bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact on Coronary Artery Disease of Common Polymorphisms Known to Modulate Responses to Pathogens
Authors: O'Halloran A. M. , Stanton A. , O'Brien E. , Shields D. C.
Published: April 2006

There are two distinct models to explain how genetic variants contributing to cardiovascular disease may have arisen. Firstly, variants may result from random, initially neutral, mutations whose effects are largely revealed in post‐reproductive individuals in industrialized societies. Alternatively, the introduced variants may confer an adaptive advantage in certain circumstances. Resistance to pathogens is one of the strongest selection pressures on human proteins. To determine whether this evolutionary pressure has made a large contribution to heart disease we tested whether seventeen polymorphisms in fourteen innate‐immunity genes, with documented evidence of modulating response to pathogens, had an impact on heart disease. Genotyping was performed in 1,598 CAD subjects (ACS or stable angina) and 332 controls. The TLR4 399Ile allele had the greatest impact on ACS risk (uncorrected p = 0.006); however there was no evidence overall that the resistance alleles cumulatively influenced the risk of ACS compared to controls or stable angina patients (p = 0.12, and p = 0.40, respectively). We did note a significant interaction between age at onset of disease and combined resistance allele carriership when the ACS and non‐thrombotic, stable angina groups were compared (p = 0.04, 16 d.f.). This suggests that innate immunity factors could have a greater impact on thrombus formation among younger CAD patients
Egr‐1 transcription activation exists in placental endothelium when vascular disease is present
Authors: Wang X , Athayde N , Trudinger B
Published: April 2006

Objective  To seek evidence of early vascular injury in the placental villous microcirculation in placental insufficiency identified by a high‐resistance umbilical Doppler study by examining for expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor‐1 (FGFR‐1), its transcription factor, early growth response factor‐1 (Egr‐1) and plasma fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2).

Design  Case–control study.

Setting  University teaching hospital.

Sample  Placentas and umbilical vein blood were collected at delivery from 12 women with normal pregnancy delivered at term and 14 with placental vascular disease defined by an abnormal umbilical artery Doppler study.

Methods  Microvascular endothelial cells were isolated from fresh human placentas using collagenase digestion and Dynabeads coated with monoclonal antibody against CD31. RNA was extracted from the isolated endothelial cells. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of FGFR‐1 and Egr‐1 production were assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and factored relative to 18S ribosomal RNA. To confirm that FGF‐2 was playing a significant role in this microvascular endothelial cell injury in the placenta, we also measured the soluble fraction of FGF‐2 in fetal plasma from same groups of pregnancies using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Main outcome measures  Microvascular endothelial cells expression of Egr‐1mRNA, FGFR‐1 mRNA and presence of soluble FGF‐2 in fetal plasma.

Results  The soluble level of FGF‐2 in the fetal placental circulation from pregnancy with placental vascular disease was increased when compared with normal pregnancy (median 10.15 pg/ml and interquartile range 5.34–21.83 pg/ml versus 4.46 pg/ml and 3.69–5.66 pg/ml; P < 0.05). Microvascular endothelial cells from the placental villi with placental vascular disease showed upregulation of both FGFR‐1 mRNA expression (median 0.72 and interquartile range 0.40–1.64 versus 0.34 and 0.19–0.71; P < 0.05) and Egr‐1 expression (median 0.79 and interquartile range 0.27–1.86 versus 0.23 and 0.17–0.67; P < 0.05) in comparison with normal pregnancy.

Conclusions  Endothelial cells from the placental villi are upregulated for expression of Egr‐1 transcription factor gene in placental vascular disease. The FGFR‐1 activation and increase in FGF‐2 in the fetal circulation are known to be very early features of the response of endothelium to injury. Egr‐1 is a promoter of many key pathophysiologically relevant target genes, which influence the development of subsequent vascular lesions. This change may occur before the pathological features recognised on microscopy.
Heterogeneity in the origin of recurrent complete hydatidiform moles: not all women with multiple molar pregnancies have biparental moles
Authors: Van Der Smagt JJ , Scheenjes E , Kremer JAM , Hennekam FAM , Fisher RA
Published: April 2006

Hydatidiform moles of two women, each with three molar pregnancies, were examined in order to study their origin. Multiple recurrences have previously been associated with women who have biparental complete hydatidiform moles (CHM). However, all the moles examined in this study were androgenetic CHM (AnCHM), indicating that recurrent (>2) moles, particularly in the absence of a positive family history, may be androgenetic rather than biparental. These data suggest that some women have a specific liability for having AnCHM. Making the distinction between a biparental or an androgenetic origin of recurrent moles is of relevance for counselling and when considering therapeutic options. Therefore, we propose that all recurrent moles should be investigated using molecular techniques.
Use of case fatality and readmission measures to compare hospital performance in gynaecology
Authors: Mason A , Goldacre M , Meddings D , Woolfson J
Published: April 2006

Objective  To identify suitable outcome measures for comparing gynaecology performance between hospitals.

Design  Analysis of routinely collected statistics.

Setting  England.

Population  A total of 1.45 million gynaecology admissions in 1999/2001.

Methods  The database used was a linked file of English NHS hospital admission statistics and death certificate data. Case fatality rates (CFRs)and emergency readmission (ERA) rates were calculated for different components of gynaecology workload. Funnel plots, using age–sex standardised measures, were displayed to compare the outcomes.

Main outcome measures  CFRs and ERA rates.

Results  The CFR within 30 days after admission for patients with cancer was 5.1%. These patients accounted for only 3% of all the admissions but for 73% of all 30‐day deaths. All other 30‐day CFRs were extremely low—below 0.5%. The 30‐day ERA rates ranged from 1.8% after day case care to 17.4% after emergency admissions for people who did not have an operation. Funnel plots showed considerable variation between hospitals for ERA after day case care but not after elective abdominal hysterectomy.

Conclusions  There are no measures of mortality that could be used routinely and meaningfully to compare the performance of gynaecology units. We suggest that two suitable comparative measures of outcome, derivable from routine hospital statistics, are 30‐day ERA rates after day case admissions and after elective abdominal hysterectomy, excluding those records with a cancer diagnosis. These measures are relatively homogeneous with respect to their likely rates of adverse events and have sufficient numbers to produce potentially useful comparative results.
Factors affecting success of PCR amplification of microsatellite loci from otter faeces
Authors: HÁJKOVÁ P. , ZEMANOVÁ B. , BRYJA J. , HÁJEK B. , ROCHE K. , TKADLEC E. , ZIMA J.
Published: April 2006

We investigated the effect of multiple variables on the amplification success rate of microsatellite DNA extracted from faeces of wild Eurasian otters. The success rate was affected by (i) type of sample, with higher success rates in anal jelly samples than faeces, and (ii) temperature, with a negative effect of increased temperature at time of collection. To increase the effectiveness of microsatellite genotyping of otter faeces, we recommend collecting samples in cold months and early in the morning, preferably in a frozen state, and the collection of anal jelly samples, or the jelly part from faeces, whenever possible.
Characterization of di‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite markers in rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)
Authors: COULSON M. W. , PATERSON I. G. , GREEN A. , KEPKAY R. , BENTZEN P.
Published: April 2006

Twelve tetra‐ and di–tetra compound microsatellite loci are described for the rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax). These loci were screened among a minimum of 79 individuals and the average number of alleles per locus was 16 with an average heterozygosity of 0.86. These microsatellites are being used to examine population structure and life‐history evolution among natural populations of rainbow smelt.
ANALCIME CRYSTALLIZATION AND COMPOSITIONAL PROFILES—COMPARING APPROACHES TO DETECT POST‐DEPOSITIONAL ALTERATIONS IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTTERY*
Authors: SCHWEDT A. , MOMMSEN H. , ZACHARIAS N. , GARRIGÓS J. BUXEDA I
Published: April 2006

The approaches of comparative studies and profile measurements, often used in order to detect post‐depositional alterations of ceramics, have been applied simultaneously to two sets of Roman pottery, both of which include altered individuals. As analytical techniques, Neutron Activation Analysis and X‐Ray Diffraction have been used. Both approaches lead to substantially different results. This shows that they detect different levels of alteration and should complement each other rather than being used exclusively. For the special process of a glassy phase decomposition followed by a crystallization of the Na‐zeolite analcime, the results suggest that it changes high‐fired calcareous pottery rapidly, and so fundamentally that the results of various archaeometric techniques can be severely disturbed.
The Impact of Formal Assessment Procedures on Teaching and Learning in Art and Design in Secondary Schools
Authors: Mason Rachel , Steers John
Published: April 2006

Assessment is widely considered to be the most significant issue affecting art and design practice at secondary level. The article begins with an historical overview of developments in and critiques of assessment procedures in England, Wales and Northern Ireland since the inception of GCSE examination. This is followed by a report of an attempt to carry out a systematic review of research on the impact of assessment on the art and design curriculum in secondary schools. Author conclusions and findings from eight studies subjected to in‐depth analysis are discussed together with the implications of the review exercise for art education policy, practice and research.
Problem Based Learning in Constructed Textile Design
Authors: Sayer Kate , Wilson Jacquie , Challis Simon
Published: April 2006

Staff observing undergraduate students enrolled on the BSc Hons Textile Design and Design Management programme in The School of Materials, The University of Manchester, identified difficulties with knowledge retention in the area of constructed textile design. Consequently an experimental pilot was carried out in seamless knitwear design using a Problem Based Learning approach, to determine whether or not this method of learning was more effective for design students. This article investigates the effects of the trial on the student volunteers and documents the shift of focus from teacher to student centred learning. It also outlines plans for future curriculum developments in other areas of constructed textile design.
Five Trends of School Arts Education Reform in Taiwan
Authors: Hwang Ren‐Lai
Published: April 2006

In the torrents of globalization and social transition in Taiwan, it is particularly important to reinforce a sense of cultural subjectivity and localization, and promote new trends of arts education that emphasize the development of self and spirit. The fundamental principles of these new trends are: (1) that the purpose of arts education is to cultivate students' humanistic literacy, (2) the content of arts education is developed from an interdisciplinary approach, (3) arts curriculum is predominantly constructed on and implemented within the value framework of the nuclear culture, (4) arts education has to place emphasis on an integral process of comprehensive exploration, critical reflection and creative construction, and (5) the instruction methods of arts education need to be artistic and humanistic. This article describes the contents and implications of the new trends of arts education reform in Taiwan.
A Cross‐Cultural Study of Art Teacher Education in Taiwan and England
Authors: Lo Mei‐Lan
Published: April 2006

This aim of this research was to investigate art teacher education in Taiwan and England to gain insights into two art education systems with a view to improving art teacher education in Taiwan. To achieve this aim, a cross‐cultural study using a multi‐method approach was adopted and data was collected over three years of full‐time study in England and four academic years of reflection on teaching in art teacher education in Taiwan. This research revealed how complex and hazardous it is to state categorically what the similarities and differences really are between two art teacher education systems, especially in a subject as ill‐defined as art. Nonetheless, this study did produce some important differences in the two art teacher education systems in aspects of (1) government regulations and institutional provision, (2) theoretical underpinning, (3) art curriculum policy and delivery, and (4) cultural differences affecting art teachers' attitudes and values.
Platform Sharing in a Differentiated Duopoly
Authors: Ghosh Arghya , Morita Hodaka
Published: April 2006

Platform sharing across manufacturers has become common practice in the automobile industry. Although platform sharing reduces the degree of product differentiation, manufacturers can reduce their procurement costs by taking advantage of the commonality of components. We investigate this trade‐off through analyzing a model that incorporates manufacturer–supplier relationships into a differentiated duopoly model, and find an interesting inverse relationship between the advantage of platform sharing and manufacturers' costs to communicate with their potential suppliers. We also explore welfare consequences of the Internet trading exchanges by considering an extension that allows the manufacturers to jointly establish a business‐to‐business electronic marketplace.
The mineralizing organic matrix of the benign calcified epithelioma of Malherbe
Authors: Nusgens B. , Lapière C. M.
Published: April 2006

The composition of the mineralized matrix of the calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe (pilomatrixoma) and the process of mineralization have been investigated in two different tumors, one largely calcified and the other only slightly calcified. Fractionation of the tissue has been performed by isopycnic centrifugation. Whatever the mineral content of the fractions, their matrix is composed of a small proportion of collagen and a large proportion of keratin. The amino acid composition of this keratin is closer to that of nail than of hair. The hydroxylapatite crystals are associated with the keratin and the process of mineralization is accompanied by a progressive reduction in this polypeptide matrix. The chemical composition of this keratin, the known examples of calcification of hard keratin and the analogy of the ultrastructural pathways in the keratinization of pilomatrixoma and nails, suggest that the pilomatrixoma arises from the differentiation of ectopic ectodermal cells under the influence of an inducing system similar to that of nail.
Arteriovenous hemangioma (arteriovenous shunt). A clinicopathological and histochemical study
Authors: Girard Claude , Graham James H. , Johnson Waine. C.
Published: April 2006

Sixty‐nine patients with predominantly asymplomatic solitary angiomatous lesions were studied. Lips and perioral skin were the usual location, and the lesion occurred almost exclusively in adults. The essential histopathologic features are multiple dilated vascular channels located in the corium or submucosa and without significant epidermal participation. Anastomosing vascular spaces are lined by endothelial cells and thin‐walled veins contrast sharply with arteries showing thick fibromuscular walls. The pathogenesis of these peculiar hemangiomas is unknown, but they probably represent hamartomas with numerous arteriovenous shunts and arise from the subpapillary vascular plexus. Simple surgical excision is curative and represents the treatment of choice. The term of arteriovenous hemangioma is proposed for this clinicopathologic entity and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of other acquired benign hemangiomas and vascular lesions occurring in middle‐aged patients.
Ultrastructural Changes in Psoriatic Epidermis Following Anthralin Treatment
Authors: Wilborn Walter H. , Montes Leopoldo F.
Published: April 2006

The epidermal ultrastructure of psoriatic plaques in 20 adult patients was studied before and after 1 and 3 months of anthralin treatment. A comparison with the epidermis of uninvolved skin in the same patients and with the epidermis of normal skin was made. Ultrastructural changes elicited by anthralin include a reduction in size of the intercellular spaces, a decrease in ribosomes and mitochondria, an increase in tonofilaments and an accumulation of chromatin in the nuclear periphery. Despite these changes, the cells do not attain a completely normal appearance. Knowledge acquired in this investigation has provided a useful basis for similar future studies involving other topical agents.
Studies on the Mechanism of Action of Topical Benzoyl Peroxide and Vitamin A Acid in Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Fulton James E. , Farzad‐Bakshandeh A. , Bradley Sara
Published: April 2006

Although systemic telracycline remains the most frequent treatment for acne vulgaris, this report indicates that more effective antibacterial therapy can be achieved topically. The effective agent, benzoyl peroxide, produced a mild desquamation: while concommitantly reducing the fatty acids in sebum more dramatically than systemic tetracycline. Bacterial cultures demonstrated the potential of this peroxide to inhibit the growth of C. acnes recovered from sebaceous follicles. Since the mechanism of benzoyl peroxide is different than topical vitamin A acid, combination therapy has been evaluated in over 1,000 acne patients. The clearing of acne lesions is now routine in the majority of these cases within the initial three months of therapy.
Do Excoriations in Psoriasis Delay or Prevent the Effect of Topical Treatment?
Authors: Brody Isser
Published: April 2006

Topical treatment of a number of out‐patients with psoriasis vulgaris resulted in reduced induration and diminished thickness of the layer of scales but complete involution was not obtained. A sequential photographic study of the macroscopic appearance of the lesions over a 3‐month period of treatment revealed that artificially produced excoriations and a horny layer without scales were prominent features. The view is put forward that the cutaneous reaction to the injury probably elicited by the excoriations, together with an unsatisfactory treatment, may give rise to tissue changes which counteract the effect of topical treatment.
Cellular Activity in the Dermis Surrounding the Hair Bulb in Alopecia Areata
Authors: Pierard G. E. , de la Brassinne M.
Published: April 2006

The metabolic activity of the cells in the connective tissue surrounding the hair bulb has been studied by radioautography in alopecia areata and in normal scalp, using in vitro incorporation of tritiated thymidine, uridine, histidine, leucine and proline. In alopecia areata, the hair bulbs are blocked in the anagen IV stage and DNA, RNA and protein synthesis are restrained. Cells in the papilla, as well as the cellular infiltrate, display a very low rate of metabolic activity. During regrowth in alopecia areata, the activity of endothelial cells is increased in the papillary and peribulbar layers before DNA, RNA and protein synthesis are restored in the epithelial cells of the hair bulb. The dermal and epithelial labelling patterns eventually reach levels comparable to those observed in an induced anagen IV stage of a normal scalp. It is concluded that the progression from anagen IV to a further stage represents a critical period in the growth of hair that would closely depend upon an adequate metabolic function of the connective tissue. It is impaired in alopecia areata.
Ultrastructure of Halo Nevi
Authors: Gauthier Y. , Surleve‐Bazeille J. E. , Gauthier O. , Texier L.
Published: April 2006

An ultrastructural study was conducted on eight halo nevi. Some of them were of recent onset. Others had an evolution of several months. The distribution of the population of the dendritic cells in the depigmented epidermis of the halo was more polymorphous at the early stage when few melanocytes with abundant cytofilaments and some Langerhans cells were seen. At an advanced clinical stage, only Langerhans cells were present in the basal layer. In the dermis abnormal nerves as in vitiligo were observed. The inflammatory infiltrate does not seem to appear at the early stage of involution of the nevus. At the advanced clinical stage, small mononuclear cells were also noticed among the inflammatory cells (lymphocyte‐like cells, macrophages, mast cells). It is suggested that an initial stage of inhibition of both the melanocytes and the nevus cells may be responsible for the development of the depigmented halo. This stage precedes the appearance of a dermal lymphomacrophagic infiltrate that leads to the destruction of the nevus.
Ultrastructure of Spindle Cell Squamous Carcinoma
Authors: Feldman Philip S. , Barr Ronald J.
Published: April 2006

A 63‐year‐old white male presented with a nine‐month history of a nontender ulcerated lesion on his ear. Light microscopy demonstrated a moderately well circumscribed lesion in the dermis which abutted upon epidermis. There was no evidence of continuity between the tumor and overlying epithelium. The tumor was very cellular with an admixture of cells ‐ spindle, polyhedral and bizarre giant cells. Mitotic figures were abundant and frequently abnormal. We interpreted this lesion to have the clinical and pathologic features of an atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX). Ultrastructure, however, showed abundant tonofilaments and desmosomes indicative of an epithelial origin and therefore most consistent with a spindle cell squamous carcinoma (SCSC). It is urged that, when possible, electron microscopy be performed on problematic cases diagnosed either as an AFX or spindle cell squamous carcinoma since it is the most valid basis on which a correct diagnosis can be made.
Solitary Keratoacanthoma of the Nipple in a Male. Case Report
Authors: Drut Ricardo
Published: April 2006

A heretofore undescribed localization for solitary keratoacanthoma, namely the skin of the nipple, is reported. The tumor developed in a 69‐year‐old man who had suffered a trauma in the thorax near the left nipple 5 months before. A possible origin in mammary ducts, considering the breast as a modified sweat gland, is discussed.
Michaelis‐Gutmann Bodies in Macrophages of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Sandbank Miriam
Published: April 2006

Biopsies taken from the lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis of two patients showed, by light microscopy, abundant leishmania bodies within macrophages. Electron microscopic study showed leishmania parasites in various stages of degeneration within macrophages. In some macrophages a few Michaelis‐Gutmann bodies were seen in the cytoplasm; around them there was a positive Gomori reaction for acid phosphatase activity. This study confirms that Michaelis‐Gutmann bodies may develop from transformed phagosomes and demonstrates the heterogenicity of their origin.
Iodoxuridine in Dimethyl Sulfoxide: is it Carcinogenic in Man?
Authors: Thomson John , O'neill S. M.
Published: April 2006

When iodoxuridine (IDU) – carried in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) – was topically applied on penile lesions suspected to be herpes simplex, premalignant epidermal changes developed. Discontinuation of treatment resulted in complete healing. It seems wise when IDU in DMSO is used for similar cases, to consider this treatment experimental because both constituents of this preparation are, in theory, potentially carcinogenic.
Fine Structure of Unmyelinated Nerves in Neonatal Skin
Authors: SATO SYOZO , OGIHARA YŌKO , HIRAGA KYOKO , NISHIJIMA AKIKO , HIDANO AKIRA
Published: April 2006

The fine structure of unmyelinated cutaneous nerve fibers in newborns was examined in lesions of adnexal polyp of neonatal skin. In the neonatal cutaneous nerves, unmyelinated fibers outnumbered myelinated ones. The unmyelinated fibers consisted of Schwann cells, axons and basal lamina. Their ultrastructural organization was basically similar to that in the adult skin. However, some of the unmyelinated fibers contained axonal bundles which suggested a state of cytoarchitectural immaturity or incomplete growth. Phagocytosis of melanosomes by Schwann cells was also observed.
Cutaneous Microflora of Patients with Repeated Skin Infections
Authors: McBRIDE MOLLIE E. , DUNCAN W. CHRISTOPHER , KNOX JOHN M.
Published: April 2006

The microflora of normal skin in 16 patients with repeated staphylococcal and streptococcal skin infections was examined to determine whether abnormalities existed which would indicate a protective role for the indigenous flora against colonization by pathogens. Five sites‐hands, feet, axilla, groin and back‐were examined quantitatively and qualitatively and compared with a control group. Total populations of indigenous flora were significantly higher from patients with repeated skin infections of the back, axillae and feet. The frequency of isolation of different species from normal skin was comparable between the control and experimental groups, with the exception of the incidence of Staphylococcus aurcus and Proteus species which were isolated only from patients with repeated skin infections. Gram‐negative bacteria were isolated with comparable frequency between the two groups, but patients with repeated skin infections tended to carry gram‐negative bacteria on multiple sites. It was concluded from the high population of indigenous flora and the types of microorganisms present that the microflora of normal skin did not appear to protect patients with repeated skin infections against colonization by pathogens. The presence of high populations of Staphylococcus aurcus on the normal skin of patients with repeated skin infections would appear to be the most important contributing factor.
Volumetric Modifications of X‐Irradiated Keratinocytes
Authors: KLEIN‐SZANTO A. J. P. , DE REY B. M. , CABRINI R. L.
Published: April 2006

The number of epithelial cells per unit volume of tissue (Nv) and the relative volume (Vv) occupied by the spinous and basal layers of X‐irradiated and non‐irradiated rat‐tail epidermis were studied using techniques of stereologic cytology. By a simple calculation, the absolute volumes of basal and spinous keratinocytes were determined in irradiated (and in non‐irradiated, control) epidermis, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after exposure to a single dose of 16 Krads. During this post‐irradiation period, the absolute volumetric values of both basal and spinous keratinocytes increased gradually, reaching a three‐fold increase 96 h after irradiation. At the same time, the relative volume of the spinous layer increased from 58% to 75% of the total epidermis, whereas the volume fraction occupied by the basal layer decreased from 20% to 16%. These findings support previous evidence that lethally and sublethally damaged keratinocytes are capable of a metabolic effort resulting in a cell hypertrophy which in some circumstances could lead to repair and recovery from radiation damage.
Traumatic Alopecia in Trichotillomania: a Pathogenic Interpretation of Histologic Lesions in the Pilosebaceous Unit*
Authors: LACHAPELLE J. M. , PIERARD G. E.
Published: April 2006

Ten patients with traumatic alopecia (trichotillomania) were being investigated histologically and. in five of them, hairs from the affected scalp area were plucked out for direct microscopic examination. Some histologic features appear to be specific markers for traumatic alopecia: empty hair ducts, plucked out hair bulbs, clefts in hair matrix, catagen involution of empty outer root sheaths, Miescher's trichomalacia in the deep dermis and torn‐off sebaceous glands. Other signs are unspecific, such as presence of catagen and anagen VI hairs, infundibular plugging, melanin in keratin plugs and in the dermal papilla. The relative frequency of the different histopathologic features was evaluated. When little clinical information is available, a diagnosis of traumatic alopecia can he supported by skin biopsy. The histologic picture of trichotillomania is always incomplete, depending upon factors such as intensity of pulling or/and time of biopsy after plucking.
A Study of Four Cases of Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum
Authors: McKEE P. H. , CAMERON C. H. S. , ARCHER D. B. , LOGAN W. C.
Published: April 2006

Four cases of pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PxE) are reported and the light and electron microscopic appearances described.
Warty Dyskeratoma
Authors: PANJA RANJIT K.
Published: April 2006

An unusually large warty dyskeratoma on a previously unreported site in a young male with relevant histological and histochemical studies is presented. The clinico‐pathological features of the tumor are discussed on the basis of available knowledge from the literature.
Tinea Versicolor: A Scanning Electron Microscopic View
Authors: MARINARO R. E. , GERSHENBAUM M. R. , ROSEN F. J. , PAPA C. M.
Published: April 2006

Tinea versicolor (TV) infections were studied in the scanning electron microscope utilizing several different sampling and preparatory techniques. Scalpel scrapings provided information only on the morphology of individual spores and hyphae, while biopsies and cyanoacrylate adhesive slides demonstrated the topography of the disease as well as providing information on how the infection spreads and recurs. Critical point drying was necessary to maintain the fine ultrastructure previously described. The deep follicular location of the spores seen in this study probably explains the tendency for TV to recur. The follicular packing was specific, since the eccrine pores seem to be exempt from the infection.
Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia Presenting as Atypical Rosacea with Follicular Mucinosis
Authors: THOMSON JOHN , COCHRAN REBECCA E. I.
Published: April 2006

A case is described in which the initial clinical and histological features were suggestive of rosacea. Subsequent progress revealed the diagnosis to be chronic lymphatic leukemia. The initial biopsy specimens were reviewed and small but definite quantities of follicular mucinosis were noted after appropriate staining. If this had been noted earlier the diagnosis would have been made more rapidly. This case demonstrates the importance of detecting follicular mucinosis. We are not aware of follicular mucinosis having been described in association with chronic lymphatic leukemia previously. It is also rare for leukemias other than the monocytic type to present with cutaneous lesions, though skin lesions may occur in established cases.
Dyskeratosis Benigna Intraepithelialis Mucosae et Cutis Hereditaria
Authors: FROM E. , PHILIPSEN H. P. , THORMANN J.
Published: April 2006

A congenital syndrome affecting the skin, oral mucosa and bulbar conjunctiva is reported in father and son. Skin lesions consisted of brownish papules with central keratotic plugs. Trauma was able to provoke lesions. In addition, changes of oral mucosa with premature loss of the teeth, and recurrent eye symptoms with conjunctivitis were present. Histological examination of specimens from skin, oral mucosa and conjunctiva revealed a uniform picture of dyskeratosis (single cell keratinization). The symptoms reported do not seem to fit into any of the existing muco‐cutaneous syndromes. An autosomal dominant mutation is suggested as the cause of the disease.
Transformation of Seborrheic Keratosis into Bowen's Disease
Authors: BLOCHI PETER H.
Published: April 2006

This case proves the possibility of a malignant transformation of seborrheic keratosis. This evidence is furnished by a biopsy specimen that shows not only a topical relationship between seborrheic keratosis and Bowen's disease, but also the progressive transition. An evident biopsy has to be made prior to clinical suspicion of malignant degeneration, that means prior to the destruction of the transitional zone by the tumor.
Pityriasis Rosea in a Patient with Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica
Authors: MATHIAS C. G. TOBY , DAROCZY JUDIT , HUTTNER ISTVAN , SCHOPFLOCHER PAULA , WILKINSON RALPH
Published: April 2006

A patient with clinical and histologic features of epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica‐recessive (EBD‐R) developed superimposed clinical lesions of pityriasis rosea (PR). Electron microscopy showed distinct “blebbing” of basal cells at the basement membrane zone in clinically normal skin of a non‐predilected area, as well as in scarred skin from a predilected area and a lesion of PR. An increased susceptibility of the basement membrane zone to proteolytic enzymes is suggested as a possible hypothesis to explain these observations.
Proteolytic Enzymes and Plasminogen Activator in Melanoma
Authors: FRÄKI JORMA E. , NIEMINEN SEPPO , HOPSU‐HAVU VÄINÖ K.
Published: April 2006

Proteolytic activities were measured in extracts of human skin melanoma, lymphatic metastasis and in nonmalignant naevi by using various proteinase substrates as well as plasminogen activator assay. pH‐optima for hydrolysis of various proteinase substrates by these tumors were found to be essentially the same as in healthy human skin. Melanoma extracts were found to especially readily hydrolyze N‐α‐benzoyl‐DL‐arginine β‐naphthylamine (BANA) at pH 5.8 in the presence of 1 mmol/1 dithiothreitol and EDTA (cathepsin B1‐like enzyme) as well as histones and p‐tosyl‐L‐arginine methyl ester (TAME) at pH 7.5, and showed increased capacity to activate plasminogen when compared to nonmalignant naevus. The possible role of proteinases in malignant melanoma is discussed.
Immune Derangement in Patients with Malignant Melanoma
Authors: LEWIS M. G. , PHILLIPS T. M. , NOBLE P. B. , HARTMANN D. P.
Published: April 2006

The interaction between immune system and growing tumor can be expressed differently at different stages of the disease. This presentation covers three facets of these reactions in melanoma patients. A. The Primary Tumor. Time‐lapse cinematography, with an analysis of lymphocyte movement demonstrated positive and negative chemotaxis against tumor tissues which correlated with their histological presence or absence within the primary tumor. B. The Regional Lymph Nodes. Histological examination of regional lymph nodes showed an increase in germinal center activity and B cell number, with a decrease in sinus histiocytosis and monocyte count as the tumor progressively invaded the node. This correlated with the elution studies, wherein the anti‐membrane antibody decreased and the anti‐cytoplasmic antibody increased during the same period of progression. C. Humoral Immunity and Metastasis. Clinical metastasis heralded the decrease of anti‐membrane antibodies with a rise in anti‐immunoglobulins, especially anti‐idotypic antibodies and immune complexes containing tumor‐directed antibody and either antigen or anti‐immunoglobulin. This triad of anti‐immunoglobulin, immune complexes and anergy as seen in other diseases with persistent antigenic stimulation, results in abnormal regulation and derangement.
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans
Authors: MARIA ZINA ALBERTO , BUNDINO SILVANA
Published: April 2006

An ultrastructural study of five cases of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans revealed that the basic cell was a spindle shaped fibroblast with a peculiar deeply lobulated nucleus. An origin from perineural and endoneural cells could not be established since basal lamina material was sparsely present in only one case and other differential features were missing. In one case histiocytic cells were found, but also in this case the basic cell was the fibroblast; so evidence of relationship with fibrous histiocytoma was not found.
Pinguecula and Actinic Elastosis
Authors: LEDOUX‐CORBUSIER M. , DANIS P.
Published: April 2006

Three cases of pinguecula (conjunctival elastosis) were ultrastructurally investigated. Findings were compared with the features described in cutaneous actinic elastosis. Changes observed were not uniform. In both diseases, numerous elastotic fibers were present with a finely granular matrix and masses of dense grains. The degenerative changes of the elastotic fibers evolved differently in conjunctival stroma and in dermis. The superficial extracellular concretions observed in pinguecula seemed to be an ultimate stage of elastotic degeneration. Like actinic elastosis and elastosis observed in chronic radiodermatitis, pinguecula is believed to result from a dystrophic increased elastogenesis induced by chronic irradiation, with secondary degenerative changes.
Pilar Sheath Acanthoma
Authors: BHAWAN JAG
Published: April 2006

Pilar sheath acanthoma is a recently recognized entity. The tumor is a benign follicular neoplasm, occurring on the skin of the upper lip. This paper reports the 10th recorded case.
Cell Proliferation in a Malignant Angioendothelioma during Sequential Chemotherapy
Authors: PIERARD G. E. , FOCAN C. , LAPIERE CH. M.
Published: April 2006

The rate of cellular proliferation was studied in the neoplastic cells of a malignant angioendothelioma and in its inflammatory infiltrate by means of optical radioautography after incorporation ex vivo of tritiated thymidine. One third of the normal looking, as well as the atypical, endothelial cells were engaged in the cell cycle of proliferation. This large pool has been effectively suppressed during subsequent chemotherapy which resulted in partial regression of the neoplasm. The proliferative activity of the infiltrate was higher inside the neoplasm than at its periphery.
Invasive Basal Cell Carcinoma with Metaplastic Bone Formation Associated with a Long‐Standing Dermatofibroma
Authors: BUSELMEIER T. J. , UECKER J. H.
Published: April 2006

A nodule present for many years on the right leg of a 77‐year‐old woman was excised and studied by light microscopy. An invasive keratinizing basal cell carcinoma associated with metaplastic bone formation, arising within a dermatofibroma, was found.
Urbach‐Wiethe Disease
Authors: FABRIZI G. , PORFIRI B. , BORGIOLI M. , SERRI F.
Published: April 2006

A case of lipoid proteinosis was subjected to clinical, histologic and electron microscopic study. Palpebral biopsies showed a large dermal infiltration composed of closely interwoven granulofilamentous material in the superficial and deep dermis. Collagen fibers were normal. Fibroblasts seemed to play an active role in the synthesis of this accumulating substance. Around the dermal capillaries there was a prominent concentric multilaminalion of the basal lamina which was considered a reaction of the endothelial cells to the irritation caused by compression of the accumulating substance.
Matrical Carcinoma of the Skin
Authors: WEEDON DAVID , BELL JOHN , MAYZE JOHN
Published: April 2006

Two elderly patients with unusual hair‐follicle tumors of the face are reported. The lesions showed some histologic resemblance to pilomatrixomas but differed by the presence at the advancing edge of cytologically‐atypical cells without the usual shadow cell transformation and maturation of pilomatrixomas. The term matrical carcinoma is proposed for these tumors.
Internal Organization of Plasma Membranes during the Acantholytic Process. A Freeze‐Fracture Study
Authors: CAPUTO R. , INNOCENTI M. , GASPARINI G.
Published: April 2006

The internal organization of plasma membranes was studied in seven subjects with pemphigus vulgaris and in one subject with familial pemphigus using the freeze‐fracture technique. The results obtained seem to suggest that the acantholytic process is produced in a similar fashion whatever the pathogenic agent and that desmosomes represent the “target” membrane specializations in the acantholytic phenomena. The reduction and eventual disappearance of desmosomal particle aggregations is seemingly accompanied by an increase in gap junctions.
Ultrastructure of Early Pigmentary Changes in Dowling‐Degos' Disease*
Authors: GROSSHANS E. , GEIGER J. M. , HANAU D. , JELEN G. , HEID E.
Published: April 2006

Dowling‐Degos' anomaly is characterized by a reticular and spotted pigmentation of the skin folds; this pigmentary disturbance, occurring most often in women, is a dominant inherited genodermatosis which worsens progressively and may exhibit in the early phase rapid changes in severity after emotional stress. In a 9‐year‐old girl, an electronmicroscopic study of pigmented lesions showed a strong melanocytic activity with quantitative increase of the melanosomes; the average size of the melanosomes was not different when compared to normal Caucasoid skin, but in the keratinocytes they were distributed according to a dispersed pattern as in black skin. The pigmentary state of Dowling‐Degos' disease is another example of melanocyte‐keratinocyte interaction where the epidermal melanin pattern and the size of pigment granules are not in striking correlation. An accelerated rate of melanogenesis and pigmentation may be another factor determining a non‐aggregated distribution of the melanosomes within the keratinocytes. The nature of the stimulus of pigmentation in these skin areas which are not sun‐exposed is still unclear.
Ultrastructural and Immunological Findings in Graves' Disease with Pretibial Myxedema*
Authors: KONRAD K. , BRENNER W. , PEHAMBERGER H.
Published: April 2006

This is a report on a 67‐year‐old female patient with Graves' disease and extensive pretibial myxedema. Linear IgM deposits were observed in the basement membrane zone by direct immuno‐fluorescence. These deposits were found, by immunoelectron microscopy, to be haphazardly distributed in the uppermost dermis without any correlation to preexisting structures. An amorphous material that coated not only the surface of fibroblasts and collagen bundles but was also present within the dilated endoplasmic reticulum of the fibroblasts was the predominating pathological finding at the ultrastructural level. Mast cells were morphologically normal. These results support previous in vivo and recent in vitro findings indicating that the fibroblast plays a major role in the pathogenesis of pretibial myxedema.
Nevus Lipomatosus Cutaneous Superficialis. An Electron Microscopic Study of Four Cases
Authors: REYMOND J. L. , STOEBNER P. , AMBLARD P.
Published: April 2006

Four cases of nevus lipomatous cutaneous superficialis were studied under the electron microscope. The results showed the vascular origin of the fat cell and differentiation of young fat cells into mature fat cells. These findings are comparable to those observed in fetal adipogenesis.
Leukemia Cutis in Blastic Transformation of Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia: TdT Positive Blasts and Response to Vincristine and Prednisone
Authors: ANSELL JACK E. , BHAWAN JAG , PECHET LIBERTO
Published: April 2006

A patient with chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) in blast transformation with extensive involvement of the skin is reported. The leukemic infiltrates consisted of blasts with lymphoblastoid morphology which were positive for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) by fluorescent assay. The infiltrates rapidly resolved with vincristine and prednisone therapy. Similar recurrences 4 and 8 months later responded as dramatically to the same therapy and to cytosine arabinoside. This unusual case of extensive leukemia cutis supports the evidence that patients in blast crisis with TdT positive cells are responsive to vincristine and prednisone. The implications of this case in terms of the origin of these cells based upon morphology and TdT content, as well as the diagnosis and therapy, are discussed.
Cell Processes in Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: CUTLER BRUCE , POSALAKY ZOLTAN , IRVING KATZ H.
Published: April 2006

Three cell process types are described in basal cell carcinoma. The most abundant are thin processes resembling microvilli; thick processes, mesa‐like structures often surmounted by desmosomes; and large bulging processes. Processes occur in the intercellular spaces, and are more numerous in spinocellular cells than in basaloid cells. Despite the abundance of processes in basal cell carcinoma, they do not usually penetrate the basal lamina border of the tumor. This behavior differs from more rapidly invasive squamous cell carcinoma where processes extend through the fragmenting basal lamina into the stroma.
Eccrine Porocarcinoma
Authors: GSCHNAIT F. , HORN F. , LINDLBAUER R. , SPONER D.
Published: April 2006

Eccrine porocarcinoma is an extremely rare malignant skin tumor arising from the eccrine sweat duct unit (acrosyringium). It presents histologically with nests of clear tumor cells in the epidermis and superficial dermis. In addition such clear tumor cells lie isolated high up in the epidermis, closely resembling Paget cells. The various tumors, which may originate from the acrosyringium and the histologic differential diagnosis of eccrine porocarcinoma are discussed.
Inflammatory Changes in Verruca Vulgaris
Authors: KOSSARD STEVEN , XENIAS STEPHEN J. , PALESTINE ROBERTA F. , RANDY SCHEEN S. , WINKELMANN R. K.
Published: April 2006

Forty‐one (8%) of 500 randomly selected biopsy specimens in verruca vulgaris showed evidence of inflammation. The inflammation was lymphocytic and lichenoid in 21 specimens and was associated with papillary hemorrhage and infarction in 23. Clinical review indicated that patients of all ages were represented but that there was a predominance of verrucae of the extremities in older patients. The data suggest the possibility of a distinct solitary acral verruca in the elderly.
Membrane Activity in Juvenile Xanthogranuloma
Authors: Seifert Heinz W.
Published: April 2006

In a case of juvenile xanthogranuloma in an early stage, electron microscopic examination revealed membrane activity resulting in complex interdigitations with subsequent transformation into aggregated cytoplasmic vesicles. Similar membrane complexes were encountered in multinucleated giant cells and they may be a result of endocytosis or remnants of cell membranes of fused macrophages. Other findings were “virus‐like inclusions” in histiocytes and giant cells, intracytoplasmic collagen in fibroblasts and “cross‐banded filamentous aggregations”.
Melanin pigmentation of the skin in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Mills Peter R. , Skerrow Christine J. , MacKie Rona M.
Published: April 2006

A histological and ultrastructural study has demonstrated that cutaneous pigmentation in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is due to the presence of increased amounts of melanin, widely dispersed throughout both epidermis and dermis. No deposits of stainable iron were observed. Compared with skin from matched sites from control patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and no pigmentation, the melanocyte: keratinocyte ratio was not significantly higher in PBC. However, in PBC, melanosomes persisted to unusually high levels in the epidermis and were packaged in larger membrane‐bound clusters than was the case in the controls.

Whether excess melanin results from increased melanogenesis or defective melanin degradation remains unclear, although there is some evidence favouring the latter mechanism. No hormonal (β‐MSH and ACTH) or chemical (bile salt irritation) stimuli to increase melanogenesis were demonstrated.
Elastotic nodules of the ear
Authors: Weedon David
Published: April 2006

Eight cases of an elastotic degenerative lesion, developing on the ears in response to actinic damage are reported. Elastotic nodules may be diagnosed clinically as basal cell carcinoma, amyloid or even gout. Although usually found on the antihelix of the ear, they may arise on the helix and simulate chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis.