bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yellow nail syndrome associated with penicillamine therapy
Authors: Ilchyshyn A. , Vickers CF.
Published: August 2023

A patient is described in whom the nail changes of the yellow nail syndrome developed whilst she was taking penicillamine. Stopping the drug was associated with resolution of the nail changes. The yellow nail syndrome was first described in 1964 (Samman and White), but the cause is still unknown. Impaired lymphatic drainage is thought to be a factor in the pathogenesis, and lymphoedema is often an accompanying feature. We describe a case in which nail changes, typical of those described in the yellow nail syndrome, occurred in a patient treated with d-penicillamine, and in whom the nails reverted to normal on withdrawing the drug. (Received March 15, 1983.)
Steroid-induced ´granulomas´ in hypertrophic scar
Authors: Bhawan J.
Published: August 2023

Intralesional steroids injected into hypertrophic scars and keloids can result in histiocytic and foreign body granulomatous reaction which may be confused with focal mucinosis or necrobiotic process such as rheumatoid nodule. An awareness of this possibility might avoid unnecessary investigations in the patient.
Basal cell carcinoma overlying histiocytofibroma
Authors: Rotteleur G. , Chevallier JM. , Piette F. , Bergoend H.
Published: August 2023

A case of basal cell epithelioma overlying a long-standing histiocytofibroma is presented. The association of these two tumors is a rare finding. The role of dermal factors in the pathogenesis of epidermal tumors is briefly discussed, just as the controversy about the reactive or neoplastic nature of the epidermal change.
Straight-hair nevus in a patient with straight hair
Authors: Lange Wantzin G. , Poulsen T. , Thomsen K.
Published: August 2023

No abstract available.
Leukoplakia of the prepuce with epidermolytic hyperkeratosis: a case report
Authors: Kolde G. , Vakilzadeh F.
Published: August 2023

A leukoplakic lesion of the prepuce is described with the histologic and ultrastructural features of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. The lesion represents most likely a variant of epidermolytic leukoplakia recently observed in the vermilion border of the lip.
Diastereomers of 5-S-cysteinyldopa
Authors: Agrup G. , Edholm LE. , Rorsman H. , Rosengren E.
Published: August 2023

Diastereomers of 5-S-cysteinyldopa formed from D-dopa and L-cysteine or from L-dopa and D-cysteine can be separated from 5-S-cysteinyldopa formed from L-dopa and L-cysteine by liquid chromatography. The diastereomers have a great potential as internal standards in the analysis of 5-S-cysteinyldopa. They can be used as reference substances in the differentiation of stereospecific enzymatic oxidation of dopa from non-specific oxidation.
Scanning electron microscopic visualization of rolled hair (Poils en spirale)
Authors: Kanerva L. , Niemi KM. , Lassus A. , Rantanen T.
Published: August 2023

A patient suffering from recalcitrant pemphigoid developed rolled hairs after prolonged oral corticosteroid therapy. Consequently, we looked for rolled hairs in 100 out-patients, but none could be found. The rolled hairs were characterized by light and scanning electron microscopy.
Epithelial cell proliferation of oral lichen planus in patients treated with an aromatic retinoid
Authors: Schell H. , Hornstein OP. , Deinlein E. , Bauer G.
Published: August 2023

In 4 patients with lichen planus mucosae (l.p.m.) biopsies were taken from the involved and uninvolved buccal sides before treatment and from the affected side after a 3-week systemic therapy with aromatic retinoid (Ro 10-9359; 50 mg/die). After in vitro labelling with 3H-thymidine the epithelial cell proliferation was determined histo-autoradiographically. In atrophic lesions of l.p.m., increased 3H-thymidine labelling indices were observed during retinoid therapy. After 3 weeks of treatment the augmented relative portion of labelled basal cells (quotient LIbas/LIsuprabas) was found to be lowered, indicating a tendency of proliferating cells to regain normal distribution in the progenitor compartment of the mucosa epithelium.
Assay of comedolytic activity in acne patients
Authors: Mills Jr OH. , Kligman AM.
Published: August 2023

Comedolytic activity was assessed in acne patients by determining the reduction in facial microcomedones using the cyanoacrylate follicular biopsy technique. Microcomedones were counted in five-em squares after 8 to 12 weeks of treatment. Only salicylic acid and tretinoin among seven conventional anti-acne medications were found to possess comedolytic activity. The latter was the more effective.
Age at menopause of females with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Serup J. , Hagdrup HK.
Published: August 2023

Clinical symptoms of menopause were recorded in 27 females with systemic sclerosis, mean age 53.5 years (range 22-68). Five had regular menstruation, and 22 were in the postmenopause, 2 with climacterium praecox. Mean age at menopause was 47.8 years (range 30-59) among the 22 females, and 49.3 years (range 40-59) among the 20 females with a normal climacterium. Eleven had physiological subjective symptoms of menopause. The 22 females had 34 living children, and 13 abortions. It is concluded that the menopause is normal in females with systemic sclerosis. This indicates that the ovaries are normally not involved in the disease.
Localized scleroderma ´en coup de sabre´ and iridopalpebral atrophy at the same line
Authors: Serup J. , Alsbirk PH.
Published: August 2023

A case is reported of scleroderma ´en coup de sabre´ in a 13-year-old girl with atrophy of the nasal part of the iris and loss of cilia on the upper eyelid. The lesions of the front and eye were located on precisely the same line. The line did not follow the innervation fields of the cranial, peripheral or autonomous nerves. Nor did it follow the tension lines of the skin (Langer), or underlying anatomical structures. It is discussed that the predisposition to the ´coup de sabre´ line seen in localized scleroderma was laid down in the mesenchyme in early foetal life before the differentiation of the anatomical structures.
Xanthogranuloma juvenile: a case report
Authors: Mortensen T. , Weismann K. , Kobayasi T.
Published: August 2023

A case of juvenile xanthogranuloma in a female newborn infant is reported. Red-brown, flat, well-demarcated lesions were present at birth on her scalp, face and trunk. During the following year of observation the eruptions regressed slowly and spontaneously. Light and electron microscopy revealed histiocytes and Touton giant cells dominating the dermal cell infiltrate. The Touton cells contained bizarre invaginated nuclei, lysosomes, a granular endoplasmic reticulum, and cholesterol clefts in their cytoplasm. No fat droplets were seen.
Short-wave ultraviolet light (UVB) treatment of allergic contact dermatitis of the hands
Authors: Mørk NJ. , Austad J.
Published: August 2023

7 out of 10 patients with long-standing allergic contact dermatitis of their hands were successfully treated with short-wave ultraviolet light (UVB) and the contact dermatitis healed completely. To maintain this result they had to receive UVB therapy regularly once a week. The last 3 patients also showed improvement, but they had periods with vesiculation during the treatment. UVB treatment seems to be a valuable supplement for the treatment of contact dermatitis.
The influence of limonene on induced delayed hypersensitivity to citral in guinea pigs. II. Label distribution in the skin of 14C-labelled citral
Authors: Barbier P. , Benezra C.
Published: August 2023

14C-labelled citral was applied on four groups of guinea pigs: (a) one sensitized to citral alone; (b) one sensitized to a citral-d-limonene 1 : 1 molar mixture; (c) FCA-treated controls; (d) controls. The most important results concern the amount of labelled material in soluble compared with insoluble skin protein extracts (SPE). In citral-sensitized animals, more label was found in the soluble SPE when citral + limonene was applied to the skin; in citral + limonene sensitized animals, the same trend (i.e. more label in soluble SPE) was found. The possible role of limonene in alleviating the allergic reaction to citral is discussed.
Urinary 5-S-cysteinyldopa in Parkinsonism after DOPA and carbidopa
Authors: Stewart RM. , Miller S. , Gunder M.
Published: August 2023

The effect of anti-Parkinson therapy on the urinary excretion of 5-S-cysteinyldopa (5SCD), a catechol metabolite of dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and marker for the melanocyte, was studied by means of high performance liquid chromatography. 5SCD was normal in Parkinson patients treated with anticholinergics. DOPA administration increased 5SCD excretion. Carbidopa and DOPA together elevated 5SCD markedly in a dose-dependent manner to values higher than seen in some patients with metastatic malignant melanoma. The effect of anti-Parkinson therapy should be considered when using 5SCD as a tumor marker or when a Parkinson patient has a melanoma.
Decreased trace element contents in chromatin of patients with pemphigus
Authors: Baló-Banga JM , Karimian-Teherani D , Rácz I.
Published: August 2023

Three trace elements, manganese, copper and zinc, selected as normal constituents were measured in the chromatin fraction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from four pemphigous patients and compared with values form 4 matching control cases treated with corticosteroid. Manganese and copper were decreased in pemphigous patients significantly against controls whereas zinc was decreased slightly without statistical significance. Decreased trace element levels in chromatin revealed an unique pattern characteristic only for pemphigus as compared with earlier data of this group and of others in different pathological states. Decrease in chromatin zinc content might reflect the fact of corticosteroid treatment rather than a pathognomic feature which has to be taken into consideration while working with samples from patients on long-term steroid therapy. The theory of trace element depletion in pemphigus is confronted with known reports of penicillamine--a chelating agent--induced cases of the disease.
Ultrastructural findings in the skin lesions of patients with anetoderma
Authors: Venencie PY , Winkelmann RK , Moore BA.
Published: August 2023

Eight biopsy specimens from the skin lesions of five patients with anetoderma were studied for their ultrastructural findings. In all of them, normal elastic fibers were absent and a few very thin, irregular elastic fibers with a more or less complete loss of the amorphous substance and a relative conservation of the microfibrils were observed. The collagen fibers were normal. Inflammation composed of macrophages and lymphocytes, with some plasma cells, was a prominent finding. It is suggested that anetoderma and acquired cutis laxa are part of the same spectrum of elastolytic disease.
Incidence and prevalence of dermatitis herpetiformis in a country in central Sweden, with comments on the course of the disease and IgA deposits as diagnostic criterion
Authors: Moi H.
Published: August 2023

In a defined area of 273 000 inhabitants in Central Sweden a total number of 125 patients with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) were observed during the years 1974-1982. The incidence was calculated for the years 1943-1982 and was found to be 0.86-1.45 patients/100 000 inhabitants/year, which is in agreement with a report from Finland. However, the prevalence of DH in the area was 39.2 patients/100 000 inhabitants, which is much higher than previously reported. Spontaneous transient remissions of more than half a year duration were seen in 20% of the patients. At the end of the study, 16 out of 37 patients (43%) on normal diet used no dapsone because of no or minimal rash. Immunohistochemical demonstration of IgA-deposits at the dermoepidermal junction was found to be a good diagnostic criterion. Granular deposits were seen in all except one patient, also in those needing no dapsone. Five out of 6 patients with a granular-linear pattern were still alive at the end of the study, and all of them needed dapsone for control of the rash.
13-cis-Retinoic acid in rosacea. Clinical and laboratory findings
Authors: Schmidt JB , Gebhart W , Raff M , Spona J.
Published: August 2023

The paper presents clinical and laboratory data on 13-CIS-retinoic acid treatment in rosacea. Good-to-excellent results are reported for severe forms of rosacea. Side effects were tolerable and could easily be controlled. The role of sebaceous gland function was documented by both histological and skin sebum parameters. Diminution of sebaceous gland size and the decrease of skin sebum with alteration of single sebum fractions correspond with findings in acne. According to the findings the alteration of sebaceous gland function is one model of drug action in rosacea. Thus sebaceous gland dysfunction may play an important role in the pathogenesis of rosacea.
Fatal connective tissue disease with antinuclear antibodies following PUVA therapy
Authors: Bruze M , Krook G , Ljunggren B.
Published: August 2023

Antinuclear antibodies with a nucleolar staining pattern appeared in a psoriasis patient during PUVA therapy. No antinuclear antibodies were found after the termination of PUVA but they reappeared one year later together with symptoms consistent with a connective tissue disease. The course was fatal and the clinical and the laboratory investigations suggested a scleroderma-like syndrome.
6-Hydroxy-5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid in normal human urine
Authors: Hansson C.
Published: August 2023

The presence of 6-hydroxy-5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (6H5MI-2-C) in normal human urine was demonstrated by mass spectrometry. A quantitative method based on HPLC with fluorometric detection was developed for the determination of 6H5MI-2-C. In normal subjects the mean urinary concentration of 6H5MI-2-C was 38 mumol/mol of creatinine (range 6-76 mumol/mol).
Free fatty acids in the blood serum of psoriatics
Authors: Zlatkov NB , Ticholov JT , Dourmishev AL.
Published: August 2023

Free fatty acids in the serum of 60 patients with generalized psoriasis were studied by a gas-chromatographic method. The same investigations in 40 healthy persons served for control purposes. It was established with statistical probability (p less than 0.001) that in the serum of psoriatics the levels of palmitic (C 16: 0), stearic (C 18: 0), arachidic (C 20: 0), and docosadienic (C 20: 2) acids were increased, while the levels of the linoleic (C 18: 2) and arachidonic (C 20: 4) acids were depressed. There is no behenic acid (C 22: 0) in the blood serum of psoriatics. Thalassotherapy caused no significant changes in the levels of these free fatty acids in psoriatics.
Pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma of the feet: an electron microscopic investigation
Authors: Secher L , Weismann K , Kobayasi T.
Published: August 2023

A case of pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma of the feet (acroangiodermatitis) is reported. The patient showed clinical and light-microscopic signs closely resembling Kaposi´s sarcoma, but by electron microscopy of skin biopsies definite signs of degeneration of vascular walls and infiltrating cells were demonstrated. Electron microscopy should be applied when conventional histology is inconclusive or fits poorly to the anamnestic information and/or clinical appearance of the lesions.
Pemphigus erythematosus: clinical and histo-immunological studies in two unusual cases
Authors: Van Joost T , Stolz E , Blog FB , Ten Kate F , Vuzevski VD.
Published: August 2023

In two unusual cases of pemphigus, classified as pemphigus erythematosus (PE), the clinical and laboratory data are summarized and discussed. In case I, with characteristic immunologic features of PE, acantholysis was detectable only by the EM-technique. Case II with transitory pemphigus and features of SLE was diagnosed as "probable PE". In this case (case II) concomitant incidence was found of benign thymoma. In addition in both cases the patterns of T-cells and T-cell-subsets in blood and lesional skin are briefly discussed.
Evaluation of cutaneous amyloid employing anti-keratin antibodies and the immunoperoxidase technique (PAP method)
Authors: Ishii M , Asai Y , Hamada T.
Published: August 2023

Thirty-one cases of primary cutaneous amyloidosis were studied by the immunoperoxidase technique (PAP method) employing anti-keratin antibodies. All specimens were examined using consecutive paraffin sections to confirm the correspondence between amyloid existing area and reactive sites. All of the sections examined were non-reactive in amyloid deposited sites whereas the epidermis always showed strong reaction with anti-keratin antibodies.
The ultrastructural observation of a case of lymphomatoid papulosis
Authors: Horiguchi Y , Horiguchi M , Toda K , Mitani T , Imamura S.
Published: August 2023

Electron microscopic studies of biopsy specimens from a patient with lymphomatoid papulosis were performed. In the epidermis, infiltrating lymphoid cells, many of which had highly convoluted nuclei, were revealed to come into close contact to increased Langerhans´ cells but did not accumulate to form microabscesses. In the dermis, Langerhans´ cells with rather small numbers of Birbeck granules were scattered among the thick infiltration of mononuclear cells showing close apposition with lymphoid cells. Some macrophages contacted the Langerhans´ cells and lymphoid cells were also observed. On one occasion, a Langerhans´ cell clinged by a lymphoid cell in the uppermost dermis was revealed to expand the cytoplasm through the ruptured basal lamina touching another lymphoid cell in the epidermis.
Bullous pemphigoid and malignancy: relationship to indirect immunofluorescent findings
Authors: Venencie PY , Rogers 3rd RS , Schroeter AL.
Published: August 2023

In a group of 93 patients with generalized bullous pemphigoid seen at the Mayo Clinic from 1970 to 1980, the frequency of concomitant malignancies did not appear to be higher than in the general population or in previously reported series from the Mayo Clinic. However, the subgroup with negative indirect immunofluorescent tests had an unexplained higher frequency of malignancy (4/28) than the subgroup with positive immunofluorescent tests (5/65).
Skin blood flow in psoriasis during Goeckerman or beech tar therapy
Authors: Staberg B , Klemp P.
Published: August 2023

Skin blood flow (SBF) was measured by the laser Doppler technique in lesional and clinically normal skin of 8 patients with psoriasis vulgaris during Goeckerman or beech tar therapy. The SBF measurements were performed before therapy and 1, 2, and 3-4 weeks after treatment was initiated. The results were compared to a clinical psoriasis index based on the objective assessment of infiltration, erythema, and scaling of the psoriatic plaques. The pre-treatment value of SBF in lesional skin was about 9 times higher than that of clinically normal skin. During therapy SBF of involved skin decreased rapidly approaching that of uninvolved skin after 3-4 weeks. Furthermore, there was a significant linear correlation between the SBF values and the clinical psoriasis index. It is concluded that SBF in psoriatic lesions decreases significantly during Goeckerman or beech tar therapy, and that this variable might be used to obtain a quantitative measure of the disease activity.
Acrogeria with perforating elastoma and bony abnormalities
Authors: Venencie PY , Powell FC , Winkelmann RK.
Published: August 2023

A case of acrogeria, a premature aging syndrome with acral distribution, is reported in association with perforating elastoma and bony abnormalities.
Reiter´s disease: successful treatment of the skin manifestations with oral etretinate
Authors: Benoldi D , Alinovi A , Bianchi G , Buticchi G.
Published: August 2023

Cutaneous manifestations in a case of Reiter´s disease were successfully treated by oral etretinate administration. The clinical and histopathological similarities between the skin lesions of Reiter´s disease and those of pustular psoriasis, which is known to respond to aromatic retinoids, suggested this treatment.
Quantification of acrosclerosis: measurement of skin thickness and skin-phalanx distance in females with 15 MHz pulsed ultrasound
Authors: Serup J.
Published: August 2023

The skin thickness of the extensor and flexor aspects of the forearm (TEF, TFF), and the skin-phalanx distance over the middle and proximal phalanges (DMP, DPP) were measured with a 15 MHz ultrasound (A-scan) apparatus. Twenty-two females with systemic sclerosis (acrosclerotic type) and 22 healthy females matched for age were studied. DMP, DPP, TEF and TFF measurements were all increased in systemic sclerosis (p less than 0.001, p less than 0.001, p less than 0.01, p less than 0.02). Standards for normal skin-phalanx distance and skin thickness in females were defined (mean +/- SD). DMP and DPP were not correlated to age in the controls. TEF and FEF decreased slightly with age, 0.078 and 0.062 mm/10 years of life respectively. DMP was increased in 18 (82%), DPP in 13 (59%), TEF in 7 (32%) and TFF in 5 (23%) patients with systemic sclerosis, as compared with standards defined. Noninvasive measurement of skin-phalanx distance of the digits and skin thickness of the forearm with high-frequency ultrasound is concluded to be proper for the diagnosis of acrosclerosis and for quantification of sclerodermatous skin changes during medical treatment.
Studies on photohemolysis with special reference to demethylchlortetracycline
Authors: Bjellerup M , Ljunggren B.
Published: August 2023

Hemolysis induced by ultraviolet radiation as well as demethylchloretetracycline (DMCT) phototoxicity have been investigated in a model using human red blood cells. Total hemolysis for UV-B and UV-C was obtained with 8.3 and 1.9 J/cm2 respectively. DMCT was shown to have pronounced hemolytic properties causing 88% hemolysis at 50 micrograms/ml and 72 J/cm2 of UV-A. No increased hemolysis rate was seen in combination with UV-B. Several factors influencing the results were studied such as incubation time, UV-A dose, drug concentration and different methods for hemoglobin detection. Photohemolysis is an accurate tool for demonstrating DMCT phototoxicity.
Histologic and ultrastructural features of the ichthyotic skin in X-linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata
Authors: Kolde G , Happle R.
Published: August 2023

The ichthyotic skin in X-linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata was investigated in a four-week-old baby and a fourteen-year-old girl. Histologically, the ichthyosiform erythroderma of the newborn and the ichthyosis of the older child presented as a retention hyperkeratosis with several distinctive features such as calcification of the keratotic follicular plugs, atrophy of the hair follicles and focal hyperpigmentation of the basal keratinocytes. On ultrastructural examination, small to medium sized vacuoles were regularly seen in the thinned granular layer. Some of these vacuoles contained needle-like calcium inclusions. The histologic and ultrastructural findings are therefore characteristic for this rare type of ichthyosis.
Incidence and prevalence of dermatitis herpetiformis in western Sweden
Authors: Mobacken H , Kastrup W , Nilsson LA.
Published: August 2023

The annual incidence of IgA-positive dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) during the years 1976-1981 in Gothenburg, Sweden, a city with approximately 430000 inhabitants, was estimated prospectively. The mean annual incidence was 1.1 per 10(5) inhabitants. The prevalence of DH as at 31 December, 1981 was 22.9 per 10(5) inhabitants or 19.6 if patients in long-standing spontaneous remission were excluded. These figures probably represent the minimum overall prevalence rate.
Effect of grenz rays on Langerhans´ cells in human epidermis
Authors: Lindelöf B , Lidén S , Ros AM.
Published: August 2023

In order to investigate the effect of grenz rays on Langerhans´ cells in human epidermis, five healthy volunteers were treated with a single dose of 4 gray of grenz rays on a limited area of buttock skin. Biopsies were obtained before irradiation and from the irradiated site 30 min, 6 hours, 24 hours, 1 week and 3 weeks after X-ray therapy. There was a slight reduction after 30 min and a very pronounced reduction of OKT-6 positive cells regarded as Langerhans´ cells, 1 and 3 weeks after irradiation.
Hemophilus ducreyi infection resembling granuloma inguinale
Authors: Verdich J.
Published: August 2023

A case of Hemophilus ducreyi infection clinically resembling granuloma inguinale is reported. Culture of the causative organism permitted a definitive diagnosis to be made. Combined treatment with tetracycline and sulphamethizole/trimethoprim rapidly cleared the infection.
Collagen in the esophageal mucosa of patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS)
Authors: Hendel L , Ammitzbøll T , Dirksen K , Petri M.
Published: August 2023

Eighteen consecutive patients with an established diagnosis of Progressive Systemic Sclerosis (PSS) underwent different investigative procedures to determine possible esophageal involvement. Esophageal sclerosis was demonstrated by X-ray and manometry in 13 patients. In all patients endoscopic biopsies of esophageal mucosa were obtained. In all biopsies the concentrations of hydroxyproline, hydroxylysine and proline were determined. Patients suffering from PSS involving the esophagus were found to have a significantly higher concentration of collagen specific amino acids (hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine) in the esophageal mucosa (endoscopic obtainable biopsies) than patients with PSS not affecting the esophagus.
Clinical appearance of skin lesions and disturbances of pigmentation in localized scleroderma
Authors: Serup J.
Published: August 2023

Skin manifestations of localized scleroderma were assessed clinically in 58 patients presenting 214 circumscribed scleroderma lesions (23 patients with localized morphoea plaques, 15 with generalized morphoea, 11 with linear scleroderma of trunk and extremities, 9 with scleroderma en coup de sabre). Characteristic differences between different types of localized scleroderma with respect to age at debut, regional distribution, symmetry and linearity, degree of sclerosis of the lesions, and the presence of inflammatory change of colour, pigmentation and visible atrophy of underlying subcutaneous tissue were found. Separate brown-pigmented spots resembling atrophoderma. Pasini-Pierini were observed in 49% of the patients. A regional distribution chart of linearity in localized scleroderma was elaborated. The frequent finding of disturbances of pigmentation, the character of the linear distribution-pattern, and affections of underlying anatomical structures is discussed to indicate a predisposing defect in the migration of crest cells during embryonal life.
The ultrastructural morphology of human cutaneous leishmaniasis of low parasite load
Authors: El Hassan AM , Veress B , Kutty MK.
Published: August 2023

The ultrastructural morphology of the inflammatory infiltrate in cutaneous leishmaniasis with low parasite load from seven patients was studied. Cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (macrophages and epithelioid cells), plasma cells, and lymphocytes formed the infiltrate. Disseminated shrinkage necrosis or apoptotis as well as coagulative necrosis with loss of the plasma membrane of single macrophages occurred. An intimate contact was observed between macrophages and lymphocytes. The relationship of the morphological alterations to the persistence of the chronic inflammatory reaction and the possible explanations of the macrophage necrosis are discussed.
Failure of specific human tissue substrates to increase the sensitivity of indirect immunofluorescence testing in cicatricial pemphigoid
Authors: Powell FC , Connolly SM , Rogers 3rd RS , Schroeter AL.
Published: August 2023

Indirect immunofluorescence testing was carried out on sera from 14 patients with cicatricial pemphigoid with use of both autologous and homologous human tissue substrates. The results were largely negative. The sensitivity of detection of circulating antibody is not increased with these substrates over that with animal tissue substrates.
Scleredema and monoclonal gammopathy: report of two cases
Authors: Venencie PY , Powell FC , Su WP.
Published: August 2023

Two patients had scleredema with monoclonal gammopathy, one of whom was considered to have smoldering multiple myeloma. In one patient, the scleredema cleared without treatment, while in the other, the scleredema and the monoclonal gammopathy persisted unchanged.
Mutilating palmoplantar keratoderma successfully treated with etretinate
Authors: Wereide K.
Published: August 2023

Three patients, a mother and her two sons, with mutilating palmoplantar keratoderma (Vohwinkel´s syndrome) were successfully treated with oral etretinate (Tigason). All of them had keratotic constriction furrows of one or more digits (pseudo-ainhum) with threatening spontaneous amputation. Oral treatment with etretinate brought about disappearance of the pseudo-ainhums and normalization of the digital blood circulation. The hyperkeratotic skin became thinned and pliable with a dose-dependent trend towards redness and atrophy. Continued long term etretinate medication has made it possible for these patients to fulfill their social and occupational activities. All 3 patients had acoustic impairment of high-pitched tone perception.
Lichen planus and the liver
Authors: Mobacken H , Nilsson LA , Olsson R , Sloberg K.
Published: August 2023

No abstract available.
Activation of complement in the skin after PUVA therapy
Authors: Clemmensen OJ , Staberg B , Worm AM.
Published: August 2023

Suction blister fluid from the abdominal skin of 14 healthy subjects was examined for the presence of split products of complement C3 (C3-split) as an indicator of complement activation before and after treatment with either UVA or PUVA. Following PUVA a significant increase in C3-split was found (p less than 0.05) in both irradiated and non-irradiated skin areas. Following UVA the increase in C3-split was less pronounced. The activation of complement may play an important role in the maintenance of the delayed erythema that appears after irradiation with long-wave ultraviolet light.
Incidence of liver disease in chronic lichen planus of the mouth
Authors: Mobacken H , Nilsson LA , Olsson R , Sloberg K.
Published: August 2023

Fifty-four patients with oral lichen planus were screened for chronic inflammatory liver disease utilizing standard biochemical parameters of liver function, serum levels of immunoglobulins G, A and M and circulating autoantibodies against mitochondriae, smooth muscle and cell nuclei. One patient had primary biliary cirrhosis, and another had cryptogenic cirrhosis. This study did not confirm previous observations of a frequent association of oral lichen planus and primary biliary cirrhosis or chronic active hepatitis.
Treatment of pustulosis palmaris et plantaris with colchicine. A double-blind cross-over trial
Authors: Thestrup-Pedersen K , Reymann F.
Published: August 2023

27 patients with pustulosis palmaris et plantaris were treated daily with colchicine 0.5 mg X 3 for four weeks in a double-blind study. Only ten patients experienced a halt of pustule formation, whereas redness, scaling, and subjective symptoms were unchanged. Colchicine seems of limited value in patients with pustulosis palmaris et plantaris.
Follicular mucinosis developing into cutaneous lymphoma. Report of two cases and review of literature and 64 cases in Japan
Authors: Kanno S , Niizuma K , Machida S , Takahashi M , Ohkido M , Nagura H , Murakosi M , Mori T.
Published: August 2023

Two cases of follicular mucinosis which developed into lymphoma are reported. The infiltrative atypical lymphocytes proved to be T cells, which were identified by monoclonal antibodies. The association of follicular mucinosis and lymphoma in Japan is estimated to be 9.4%.
Transepidermal water loss in dry and clinically normal skin in patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Werner Y , Lindberg M.
Published: August 2023

To obtain data on the function of the epidermal barrier in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was studied. Measurements were made on three body locations in two clinically well defined groups of patients with AD and in a control group. The TEWL was found to be increased both in dry non-eczematous skin and in clinically normal skin in patients with AD. The TEWL was highest in patients with dry skin. The result of the study may indicate a primary defect in the epidermal barrier: the stratum corneum.
Contact urticaria in laboratory technicians working with animals
Authors: Agrup G , Sjöstedt L.
Published: August 2023

The occurrence of contact urticaria was studied in 101 laboratory technicians investigated for allergy to laboratory animals. Fourteen cases of contact urticaria caused by rat were found. Other animals causing contact urticarial reactions were mouse (7), guinea-pig (4), and cat (2). Hand eczema was not found in laboratory technicians with contact urticaria and IgE-antibodies to laboratory animals.
Pityriasis rosea (Gibert): abnormal distribution pattern of antigen presenting cells in situ
Authors: Bos JD , Huisman PM , Krieg SR , Faber WR.
Published: August 2023

Pityriasis rosea is a skin disease which is obscure in its etiology and pathogenesis. We studied its immunopathology by immunophenotyping the inflammatory cells in situ using monoclonal antibodies that define leukocyte subsets. Findings as to T-cells and their major subsets did not reveal disease-specific data. Monocytes stained only rarely. Neither natural killer cells, B-cells nor plasma cells were ever found. An unexpected finding was the presence within the infiltrates and rarely within the epidermis of cells having the immunophenotype of interdigitating cells (RFD1+). Intense and dendritic staining with anti-T6 and anti-HLA-DR indicated Langerhans cells to be present in the dermal infiltrates, in between these infiltrates in the papillary dermis, and focally within the parakeratotic horny layer. This Langerhans´ cell pattern provides evidence for dermal Langerhans cell compartmentalization and transepidermal Langerhans´ cell elimination. Such a distribution indicates a change in Langerhans´ cell migration processes in pityriasis rosea pathogenesis.
Dietary treatment of nickel dermatitis
Authors: Veien NK , Hattel T , Justesen O , Nørholm A.
Published: August 2023

During a 5-year period, 61 patch-test-negative patients whose dermatitis flared after oral challenge with 2.5 mg nickel and 143 patients with positive patch tests to nickel who were not challenged orally adhered to a diet intended to reduce the daily intake of nickel for at least one month. After 1 to 2 months of dieting the dermatitis in 121 of the 204 patients had cleared or was markedly improved. One to 5 years after the initial diet treatment a questionnaire was sent to the 204 patients to inquire about the long-term results of the diet treatment. 150 patients responded to the questionnaire. 90 of these patients had continued to diet constantly or intermittently for a year or more. 88 patients felt that there was a long-term improvement as a result of diet treatment.
Oral ketoconazole as an alternative to griseofulvin in recalcitrant dermatophyte infections and onychomycosis
Authors: Svejgaard E.
Published: August 2023

In an open study 58 patients with chronic dermatophytosis mainly caused by Trichophyton rubrum and five patients with Tinea capitis were treated with ketoconazole. The indications were ineffectiveness of or side effects to griseofulvin. Response to treatment varied from 1 week in scalp infections to 11 weeks in toe-nail lesions. Dermatophytosis of hands and feet were cured in 25%, marked improvement observed in further 30%. Toe- and finger-nail infections were cured in 20% and 43%, respectively, and marked improvement seen in further 36% and 14%, respectively. All scalp infections were cured without relapse. Recurrence of infections before 6 months after treatment was seen in 55-60% of hand and foot lesions and 33-38% of finger and toe-nail infections. In a double-blind study 20 patients with onychomycosis caused by T. rubrum the efficacy of ketoconazole was compared to that of griseofulvin. Cure rates in the griseofulvin group were 25% for finger-nails and zero for toe-nails, while 50% and 57% experienced marked improvement. In the ketoconazole group, 25% of finger-nail infections were cured and 75% markedly improved, while the corresponding figures for toe-nails were 11% and 89%, respectively. Adverse reactions to ketoconazole were seen in 29 (46%) of the patients in the open study and in 2 (20%) in the double-blind study and comprised mainly minor complaints. Side effects caused discontinuation in 12 patients, in two of whom due to toxic hepatitis.
Production of 6-hydroxydopa by human tyrosinase
Authors: Hansson C , Rorsman H , Rosengren E , Wittbjer A.
Published: August 2023

A tyrosinase obtained from cultured human melanoma cells was found to oxygenate 2,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine to the strongly cytotoxic amino acid 6-hydroxydopa (2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylalanine). The oxygenation was dependent on the presence of a reducing co-substrate such as dopa or dopamine. The rate of oxygenation of 2,4-dihydroxyphenyl-D,L-alanine was similar to that of L-tyrosine, the normal substrate of tyrosinase. The enzymatic reaction demonstrated may prove of value in the chemotherapy of human melanoma.
Direct evidence for the cytomembrane derivation of Birbeck granules: the membrane-sandwich effect
Authors: Bartosik J , Andersson A , Axelsson S , Falck B , Ringberg A.
Published: August 2023

Digitonin, which is known to cause extensive damage to cytomembranes in general, was found to have a most remarkable effect on epidermal Langerhans´ cells. Thus, it generates a membrane-sandwiching process resulting in the formation of large discs which except for the differences in size have the same morphology as ordinary Birbeck granules. This demonstrates that the cytomembrane of the Langerhans´ cell has the inherent ability to superimpose upon itself, leaving little doubt that the normal Birbeck granules derive from the cytomembrane.
Merkel cells express desmosomal proteins and cytokeratins
Authors: Ortonne JP , Darmon M.
Published: August 2023

Indirect immunofluorescence experiments performed on various mammalian tissues rich in Merkel cells show that these cells contain keratin intermediate filaments and desmosomal proteins, which demonstrates their epithelial nature. Although they share desmosomes with neighbouring keratinocytes, Merkel cells differ from them, since they contain keratin polypeptides usually found in simple epithelia. In that respect, Merkel cells resemble fetal keratinocytes.
Familial alopecia areata--genetic susceptibility or coincidence?
Authors: Valsecchi R , Vicari O , Frigeni A , Foiadelli L , Naldi L , Cainelli T.
Published: August 2023

Three generations of a not consanguineous Italian family and 40 subjects suffering from alopecia areata (AA) and residing in Northern Italy were studied. There were 321 healthy control subjects of both sexes. Six family members from three generations were affected with alopecia universalis. The subjects were HLA-phenotyped using different HLA-A, B and C antigen specificities. No significant association was found between HLA-A, B and C antigens and AA patients at the population level. Segregation analysis showed that affected members shared a common haplotype, HLA-Aw32, B18,-.
Fibronectin distribution in nailfold biopsies of scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) patients
Authors: Chen ZY , Maricq HR , Pilia PA , Dobson RL , Silver RM , Ainsworth SK.
Published: August 2023

The distribution of fibronectin (FN) was studied in skin biopsies of 13 patients with scleroderma (SD), 7 patients with dermatomyositis (D), and 10 normal controls (NC) by direct immunofluorescence. In normal tissues, continuous or segmental linear staining of the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) was seen. Papillary, subpapillary dermis, and papillary capillary loops showed a reticular pattern of deposition with fibronectin. Scleroderma patients revealed similar staining in the dermis and DEJ. The reticular distribution of FN appeared to stain more intensely in the dermis than in controls, especially in deeper layers. The amount of FN in walls of blood vessels from SD patients was markedly increased; all dermal vessels stained with FN and revealed considerably thicker walls and larger lumens. FN distribution in DM patients was similar to that seen in SD with an increased amount of FN staining in capillary walls.
Palmoplantar lesions in psoriatic patients and their relation to inverse psoriasis, tinea infection and contact allergy
Authors: Fransson J , Storgårds K , Hammar H.
Published: August 2023

One hundred and seven psoriatics with palmoplantar involvement were clinically examined. They were selected from 921 patients filed in 1976 with the diagnosis psoriasis. Fifty per cent of the patients with palmoplantar psoriasis had flexural changes. The frequency of palmar involvement in patients with inverse psoriasis compared to patients with psoriasis vulgaris was increased 5.3 times. Pustulosis palmoplantaris (PPP) in addition to psoriasis was diagnosed in 18 patients (17%). A dermatophyte infection was observed in 1 of 48 patients examined for tinea infection. Positive patch tests were obtained in 8 of 47 patients, 7 of whom had more than one test reaction. The result gives no evidence of tinea infection and contact allergy as important factors in maintaining palmoplantar psoriasis.
An immunohistochemical staining of epidermal Langerhans´ cells in tinea cruris
Authors: Emtestam L , Kaaman T , Hovmark A , Asbrink E.
Published: August 2023

Epidermal Langerhans´ cells (LC) were investigated in fresh cryostat sections of ten biopsies from patients with mycologically proven tinea cruris, using OKT6 monoclonal antibodies and avidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase. Compared to the controls, more epidermal LC and an increased number of LC in the upper half of the epidermis were found in the sections from tinea patients. In a double staining method for both OKT6-positivity and hyphae, a tendency towards a gathering of LC and fungal elements was found. The results of this study are in agreement with the theory that epidermal LC are responsible for the antigen uptake in dermatophytosis.
Antinuclear antibodies in mice induced by long wave ultraviolet radiation (UVA)
Authors: Bruze M , Forsgren A , Ljunggren B.
Published: August 2023

PUVA therapy has been reported to induce antinuclear antibodies (ANA). The generation of ANA following ultraviolet irradiation was studied experimentally in albino mice. When treated with long wave ultraviolet radiation (UVA) from blacklight fluorescent tubes a significant number of animals developed positive ANA titres, whereas no change was noted in groups, treated with PUVA, 8-methoxypsoralen only or medium wave ultraviolet irradiation (UVB) respectively. The tendency for UVA-irradiated mice to develop ANA was stronger when higher ANA titres were compared. UVA induces ANA in mice, and PUVA-induced ANA may be due to the UVA component of this therapy.
Delusions of infestation treated with pimozide: a follow-up study
Authors: Lindskov R , Baadsgaard O.
Published: August 2023

Fourteen patients with monosymptomatic delusions of infestation were followed-up 19-48 months after treatment with pimozide was terminated. Seven patients had remained in remission since the treatment. Three had developed relapses, but were without symptoms with intermittent treatment. Four patients responded poorly to pimozide and had still symptoms at the follow-up. The study indicates, that a large proportion of patients with monosymptomatic delusions of infestation treated with pimozide will be able to discontinue the medication for years without recurrence of their delusions.
Sarcoid-like granulomatous periocular dermatitis treated with tetracycline
Authors: Falk ES.
Published: August 2023

Two cases of periocular micropapular dermatitis with sarcoid-like granulomatous histology are reported. After 8-12 weeks treatment with tetracycline the cutaneous eruptions of both patients cleared. The condition is equivalent to perioral dermatitis.
Antigliadin antibodies and gluten-free diet in dermatitis herpetiformis
Authors: Vainio E , Kalimo K , Viander M , Reunala T.
Published: August 2023

IgA and IgG class antigliadin antibodies (AGA) were analysed with ELISA technique from serum samples of 30 dermatitis herpetiformis patients. Jejunal biopsies were performed to all patients before any treatment and high levels of IgA class AGA were found to be associated with subtotal villous atrophy. Fourteen patients started gluten-free diet (GFD) which caused a significant decrease in both IgA and IgG class AGA. The decrease of IgA AGA was faster than that of IgG AGA and IgA antibody levels fell to normal range during the GFD treatment in all but one patient. In contrast, 5 out of 8 patients followed on normal died showed increasing IgA AGA levels and all of them had a rise in IgG AGA. IgA and IgG class antibodies to cow´s milk were also measured in these patients but in contrast to AGA the diets had no clearcut effect on these antibodies.
Treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus with etretinate
Authors: Ruzicka T , Meurer M , Braun-Falco O.
Published: August 2023

Nineteen patients with different clinical subsets of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE) were treated with the aromatic retinoid etretinate. In 11 of them excellent or good treatment results were obtained within two to six weeks. Best response to etretinate therapy was seen in male patients with discoid lupus erythematosus. Etretinate should prove a valuable drug in LE therapy.
Minimal effect of complete H1 receptor blockade on urticaria pigmentosa
Authors: Krause LB , Shuster S.
Published: August 2023

The effect of complete H1 receptor blockade on urticaria pigmentosa was studied in 6 patients. Astemizole 10 mg tds was given for 6 weeks to achieve complete H1 receptor blockade and the response measured by change in force-weal response measurements using two different forces on a dermographic stylus and measuring response as weal diameter. Weal and flare reactions to 8 micrograms histamine were completely abolished by the astemizole but dermographic weal-force responses were reduced only by 12-15% indicating that histamine acting at the H1 receptor plays only a small part in the wealing of urticaria pigmentosa.
Separate effects of topical indomethacin on the itch response and on the flare reaction induced by histamine in human skin
Authors: Ståhle M , Hägermark O.
Published: August 2023

The effects of topical indomethacin on histamine responses and histamine release were studied in 15 healthy volunteers. Three hours before testing, the indomethacin solution was applied under occlusion on one arm and the corresponding vehicle on the other. Solutions of histamine and the histamine releasing compound 48/80 were injected intradermally in both arms. Indomethacin treatment inhibited the flare reactions induced by histamine and compound 48/80 to about 50%, whereas no influence was seen on the itch responses. Our results indicate that indomethacin has no effect on the release of histamine, but it selectively suppresses the histamine-induced flare reaction leaving the itch duration unaffected.
Spun glass hair: two cases investigated with SEM and TEM
Authors: Forslind B , Thomsen K , Andersson B.
Published: August 2023

Two cases of spun glass hair have been investigated with SEM and TEM. The SEM studies confirm previous findings by other authors. The TEM investigations reveal a completely normal cross section appearance. These findings stress the need for investigation of the time sequence of the keratinization process of the different layers of the inner root sheath.