bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Serum Total IgE, Eosinophil Granule Cationic Proteins, Sensitized Allergens and Family Aggregation in Atopic Dermatitis Patients with or without Rhinitis
Authors: Lee Chih‐Hung , Chuang Hung‐Yi , Shih Chia‐Chi , Jee Shiou‐Hwa , Wang Li‐Fang , Chiu Hsien‐Ching , Chang Chung‐Hsing , Wu Chieh‐Shan , Yu Hsin‐Su 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex disease with both a genetic background and environmental interactions. Although multiple linkage‐analyses about AD have been studied, there have been only a few family aggregation tests of AD or perennial allergic rhinitis (AR) to date. The association of allergen‐specific IgE in AD and atopic dermatitis with allergic perennial rhinitis (ADR) have also been seldom discussed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate family aggregation and assess allergen‐specific IgE in patients with AD and ADR. We also planned to investigate the effect of family history of AD on the prevalence of allergen‐specific antibodies. The serum levels of IgE, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and major basic protein (MBP) were measured and compared in patients with AD and those with ADR. Proportional analysis compared allergen‐specific IgE between AD and ADR. The family aggregation was conducted to estimate the odds ratio for various atopic diseases in different family members. Total IgE and allergen‐specific antibodies in serum were compared between those patients who had AD with AR and those without. The result revealed that allergic rhinitis is the most common concomitant atopic disease associated with AD. The ADR group was more likely to have serum mite‐, cockroach‐, and feather‐specific IgE. The positive rates for wheat, peanut and soybean were higher in those AD without rhinitis. In the family aggregation of AD, the odds ratio for siblings was higher than for parents, the ratios for brother and sister were 9.91 and 8.75, respectively. However, the odds ratio for parents of ADR was higher than siblings; the ratios for father and mother of ADR were 8.22 and 2.94, respectively. AD patients with family histories of AD were more likely to have mite‐, soybean‐, and peanut‐specific antibodies in their serum. We concluded that aeroallergens are the most important allergens aggravating atopic diseases in Taiwan. Food plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. Measurement of serum total IgE combined with the MAST‐CLA test could be helpful in the diagnosis of atopic diseases. The differential aggregation tendency for AD and ADR implicated the complexity of the gene‐environment interaction in these atopic diseases.
Topical 0.25% Methotrexate Gel in a Hydrogel Base for Palmoplantar Psoriasis
Authors: Kumar Bhushan , Sandhu Kamaldeep , Kaur Inderjeet 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPalmoplantar psoriasis (PPP) is a chronic, disfiguring condition, and its management is difficult. The systemic side effects of methotrexate can be avoided if it is effective topically. We studied the efficacy and safety of a recently marketed topical methotrexate (0.25%) preparation in a hydrogel base in patients with palmoplantar lesions. A total of 14 adult patients diagnosed clinically as plaque type of palmoplantar psoriasis (>30% of the palm and/or sole areas involved) were included in the study. Topical methotrexate 0.25% in a hydroxygel base was applied twice daily to the lesions for twelve weeks. The lesions were assessed for degree of erythema, scaling, induration and fissuring (ESIF) and were scored on a severity score of 0–3 (0‐clear, 1‐mild, 2‐moderate, 3‐severe) every two weeks. The most severe condition was given 12 points; 0 denoted no disease. The response at the end of the study was graded as minimal if there was up to 25% reduction in the EISF score, mild as 26–50% reduction, moderate improvement as 51–75% reduction in score, and marked improvement as >75% reduction in score. The average age of the 11 male and female patients was 41.5 years (18–57 years) with the duration of the disease varying from 2 months to 15 years. Ten patients had both palmar and plantar lesions; two each had only palmar lesions or plantar lesions. The ESI score at baseline was 5.8 ± 0.9 for the palms and 6.8 ± 0.5 for the soles. The scores at the end of the study were 3.5 ± 0.7 for palms and 4.8 ± 0.2 for the soles. The average time taken for improvement was at least six weeks. None of the patients had complete clearance of lesions. The drug was well tolerated by all patients. Methotrexate 0.25% in a hydrophilic gel is well tolerated but is not very effective in controlling the lesions of psoriasis on the palms and soles. A higher concentration in a different base with better penetration could possibly provide better results.
Two Cases of Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma
Authors: Matsuki Takahiro , Hayashi Nobukazu , Mizushima Junichi , Igarashi Atsuyuki , Kawashima Makoto , Harada Shotaro 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDesmoplastic trichoepithelioma is a rare tumor that usually exhibits the distinct clinical features of a solitary granuloma annulare‐like growth on the face. We experienced two cases of desmoplastic trichoepithelioma, one of which showed unusual clinical features and the other of which was a typical case. The first case was a 20‐year‐old female who presented with a five year history of a solitary yellowish nodule, 5 mm in diameter, centrally between the eyebrows. There was no central dimple or elevated border. The other case was a 40‐year‐old female who presented with a ten year history of a solitary nodule, 6 mm in diameter on her left cheek. The latter lesion had a typical depressed area in the center of the nodule with elevated borders and could be clinically diagnosed as desmoplastic trichoepithelioma. The histopathological examination revealed that both of them were desmoplastic trichoepithelioma. Histopathological comparison of the two specimens suggested that the clinical dimple in the center of the first tumor might be the result of stromal dystrophic changes induced by the tumor.
Widespread and Invasive Trichophyton rubrum Infection Mimicking Kaposi's Sarcoma in a Patient with AIDS
Authors: Kwon Kyung‐Sool , Jang Ho‐Sun , Son Hyo‐Sung , Oh Chang‐Keun , Kwon Yoo‐Wook , Kim Ki‐Hong , Suh Soon‐Bong 
Published: July 2014

AbstractOpportunistic fungal infections are commonly encountered in AIDS patients. Candidiasis, tinea pedis, onychomycosis, and deep mycotic infections have been the fungal infections most frequently reported in these patients. Dermatophyte infections can appear to be atypical and aggressive in these patients and may lead to a misdiagnosis. We report a Trichophyton rubrum infection in a 44‐year‐old man with AIDS that presented as a widespread and multiple tumor‐like appearance. After the patient was treated with terbinafine for 21 weeks, the lesions cleared completely. We think that this type of dermatophyte infection is very unusual in patients with AIDS and could lead to inappropriate diagnostic processes and treatments.
Fungal Melanonychia
Authors: Lee Sang Won , Kim You Chan , Kim Dong Kun , Yoon Tae Young , Park Hyang Joon , Cinn Yong Woo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractMelanonychia is characterized by tan, brown, or black pigmentation within the nail plate. Fungal melanonychia is rare and may simulate longitudinal melanonychia caused by melanocytic lesions. We report six cases of fungal melanonychia which were confirmed histopathologically or mycologically. On culture, Candida and/or Aspergillus species were isolated in four patients. The nail pigmentation improved after treatment with antifungal agents in all cases, but one patient experienced a new lesion on another nail after cessation of treatment. Fungal infection should be considered as a cause of melanonychia, and fungal melanonychia should be differentiated from the melanonychia caused by melanocytic lesions, particularly by subungual melanoma.
Odontogenic Sinus Tract to the Neck Skin: A Case Report
Authors: Susic Mato , Krakar Niko , Borcic Josipa , Macan Darko 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe describe a 22‐year‐old woman with neck skin sinus tract that developed as a consequence of dental infection. The patient was treated twice in an inappropriate way with recurrence of the sinus tract. We opted for an extraction of the tooth. This case illustrates the need for cooperative diagnostic referrals between physicians and dentists.
Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum: Report of the First Case on the Lower Leg
Authors: Yoshii Noriko , Kanekura Takuro , Setoyama Mitsuru , Kanzaki Tamotsu 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSyringocystadenoma Papilliferum (SCAP) is a benign adnexal tumor which most frequently arises from an organoid nevus on the head and neck. Although they are rarely found on the trunk and limbs, we treated a case of this disorder on the lower leg. A 26‐year‐old man had an asymptomatic tumor on his lower leg. Histopathological examination showed it to be a typical SCAP on organoid nevus. This is the first report of SCAP on the lower leg.
Angiokeratoma Fordyce of the Glans Penis: Combined Treatment with Erbium: YAG and 532 nm KTP (Frequency Doubled Neodynium: YAG) Laser
Authors: Bechara Falk Georges , Jansen Thomas , Wilmert M. , Altmeyer Peter , Hoffmann Klaus 
Published: July 2014

AbstractA rare case of angiokeratoma Fordyce localized on the margin of the glans penis in a 52‐year‐old Caucasian patient is reported. Combined treatment with Erbium: YAG and 532 nm KTP (frequency doubled Neodynium: YAG) laser led to excellent cosmetic results.
Bicentre Experience in the Treatment of Severe Generalised Atopic Dermatitis with Extracorporeal Photochemotherapy
Authors: Radenhausen Michael , Michelsen Silke , Plewig Gerd , Bechara Falk G. , Altmeyer Peter , Hoffmann Klaus 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPilot studies have shown an improvement of atopic dermatitis in approximately 65% of patients during extracorporeal photopheresis (ExP) therapy. The purpose of the present clinical trial was to investigate the response to ExP by controlling clinical and laboratory parameters during short term ExP therapy in patients with severe generalised atopic dermatitis. Thirty‐five patients with severe, therapy‐resistant atopic dermatitis were treated with ExP in an open clinical trial at two week intervals over a period of 6 to 10 cycles. Disease activity was measured before each cycle by SCORAD index together with a standardized protocol for blood samples. ExP led to a significant decrease (p<0.05) in SCORAD from 74.4 ± 15.5 before to 36.8 ± 16.8 after ExP therapy (mean 10 cycles). Approximately 70% (24/33 patients = responder) of patients had a favourable response to ExP requiring at least 6 cycles. The decrease in SCORAD was accompanied by a significant decrease of eosinophil cationic protein (27%), sE‐selectin (37%) and sIL‐2R (53%) levels in serum (p<0.05). No significant correlation between a decrease in these levels and values of blood eosinophils or lymphocytes was found (p>0.05). In comparison to responders, most nonresponders were characterised by very high levels of total IgE before and during therapy (p<0.05). The present clinical trial confirms that short term ExP is an effective treatment for certain patients with severe atopic dermatitis based on anti‐inflammatory mechanisms. Total IgE could be a predictor of outcome in ExP treatment.
The Treatment of Common Warts with Infrared Coagulation
Authors: Piskin Suleyman , Aksoz Turkan , Gorgulu Adnan 
Published: July 2014

AbstractTreatment of warts can involve medical and surgical methods. Infrared coagulation is a surgical method very rarely used in the treatment of warts. We planned an open‐labeled prospective study to research the effect of infrared coagulation in the treatment of common warts, comparing it with electrocoagulation, and discussing its applicability as an alternative therapy regimen. Eighteen patients with common warts were included in this study. There were 49 warts of various sizes (1 mm to 1 cm) in these 18 patients. Twenty‐seven warts were treated with infrared coagulation, and 22 warts were treated with electrocoagulation. Sixteen patients were treated with both infrared coagulation and electrocoagulation; two patients were treated with only infrared coagulation. The patients were followed‐up for six months after treatment. Changes in sizes of warts, healing times, and cure rates were compared by Mann‐Whitney U test. The mean healing time was 35.5 ± 5.7 days with infrared coagulation and 32.9 ± 4.0 days with electrocoagulation. There was not any significant difference between healing times (p>0.05). Bacterial infection was seen on seven (31.8%) warts treated with electrocoagulation, but no side effects were seen with infrared coagulation. There was a significant difference between side effect rates in two groups (p<0.01). Nine (33.3%) of the warts treated with infrared coagulation and seven (31.8%) of the warts treated with electrocoagulation recurred in the six‐month follow‐up period. The overall cure rates at the end of the follow‐up period were 66.7% and 68.2% respectively. There was not any significant difference between the cure rates in the two groups (P>0.05). We conclude that infrared coagulation is a safe and cheap method and should be kept in mind as an alternative modality for the treatment of common warts.
In Vivo Function of Desmosomes
Authors: Cheng Xing , Koch Peter J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDesmosomes are morphologically and biochemically defined cell‐cell junctions that are required for maintaining the mechanical integrity of skin and the heart in adult mammals. Furthermore, since mice with null mutations in desmosomal plaque proteins (plakoglobin and desmoplakin) die in utero, it is also evident that desmosomes are indispensable for normal embryonic development. This review focuses on the role of desmosomes in vivo. We will summarize the effects of mutations in desmosomal genes on pre‐ and post‐embryonic development of mouse and man and discuss recent findings relating to the specific role of desmosomal cadherins in skin differentiation and homeostasis.
Role of Contact Allergens in Pompholyx
Authors: Jain Vijay K. , Aggarwal Kamal , Passi Shanta , Gupta Sanjeev 
Published: July 2014

AbstractFifty patients of both sexes with clinically suspected pompholyx were patch tested with the Indian Standard Patch Test Battery approved by the Contact & Occupational Dermatosis Forum of India (CODFI). Most of these patients were young adults between 20–39 years of age with a mean age of 30 years. The mean duration of symptoms was 4 years. The occupational profile of the patients included students (20%), housewives (16%), housewives engaged in farming (12%), labourers (12%), farmers (12%) and paramedical workers (6%). The miscellaneous group, including salesmen, teachers and photographers, accounted for the remaining 22%. The clinical patterns of presentation of pompholyx included cheiropompholyx (60%), cheiropompholyx and podopompholyx (36%) and podopompholyx alone (4%). Patch test analysis of these patients revealed that, out of the 50 subjects tested, 20 (40%) reacted to one or more allergens. Nickel sulphate was the commonest offending allergen (14%) followed by potassium dichromate and phenylene diamine and nitrofurazone (8% each), fragrance mix (6%) and cobalt chloride (4%), in descending order of frequency. Hence, patch testing may be considered for all patients with recurrent episodes of pompholyx as allergic contact dermatitis may be relatively common in such patients and the avoidance of offending allergens may be of substantial benefit to these patients.
Effects of Tacrolimus Ointment on Facial Eruption, Itch, and Scratching in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Katoh Norito , Hirano Shinya , Yasuno Hirokazu , Kishimoto Saburo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe action of tacrolimus ointment on pruritus in atopic dermatitis is still unclear. In this open study we investigated both the relationship between the severity of eruptions and the degree of itch and scratching in patients with atopic dermatitis and the effects of topical tacrolimus on these symptoms. Seventy adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis with facial eruptions that were recalcitrant to topical steroids applied a 0.1% tacrolimus ointment twice per day after discontinuation of topical steroid. The eruption scores and an assessment of the itch and scratching were recorded for 12 weeks. Oral antihistamine was prescribed at least one month before the study and continued unchanged during the study in each patient. The percentage reduction in the score of itch and scratching after two weeks (n=59) was significantly higher than in the score of eruption. Although there was no significant relationship between the severity of the eruptions and the degree of itch and scratching during steroid application, a relationship became significant after four weeks (n=59) of tacrolimus use by a one‐factor ANOVA analysis. This suggests that tacrolimus ointment is effective for the itch and scratching in cases where degrees might be discrepant from the severity of eruptions in patients with recalcitrant facial eruptions of AD.
Merkel Cells in the Vellus Hair Follicles of Human Facial Skin: A Study Using Confocal Laser Microscopy
Authors: Uchigasaki Shuhko , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Inoue Kinji 
Published: July 2014

AbstractMany cases of Merkel cell carcinoma have recently been reported, and most of them have been localized on the facial skin. In this study, we investigated Merkel cells in the vellus hair follicles of facial region to characterize these cells in human subjects. Skin specimens doubly stained with cytokeratin (CK) 20 and either protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 or vasoreactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were examined by confocal laser microscopy. Many of the Merkel cells in the vellus hair follicles of the facial skin were localized in the bulge area. Some of these cells were attached to nerve terminals, although most of them were not associated with them. Our results suggest that there are two types of Merkel cells in the bulge area of the vellus hair follicles of facial skin: cells wholly unassociated with the nerve terminals and cells associated with thin nerve fibers. We postulate that the former cells may be undifferentiated (immature) and the latter differentiated (mature). If this is so, there is a chance that Merkel cell carcinoma originates from the undifferentiated Merkel cells in the bulge of the vellus hair with the formation of tumor masses in the dermis and no involvement of the epidermis. The Merkel cells connected with nerve fibers may secrete endocrine substances via a regulation of autonomic nerves.
Porokeratosis of Mibelli: Successful Treatment with Cryosurgery
Authors: Dereli Tugrul , Ozyurt Selcuk , Ozturk Gunseli 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPorokeratosis of Mibelli, a disorder of keratinization, should be treated because of the possibility of development of malignant epithelial tumors on the porokeratotic lesions. Liquid nitrogen cryosurgery is considered to be particularly useful in the treatment of precancerous and benign skin lesions. We aimed to evaluate the efficiency of this method in the treatment of porokeratosis of Mibelli. Eight patients with 20 porokeratotic lesions were treated with spray cryosurgery. Each lesion was frozen for 30 seconds with a spray tip after the keratotic borders were removed conically by sharp dissection. Eighteen of the 20 lesions were healed successfully with slight atrophy in one session. One more session was necessary for the other two lesions. Liquid nitrogen cryosurgery may be considered superior to other destructive methods in the treatment of porokeratosis of Mibelli, with advantages such as simplicity, high cure rates, low cost, short treatment period, and few complications.
Unique Keratinization Process in Psoriasis: Late Differentiation Markers Are Abolished Because of the Premature Cell Death
Authors: Iizuka Hajime , Takahashi Hidetoshi , Honma Masaru , Ishida‐Yamamoto Akemi 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe keratinization process in psoriasis is a unique phenomenon. We have proposed an organized system for keratinization in psoriasis based on the recognition of early and late differentiation markers combined with premature cell death. The early differentiation markers, such as involucrin, small proline‐rich proteins (SPRR), cystatin A and transglutaminase l, are more conspicuously expressed in psoriasis, while the late differentiation markers, such as profilaggrin and loricrin, are abolished. Keratinization markers that are not observed in the normal epidermis are also detected; these include SKALP/elafin as well as K6 and K16. With a markedly diminished turnover time, the psoriatic epidermis rapidly synthesizes differentiation markers that are mostly under the control of the protein kinase C‐AP1 transcriptional control system. Because of the premature cell death, however, the late differentiation markers are not expressed. During the improvement of the lesion and the therefore longer turnover time, the late differentiation markers rapidly catch up to reveal their expression. This explains the rapid appearance of keratohyalin granules (profilaggrin) in the healing lesion of psoriasis. Thus the keratinization process in psoriasis can be explained by the accelerated keratinization combined with premature cell death. The keratinization process in psoriasis is unique, because both accelerated keratinization and premature cell death co‐exist, resulting in the disappearance of late differentiation markers such as profilaggrin and loricrin. It is interesting to note that the premature cell death is also under the control of protein kinase C signaling.
Treatment of Vitiligo with 308‐nm Xenon‐Chloride Excimer Laser: Therapeutic Efficacy of Different Initial Doses According to Treatment Areas
Authors: Choi Kwang‐Ho , Park Jung‐Hwan , Ro Young‐Suck 
Published: July 2014

AbstractMany preliminary data suggest that the 308‐nm excimer laser can be a highly effective therapeutic alternative for treating vitiligo, inducing rapid repigmentation with minimal ultraviolet irradiation. We evaluated the clinical efficacy of the 308‐nm excimer laser treatment for various body areas, using different initial UV doses. One hundred forty vitiligo patches from 69 patients were assigned to 4 groups; face and neck, trunk, extremities, and acral and joint areas. They were then treated twice a week, using different initial UV doses. The rate of repigmentation continued to increase with the number of treatments up to 20 sessions, and then showed plateaus between 20 to 30 sessions. On the other hand, the lesions in acral and joint areas showed the worst responses throughout the treatment sessions. Our findings extend previous observations that the 308‐nm excimer laser is an effective treatment option for patients with vitiligo. However, further studies will be needed to determine the optimal dosing and administration method, especially for acral and joint areas.
Therapeutic Evaluation of Intralesional 5% 5‐Fluorouracil in Condyloma Acuminata
Authors: Pall Anuj , Mahajan Bharat Bhushan , Puri Karanjit Pal Singh , Gupta Rajesh Rani 
Published: July 2014

AbstractCondyloma acumianata is one of the most common virally transmitted diseases. Its prevalence has increased many fold throughout the world. Because all the currently available treatments yield low cure rates with side effects, the search for a new alternative continues. Topically, 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) has been in used for many years to treat various skin diseases. When applied topically in condyloma acuminata, 5‐FU results in low cure rates with high recurrences. Therefore, intralesional 5% 5‐FU is being evaluated to determine its therapeutic efficacy in condyloma acuminata.