezing during childhood. However, their relative importance remains unclear.

Objectives
Firstly to determine the critical thresholds of common biological markers of atopy in wheezy infants associated with persistence of wheezing into childhood and secondly to rank these biological markers together with clinical parameters according to the strength of their association with wheezing persistence.

Methods
A cohort of infants less than 30 months old with recurrent wheezing was established in order to assess severity of respiratory symptoms and to look for the presence of atopy. At the age of 6 years, they were re‐evaluated regarding remission of wheezing over the previous 12‐months period.

Results
Data were available for 219 subjects. In 27% of them, wheezing persisted at 6 years of age. Critical biological thresholds associated with the risk of wheezing persistence were: (1) a blood eosinophilia count 470/mm3 (defining eosinophilia), and (2) a total serum IgE level 45 IU/mL (defining elevated IgE) during infancy. A multiple component factorial analysis identified a dimension associating eosinophilia, elevated IgE and allergic sensitization on the one hand with persistent wheezing at 6 years of age on the other (λ=0.15). According to a segmentation analysis, the main discriminative parameter of wheezing persistence was eosinophilia. Thus a lack of eosinophilia alone could account for 91% of infants in remission, and when combined with absence of allergic sensitization, remission was correctly discriminated in 96.9% of the study population.

Conclusion
Our data strongly suggest that the lack of eosinophilia in wheezy infants without ongoing infection could predict future remission of wheezing in a large majority of cases.
Understanding eating behaviours in Spanish women enrolled in a weight‐loss treatment
Authors: Barberia Ana Maria , Attree Moira , Todd Christopher
Published: March 2008

Aim.  To identify the beliefs and attitudes of a sample of obese and overweight Spanish women undertaking a weight‐loss treatment.

Background.  Obesity is a global epidemic. Weight‐loss treatments focus on changing eating behaviours; however, many patients fail to adhere to the diet. This suggests that more effective behaviour‐change interventions are required to help people change their eating behaviours. According to the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) human behaviour is influenced by beliefs. Identification of people's beliefs is an essential step in the design of behaviour‐change interventions.

Design.  A qualitative approach was employed using semi‐structured interviews to interview participants. Seventeen obese and overweight Spanish women enrolled in a weight‐loss treatment were recruited using a criterion sample strategy.

Findings.  Participants’ reported beliefs referring to the benefits of losing weight and the emotions related to dieting. The more positive these beliefs were the more positive their attitude towards the diet seemed to be. Findings highlight the importance of follow‐ups in creating a subjective norm to maintain a diet. Perceived behavioural control to diet seemed to be related to beliefs about social support; whereas beliefs about lack of willpower to overcome temptations seemed to decrease perceived control over eating behaviours.

Conclusions.  Participants reported several beliefs and attitudes that offer plausible explanations of their eating behaviours. Data from this study seemed to fit the propositions of the TPB and could be used in further research to develop effective eating behaviour‐change interventions.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses could use the TPB to assess individuals’ attitudes, beliefs and expectations when following a diet. That assessment would provide insight into what aspects are relevant for individual patients when dieting, which could lead to more effective diet behaviour‐change interventions being designed.
A causal model of contraceptive intention and its gender comparison among Taiwanese sexually inexperienced adolescents
Authors: Wang Ruey‐Hsia , Cheng Chung‐Ping , Chou Fan‐Hao
Published: March 2008

Aims and objectives.  To test latent constructs of social influences, contraceptive attitude and self‐efficacy for contraception as a causal model of contraceptive intention among adolescents and to search for possible gender differences in the causal model of contraceptive intention.

Background.  A greater understanding of the causal model of contraceptive intention among sexually inexperienced adolescents will help nurses design contraceptive programmes to improve adolescent contraceptive use when they have sex.

Design.  This was a cross‐sectional study; 770 boys and 685 girls that self‐reported not being sexually experienced were selected for this study.

Methods.  An anonymous questionnaire was used to collect data. By structural equation modelling using the eqs 6.1 software, a hypothesized structural model of contraceptive intention was tested.

Findings.  For both genders, social influences affected contraceptive intention indirectly through the contraceptive attitude and self‐efficacy for contraception. Contraceptive attitude and self‐efficacy for contraception affected contraceptive intention directly. Contraceptive attitude also affected contraceptive intention indirectly through the mediation of self‐efficacy for contraception. There were gender differences in the variances of contraceptive intention explained by contraceptive attitude, self‐efficacy for contraception and social influences. Nevertheless, the data explain only a low proportion of the variability in contraceptive intention. More causal constructs influencing contraceptive intention should be explored in future.

Conclusions.  Personal factors and social influences operate interdependently to influence contraceptive intention among sexually inexperienced adolescents. Gender is a moderator that can modify the influential level of social influences, contraceptive attitude and self‐efficacy for contraception on contraceptive intention.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses should operate personal factors and social influences interdependently when they are designing intervention programmes for sexually inexperienced adolescents. To make intervention more effective, nurses also need to provide gender‐specific intervention programmes for sexually inexperienced adolescents.
Menopausal symptom perception and severity: results from a screening questionnaire
Authors: Berg Judith A , Larson Cheryl A , Pasvogel Alice E
Published: March 2008

Background.  Although it is widely acknowledged women experience symptoms during their transition from reproductive to postreproductive stage, there is inconsistency as to the prevalence of symptoms as well as their severity ratings.

Aim and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to describe symptom perception and severity in mid‐life women volunteering for an intervention study for menopause symptom management.

Design.  A cross‐sectional descriptive design was used to provide data on presenting symptoms in a sample of women negotiating the menopausal transition.

Methods.  A community‐based sample of Caucasian women aged 43–55 years was recruited from national nursing media, local media and a variety of local community sources. A screening questionnaire was administered to determine qualification for study entry based upon symptom severity scores from the questionnaire. This report includes results from the screening questionnaire.

Results.  One hundred and sixty‐five women were screened to obtain 110 qualified participants with mean age of 49·3 SD 3·04 years who were 4·7 SD 7 months past their last menstrual period. Sleep difficulties, forgetfulness and irritability were perceived by the highest number of women while sleep difficulties, night sweats, irritability and forgetfulness were rated the most severe.

Conclusions.  Findings from this study expand understanding of the menopause symptom experience, because few reports include symptom severity reports. All aspects of the symptom experience are necessary to develop appropriate interventions and to evaluate them.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Providing education about menopause symptoms is central to nursing practice of mid‐life women. Therefore, nurses must keep abreast of current knowledge to prepare women for their transition to postreproductive phase or to reassure women who are surprised to find hot flashes are not the only symptoms encountered.
A multifaceted role for polyamines in bacterial pathogens
Authors: Shah Pratik , Swiatlo Edwin
Published: March 2008

Polyamines are polycationic molecules with a hydrocarbon backbone and multiple amino groups. Descriptions of the physiological roles of polyamines have often been limited to their interaction with negatively charged nucleic acids. Of late, reports linking polyamines to microbial carcinogenesis, biofilm formation, escape from phagolysosomes, bacteriocin production, toxin activity and protection from oxidative and acid stress have been published, providing insights about their other important but lesser known functions. This review focuses on recently discovered novel functions of polyamines in microorganisms, with an emphasis on bacterial pathogens of humans.
The conserved PA14 domain of cell wall‐associated fungal adhesins governs their glycan‐binding specificity
Authors: De Groot Piet W. J. , Klis Frans M.
Published: March 2008

Yeast cell wall‐associated, lectin‐like adhesins form large families that mediate flocculation and host cell recognition. The glycan specificity of individual adhesins is largely unknown. Zupancic et al. (this issue of Molecular Microbiology) used glycan microarrays to compare the glycan‐binding characteristics of individual adhesins (Epa proteins) of the pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata produced in the non‐adherent yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. By sequence swapping between the conserved PA14 domains of two related Epa proteins, they identified a pentapeptide that determines binding specificity and cell adherence and is located on a surface loop of the known crystal structure of the anthrax toxin PA14 domain.
Transformations between 2MASS, SDSS and
BVRI
photometric systems: bridging the near-infrared and optical
Authors: Bilir S. , Ak S. , Karaali S. , Cabrera-Lavers A. , Chonis T. S. , Gaskell C. M.
Published: March 2008

We present colour transformations for the conversion of the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) photometric system to the Johnson–Cousins UBVRI system and further into the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) ugriz system. We have taken SDSS gri magnitudes of stars measured with the 2.5-m telescope from SDSS Data Release 5 (DR5), and BVRI and JHKs magnitudes from Stetson's catalogue and Cutri et al., respectively. We matched thousands of stars in the three photometric systems by their coordinates and obtained a homogeneous sample of 825 stars by the following constraints, which are not used in previous transformations: (1) the data are dereddened, (2) giants are omitted and (3) the sample stars selected are of the highest quality. We give metallicity, population type and transformations dependent on two colours. The transformations provide absolute magnitude and distance determinations which can be used in space density evaluations at short distances where some or all of the SDSS ugriz magnitudes are saturated. The combination of these densities with those evaluated at larger distances using SDSS ugriz photometry will supply accurate Galactic model parameters, particularly the local space densities for each population.
Variations in Neoarchean microbialite morphologies: clues to controls on microbialite morphologies through time
Authors: MURPHY MEGAN A. , SUMNER DAWN Y.
Published: March 2008

The Neoarchean Carawine Formation, Hamersley Group, Western Australia is a carbonate ramp that preserves diverse microbial structures which are characteristic of specific depositional environments. These distinctive structures are distributed in five shallow subtidal and two deeper‐water facies in the Oakover area of the Carawine Formation. The shallow subtidal facies are composed of biohermal and bedded stromatolites, centimetre‐scale ridge‐shaped microbialites and wavy‐laminated microbialites. The deeper‐water facies are composed of fenestrate microbialites, planar laminated dolostone and dolostone with rolled‐up microbial laminae. Microbialites in the Carawine Formation lie within a continuum of Archean to Proterozoic microbial facies. Some shallow‐water microbial facies in the Carawine Formation are similar to Proterozoic facies, such as large bioherms internally composed of a variety of stromatolite morphologies. In contrast, fenestrate microbialites grew in quiet subtidal environments and are common in Archean rocks but have not been documented in similar Proterozoic environments. The similarity of shallow‐water facies across the Archean–Proterozoic transition, before and after the oxidation of the atmosphere and surface oceans, indicates that stromatolite growth in shallow subtidal environments was not strongly affected by the chemical changes associated with oxidation of the oceans or by biological responses to those chemical changes. Rather, stromatolite morphology was controlled mostly by the physical environment and the corresponding biological responses to that environment. In contrast, the absence of fenestrate microbialites from Proterozoic deep subtidal environments suggests that the morphology of deep subtidal microbial structures was influenced by chemical or biological changes that occurred in association with oxidation of the surface oceans.
ACCURATE MEASUREMENT OF NAIL GROWTH
Authors: Kandil Ezzat
Published: March 2008

The minimum normal growth of the fingernails being 0.5 mm per week makes it rather difficult to measure the nail growth within a period less than three to four weeks. It is suggested that the use of an X‐ray marker will help obtain accurate measurement of nail growth within shorter periods of time, such as one week.
CUTANEOUS EFFECTS FROM RAIN‐TREE HONEYDEW AND APHIS INSECTS
Authors: MITCHELL J. C.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Honeydew and aphis insects which fell from a tree were responsible for paraesthesiae in a woman. Her condition was incorrectly diagnosed as delusions of parasitosais.
NEVUS LIPOMATOSUS CUTANEOUS SUPERFICIALIS
Authors: GIRGLIA H. S. , BHATTACHARYA S. K.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Nevus lipomatosus cutaneus superficialis (Hoffman‐Zurhelle) is a distinct clinical entity. A case is reported in which the lesions were large, appeared early in childhood and were linear in distribution along the natal cleft.
ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES INDUCED BY VINBLASTINE IN CUTANEOUS LESIONS OF HISTIOCYTOSIS X
Authors: CAPUTO R. , GIANOTTI F. , GASPARINI G.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The ultrastructural examination of the skin lesions of 2 typical patients with subacute disseminated histiocytosis X 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours alter the intravenous administration of vinblastine enabled us to observe that, after 12–24 hours, there were numerous Langerhans cells undergoing mitosis which had no spindle microtubules but showed fragments of newly forming nuclear membrane, thus demonstrating that mitosis was arrested in anaphase. Later on, in the Langerhans cells mainly, we observed degenerative phenomena (mitochondrial welling, perinuclear edema and rupture of the plasma membrane) and, finally, a marked reduction in the number of this type of cells were observed.
TINEA VERSICOLOR HYPOPIGMENTATION: HISTOCHEMICAL AND THERAPEUTIC STUDIES
Authors: EL‐GOTHAMY ZENAB , ABDEL‐FATTAH ALY , GHALY ADLY F.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: One hundred and thirty‐four patients with tinea versicolor were divided into 3 treatment groups: (1) 30% sodium thiosulfate application, (2) 30% sodium thiosulfate application plus ultraviolet light, and (3) 30% sodium thiosulfate application, ultraviolet light, and meladinine tablets (amoidin 0.01 g and amidin 0.005 g). Analysis of the 79 patients who completed the 6‐week study showed no statistical difference. Therefore, topical treatment should be instituted as quickly as possible to prevent pigmentary changes. Ultraviolet light should be used only after the fungus has cleared in order not to darken the skin further
LICHEN PLANUS IN INDIA: AN APPRAISAL OF 441 CASES
Authors: SINGH O. P. , KANWAR A. J.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: An analytical study of 441 patients with lichen planus is presented. Lichen planus occurrence was 76% of conditions seen at this institution. The sex ratio was 3:2. Most patients having the disease were in the 3rd decade of life. Lichen planus vulgaris (common type) was seen in 329 (74%) patients, lichen planus hypertrophicus in 56 (13%), lichen planus actinicus in 33 (7.5%), lichen planus fol‐licularis in 8 (2%), lichen planus atrophi‐cus in 8 (2%) and lichen planus pemphi‐goides in 7 (1.5%) patients. Mucous membrane involvement was seen in 127 (29%) cases and nail involvement in only 7 (1.5%).
STRAIGHT‐HAIR NEVUS SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT WITH SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC FINDINGS OF HAIR MORPHOLOGY
Authors: DOWNHAM THOMAS F. , CHAPEL THOMAS A. , LUPULESCU AUREL P.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Straight‐hair nevus of the scalp is a distinct clinical entity. A case is reported and 2 other cases from the literature are reviewed. In our patient, specific morphology of the hair shown by scanning electron microscopy suggested a disorder in keratogenesis from loss of cuticular cells. Straight‐hair nevus is probably a form of localized trichodysplasia.
MEASUREMENT OF BLOOD FLOW IN SKIN WITH AN INTACT VASCULAR PEDICLE
Authors: MARCUS FRED S. , CHO SANG‐IN , KOUNTZ SAMUEL L. , POWELL MALCOLM R.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: An experimental model was devised to confirm directly the validity of total skin blood flow measurement, as postulated by Sejrsen. A section of skin in the groin of the rat was prepared, which contained an intact artery and vein. Both of these were direct branches of the femoral vessels. When 133Xe was injected intrader‐mally in saline solution, it was demonstrated that a sham isolated vascular pedicle cleared the isotope, and that the clearance was biexponential, suggesting two compartments. When the vascular pedicle was ligated, thereby removing direct blood flow to the piece of skin, the 133Xe clearance curve was mono exponential. It is concluded that the rapid portion of the bi exponential clearance curve, as analyzed by Sejrsen, does represent the dermal vascular components of isotope clearance, and that measurement of cutaneous blood flow by this method is a valid and useful technique. Results using this technique to follow rejection in a new skin transplant model are presented.
CURRENT CLINICAL THERAPEUTICS: DERMATITIS HERPETIFORMIS
Authors: MILLIKAN LARRY E. , GOLDNER RONALD
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Dermatitis herpetiformis can be treated by sulfapyridine, sulfones, and gluten‐free diet, although patients with this papular‐vesicular disease respond poorly to steroids. Careful monitoring is a must.
TOPICAL UNDECYLENIC ACID IN TINEA PEDIS: A NEW LOOK
Authors: SMITH EDGAR B. , POWELL RALPH F. , GRAHAM JACK L. , ULRICH JOHN A.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: One hundred and four patients with mycologically confirmed tinea pedis took part in a controlled clinical trial to determine the efficacy of undecylenic acid powder preparations in the treatment of their fungal infections. Clinical and mycological cures were obtained in 53% of those subjects treated with undecylenic acid powders as compared with 7% of those treated with the talc vehicle or left untreated. Undecylenic acid in a powder vehicle appears to be a safe and effective agent in the treatment of tinea pedis.
NEW USES FOR BENZOYL PEROXIDE: A BROAD‐SPECTRUM ANTIMICROBIAL AGENT
Authors: KLIGMAN ALBERT M. , LEYDEN JAMES J. , STEWART REBECCA
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Benzoyl peroxide is a useful agent in the treatment of acne, chronic ulcers, tinea pedis, and tinea versicolor, probably because of its antimicrobial power. 2.5% concentration is almost as active as 5%. Although potential irritancy and allergic reaction have not been a problem on the face, benzoyl peroxide should be used judiciously in chronically inflamed or ulcerated skin. Several potential uses are mentioned.
IN VIVO STUDY OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN LEPROUS SKIN
Authors: SHESKIN JACOB , ZEIMER RAN
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The skin of leprous patients at various stages of the disease was investigated by diagnostic x‐ray spectrometry. In the active stage raised iron and slightly raised zinc levels were found. The usefulness of the method in skin investigation is foreseen.
A ZINC‐DEFICIENCY DERMATITIS IN PATIENTS ON TOTAL PARENTERAL NUTRITION
Authors: STROBEL CORY T. , BYRNE WILLIAM J. , ABRAMOVITS WILLIAM , NEWCOMER VICTOR J. , BLEICH RICHARD , AMENT MARVIN E.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT Three patients on home total parenteral nutrition utilizing a synthetic amino acid solution developed a dermatitis consistent with acrodermatitis enteropathica after 30, 43 and 62 days of therapy. The dermatitis resolved after changing to casein hydrolysate in 2 patients and after full oral alimentation in the third. Although measured serum zinc levels were repeatedly normal to elevated in all patients, sufficient retrospective data analysis combined with literature review on this subject, clearly implicates zinc deficiency as the etiology for their dermatitis. Adequate zinc supplementation of synthetic amino acid solutions is essential in order to avoid this complication.
FIXED DRUG ERUPTIONS CAUSED BY MEDICATIONS: A REPORT FROM INDIA
Authors: SEHGAL V. N. , REGE V. L. , KHARANGATE V. N.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Fifty‐five patients with fixed drug eruption were investigated to determine the drug(s) causing the reaction. History, classic clinical features of well circumscribed erythema, edema and violaceous pigmentation, and the recurrence of the eruptions on the same sites on readministering drug were used as diagnostic criteria. This was confirmed by a provocative test. Sulfonamides and analgesics either alone or in combination were the most common causes of reaction.
OCULO‐AURICULO‐VERTEBRAL SYNDROME (GOLDENHAR'S SYNDROME)
Authors: SOHI A. S. , SOHI B. K.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Oculo‐auriculo‐vertebral syndrome (Goldenhar's syndrome) was found in a 10‐month‐old boy who had epibulbar dermoids, colobomata, pre‐auricular skin tags, and hypomandibulosis.
CUTANEOUS MANIFESTATION OF INTERNAL MALIGNANCIES (II): THE SIGN OF LESER‐TRÉLAT
Authors: SAFAI BIJAN , GRANT JANE M. , GOOD. ROBERT A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract: Leser‐Trélat Sign refers to a sudden showering of seborrheic keratoses and its possible relationship to internal malignancy.
TOPICAL CLINDAMYCIN: A DOUBLE‐BLIND STUDY COMPARING CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE WITH CLINDAMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDE
Authors: GUIN JERE D.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Twenty‐one patients began a double‐blind. paired comparison of clindamycin phosphate and clindamycin hydrochloride for the treatment of acne. Fifteen subjects completed the three‐month study. There was a significant reduction in the number and severity of the lesions. The degree of improvement with each agent was judged to be virtually identical.
MULTICENTER TRIAL OF FLUOCINONIDE IN AN EMOLLIENT CREAM BASE
Authors: FISHER MICHAEL , KELLY A. PAUL
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Working independently, eight investigators evaluated the clinical effectiveness of fluocinonide 0.05% in a three‐week double‐blind paired comparison trial of 240 patients. Half the investigators compared fluocinonide emollient cream with betamethasone valerate 0.1 % cream the treatment of atopic dermatitis, while the remaining four compared the study drug with triamcinolone acetonide 0.1 % cream in the treatment psoriasis. Statistical analysis showed clinical responses favored fluocinonide p = 0.021 (Wilcoxon Signed Rank) for the atopic dermatitis group and p = 0.001 (Wilcoxon Signed Rank) for the psoriasis group.
HEREDITARY COMPLEMENT (C2) DEFICIENCY WITH DISCOID LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS AND IDIOPATHIC ATROPHODERMA
Authors: DE BRACCO MARIA M. E. , BIANCHI CARLOS A. , BIANCHI OSCAR , STRINGA SERGIO G.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. A Family with hereditary deficiency of the second component of complement was studied. Three siblings were homozygous for C2 deficiency and two of them had associated skin diseases. Ono sister presented with idiopathic atrophoderma and the other had clinical and pathological manifestations of discoid lupus erythematosus. This is the first description of an association between idiopathic atrophoderma and C2 deficient state.
Generalized Morphea with Peripheral Eosinophilia, Fasciitis and Myositis
Authors: King Donald F. , Dore Robin K. , Gilbert Dore J. , Gurevitch Arnold W. , Hirose Frank M.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The distinctions between eosinophilic fasciitis (Shulman's syndrome) and scleroderma may sometimes be unclear. We describe a patient with generalized morphea who also had peripheral blood eosinophilia, fibrosis and inflammation of fascia, and hyper‐globulinemia, features usually attributed to Shulman's syndrome. The latter diagnosis should be restricted to those patients whose history, clinical and laboratory findings, and response to therapy closely resemble Shulman's original description. Scleroderma and eosinophilic fasciitis may represent slightly differing aspects of the same disease spectrum, with a similar immunologic pathogenesis
Peganum Harmala
Authors: El‐Rifaie M. El‐Saad
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The extract of Peganum harmala (Rutaceae) was used topically to treat certain dermatoses of inflammatory nature. Results were encouraging and proved the antibacterial, antifungal, antipruritic and probably antiprotozoal effects of the extract.
Laryngeal Presentation of Blastomycosis
Authors: Mccune Mark A. , Rogers Roy S. , Roberts Glenn D.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Systemic blastomycosis may rarely involve the larynx and it most likely is a result of hematogenous dissemination Of direct inoculation from a currently or previously active pulmonary infection. Often, laryngeal blastomycosis has been confused with squamous cell carcinoma because of the clinical and histopathologic similarities, and this confusion has led to inaccurate diagnosis and inappropriate therapy. The etiologic agent, Blastomyces dermatiditis, may be seen in infected tissue with routine and special stains: however, cultural proof remains the sine qua non for diagnosis.
The Effect of Aqueous Garlic Extract on the Growth of Dermatophytes
Authors: Amer M. , Taha M. , Tosson Z.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The effect of aqueous garlic extract on the growth of different medically important dermatophytes was studied. The extract proved to have an inhibitory effect on the growth of Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton verrucosum, Trichophyton violaceum, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton schoenleini, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum. The inhibitory concentration ranged from 130‐200 mg/1. Experimental infection was induced in guinea pigs and rabbits. Treatment of the produced lesions included topical application or injection of the extract. The topical treatment was very effective, producing complete healing in 14 to 17 days following twice daily application of the extract for one week.
Clinitron Therapy and the Decubitus Ulcer: Preliminary Dermatologic Studies
Authors: Parish Lawrence Charles , Witkowski Joseph A.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Twenty‐nine patients who had decubitus ulcers and a variety of underlying diseases had good responses to the use of the Clinitron Bed, an air‐fluidized system. More research is needed to determine its place in dermatologic care.
Diaper Dermatitis with Psoriasiform ID Eruption
Authors: Rattet Jeffrey P. , Headley John L. , Bakr Ronald J.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Diaper dermatitis with psoriasiform ID eruption has a distinct clinical presentation. Its etiology and relationship to psoriasis remain uncertain. Previous reports have shaven histologic features of subacute to chronic dermatitis. Two cases are presented in which a biopsy of secondary lesions showed features characteristic of psoriasis. It is possible that such cases represent those patients with A psoriatic diathesis.
Verrucous and Elephantoid Lymphedema:
Authors: Richards Robert N.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Five patients with varying severities of hyperkeratotic verrucous thickening at the skin illustrate that the condition may occasionally become elephantoid and occurs in some cases of long‐standing lymphedema regardless of its cause. The morphologic term “elephantiasis” has been as sociated with the end of lymphedema, but his been used by different authors to mean different things and has, therefore, became imprecise. The noun “lymphedema” modified by the appropriate adjective is more accurate in describing these skin changes. Under the beading‐“elephantiasis”–Index Medicus now states–“see lymphedema”
Actinic Reticuloid
Authors: Brody Robert , Bergfeld Wilma F.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Actinic reticuloid is a polymorphous dermatosis resulting from a photosensitivity to long wavelength ultraviolet light and occasionally also to visible light, often with clinical and histological resemblance to lymphoma. We describe a patient who is the second American case to be reported with this disease and review the literature. Actinic reticuloid must be distinguished from mycosis fungoides, polymorphous light eruption, persisted light reaction, and contact dermatitis.
Histologic and Clinical Findings in Human Scabies
Authors: Falk Edvard S. , Eide Tor Jco
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The epidermal histological finding, in the primary scabetic lesion are hyperkeratosis. Acanthosis, and spongiolic edema and vesiculation. The dermal changes consist of perivascular and diffuse cell infiltrates, mainly mononuclear ells, and sometimes eosinophilic granulocytes. The number of mast cells are slightly greater in primary scabetic lesions compared with secondary lesions and normal skin. Vasculitis is found in those cases showing tissue eosinophils. Severe dermatitis, and many mites. A nodular lesion shows perivascular infiltrates mainly containing histiocytes. some with atypical and hyper‐chromatic nuclei and a few in mitosis, and some lymphocytes and cells with pyroninophilic cytoplasm. Secondary scabetic lesions show acanthosis and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrates, mainly mononuclear cells, whereas clinically normal skin presents very slight perivascular and diffuse mononuclear cell infiltrates in half of the patients. Both the number at circulating eosinophilic granulocytes and serum IgE concentrations correlate with the severity of the skin reaction. Ten of 60 patients with scabies had markedly increased numbers of circulating eosinophilic granulocytes during scabies infestation. In most of the patients, however, the number of circulating eosinophils decreased after scabies treatment.
The Frequency of Causative Dermatophytes in Egypt
Authors: Amer Mohamed , Taha M. , Vet. M. , Zeinab Tosson D. , El‐Carf A.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Mycological examination of 104 Egyptian patients showed Trichophyton violaceum to be the most common isolate, followed by Trichophyton schoenleinii, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton verrucosum, Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
Oral Stenosis in Measles
Authors: Guillozet Noel
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Gangrenous stomatitis and noma as complications of measles are regularly seen in certain tropical nations. The progression of the frequently seen, simple stomatitis to oral stenosis is a serious complication requiring surgical intervention to prevent starvation.
Immunologic Studies in Scabies
Authors: Van Neste D.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Various materials related to the life physiology of the scabies mite in and on the human skin have been identified by morphology. The role they could play as possible activators of both cellular and humoral arms of the host's immune system is discussed. Subtle aberrations of this reactive process could be basically responsible for the wide spectrum of clinical and histological aspects reported in scabies. Possible lines future research on host‐parasite relationships in scabies are proposed.
Oral Vitamin A in Acne Vulgaris Preliminary Report
Authors: Kligman Albert M. , Mills Otto H. , Leyden James J. , Gross Paul R. , Allen Herbert B. , Rudolph Robert I.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Oral vitamin A (retinol) is generally not considered useful in the treatment of acne vulgaris. We conducted a study which showed that retinol was indeed ineffective at the usual doses of 50,000 to 100,000 IU daily. Retinol was highly efficacious in doses of 300,000 units for women and 400,000 to 500,000 units for men, toxicity was slight and limited mainly to skin (xerosis) and mucous membranes (cheilitis).

The danger of hypervitaminosis A in this dosage range has been exaggerated. Retinol is a valuable drug for treating stubborn, severely inflammatory acne vulgaris. It is administered until the disease is brought under control, usually within three to four months. Then the dosage is progressively reduced relying on conventional drugs to keep the disease in abeyance.
American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: White Stephen W. , Hendricks Larry D.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: A lesion of New World leishmaniasis. evident on the palm of the hand, a rare and unusual location, is described. Routine investigations for bacteria and mycobacteria were misleading. Specific culture for Leishmania led to the correct diagnosis. Successful treatment was achieved with a pentavalent antimonial (sodium stibogluconate). The authors suggest various patient management precautions for patients with active lesions.
Cell‐mediated Immunity in Wart Infection
Authors: Thivolet Jean , Viac J. , Staouet M. J.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The role of cell‐mediated immunity (CMI) in wart infection was demonstrated. The correlation with humoral immunity was also suggested. Patients with cell‐mediated immune deficiency were found to be more susceptible to wart infection than those with humoral immune deficiency.
Skin Cancer Among Indonesians in Three Provinces of Indonesia
Authors: Harahap Marwali
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The data pertaining to skin cancers registered in three departments of pathology in Indonesia revealed that squamous cell carcinoma showed the highest frequency, followed by basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. The distribution of skin cancers, the sex, age and anatomic localization of affected patients and the relationship that have been observed between these characteristics are described.
Nasal Glioma
Authors: Gebhart W. , Hohlbrugger H. , Lassmann H. , Ramadan W.
Published: March 2008

Light and electron microscopic studies in a case of nasal Glioma revealed a tumor composed nearly entirely of astrocytes. No ganglion cells or neurons were present and the mass was not surrounded by a capsule reminiscent for meningeal tissue. The vasculature resembled dermal patterns rather than typical central nervous system. No bone detect or connection to endocerebral tissue could be detected in the present case. Nasal Glioma represents an ectopic focus of astrocytes, comparable to a hamartoma, rather than a true tumor of a herniation of brain tissue.
Medical Aspects of the Decubitus Ulcer
Authors: Andersen Klaus E. , Kvorning Sven Ancher
Published: March 2008

One hundred forty‐seven patients with 198 decubitus ulcers were studied. Decubitus ulcers are invariably secondary to an underlying medical condition. They cause patient suffering and overtax nursing time. A simple scoring system is essential to the evaluation of risk and non‐risk patients.
Subcutaneous Abscess Due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes
Authors: Smith Edgar B. , Head Elizabeth S.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: A 24‐year‐old woman developed multiple subcutaneous nodules and an abscess on the thigh. Cultures of aspirate from the abscess grew Trichophyton mentagrophytes rather than the expected bacteria. Although dermatophyte infections usually are limited to the stratum corneum, they can rarely involve the dermis and subcutaneous fat. Fungi will usually grow on media used for bacterial cultures, such as blood agar, but the cultures are slow to appear and may be missed if the cultures are discarded too rapidly.
The Graying Phenomenon An Unusual Manifestation of Alopecia Areata
Authors: De Villez Richard L. , Buchanan James M.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: A 31‐year‐old man developed sudden “whitening” of scalp and body hair. There may be a relationship to alopecia areata and its pathogenesis.
Book Reviews
Authors: Beerman Herman
Published: March 2008

Book Reviews in this articles:

ORAL MANIFESTATIONS OF SYSTEMIC DISEASE. J. Harold Jones and David K. Mason.

RECENT ADVANCES IN SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES–2. J. R. W. Harris, Editor.

SARCOIDOSIS. Riichiro Mikami and Yutaka Hosoda.

CURRENT PROBLEMS IN DERMATOLOGY. BIOCHEMISTRY OF NORMAL AND ABNORMAL EPIDERMAL DIFFERENTIA‐TIONS. A. Bernstein and M. Seiji, Editors

ORAL MANIFESTATIONS OF SYSTEMIC DISEASE. J. Harold Jones and David K. Mason.

ATLAS OF BLACK DERMATOLOGY. Theodore Rosen and Sandy Martin

THE SUTTONS' TEXTS OF 1916–1975. Richard L. Sutton, Jr.

DISEASES OF THE EXTERNAL EAR. Ben H. Senturia, Morris D. Marcus, and Frank E. Lucente

ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DERMATOLOGY. Lionel Fry, Fenella T. Wojnarowska, and Parvin Shahrad.

CURRENT PROBLEMS IN DERMATOLOGY–SOME FUN‐DAMENTAL APPROACHES IN SKIN RESEARCH. J. W. H. Mali, Nijmegen.

VENEREOLOGY IN PRACTICE. THE SEXUALLY TRANSMIT‐TED DISEASES. Neils Hjorth and Henning Schmidt. English Language Edition. Edited by Howard 1. Maibach.

BIOCHEMISTRY OF NORMAL AND PATHOLOGICAL CONNECTIVE TISSUES, Volumes I and II. A. M. Robert and L. Robert, Editors.
Endemic Leg Ulcers Caused by Corynebacterium pyogenes in Thailand
Authors: Kotrajaras Renoo , Buddhavudhikrai Preecha , Sukroongreung Samaneeya , Chanthravimol Pramook
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Corynebacterium pyogenes was isolated from leg ulcers found in 495 school children during an epidemic in Thailand in 1979 and 1980. Although C. pyogenes is frequently isolated from cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats, and less frequently from rabbits and guinea pigs, it rarely infects humans, where respiratory infections far outweigh skin infections. Cutaneous infections usually begin with a superficial abscess, then a frostbite‐like lesion, followed by ulceration and even gangrene.
Leprosy XII. T‐Cell Subsets in Lepromatous Leprosy
Authors: Lim Soo Duk , Woo Chung Sul , Youn Jae Il , Kim Youn Won , Kim Do Il , Fusaro Ramon M.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: The authors quantitated T‐rosette‐forming cell (TRFC) and T‐cell subsets (Tμ, Tγ) in the peripheral blood of twenty patients with lepromatous leprosy. The results obtained in their studies are as follows: (1) They reconfirmed the low levels of TRFC in patients with lepromatous type of leprosy; (2) T‐cell subsets, both Tμ (helper) and Tγ (suppressor) cells, showed lower levels in all patients with lepromatous leprosy than mean values of normal healthy controls; (3) The degree of decreased levels of Tμ cells (96%) was more severe than other parameters TRFC (70%) and Tγ cells (47%) in all patients with lepromatous leprosy; and (4) it may be concluded that the alteration of the T‐cell subset, Tμ‐cells, reflects a more fundamental abnormality than TRFC aberration in demonstrating the impairment of cell‐mediated immunity in patients with lepromatous leprosy.