bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and reproduction of triazine‐susceptible and ‐resistant Solanum nigrum in a maize crop
Authors: KREMER  , KROPFF
Published: March 2003

Growth and berry production of triazine‐susceptible and ‐resistant Solanum nigrum L. in the field with and without a maize crop were studied over 3 years. Delayed transplanting reduced the final dry matter production and berry production greatly. In most of the experiments, the final total dry matter production and berry production of the triazine‐resistant biotype were lower than those of the susceptible biotype. However, relative growth rates of both biotypes in a maize crop were similar during the exponential growth phase. One important determinant of final dry matter and berry production could be dry matter growth in the very young seedling phase. Although dry matter production and reproduction of the resistant biotype in a maize crop will be lower than that of the susceptible biotype in the absence of the selecting herbicide, management strategies to control resistant biotypes of S. nigrum should not only be based on this characteristic.
In vitro culture of Orobanche ramosa
Authors: Batchvarova  , Slavov  , Bossolova
Published: March 2003

Orobanche spp. (broomrapes) are holoparasites that subsist on the roots of many important crops and can considerably reduce yield. The control of Orobanche spp. includes physical, chemical and biological methods. Interactions between parasitic angiosperms and their hosts first occur at the level of parasite seed germination. The seeds of all Orobanchaceae germinate in soil under natural conditions only in response to specific chemical exudates from the host plant. This study describes the influence of different plant growth regulators and host plant root exudates on germination and development of calli from Orobanche seeds in vitro. The effect of indole‐3‐acetic acid, gibberellic acid and kinetin on the germination of Orobanche seeds varied with concentration. These plant growth regulators also affected the period of germination and the structure of calli and protrusions. An in vitro system for the collection of tobacco root exudates was established. Compounds released from the host roots of three different tobacco cultivars were found to provoke high levels of germination of the Orobanche seeds without any period of pre‐conditioning. This study developed methods for the investigation of host–parasite interactions and the effect of germination stimulants in Orobanche spp.
Barley seed vigour and mechanical weed control
Authors: Rasmussen  , Rasmussen
Published: March 2003

Two field experiments investigated the influences of crop seed vigour on the effect of weed harrowing and crop:weed interactions in spring barley. Artificially reduced seed vigour, which was similar to the variation within commercial seed lots, caused a reduction in germination rate, delayed time of emergence and, consequently, caused reduced competitive ability against weeds. During both years, the reduced seed vigour increased the average weed biomass by 169% and 210%, and reduced the average crop yield by 16% and 21%. Without the influence of weeds, the yield reduction was estimated to be 8% and 10%. A three‐times harrowing strategy reduced the weed biomass by 75% and 72% on average. However, it also caused damage to the crop and reduced yield. There was no clear interaction between barley seed vigour and weed harrowing in the experiments but, in one year, reduced seed vigour tended to decrease the effect of weed harrowing and also increased crop damage. Results in both years, however, indicate potential possibilities for successful integrated weed control by adding the use of high seed quality to a weed harrowing strategy.
A note on the chemical composition, intake and digestion of Striga hermonthica herbage by sheep
Authors: Hess  , Fernández‐Rivera
Published: March 2003

Striga hermonthica causes serious crop yield losses in West Africa. Hand pulling, an effective method for the reduction of light infestations, might be encouraged if farmers could use this weed as livestock feed. This study evaluated the chemical composition and the voluntary intake and digestion of S. hermonthica herbage by sheep. Crude protein (g kg−1 dry matter (d.m.)) was 184 in the whole plant, 230 in the leaf and 87 in the stem. Ash content varied from 183 to 253 g kg d.m.−1. The concentration of neutral and acid detergent fibre and lignin in whole pot‐grown plants was 364, 278 and 127 g kg d.m.−1 respectively. The digestibility of dry and organic (o.m.) matter was 493 and 657 g kg−1, respectively, and intake of digestible o.m. was 27.1 g kg W−0.75. The relatively high N and P levels in S. hermonthica warrant further evaluation in terms of its potential use as a source of protein or for compost. Its use as a feed appears to be limited by the high ash content and possibly by anti‐nutritional effects on animals. These effects should be further investigated before recommending its use for this purpose.
Evidence of differences in seed dormancy among populations of Bromus sterilis
Authors: Peters  , Atkins  , Brain
Published: March 2003

Seeds of 40 populations of Bromus sterilis L. were collected in the southern and midland counties of England over a 2‐year period and grown outdoors in pots in two subsequent years. In the first year, seeds were tested in a 12‐h dark/12‐h light regime at 15 °C and in the second year the seeds were tested both in the dark/light regime and in the dark at 15 °C. There was a wide range in the degree of enforced dormancy given by the dark/light regime. Germination of freshly collected seeds in the dark/light regime after 21 days ranged from 44% to 97% in the populations tested in the first year and from 19% to 97% in populations tested in the second year. Induced dormancy was caused by light in two populations. Seeds had little innate dormancy apart from in two populations which gave 64% and 68% germination, respectively, in the dark after 21 days. A field trial in which seeds of a selected range of six populations were sown on the soil surface after harvest (August 8), showed that populations predicted to be inhibited by light in laboratory tests were also inhibited by light in the field and, depending upon the population, there was between 4% and 54% of the seeds remaining ungerminated by October 23 in the year of planting. By June of the following year, 36% of the seeds sown on the soil surface in one population still remained viable and ungerminated. The agricultural significance of the results is discussed.
Interference between Avena sterilis, Phalaris minor and five barley cultivars
Authors: Dhima K V , Eleftherohorinos I G , Vasilakoglou I B
Published: March 2003

Field experiments were carried out in Northern Greece from 1994 to 1997 to study interference between Avena sterilis L. or Phalaris minor Retz. and five autumn‐sown barley cultivars. Weed:crop interference began in early April. Avena sterilis at 120 plants m−2 showed greater interference against barley than P. minor at 400 plants m−2. The greatest grain yield and ear number reduction due to interference by either weed was recorded for cvs Klipper and Plaisant, and the least for cv. Athinaida; with cvs Carina and Thermi intermediate. Yield reduction due to A. sterilis for cvs Athinaida, Carina, Thermi, Klipper and Plaisant was 8, 16, 27, 61 and 67%, respectively, while corresponding losses to P. minor were 1, 8, 14, 45 and 55%. These results clearly indicate that growth and consequently yield components of cv. Athinaida were unaffected by the presence of either weed species, while those of cv. Carina were affected by A. sterilis, but not by P. minor. However, dry weight and panicle number of both weed species were severely reduced by interference with cvs Carina, Athinaida and Thermi compared with cvs Klipper and Plaisant. The order of interference of the five barley cultivars tested against A. sterilis and P. minor was Athinaida > Carina > Thermi > Klipper ≥ Plaisant.
Sorption and leaching potential of herbicides on Brazilian soils
Authors: Oliveira R S , Koskinen W C , Ferreira F A
Published: March 2003

Sorption of the herbicides alachlor, atrazine, dicamba, hexazinone, imazethapyr, metsulfuron‐methyl, nicosulfuron, simazine and sulfometuron‐methyl was characterized on six Brazilian soils, using the batch equilibration method. In general, weak acid herbicides (dicamba, imazethapyr, metsulfuron‐methyl, nicosulfuron and sulfometuron‐methyl) were the least sorbed, whereas weak bases such as triazines and nonionic herbicides (alachlor) were the most sorbed. TheKdvalues found showed a significant correlation with soil organic carbon content (OC) for all herbicides except imazethapyr and nicosulfuron.Kocvalues showed a smaller variation among soils thanKd. To estimate the leaching potential,Kocand the ground‐water ubiquity score (GUS) were used to calculate half‐lives (t1/2) that would rank these herbicides as leachers or non‐leachers. Comparison of calculated values to published values fort1/2demonstrated that sulfonylureas and hexazinone are leachers in all soils, alachlor is transitional, and atrazine, simazine and dicamba are leachers or transitional, depending on soil type. Results discussed in this paper provide background to prioritize herbicides or chemical groups that should be evaluated in field conditions with regard to their leaching potential to ground‐water in tropical soils.
Shading and the growth and photosynthetic responses of Ammannia coccinnea
Authors: Gibson K D , Fischer A J , Foin T C
Published: March 2003

The effects of shade on the growth and CO2 exchange rate (CER) of Ammannia coccinnea Wild., a noxious weed in water‐seeded rice, were determined under glasshouse conditions. Shade substantially reduced A. coccinnea growth when imposed early and maintained throughout the growing season. However, plants transferred from full light to 18% or 50% sunlight 30 or 45 days after seeding had only slightly less dry weight than unshaded plants. Constant shade reduced growth severely (94%). In contrast, plants that were shaded for 45 days and then placed in full light largely recovered from the effects of shading by final harvest. The ability of A. coccinnea to reduce the effects of shade appears related to increased partitioning to leaves, increased specific leaf area and decreased dark respiration rates. The ability of the weed to recover from shade appears related to its ability to greatly increase CER in new leaves in response to increased light. Plasticity in A. coccinnea morphology and physiology appears to explain its persistence in California rice fields and suggests that management strategies that rely on shade alone may not improve control of this weed.
Modelling herbicide dose and weed density effects on crop:weed competition
Authors: KIM D S , BRAIN P , MARSHALL E J P , CASELEY J C
Published: March 2003

The effects of a range of herbicide doses on crop:weed competition were investigated by measuring crop yield and weed seed production. Weed competitivity of wheat was greater in cv. Spark than in cv. Avalon, and decreased with increasing herbicide dose, being well described by the standard dose–response curve. A combined model was then developed by incorporating the standard dose–response curve into the rectangular hyperbola competition model to describe the effects of plant density of a model weed, Brassica napus L., and a herbicide, metsulfuron‐methyl, on crop yield and weed seed production. The model developed in this study was used to describe crop yield and weed seed production, and to estimate the herbicide dose required to restrict crop yield loss caused by weeds and weed seed production to an acceptable level. At the acceptable yield loss of 5% and the weed density of 200 B. napus plants m–2, the model recommends 0.9 g a.i. metsulfuron‐methyl ha–1 in Avalon and 2.0 g a.i. in Spark.
The ecological fitness of ALS‐resistant Amaranthus retroflexus and multiple‐resistant Amaranthus blitoides
Authors: Sibony M , Rubin B
Published: March 2003

Summary Field studies were conducted to evaluate the ecological fitness of Amaranthus spp. biotypes that evolved resistance to either acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors (A. retroflexus, SuR), to triazine herbicides (A. blitoides, SuS/TR), or to both (A. blitoides, SuR/TR), and estimate their ecological fitness under competitive conditions. The plants were grown in monoculture and in replacement series experiments. The examined mixtures were 100%S, 75%S/25%R, 50%S/50%R, 25%S/75%R and 100%R, at a constant stand of 400 plants m−2. The SuR and SuS A. retroflexus biotypes attained similar shoot dry biomass per plant, biomass per plot and relative yield total (RYT) = 1. In monoculture, the final shoot biomass of A. blitoides biotypes SuS/TS plants was higher than that of SuR/TR and SuS/TR. A negative effect of association was observed, amensalism, when SuS/TS was grown in mixture with SuR/TR, in favour of the wild type. However, SuR/TR and SuS/TR biomass was not influenced by the presence of the competitor. These data support the hypothesis that the ALS‐resistance trait in A. retroflexus and A. blitoides is not associated with growth penalty and did not incur ecological cost in the field. We suggest that the cause of the observed reduction in growth rendering the SuS/TR and SuR/TR less fit than the wild type is due to the triazine resistance, and may facilitate their dissipation.
Azathioprine in the treatment of Partheniumdermatitis
Authors: Sharma MD, MNAMS Vinod K. , Chakrabarti MD Aditi , Mahajan MD Vikram
Published: March 2003

Background Parthenium dermatitis is a chronic disorder whose management is extremely difficult. Allergen avoidance is almost impossible, topical corticosteroid therapy provides only partial relief, and prolonged systemic corticosteroid therapy has unacceptable side‐effects.

Methods Twenty patients with chronic Parthenium dermatitis, with relative contraindications to systemic corticosteroids or their side‐effects, were treated with oral azathioprine (100–150 mg daily). The severity of dermatitis was assessed at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months using a modified PASI scoring system.

Results The mean age of the patients was 54 years (range, 40–72 years) and the mean duration of dermatitis was 7.6 years (range, 3 months to 36 years). The mean initial score was 18.9 (range, 3.3–42), which decreased to 8.8 (range, 1.6–18.2) at 3 months, 4.8 (range, 0.6–14.6) at 6 months, and 0.7 (range, 0.2–1.4) at 12 months. Of the 15 patients evaluated at 6 months, all but one showed a response. Ten (66.6%) patients showed near‐total clearance, i.e. reduction in score by more than 90%, and three patients (20%) showed more than 50% reduction in score. No significant side‐effects were noted.

Conclusions Azathioprine is an effective and safe alternative to corticosteroid therapy in the treatment of chronic Parthenium dermatitis. It is especially useful in patients with side‐effects or contraindications to corticosteroid therapy.
Drugs causing fixed eruptions: a study of 450 cases
Authors: Mahboob Atiya , Haroon Tahir Saeed
Published: March 2003

Background Drug eruptions are among the most common cutaneous disorders encountered by the dermatologist. Some drug eruptions, although trivial, may cause cosmetic embarrassment and fixed drug eruption (FDE) is one of them. The diagnostic hallmark is its recurrence at previously affected sites.

Objective We evaluated 450 FDE patients to determine the causative drugs.

Results The ratio of men to women was 1:1.1. The main presentation of FDE was circular hyperpigmented lesion. Less commonly FDE presented as: nonpigmenting erythema, urticaria, dermatitis, periorbital or generalized hypermelanosis. Occasionally FDE mimicked lichen planus, erythema multiforme, Stevens–Johnson syndrome, paronychia, cheilitis, psoriasis, housewife’s dermatitis, melasma, lichen planus actinicus, discoid lupus erythematosus, erythema annulare centrifugum, pemphigus vulgaris, chilblains, pityriasis rosea and vulval or perianal hypermelanosis. Cotrimoxazole was the most common cause of FDE. Other drugs incriminated were tetracycline, metamizole, phenylbutazone, paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, mefenamic acid, metronidazole, tinidazole, chlormezanone, amoxycillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, belladonna, griseofulvin, phenobarbitone, diclofenac sodium, indomethacin, ibuprofen, diflunisal, pyrantel pamoate, clindamycin, allopurinol, orphenadrine, and albendazole.

Conclusions Cotrimoxazole was the most common cause of FDE, whereas FDE with diclofenac sodium, pyrantel pamoate, clindamycin, and albendazole were reported for the first time. FDE may have multiform presentations.
Evidence‐based dermatologic out‐patient treatment
Authors: Jemec Gregor B. E. , Thorsteinsdottir D. Med. Sci. Hugrun , Wulf Hans Christian
Published: March 2003

Objective To determine the evidence base for routine therapeutic decisions in dermatologic out‐patients.

Design A retrospective review of a random sample of primary therapy and literature.

Setting University hospital, dermatologic out‐patient clinic in Copenhagen

Material A random sample of the case notes from 115 out‐patients.

Method The evidence base of therapy prescribed when the diagnosis was ascertained was studied in literature searches in MEDLINE® and EMBASE®. Evidence was structured into primary evidence consisting of randomized controlled trials, and secondary evidence consisting of follow‐up studies or the application of trial results between diseases with pathogenic or clinical similarities, e.g. atopic and seborrheic dermatitis.

Results Randomized controlled trials could be found describing 38% (95% confidence interval: 30–47) of all treatments. Secondary evidence was found for 33%24–41, while no evidence was found for 23%16–31 of the given treatments.

Conclusions Approximately three‐quarters of dermatologic out‐patient therapy is based on scientific evidence ranging from randomized controlled trials to logical deduction from analogous clinical situations. The proportion of evidence‐based medicine in dermatologic therapy therefore appears to be comparable with that of internal medicine and may thus be above expectations.
Biotin recycling impairment in phenylketonuric children with seborrheic dermatitis
Authors: Schulpis Kleopatra H. , Nyalala John O. , Papakonstantinou Evangelos D. , Leondiadis Leon , Livaniou Evangelia , Ithakisios Dionyssios , Georgala Sophia
Published: March 2003

Objective To investigate the effect of a therapeutic diet on serum biotin levels and to explain the seborrheic dermatitis in phenylketonuric (PKU) patients on a “loose” diet.

Design Forty‐seven patients were divided into two groups: group A (n = 21) demonstrated good compliance to a special diet and group B (n = 26) were on a “loose” diet. Most of the patients in group B (20/26), who suffered from mild seborrheic dermatitis, were requested to return to phenylalanine (Phe)‐restricted diet for at least 15 days. Seventy‐nine healthy children of comparable age were used as controls. Biotin serum levels and plasma biotinidase activity were measured in patients as well as controls. In addition, biotinidase activity was evaluated in vitro after incubation with various concentrations of Phe.

Results Biotin levels in group A patients (636 ± 118 ng/L) were statistically significantly elevated (P < 0.01) compared with those of group B patients before (412 ± 184 ng/L) and after (501 ± 160 ng/L) 15 days on a Phe‐restricted diet, as well as with those of controls (337 ± 290 ng/L). Furthermore, biotinidase activities were decreased in group B patients (4.2 ± 1.68 nmol/min/L) compared with those of group A patients (6.4 ± 0.7 nmol/min/L) and controls (6.10 ± 0.8 nmol/min/L). Additionally, biotinidase activities in the patients of group B were restored to normal (5.78 ± 0.81 nmol/min/L), with a simultaneous remission of their skin lesions, after 15 days on a Phe‐restricted diet. Moreover, the in vitro findings showed a 51% inhibition of biotinidase activity when incubated with Phe (20 mg/dL).

Conclusions It is suggested that the high biotin levels in group A patients reflect the intake of water‐soluble biotin of vegetable origin. In contrast, the low biotinidase activity in group B patients may be attributed to their high Phe plasma levels, which acts as an enzyme inhibitor, as shown by the in vivo and in vitro results. Consequently, the observed seborrheic dermatitis in PKU children (group B) is associated with an impairment of biotin recycling.
Tretinoin‐iontophoresis in atrophic acne scars
Authors: Schmidt Jolanta B.. , Donath Peter , Hannes Johanna , Perl Sylvia , Neumayer Renate , Reiner Angelika
Published: March 2003

Background Atrophic acne scars are a frequent problem after acne. Hitherto, mainly invasive treatment measures were possible. In a recent paper, we demonstrated the positive effects of iontophoresis with 0.025% tretinoin gel vs. estriol 0.03%.

Objective In this further study, the recording of the clinical effects of iontophoresis with 0.025% tretinoin gel in atrophic acne scars was supplemented by immunohistochemistry investigations of collagen I and III, proliferation markers, and the estimation of epidermal thickness.

Methods The treatment was performed twice weekly in 32 volunteer patients for a period of 3 months by application of the substance under a constant direct current of 3 mA for 20 min. Skin biopsies prior to and at the end of treatment were performed in 32 voluntary patients in order to investigate collagen I/III and proliferation markers by immunohistochemistry methods.

Results Clinically, at the end of treatment, in 94% of patients a significant decrease in the scar depth was observed. Neither epidermal thickness nor proliferation markers revealed a significant increase at the end of treatment. Furthermore, collagen I and collagen III showed no common trend, as expressed statistically by a lack of significance. In some cases, increases in collagen III became evident at the end of treatment.

Conclusions Tretinoin‐iontophoresis is an effective, noninvasive treatment of atrophic acne scars without causing disturbing side‐effects.
Pruritic papular eruption in HIV seropositive patients: a cutaneous marker for immunosuppression
Authors: Boonchai Waranya , Md Rungroj Laohasrisakul , Manonukul Jane , Kulthanan Kanokvalai
Published: March 2003

Background Previous reports have shown the correlation between certain skin disorders and immune status in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients. Pruritic papular eruption (PPE) is the most common cutaneous manifestation in HIV infected patients. The purpose of this study is to define the relationship between the presentation of PPE and the immune status in HIV infection, as measured by the T‐cell subset, and to establish the usefulness of this common eruption as a predictor of CD4 count.

Method In this cross‐sectional study, 20 HIV‐positive patients with characteristics of PPE were studied. Clinical data, skin biopsy, and immune status, evaluated by measuring CD4, CD8, and CD4/CD8, were investigated.

Results Seventy‐five per cent of patients already had antecedent skin disorders, so PPE is not a leading symptom in HIV infected patients; 81.25% of PPE patients had an advanced degree of immunosuppression with a CD4 count below 100/mm3 and 75% below 50/mm3.

Conclusions PPE can be regarded as a cutaneous marker of advanced HIV infection.
Oral ivermectin in the treatment of scabies
Authors: Elmogy Mohammed , Fayed Hassan , Marzok Hamdy , Rashad Aml
Published: March 2003

One hundred and twenty scabietic patients attending the outpatient clinic of the Department of Dermatology, Mansoura University Hospital, voluntarily participated in this uncontrolled, open label study to evaluate ivermectin 20 μg/kg as a scabietic after they had given their consent.

The scabietic subjects included in this study were otherwise healthy, mentally competent, aged more than 18 years, and used no topical antiscabietic treatment in the week before ivermectin treatment, or during the 4‐week study period. Patients were also required to show clinical evidence of scabies, and the microscopically demonstrated presence of Sarcoptes scabiei, their eggs, or their fecal pellets (scybala).

A thorough history was taken, and a physical examination was conducted that included measurement of the pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and weight. For each participant, the distribution of scabies lesions was plotted on a body diagram, and the severity of disease was recorded as mild (10 or fewer lesions), moderate (11–49 lesions), or severe (50 or more lesions). Skin scrapings were examined for mites, eggs, or scybala. Urinalysis, stool analysis, a complete blood count, prothrombin time, and serum chemistry studies (serum creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bilirubin) were performed before treatment, and 2 and 4 weeks after the drug was given.

Ivermectin was administered as scored 6‐mg tablets with water, and the dose was designed to provide 200 μg/kg (ivermectin was provided by Delta Pharma, Tenth of Ramadan City, Egypt). The patients were instructed to have recently worn clothing, sheets, and towels washed in a hot cycle the day after treatment.

The patients were interviewed 3 days after treatment about any symptoms or subjective evidence of adverse reactions. Follow‐up examinations were carried out 2 and 4 weeks after intake of ivermectin, and all examination procedures and laboratory investigations were repeated.

Cure criteria included absence of nocturnal itching as well as dermatologic evidence of scabies, and negative skin scraping. Patients showing evidence of active scabies or having new lesions during the follow‐up visits were given a second dose of ivermectin.

All members of the household and immediate family were treated with either topical 5% permethrin cream or 1% gamma benzene hexachloride to reduce the chance of reinfestation.
In vivo delayed‐type hypersensitivity in 109 patients with vitiligo
Authors: Behrens‐Williams Stefanie C. , Peters Eva M. , Schallreuter Karin U.
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background  Although the etiology of the depigmentation disorder vitiligo is still not completely understood, many investigators believe that an autoimmune reaction may play a major role. In this regard, T‐lymphocyte‐mediated immunity has been implicated frequently in the pathogenesis of the disease. Most studies have applied in vitro testing of cell‐mediated immunity, however, rather than in vivo measurements. Therefore, our study was undertaken to define the cutaneous delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) in vivo reaction in association with the absence/presence of serum thyroid autoantibodies, which are a good representative marker for autoimmunity in patients with vitiligo.

Methods  DTH was evaluated in the normal pigmented skin of 109 vitiligo patients (29 men and 80 women) and in the depigmented skin of 27 of this group (5 men and 22 women) using the dermal application of seven common recall antigens together with a negative control. Individuals were considered to be hypoergic if the DTH sum score was ≤ 5 mm in women or ≤ 10 mm in men, or if they responded to only one or two antigens.

Results  The mean sum score was 10.2 ± 8.4 with an average of 2.3 ± 1.6 positive reactions in depigmented skin vs. a sum score of 12.4 ± 9.0 with an average number of 2.6 ± 1.6 positive reactions in normal pigmented skin. There was no statistically significant difference between depigmented and normal pigmented skin using the paired t‐test (P > 0.05). Further evaluation of these data showed no significant correlation between the presence of thyroid autoantibodies as well as selected clinical parameters and an aberration in cutaneous DTH

Conclusions  In contrast to earlier reports, our in vivo studies of cutaneous DTH reactions revealed no clinically significant aberrant cellular immunity in this patient group. These results indicate that the immune reaction in vitiligo may be only a secondary event in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Wolf's isotopic response: Trichophyton rubrum folliculitis appearing on a herpes zoster scar
Authors: Tüzün Yalçın , İşçimen Aydın , Göksügür Nadir , Demirkesen Cuyan , Tüzün Binnur
Published: March 2003

A 37‐year‐old man was first seen in November 1998 with a unilateral painful eruption of grouped small vesicles at the right side of his thorax. His general health was good. He was diagnosed as having herpes zoster, which was successfully, treated with oral acyclovir 800 mg, five times a day. Five months later, and after complete resolution of the herpes zoster, he developed a pustular eruption on exactly the same area of his first herpetic lesion. There was a diffuse distribution of pustules on the dorsal part of the dermatome, and a grouped pattern on the ventral side ( Fig. 1). A punch biopsy was performed for differential diagnosis of recurrent herpes zoster and folliculitis. Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonies were isolated from the bacterial culture of the pustular content. Cefadroxil monohydrate 500 mg twice a day and the application of fucidic acid ointment were prescribed. There was no improvement at the end of the second week of therapy.

Clinical appearance

image

A histopathologic study demonstrated hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, focal accumulation of neutrophils and bacteria in the epidermis, and a perivascular and perifollicular infiltration of eosinophils, lymphocytes, and histiocytes in the dermis ( Fig. 2). After the diagnosis of eosinophilic pustular dermatosis was histopathologically confirmed, fungal folliculitis and immunosuppressive conditions were investigated. Routine blood tests were within the normal ranges. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and anti‐hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs) tests were negative, but the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test was positive. Abundant fungal hyphae were seen in potassium hydroxide under direct microscopic examination of the pustule content, and a fungal culture was performed. Although no evidence of fungal infection was demonstrated in repeated periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining of punch biopsy specimens, Trichophyton rubrum was isolated from fungal culture. The patient was then given a regimen of itraconazole pulse therapy (400 mg/day, for 7 days a month, repeating the monthly cycle three times) and cycloproxolamine cream. Two months later, at the end of therapy, only a few pustules remained, and these completely disappeared after another 5 months.

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: dense eosinophilic infiltration within and around the hair follicle (hematoxylin and eosin, × 400)

image
Recognition of melanoma cell antigens with antibodies present in sera from patients with vitiligo
Authors: Rocha Irene Machado , Oliveira Lorena Juliana Nascimento , De Castro Lia Cândida Miranda , De Araújo Pereira Ledice Inácia , Chaul Aiçar , Guerra Jaqueline Gomes , Silvestre Marilene Chaves , Batista Karina Maria , Pereira Fabiana Araújo , Gomide Maria Abadia Consuelo , Guillo Lidia Andreu
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background  Patients with vitiligo show specific losses of integumentary melanocytes, probably due to autoimmunity against melanocytes. We attempted to determine the presence of antibodies against pigment cell antigens in the sera of vitiligo patients.

Methods  Detergent‐solubilized human melanoma cells were submitted to electrophoretic separation and immunoblotted against serum samples obtained from 19 patients with vitiligo and from 20 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy individuals.

Results  Eighty‐nine per cent of patients with vitiligo had antibodies to one or more pigment cell antigens. Similar antibodies were detected in 20% of healthy individuals. Antigens of 165, 90, and 68 kDa were recognized by the antibodies present in sera from 11%, 26%, and 37% of vitiligo patients, respectively, and in none of the normal sera. All patients with familial vitiligo also had antibodies to these three proteins.

Conclusions  Proteins of 165, 90, and 68 kDa are specifically recognized by antibodies present in the sera of vitiligo patients and in all patients with genetic vitiligo. Whether or not these proteins might be implicated in the destruction of melanocytes by the immune system in vitiligo remains to be evaluated.
Cornifying Darier's disease
Authors: Katta Rajani , Reed Jon , Wolf John E.
Published: March 2003

A 48‐year‐old Caucasian man recounted the onset of keratotic papules on the trunk at the age of 8 years, with subsequent spread to the forearms, scalp, and forehead. His most severe disease was present on the legs. He complained of pain, itching, and noted exacerbations in the summer and with sweating. The family history was negative.

On physical examination, the most striking finding was that of extensive, markedly hyperkeratotic plaques on the lower legs >(Fig. 1). His scalp, forehead, chest, and back exhibited mild involvement, with scattered brown keratotic papules, while his forearms showed mildly hyperkeratotic plaques. Flat‐topped brown papules were present on the dorsum of the hands, with a few keratotic papules on the palms, and a few nails with distal notching and red longitudinal streaks. There were no palmar pits or oral mucosal lesions.

Extensive hyperkeratotic plaques on the legs

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A shave biopsy was performed of a plaque on the leg, and showed a papillomatous and markedly hyperkeratotic lesion >(Fig. 2). Suprabasal acantholysis in the elongated rete produced characteristic lacunae. The acantholysis was associated with dyskeratosis including corps ronds and grains >(Fig. 3). Together, these features were characteristic of Darier's disease.

Suprabasal acantholysis with characteristic lacunae. Original magnification, × 52

image

Typical corps ronds and grains. Original magnification, × 488

image

Treatment years earlier with topical retinoids, topical steroids, topical keratolytics, and multiple oral antimicrobials had been unsuccessful, and isotretinoin had been discontinued due to elevated triglycerides. Treatment was initiated with acitretin and, after 3 months, mild improvement was noted
Cutaneous findings encountered in brucellosis and review of the literature
Authors: Metin Ahmet , Akdeniz Hayrettin , Buzgan Turan , Delice Ibrahim
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background  Human brucellosis is an infectious disease produced by Brucella species: small, coccoid or rod‐like, aerobic, Gram‐negative bacteria. The infection is common in developing countries, and can also affect the skin. Its prevalence is high in our region of Turkey, where stockbreeding is one of the main economic sources, compared with the industrially developed areas of Turkey, and dermatologic complaints due to brucellosis

are fairly common.

Materials and methods  One hundred and three patients with serologically and clinically confirmed brucellosis were studied in order to investigate the prevalence of cutaneous findings and their variability in brucellosis. Fifty‐two (50.49%) were males and 51 (49.51%) were females with an age range of 4–70 years (mean, 30.45 ± 15.08 years).

Results  Of these patients, 14 (13.59%) had cutaneous findings probably related to brucellosis. These findings were more frequent in females (11 cases) than males, and most of the females (eight cases) were housewives; three were students. Urticaria‐like papules and plaques were the most common findings; they were seen in six (35.3%) patients. One case had livedo reticularis and another palmar erythema, which have not been reported previously. No relationship was observed between the serologic values and the cutaneous findings.

Conclusions  Cutaneous findings in our cases were more prevalent than in other reported studies. It is important to emphasize that cutaneous lesions are not specific to brucellosis and may be seen in a variety of other dermatologic diseases caused by many agents; therefore, these agents should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis.
Histologic features seen in changing nevi after therapy with an 810 nm pulsed diode laser for hair removal in patients with dysplastic nevi
Authors: Soden Cylburn E. , Smith Kathleen , Skelton Henry
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background  The majority of lasers used for hair removal target melanin as the chromophore. In contrast with other cutaneous applications of lasers, lasers used for hair removal must generate a limited, controlled degree of thermal damage to permanently remove hairs.

Aim  To remove excess back hair from two male patients, one with a history of multiple nevi, and prior biopsies showing features of dysplastic nevi, and the other with large nevi greater than 6 mm in diameter and a family history of malignant melanoma.

Methods  Both patients received monthly treatments with an 810 nm, pulsed, high‐power diode laser using a fluence of 20 J/cm2 and 25–30 J/cm2, respectively, and a pulse duration of 30 ms.

Results  Both patients presented 1 month after their last treatment with changing nevi within the treatment areas. Neither patient had clinical inflammation or other alterations suggestive of change in the nevi related to treatment. Thus, the nevi were excised with no mention of the previous laser treatment. The histologic features in all nevi were similar. There was subepidermal blister formation with elongation and disruption of nevus cells. There was homogenization of the collagen within the papillary dermis in all lesions. Only small foci of nevus cells could be identified in the dermis in some of the biopsy specimens. In these biopsy specimens, the dermal stromal matrix homogenization extended into the reticular dermis.

Conclusions  Laser targeting of nevus cells and surrounding structures may produce clinically atypical nevi in areas previously treated for hair removal. This should be kept in mind, especially in patients with a history of dysplastic nevi or with a personal or family history of malignant melanoma.
Transient CD30+ nodal transformation of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma associated with cyclosporine treatment
Authors: Pielop Josie A. , Jones Dan , Duvic Madeleine
Published: March 2003

Background  Mycosis fungoides (MF) may evolve from pre‐existing chronic atopic or psoriasiform dermatitis and the histology can be equivocal. Early patch and plaque lesions of MF may evolve into tumors, disseminate to lymph nodes, bone marrow, and internal organs, and/or undergo transformation to a large cell size.

Methods  A patient with a history of ‘‘atopic dermatitis’' followed by ‘‘psoriasis’' rapidly developed exfoliative erythroderma and axillary lymphadenopathy following treatment with cyclosporine. At presentation, biopsy specimens of skin lesions and lymph nodes and staging were obtained. We present the treatment and follow‐up of this patient and review the medical literature for similar cases.

Results  Multiple skin biopsy specimens from lesions revealed changes consistent with low‐grade, cutaneous, T‐cell lymphoma (MF) without evidence of large cell transformation and psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia. CD30+ large cell transformation was present in the lymph node. Adenopathy and erythroderma resolved without systemic therapy following discontinuation of cyclosporine and treatment with psoralen/ultraviolet A (PUVA), isotretinoin, interferon‐α, and antimicrobials.

Conclusions  This case documents a close relationship between atopy, psoriasis, and the development of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, and illustrates that an immunosuppressive agent, cyclosporine, can dramatically alter the course of the disease.
Topical 3.0% diclofenac in 2.5% hyaluronan gel in the treatment of actinic keratoses
Authors: Wolf John E. , Taylor Joseph Richard , Tschen Eduardo , Kang Sewan
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background  Actinic keratoses (AKs) are epidermal skin lesions with the potential to develop into invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Treatment at an early stage may prevent development of SCC. Current treatment options are highly destructive and associated with significant side‐effects. Early studies with topical diclofenac were encouraging and led to its evaluation for the treatment of actininic keratosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that 3% diclofenac in 2.5% hyaluronan gel is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of AK. The present study was designed to further explore the therapeutic potential of this gel.

Methods  This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial involved outpatients with a diagnosis of five or more AK lesions contained in one to three 5 cm2 blocks. Patients received either active treatment (3% diclofenac gel in 2.5% hyaluronan gel) or inactive gel vehicle (hyaluronan) as placebo (0.5 g b.i.d. in each 5 cm2 treatment area for 90 days). Assessments included the Target Lesion Number Score (TLNS), Cumulative Lesion Number Score (CLNS), and Global Improvement Indices rated separately by both the investigator (IGII) and patient (PGII).

Results  Results obtained from 96 patients at follow up (30 days after end of treatment) indicated that a significantly higher proportion of patients who received active treatment had a TLNS = 0 compared to the placebo group (50% vs. 20%; P < 0.001). There was also a significant difference between the two groups in CLNS, with 47% of patients in the active treatment group having a CLNS = 0 compared with only 19% in the placebo group (P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with an IGII score of 4 (completely improved) at follow‐up was 47% in the active treatment group compared with only 19% in the placebo group (P < 0.001); for PGII these values were 41% vs. 17%, P < 0.001. Both treatments were well tolerated, with most adverse events related to the skin.

Conclusions  Topical 3% diclofenac in 2.5% hyaluronan gel was effective and well tolerated for the treatment of AK.
Oral erosive lichen planus associated with thymoma
Authors: Calista Donato
Published: March 2003

A 43‐year‐old man was initially seen in a state of deep prostration. He reported a 1‐month history of fever (39.2 °C), fatigue and painful oral erosions that made eating impossible. His past medical history was unremarkable. The patient denied having taken any drug in the previous 6 months. Physical examination revealed multiple erosions on the lateral aspects of his tongue and the inner surface of the cheeks (Fig. 1). There was also some pruritic, scattered, reddish‐blue papules on the flexor side of his forearms. Laboratory data, serum immunoglobulin levels, ANA, and lymphocyte subset studies were normal; serologic markers for hepatitis B and C virus were negative. Two biopsy specimens where taken from a lesion on the wrist and the border of the lower lip, respectively. They showed vacuolar degeneration and colloid bodies in the epithelium and a dense subepithelial lymphocytic infiltrate, both consistent with the diagnosis of lichen planus (LP) (Fig. 2). Direct immunofluorescent staining was negative. A diagnosis of LP was made and the patient started oral therapy with prednisone 1 mg/kg once daily. After 15 days clinical improvement was evident and the dose of prednisone was reduced. Two months after our first observation, the patient's condition had improved further, but a nonproductive cough appeared. Chest radiography showed a mediastinal mass (Fig. 3) which was excised via median sternotomy. Microscopic examination showed a well‐encapsulated mixed type AB thymoma. A CT scan of the chest and abdomen did not reveal metastasis. In the following months, cutaneous LP regressed while oral erosive lichen planus (OELP) persisted but was well controlled by a low dosage steroid regimen. At a 12‐month follow‐up the patient's condition was still good.

Erosions of the tongue covered by whitish fibrinous material

image

Biopsy from the lower lip showing vacuolar degeneration of the epidermal basal layer and a dense band‐like lympho‐istiocytic infiltrate in the upper dermis

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CT image showing the mediastinal mass

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Treatment of arsenical keratosis and Bowen’s disease with acitretin
Authors: Yerebakan Özlem , Ermis Oya , Yilmaz Ertan , Basaran Erdal
Published: March 2003

Background Long‐term exposure to arsenic is associated with the development of arsenical keratosis, Bowen’s disease, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. The efficacy of acitretin therapy was examined in two patients with cutaneous arsenical neoplasms.

Methods Lipid profile, hematological and liver function tests were performed regularly during the therapy at monthly intervals.

Results After the third month of treatment, improvement of lesions of arsenical keratosis and Bowen’s disease were observed in both patients. For the first patient who received 1 mg/kg daily acitretin for 10 months nearly total clearing was obtained at the end of therapy. The second patient discontinued the treatment after a period of 5 months because of symptomatic side‐effects. During therapy no new lesions and no laboratory side‐effects were observed in either patient.

Conclusions Although these results need to be confirmed by larger, long‐term trials, it appears that acitretin is effective in the treatment of Bowen’s disease related with arsenic, as well as arsenical keratosis.
Reactive angioendotheliomatosis and sarcoidosis
Authors: Shyong Eileen Q. , Gorevic Peter , Lebwohl Mark , Phelps Robert G.
Published: March 2003

Angioendotheliomatosis is an uncommon condition that manifests with both cutaneous and systemic clinical signs and symptoms. It is characterized histologically by the proliferation of endothelial cells within vascular lumina resulting in the obliteration of the involved vessels secondary to intravascular thrombi. Cases have been classically divided into the benign or reactive variants and a malignant variant. The reactive variant is considerably more rare and has mainly been described in patients with systemic infections including subacute bacterial endocarditis. In this report we present a case of reactive angioendotheliomatosis in a patient with sarcoidosis.
Haplotype associations of the major histocompatibility complex with psoriasis in Northeastern Thais
Authors: Choonhakarn Charoen , Romphruk Amornrat , Puapairoj Chintana , Jirarattanapochai Kunya , Romphruk Arunrat , Leelayuwat Chanvit
Published: March 2003

Background  To evaluate the distributions of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) at class I and II loci that may contribute to the genetic susceptibility to psoriasis patients in the north‐eastern Thai population.

Materials and methods  We analyzed the allelic frequencies of HLA class I and II by using the polymerase chain reaction‐amplification refractory mutation system (PCR‐ARMS) technique and polymerase chain reaction‐single stranded conformation polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP), respectively, in 140 north‐eastern Thais with psoriasis that were sudivided into two groups: one with age at onset < 40 years (type I psoriasis; 95 cases) and the other with age at onset > 40 years (type II psoriasis; 45 cases). Three hundred healthy unrelated north‐eastern Thais were used as controls.

Results  HLA‐A*01, ‐A*0207, ‐A*30, ‐B*08, ‐B*13, ‐B*4601, ‐B*57, ‐Cw*01, ‐Cw*0602, and ‐DRB1*07 were positively associated with type I psoriasis, whereas HLA‐A*24, ‐A*33, and ‐Cw*04 were negatively associated with type I psoriasis with statistical significance when compared to the controls. The Cw*0602 allele showed the strongest correlation with this type. In addition, the frequencies of HLA‐A*0207, ‐A*30, ‐Cw*01, and ‐DRB1*1401 were significantly increased in type II psoriasis. HLA‐A*207, ‐B*4601, ‐Cw*01, ‐DRB1*09, ‐DQB1*0303 (AH46.1), HLA‐A*01‐B*57‐Cw*0602‐DRB1*07‐DQB1*0303 (AH57.1), and HLA‐A*30, ‐B*13, ‐Cw*0602, ‐DRB1*07, and ‐DQB1*02 (AH13.1) were identified as high‐risk major histocompatibility complex (MHC) halotypes for psoriasis patients in the early onset group in north‐eastern Thais.

Conclusions  This study demonstrates not only the differential association between HLA markers and types of psoriasis according to age at onset, but also a newly found high‐risk and a protective haplotype in Thai psoriasis patients.