bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A three-year follow-up study of psoriasis patients treated with low dosages of etretinate orally and corticosteroids topically
Authors: Polano MK. , Van der Rhee HJ.  , Van der Schroeff JG.
Published: August 2023

Etretinate 0.5 mg/kg body weight combined with 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide and 5% salicylic acid in an O/W cream gave more than 70% improvement in 62% of 75 patients. Of this satisfactorily improved group, at least 41% were still in the same condition after 3 years on a maintenance dose of, on average, 0.3 mg/kg body weight etretinate daily and 20 g weekly of a relatively strong corticosteroid cream. The side effects were acceptable and the convenience for the patients is great as compared with other treatment.
Thalidomide treatment of recurrent erythema multiforme
Authors: Bahmer FA. , Zaun H. , Luszpinski P.
Published: August 2023

No abstract available.
Subpopulations of mononuclear cells in lesions of psoriasis, lichen planus and discoid lupus erythematosus studied using monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Bjerke JR.
Published: August 2023

Mononuclear cells in skin lesions were characterized using an indirect immunofluorescence test with monoclonal antibodies. Most cells in the dermal infiltrates were stained with OKT3 (pan T cell) antibodies and with OKT4 (helper/inducer T cell) antibodies. Fewer cells were stained with OKT8 (suppressor/cytotoxic T cell) antibodies. Results obtained using a double marking technique with monoclonal antibodies and a hetero-anti-T lymphocyte serum showed that suppressor/cytotoxic cells comprised 15-25% of the T lymphocytes in lesions of psoriasis and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), and 25-35% in lesions of lichen planus. OKM1 (monocyte) antibodies stained few of the infiltrating cells in sections of the various skin lesions. The highest numbers of OKM1+ cells were found in sections of lesional skin from patients with erythrodermic and pustular psoriasis. Some T lymphocytes were also demonstrated in the epidermis in the various skin lesions. The highest numbers were found in the psoriatic lesions. The epidermal T lymphocytes were mainly suppressor/cytotoxic cells, and may be involved in a cell-mediated immune reaction of importance in the pathogenesis of these dermatoses.
Is UVB treatment of psoriasis safe? A study of extensively UVB-treated psoriasis patients compared with a matched control group
Authors: Larkö O. , Swanbeck G.
Published: August 2023

The aim of the study was to investigate whether or not extensively UVB-treated psoriatics ran a greater risk of developing skin cancer than did controls. The 85 most extensively UVB-treated psoriasis patients during recent decades have been investigated with regard to premalignant and malignant skin lesions and compared with a population matched for age, sex, and geographic region. The prevalence of persons who had or had had premalignant/malignant skin lesions was 5.9% (n = 85) in the psoriasis group, vs. 10.1% in the control group (n = 338). This difference is not statistically significant and the confidence limits are such that it is unlikely that the psoriasis patients treated in the past have an increased prevalence of premalignant and malignant skin lesions. A multiple regression analysis has been conducted among the controls, showing a correlation between premalignant/malignant skin changes and advanced age and outdoor occupations. No such correlation was found for the factors: sex, skin type, or travel to southern latitudes.
Loiasis: a case report
Authors: Vermeer BJ. , Van der Kaay HJ.
Published: August 2023

No abstract available.
Increased size of stage II and III melanosomes during PUVA therapy
Authors: Ree K.
Published: August 2023

Four different theories have been presented to show how early melanosomes are formed and at what stage in melanosome formation melanization starts. In the present investigation the perikaryon of melanocytes have been studied and the longitudinal and the transverse diameter of stage I-IV melanosomes estimated before and after PUVA therapy in 5 patients. An increase in the longitudinal diameter of stage II and III melanosomes was found, whereas no increase in stage I and IV melanosomes was detected. No increase in vesiculo-globular bodies was detected in stage I and II melanosomes after PUVA therapy, while in stage III melanosomes vesiculo-globular bodies appeared to have increased in number of PUVA therapy. It is concluded that during stimulated melanogenesis--as seen after PUVA therapy--an unknown mechanism is activated, causing increased amounts of structural proteins to be incorporated into each stage II melanosome. The vesiculo-globular bodies do not appear to take part in this process.
The influence of limonene on induced delayed hypersensitivity to citral in guinea pigs. I. Histological study
Authors: Hanau D. , Grosshans E. , Barbier P. , Benezra C.
Published: August 2023

The effect of limonene on citral sensitization and elicitation was studied by histological methods. Limo­nene decreases the intensity of citral sensitization and of the citral test. Possible interpretations of the influence of limonene are discussed; in particular, an effect of limonene at the macrophage leve! could explain the re­sults.
The effect of catalase on the inactivation of tyrosinase by ascorbic acid and by cysteine or glutathione
Authors: Lindbladh C. , Rorsman H. , Rosengren E.
Published: August 2023

When tyrosine was incubated with tyrosinase in the presence of ascorbic acid, dopa and 5-hydroxydopa were formed and the enzyme was inactivated. In the presence of catalase, more dopa and 5-hydroxydopa were formed because enzyme inactivation was prevented. Incubation of dopa and cysteine with small amounts of mushroom tyrosinase led to rapid inactivation of the enzyme. This inactivation was accelerated in the presence of catalase. New systems developed have been useful in demonstrating the role of hydrogen peroxide in tyrosinase inactivation by several compounds of importance in melanin biochemistry. Cysteine and glutathione inactivated tyrosinase. Addition of catalase increased the inactivation at high thiol concentrations, but decreased the inactivation at low concentrations. Ascorbic acid and 5-hydroxydopamine also inactivated tyrosinase, but with these compounds inactivation was completely prevented by addition of catalase. The inactivation by dopamine was negligible under the experimental conditions. Inactivation of tyrosinase by ascorbic acid and by 5-OH-dopamine was found dependent on oxygen, whereas inactivation by cysteine and glutathione was independent of oxygen. Large amounts of serum albumin protected tyrosinase from inactivation by ascorbic acid and 5-OH-dopamine, but did not prevent inactivation by cysteine and glutathione. The presence of substrate had a protective effect on the inactivation of tyrosinase by cysteine.
Long-term photochemotherapy for psoriasis: a histopathological and clinical follow-up study with special emphasis on tumour incidence and behavior of pigmented lesions
Authors: Ros AM. , Wennersten G. , Lagerholm B.
Published: August 2023

A thorough clinical and microscopical investigation was conducted in patients with severe longstanding psoriasis maintained on long-term photochemotherapy with PUVA. 250 patients were reinvestigated after PUVA therapy for up to 7 years, 49% for 5 to 7 years. No serious side effects were observed. Occasional peculiar hyperkeratoses of a bowenoid type were seen in 3 patients (1.2%) and solitary lesions at actinic keratoses in 5 patients (2%). No occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma nor basal cell carcinoma was detected. Lentiginosis of varying degree was fairly common and seen in 33% and a very profuse disseminated lentiginosis in 4%. Six patients (2.4%) developed isolated, clinically dark and irregular lentiginous spots which on biopsy showed microscopically an aberrant morphology and were therefore classified as atypical lentigines. All of them had earlier been subjected to extensive courses of UVB treatment and 3 of them had history of earlier arsenic therapy. No malignant transformation was seen but those were for reasons of safety referred to the risk group category and may prove to be at particular risk on future PUVA therapy.
Skin carcinomas and treatment with photochemotherapy (PUVA)
Authors: Lindskov R.
Published: August 2023

A 3 1/2-year follow-up study of 198 patients treated with photochemotherapy (PUVA) revealed a total of 18 carcinomas developed in 11 patients. There were 12 basal cell carcinomas and 6 squamous cell carcinomas, localized mainly on non-sun-exposed areas. Furthermore 9 actinic keratoses were diagnosed in 8 patients. All patients with carcinomas had been exposed to at least one of the following possible risk factors; ionizing radiation, methotrexate (MTX), arsenic, topical nitrogen mustard, or had a history of skin carcinoma previous to PUVA therapy. No significant differences in accumulated UVA dose existed between patients with carcinoma or keratosis and patients without tumours. A subgroup of 38 psoriatics previously treated with MTX was compared with a control group of 101 psoriatics treated with MTX--but never with PUVA. The control group was matched for sex, age and presence of the risk factors: ionizing radiation, arsenic and history of carcinoma. The carcinoma incidence in the PUVA-MTX group was 9% and in the control group 11%. The difference was not significant (p = 0.9).
Reduced excretion of the main urinary metabolite of prostaglandin F1 alpha and F2 alpha in psoriatic patients
Authors: Katayama H. , Kawada A. , Endoh C. , Hori H. , Yoshikawa K.
Published: August 2023

Twenty-four hour excretion of main urinary metabolite of prostaglandin F1 alpha and F2 alpha (PGF-MUM) in 18 patients with stable psoriasis (9 males and 9 females) and 18 almost age-matched healthy subjects (9 males and 9 females) was examined. The mean excretion level of PGF-MUM in male psoriatic patients (15.2 +/- 4.0 micrograms/day) was significantly lower than that in male healthy subjects (22.8 +/- 3.3 micrograms/day) (p less than 0.01). A similar tendency was observed between female psoriatic patients (10.6 +/- 3.0 micrograms/day) and female healthy subjects (13.3 +/- 2.4 micrograms/day) although the difference in the excretion level was not so remarkable (p = 0.05) compared with male subjects. These results suggest an altered endogenous prostaglandin synthesis in psoriatic patients.
Skin biopsies in relatives of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis
Authors: Leonard JN. , Haffenden GP. , Tucker WF. , Unsworth DJ. , Sidgwick A. , Swain AF. , Fry L.
Published: August 2023

Out of 109 patients with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) only one was known to have a first-degree relative with the disease. This is in keeping with previous reports that the familial incidence of DH is low. Study of the family in which two siblings were affected showed both to have HLA-B9 whereas a third, unaffected sibling did not have this antigen. This finding supports the view that both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the pathogenesis of DH, 20 first-degree relatives of 10 other patients with DH had skin biopsies examined by immunofluorescence for the presence of IgA, but none proved positive.
Lack of effect of cimetidine in chronic-idiopathic urticaria
Authors: Cook LJ. , Shuster S.
Published: August 2023

The effect of an H1 and an H2 receptor blocker singly and in combination was studied in 20 patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria. Both H1 receptor blockade alone and in combination with H2 receptor blockade produced a significant reduction in wealing and itch; there was no significant difference between these treatments. H2 blockade alone produced no significant reduction in wealing; there was a slight increase in itch, though not statistically significant.
Reversal of androgenic alopecia by minoxidil: lack of effect of simultaneously administered intermediate doses of cyproterone acetate
Authors: Vermorken AJ.
Published: August 2023

A male volunteer with frontal alopecia was treated simultaneously with 20 mg cyproterone acetate and 5 mg minoxidil topically (daily). During treatment with both drugs, new hair growth was observed on the alopecic scalp. The new hair was lost after discontinuing minoxidil treatment, although cyproterone acetate treatment was continued.
Serial cultivation of human scalp hair follicle keratinocytes
Authors: Weterings PJ. , Roelofs HM. , Vermorken AJ. , Bloemendal H.
Published: August 2023

A method is described for the serial cultivation of adult human hair follicle keratinocytes. Plucked scalp hair follicles, placed on bovine eye lens capsules as a growth substrate, give rise to quickly expanding colonies within a few days. After trypsinization, the cells are replated with irradiated 3T3 cells as ´feeders´. Using this combination of techniques the keratinocytes can be subcultured up to four times. In this way about 10(7) keratinocytes can be generated from one single hair follicle. Moreover, the technique enables cryogenic storage of the cells, allowing for instance, convenient transportation. Subcultured hair follicle keratinocytes can be plated on glass coverslips. This allows immunofluorescence studies. The keratin cytoskeletons visualized using an antiserum against human keratin.
Elephantiasis of external ears: a rare manifestation of pediculosis capitis
Authors: Mahzoon S. , Azadeh B.
Published: August 2023

A case of elephantiasis of the external ears associated with pediculus capitis is reported. Hypersensitivity to the louse bite and Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome are discussed.
Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans, erythema chronicum migrans and lymphadenosis benigna cutis--spirochetal diseases?
Authors: Frithz A. , Lagerholm B.
Published: August 2023

Seven cases of acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA), 11 cases erythema chronicum migrans (EMC) and 3 cases of lymphadenosis benigna cutis (LABC) have been analysed. In Warthin-Starry stained sections, spirochetal structures were present in all cases. The spirochetes were mesodermotropic and irregularly distributed.
Laser-Doppler measurement of digital blood flow regulation in normals and in patients with Raynaud´s phenomenon
Authors: Kristensen JK. , Engelhart M. , Nielsen T.
Published: August 2023

Finger blood flow was measured continuously by a laser-Doppler flowmeter in normal subjects and in patients suffering from primary or secondary Raynaud´s phenomenon. In normals, skin areas with and without arteriovenous anastomoses could be differentiated. Blood flow in areas with shunt vessels decreased after a deep breath but not during venous stasis or the Valsalva maneuvre, while in other skin areas a decrease in blood flow was observed after all three maneuvres, suggesting a dual innervation of nutritional and shunt vessels. In patients with Raynaud´s phenomenon (scleroderma) fingertip blood flow reacted in the same way as normal skin without shunt vessels. During direct and indirect cooling, finger blood flow in patients with secondary Raynaud´s phenomenon reacted with the same relative reduction as normals but resting blood flow in the patients was significantly decreased and the rewarming period was greatly prolonged. In patients with primary Raynaud´s phenomenon an even more prolonged decrease in blood flow was observed after direct or indirect cooling. Defective function of arteriovenous anastomoses is proposed as an explanation of the deviations from normal. A pathophysiological classification of Raynaud´s phenomenon may be possible on the basis of the function tests described.
Cyclofenil in childhood scleroderma
Authors: Högh B. , Stenhammar L.
Published: August 2023

Treatment with cyclofenil for 9 months of a 10-year-old girl with localized scleroderma is reported. No clinical improvement was achieved. The drug was discontinued due to hepatotoxicity.
Monocyte Fc-IgG receptors expression and soluble suppressor factor in skin squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Vena GA. , Angelini G. , D´Ovidio R. , Pastore A. , Meneghini CL.
Published: August 2023

The expression of Fc-IgG receptors on mononuclear phagocytes (monocytes/macrophages), as well as the activity of soluble immune suppressor supernatant of T-cell proliferation (SISS-T) factor have been investigated in 23 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lower lip, including 8 patients with metastases in the regional lymph glands. The results demonstrated a significant increase of the expression of Fc-IgG receptors only on circulating monocytes of patients with metastatic SCC. The suppressor function evaluated by means of the SISS-T factor proved normal in patients with nonmetastatic skin SCC and reduced in 8 patients with metastatic SCC.
Studies on fibronectin in the skin. VII. Production in cell cultures from normal human skin
Authors: Fyrand O.
Published: August 2023

In the present study, cell cultures of fibroblasts from normal skin have been investigated regarding the production of fibronectin. The development of multimeric insoluble fibronectin is demonstrated as small dots at the cell surface, developing into a branched meshwork of fibrous structures in parallel arrays. Soluble dimeric fibronectin is also found in the culture medium.
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) manifesting as anogenital herpes zoster eruption: demonstration of virus-like particles in lymphocytes
Authors: Thune P. , Andersson T. , Skjörten F.
Published: August 2023

A case of AIDS manifesting as a necrotic, haemorrhagic anogenital herpes zoster and lymphadenopathy, is described. Investigations of T-lymphocyte subsets showed decreased T4 and slight increase of T8. Electronmicroscopy revealed tubuloreticular virus-like structures in lymphocytes.
Photo-onycholysis due to tetracycline-hydrochloride
Authors: Ibsen HH. , Lasthein Andersen B.
Published: August 2023

A case of monosymptomatic photo-onycholysis due to tetracycline-hydrochloride is reported. A 40-year-old woman with rosacea had been treated with tetracycline-hydrochloride (Achromycin) 250 mg daily for 3 years. In the summer period after one month of intensive sun exposure she developed painful bullae under the nails.
Atopic hand dermatitis: a comparison with atopic dermatitis without hand involvement, especially with respect to influence of work and development of contact sensitization
Authors: Forsbeck M. , Skog E. , Asbrink E.
Published: August 2023

A group of 77 patients with atopic hand eczema were compared with 136 atopic dermatitis patients without hand manifestations. Age distribution was identical in the two groups, peaking at 25-39 years of age. Both groups were dominated by female patients. No differences existed between them with respect to atopic heredity, occurrence of other atopic manifestations, or distribution of serum IgE values. The fingers represented the predilection sites for hand involvement. Patients with hand lesions changed jobs more frequently (p less than 0.001) than those with unaffected hands, and change from a wet or unclean occupation was more common (p less than 0.001) than from a dry one. Change of work entailed improvement in the skin status of both groups. Prevalence of positive patch test reactions was high and statistically identical in both groups. Occurrence of positive responses did not explain the development of hand affliction; in only 3 patients did the test result correspond to exacerbation of the hand eczema. The number of positive reactions was high in patients with low serum IgE levels, while high levels were associated with fewer positive patch test reactions.
Effect of acupuncture on experimentally induced itch
Authors: Belgrade MJ , Solomon LM , Lichter EA.
Published: August 2023

We evaluated the effect of acupuncture on histamine-induced itch and flare in healthy volunteers (n = 25) and compared it with the effect of a pseudo-acupuncture procedure and of no-intervention in a single-blind randomized cross-over study. A cumulative itch index is defined and was found to be smaller with acupuncture than with either pseudo-acupuncture (p less than 0.02) or with no-intervention (p less than 0.005). The duration of itching was shorter with acupuncture than with either pseudo-acupuncture (p = 0.006) or with no-intervention (p less than 0.001). In addition, maximal flare area was decreased with acupuncture compared with pseudo-acupuncture (p less than 0.04) and with no intervention (p = 0.003). Acupuncture had little or no effect on the itch onset time or on the maximal itch intensity after intradermal injection of histamine. Measurements of itching correlated poorly with measurements of flare size in all three experimental groups. Acupuncture appears to be an effective inhibitor of histamine-induced itch and flare. Moreover, acupuncture points displayed specificity in that needling near-by, non-acupuncture sites resulted in greater itching and larger flares.
The influence of ultraviolet B irradiation on the excretion of the main urinary metabolite of prostaglandin F1 alpha and F2 alpha in psoriatic and normal subjects
Authors: Katayama H , Hori H.
Published: August 2023

The influence of ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation on the excretion of the main urinary metabolite of prostaglandin F1 alpha and F2 alpha (PGF-MUM) in 7 normal male volunteers and 7 male patients with stable psoriasis was examined. The excretion of PGF-MUM was increased during the first 24 hours after UVB irradiation of back skin and was generally reduced to near pre-irradiation levels during the next 24 hours after irradiation, in both normal and psoriatic subjects. Although pre-irradiation levels of PGF-MUM excretion in psoriatic patients were lower than those in normal subjects as previously reported, it was demonstrated that PGF-MUM excretion after UVB irradiation in psoriatic patients was fairly increased and amounted to near the mean pre-irradiation level in normal subjects. These results suggested not only a disorder in endogenous prostaglandin synthesis in psoriatic patients but a considerable capacity of psoriatic skin to synthesize prostaglandin after UVB irradiation.
The effect on psoriasis of clobetasol propionate used alone or in combination with UVB
Authors: Larkö O , Swanbeck G , Svartholm H.
Published: August 2023

A study has been carried out to compare the effect of a combination of clobetasol propionate and UVB versus placebo/UVB. No significant reduction in time to healing was observed. However, symptoms abated more rapidly in the steroid/UVB group. Recurrences occurred at an earlier stage following the steroid UVB combination for long periods. A third group, treated solely with clobetasol propionate has also been investigated, but results were poorer than those described above. It is concluded that steroids in combination with UVB should be used only during the initial period in order to achieve a more rapid alleviation of symptoms and to avoid the side effects.
Silent lupus nephritis among patients with discoid lupus erythematosus
Authors: Roujeau JC , Belghiti D , Hirbec G , Poli F , Sobel AT , Revuz J , Touraine R.
Published: August 2023

A kidney biopsy was performed in 7 hypocomplementemic discoid lupus erythematosus patients despite the absence of overt renal involvement. Five patients had glomerular immune deposits and 2 patients with disseminated discoid lupus erythematosus exhibited definite proliferative glomerulonephritis. Those findings show that silent lupus nephritis may be encountered in discoid as well as in systemic lupus erythematosus, providing additional evidence supporting the unity of the disease. We suggest that hypocomplementemic patients with discoid lupus erythematosus must be carefully screened for renal disease by periodic urinalysis examinations.
Improvement of progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) with estriol treatment
Authors: Katayama H , Ohsawa K , Yaoita H.
Published: August 2023

Two female patients suffering from progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) of generalized type were treated with estriol for 10 months. Although complete cure was not achieved, considerable beneficial effects were observed in these patients, but no serious side effects. Thus, skin softening was observed on all involved parts of these patients, which was accompanied by increased mobility of large or medium-sized joints and improved pigmentation and cyanotic redness on fingers and extremities. However, no apparent improvement of internal organ involvement could be detected. Histopathologically, a drastic reduction of homogenization of collagen bundles in the dermis of affected forearms was seen in these patients following estriol treatment. To our knowledge this is the first report of estriol therapy for PSS.
Wart treatment with anthralin
Authors: Flindt-Hansen H , Tikjøb G , Brandrup F.
Published: August 2023

In order to investigate the efficacy of anthralin ( Anthraderm ) in the treatment of warts a randomized controlled trial was carried out in 72 patients. During a two-month period of treatment 56% were cured in the group treated with anthralin 2% ( Anthraderm ), evaluated at follow-up 2-9 months after finishing treatment, compared with 26% in the group treated with the comparative drug ( Verucid ). Anthralin 2% ( Anthraderm ) was found to have a significantly better effect, especially in the group of patients with warts solely on the hands.
In vitro testing for cobalt sensitivity: an aid to diagnosis
Authors: Al-Tawil NG , Marcusson JA , Möller E.
Published: August 2023

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 45 patients with a positive patch test to cobalt chloride (CoCl2) and 37 controls were stimulated with various concentrations of CoCl2 and/or cobalt sulphate (CoSO4) or cobalt nitrate (Co(NO3)2) or cobalt acetate [CH3COO)2Co) for various days in culture. Lymphocytes from 35 of these patients showed a significantly greater response than that of the controls. The response occurred in the T enriched population and was monocyte dependent. The strength of the in vivo serial dilution test results did not correlate well with the height of in vitro responses. Lymphocytes from 3 nickel and/or chromium sensitive patients failed to respond to stimulation with cobalt compounds thus confirming the specificity of the reaction. The DNA synthesis test seems to be a reliable in vitro method to aid in the diagnosis of cobalt sensitivity.
Localized scleroderma (morphoea): thickness of sclerotic plaques as measured by 15 MHz pulsed ultrasound
Authors: Serup J.
Published: August 2023

The thickness of morphoea plaques was measured by A-mode ultrasound and compared to regional control measurements in the same individuals. The thickness of morphoea plaques was increased by 18-310% in 17 patients with one or a few morphoea plaques (p less than 0.01), and by 13-145% in 6 patients with generalized morphoea (p less than 0.05). The increase in thickness of morphoea plaques was local confined to the plaques. Ipsilateral and contralateral control measurements were not different, and measurements in a standard region (forearm) were not different from those in a group of healthy controls matched for sex and age. Plaques of clinically ´advanced´ scleroderma were more thickened (p less than 0.01) than plaques of ´slight´ scleroderma. The relative increase in thickness was larger (p less than 0.01) in skin with a habitual thickness of 0.8-1.1 mm. The habitual skin thickness on the extremities (mean 1.0 mm) was less (p less than 0.01) than on the trunk (mean 1.5 mm), and, consistently, plaques with ´advanced´ scleroderma were more frequent (p less than 0.05) on the extremities. Ultrasound measurement of skin thickness was accurate with SD form 0.05-0.09 mm and coefficients of variation from 3-7% in reproducibility studies of typical morphoea plaques as well as normal appearing skin.
Immunohistochemical analysis of T-cell subsets in the peribulbar and intrabulbar infiltrates of alopecia areata
Authors: Perret C , Wiesner-Menzel L , Happle R.
Published: August 2023

In 11 patients with untreated alopecia areata in the progressive stage of the disease, an in situ analysis of the inflammatory infiltrate of the hair bulbs was performed by means of different monoclonal antibodies. Most of the peribulbar cells reacted with the pan T-cell antibodies OKT 3 and Lyt 3. Staining for T-cell subsets revealed that the proportion of OKT 4+ cells was about fourfold higher than that of OKT 8+ cells. Almost all of the T cells were OKIa1+, indicating that they were in an activated state. In four of the 11 cases, both subsets of T lymphocytes were also found to infiltrate the hair matrix itself. These results would appear to be consistent with the assumption that alopecia areata is caused by a T cell mediated autoimmune mechanism.
Fixed drug eruption to erythromycin
Authors: Pigatto PD , Riboldi A , Riva F , Altomare GF.
Published: August 2023

A case of repeated eruption after administration of erythromycin is described. It is the first report of erythromycin as proven agent of such an allergic reaction.
Naturally occurring T lymphocytotoxic antibody in viral and related skin diseases
Authors: Hosokawa H , Horio S , Takiuchi Y , Maruyama N , Asada Y.
Published: August 2023

The naturally occurring T lymphocytotoxic antibodies in patients with viral and related skin diseases were investigated and compared with those of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The incidences of T lymphocytotoxic antibodies in exanthema suspected of viral infection, infectious mononucleosis, rubella and pityriasis rosea were 28%, 44%, 8% and 28% respectively. Sera from patients with herpes zoster and erythema infectiosum did not show positivity. Incidence in SLE sera as positive control was 82%. The T lymphocytotoxic antibodies detected in skin diseases were similar in nature to those of SLE patients, but were transient and lower in titer than those of SLE.
Control of the human head louse with disulfiram and benzyl benzoate emulsions. A laboratory study
Authors: Brinck-Lindroth G , Lundqvist L , Nilsson A.
Published: August 2023

The effects of disulfiram, benzyl benzoate and DDT, all components of a common preparation (Tenutex) for the control of the head louse, were tested on louse eggs. A significant higher mortality of eggs was evident after treatment with (i) disulfiram, (ii) benzyl benzoate, (iii) these two substances mixed, and (iv) Tenutex. DDT in this concentration had no effect on the survival of the eggs. Long-time exposure to Tenutex and Tenutex without DDT significantly lowered the hatching frequency of eggs. Almost no hatching occurred after exposure for 24 hours. The survival of larvae hatched from eggs treated with Tenutex was lower than for those treated with Tenutex without DDT. DDT seemed to have an effect primarily on the survival of larvae. Newly hatched larvae were more sensitive to the two Tenutex preparations than older larvae.
Local sweat stimulation with the skin prick technique
Authors: Kiistala R , Kiistala U , Parkkinen MU , Mustakallio KK.
Published: August 2023

Intracutaneous injections of cholinergic agonists are usually employed for induction of local sweating. The possibility to apply a less painful skin prick technique as a sweat test was examined. Pricks were made on the forearm skin of 25 young men by puncturing the skin through drops of methacholine (MCH) and control saline solutions with lancets having a point length of 1 mm. The drops were kept on skin for 10 min and were then wiped off. Using an evaporimeter the measurements of water loss (WL) were started 5 min later and continued at 5 min intervals. Sweat loss (SL) was calculated from the difference of rates of evaporative WL recorded at the MCH and saline pricks. Ten, 1, 0.1, and 0.01% solutions of MCH elicited the following average peak evaporative sweat losses: 107.1, 77.5, 32.4 and 5.4 g m-2h-1. Both the degree and duration of the sweat responses were dependent on concentration. The prick technique is well tolerated and may serve for comparative studies of local sweating.
Zinc and zinc-dependent enzymes in penicillamine-treated patients with generalized scleroderma
Authors: Jepsen LV , Eggert J.
Published: August 2023

In 7 penicillamine-treated patients with generalized scleroderma zinc in serum, erythrocytes and granulocytes, alkaline phosphatase activity in serum and granulocytes, carbonic anhydrase activity in erythrocytes were examined. No significant difference was found between patient and control values, but granulocyte zinc strongly tended to be decreased (0.1 greater than p greater than 0.05). It is our hypothesis that penicillamine may produce a zinc depletion at a cellular level.
Pregnancy and porphyria cutanea tarda
Authors: Rajka G.
Published: August 2023

A 31-year-old woman developed typical clinical and laboratory signs of PCT at the end of her second pregnancy coincident with the summer season. She had elevated liver function values without history of alcoholism, hepatitis or chemical liver damage. She had taken oral contraceptive only before her first pregnancy which was normal. Her hormone analytic values including estrogens corresponded to normal values in pregnancy. Venesections had a beneficial affect on her condition.
Pemphigoid vegetans: a case report
Authors: Al-Najjar A , Reilly GD , Bleehen SS.
Published: August 2023

Pemphigoid vegetans in an 83-year-old man is reported. The histological and immunopathological findings were those of bullous pemphigoid rather than a variant of pemphigus.
Antigen-free diet in adult patients with atopic dermatitis. A double-blind controlled study
Authors: Munkvad M , Danielsen L , Høj L , Povlsen CO , Secher L , Svejgaard E , Bundgaard A , Larsen PO.
Published: August 2023

The efficacy of an antigen-free diet on the activity of atopic dermatitis was examined in a double-blind study, comprising 33 adults with severe atopic dermatitis. The antigen-free diet (Vivasorb) was compared to a placebo diet during three weeks of hospitalization. Twenty-five patients were evaluable, two of whom had their diet stopped after a few days due to exacerbation. Nine patients improved, while 16 patients were unchanged. Among those who improved five patients had Vivasorb and four placebo diet. In the remaining group 11 patients had Vivasorb and five had placebo. Four patients reported of less pruritus, sleeplessness and antihistamine consumption (three Vivasorb, one placebo) while 21 did not (13 Vivasorb, eight placebo). Thus, there were no significant differences between the groups. Paraclinical studies of circulating eosinophilocytes, serum IgE, orosomucoid, HLA-antigens, and immunofluorescence of skin biopsies showed no differences between the Vivasorb and the placebo groups. The results from the examination of this relatively small number of patients suggest that elementary intolerance plays little role in the etiology of atopic dermatitis in adults.
In vitro migration of human mononuclear cells towards a psoriatic scale extract
Authors: Sterling JC , Lidén S.
Published: August 2023

Extracts of psoriatic scales from patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and of normal human post-mortem skin were tested for their effects on the migration of healthy human mononuclear cells in a modified Boyden chamber. A preparation of cells containing 12-32% monocytes was obtained from whole blood by a density gradient technique. The cells were allowed to migrate through a polycarbonate filter towards various dilutions of the two types of extract, a known chemoattractant or towards buffer alone. There was enhancement of migration towards psoriasis scale extract, with significant differences only at the stronger concentrations tested. The results suggest that scales taken from stable plaque psoriasis contain an extractable water-soluble factor which stimulates the movement of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Ophthalmological manifestations in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Catsarou-Catsari A , Katsambas A , Theodoropoulos P , Stratigos J.
Published: August 2023

101 patients suffering from psoriasis have been examined ophthalmologically, in order to determine the incidence of the eye symptoms. The most important finding was iridocyclitis (uveitis) which was present in 3 out of 7 patients suffering from psoriatic arthritis.
13-cis-retinoic acid effective in mycosis fungoides. A report from the Scandinavian Mycosis Fungoides Group
Authors: Thomsen K , Molin L , Volden G , Lange Wantzin G. , Hellbe L.
Published: August 2023

Twenty patients with mycosis fungoides and four with S√©zary´s syndrome were treated with 13-cis-retinoic acid as single therapy in an initial dose of 1 to 2 mg per kg body weight in most cases. Complete remission in mycosis fungoides was obtained in six cases (33%) and partial remission in another ten cases (50%). No convincing response was observed in three cases, and progression of limited nodular lesions occurred in one case. In cases responding to treatment the first sign of remission was observed within two to four weeks. Our short-term experience is that the drug is effective in early as well as advanced stages of mycosis fungoides. Patients with S√©zary´s syndrome, however, did not respond to the same extent.
Occurrence of epidermolysis bullosa in Finland
Authors: Kero M.
Published: August 2023

Cases of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) were gathered from the hospital files of dermatological clinics and university pediatric clinics in Finland over a period of 10 years. 40 families were identified, containing 121 live sufferers from this condition, after which genealogical analysis revealed a further 55 patients. 11 out of the 17 subtypes of EB (1) were diagnosed in these families. The diseases found in two families were difficult to type according to the present classification, and were therefore handled separately. No regional accumulation was found and it seems that there is no type of EB which represents a peculiarly Finnish form. The most significant difference compared with the Norwegian material was the very much lower incidence of the recessive dystrophic subtype in Finland.
Bowel bypass arthritis dermatitis syndrome: a histological and electron microscopical study
Authors: Sandbank M , Weltfriend S , Wolf R.
Published: August 2023

A case of dermal vasculitis with arthralgia after intestinal bypass surgery is reported. A 36-year-old woman developed arthralgia and skin rash, 1 year after an ileo-jejunal bypass operation was performed for overweight (130 kg). Skin biopsy showed leucocytoclastic vasculitis in the dermis. E.M. study showed clumps of platelets around small dermis blood vessels, and polymorphous perivascular infiltration. The symptoms subsided after tetracycline treatment.
Collagen specific amino acids in skin in localized scleroderma
Authors: Serup J , Ammitzbøll T , Møller R.
Published: August 2023

Hydroxyproline, hydroxylysine and proline were determined on skin from 18 patients with localized scleroderma (10 with localized morphoea plaque and 8 with generalized morphoea). Three skin biopsies (4mm punch) were obtained from each patient: One from the center of a sclerotic plaque, one from the perilesional area, and one (control) from unaffected skin of the same region. Clinically, the sclerosis was more pronounced (p less than 0.01) in localized morphoea plaque as compared to generalized morphoea. Patients with localized morphoea plaque had an increased concentration of hydroxylysine (p less than 0.01) and an increased ratio of hydroxylysine to hydroxyproline (p less than 0.01) in the plaques. Hydroxylysine concentration was not changed in patients with generalized morphoea. In the entire material, increased hydroxylysine concentration were related to shorter age of the plaques (p less than 0.05) and to advanced degree of sclerosis (p less than 0.05). The hydroxylysine and hydroxyproline content per mm2 skin surface, and the weight of the dried defatted biopsy cores were increased in sclerotic plaques (p less than 0.01) in localized as well as generalized morphoea. There were no changes in the hydroxyproline and proline concentrations in any of the groups. Specimens from perilesional area showed intermediate changes. The results were compared with selected cases of lichen sclerosis et atrophicus and atrophic skin diseases. The increase in hydroxylysine concentration and ratio to hydroxyproline indicate that patients with localized morphoea plaque contain an increased proportion of newly synthesized collagen in the fibrotic plaque.
Functional and morphological analysis of the horny layer of pityriasis alba
Authors: Urano-Suehisa S , Tagami H.
Published: August 2023

The affected skin of pityriasis alba showed functional defects in both hygroscopicity and water-holding capacity detectable by water sorption-desorption test. Furthermore using skin surface biopsy technique in 5 patients, we noted that the mean area of corneocyte obtained from the affected skin of pityriasis alba was smaller and that the surface of that area showed a more prominent villous pattern than the adjacent normal skin in scanning electron microscopical observation. In this study we demonstrated the abnormalities of the horny layer in pityriasis alba, which suggest that the condition is similar to a dermatitic change and that its hypopigmentation may be due to postinflammatory mechanisms.
Topical zinc sulfate augmentation of human delayed type skin test response
Authors: Lin RY , Busher J , Bogden GJ , Schwartz RA.
Published: August 2023

The ability of topical zinc sulfate to augment the cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity response to Candida antigen was evaluated in 47 adults (15 controls and 32 hospitalized patients). On each adult subject, intradermal standard Candida extract was administered to each forearm followed immediately by topical application of 10% zinc sulfate in Aquaphor ointment on one arm and Aquaphor alone on the other arm. The reaction size was assessed in a single blinded manner. Of the 24 subjects who reacted positively to Candida antigen, a significantly larger (p less than 0.01) number of individuals showed an augmented cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity response in the arm on which the topical zinc sulfate had been applied. However, when patients were stratified by plasma zinc concentrations, only the normal plasma zinc patient group demonstrated a statistical augmentation. Possible mechanisms and selectivity of this observed effect are discussed. These findings suggest a role for topical zinc application to augment cutaneous immune responsiveness.
Pruritus during standardized mental stress. Relationship to psychoneuroendocrine and metabolic parameters
Authors: Fjellner B , Arnetz BB , Eneroth P , Kallner A.
Published: August 2023

The influence of experimentally-induced emotional stress on pruritic response of human skin was studied in healthy subjects. Experimental activation of the psychoneuroendocrine system was produced by standardized stressors, i.e. a colour-word-conflict test (Stroop-test) and a subsequent mental arithmetic problem. Pruritus was elicited by intradermal injection of histamine. Results obtained were compared with reported feelings of stress, and stress-induced physiological and biochemical changes. Reported stress levels were evaluated by a visual analogue scale. The physiological and biochemical observations included pulse rate, blood pressure, endocrine and metabolic parameters. The experimental model produced adequate psychoneuroendocrine stress reactions. Cutaneous responses to histamine remained despite this unaltered. The cutaneous responses were unrelated to reported stress levels as well as to physiological and biochemical variables prior to stressor exposure. The individual cutaneous reactions to stressor exposure were related to the adrenaline response pattern. Degree of control, ability to predict, and time limitation of the experimental situation may be important factors influencing the experimental outcome.
Pompholyx--a one year series
Authors: Thelin I , Agrup G.
Published: August 2023

During one year 68 patients with pompholyx attending the outpatient clinic at the Department of Dermatology, Lund, were examined with special regard to occupational disability. Owing to pompholyx 56 patients had sick-leave, and in 48 sick-leave lasted more than 1 month. No patient needed change of occupation because of pompholyx, and no disability pension was granted because of the disease.
Treatment of necrobiosis lipoidica with low-dose acetylsalicylic acid. A randomized double-blind trial
Authors: Beck HI , Bjerring P , Rasmussen I , Zachariae H , Stenbjerg S.
Published: August 2023

16 patients with clinically and histologically verified necrobiosis lipoidica lesions were treated with either 40 mg acetylsalicylic acid or placebo daily for 24 weeks in a double-blind controlled study. The lesions became statistically significantly larger in both groups in spite of inhibition of the aggregation of the platelets in the acetylsalicylic group.
Genomic fingerprinting in the epidemiology of gonorrhoea
Authors: Falk ES , Danielsson D , Bjorvatn B , Melby K , Sørensen B , Kristiansen BE.
Published: August 2023

We investigated the usefulness of the restriction enzyme (RE) fingerprinting for epidemiological tracing in gonococcal disease. The RE patterns of three paired gonococcal isolates showed corresponding identical fingerprints. Within each of the three pairs of epidemiologically linked isolates the respective restriction patterns were completely identical. Also, the restriction patterns of 6 strains from a larger contact group were identical. Identical restriction patterns were also obtained in each of the two cases where isolates were recovered from both urethra and cervix. The serological findings were in perfect agreement with the genomic fingerprinting as to the identity between all strains of the same epidemiologic chain. Relapse of the original infection could be excluded in one case by the finding of a different RE pattern and also a different serovar pattern of the strain recovered 4 months later.
Skin uptake of Gallium 67 in cutaneous sarcoidosis
Authors: Huisman PM , Van Royen EA.
Published: August 2023

A patient is presented with cutaneous sarcoidosis of the scalp. Ga-67 was intensively taken up by the skin lesions. Systemic involvement of parotid glands and mediastinum was also demonstrated by Ga-67 scintigraphy. Prednisolone therapy reversed promptly the pathologic Ga-67 uptake. Ga-67 scintigraphy should be performed in all patients suffering from cutaneous sarcoidosis as being the most sensitive method to demonstrate systemic involvement.
Acnegenicity testing in rabbits. An objective quantification method
Authors: Bechgaard E.
Published: August 2023

An objective method for the quantification of follicular hyperkeratosis is proposed for the rabbit ear assay of acnegenicity. The area (area%) of hyperkeratinized follicles, covering a stereomicroscopic photo of the epidermis, is proposed for the quantification of the response. The uniformity of two observers´ quantification was evaluated in six tested formulations. The quantification of the response in area% was found to be a suitable and objective alternative to visual scoring on a graded scale. The median relative difference between two observers´ area%-quantification was found to be 26%, and there was no statistically significant difference between the two observers´ quantification (p greater than 0.10). An area% of 2, 7, and 15 is preliminarily suggested to be equivalent to the lower limit for scores 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
Pathogenesis of orally induced flare-up reactions at old patch sites in nickel allergy
Authors: Christensen OB , Beckstead JH , Daniels TE , Maibach HI.
Published: August 2023

The flare-up reaction of old patch test sites following oral intake of antigen have been shown to be site and antigen specific reactions. Using enzyme and immunohistochemistry, the morphology of 6- to 8-week-old patch test sites, before and after oral challenge with nickel, was investigated. Before oral challenge, small scattered perivascular cell infiltrates consisting of macrophages, mast cells, T-lymphocytes, and OKT6+ dendritic cells were found in old patch test sites. In early and strong flare-up reactions combined with systemic toxicoderma-like reactions, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lysed granular fragments from these cells were prominent. In slower flare-up reactions with little systemic involvement, T-lymphocytes predominated. We conclude that cells, probably macrophages, which are able to secrete inflammatory mediators promoting chemotaxis for polymorphonuclear leukocytes and/or T-lymphocyte proliferation, may play an important role in initiation of the flare-up reaction.