bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coexistence of Spindle Cell Lipoma and Ordinary Lipoma
Authors: Sakai Hitomi , Kuroda Kei , Hara Dai , Tajima Shingo
Published: July 2014

We report a patient with a spindle cell lipoma on the nape and three ordinary lipomas on the abdomen and extremities. The coexistence of spindle cell lipoma and ordinary lipoma in a single patient is rare. Abundant CD34‐positive spindle cells and mast cells were found in the spindle cell lipoma, but in the ordinary lipomas, only a small number of CD34‐positive spindle cells were found in the interstitial connective tissue and no mast cells were seen. Because mast cells are known to stimulate mesenchymal cell proliferation and collagen production, mast cell infiltration may be a trigger for the proliferation of CD34‐positive spindle cells, leading to the conversion of ordinary lipoma into spindle cell lipoma.
Bacillary Angiomatosis in an Immunocompetent Child with a Grafted Traumatic Wound
Authors: Turgut Mehmet , Alabaz Derya , Karakaş Mehmet , Kavak Meric , Aksaray Necmi , Alhan Emre , Çevlik Filiz , Tuncer İlhan
Published: July 2014

Bacillary angiomatosis is an infectious disease which usually develops in immunocompromised patients. Contact with cats is implicated in its pathogenesis. We report a seven‐year‐old immunocompetent boy with bacillary angiomatosis without a history of direct contact with cats. The clinical diagnosis of bacillary angiomatosis was made following histopathological examination of a biopsy sample from the infected facial wound, in the vicinity of which angiomatous lesions had developed. Surprisingly, similar lesions also appeared at the donor site of the skin graft which was grafted on the facial wound. This case demonstrates that bacillary angiomatosis may also be seen in immunocompetent patients and that it may contaminate wounds without the intermediary of cats.
Taste Disorders in Healthy “Carriers” and “Non‐Carriers” of Candida albicans and in Patients with Candidosis of the Tongue
Authors: Sakashita Sayuri , Takayama Kaoru , Nishioka Kiyoshi , Katoh Takuro
Published: July 2014

Impairments in taste perception may be caused by a number of factors, including the presence of Candida albicans in the oral cavity. We attempted to establish whether the presence of Candida albicans on the tongue is a cause of taste disorders by studying taste disorders in patients with candidosis of the tongue and in healthy “carriers” and “non‐carriers” of C. albicans. Taste disorders and their severity were objectively assessed by the filter‐paper disk method in 18 patients with candidosis of the tongue and in 33 healthy “carriers” and 167 healthy “non‐carriers” of C. albicans. The gustatory function was re‐tested in 7 patients and 8 “carriers” after treatment with topical anti‐mycotic medication to detect any improvement. Patients with candidosis of the tongue and “carriers” of C. albicans demonstrated significantly higher incidences (p<0.001) of taste disorders than did “non‐carriers”. The mean taste threshold of each of the four individual taste qualities was significantly higher in patients with candidosis than in “non‐carriers”. The average taste threshold was significantly higher in “carriers” than in “non‐carriers”. Post‐treatment improvement or recovery from taste disorders was obtained in 5 out of 7 patients (71.4%) with candidosis and in 7 out of 8 “carriers” (87.5%) of C. albicans. This study clearly demonstrates that not only overt candidosis of the tongue but also commensal harboring of ***C. albicans is a cause of taste disorders.
A Case of Rheumatoid Nodulosis Successfully Treated with Surgery
Authors: Kai Yoshitaka , Anzai Saburo , Shibuya Hiromi , Fujiwara Sakuhei , Takayasu Susumu , Asada Yuji , Terashi Hiroto
Published: July 2014

We report the case of a 76 year‐old male with multiple subcutaneous nodules, but without joint symptoms or deformities, who was diagnosed histopathologically with rheumatoid nodulosis after resection of the nodules. Rheumatoid nodulosis is a disease characterized by multiple subcutaneous nodules that are histopathologically similar to rheumatoid nodules, a high titer of rheumatoid factor, and radiologically detectable cystic bone lesions, but with none or few of the systemic manifestations or joint activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is considered to be a benign variant of RA. This rare disease must be considered when a case of multiple subcutaneous nodules is encountered, even in aged males without joint symptoms or deformities.
Human Papillomavirus Associated with Bowen's Disease of the Finger
Authors: Sato Tomotaka , Morimoto Arei , Ishida Yasuo , Matsuo Itsuro
Published: July 2014

We report here a case of Bowen's disease that developed in the periungual area of the left ring finger of a 55‐year‐old Japanese male. Because the histology of the lesion mimicked in part the features of a common wart, a PCR‐based analysis of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA and sequencing of viral DNA of PCR‐amplified fragments were performed. The lesion contained HPV11 and 16 DNA, and HPV was suspected to play a role in the development of the lesion.
Measurement of the Impact of Atopic Dermatitis on Patients' Quality of Life: A Cross‐Sectional and Longitudinal Questionnaire Study Using the Japanese Version of Skindex‐16
Authors: Higaki Yuko , Kawamoto Kyoko , Kamo Toshiko , Ueda Shu , Arikawa Junko , Kawashima Makoto
Published: July 2014

The impact of atopic dermatitis on patients' quality of life was measured using the Japanese version of Skindex‐16 in a cross‐sectional and longitudinal questionnaire study. One hundred sixty‐two adult patients completed Skindex‐16 and were followed‐up with a standard medical therapy. Three to six months after the initial testing, 135 (83.3%) of the patients again completed Skindex‐16 and also answered a general question about whether their skin condition had improved, remained the same, or become worse. The scores of Skindex‐16 of 162 patients with atopic dermatitis were significantly higher than those of patients with isolated lesions, particularly in the Symptoms and Emotions scales. Patients with severe atopic dermatitis showed significantly higher scores in the three scales (Symptoms, Emotions, and Functioning), and there was a significant positive correlation between the severity and the 3‐scale scores. After the follow‐up period, 78 of 135 patients (57.8%) reported that their skin condition had improved. Forty‐six patients (34.1%) reported that their skin condition had remained the same, and 11 (8.1%) became worse. Among the patients who said their dermatitis had improved, the scores of Skindex‐16 significantly decreased. On the other hand, patients who reported their dermatitis worse showed an increase in the scores. These findings suggest that Skindex‐16 responsively measures the disease severity and clinical change in the estimation of the effects of atopic dermatitis on patients' quality of life. This practical and sensitive, skin‐disease specific, quality‐of‐life instrument is valuable for assessing patients' outcomes, especially their response to therapy, and is useful to understanding and improving the quality of life of patients suffering with atopic dermatitis.
Immunohistochemical Differentiation of Extra‐Ocular Sebaceous Carcinoma from Other Skin Cancers
Authors: Ansai Shin‐ichi , Mitsuhashi Yoshihiko , Kondo Shigeo , Manabe Motomu
Published: July 2014

We performed an immunohistochemical study using routinely processed formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens from 26 cases of extra‐ocular sebaceous carcinoma (EOSC) and eight easily available antibodies. They were polyclonal anti‐carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) antibody monoclonal anti‐CEA antibody anti‐breast carcinoma associated antigen‐225 antibody (CU18), anti‐CA15.3 antibody (CA15.3), anti‐CD15 antibody (CD15), anti‐breast carcinoma associated antigen antibody (B6.2), anti‐gross cystic disease fluid antigen‐15 antibody (GCDFP15) and anti‐Thomsen‐Friedenreich antigen antibody (TEA). Squamous cell carcinoma, porocarcinoma, syringomatous carcinoma, malignant clear cell hidradenoma, apocrine adenocarcinoma, and extramammary Paget's disease with underlying adenocarcinoma were used as controls. EOSC was positive for CU18 and CA15.3 in most cases, and for CD15 in a few cases. Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin was positive for CA15.3 in only one case. Porocarcinoma, syringomatous carcinoma and malignant clear cell hidradenoma were positive for CEA, CU18, CA15.3, and B6.2 in most cases. Apocrine adenocarcinoma and extramammary Paget's disease with underlying adenocarcinoma were positive for CEA, CU18, CD15, GCDFP15, CA15.3, and B6.2 in most cases. TEA was positive not only in EOSC but also in other skin cancers. Immunohistochemical examinations using these seven of eight antibodies except for TEA and routinely processed formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens are beneficial in differentiating EOSC from other skin cancers.
Drug‐Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome Due to Anticonvulsants in a Two‐Year‐Old Boy
Authors: Criado Paulo Ricardo , Criado Roberta F. J. , Vasconcellos Cidia , Pegas Jose Roberto P. , Cera Patrícia Calil
Published: July 2014

Drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) usually refers to severe cutaneous drug eruption associated with systemic involvement and potentially fatal outcome. We report a 2‐year‐old Caucasian boy who developed DIHS due to phenytoin and phenobarbital and who showed extensive internal organ involvement. We are alerting that failure to recognize this drug eruption and discontinue the culprit drug may result in increased severity, greater extent of internal organ involvement, and fatal outcome. The recent research about the influence of human herpesvirus 6 co‐infection on the pathogenesis of DIHS is also discussed by the authors in this paper.
A Case of Bullous Sézary Syndrome
Authors: Ono Atsuko , Isomura Iwao , Isogai Zenzo , Shintani Youichi , Suzuki Akiko , Morita Akimichi
Published: July 2014

Sézary syndrome is an aggressive variant of cutaneous T cell lymphoma with poor prognosis and clinically characterized by erythroderma and Sézary cells in the blood. Here we report a case of bullous Sézary syndrome. A seventy‐year‐old male presented with erythroderma and inguinal lymph node swelling. Histopathological examination showed dermal and epidermal infiltration of atypical lymphocytes and Sézary cells could be detected in peripheral blood samples. He was therefore diagnosed as Sézary syndrome. Four months after the onset, he developed bullae on axillary and inguinal areas, featuring subepidermal blistering with basal cell degeneration and dense infiltration of atypical lymphocytes. Autoimmune bullous diseases were excluded by negative immunofluorescence. Bullous forms of Sézary syndrome are extremely rare although several cases of a bullous variant of mycosis fungoides have been reported.
A Case of Antiepiligrin Cicatricial Pemphigoid with Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Uchino Yuri , Kanekura Takuro , Takeda Koichiro , Shimada Hidehiko , Inoue Mistuse , Hashimoto Takashi , Kanzaki Tamotsu
Published: July 2014

We report a 71‐year‐old woman with antiepiligrin cicatricial pemphigoid associated with nephrotic syndrome. She presented with a six‐month history of pruritic blisters over her trunk and legs. She also had episodes of recurrent painful oral erosions. A skin biopsy showed a subepidermal bulla, and a direct immunofluorescence (DIF) study revealed linear deposition of IgG and C3 at the basement membrane zone (BMZ). Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) staining of 1 M NaCl‐split skin demonstrated circulating IgG autoantibodies reactive with the dermal side. Immunoprecipitation studies of the patient's serum disclosed IgG autoantibodies directed against a set of polypeptides that corresponded to laminin 5 (β3γ2). Based upon the long‐standing edema of her legs and her hypoproteinemia, she was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. To our knowledge, the association of antiepiligrin cicatricial pemphigoid with nephrotic syndrome has not been reported previously.
Immunoregulation of Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Authors: Girolomoni Giampiero , Gisondi Paolo , Ottaviani Chiara , Cavani Andrea
Published: July 2014

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to haptens can serve as a valuable paradigm for understanding the physiopathology of T cell mediated immune responses. In sensitized individuals, exposure to the relevant hapten initiates clinical expression of ACD, which depends on the rapid activation of specific T cells. Mechanisms of tissue damage include direct cytotoxicity against keratinocytes, mostly mediated by CD8+ T cells, and T cell release of cytokines, which amplify the inflammatory response by targeting resident skin cells. The expression of ACD is actively regulated by specialized subsets of T lymphocytes with suppressive functions. In particular, T regulatory cells producing high levels of IL‐10 suppress ACD by blocking the functions of dendritic cells. In contrast CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells prevent immunopathological reactions and maintain peripheral tolerance to haptens by acting via a cell‐to‐cell contact mechanism. Understanding the role of suppressor T cells and the requirements for their in vivo and in vitro expansion are critical steps for the development of specific desensitization protocols in hapten‐allergic individuals. This information may also provide the basis for novel interventions in other immune‐mediated diseases.
Dosage and Adverse Effects of Topical Tacrolimus and Steroids in Daily Management of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Furue Masutaka , Terao Hiroshi , Moroi Yoichi , Koga Tetsuya , Kubota Yumiko , Nakayama Juichiro , Furukawa Fukumi , Tanaka Yoichi , Katayama Ichiro , Kinukawa Naoko , Nose Yoshiaki , Urabe Kazunori
Published: July 2014

Since 1999, combination therapy with tacrolimus and topical steroids has been widely used for the treatment of adolescent/adult‐type atopic dermatitis. In order to determine the clinical doses of topical tacrolimus and steroids for daily treatment of atopic dermatitis and to elucidate their beneficial and adverse effects, we analyzed the clinical data from 215 patients with atopic dermatitis who were more than 16 years old. Less than 70g of tacrolimus and less than 15 g of steroids were applied to 90% of the patients on the face and neck, and less than 75.8 g of tacrolimus and less than 322 g of steroids were applied to 90% of the patients on the trunk and extremities during the six‐month treatment period. Topical tacrolimus is much more frequently used on face and neck lesions (99.1%); in only 39.5% of cases was it used on the trunk and extremities. The majority of patients improved after six months of the combination topical therapy; however, atopic dermatitis was not controlled in 6% of the patients. The combination therapy did not seem to increase the risk of cutaneous infections; however, the incidence of herpes simplex infection on the face and neck was 2.8% at pre‐treatment and slightly increased to 4.7% during the therapy. The incidence of all steroid‐induced adverse effects was reduced both in frequency and intensity with a decrease in the dose of topical steroids through simultaneous tacrolimus application. Combination therapy with topical tacrolimus and steroids is useful for treating atopic dermatitis, but a small percentage of the patients still cannot be satisfactorily treated. For such patients, adjustments of the dose and rank of topical steroids and tacrolimus and other therapeutic adjuncts are necessary.
Cutaneous Involvement in Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Erkılıç Suna , Erbağcı Zülal , Koçer N. Emrah , Bayazıt Yıldırım A. , Camcı Celalettin
Published: July 2014

Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) comprises 20 to 30% of all lymphomas. Skin involvement is almost always secondary to visceral or nodal involvement. Secondary cutaneous HL is rare, occurring in only 0.5 to 3.4% of the cases. Herein we report two cases of skin involvement in Hodgkin's disease. One was a 25‐year‐old female admitted with a draining sinus in the neck. The other was a 19‐year‐old female admitted with a neck mass and skin papules on her chest and arm. Skin involvement may antecede or can be seen during the course of HL. Better understanding of such cutaneous involvement, which occasionally may be the initial sign of HL, is needed, and a biopsy of any suspicious skin lesion should be considered.
Successful Treatment of Pyogenic Granuloma with Injection of Absolute Ethanol
Authors: Ichimiya Makoto , Yoshikawa Yoshiaki , Hamamoto Yoshiaki , Muto Masahiko
Published: July 2014

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a small, almost always solitary, sessile or pedunculated, raspberry‐like vegetation of exuberant granulation tissue. Conservative treatment by techniques such as cryosurgery, laser surgery, and electrodesiccation are usually adequate, whereas excisional treatment can often result in noticeable scars. We attempted a different approach using an injection of absolute ethanol in five patients with recurrence due to inadequate cryosurgery. This therapy is less invasive than surgical excision and appears to be an alternative therapy for PG.
c‐Myc and Epidermal Stem Cell Fate Determination
Authors: Honeycutt Kimberly A. , Roop Dennis R.
Published: July 2014

The epidermis is sustained by a multipotent stem cell population that gives rise to cells of different fates including those forming hair follicles, interfollicular epidermis and associated glands such as sebaceous glands. The most intriguing evidence comes from using a variety of mouse models with which studies have found the WNT pathway to be involved in regulating stem cell fate decisions. These mouse models have been used to analyze different members of the WNT pathway in the epidermis and altogether suggest that different levels of β‐catenin correlate with the adoption of different epidermal stem cell fates. Recent data specifically analyzing c‐Myc, a downstream target of the WNT pathway, has found that c‐Myc can divert epidermal stem cells to a sebaceous gland fate at the expense of hair follicles. Also, newly emerging data using gene expression profiling techniques have uncovered a more direct role of c‐Myc in stem cell fate determination.
Detection of the Levels of Neuropeptides, ACTH and Cortisol in the Blood of Patients with Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis and Their Significance
Authors: Liu Jifeng , Li Jiuhong , Zhai Ning , Geng Long , Song Fangji
Published: July 2014

Recent research has shown that the neuroendocrine system can regulate the function of the immune system and that ACTH and cortisol play important roles in maintaining the immune homeostasis. Polymyositis and dermatomyositis (PM/DM) are autoimmune diseases with unclear pathogeneses closely related with immune disorders, so we detected the levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY), beta‐endorphin (β‐EP), calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), adrenocoricotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol in blood of patients with PM/DM to investigate the relationship between these indices and the pathogenesis of PM/DM. The detection of NPY, β‐EP, CGRP, and ACTH concentrations in plasma and cortisol in serum of 28 cases of PM/DM was carried out using radioimmunoassay methods, and the results were compared with those of 20 normal controls. The levels of NPY in the plasma of PM/DM was significantly higher than those of the controls, while β‐EP, CGRP and ACTH were significantly lower than those of the controls, and cortisol was not significantly different before treatment. Linear correlation analysis indicated that NPY was significantly positively correlated with CPK, and β‐EP and CGRP were significantly negatively correlated with CPK. There were no significant correlations among cortisol ACTH, and CPK and no significant correlations between NPY, β‐EP, CGRP, ACTH, cortisol and age or duration of disease before treatment. After treatment for three months, NPY, β‐EP and CGRP tended to become normal and no longer significantly different from the control values. However, ACTH fell further and was significantly lower than the level before treatment. Therefore the increase in NPY and the decreases in β‐EP, CGRP, and ACTH in the plasma of PM/DM patients may be related to the pathogenesis of PM/DM.
A Case of Docetaxel‐Induced Erythrodysesthesia
Authors: Katoh Mayumi , Kadota Masafumi , Nishimura Youichi
Published: July 2014

Chemotherapy‐induced acral erythema (CIAE) is a rare cutaneous reaction to high‐dose chemotherapy, clinically featuring painful erythema on the palms and soles. Docetaxel (Taxotere®), an anticancer agent, is known to cause various reactions, including CIAE. We experienced a case of docetaxel‐induced acral erythema with facial edematous erythema that coincidentally emerged and regressed with appearance and disappearance of the acral lesions. Docetaxel‐induced acral erythema exhibits a widespread distribution and intense sensations of intolerable pain and numbness. Therefore, some authors use the term erythrodysesthesia instead of acral erythema. We speculated that the facial erythema might be part of the spectrum of erythrodysesthesia. Our case was finally diagnosed as decetaxel‐induced erythrodysesthesia. Although CIAE is self‐limiting, the patients frequently require treatment because of intolerable pain. Reported treatments for CIAE include topical or systemic steroids, elevation of the legs, and application of cold compression to the lesion. In our case, application of a steroid ointment with the occlusive dressing technique (ODT) alleviated the clinical manifestations and was also prophylactic for the erythrodysesthesia.
Phakomatosis Pigmentovascularis Type IIB: A Case Report
Authors: Theng Thiam Seng Colin , Sujith Prasad W. Kumarasinghe
Published: July 2014

Phakomatosis Pigmentovasularis (PPV) is a rare condition defined by the presence of both vascular and melanocytic nevi occurring in the same patient. We report the case of a 27‐year‐old Chinese female who presented with generalized port‐wine stains over the left trigeminal region, trunk, and limbs, diffuse dermal melanosis on the back, nevus of Ota on the right cheek, and scleral melanosis. Her port‐wine stain on the trunk was distributed in a checker‐board pattern. She was otherwise well. She was diagnosed with phakomatosis pigmentovascularis (PPV) Type IIb. The ‘twin spotting’ phenomenon has been proposed in the pathogenesis of PPV, and PPV is an example of non‐alleleic twin spotting. The checkerboard distribution of port‐wine stain in our patient follows the type II pattern of distribution in cutaneous mosaics. This lends further credence to the proposed hypothesis of twin spotting and cutaneous mosaicism in the pathogenesis of PPV.
Pleomorphic Hyalinizing Angiectatic Tumor of Soft Parts: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Fujiwara Masao , Yuba Yoshiaki , Wada Akihiko , Ozawa Toshiyuki , Tanaka Toshihiro
Published: July 2014

We present the case of a 69‐year‐old man with a subcutaneous pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumor of soft parts on the back. In addition to its rare localization, it showed unique clinical features of an exceptionally long history. Histological characteristics of this tumor showed thin‐walled angiectatic blood vessels lined with a thick eosinophilic and hyalinotic amorphous material. Tumor cells are composed of pleomorphic cells. It was surgically removed, and there was no recurrence by 11 months postoperatively.
A Case of Black Dot Ringworm Attributable to Trichophyton violaceum: A Simple Method for Identifying Macroconidia and Microconidia Formation by Fungi‐Tape™ and MycoPerm‐Blue™
Authors: Ogasawara Yumie , Hara Joko , Hiruma Masataro , Muto Masahiko
Published: July 2014

An 85‐year‐old Japanese woman sought a dermatologic consultation for evaluation of a walnut‐sized alopecia with pityroid desquamation in the parietal region of her scalp. She had been admitted to a nursing home about three months earlier, and, at that time, a thumb‐tip‐sized, scaly alopecia was noted. Several hairs at the site were eroded in a black dot. Direct KOH microscopy of affected hair showed large spore endothrix infection. To isolate macro‐ and microconidia for fungal identification, we incubated the affected hair and scales and obtained giant colonies in a special enriched medium. Using Fungi‐tape™ and MycoPerm‐Blue™, we were able to collect and identify Trichophyton violaceum macro‐ and microconidia from the white, powdery, fluffy colony that slowly developed after about six weeks of growth on enriched medium. Over the past 20 years, only about 20 cases of tinea capitis caused by T. violaceum have been reported in Japan, and macroconidia have been identified in only 4 cases, including this one.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis to White Petrolatum
Authors: Kang Hee , Choi Jun , Lee Ai‐Young
Published: July 2014

White petrolatum is known for its nonsensitizing and nonirritating properties. Only a few cases of allergic contact dermatitis to white petrolatum have been reported. Although it is a rare event, the finding of contact sensitization to white petrolatum raises the potential problem of its usage of common topical agents or vehicles for patch testing. We herein report a case of allergic contact dermatitis to white petrolatum.
A Study of Immunohistochemical and Electron Microscopic Changes in Dowling‐Degos Disease
Authors: Zhang Ru‐Zhi , Zhu Wen‐Yuan
Published: July 2014

Previous investigations have focused on the skin manifestations, histopathology, and pedigree of patients with Dowling‐Degos disease (DDD). Little is known about its immunohistochemical staining, and electron microscopy. Our purpose was to study the immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy of lesions from patients with DDD. A biopsy specimen revealed elongated epidermal rete ridges with basilar hyperpigmentation in a filiform pattern. All pigmented cells in the basal layer were recognized by Anti‐PEP‐1, anti‐PEP‐2, HMB‐45 and NKI/beteb antibodies. The melanocytes were localized in the basal layer and accounted for 10% of the total keratinocytes. There were supranuclear “caps” of brown granules within most basal kerotinocytes in the hyperpigmentation area. The melanocytes contained many mitochondria, Golgi apparati, and regular melanosomes in all stages of maturation in their cytoplasms; melanosome‐laden dendrites were readily detected by transmission electron microscepe. Melanosomes, mainly of stages III and IV, were present within keratinocytes, distributed either as scattered patterns or forming “caps” over the nucleus.
Coexistence of Neurofibromatosis 1 and Chiari Type I Malformation: An Unusual Association
Authors: Hara Hiroyuki , Arakawa Hiroshi
Published: July 2014

Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF‐1) is a relatively common, autosomally dominant disorder, comprised of characteristic skin lesions. NF‐1 is also associated with a variety of cerebral dysplasias. We describe a patient with both NF‐1 and Chiari type I malformation. The frequency of this correlation depends on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with NF‐1, because some cases of Chiari malformations are asymptomatic. Awareness and further observation of this unusual association are required, and Chiari type I malformation should be added to the differential diagnosis of the central nervous system dysplasias in patients affected by NF‐1.
Vibrio vulnificus Septicemia Presenting as Purpura Fulminans
Authors: Choi Hye‐Jin , Lee Dong‐Kyung , Lee Mi‐Woo , Choi Jee‐Ho , Moon Kee‐Chan , Koh Jai‐Kyoung
Published: July 2014

We present a case of Vibrio vulnificus septicemia presenting as purpura fulminans, which can often result in a catastrophic course. This case had a fortunate outcome due to immediate and intensive empirical antibiotic treatment and the relatively healthy condition of the patient. We focused on the prognostic factors for the relatively good outcome in this patient.
Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus: A Review of the Racial Differences and Similarities in Clinical, Serological and Immunogenetic Features of Japanese versus Caucasian Patients
Authors: Miyagawa Sachiko
Published: July 2014

There has been tremendous interest in neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) since the reports of anti‐Ro/SSA antibodies as a diagnostic marker. Recent studies, including ours, have revealed racial differences as well as similarities in the clinical features and immunogenetic backgrounds of Japanese and Caucasian patients with NLE. The frequency of photosensitivity and subacute cutaneous LE lesions is not high in Japanese infants with NLE, which is in sharp contrast to their Caucasian American counterparts. The majority of Japanese infants with NLE develop annular, erythematous or edematous lesions which have also been reported in association with Sjögren's syndrome. The frequency of isolated congenital heart block (CHB) is about 50% in Japanese anti‐Ro/SSA positive neonatal lupus infants; this is similar to the frequency among Caucasians. The HLA‐DR3 phenotype, which is found in the great majority of Caucasian mothers of NLE infants, is absent in Japanese mothers. Finally, both Japanese and Caucasian children with CHB are often identical to their mothers in their alleles of HLA‐DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 loci.
Prevalence of Skin Diseases among Male Adolescent and Post‐Adolescent Boarding School Students in Turkey
Authors: Tuncel A. Almila , Erbagci Zülal
Published: July 2014

Skin disease is a common problem in boarding schools and may account for significant morbidity. To document the prevalence and patterns of skin diseases among male adolescent and post‐adolescent boarding school residents, a cross‐sectional epidemiologic survey was performed. A total of 682 students were examined for evidence of any skin disease, and subjects with skin disease(s) were also asked to fill in a questionnaire. Of the study population, 378 (55.42%) had at least one skin disease. The most prevalent diseases were tinea pedis (32.5%), acne vulgaris (28.6%), onychomycosis (8.06%), androgenetic alopecia (5.6%), common warts (5.3%), unguium incarnatus (4.1%), irritant hand dermatitis (3.6%), foot callosities (3.6%), and pitted keratolysis (2.6%). Of those with skin problem(s), 245 (65%) were not aware of their disease(s) and 45% of the remaining 133 subjects who were aware of their disease(s) had not sought medical help. We concluded that skin diseases, especially foot problems, are very common among male boarding school students. In additional to monitoring the epidemiology of skin diseases, intermittent medical education programs for both health‐care workers and residents living in these communities would be useful for enhancing knowledge of available and effective treatments and implementing appropriate preventive measures.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Penis in a Man with a Human Papilloma Virus 31 Infection
Authors: Hama Naoto , Ohtsuka Tsutomu , Yamazaki Soji
Published: July 2014

We report a 51‐year‐old man with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on his penis. He was surgically treated for his phimosis when he was 20 years old. He presented with an indurated nodule on the tip of his penis. The tumor was treated with partial penectomy and standard inguinal lymphadenectomy. Histological examination revealed that the tumor was a well‐differentiated type of SCC. A polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA. The result revealed the presence of HPV in the SCC. The results of sequencing analysis showed that the DNA was HPV 31.
Multiple Plaques on the Back: S‐100 Negative Benign Granular Cell Tumor
Authors: Arican Ozer , Ciralik Harun , Sasmaz Sezai
Published: July 2014

Granular cell tumor is a rarely seen disease characterized by a gradually developing nodular lesion, which is difficult to diagnose. It has been thought to originate from Schwann cells. The tumor usually appears in the 4th–6th decades of life, more frequently in women and blacks, and has a multifocal location in 10–25% of the cases. The malignancy potential is 1–3%, with 70–74% of the cases in women. Ninety‐eight percent of the cases are S‐100 positive. The present paper describes an 18‐year‐old female patient with benign granular cell tumor. This rarely seen type of tumor was S‐100 negative and has been detected in biopsies taken from multiple asymptomatic plaques and maculopapular lesions. They were 0.5–4 cm in diameter, light brown in color, and with clear contours and had been gradually growing on her back the last nine years.
Blue Rubber‐Bleb Nevus Syndrome: Report of a Case Associated with Osteoid Osteomas
Authors: Palleschi Giovanni Maria , Torchia Daniele , Fabbri Paolo
Published: July 2014

Blue rubber‐bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS), or Bean's syndrome, is a rare angiomatosis characterized by multiple cavernous hemangiomas of the skin, mucosae and frequently of other sites. A 49‐year‐old male patient had been affected since birth by multiple angiomas localized in the skin, lips, oral cavity, cranial theca, and central nervous system; intrauterine rupture of angiomas in the right parietal lobe had caused partial hypotrophic paralysis of the left hemisoma. In addition to BRBNS, the patient was affected by three osteoid osteomas: this never‐described clinical association is here discussed.
Clinicopathologic Study of Cutaneous Pseudolymphomas
Authors: Lee Mi‐Woo , Lee Dong‐Kyung , Choi Jee‐Ho , Moon Kee‐Chan , Koh Jai‐Kyoung
Published: July 2014

A study was conducted to determine the clinical and histopathologic findings of cutaneous pseudolymphomas. In the period between July of 1989 and December of 2002, 42 cases were collected. Clinical records and pathology slides of the patients were reviewed retrospectively. A striking common clinical feature was a pruritic papule, nodule, or plaque with a smooth surface on the head and neck. The histologic patterns were diverse, MF‐like, perivascular/periadnexal, nodular, diffuse, pseudolymphomatous folliculitis, and acral pseudolymphomatous angiokeratoma of children (APACHE) patterns. The most common pattern was a multinodular pattern with an extension into the deep dermis and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The differentiation between cutaneous lymphomas and pseudolymphomas must depend on a constellation of criteria, never on a single criterion.
Inhibition of H,K‐ATPase and Na,K‐ATPase by DIDS, a disulphonic stilbene derivative
Authors: VEGA F. V. , CABERO J. L. , MÅRDH S.
Published: July 2014

Disulphonic stilbenes are effective inhibitors of an anion exchanger which is present in the plasma membranes of many cells (Cabantchik et al. 1978). In the present study, the effects of 4,4′‐diisothiocyano‐2,2′‐disulphonic stilbene acid (DIDS) on the transport activity of the hydrochloric acid pump isolated from pig stomach (H,K‐ATPase, EC 3.6.1.36) were tested. Half‐maximal inhibition of proton transport carried out by the H,K‐ATPase in the isolated vesicles was observed at micromolar concentrations of DIDS. The effects of DIDS on the adenosine‐triphosphatase and p‐nitrophenyl‐phosphatase activities of isolated H,K‐ATPase were also studied and compared with those of the kinetically and structurally related Na,K‐ATPase (EC 3.6.1.37). Half‐maximal inhibition of the enzymatic activities of both enzymes were observed in the micromolar range of DIDS. The lipid bilayer of the gastric vesicle membrane is highly asymmetric and the original cytosolic side is facing the outside of the vesicle. Since DIDS does not readily cross the membrane, it is most likely that DIDS exerts its inhibitory effects by modifying the transport ATPases on their cytosolic sides.
Evidence that an l‐fucose‐containing component in the β‐cell plasma membrane is involved in the regulation of glucose‐induced insulin release
Authors: SANDSTRÖM P.‐E. , SEHLIN J.
Published: July 2014

The effect of thel‐fucose‐selective lectin Ulex Europeus I (UEA I), a blocker of the Na+, K+, Cl−co‐transport system in the kidney, was tested on insulin secretion from isolated β‐cell‐rich pancreatic islets. UEA I at doses from 50 to 100 μg ml−1significantly reduced the glucose‐induced (20 mmol l−1) insulin release whereas the basal (3 mmol l−1) release was unaffected. The inhibitory effect of 100 μg ml l−1UEA I was completely abolished by 10 mmol l−1l‐fucose. The data suggest that anl‐fucose‐containing structure in the β‐cell plasma membrane participates in the regulation of glucose‐induced insulin release. This structure may be similar to thel‐fucose‐containing glycoprotein in the kidney tubules that is believed to be the Na+, K+, Cl−cotransporter.
Clinch River Freshwater Mussels Upstream of Norris Reservoir, Tennessee and Virginia: A Quantitative Assessment from 2004 to 2009
Authors: Jones Jess , Ahlstedt Steven , Ostby Brett , Beaty Braven , Pinder Michael , Eckert Nathan , Butler Robert , Hubbs Don , Walker Craig , Hanlon Shane , Schmerfeld John , Neves Richard
Published: July 2014

The Clinch River is located in northeastern Tennessee (TN) and southwestern Virginia (VA) of the United States, and contains a diverse mussel assemblage of 46 extant species, including 20 species listed as federally endangered. To facilitate quantitative monitoring of the fauna, quadrat data were collected from 2004 to 2009 at 18 sites in the river, including 12 sites in TN and 6 sites in VA. Thirty‐eight mussel species were collected alive in total from quadrat samples taken annually at sites in the TN section of the river. Over the five‐year study period, mussel density averaged 25.5 m−2 at all sites sampled in TN. In contrast, mussel density averaged only 3.1 m−2 at sites sampled in VA. The best historical site in VA was Pendleton Island in Scott County, where mussel density was estimated as high as 25 m−2 in 1979, comparable to current densities recorded in TN. Mussel densities are now <1 m−2, indicating a collapse of the fauna. A severe reduction in mussel abundance has occurred in a 68‐km section of the river from St. Paul, VA, downstream to approximately Clinchport, VA (river kilometers 411.5‐343.3). While the environmental factors responsible for the faunal decline are largely unknown, they must have been severe and sustained to reduce such large populations to their current low levels. Long‐term water and habitat quality monitoring is needed to determine whether environmental degradation is still occurring in the river.
The Effects of Changing Land Cover on Streamflow Simulation in Puerto Rico
Authors: Van Beusekom Ashley E. , Hay Lauren E. , Viger Roland J. , Gould William A. , Collazo Jaime A. , Henareh Khalyani Azad
Published: July 2014

This study quantitatively explores whether land cover changes have a substantive impact on simulated streamflow within the tropical island setting of Puerto Rico. The Precipitation Runoff Modeling System (PRMS) was used to compare streamflow simulations based on five static parameterizations of land cover with those based on dynamically varying parameters derived from four land cover scenes for the period 1953‐2012. The PRMS simulations based on static land cover illustrated consistent differences in simulated streamflow across the island. It was determined that the scale of the analysis makes a difference: large regions with localized areas that have undergone dramatic land cover change may show negligible difference in total streamflow, but streamflow simulations using dynamic land cover parameters for a highly altered subwatershed clearly demonstrate the effects of changing land cover on simulated streamflow. Incorporating dynamic parameterization in these highly altered watersheds can reduce the predictive uncertainty in simulations of streamflow using PRMS. Hydrologic models that do not consider the projected changes in land cover may be inadequate for water resource management planning for future conditions.
Analysis of Daily Peaking and Run‐of‐River Operations with Flow Variability Metrics, Considering Subdaily to Seasonal Time Scales
Authors: Haas Nicholas A. , O'Connor Ben L. , Hayse John W. , Bevelhimer Mark S. , Endreny Theodore A.
Published: July 2014

Environmental flows are an important consideration in licensing hydropower projects as operational flow releases can result in adverse conditions for downstream ecological communities. Flow variability assessments have typically focused on pre‐ and post‐dam conditions using metrics based on daily averaged flow values. This study used subdaily and daily flow data to assess environmental flow response to changes in hydropower operations from daily peaking to run‐of‐river. An analysis tool was developed to quantify flow variability metrics and was applied to four hydropower projects. Significant differences were observed between operations at the 99% confidence level in the median flow values using hourly averaged flow datasets. Median daily rise and fall rates decreased on average 34.5 and 27.9%, respectively, whereas median hourly rise and fall rates decreased on average 50.1 and 50.6%, respectively. Differences in operational flow regimes were more pronounced in the hourly averaged flow datasets and less pronounced or nonexistent in the daily averaged flow datasets. These outcomes have implications for the development of ecology‐flow relationships that quantify effects of flow on processes such as fish stranding and displacement, along with habitat stability. Results indicate that flow variability statistics should be quantified using subdaily datasets to accurately represent the nature of hydropower operations, especially for daily peaking facilities.
Lawyer and Nonlawyer Susceptibility to Framing Effects in Out‐of‐Court Civil Litigation Settlement
Authors: Belton Ian K. , Thomson Mary , Dhami Mandeep K.
Published: July 2014

Settling a legal dispute out of court is typically a good result for both parties. However, many disputes do not settle: the presence of cognitive biases, such as those observed through framing manipulations, is thought to be one of the many reasons for settlement failure. The present study used quantitative and qualitative data to compare the impact of a gain‐ or loss‐framed hypothetical civil litigation scenario on settlement decisions made by lawyers and other nonlawyer professionals. A significant effect of framing was found for both groups. As predicted, both nonlawyers and lawyers were much more likely to settle their claim in the gain scenario than in the loss scenario. This finding was supported by the qualitative data: risk‐averse comments were more frequent in the gain frame whereas risk‐seeking statements were more common in the loss frame. There was also evidence that lawyers may be less affected by framing than nonlawyers, although a smaller difference was observed than in previous studies. In addition, lawyers were more likely than nonlawyers to consider the expected financial value of the litigation in making their decision. We discuss the implications of these results and suggest avenues for future research.
Long‐term rearing of Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus under different salinity regimes at constant temperature
Authors: Árnason T. , Gunnarsson S. , Imsland A. K. , Thorarensen H. , Smáradóttir H. , Steinarsson A. , Gústavsson A. , Johansson M. , Björnsson B. Th.
Published: July 2014

Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus of the Hólar strain (mean ± s.e. body mass = 152·1 ± 3·1 g) were reared at four different salinity regimes at a constant temperature of 7·4° C. Two groups were given a three‐month acclimation in salinity 18 before the salinity was increased to either 25 or 29 (groups called A25 and A29), and two groups were reared in salinities 25 or 29 over the full experimental period of 409 days (groups called F25 and F29). In the first 3 months, the A25 and A29 groups had the highest growth rates. By October 2011, there were no significant differences (two‐way nested ANOVA, P > 0·05) in the mean body masses among A25, F25 and F29 (c. 1450 g), whereas A29 had a lower mean mass (1282 g). The growth in the last period from October 2011 to January 2012 was reduced by sexual maturation in the highest salinity regimes (A29 and F29), whereas fish in groups A25 and F25 showed high growth throughout the study. Males in all salinity groups had higher growth rates than females for the most part of the study, but the divergence between the sexes was most pronounced in the highest salinity regimes. All salinity groups showed distinct changes in Na+, K+‐ATPase activity, with high activity in spring and summer, and lower activity in the autumn. Plasma sodium (Na+) levels were stable indicating that none of the experimental groups had problems in maintaining hydromineral balance during the study. While plasma leptin levels were not affected by salinity regimes, it was noted that these levels were 13–30% higher in fish with empty guts compared with those having food in their gut at the time of sampling. This suggests a link between leptin levels and food intake, indicating that this hormone may play a role in food intake and energy allocation in fishes.
Piscine reovirus in wild and farmed salmonids in British Columbia, Canada: 1974–2013
Authors: Marty G D , Morrison D B , Bidulka J , Joseph T , Siah A
Published: July 2014

Piscine reovirus (PRV) was common among wild and farmed salmonids in British Columbia, western Canada, from 1987 to 2013. Salmonid tissues tested for PRV by real‐time rRT‐PCR included sections from archived paraffin blocks from 1974 to 2008 (n = 363) and fresh‐frozen hearts from 2013 (n = 916). The earliest PRV‐positive sample was from a wild‐source steelhead trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), from 1977. By histopathology (n = 404), no fish had lesions diagnostic for heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI). In some groups, lymphohistiocytic endocarditis affected a greater proportion of fish with PRV than fish without PRV, but the range of Ct values among affected fish was within the range of Ct values among unaffected fish. Also, fish with the lowest PRV Ct values (18.4–21.7) lacked endocarditis or any other consistent lesion. From 1987 to 1994, the proportion of PRV positives was not significantly different between farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. (44% of 48), and wild‐source salmonids (31% of 45). In 2013, the proportion of PRV positives was not significantly different between wild coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum), sampled from British Columbia (5.0% of 60) or the reference region, Alaska, USA (10% of 58).
Preliminary study of light‐cured hydrogel for endodontic drug delivery vehicle
Authors: Komabayashi Takashi , Wadajkar Aniket , Santimano Sonia , Ahn Chul , Zhu Qiang , Opperman Lynn A. , Bellinger Larry L. , Yang Jian , Nguyen Kytai T.
Published: July 2014

Aim

Direct pulp capping is the treatment of an exposed vital pulp with a dental material to facilitate the formation of reparative dentin and maintenance of vital pulp. A bioengineered drug delivery vehicle has the potential to increase the success rate of pulp capping. The aim of this study was to develop an injectable and light‐curing drug delivery vehicle for endodontic treatment including direct pulp capping.

Methods

Polyethylene glycol‐maleate‐citrate (PEGMC) hydrogel was synthesized as a drug delivery vehicle that is composed of PEGMC (45% w/v), acrylic acid (AA) (5% w/v), 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) (0.1% w/v), and deionized water. The association between prehydrogel‐solution volume and visible light‐curing was examined. The cytotoxicity of the hydrogel was tested using L929 cells in a cell culture system. Ca2+ release from the hydrogel was determined using calcium hydroxide as the incorporated medicine.

Results

The results showed that the light‐curing time for hydrogel is comparable to composite resin. The hydrogel had cell toxicity similar to adhesive systems. Moreover, controlled Ca2+ release was obtained from the calcium hydroxide incorporated hydrogel.

Conclusions

The data suggest that hydrogel should be explored further as a promising drug delivery vehicle for vital pulp therapy and regenerative endodontics.