bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia: Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Shah Sejal K. , Alexis Andrew F. 
Published: March 2015

Background: Few studies have investigated central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA). Thus, our understanding of CCCA is largely based on anecdotal evidence. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical characteristics and hair care practices in CCCA patients. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective chart review of patients with a clinicopathologic diagnosis of CCCA. Results: Medical records of 69 patients were reviewed. Of these, 97% were female. The mean ages at onset and presentation were 38.2 and 42.4 years, respectively. All subjects for whom hair care data were available had used a traumatic practice at least once, the most common being chemical relaxer. Family history data were available for 27 subjects (39%). Of these, 56% had a positive family history of hair loss. Seborrheic dermatitis was the leading concurrent diagnosis. Limitations: Limitations include lack of a control group, retrospective design, and selection bias. Conclusions: Our results confirm that CCCA primarily affects adult women of African descent. The majority of patients presented several years after onset, suggesting that efforts to encourage earlier diagnosis are warranted. Although the role of hair care remains unclear, traumatic practices were reported in all patients in our study for whom hair care was documented.
Permanent Poliosis following Repetitive Plucking in an Adolescent
Authors: Tan Cheng , Zhu Wen-Yuan 
Published: March 2015

Background and Objective: Poliosis is an inherited or acquired loss of pigment from a group of closely positioned hair follicles characterized by a patch of white hair. It is commonly seen in vitiligo, piebaldism, Waardenburg syndrome, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, Griscelli syndrome, and Apert syndrome. We investigated a male manifesting poliosis on the chin after repetitive plucking. Conclusion: To our knowledge, poliosis induced by repeated plucking has never been documented.
Tenascin-C Expression in Papulosquamous Disorders Other than Psoriasis in Pediatric Patients: An Epiphenomenon?
Authors: Afsar F. Sule , Aktas Safiye , Diniz Gulden 
Published: March 2015

Background: Tenascin-C is a large extracellular matrix protein that is expressed in the basal membrane zone during embryonic development, tissue repair, and oncogenesis. In vitro studies suggest that proliferating epithelium induces the production of tenascin-C by mesenchymal cells. Objective: Our goal was to compare the expression of tenascin-C in psoriasis with other papulosquamous disorders of the skin in pediatric patients. Methods: The study was conducted on skin biopsy samples of 37 patients with psoriasis or other papulosquamous disorders. Of the 37 skin biopsy samples, 17 (45.9%) were diagnosed as psoriasis and 20 (54.1%) were diagnosed as other papulosquamous disorders histopathologically, and the expression of tenascin-C was evaluated immunohistochemically. Results: Tenascin-C expression was seen in the dermis of lesional tissues or epidermal keratinocytes in 1 (5.8%) of the 17 biopsy samples diagnosed as psoriasis and 15 (75.0%) of the 20 biopsy samples diagnosed as other papulosquamous disorders ( p = .001). Conclusion: Tenascin-C expression was not found to be a staining characteristic of psoriasis lesions. But the significant staining intensity of the tenascin-C expression in other papulosquamous disorders suggests that tenascin-C expression might be an epiphenomenon in the papulosquamous disorders other than psoriasis immunohistochemically. Antécédents: La ténascine-C est une grande protéine de la matrice extracellulaire qui est exprimée dans la membrane basale durant le développement embryonnaire, le processus de réparation des tissus, et l'oncogenèse. Les études in vitro suggèrent que la prolifération épithéliale cause la production de la ténascine-C par les cellules mésenchymateuses.
Successful Treatment of Atrophic Scars from Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Using a Fractional Laser
Authors: AlGhamdi Khalid M. 
Published: March 2015

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis can lead to unsightly atrophic scars, which have limited treatment options. There is a scarcity of literature on its treatment modalities. Fractional lasers have been successfully used in treating a variety of skin conditions with minimal downtime and side effects. Methods: We report a successful treatment of a 25-year-old female patient with an atrophic scar from cutaneous leishmaniasis on the nose with a fractional laser (Fraxel Re:store SR 1500). Ten treatment sessions were performed at a pulse energy of 45 to 70 mJ. The treatment response was assessed by comparing pre- and posttreatment clinical photographs. Results: After three sessions, the patient observed 40% improvement. More than 90% improvement was noticed after the tenth session. No significant adverse effects were noted. The improvement was persistent at the 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: The excellent improvement in this patient should encourage further studies to achieve more efficacy and optimize the treatment parameters.
Practical Techniques to Enhance the Safety of Health Care Workers in Office-Based Surgery
Authors: AlGhamdi Khalid M. , AlKhodair Rayan A. 
Published: March 2015

Background: Office-based surgery is commonly practiced in different specialties for a variety of procedures. During these procedures, the health care worker (HCW) is exposed to a large number of pathogens that can be bloodborne, including the hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These pathogens can be transmitted through needlesticks or sharp injuries to intact skin or by backsplash of contaminated body fluids onto mucous membranes or injured skin. Objectives and Conclusions: This article reviews the published techniques designed to protect the HCW from such hazards. These techniques are classified into preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative. Preoperative measures include general protective measures, organization of the surgical field, and consideration of alternative treatments in high-risk patients. Intraoperative techniques deal with safe handling and transferring of sharp instruments, working without using sharps, and protection from backspray injuries. Postoperative measures address proper disposal of used sharps.
HIV Dermatology in Canada: Cutaneous Disease Burden and Demographic Characteristics of a Specialized Urban Practice
Authors: Shapero Jonathan L. , Leslie Jasmine , de Gannes Gillian C. 
Published: March 2015

Background: The introduction of antiretroviral therapies has changed the pattern of cutaneous disease in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Objective: To assess demographic characteristics, severity of immunosuppression, and frequency of dermatologic disorders in patients presenting to a Canadian specialized HIV dermatology practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed of 183 consecutive outpatient and inpatient consultations to a single HIV dermatology practice from January 2007 to December 2008. Results: One hundred sixty-three (88%) patients were male, with an average age of 45. Forty-six patients were not on antiretroviral therapy. Verruca was the most common diagnosis, seen in 29 patients, followed by dermatophyte infection, seen in 27. Patients with a low CD4 count ( p = .0001) and a high viral load ( p = .0043) were more likely to present with an HIV-specific dermatosis. Conclusion: Cutaneous infections were the most common diagnoses in this cross section. Classic HIV dermatoses were seen more frequently in those with more advanced disease owing to HIV infection.
Compliance with Self-Examination Surveillance in Patients with Melanoma and Atypical Moles: An Anonymous Questionnaire Study
Authors: Hull Peter R. , Piemontesi Nicholas G. , Lichtenwald Jessica 
Published: March 2015

Background: Regular skin self-examination is suggested as a means to detect melanomas at an early stage and thus improve prognosis. Compliance, however, has seldom been assessed in a routine clinical setting and anonymously. Objectives: To assess compliance with self-examination in patients with either a previous melanoma or atypical moles (dysplastic nevi) and to examine the perceived utility of supplied photographs. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was sent to all patients seen with either a melanoma or atypical moles between the years 1995 and 2005. The melanoma cohort consisted of 143 patients. There were 440 patients with atypical moles. Results: Replies to the questionnaire were received from 94 of the melanoma patients and from 185 patients in the atypical mole cohort. Only 22% (12) in the melanoma group performed a total skin examination monthly. Fewer than 10% of those with atypical moles did a monthly skin examination, but about half of the patients examined their entire skin more than once a year. Conclusion: Self-examination is practiced in the majority of patients with either a previous melanoma or atypical moles. Those doing this on a regular monthly basis are a small minority.
Collagen Triple Helix Repeat Containing 1 Promotes Melanoma Cell Adhesion and Survival
Authors: Ip Wency , Wellman-Labadie Olivier , Tang Liren , Su Mingwan , Yu Richard , Dutz Jan , Wang Yuzhuo , Huang Shengquan , Zhang Xuejun , Huang Changzheng , Zhou Youwen 
Published: March 2015

Background: The extracellular protein collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1) is aberrantly upregulated in melanoma and most human solid cancers. However, its role in cancer remains unknown. Objective: In this study, we investigated the functional impact of CTHRC1 on melanoma cells in vitro. Methods: Stable clones of cultured melanoma cells expressing different amounts of CTHRC1 protein were generated and evaluated to characterize their growth, survival, and attachment ability as well as their sensitivity to chemotherapy. Results: In cultured MMAN and MMRU melanoma cells, increased expression of CTHRC1 protein resulted in morphologic cell changes, enhanced cell adhesion to culture surfaces, increased cell proliferation, and decreased apoptosis. Furthermore, decreased CTHRC1 expression through antisense inhibition enhanced temozolomide sensitivity. Conclusion: CTHRC1 expression influences cellular processes, including cell adhesion and survival. Additionally, CTHRC1 inhibition may represent a potential method for decreasing melanoma resistance to conventional chemotherapy.
Treatment of Acral Persistent Papular Mucinosis with Electrocoagulation
Authors: Jorge Flávia André , Cortez Tatiana Mimura , Mendes Fabiana Guadalini , Marques Mariângela Esther Alencar , Miot Hélio Amante 
Published: March 2015

Background: Acral persistent papular mucinosis is a rare localized form of lichen myxedematosus with few case reports and no documented therapeutic options. Objective: To report full resolution of acral persistent papular mucinosis after electrocoagulation. Methods: Case report of a 51-year-old white female diagnosed with an acral persistent papular mucinosis. The clinical and histopathologic features, treatment provided, and response to treatment are detailed. Results: Acral persistent papular mucinosis presented as multiple asymptomatic normochromic papules on the wrists. Treatment with topical and intralesional steroids was unsatisfactory. Gentle electrocoagulation led to complete resolution of the lesions and negligible scarring. The favorable results remained for 6 months of follow-up, and no new lesions have emerged. Conclusion: Our case of acral persistent papular mucinosis was successfully treated with electrocoagulation and long-lasting, excellent cosmetic results.
Degos Disease with Dermatomyositis-like Phenomenon: A Diagnostic Dilemma and a Therapeutic Challenge
Authors: Gupta Suruchi , Dogra Sunil , Saikia Uma Nahar , Yadav Savita , Kanwar Amrinder J. 
Published: March 2015

Background: Degos disease is a type of vasculopathy characterized by progressive occlusion of small-sized blood vessels primarily involving the skin, gastrointestinal system, and central nervous system as well as various other systems. Owing to the rarity of the condition, the diagnosis is often a challenge; consequently, management is even more difficult owing to the paucity of experience and literature for the effective treatment of this entity. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 50-year-old male patient with classic skin lesions and rapidly progressive fatal clinical course involving multiple organs associated with dermatomyositis-like features. Therapeutic challenge in such a case of secondary Degos disease with multiorgan dysfunction is discussed. Conclusion: Secondary Degos disease with underlying multisystem dysfunction is a rapidly fatal disease. The patient must be thoroughly investigated to watch for systemic involvement and aggressively treated preferably with antiplatelet drugs and immunosuppresants so as to moderate the severity of the disease. Corticosteroids are best avoided to prevent gastrointestinal perforation.
A Rare Tumor of the Face: Malignant Nodular Hidradenoma with Dermoscopic Features Mimicking Amelanotic Melanoma
Authors: Bakar Özgür , Ince Umit 
Published: March 2015

Background: Sweat gland neoplasms are rare neoplasms with less known dermoscopic features. Observations: By applying dermoscopy, we identified some common vascular features that have been defined for amelanotic melanoma such as hairpin vessels, dotted vessels, linear irregular vessels, glomerular vessels, and milky-red areas. Conclusion: Polymorphic vascular structures can also be seen in eccrine neoplasms. Further evaluations should be done to differentiate and identify the common dermoscopic features of other sweat gland tumors.
Treatment of Mycosis Fungoides with Bexarotene Results in Remission of Diffuse Plane Xanthomas
Authors: Gregoriou Stamatis , Rigopoulos Dimitris , Stamou Christos , Nikolaou Vasiliki , Kontochristopoulos George 
Published: March 2015

Background: Cutaneous xanthomas develop as a result of intracellular and dermal deposition of lipids in either hyper- or normolipidemic patients. Plane xanthomas may signal the presence of an underlying monoclonal gammopathy, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Investigators have suggested that xanthomatized T cells may result in induction of plane xanthomas. Methods: We report the case of a patient with mycosis fungoides (MF) and plane xanthomas who was treated with bexarotene for his MF. Results: Significant improvement in the clinical signs of MF was observed within 3 months. We also observed a substantial regression of the xanthomas after 5 months of treatment. Complete clinical remission of both the MF and xanthomas was obtained after 6 months. The patient was still free of xanthomas after 3 years of follow-up. Conclusion: Bexarotene led to the clearing of the cutaneous lesions of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and plane xanthomas. This may be due to an effect of bexarotene on the aberrant T cells that may cause xanthomatization.
Plasmapheresis and Steroid Treatment of Levamisole-Induced Vasculopathy and Associated Skin Necrosis in Crack/Cocaine Users
Authors: Pavenski Katerina , Vandenberghe Hilde , Jakubovic Henry , Adam David N. , Garvey Bernadette , Streutker Catherine J. 
Published: March 2015

Background: Levamisole was removed from the market due to complications of agranulocytosis and skin necrosis. Levamisole has been reported in a high proportion of seized cocaine in North America and has been associated with multiple cases of skin necrosis. Objective: We report three cases of levamisole/cocaine-induced skin necrosis who responded to treatment with plasmapheresis and immunosuppression. Results: Three patients presented with painful necrotic skin lesions on the ears, cheeks, breasts, and buttocks. The extremities were involved in two patients and the upper respiratory tract mucosa in one patient. All had markers of immune activation, with elevated C-reactive protein, antinuclear antibody, and perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody. Skin biopsy in all cases revealed a mixed pattern of thrombosis and vasculitis within dermal vessels, with overlying ischemic ulceration of skin and soft tissues. One patient required extensive debridement of the skin and soft tissue of the calves and also had respiratory involvement. All patients were treated with plasmapheresis and immunosuppression with rapid stabilization and/or improvement of the lesions. Conclusion: Levamisole is frequently added to crack/cocaine; we report three patients who developed vascular lesions and skin necrosis after using cocaine/levamisole. These improved with plasmapheresis and immunosuppression as well as abstention from the drugs; one patient with severe disease required debridement and skin grafting.
Treatment of Large Xanthelasma Palpebrarums with Full-Thickness Skin Grafts Obtained by Blepharoplasty
Authors: Kose Rustu 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: The treatment of large xanthelasma palpebrarum cases in patients whose lesions could not be closed primarily is reported. All lesions were repaired with full-thickness skin grafts obtained by blepharoplasty of the same upper eyelid. Patient satisfaction, complications, and recurrence rates were investigated. Methods: Sixteen patients were treated between 2007 and 2012. Bilateral upper eyelids were involved in all patients. Twenty-six large xanthelasma palpebrarum lesions were treated using this method. All lesions were located in the medial canthus of the upper eyelid. Results: The patients were followed up for 6 months to 5 years (mean 3 years). No patients developed complications or required revision surgery. All patients had normally positioned upper eyelids and were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome. Two patients had mild hyperpigmentation at the graft site. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that large xanthelasma palpebrarum defects that are not primarily closed after excision should be repaired with full-thickness skin grafts harvested from the lateral aspect of the same upper eyelid. Moreover, good patient satisfaction can be achieved when blepharoplasty of the upper eyelid is performed concurrently in patients who are middle-aged or older.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Developing after CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Authors: Nicoli Fabio , Balzani Alberto , Gentile Pietro , Lazzeri Davide , Di Pasquali Camilla , Nicoli Marzia , Bocchini Ilaria , Cervelli Valerio 
Published: March 2015

Background: Skin resurfacing with the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is currently a popular means of improving rhytides and scars and has been reported useful in the treatment for photodamaged skin, including precancerous and benign skin lesions, as well as superficial benign pigmented lesions. Methods: We describe a 68-year-old man who developed rapid squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on the resurfaced areas 3 weeks following CO2 laser resurfacing. Results: Rapid occurrence of SCC should be considered a rare complication, and we recommend carefully considering CO2 laser resurfacing after excision of an SCC and surveying any cancer recurrences. Conclusions: We report a rare complication of CO2 laser resurfacing. This report suggests that additional work in this area is warranted.
Sanitization of Contaminated Footwear from Onychomycosis Patients Using Ozone Gas: A Novel Adjunct Therapy for Treating Onychomycosis and Tinea Pedis?
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Brintnell William C. 
Published: March 2015

Background: Ozone gas possesses antimicrobial properties against bacteria, viruses, and yeasts. Previously, we demonstrated the efficacy of ozone in killing ATCC strains of the dermatophyte fungi Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Objective: To test the efficacy of ozone gas in sanitizing onychomycosis patient footwear contaminated with fungal material as a means of minimizing the risk of reinfection. Methods: Swabs of footwear from onychomycosis patients were cultured prior to and after ozone exposure to test the ability of ozone to sanitize these items. Results: We identified contamination of footwear from most onychomycosis patients, a potential source of reinfection in these individuals. Furthermore, ozone gas was effective in sanitizing contaminated footwear. Conclusion: Ozone gas is effective in sanitizing footwear and represents a novel adjunct therapy to be used in conjunction with antifungal medications and/or devices to better treat onychomycosis and tinea pedis patients in both the short and the long term.
Friction-Induced Pagetoid Dyskeratosis
Authors: Al-Mohammedi Faisal , de Cannes Gillian C. , Crawford Richard I. 
Published: March 2015

Background: Pagetoid dyskeratosis (PD) is characterized by pale cells within the epidermis resembling those of Paget disease. These cells have been seen as an incidental finding in a variety of benign papules most commonly located in intertriginous areas. The lesion is considered a reactive process in which a small proportion of the normal population of keratinocytes is altered. Among the triggers for this lesion, friction has been suggested; however, a direct cause-and-effect relationship has not yet been reported. Results: We confirmed the relationship between PD and friction in a biopsy taken from a 19-year-old woman who presented with clinical features indicating exogenously induced bullae and erosions and consented to a biopsy of a lesion immediately after its induction, demonstrating combined features of PD and friction bulla.
Effect of Age at Onset on Disease Characteristics in Vitiligo
Authors: Kanwar Amrinder J. , Mahajan Rahul , Parsad Davinder 
Published: March 2015

Background: Vitiligo is a multifactorial disease in which genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors play an important part. Late-onset vitiligo is a poorly defined entity. Materials and Methods: Case records of patients who attended the pigmentary clinic at our institute from January 2001 to December 2010 were reviewed. Patients with a diagnosis of vitiligo were analyzed with respect to their demographic characteristics with special reference to their age at onset. Results: Patients with disease onset after 30 years had a significantly higher association with precipitating factors such as trauma, stress, and drugs in comparison with early-onset vitiligo ( p < .004). However, the difference did not reach statistical significance when these factors were analyzed individually. There was a significantly higher association with other nonautoimmune diseases ( p = .05), a higher incidence of positive family history ( p < .0001), and a higher association with leukotrichia ( p < .002) in late-onset disease. Early-onset nonsegmental vitiligo was associated with a higher incidence of photosensitivity and pruritus compared to early-onset segmental vitiligo. Conclusion: Late-onset vitiligo has certain distinguishing features compared to early-onset vitiligo.
Doxycycline-Induced Cutaneous Inflammation with Systemic Symptoms in a Patient with Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Weinstein Miriam , Laxer Ronald , Debosz Joanna , Somers Gino 
Published: March 2015

Background: Doxycycline is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Often preferred to other tetracyclines due to a safer and milder side-effect profile, doxycycline is more frequently prescribed as a treatment of this common condition. Objective: To present a case report of a young patient who developed skin eruptions over the extremities; myalgias; fatigue; swelling involving the face, hands, and feet; headache; and mood changes after 2 years of using doxycycline. She promptly developed similar symptoms after a rechallenge with doxycycline 1 year later. Results/Conclusion: This important finding will make practitioners more vigilant to the side effects of this medication despite its current safety profile and regardless of the time that a patient is using it.