bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rationalization of quantitative tooth surface loss data for epidemiological research
Authors: Chadwick R. G. , Mitchell H. L. , Ward S.
Published: August 2010

summary  Recent UK National Surveys have revealed a high prevalence of tooth surface loss (TSL) because of erosion in Children and Adolescents. Although digital surface mapping and surface matching techniques may be used to quantify its progression with time, reporting TSL of individuals as a function of either mean depth loss or volume loss, this can be inadequate when transferred for epidemiological analysis. For example, a tooth displaying multiple regions of depth loss may deserve to be distinguished from a tooth with a single localised area of erosion, although the total volume change may be the same. A potential solution, explored here, is to use both the quantitative wear data and colour coded surface representation plots generated by such methods to arrive at a single categorical wear score [1 (≤5% of surface exhibits TSL) to 5 (≥51% of surface exhibits TSL)]. Two examiners independently categorized, on two separate occasions, the TSL of 53 maxillary incisors (26 subjects observed at baseline and 9 months). Their performance was assessed for intra‐ and inter‐examiner agreement by; (i) calculating the percentage of agreement, (ii) a Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed rank test. Thereafter, in cases of disagreement a consensus score was allocated and a regression analysis of this versus the numerically derived percentage of the surface that had undergone change was carried out. Intra‐ and inter‐examiner agreement was 100 and 88·7% respectively and for the inter‐examiner comparison P = 0·0456. The categorical scores and the quantitative wear data correlated linearly (R = 0·82). It is concluded that the method used to rationalize the quantitative TSL data is both reproducible and reflects the quantitative data. Its use should be helpful in epidemiological TSL studies but continued vigilance is required in cases of examiner disagreement.
The prevalence of non‐carious cervical lesions in permanent dentition
Authors: Borcic J. , Anic I. , Urek M. M. , Ferreri S.
Published: August 2010

summary  A non‐carious cervical lesion (NCCL) is the loss of hard dental tissue on the neck of the tooth, most frequently located on the vestibular plane. Causal agents are diverse and mutually interrelated. In the present study all vestibular NCCL were observed and recorded by the tooth wear index (TWI). The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and severity of NCCL. For this purpose, 18 555 teeth from the permanent dentition were examined in a population from the city of Rijeka, Croatia. Subjects were divided into six age groups. The teeth with most NCCL were the lower premolars, which also had the largest percentage of higher index levels, indicating the greater severity of the lesions. The most frequent index level was 1, and the prevalence and severity of the lesions increased with age.
The attitude of complete denture wearers towards denture adhesives in Istanbul
Authors: Özcan M. , Kulak Y. , Arikan A. , Silahtar E.
Published: August 2010

summary  The purpose of using denture adhesives is to subjectively benefit denture‐wearers with improved fit and comfort of their dentures and to improve their chewing ability and confidence. The purpose of this study was to investigate the approach and thought of complete denture wearers to denture adhesives and to see why they had tried denture adhesive, and their reasons for its current use or non‐use through a questionnaire. One hundred and fifteen patients attending the Marmara University, Dental School for new denture treatment were surveyed. In the survey, there were 62 females (54%) and 53 males (46%). Nearly half of these patients (53%) were in the 61–70‐year age group with a mean age of 64 years. One hundred and six (92%) patients had never tried denture adhesive. Most patients (73%) who did not use denture adhesives managed their dentures well, but a significant number 101 (87%) did not know that denture adhesives existed. Nine (8%) had tried denture adhesives, and none of the patients were currently using them. Those who ceased using denture adhesive complained mainly that it did not improve the fit and chewing ability significantly. The outcome of this survey demonstrated that the knowledge of the patients is not enough on denture adhesives in Istanbul as it is still generally believed by the practitioners that the prescription of a denture adhesive is a sign of failure of the dentist.
Differences in yield among annual forages used by the dairy industry under optimal and deficit irrigation
Authors: Neal J. S. , Fulkerson W. J. , Campbell L. C.
Published: August 2010

While perennial forages dominate the feed base on Australian dairy farms, poor persistence of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and relatively poor forage nutritive value of kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex. Chiov.) and paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum Poir.) has led to an increasing interest in growing annual forages. Thus, this study was conducted to identify annual forage species that are more productive than the commonly used perennial pasture species. Seventeen annual forages were investigated under ‘optimal’ irrigation and two deficit irrigation treatments (nominally 66 and 33% of irrigation water applied of the optimal level) over 3 years at Camden, New South Wales, on a brown dermosol in a warm temperate climate. The forages evaluated were: Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), oats (Avena sativa L.), triticale (Triticosecale rimpaui Wittm), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), balansa clover (Trifolium michelianum Savi), berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), maple pea (Pisum sativum L.), Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L. var. majus Boiss.), subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.), forage rape (Brassica napus L.), forage radish (Raphanus sativus L.), maize (Zea mays L.), Japanese millet [Echinochloa esculenta (A. Braun) H. Scholz], pearl millet [Cenchrus americanus (L.) Morrone], sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], cow pea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] and lablab [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet].
There was more than a 4-fold range in annual yield between forages, but the length of the growing season and season of growth made direct comparisons difficult. Under optimal irrigation, maize produced the highest mean yield of 29.0 t DM/ha in only 125 days, which was over three times greater than cow pea (9.2 t DM/ha) grown in the same season yet requiring 190 days. Of the cool season annuals, wheat had the highest mean yield of up to 20.6 t DM/ha in 230 days, which was more than three times the yield of the lowest yielding forage, subterranean clover, at only 6.5 t DM/ha in 215 days. The forages which require harvesting generally had higher yields within a growing period of similar length than those that were defoliated to reflect being ‘grazed’. Combining annual forages in an annual cycle (e.g. maize and wheat) had the potential to produce up to 47 t DM/ha.
Deficit irrigation reduced annual yield of all warm season-grown forages ranging from 8% for sorghum up to 48% for maize. In contrast, annual yield reductions were generally smaller for cool season forages, there being no reduction for forage rape, subterranean clover or oats, but up to 35% for Persian clover. However, while yield is an important criterion for choosing dairy forages, it is only one factor in a complex system, and choice of forages must be considered on a whole-farm basis and include water use efficiency, nutritive value, cost of production and risk.
Biogeography and life history ameliorate the potentially negative genetic effects of stocking on Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii)
Authors: Rourke Meaghan L. , McPartlan Helen C. , Ingram Brett A. , Taylor Andrea C.
Published: August 2010

Stocking wild fish populations with hatchery-bred fish has numerous genetic implications for fish species worldwide. In the present study, 16 microsatellite loci were used to determine the genetic effects of nearly three decades of Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) stocking in five river catchments in southern Australia. Genetic parameters taken from scale samples collected from 1949 to 1954 before the commencement of stocking were compared with samples collected 16 to 28 years after stocking commenced, and with samples from a local hatchery that supplements these catchments. Given that the five catchments are highly connected and adult Murray cod undertake moderate migrations, we predicted that there would be minimal population structuring of historical samples, whereas contemporary samples may have diverged slightly and lost genetic diversity as a result of stocking. A Bayesian Structure analysis indicated genetic homogeneity among the catchments both pre- and post-stocking, indicating that stocking has not measurably impacted genetic structure, although allele frequencies in one catchment changed slightly over this period. Current genetic diversity was moderately high (HE = 0.693) and had not changed over the period of stocking. Broodfish had a similar level of genetic diversity to the wild populations, and effective population size had not changed substantially between the two time periods. Our results may bode well for stocking programs of species that are undertaken without knowledge of natural genetic structure, when river connectivity is high, fish are moderately migratory and broodfish are sourced locally.
Combined niche and neutral effects in a microbial wastewater treatment community
Authors: Ofiţeru Irina Dana , Lunn Mary , Curtis Thomas P. , Wells George F. , Criddle Craig S. , Francis Christopher A. , Sloan William T.
Published: August 2010

It has long been assumed that differences in the relative abundance of taxa in microbial communities reflect differences in environmental conditions. Here we show that in the economically and environmentally important microbial communities in a wastewater treatment plant, the population dynamics are consistent with neutral community assembly, where chance and random immigration play an important and predictable role in shaping the communities. Using dynamic observations, we demonstrate a straightforward calibration of a purely neutral model and a parsimonious method to incorporate environmental influence on the reproduction (or birth) rate of individual taxa. The calibrated model parameters are biologically plausible, with the population turnover and diversity in the heterotrophic community being higher than for the ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and immigration into AOB community being relatively higher. When environmental factors were incorporated more of the variance in the observations could be explained but immigration and random reproduction and deaths remained the dominant driver in determining the relative abundance of the common taxa. Consequently we suggest that neutral community models should be the foundation of any description of an open biological system.
Lewis base catalysis of bromo- and iodolactonization, and cycloetherification
Authors: Denmark Scott E. , Burk Matthew T.
Published: August 2010

Lewis base catalyzed bromo- and iodolactonization reactions have been developed and the effects of catalyst structure on rate and cyclization selectivity have been systematically explored. The effects of substrate structure on halolactonization reactions and the interaction of those effects with the effects of catalyst structure have been investigated, leading to synthetically useful improvements in cyclization selectivity. The knowledge acquired was applied to the development of Lewis base catalyzed bromo- and iodocycloetherification reactions. The ability of some of the surveyed catalysts to influence the cyclization selectivity of halolactonization reactions demonstrates their presence in the transition structure of the product-determining cyclization step. This observation implies that chiral derivatives of these catalysts have the potential to provide enantioenriched products regardless of the rates or mechanisms of halonium ion racemization.
Quantitative selection of DNA aptamers through microfluidic selection and high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Cho Minseon , Xiao Yi , Nie Jeff , Stewart Ron , Csordas Andrew T. , Oh Seung Soo , Thomson James A. , Soh H. Tom
Published: August 2010

We describe the integration of microfluidic selection with high-throughput DNA sequencing technology for rapid and efficient discovery of nucleic acid aptamers. The Quantitative Selection of Aptamers through Sequencing method tracks the copy number and enrichment-fold of more than 10 million individual sequences through multiple selection rounds, enabling the identification of high-affinity aptamers without the need for the pool to fully converge to a small number of sequences. Importantly, this method allows the discrimination of sequences that arise from experimental biases rather than true high-affinity target binding. As a demonstration, we have identified aptamers that specifically bind to PDGF-BB protein with
K

d

 < 3 nM within 3 rounds. Furthermore, we show that the aptamers identified by Quantitative Selection of Aptamers through Sequencing have ∼3–8-fold higher affinity and ∼2–4-fold higher specificity relative to those discovered through conventional cloning methods. Given that many biocombinatorial libraries are encoded with nucleic acids, we extrapolate that our method may be extended to other types of libraries for a range of molecular functions.
Streptococcal inhibitor of complement-mediated lysis (SIC): an anti-inflammatory virulence determinant
Authors: Åkesson Per , Herwald Heiko , Rasmussen Magnus , HÅkansson Katarina , Abrahamson Magnus , Hasan Ahmed A. K. , Schmaier Alvin H. , Müller-Esterl Werner , Björck Lars
Published: August 2010

Since the late 1980s, a worldwide increase of severeStreptococcus pyogenesinfections has been associated with strains of the M1 serotype, strains which all secrete the streptococcal inhibitor of complement-mediated lysis (SIC). Previous work has shown that SIC blocks complement-mediated haemolysis, inhibits the activity of antibacterial peptides and has affinity for the human plasma proteins clusterin and histidine-rich glycoprotein; the latter is a member of the cystatin protein family. The present work demonstrates that SIC binds to cystatin C, high-molecular-mass kininogen (HK) and low-molecular-mass kininogen, which are additional members of this protein family. The binding sites in HK are located in the cystatin-like domain D3 and the endothelial cell-binding domain D5. Immobilization of HK to cellular structures plays a central role in activation of the human contact system. SIC was found to inhibit the binding of HK to endothelial cells, and to reduce contact activation as measured by prolonged blood clotting time and impaired release of bradykinin. These results suggest that SIC modifies host defence systems, which may contribute to the virulence ofS. pyogenesstrains of the M1 serotype.
Revealing the essentiality of multiple archaeal pcna genes using a mutant propagation assay based on an improved knockout method
Authors: Zhang Changyi , Guo Li , Deng Ling , Wu Yuanxin , Liang Yunxiang , Huang Li , She Qunxin
Published: August 2010

Organisms belonging to the Crenarchaeota lineage contain three proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) subunits, while those in the Euryarchaeota have only one, as for Eukarya. To study the mechanism of archaeal sliding clamps, we sought to generate knockouts for each pcna gene in Sulfolobus islandicus, a hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon, but failed with two conventional knockout methods. Then, a new knockout scheme, known as marker insertion and target gene deletion (MID), was developed, with which transformants were obtained for each pMID-pcna plasmid. We found that mutant cells persisted in transformant cultures during incubation of pMID-pcna3 and pMID-araS-pcna1 transformants under counter selection. Studying the propagation of mutant cells by semiquantitative PCR analysis of the deleted target gene allele (Δpcna1 or Δpcna3) revealed that mutant cells could no longer be propagated, demonstrating that these pcna genes are absolutely required for host cell viability. Because the only prerequisite for this assay is the generation of a MID transformant, this approach can be applied generally to any micro-organisms proficient in homologous recombination.
Debt Conversion Programmes and Investment — Applying the Latin American Experience to Russia
Authors: Cordonnier Christophe
Published: August 2010

Following the tragic events of September 11 in the US, and the very cooperative response of President Putin, there is a clear window of opportunity for Russia to become more closely and more rapidly integrated with major OECD economies. This means in particular a real possibility to proceed much more quickly than anticipated with accession to the WTO and into some kind of specific trade agreement with the European Union. This also means a willingness from the West to be more open than in the past on such issues as management of Russia's Paris Club debt. Against this background, there is a renewed interest in conversion of debt into investment, which would significantly help Russia to foster foreign direct investment at a time when the country must greatly increase its competitiveness.
Russian Manufacturing Industry in the Mirror of its Exports to the European Union
Authors: Soos Karoly Attila , Ivleva Ekaterina , Levina Irina
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this study is to shed some light on structural changes in the manufacturing industry of Russia and eight other transition countries during the last decade. The export performance of countries in one and the same market can under certain conditions be used to compare the state of the art in national industries. On the basis of full and comparable trade data from Eurostat, we perform comparative analysis of the development of manufacturing exports to the European Union by Russia and eight other transition countries over the period 1993–2000. The transition countries selected for comparison are Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, and Ukraine. For all these countries, as well as for Russia, the European Union is the most important trade partner.

The paper provides a comparative analysis of the breakdown of manufacturing exports by factor intensities, export concentration and specialisation, and relative price positions in the European market. All these approaches give a rather unfavourable picture of Russia’s performance. We observe a relative shrinking in exports of labour–intensive, specialised–supplier and science–based sectors. At the same time the role of the sector based on natural resources, which was traditionally predominant in Russia’s exports, is strengthening further. We also observe an alarmingly high level of concentration in Russia’s manufacturing exports and their growing specialisation in base metals, together with an intense de–specialisation in engineering products.
Characterization of a Large Panel of Lactic Acid Bacteria Derived from the Human Gut for their Capacity to Polarize Dendritic Cell
Authors: Chistensen H. R. , Frøkiær H.
Published: August 2010

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the principal stimulators of naïve T helper (Th) cells and play a pivotal regulatory role in the Th1, Th2 and Treg cell balance. DCs are present in the gut mucosa and may thus be target for modulation by gut microbes, including ingested probiotics. Here, we tested the hypothesis that species of lactic acid bacteria, important members of the gut flora, differentially activate DC. A large panel of human gut‐derived Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. was screened for DC‐polarizing capacity by exposing bone marrow‐derived murine DC to lethally irradiated bacteria. Cytokines in culture supernatants and DC‐surface maturation markers were analysed. Substantial differences were found among strains in the capacity to induce interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, while the differences for IL‐10 and IL‐6 were less pronounced. Bifidobacteria tended to be weak IL‐12 and TNF‐α inducers, while both strong and weak IL‐12 inducers were found among the strains of Lactobacillus. Remarkably, strains weak in IL‐12 induction inhibited IL‐12 and TNF‐α production induced by an otherwise strong cytokine‐inducing strain of Lactobacillus casei, while IL‐10 production remained unaltered. Selected strains were tested for induction of DC maturation markers. Those lactobacilli with greatest capacity to induce IL‐12 were most effective in upregulating surface MHC class II and CD86. Moreover, L. casei‐induced upregulation of CD86 was reduced in the presence of a weak IL‐12‐inducing L. reuteri. In conclusion, human Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. polarize differentially DC maturation. Thus, the potential exists for Th1/Th2/Treg‐driving capacities of the gut DC to be modulated according to composition of gut flora including ingested probiotics.
Crystal Structure of the 2′‐Specific and Double‐Stranded RNA‐Activated Interferon‐Induced Antiviral Protein 2′‐5′‐Oligoadenylate Synthetase
Authors: Hartmann R. , Justesen J. , Sarkar S. , Sen G. , Yee V.
Published: August 2010

2′‐5′‐oligoadenylate synthetases are interferon‐induced, double‐stranded RNA‐activated antiviral enzymes which are the only proteins known to catalyse 2′‐specific nucleotidyl transfer. This first crystal structure of a 2′‐5′‐oligoadenylate synthetase reveals a structural conservation with the 3′‐specific poly(A) polymerase that, coupled with structure‐guided mutagenesis, supports a conserved catalytic mechanism for the 2′‐ and 3′‐specific nucleotidyl transferases. Comparison with structures of other superfamily members indicates that the donor substrates are bound by conserved active site features while the acceptor substrates are oriented by nonconserved regions. The 2′‐5′‐oligoadenylate synthetases are activated by viral double‐stranded RNA in infected cells and initiate a cellular response by synthesizing 2′‐5′‐oligoadenylates, that in turn activate RNase L. This crystal structure suggests that activation involves a domain–domain shift and identifies a putative dsRNA activation site that is probed by mutagenesis. We demonstrated that this site is required both for the binding of dsRNA and for the subsequent activation of OAS. This RNA‐binding site is different from known RNA‐binding site; rather than forming a defined three‐dimensional domain, it is located at the interface of the two major domains in OAS. This novel architecture ensures that the dsRNA helix can make simultaneously contact with both domains of OAS and ensure the subsequent structural rearrangement leading to the activation of OAS. Our work provides structural insight into cellular recognition of double‐stranded RNA of viral origin and identifies a novel RNA‐binding motif.
The Invertebrate Defence Molecule Coelomic Cytolytic Factor, a Functional Analog of the Cytokine Tumour Necrosis Factor‐α, Interacts with Mammalian Cells through its Lectin‐Like Domain
Authors: Van Den Bergh R. , Bilej M. , De Baetselier P. , Beschin A.
Published: August 2010

Coelomic cytolytic factor (CCF) is a 42 kDa invertebrate pattern recognition molecule isolated from the coelomic fluid of the earthworm Eisenia foetida (Oligochaeta, Annelida). CCF displays a number of similarities with the mammalian cytokine tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) as a result of a shared N,N′‐diacetylchitobiose lectin‐like domain. However, these similarities are solely functional and are not based on any (DNA or amino acid) sequence homology, thus suggesting a form of convergent evolution. In particular, the lectin‐like domain of TNF‐α has been shown to induce membrane depolarization in various mammalian cell types, through interactions with endogenous amiloride‐sensitive ion channels. This nonreceptor‐mediated activity of TNF‐α has been reported to be involved in the resorption of oedema. Likewise, the lectin‐like domain of CCF also induces membrane depolarization in mammalian cells. Here, we show that CCF appears to be able to induce oedema resorption in an alveolar epithelial cell line through its lectin‐like domain. This lectin‐like domain of CCF interacts (directly or indirectly) with endogenous sodium and/or chloride channels, and not potassium channels, on mammalian cells. Additionally, we suggest that the JNK/SAPK and Erk1/2 pathways are involved in CCF‐induced macrophage activation. These results further establish the functional analogy between an invertebrate pattern recognition molecule and a mammalian cytokine and, from a more applied point of view, suggest the possibility of utilizing CCF in the treatment of oedema.
Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Eyelid: Analogy to Extramammary Paget’s Disease
Authors: Lee J.B. , Amir I.
Published: August 2010

We present a 69‐year‐old woman with a sebaceous carcinoma of the left upper eyelid, which originated from the Meibomian gland of the tarsal plate. The intraepidermal extension involved not only the conjunctival epithelium but also the overlying skin with subsequent extension into the dermis. The discussion will include diagnostic, both clinical and microscopic, considerations along with comparison to mammary Paget’s disease. Just as mammary Paget’s disease, which originates from the glands in the dermis eventuating in the seeding of the overlying epidermis, so too does sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid. Accordingly, just as mammary Paget’s disease is often misdiagnosed as an inflammatory condition, so too is sebaceous carcinoma.
Mycobacteria Other Than Mycobacterium Tuberculosis are Not Present by PCR in Erythema Induratum/Nodular Vasculitis
Authors: Bayer‐Garner IB , Cox MD , Scott MA , Smoller BR , Clinic Marshfield , Marshfield WI , McClellan John L.
Published: August 2010

Erythema induratum/nodular vasculitis is characterized by recurrent crops of tender edematous nodules on the lower legs. lobular panniculitis with granulomatous inflammation, vasculitis, focal necrosis and septal fibrosis is present. Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA has been detected in some lesions by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Ten cases of erythema induratum/nodular vasculitis were found. H & E stained slides were reviewed. PCR assays for M tuberculosis and mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT) was carried out. PCR did not reveal mycobacterial DNA, with positive controls indicating the reliability of the assays. Among the MOTT, cutaneous infections are most commonly caused by M. marinum. Subcutaneous tuberculoid granulomas may be seen with M. kansaii, M. marinum, M. scrofulaceum, and M. avium complex. M. gordonae and M. malmoense rarely cause cutaneous infections. M. szulgai, M. simiae, M. gastri and M. asiaticum are probably not cutaneous pathogens. MOTT DNA was not foundÂ in erythema induratum/nodular vasculitis. Erythema induratum/nodular vasculitis has diverse etiologies with varying pathogeneses leading to similar histologic changes. The cases analyzed may have not have had an infectious etiology. However, in erythema induratum/nodular vasculitis, performance ofÂ PCR for MOTT as well as Mycobacteria tuberculosis complex may still be beneficial, particularly in cases from immunocompromised hosts.
Expression of Activated Mapk, AKT and C‐Kit in Melanocytic Lesions
Authors: Bengana C. , Diwan A.H. , Kim K.B. , Zhang P.S. , Prieto V.G.
Published: August 2010

Background: MAPK, AKT, and c‐Kit are major signaling molecules. This study evaluates the expression of the activated forms of these molecules in melanocytic lesions. Design: Tissue microarrays were constructed using formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded archival tissue from 14 benign nevi (BN), 16 dysplastic nevi (DN), 18 malignant melanomas (MM), and 25 metastatic malignant melanomas (MMM). Two control cases (nevus and melanoma) were included in all three microarray blocks. Immunohistochemical analysis of p‐MAPK, p‐AKT and p‐c‐kit was performed using standard technique. Both the intensity and the number of labeled cells were recorded in a semiquantitative fashion. Results were analyzed using Chi‐square test, with p Results: c‐kit expression was highest in BN compared to DN, MM and MMM that showed similar expression. Among MMM, the visceral metastases had the strongest c‐kit expression. p‐AKT showed decreased expression with progression of the melanocytic lesions. The differences for p‐c‐kit and p‐AKT were highly significant (0.04 and 0.0001 respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in expression of p‐MAPK. Conclusion: Since the observed changes apply to the activated forms of AKT and c‐kit these molecules are likely involved in melanoma progression. These findings may help determine the applicability of targeted therapies such as gleevec.
The Histopathology of Subcutaneous Minocycline Hyperpigmentation
Authors: Bowen A.R. , McCalmont T.H.
Published: August 2010

Hyperpigmentation associated with prolonged minocycline use is well documented and affects diverse organ systems including skin, thyroid, heart valves, bone, sclerae and teeth. The histopathology of cutaneous minocycline pigment demonstrates brown‐black granules lining elastin fibers in the upper dermis and occurring within macrophages along vessels and eccrine units in the dermis. The nature of the pigment can be confirmed by concurrent positive staining with both Fontana‐Masson and Perls’ stains. The subcutis may also be involved, however the specific subcutaneous findings in minocycline hyperpigmentation have not been described. We present the pathological findings in four cases of minocycline hyperpigmentation with subcutaneous involvement. Course black/brown granules were seen in macrophages particularly around vessels in the subcutis but also within septae and between lipocytes. An unusual feature noted in the subcutis and deep dermis was the presence of green‐gray, flocculent, non‐refractile, non‐polarizable globules within macrophages and multinucleated giant cells. These measured between 0.005–0.1 mm in diameter and did not stain for melanin or iron. Two of four exhibited lipomembranous changes which were also involved by pigment. This is the first description of green‐gray globules and pigmented lipomembranous changes in subcutaneous minocycline pigmentation, unique findings that provide additional clues to the diagnosis.
A Case Report of Multiple Pigmented Perineal Hidrocystomas
Authors: Breen C.
Published: August 2010

Apocrine hidrocystomas occur most commonly as solitary nodules on the face and neck. Case reports of patients with multiple lesions on the face, particularly in the periorbital region, have been described. They present as cystic, translucent, blue or brown papules or nodules. The color is attributed to the Tyndall effect, as pigment such as melanin or hemosiderin has rarely been demonstrated within the lesions. We present a 43‐year‐old Caucasian female with over thirty blue‐gray macules on her perineum and vulva. The patient was unaware of the lesions though she noted perineal and inguinal pruritus after exercise. Punch biopsy showed a cluster of cysts within a loose stroma, located in the deep dermis. The cysts were lined by a single layer of flattened cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and focal areas of papillation and decapitation secretion. A peripheral layer of myoepithelial cells was present. The epithelium contained brown pigment confirmed to be melanin by Fontana‐Masson stain. Iron stain was negative. GCDFP‐15 (gross cystic disease fluid protein) labelled the epithelial cells. S‐100 and Mart‐1 immunohistochemical stains were negative. Unusual features of this case include the anatomic site, number of lesions, and demonstration of melanin as the cause of the clinical pigmentation.
Myxoid Pleomorphic Fibroma
Authors: Burkert K. , Walsh J. , Keeling J.
Published: August 2010

A 77‐year‐old white female presented with a two to three year history of an asymptomatic skin‐colored papule on the right upper arm. Examination revealed a 7 mm × 7 mm soft papule, supplanted by a smaller soft papule. Clinical differential diagnosis included an adnexal tumor, neurofibroma, and dermal nevus. Histological examination revealed a sparse proliferation of spindle and stellate‐shaped cells within the dermis, including many large cells with bizarre shaped nuclei. Focal multinucleated giant cells were present as well. The background stroma was both collagenous and myxoid, the later being highlighted by diffuse colloidal iron staining. The spindle and stellate‐shaped cells demonstrated CD34 and vimentin positivity. Factor XIIIa was focally positive. Actin and S‐100 staining were negative. These changes were thought to be consistent with a myxoid pleomorphic fibroma. This is a rare tumor, with only a few reported cases of myxoid variants in the literature to date. The staining pattern of this tumor, along with others in the reported literature, suggest a mesenchymal, fibroblastic origin.
Immunohistochemical Study of Oncogenic and Prognostic Markers in Sebaceous Tumors
Authors: Cassarino David S. , Auerbach Aaron , Barrett Terry
Published: August 2010

Background: Sebaceous tumors are adnexal tumors with usually low‐gradebehavior. The distinction between sebaceous adenomas and carcinomas, especially on small biopsies from sensitive sites (i.e., ocular), may bedifficult. We compared the expression of various oncogenic andprognostic markers by immunohistochemistry in order to distinguishbenign from malignant sebaceous tumors.Design: 10 sebaceous adenomas, 10 sebaceous carcinomas, and 5 cases ofsebaceous hyperplasia, were studied with antibodies directed againstKi‐67 (mib‐1), bcl‐2, p53, p21, p27, c‐erb2 (Her‐2/neu), CD117 (c‐kit), cyclin D1, MDM2, and CD99 (mic2).Results: We found that sebaceous carcinomas differed from sebaceousadenomas by having increased staining for p53 (50% vs 11%) and mib‐1(average 1.8+ vs. 1.0+), and significantly reduced levels of bcl‐2 (7%vs 62%) and p21 (16% vs 34%).The other markers did not differ significantly, although there was atrend towards more Her‐2/neu staining in the carcinomas. No cases showedany c‐kit staining.Conclusions: We have shown that several markers, including mib‐1, p53, p21, and bcl‐2, are expressed at significantly different levels insebaceous carcinomas versus adenomas, and may be of use indiagnostically challenging cases. Whether or not any of these markerswill prove useful in predicting prognosis remains controversial.
Plaque‐Like Myofibroblastic Tumor of Infancy
Authors: Clarke J. , Clarke L. , Helm K. , Zaenglein A. ,   Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Published: August 2010

We report two unrelated infants that presented for evaluation of large dermal plaques that histologically resembled dermatofibromas. The clinical appearance and histochemical staining, however, support a myofibroblastic origin of the neoplasms. The patients were a 13 month old female with a slowly growing, pink, firm, irregular plaque that was first noticed at 3 months of age, and an 11 month old boy who presented with a pruritic, slowly growing, irregular, nodular plaque that was noticed shortly after birth. MRI revealed no extension of tumor into deeper subcutaneous tissues in either infant. Both infants had normal growth and development. Biopsies of both infants’ plaques revealed spindle cell neoplasms dissecting through collagen bundles throughout the entire dermis with overlying psoriasiform epidermal hyplerplasia. The spindle cells were predominantly haphazardly arranged but in a few areas were arranged in small fascicles. Both tumors stained positively for Factor XIIIa and were focally smooth muscle actin positive. Staining for CD34 was negative in both neoplasms. Histologically, both tumors resembled dermatofibromas; however the clinical appearance and positive smooth muscle actin staining best fit with a myofibroblastic neoplasm. The features of this neoplasm and the differential of other spindle cell tumors of infancy will be reviewed.
Drug‐Induced Follicular Lupus‐Like Eruption
Authors: Galan A. , Elpern D.J. , Byers H.R.
Published: August 2010

A 51‐year‐old female presented with agminate flesh‐colored, slightly hyperkeratotic papules, 3–5 mm in diameter, on her upper back and to a lesser extent on the upper chest, neck and forehead. The papules were centered around the hair follicles and several showed mild perifollicular erythema. Clinical impression was keratosis pilaris with an unusual distribution or follicular mucinosis. Medications included hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), begun several months previously, along with potassium supplements. Histologic findings revealed mild interface dermatitis with rare individually necrotic keratinocytes and mild pigment incontinence, a superficial and mid perivascular and periappendageal lymphocytic infiltrate with marked dermal mucin deposition and extravasated erythrocytes. No definitive basement membrane thickening was present. Laboratory investigation revealed antinuclear antibodies at 1:640; anti‐double stranded DNA and anti‐histone antibody titers were normal. Following discontinuance of HCTZ and addition of topical steroids, her eruption slowly resolved. Taken together, these findings are those of a new cutaneous manifestation of a drug‐induced lupus‐like eruption. We have named it drug‐induced follicular lupus‐like eruption to reflect the drug‐induced counterpart of the newly described follicular lupus erythematosus.
Minimal Teledermatopathology: Instant Image Messaging
Authors: Gonzalez‐Beicos Aldo , Muñoz‐Garcia Liliana , González‐Serva Aldo
Published: August 2010

Expensive telepathology programs are known for long. Instant messaging, in contrast, is a new trend that will permeate serious enterprises, including dermatopathology. We present an adaptation of microscopy to the MSN Messenger that allows simple and instant sharing of images through the Internet. Any digital camera can act as a webcam, even if no picture is taken. Images through a camera tethered to a microscope can be captured into the PC in real time as video. An inexpensive Belkin VideoBus II card (∼$50) between the AV cable of the camera and the PC, using an USB port, is used as the capture device (among others). In the MSN Messenger v. 6.1, the Audio/Video Tuning Wizard (from “Tools”) is notified that the Belkin capture mode will be used as video‐composite input. The same card could optionally capture audio from any microphone. The above procedure will produce relatively high quality images in the Messenger image subwindow when the digital camera is activated. The interlocutor can broadcast images back. The only limitation is the relatively small size of the Messenger window. This is an example of current mass‐appeal technologies that presage the marriage of teledermatopathology and instant messaging.
The Value of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in the Setting of Borderline Melanocytic Proliferations
Authors: Gupta K , Seilstad K , Walker M , Crowson A. N , Mihm MC. , Magro C
Published: August 2010

The spectrum of melanocytic proliferations ranges from banal to overtly malignant. Borderline melanocytic lesions which bridge these two extremes pose a challenge, as their biological nature remains undefined. We set out to evaluate the utility of the sentinel lymph node biopsy in such lesions. Our compendium was defined by 11 cases of borderline melanocytic proliferations whereby sentinel node sampling was conducted. There were three severely atypical dermal‐epidermal melanocytic proliferations manifesting borderline features with nevoid melanoma (calf, shoulder, knee), three arising in association with a deep penetrating nevus (chest, shoulder, and arm), three atypical Spitz’s tumors (helix, calf, arm, back), and two atypical pigment‐synthesizing melanocytic tumors, resembling equine melanotic disease in one and cellular blue nevus in another (buttock, calf, arm). The patient population comprised seven males and five females ranging in age from age 9–36 (mean: 25 years). At least one positive sentinel lymph node was uncovered in seven of the cases with a positive sentinel lymph observed in all but one case of deep penetrating nevus and atypical Spitz’s tumor. The identification of sentinel lymph node positivity in seven of the twelve cases (58%) validates the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in the setting of borderline melanocytic proliferations.
Prominent Papillary Dermal Edema in Dermatophytosis
Authors: Hoss D. , Berke A. , Grant‐Kels J. , Murphy M. , Kerr P.
Published: August 2010

The histological findings in tinea corporis are variable, but include parakeratosis, often with neutrophils, spongiosis, and dermal inflammation. A recent study found some degree of papillary dermal edema in 17 to 23% of tinea cases. We report five cases of tinea corporis in which prominent papillary dermal edema (PDE) was the salient histological finding. Prominent PDE is often associated with diagnoses such as Sweet syndrome, polymorphous light eruption, allergic contact dermatitis and arthropod bite reactions. Interestingly, the submitted clinical diagnoses for our cases included Sweet syndrome (2), arthropod bite reaction (2), immunobullous disease (2), fixed drug eruption (1), eczema (1) and tinea (2). Our first case was a 25‐year‐old female with recurrent edematous plaques in fixed sites. Her lesions completely cleared with repeated courses of systemic steroids, but recurred after steroid taper. One fungal hypha was overlooked on her first biopsy and she was erroneously diagnosed with fixed drug eruption or a blistering disease (immunofluorescence negative). Six months later, repeat biopsy showed PDE, and numerous hyphae were seen on PAS stain. This prompted us to carefully examine PAS‐stained sections on subsequent cases with prominent PDE. Prominent papillary dermal edema may be a clue to dermatophyte infection.
Subcutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis Caused by Cladophialophora Bantiana
Authors: Hussey S. , Gander R. , Southern P. , Hoang M.
Published: August 2010

Primary subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis can rarely be caused by Cladophialophora bantiana. Only two cases have been reported and we present the histologic and culture findings of another. A 32‐year‐old black female with systemic lupus erythematosus presented with a two‐year history of multiple, recurrent, tender, ulcerated skin nodules with purulent drainage involving an area measuring approximately 27.0 × 15.0 cm on her upper back. She had been involved in a tornado at age 10 and had sustained traumatic implantation of wood splinters in this area. Sections of the excision showed scattered dark pinpoint foci with surrounding suppuration extending to the deep aspect of the specimen. Histology demonstrated features of phaeohyphomycosis – foci of granulomatous and acute inflammation with central clusters of dematiaceous fungal hyphae within a fibrotic dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Chains of brown‐pigmented septate hyphae and unicellular conidia were identified. Culture revealed pigmented septate, branched hyphae and unbranched acropetal chains of conidia with no attachment hila. Dark gray, velvety colonies formed in one week on a potato dextrose agar plate incubated at 25 degrees Celsius. These culture features were characteristic of Cladophialophora bantiana. Despite surgical excision and itraconazole therapy, her skin lesions persisted for the next two years necessitating a re‐excision.
Bilateral Systematized Porokeratotic Eccrine Ostial and Dermal Duct Nevus with Unilateral Breast Hypoplasia
Authors: Jayaraman A. , Robinson‐Bostom L. , McDonald C.
Published: August 2010

Porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct nevus (PEODDN) is a rare hamartomatous malformation of the eccrine duct which typically presents at birth or early in life. Multiple punctate pits and verrucous papules and plaques with nonfollicular hyperkeratotic spines are seen over the palms and soles and may extend to the distal extremities. A linear distribution may be present. A wide range of involvement has been reported in the literature, including bilateral systematized involvement. No systemic involvement has been linked to PEODDN to date. Histologic findings are characteristic and include a dilated eccrine acrosyringium with an overlying parakeratotic column or cornoid lamella. There is slight dyskeratosis and loss of the granular layer under the cornoid lamella. Here, we present a case of bilateral systematized PEODDN in an otherwise healthy, 18 year‐old Hispanic female. Physical examination is notable for marked hypoplasia of the left breast with overlying verrucous papules and plaques. Multiple punch biopsies were performed and showed findings diagnostic of PEODDN. To our knowledge, this is the most extensive involvement of PEODDN reported in the literature to date and the only case with associated hypoplasia of the breast.
An Unusual Hematologic Malignancy Derived from Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells
Authors: Kim J.C. , Peters S.B. , Frizzera G. , McNutt N.S.
Published: August 2010

Recently reported cases of CD4+ CD56+ hematologic malignancies with a strong predilection for the skin correspond to the neoplastic counterpart of plasmacytoid dendritic cells. This rare, aggressive malignancy lacks pan‐myeloid and pan‐lymphoid markers and often presents with cutaneous lesions, splenomegaly, and involvement of lymph nodes and bone marrow. It has a poor prognosis, and many patients progress to acute myeloid leukemia. The proposed cellular origin is a CD56+ precursor cell related to plasmacytoid monocytes, which strongly expresses CD123 (IL‐3Ra). We describe a 70 year‐old man who presented with gray‐brown truncal nodules and plaques, lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly. His bone marrow demonstrated malignant CD4+ CD56+ mononuclear cells. Histologic sections of skin lesions showed an atypical infiltrate extending into the deep reticular dermis. Immunohistochemical staining of these cells for CD4 was diffusely positive. Moreover, the infiltrate strongly expressed CD56 and CD123 but showed only patchy or negative staining for other T and B cell markers. The combination of the patient’s clinical presentation and biopsy results best fits the diagnosis of this newly characterized, distinct clinicopathologic entity described in recent literature as agranular CD4+ CD56+ hematodermic neoplasm, plasmacytoid dendritic cell acute leukemia, and tumor‐forming accumulations of plasmacytoid monocytes associated with myeloid disorders.
Recalcitrant Ulcer Caused by Embedded Papier‐Mache
Authors: Lee J.
Published: August 2010

A 47‐year‐old sculptor presented with an ulcer on her neck. She is non‐diabetic and had been on potassium iodide for hyperthyroidism. She developed a pruritic rash (?drug eruption), and her neck had been scratched repeatedly with papier‐mache (PM)‐covered fingers while she worked on PM sculptures for 3 consecutive months. Debrided material from neck ulcer revealed innumerable pieces of refractile PM in various shapes in the background of necrotic tissue and fibrinoid exudate, on polaroscopic examination of H&E sections. Stains for micro‐organisms (for fungi, acid‐fast bacilli, and actinomycosis) were negative. In an attempt to remove residual embedded PM, wide excision of the site and full‐thickness skin graft was done. After initial successful take and healing, the area redeveloped an ulcer. Additional debridement and biopsy from the graft site showed PM clustered around the blood vessels in the reticular dermis. PM is a product of paper pulp commonly used in arts and crafts. Rare cases of lead exposure in PM workers have been reported in the literature, however, no cutaneous problems caused by PM have been reported to date.