bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interplay between inflammasome activation and antifungal host defense
Authors: van de Veerdonk Frank L. , Joosten Leo A. B. , Netea Mihai G.
Published: April 2015

Fungal infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans, and they are a growing problem due to the increased usage of broad‐spectrum antibiotics and immunosuppressive therapies. The equilibrium between the commensal microbial flora and the immune system that protects the host against invasive fungal infection is disturbed during disease, and understanding this disturbed balance is important to develop new therapeutic interventions for the treatment of fungal infection. In the context of tolerating fungi during colonization and eliciting a vigorous immune response to eliminate invading fungal pathogens when needed, the inflammasome has been identified as an integral component of antifungal host defense. It contributes to mucosal host defense by regulating T‐helper 17 (Th17) cell responses, and contributes to protective responses such as neutrophil influx during fungal sepsis. Several aspects are important for understanding the role of the inflammasome for antifungal host defense, such as the role of fungal cell wall morphology and its components in triggering the inflammasome, the pattern recognition pathways and downstream signaling cascades involved in the activation of the inflammasome, and the effects of inflammasome activation during fungal infection. The future perspectives of inflammasome research in fungal immunology, with emphasis on targeting the inflammasome for the design of future immunotherapies, is also discussed.
Caspase‐8 functions as a key mediator of inflammation and pro‐IL‐1β processing via both canonical and non‐canonical pathways
Authors: Monie Tom P. , Bryant Clare E.
Published: April 2015

Caspase‐8 is an apical component of cell death pathways. Activated caspase‐8 can drive classical caspase‐dependent apoptosis and actively inhibits cell death mediated by RIPK3‐driven necroptosis. Genetic deletion of Casp8 results in embryonic lethality as a result of uncontrolled necroptosis. This lethality can be rescued by simultaneous deletion of Ripk3. Recently, caspase‐8 has been additionally connected to inflammatory pathways within the cell. In particular, caspase‐8 has been shown to be crucially involved in the induction of pro‐IL‐1β synthesis and processing via both non‐canonical and canonical pathways. In this review, we bring together current knowledge regarding the role of caspase‐8 in cellular inflammation with a particular emphasis on the interplay between caspase‐8 and the classical and non‐canonical inflammasomes.
Bacterial recognition pathways that lead to inflammasome activation
Authors: Storek Kelly M. , Monack Denise M.
Published: April 2015

Inflammasomes are multi‐protein signaling platforms that upon activation trigger the maturation of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐18, and cell death. Inflammasome sensors detect microbial and host‐derived molecules. Here, we review the mechanisms of inflammasome activation triggered by bacterial infection, primarily focusing on two model intracellular bacterial pathogens, Francisella novicida and Salmonella typhimurium. We discuss the complex relationship between bacterial recognition through direct and indirect detection by inflammasome sensors. We highlight regulation mechanisms that potentiate or limit inflammasome activation. We discuss the importance of caspase‐1 and caspase‐11 in host defense, and we examine the downstream consequences of inflammasome activation within the context of bacterial infections.
COLLAGEN‐LIKE PROTEIN IN SERUM OF PATIENTS WITH CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISORDERS
Authors: Kishihara Yukiko , Sasaki Soichiro , Sano Shigeharu
Published: April 2015

Collagen‐like protein (CLP) was demonstrated in the serum of normal human individuals and of patients with connective tissue disorders. The average amount of CLP in normals was 9.1 ± 0.2 μg/ml, whereas in systemic scleroderma, circumscribed scleroderma, and systemic lupus erythematosus the amounts were significantly lower. Serum CLP levels were also found to be decreased in pseudoxanthoma elasticum, striae atrophicae, and impetigo herpetiformis, but variable in dermatomyositis, and within normal limits in pyoderma gangrenosum. There seemed to be a relationship between the behavior of collagen‐like protein and the severity of clinical manifestations in systemic scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus.
SERUM IGE LEVEL AND WHITE DERMOGRAPHISM IN ATOPIC DERMATITIS, ATOPIC SKIN, AND INFANTILE ECZEMA
Authors: Yoshida Kuniji , Mizuno Nobuyuki , Tada Tomio
Published: April 2015

Serum IgE levels and white dermographism were evaluated in atopic dermatitis, atopic skin, and infantile eczema. Elevated serum IgE levels were found in some atopics. In atopic dermatitis there was an increase in serum IgE levels and a more constant presence of white dermagraphism in association with increased severity of dermatitis. Likewise, in atopic skin there was an association of increased serum IgE levels with white dermographism. In infantile eczema, IgE was not increased above normal adult levels nor was there white dermographism.
STUDIES ON PHOTOSENSITIVITY CAUSED BY SULFA DRUGS
Authors: Aoki Kazuo , Shimotoge Masashi , Saito Tadao
Published: April 2015

Repeated cutaneous applications of p‐hydroxylaminobenzene sulfonamide (PHABSA), which is a photo‐oxidation product of sulfanilamide (SNAm), sensitizes the guinea pig. By challenge with the substance, a marked cutaneous inflammatory reaction and an elevation of histamine level in the lesions are observed, although a single application of PHABSA to the non‐sensitized animals elicits neither a cutaneous reaction nor changes of histamine content.

In addition, the cutaneous changes and elevation of histamine level induced by challenge in the sensitized animals are markedly suppressed by pretreatment with either histamine liberator or antihistaminic.

Thus, it is presumed that PHABSA plays an important role in the photoallergic reaction caused by SNAm and that one of the mediators in this process is histamine.
A CASE OF ANGIOKERATOMA CORPORIS CIRCUMSCRIPTUM NEVIFORME
Authors: Maekawa Yoshihiro , Arao Tatsuyoshi
Published: April 2015

A 21‐year‐old man with angiokeratoma corporis circumscriptum neviforme (ACCN) involving his left buttock, thigh, leg, and foot was treated by resection of the lesions followed by skingrafts. The lesions had gradually spread and proliferated for 10 years following previous surgical therapy in our department.

Histopathologic examination of the lesions revealed a marked hyperkeratosis of the epidermis; the upper dermis showed capillary dilatation and proliferation, and a distinct proliferation of immature endothelial cells of capillaries was noted in the middle and deep dermis.

Additionally, 34 cases of ACCN reported in Japan are reviewed. Possible etiologic factors considered are a lack of oxygen and nutrition in the tissue due to a disturbance of blood circulation, and repeated trauma to the lesions.
PRESENCE OF ANTI‐CYTOPLASMIC ANTIBODIES IN A CASE OF INCONTINENTIA PIGMENTI
Authors: Ogawa Hideoki , Miyazaki Hiroaki , Ikeya Tazuko , Masutani Mamoru , Taneda Akio , Sanada Taeko
Published: April 2015

Antibodies against the cytoplasm of normal human epidermal cells were found in both a newborn baby with incontinentia pigmenti and in her normal mother. These antibodies showed no tissue or species specificity as in the case of anti‐nuclear antibodies in SLE. The antibodies were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence. The antibody titer in the serum of the baby gradually decreased over a period of months while the mother's titer remained high. The generalized vesiculo‐bullous eruption noted at birth subsided with the decrease of antibody titer. The immunoglobulin class of the antibodies was determined to be IgG, which passes through the placental barrier.

It is suggested that the anti‐cytoplasmic antibodies produced by some unknown cause in pregnant women could be transferred to the baby and induce a variety of disorders.
INCREASE OF ACIDIC NUCLEAR PROTEINS AND DNA SYNTHESIS IN HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES ACTIVATED BY PHYTOHEMAGGLUTININ
Authors: Dekio Satoshi
Published: April 2015

Acidic nuclear proteins and histones were extracted at several points in time from human lymphocytes cultured in media containing phytohemagglutinin, and their amounts were measured according to Folin‐Lowry's technique. The amount of acidic nuclear proteins continually increased, but the histone level neither increased nor decreased. It is suggested that acidic nuclear proteins might restore histone‐inhibited DNA‐dependent RNA synthesis in human lymphocytes activated by phytohemagglutinin.
AN AUTORADIOGRAPHIC STUDY ON THE PERCUTANEOUS ABSORPTION OF A TOPICAL CORTICOSTEROID, WITH REFERENCE TO THE EFFECTS OF OCCLUSIVE TREATMENT AND STRIPPING
Authors: Takeda Yushi
Published: April 2015

The effects of occlusive treatment and stripping on the percutaneous absorption of a topical corticosteroid (17‐α‐desoxymethasone) were studied on human skin by means of a direct mounting method of autoradiography. A greater density of developed silver grains was found in the epithelium of occluded skin than in non‐occluded skin. The influence of occlusion on trans‐appendageal absorption was demonstrated by a greater density of grains in the cutaneous appendages of occluded skin as compared to non‐occluded skin. Further, a step‐wise increase in grain deposition was seen in specimens stripped repeatedly with adhesive tape. A partial removal of keratin by stripping was detected histologically, this suggests that the entire horny layer acts as a limiter of percutaneous absorption.
LYMPHOCYTE TRANSFORMATION USING MITSUDA ANTIGEN (LEPROMIN)
Authors: Yamada Mizuho , Fujimoto Fumio
Published: April 2015

A lymphocyte transformation test was performed adding Mitsuda antigen (lepromin) to the lymphocyte culture from the peripheral blood of 4 leprosy patients (2 borderline lepromatous and 2 lepromatous ones) and 6 control persons (1 Kimura disease patient, 1 kerion celsi patient, 2 latent syphilis patients and 2 normal controls—doctors). All 4 leprosy patients showed negative results, while 1 to 3% blast cells were observed in 5 of the control cases; the one case with Kimura disease showed a negative result. Only 12 to 21% blast cells stimulated by PHA were observed in the lepromatous patients.
CLINICAL PATTERN OF VITILIGO AMONGST INDIANS
Authors: Sehgal V.N. , Rege V.L. , Mascarenhas F. , Kharangate V.N.
Published: April 2015

Vitiligo incidence in the series was 14 per thousand. The affliction of the younger subjects was frequent, the mean value of age at onset being 24.25 years. Both the sexes were affected and there was no significant difference between the two. The duration of the disease had wide variations, majority reporting in the course of one year. The emotional undertones and the ocurrence of the disease amongst family links were observed as provocating factors in some cases. Ivory white macules associated sometimes with erythematous tinge, leucotrichiae and islets of pigmentation were classic. The lower extremities were frequently involved, followed by face and other parts of the body. The disease was largely progressive, though in a few it was stationary. Vitiligo vulgaris was its commonest variant, followed by areata, zosteriformis, mucosae and acrofacialis. The associations namely diabetes mellitus, liver diseases and others were recorded. The occurrence of myasthenia gravis and trigeminal neuralgia in vitiligo was interesting. Its association on the basis of autoimmunity is brought out. The importance of the clinical parameters in anticipating the prognosis after psoralen therapy are discussed.
ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT AND LYSOSOME ACTIVITY
Authors: Aoki Kazuo , Saito Tadao
Published: April 2015

The abdominal skin of guinea pigs was irradiated by a Xenon short arc lamp with glass filters. Acid phosphatase and β‐glucuronidase activity increased in the irradiated skin. The change of acid phosphatase is slow and mild in intensity, while that of β‐glucuronidase is quick and high in degree. The activity of acid phosphatase is influenced equally by light with filters of UV‐25, UV‐27, UV‐29, and UV‐31, while that of β‐glucuronidase is affected more mildly by light with a UV‐31 filter than with any of the other three filters.

These findings suggest that there is a close relationship between cutaneous changes induced by ultraviolet light and changes in lysosome activity, and that energy required to induce changes in enzyme activity is much less than energy required to produce erythema.
ULTRASTRUCTURES OF BLASTOID‐TRANSFORMED LYMPHOCYTES, STIMULATED BY SEVERAL ANTIGENS*
Authors: Yamada Mizuho , Yoshinaga Hanako
Published: April 2015

Lymphocytes transformed into large cells with specific antigens and a non‐specific stimulant agent, PHA, were studied by electron microscopy. The large cells stimulated by specific antigens—for instance, tuberculin (PPD), trichophytin, sporotrichin, potassium dichromate, and cobalt chloride—were ultrastructurally different from the PHA‐transformed ones. The latter had poor organellae in the relatively narrow cytoplasmic spaces, resembling the immature lymphocytes reported by other authors, while in the wide cytoplasm of the former were numerous endoplasmic reticula, various dense bodies and lysosome‐like structures. They were similar to macrophages. Cells transformed by PPD showed both acid phosphatase activity and India ink‐phagocytizing activity.
INFANTILE DIGITAL FIBROMATOSIS
Authors: Watanabe Hideko , Nagao Sadanori , Inaba Shogo , Iijima Susumu
Published: April 2015

In a case of infantile digital fibromatosis in a 5‐month‐old female baby, there were lesions on the digits, and later a tumor recurred on the sole. From histological, histochemical and electron microscopic testing, it is suggested that the specific inclusion was composed of peptide with little or no sugar or nucleic acid content and that it was an accumulation of “immature” tropocollagen. A brief review of the literature is presented.
ANALYSIS OF THE BINDING SITES OF PHYTOHEMAGGLUTININS AND PEMPHIGUS ANTIBODY IN THE INTERCELLULAR AREAS OF THE EPIDERMIS
Authors: Nishikawa Takeji , Harada Takashi , Hatano Hitoshi , Ogawa Hideoki , Miyazaki Hiroaki
Published: April 2015

In order to characterize the pemphigus antigen(s), the binding sites of phytohemagglutinins and pemphigus antibody were studied by the combined use of fluorescein‐labelled Concanavalin A (Con A‐FITC), Phytohemagglutinin‐P‐FITC (PHA‐P‐FITC) and pemphigus antibody. Reciprocal blocking test of PHA‐P and pemphigus antibody revealed that the binding sites of PHA‐P and pemphigus antibody were independent, whereas those of Con A and pemphigus antibody were very closely related though not identical. Pemphigus skin with deposition of IgG or with presumable saturation of the binding sites with high‐titred antibody showed capability to Con A binding. Treatment of normal skin sections with Hyaluronidase or Neuraminidase did not supply any clue to the histochemical analysis of pemphigus antigen(s), since the binding sites of pemphigus antibody were destroyed in the buffer, prior to the enzyme digestion. These results suggested that the binding sites of pemphigus antibody in the intercellular areas consist, at least, of carbohydrates or glycoproteins that contain alpha‐methyl‐D‐mannoside or alpha‐methyl‐D‐glucoside.
ELUTION OF SOLUBLE EPIDERMAL GLYCOPROTEINS BINDING WITH CONCANAVALIN A AND STUDIES ON THEIR REACTIVITY WITH PEMPHIGUS ANTIBODY
Authors: Miyagawa Sachiko , Hayashi Koji , Sakamoto Kuniki
Published: April 2015

Soluble epidermal glycoproteins reactive with Concanavalin A (Con A) were eluted by means of affinity chromatography using Con A‐conjugated Sepharose 4B. Studies on their immunogenicity and antigenicity revealed that the main components of pemphigus antigens are not identical with surface saccharides reactive with Con A.
IMMUNE DEPOSITS IN THE SKIN OF REVERSED PASSIVE ARTHUS REACTION. THE EFFECTS OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CORTICOSTEROID
Authors: Kubo Miyoko , Ueki Hiroaki , Nohara Nozomi
Published: April 2015

The effects of corticosteroid administration on the immune deposits in the skin of reversed passive Arthus reaction (RPAR) using horseradish peroxidase as antigen were studied. Immune deposits were seen on vascular walls, on collagen fibers, at the dermo‐epidermal junction, at perifollicular regions, on mononuclear cells and in PMN‐leukocytes. By corticosteroid administration the amount of these immune deposits was most obviously reduced within the first 30 minutes after the induction of the RPAR. At 1, 4, 8, 24 and 48 hours after induction of the reaction there were no significant differences in the amount and the extent of the immune deposits on the vascular walls, on the collagen fibers and on the mononuclear cells, between the sections treated by corticosteroid and those of non‐treated specimens. The infiltration of PMN‐leukocytes and their uptake of immune complexes were maximum at 4 hours after the injection and the number of these infiltrated PMN‐leukocytes and the amount of immune complexes which were taken by them were slightly reduced by corticosteroid administration.
THE PROGNOSIS OF SKIN CARCINOMA AND MALIGNANT MELANOMA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THEIR EXTENTS AS REPRESENTED IN TERMS OF T, N, AND M OF UNION INTERNATIONALE CONTRE LE CANCER (UICC)
Authors: Imai Seiji
Published: April 2015

The prognosis of skin carcinoma and malignant melanoma was studied statistically. One hundred and one cases of basal cell epithelioma (BCE), 93 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and 34 cases of malignant melanoma (MM) were studied. No cases of death due to basal cell epithelioma were found. The squamous cell carcinomas and malignant melanomas were classified according to the TNM system into three classes with different prognoses.

The first class represents the initial stage, in which cure is expected if treatment is adequate. The second class is the intermediate stage, in which cure is uncertain and the prognosis depends upon the degree of extension. The third class is the late stage, in which distant metastasis is found and in which cure might not be anticipated. Furthermore, the prognosis of previously treated cases was poorer than that of untreated cases.

Our findings indicate that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment in the initial stage results in the best prognosis and that the success or failure of the initial treatment has an appreciable influence on the prognosis of skin malignancy.
MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDOSIS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SCHEIE SYNDROME
Authors: Horiuchi Ryuya , Ishikawa Hidekazu , Ishii Yoko , Watanabe Yuko , Noguchi Tetsuro , Suzuki Shigeoki
Published: April 2015

Three patients with Scheie syndrome are reported on. They were suspected to be suffering from mucopolysaccharidosis because of clinical, histological and electron microscopic observations. The Scheie syndrome diagnosis was based on urinary GAG analysis. Chase experiments with cultured fibroblasts from one of the patients showed retarded degradation of 85SO4‐labeled intracellular GAG. In addition, the pathogenesis of mucopolysaccharidoses in connection with cellular GAG metabolism is discussed.
TRANS‐EPIDERMAL ELIMINATION OF IMMUNE DEPOSITS IN THE SKIN. AN IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY ON IMMUNE DEPOSITS USING HORSERADISH PEROXIDASE AS ANTIGEN
Authors: Ueki Hiroaki , Kubo Miyoko , Masuda Toshiki , Nohara Nozomi
Published: April 2015

Using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as antigen, reversed passive Arthus reactions were carried out on the skin of rabbits, in which HRP‐anti HRP immune deposits were observed as brownish granules in sections treated with diaminobenzidine and peroxide. Some immune deposits, presumably insoluble immune complexes, were found to be taken up by neutrophilic leukocytes in the subepidermal papillary layer, then pushed up into the epidermal layer and subsequently eliminated from the epidermal surface as small crusts.

In the course of this trans‐epidermal elimination, intra‐epidermal and subcorneal micro‐abscesses were observed. Most of the neutrophilic leukocytes in the micro‐abscesses were shown to contain peroxidase‐positive granules. The trans‐epidermal elimination of immune deposits might represent a way of biological clearance of immune deposits occurring in the sub‐epidermal papillary layer or within the epidermis.
TREATMENT OF MYCOSIS FUNGOIDES WITH OK‐432
Authors: Sawada Yoko , Ohashi Masaru
Published: April 2015

Up to the present no other therapeutic means besides local X‐ray or beta‐ray irradiation and anticancer drugs for the treatment of patients with mycosis fungoides, especially when the condition has progressed to secondary involvement of the lymph nodes, has been found.

A recent clinical trial of OK‐432 injected locally into cutaneous tumors of a patient with this disease resulted in a conspicuous contraction not only of the tumors injected but of other tumors as well along with significant regression of lymphadenomas. No serious adverse reaction was observed other than low‐grade fever and heavy‐headedness.

These results suggest host‐mediated and direct antitumor effects of OK‐432 as the possible underlying mechanisms. The efficacy of OK‐432 in reducing the size of the tumors without causing any serious adverse effects indicate the potential usefulness of this drug for the treatment of mycosis fungoides.
Angiolipoma In Brothers
Authors: Namba Masako , Kohda Mamoru , Mimura Shigeru , Nakagawa Shôjiro , Ueki Hiroaki
Published: April 2015

Two brothers with angiolipoma are presented. The patients, 33‐ and 37‐year‐old men, have multiple subcutaneous nodules on the trunk and extremities. Skin biopsies have confirmed the diagnosis of angiolipoma.
Book review
Authors: Sano Shigeharu
Published: April 2015

BIOCHEMISTRY OF CUTANEOUS EPIDERMAL DIFFERENTIATION: M. Seiji and L.A. Bernstein (ed.) University of Tokyo Press, Tokyo, 1977. (pp. 514, ¥12000)
A CASE OF LICHEN MYXEDEMATOSUS ASSOCIATED WITH IMMUNOLOGICAL ABNORMALITIES
Authors: Akiyama Tomio , Hori Makoto , Yamaura Hideaki , Nonaka Shigeo , Takahashi Isamu
Published: April 2015

A 33‐year‐old male consulted us with symptoms of band‐like infiltration, thickenning and subcutaneous induration occurring in the face, chest, back, shoulder and upper extremities. In the following time he developed arthralgia, fever and ocular symptoms. Laboratory tests revealed normal thyroid functions and a normal bone marrow picture, but there were immunological abnormalities such as reduced cellular immunity, decrease in C 3 (beta 1c/1a) and positive antinuclear antibody. Histologically, there was an increase in fibroblasts and deposits of hyaluronic acid were revealed histochemically. A diagnosis of lichen myxedematosus was established.

At present, all symptoms and signs including skin rash have disappeared following corticosteroid therapy and the patient is being followed up. So far as we have been able to trace, reports on lichen myxedematosus associated with immunological abnormalities as described here have not been found. The relationship between this pathology and immunological abnormalities are discussed.
EXFOLIATIVE DERMATITIS FROM CHINESE HERBS (DECOCTION)
Authors: Watanabe Chiyeko , Kawada Akihiro
Published: April 2015

A patient, aged 78, with exfoliative dermatitis due to the ingestion of Chinese herbs (decoction) was presented. Provocative medication showed that he was sensitive to 4 composite materials (Radix angelicae acutilobae, Rhizoma zingiberis, Radix paeoniae and Radix glycyrrhizae). Patch tests were positive to each of these materials while the intradermal test was negative. These results indicate that systemic contact‐type hypersensitivity to the ingested medicines is involved in evoking the exfoliative dermatitis lesion and that, in addition, purely epidermal contact sensitivity as defined by S. Epstein and Baer plays an important role.
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF HOUSE DUST ALLERGY IN NIGERIA
Authors: Hunponu‐Wusu O.O. , Somorin A.O.
Published: April 2015

During an investigation of the mite fauna in Lagos, Nigeria, the following mites, namely, Dermatophagoides, Blomia, Cheyletus and Mesostigmata species were isolated. Blomia species, a hitherto undocumented mite in Nigeria occurs to a marked extent in Nigerian houses. It was observed that location of houses seemed to affect the density and types of mites and that the majority of the houses were located in the damper suburbs of the city. It is suggested that in the prophylaxis of dust‐induced allergic diseases maintainance of adequate housing conditions would be of epidemiological importance. Furthermore, in the prevention of the occupational hazard of dust‐induced asthma, it is recommended that routine medical examination of prospective employees, particularly those in dust‐associated industries, should include pre‐employment allergic skin testing in order to ascertain sensitivity to industrial dusts.
HYPERGAMMAGLOBULINEMIC PURPURA AND CRYOGLOBULINEMIA
Authors: Sonnenblick Moshe , Gelmont David , Jacobsohn Warren Z , Rachmilewitz Eliezer
Published: April 2015

Primary hypergammaglobulinemic purpura in an 84 year old woman is described. In addition to her advanced age, she also showed cryoglobulinemia. The patient was further studied by immunofluorescent staining of the skin biopsy specimen, which showed deposition of IgG, IgM, fibrinogen and β1C in the vessel walls.

These findings would seem to indicate involvement of the complement system in the pathogenesis of the vasculitis in this entity.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF SEBACEOUS EPITHELIOMA
Authors: Hori Makoto , Egami Kazuya , Maejima Kazuki , Nishimoto Katsutaro
Published: April 2015

A case of sebaceous epithelioma on the scalp of a 50 year old female was reported.

Using an electron microscope, cells from the tumor were classified into 5 stages according to their development.

Furtheremore, our investigation indicate that lipid synthesis was activated in sebaceous epithelioma cells rather than in normal sebaceous cells, and can apparently be distinguished from lipid‐droplet formation by degradation.

These sebaceous epithelioma cells also possessed the ability to secrete which suggests that these tumor cells originated from germinative cells of the sebaceous gland rather than epidermal basal cells.
THE “COLLOID BODY”—ITS NATURE AND PATHOGENESIS—
Authors: Ishibashi Yasumasa , Tsuru Noriko , Kukita Atsushi
Published: April 2015

The so‐called “colloid bodies” in lichen planus and lichen amyloidosus were observed ultrastructurally and compared with the changes of basal cells in “Futorafur dermatitis”, which occurs after long term administration of N1‐(2′‐tetrahydrofuryl‐5‐fluorouracil).

The “colloid bodies” were located in the intercellular spaces in the epidermis and freely in the stroma of the upper corium. They were mainly composed of fine filaments, and frequently contained some melanosomes, mitochondria and other vacuolated structures. These filaments had a constant width about 70 to 80 Å in diameter, which was much the same as those of tonofilaments in an adjacent keratinocytes. A number of desmosomes, to which these filaments convergently adhered, were occasionally observed in “colloid bodies”. This finding seems to support the theory that these filaments are themselves tonofilaments originating from keratinocytes, and they are fundamentally differentiated from other types of filaments in the dermo‐epidermal junction areas. The degenerative processes of basal cells in the epidermis in the lesions of “Futorafur dermatitis” seemed to be identical to those in formation of “colloid bodies” from keratinocytes in lichen planus.
ENZYMOLOGICAL STUDIES OF EPIDERMAL ACID PHOSPHATASE
Authors: Miyagawa Teruo , Nakayama Juichiro , Toshitani Shoji , Ogura Ryohei
Published: April 2015

Acid phosphatase of newborn rat epidermis was purified about 270‐fold by a procedure including acid treatment, CM‐cellulose, DEAE‐cellulose chromatography, and gel filtration on Sephadex G‐100. The purified enzyme had a pH optimum of 5.0 and an optimal temperature of 40°C. The enzyme was not activated by divalent cations, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or 2‐mercaptoethanol, and it was inhibited by p‐chloromercuribenzoate. The inhibition pattern by fluoride and by L(+) tartrate was competitive. The Km value for p‐nitrophenyl phosphate was 3.84×10−5 M, and the molecular weight was about 73, 000. The enzyme appeared to be a nonspecific acid phosphatase. Intracellular localization of acid phosphatase in the epidermis was discussed.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF SO‐CALLED MULTICENTRIC PIGMENTED BOWEN'S DISEASE
Authors: Kimura Shunji
Published: April 2015

Two cases of so‐called multicentric pigmented Bowen's disease were examined by electron microscopy. The three types of genital lesions found in Case 1, including typical black papules, whitish macerated papules and brownish‐black papillomatous lesions, showed both dyskeratotic features which were less pronounced than those of ordinary Bowen's disease, and virus‐like particles in the nuclei of the keratinocytes beneath the horny layer. On the other hand, the two types of lesions in Case 2 showed similar features, although dyskeratotic features were not apparently observed. These results suggest that the three types of genital lesions in Case 1 are similar to each other, and also to extragenital lesions, which were also present, and that there may be a common pathogenetic factor, probably human papilloma virus.
ANTI‐DNA ANTIBODIES OF VARIOUS SKIN DISEASES, ESPECIALLY OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS
Authors: Idemori Masahiro , Hanamiya Hideaki , Yasaka Shoko , Kudo Shoichiro , Arao Tatsuyoshi
Published: April 2015

Anti‐DNA antibodies of healthy controls and patients with various skin diseases, especially with SLE, were measured with a hemoagglutination test using erythrocytes labelled with DNA (DNA test manufactured by Fujizoki). The following conclusions were obtained. 1) Untreated SLE with acute symptoms presents a high anti‐DNA antibody titer in the DNA test. 2) The anti‐DNA antibody titer rises slightly later than do clinical symptoms. 3) If corticosteroids are given in sufficient doses at the beginning of SLE treatment, there is a possibility of the DNA test turning negative within two months. 4) The anti‐DNA antibody titer is kept at a dilution of 1:160 or less in well‐controlled SLE. 5) In addition to SLE, PSS also gives increased titers.
BEHAVIOR OF PIGMENT CELLS ON LESIONS OF THE PIGMENTED NEVUS WITH VITILIGO
Authors: Hamada Toshio , Sakurane Hirotada F. , Saito Tadao
Published: April 2015

When vitiligo occurred on lesions of the pigmented nevus, the behavior of pigment cells in this nevus was investigated. Three cases of giant hairy nevi, seven cases of moles, three cases of Mongolian spots and eleven specimens in nine cases of halo nevi were used. Giant hairy nevi combining with vitiligo showed intensive decreases in nevus cells, particularly superficial A and B‐type nevus cells. The epidermal dopa‐positive melanocytes and melanin granules in the epidermis decreased, but still remained. On the other hand, moles in vitiligo showed an almost complete disappearance of epidermal dopa‐positive melanocytes and melanin granules in the epidermis; nevus cells in the dermis decreased only slightly. Mongolian spots with vitiligo showed an epidermis similar to vitiligo, but the dermal melanocytes were hardly changed. Halo nevi exhibited an intensive decrease and degeneration of nevus cells and marked lymphocytic infiltration. Some of them showed disappearance of epidermal dopa‐positive melanocytes and melanin granules in the epidermis.

The characteristic findings of vitiliginous skin are mostly restricted to epidermis. In contrast, however, it is interesting to note that, on the lesions of nevocellular nevi with vitiligo, the dermis also exhibited some decrease and degeneration of nevus cells and lymphocytic infiltration.
PLASMA MEMBRANE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE HUMAN SKIN KERATINOCYTE AS OBSERVED BY FREEZE‐FRACTURE ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
Authors: Kitajima Yasuo , Mori Shunji
Published: April 2015

The ultrastructure of the plasma membrane of human keratinocytes was investigated by freeze‐fracture electron microscopy. Desmosomes were identified as an intramembranous particle aggregation on both of the fracture faces of the plasma membrane. The particle density of desmosomes ranged from 1,100 to 1,500/μ2, while those of the P and E faces of the non‐desmosomal membrane areas were 350 and 100/μ2, respectively. The size of desmosomes varied from 0.3 to 0.7 μ in diameter. The frequency of the desmosomes was one to two per 2 μ2. Gap junctions were a hexagonal array of the intramembranous particles in freeze‐fracture replicas, and found much less frequently than desmosomes. On the basal cell membranes, round pits due to pinocytosis and particle aggregates of hemidesmosomes were observed.
ENZYMATIC STUDIES ON ADNEXAL TUMORS OF THE SKIN
Authors: Aoyagi Takashi , Kobayashi Hitoshi , Kamigaki Katsuko , Miura Yusho
Published: April 2015

Sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC), basal cell epithelioma with sebaceous cell differentiation (BCE+S) and basal cell epithelioma (BCE) were examined enzymatically, in order to elucidate the enzymatic characteristics of these tumors and the tumor cell origin of BCE+S.

SGC demonstrated significantly higher enzyme activity of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G‐6‐PDH), isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) and α‐glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (Gly‐PDH) than did BCE.

BCE+S had an enzymatic pattern similar to BCE, except for Gly‐PDH which resembled SGC.

The results obtained in this study indicated that BCE+S derived not from sebaceous gland cells but from primitive basal cells or epidermal cells which transformed into BCE and then partially differentiated toward sebaceous gland cells.
EPIDERMODYSPLASIA VERRUCIFORMIS—REPORT OF A CASE AND GENETIC CONSIDERATION ON THE JAPANESE CASES—
Authors: Yoshikawa Kunihiko , Maeda Naonori , Kato Takehisa
Published: April 2015

Thirty three Japanese cases recorded in the last 10 years are reviewed with an additional case of a 57‐year‐old Japanese woman with typical eruptions and cutaneous malignancies.

Familial occurrence and parental consanguinity were seen in at least 30.0% and 26.7% of the cases respectively, further suggesting the recessive mode of inheritance which affects males and females almost equally.

Cutaneous malignancy was seen in 48.5% of these patients with an average age of 35.3 yrs.
PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS
Authors: Nigam Pranesh , Singh Dinesh , Matreja V.S. , Saxena H.N.
Published: April 2015

A less documented entity of psoriatic arthritis was studied in 238 cases of psoriasis and it was detected in 5.1% of cases. The prevalence of arthritis was found in the population over 40 years of age and was 2.7% of the males and 8.2% of the females. Psoriatic arthritis was much more common in females (male to female ratio=1:2) in contrast to male predominance in psoriasis (male to female ratio=1.6:1). Skin lesions usually precede the arthritis (50%); in others the onset is synchronous (41.7%) and in few of them the arthritis may come first (8.3%). Athritis is commonly encountered with moderate to severe involvement of skin (75%). In deforming type of arthritis the psoriasis was extensive and exfoliative (17%). The nails are more frequently involved at the onset of the arthritis. Rose‐Waaler Test was negative in all of them. Anaemia (41.6%) and raised ESR (25%) was a feature in the active phase of the disease. Hyperurecaemia was noted in 41.6% of cases, indicating towards the extensive involvement of skin. The importance of radiological evaluation of spine, sterno‐clavicular and sacro‐iliac joints in all patients is stressed. Certain unusual features noted in the presented series of cases are; calcaneal spur (17%), spondylolisthesis (8.5%) and presence of LE cells (8.3%).
ULTRASTRUCTURAL OBSERVATIONS OF PAUTRIER MICROABSCESS
Authors: Sagami Seichiro , Asano Shoichi , Takahashi Masanobu , Imabayashi Kazumi
Published: April 2015

The skin of a 56‐year‐old Japanese male with mycosis fungoides (MF), tumor stage, was examined by electron microscopy. The results obtained were as follows:

Mycosis fungoides cells (MC) were present singly and also as a migratory pattern in the basal cell layer of the epidermis.

MC had increased in number by migration from the dermis and probably by mitosis in the epidermis to form a group in the upper layer of the epidermis.

The wall of an established Pautrier microabscess (PM) was tight and continuous in appearance with high electron density, and consisted of the cell membranes of the surrounding keratinocytes.

There were morphologically two types of MC in PM, clear and dark; The difference between the two was due to intracellular organelles, and could be a representation of each functional phase.

Based on the findings in the literature and those in the present study, the histogenesis of PM was discussed.
DEMONSTRATION OF DNP GROUPS ON IN VITRO DINITROPHENYLATED LYMPH NODE CELLS OF THE GUINEA PIG BY A SCANNING IMMUNOELECTRON MICROSCOPIC METHOD
Authors: Nakaye Masako , Nakagawa Shojiro , Mimura Shigeru , Uekt Hiroaki , Kumon Hiromi , Ohmori Hiroyuki
Published: April 2015

The distribution of DNP groups on the surface of guinea pig lymph node cells incubated with 2.5 mM DNBSO3Na in tubes was investigated by an indirect method using scanning immunoelectron microscopy with bacteriophage T4 labelled with antibody as a visual marker. Fairly precise localization could be achieved with scanning electron microscopy. It became apparent that DNP groups were distributed in varying amounts on the surface of lymph node cells incubated with DNBSO3Na in tubes and that DNP groups had a tendency to be distributed patchily on cells sufficiently exposed. The frequency of the cells to which DNP groups attached was approximately 50%. The significance of these findings is discussed.
A CASE OF DIFFUSE PLANE XANTHOMATOSIS
Authors: Yu Hsin‐Su , Ishibashi Yasumasa , Kukita Atsushi
Published: April 2015

A 54 year old woman had had typical symptoms of diffuse plane xanthomatosis of 9 years' duration about the eyelids, neck, trunk and extremities. Episodes of intermittent attacks of edema and erythema in the xanthomatous plaques were noticed. Serum complement examination revealed low levels of CH50, C1q, C4, C2 and C1 esterase inhibitor, but C3 was within normal limits. These results are similar to those found in hereditary angio‐neurotic edema. The angio‐edema like symptoms in this case are discussed in the light with this abnormal complement component profile.
X‐LINKED ICHTHYOSIS
Authors: Saita Buzou , Kikuchi Ichiro , Hiejima Mutsusuke , Inoue Shohei , Fukuzaki Masashi
Published: April 2015

We report 5 families with X‐linked ichthyosis, of whom 14 individuals were examined. The onset was between 1 month and 3 months after birth in seven cases out of 11. Ichthyosis was marked on the head, ears, abdomen and limbs. In some cases, the antecubital, popliteal and axillary fossae were affected. Dark brown scales, characteristic of X‐linked ichthyosis, were observed in 11 cases out of 14. Histological examination revealed 3 to 5 layers of the granular layer in all of the nine cases examined. Ophthalmological slit lamp examination revealed bilateral deep corneal opacities in 5 cases out of 14 cases of X‐linked ichthyosis. Punctate corneal clouding was observed in two out of 10 identified carriers of X‐linked ichthyosis.

All 24 children born of 7 cases of X‐linked ichthyosis were not affected. All parents of patients with X‐linked ichthyosis were also unaffected. Ichthyosis was observed in 26 male children out of 44 male children born of 21 carriers of X‐linked ichthyosis. These data attest to the X‐linked recessive mode of inheritance.
PRURIGO NODULARIS A POSSIBLE RELATIONSHIP TO ATOPY
Authors: Miyachi Yoshiki , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Furukawa Fukumi , Imamura Sadao
Published: April 2015

The possible relationship between prurigo nodularis and atopy was studied revealing that prurigo nodularis occurs more readily in atopics. Our results suggest that some prurigo nodularis is associated with an atopic background in pathogenesis. We speculate that patients with atopy are more sensitive to insect bites or other scratch‐provoking triggers which often leads to intensive scratching resulting in the verrucous appearance of the eruption.
THE HYDROXYL RADICAL IS NOT INVOLVED WITH TYROSINASE INACTIVATION
Authors: Tomita Yasushi , Seiji Makoto , Igarashi Akira
Published: April 2015

Tyrosinase [EC 1.4.18.1] in the mouse melanoma melanosome was inactivated during the dopatyrosinase reaction. When the air phase in the reaction mixture was replaced by N2 gas, tyrosinase inactivation during incubation with dopa did not occur. This may indicate that oxygen radicals and/or hydroxyl radicals (OH) are generated in the tyrosinase reaction and attack tyrosinase itself with inactivation. As shown in our previous report, oxygen radicals such as superoxide anion (O2−) and singlet oxygen (1O2) have nothing to do with tyrosinase inactivation. In this paper, we tested whether or not the hydroxyl radical could be related to the inactivation of tyrosinase. The enzyme inactivation was not prevented by D‐mannitol, a scavenger for hydroxyl radical. Furthermore, production of hydroxyl radicals which react spontaneously with methionine to yield ethylene, which can be measured by gas chromatography, was not detected in this enzyme reaction. Thus the inactivation involved is not due to the hydroxyl radical.
A CASE OF VITILIGO VULGARIS WITH IgG DETECTED AT THE DERMOEPIDERMAL JUNCTION—WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ITS TREATMENT WITH OK‐432
Authors: Sawada Yoko , Ohashi Masaru
Published: April 2015

In a case of vitiligo vulgaris, IgG was detected at the dermoepidermal junction in the involved region of the face using the direct fluorescent‐antibody technique. In this case there was also an area of rippled pigmentation of the skin on the back, where amyloid deposition was demonstrated by staining with thioflavine T. No amyloid was present in the vitiliginous area of the face.

The disease failed to respond to Methoxalen but healed almost completely as a result of intradermal injections of OK‐432. OK‐432 appears to provide a practical and theoretically sound method of treatment for the disease.
IMMUNE COMPLEXES IN THE SERA OF PATIENTS WITH ANTI‐RNP ANTIBODIES
Authors: Miyagawa Sachiko , Sakamoto Kuniki
Published: April 2015

Circulating immune complexes were detected by the polyethylene glycol precipitation method in the sera of patients with antibodies to ribonucleoprotein (RNP). Levels of immune complexes were significantly higher than in normal control sera and correlated well with disease activity as defined by clinical manifestations, decreased levels of complement and increased fluorescent anti‐nuclear antibody titers.

Analysis of IgG‐aggregates in the sera of patients revealed the following characteristics: molecular weight of about 900,000 daltons, sensitivity to RNase, resistance to DNase, no Clq‐binding activity and no RF activity.
IMMUNOLOGICAL STUDIES OF ONCHOCERCIASIS IN GUATEMALA
Authors: Akiyama Tomio , Ushijima Nobuo , Anan Sadao , Nonaka Shigeo , Yoshida Hikotaro , Flores Guillermo Efrain Zea
Published: April 2015

The serum levels of the four immunoglobulins, IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE, in Guatemalan onchocerciasis patients were determined quantitatively using a laser immunoassay system or radioimmunosorbent test.

The IgG and IgE levels in Guatemalan onchocerciasis patients positive for Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae were significantly higher than the levels in Guatemalan controls negative for microfilariae and in healthy Japanese controls. But, no differences in the levels of IgA and IgM were obtained between the Guatemalan onchocerciasis patient group and the two control groups.
SPONTANEOUS REGRESSION OF HUMAN MALIGNANT MELANOMA
Authors: Hori Yoshiaki , Masuzawa Mikio , Takezaki Shinichiro , Arai Harue
Published: April 2015

Cellular and subcellular changes and cell‐mediated immunity of a patient (a 26‐year‐old man) with spontaneously regressed malignant melanoma are described.

The patient developed black nodules on his left leg and foot several times over a period of 11 years. These nodules necrotized, regressed to form crusted nodules and disappeared leaving white macules.

Many melanin‐laden cells (so‐called melanophages) were seen in the upper dermis of the melanotic macules, and no melanoma cells were observed in the upper dermis of the white macules which appeared at the site of regressed melanotic macules or nodules.

In melanin‐laden cells observed in melanotic macules, many melanosome complexes with hydrolytic enzyme activity and a small number of single melanosomes were recognized. We assumed that some or many of the melanin‐laden, melanophage‐like cells in the upper dermis of a regressing malignant melanoma might be effete melanoma cells. Cell‐mediated immunity had been preserved while spontaneous regression of tumors was occurring.

However, the patient died as a result of metastatic melanomas which involved the lymph nodes, liver, bones, brain, heart, kidney, lung and gastrointestinal tract.
TINEA VERSICOLOR AND EARWAX
Authors: Ono Tomomichi , Jono Masayoshi , Kuriya Norikazu
Published: April 2015

The types of earwax which may manifest characteristics of the skin surface, were found to be related with the incidence of tinea versicolor caused by lipophilic fungus, Malassezia furfur. The condition of earwax is usually classified into 2 types, wet and dry. Of 223 Japanese cases of tinea versicolor examined in Kumamoto, wet earwax was found in 90 cases (40.9%). The results indicate a statistically significant higher incidence than in normal Japanese, among which the percentage of individuals with wet earwax is 16%.
SURVEY OF MATING TYPES OF CLINICAL ISOLATES OF MICROSPORUM CANIS IN JAPAN
Authors: Kinbara Takeshi , Fukushiro Ryoichi
Published: April 2015

The results of mating experiments with isolates of Microsporum canis isolated in Japan were reported. Of the 120 cultures of M. canis studied, 111 originated from human cases and 9 from pet cats. Ninety‐eight of the isolates were compatible with Nannizzia otae and proved to be of the “—” mating type. Cleistothecia were not produced by 22 isolates in combination with the two compatible tester strains.
RETINOID STIMULATES EPIDERMAL OUTGROWTH OF PIG SKIN EXPLANTS
Authors: Aoyagi Takashi , Kamigaki Katsuko , Kato Naoko , Fukaya Toru , Iizuka Hajime , Miura Yusho
Published: April 2015

Using a pig explant culture system, the effects of retinoids on pig epidermal cells were studied. Ro 10‐9359 slightly stimulated epidermal outgrowth, but this effect was not significant. Ro 10‐1670 (a metabolite of Ro 10‐9359) significantly stimulated epidermal outgrowth. Cytochalasin B and colchicine markedly inhibited the stimulatory effect of Ro 10‐1670, but hydroxyurea or cycloheximide did not completely block this stimulatory effect. During a migratory period, cytochalasin B completely blocked it. Neither Ro 10‐1670 nor Ro 10‐9359 effected a change in mitotic index. Histological studies revealed that Ro 10‐1670‐treated epidermal cells did not form any keratin layers. These results suggest that Ro 10‐1670 stimulated outgrowth, particularly migratory outgrowth, of epidermal cells, resulting in reduced keratin formation.
COAGULASE TYPES OF COAGULASE‐POSITIVE STAPHYLOCOCCI FROM BACTERIAL SKIN INFECTIONS
Authors: Dekio Satoshi , Onimura Kentaro
Published: April 2015

Coagulase types of the strains of coagulase‐positive Staphylococci isolated from bacterial skin infections were determined by the simplified method for coagulase typing. The abilities to utilize mannitol and to produce lipase and the sensitivities to antibiotics were also examined. Relationships were obvious between the coagulase types and the other characters as well as the studied dermatoses. Coagulase typing is considered to be a suitable method for the classification of coagulase‐positive Staphylococci in studies of staphylococcal skin infections, because the procedure is relatively simple, all strains of coagulase‐positive Staphylococci were classifiable in this study, and the results were useful for understanding staphylococcal skin infections.