bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isotretinoin: is there any arrhythmic effect?
Authors: Selcoki Yusuf , Gorpelioglu Canan , Turgut Faruk , Sarifakioglu Evren , Ozkara Adem , Tekin Oguz , Kanbay Mehmet , Akcay Ali 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground  Oral isotretinoin is currently the most effective therapy for acne, but is associated with numerous adverse effects. To investigate the cardiac effects of isotretinoin, acne patients receiving isotretinoin for 6 months were studied.Methods  Twenty‐six patients with acne vulgaris were enrolled in the study. The patients were treated with a dose of 0.8 mg/kg/day of isotretinoin (Roaccutane, Hoffman‐La Roche, Basle, Switzerland) for 6 months. All participants were assessed pretreatment and at the third month of therapy with 24‐h Holter monitoring of electrocardiography.Results  Twenty‐two patients completed the study (19 females and three males). Initial 24‐h Holter monitoring showed normal sinus rhythm in all patients, with a mean heart rate of 79 beats/min (lowest, 63 beats/min; highest, 97 beats/min). At the third month of therapy, 24‐h Holter monitoring showed normal sinus rhythm in all patients, with a mean heart rate of 81 beats/min (lowest, 67 beats/min; highest, 91 beats/min). All patients were in sinus rhythm throughout the recording period. None of the patients had supraventricular tachycardia or atrial arrhythmia.Conclusion  In this study, 6 months of isotretinoin therapy significantly improved acne and did not cause any cardiac adverse effects at a dose of 0.8 mg/kg/day.
Differences in perceived importance and personal use of sun protection among primary care physicians are reflected in their clinical practice
Authors: Cac Natalie N. , Walling Hobart W. , Vest Cortney , Ting William 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground  There is inadequate data regarding sun protection awareness, personal practice, and patterns of patient education among primary care clinicians.Methods  Anonymous surveys were mailed to physicians in the Departments of Medicine, Family Practice, and Pediatrics at our institution.Results  Of the 578 surveys distributed to primary care physicians, 170 (29%) responded. Of the responding physicians, 116 (68%) reported wearing sunscreen whenever outside, 14 (8%) did so daily, and 12 (7%) never wore sunscreen. Additionally, 54 (32%) reported wearing protective clothing consistently and 100 (59%) did so occasionally. Given a list of preventive medicine issues, sun protection was ranked lowest on a 10‐point scale (6.7), behind smoking cessation (9.0), active lifestyle (8.2), and cholesterol control (7.4). Pediatricians placed the highest relative ranking (7.7) for sun protection and were most consistent in providing sun protection education, with 60% reporting this practice in over half of visits, compared to 32% of family physicians and 17% of internists. Among attending physicians, 70% reported wearing sunscreen whenever they are outside, compared to 58% of house‐staff physicians. Attending physicians reported providing sun protection counseling more frequently than house‐staff physicians (33% vs. 8%). The greatest impediments in providing sun protection counseling were inadequate time during office visits, not thinking about sun protection during office visits, and lack of proper training.Limitations  The response rate to our survey was relatively low. The perceived importance and personal practice of sun protection at our Midwestern academic institution may not reflect those of physicians practicing in other regions or settings.Conclusions  Differences in the perceptive importance and personal practice of sun protection are reflected in the self‐reported clinical practice of these primary care physicians. This reinforces the opportunity to educate primary care clinicians to join the public health effort to increase sun protection awareness.
Acromegaly presenting as cutis verticis gyrata
Authors: Al‐Bedaia Mohammad , Al‐Khenaizan And Sultan 
Published: September 2009

A 17‐year‐old Saudi male patient presented with progressive asymptomatic skin changes on the scalp for 4 years. Upon examination, he was a well‐built muscular male with coarse facial features with broadening of the nasal bridge and thick lips. Scalp examination revealed multiple gyriform oblong skin folds in the fronto‐parietal region (Fig. 1). Extensive velvety dark brown plaques were seen on sides of the neck, axillae, and groin. Similar eruption was seen on the knuckles of both hands and around the eyes. Clinical diagnosis of cutis verticis gyrata of the scalp and acanthosis nigricans was made. Because of the extent and the rapid progression of the above changes, acromegaly was suspected. Endocrinology referral confirmed this by the findings of high random growth hormone level at the value of 37.3 mIU/L (normal 0.2–13.0). Arrangement of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was made, but unfortunately the patient was lost to follow‐up.Photograph of the patient's scalp demonstrating cutis verticis gyrata.image
Is topical antimycotic treatment useful as adjuvant therapy for flexural atopic dermatitis: randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial using one side of the elbow or knee as a control
Authors: Wong Alson W. K. , Hon Ellis Kam‐lun , Zee Benny 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground  Certain factors are known to cause exacerbation of atopic dermatitis (AD), e.g. soap, detergent, dry skin, staphylococcal colonization, and herpes infection. Other factors are suspected, but not yet proven, e.g. yeasts belonging to the Malassezia genus. It is known that antimycotics may be beneficial in a small subset of adult patients with dermatitis affecting the head and neck region; however, it is not known whether AD patients, many of whom also have head and neck involvement, may also find antimycotics useful. A previous study has demonstrated no treatment difference in adult AD patients; however, the measurement method was criticized and 1% hydrocortisone cream may have too weak an effect in adult patients. Therefore, we designed this randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial to examine this question. Younger AD patients were recruited and different methods of measuring outcomes were used.Objective  To evaluate the usefulness of topical antimycotic treatment as adjuvant therapy for flexural AD.Methods  This was a randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial in AD patients using one side of the elbow or knee as a control. There were three independent outcomes: (i) to compare the ability to relieve symptoms; (ii) to compare the ability to improve clinical signs; and (iii) to compare the ability to provide lasting clinical effects.Results  All three outcomes showed unequivocally that the addition of antimycotic did not provide extra benefit to the standard treatment.Conclusion  The addition of antimycotic does not seem to provide extra benefit to AD patients, and the beneficial effect of this medication seems to be restricted to a small subset of adult patients with dermatitis affecting the head and neck region.
Etanercept therapy allows the tapering of methotrexate and sustained clinical responses in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis
Authors: Yamauchi Paul S. , Lowe Nicholas J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractMethotrexate, the most common systemic small molecule used in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis, is associated with significant toxicities and adverse events. Long‐term continuous usage is not recommended due to potential liver toxicity, myelosuppression, and other side effects. Abrupt cessation of methotrexate without tapering can lead to flare‐up and rebound of psoriasis. Here we describe sustained clinical responses in 6 patients with psoriasis following gradual cessation of methotrexate through the addition of etanercept therapy.
A retrospective study of 2585 patients patch tested with the European standard series in Hong Kong (1995–99)
Authors: Lam Wai Sun , Chan Loi Yuen , Ho Stanley Ching Kong , Chong Lai Yin , So Win Han , Wong Tze Wai 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground  Data on patch test findings in Hong Kong are scarce, with the last survey performed more than 10 years ago. A retrospective analysis of results from all patch tests performed on patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis from January 1995 to December 1999 in the Social Hygiene Service, which provides a public dermatology service in Hong Kong, was undertaken. We aimed to explore the demographic data associated with positive reactions and the profile of contact sensitizing allergens in Hong Kong.Methods  A total of 2585 patients were patch tested with the European standard series during the period. Most were Chinese, with a female‐to‐male ratio of 3 : 2.Results  One or more positive responses were noted in 1415 patients (54.7%). The most common allergen was nickel sulfate (24.4%), followed by fragrance mix (13.7%), cobalt chloride (8.7%), p‐phenylenediamine (6.0%), and balsam of Peru (5.7%). Nickel sensitivity was more common in female patients, and dichromate sensitivity was more common in male patients (P < 0.001). Female gender, an age of 40 years or below, truncal and upper limb involvement, absence of lower limb involvement, and a positive atopy history were significant risk factors for nickel sensitivity.Conclusions  This study provides a profile of allergens responsible for allergic contact dermatitis in the public dermatology service in Hong Kong. A prospective study, using a larger panel of allergens, involving patients from both the private and public sectors, would provide a more comprehensive profile of contact allergens in Hong Kong and contribute to the establishment of a local standard series.
Factors leading to the biopsy of 1547 pigmented lesions at Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, in 2005
Authors: Soares Temitope F. , Laman Susan D. , Yiannias James A. , Connolly Suzanne M. , Lim Katherine K. , Wu Qing , Swanson David L. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground  Both physician‐driven and patient‐driven factors influence biopsy decisions. We sought to determine the ratio of benign to malignant melanocytic biopsy findings in our general dermatology practice and to characterize the reasons for biopsy.Methods  A retrospective review of institutional records (1 January to 31 December 2005) was undertaken.Results  We identified 1398 nevi, 147 invasive and in situ melanomas, and two lesions interpreted as atypical melanocytic proliferations. Prior histories of melanoma, atypical nevi, or nonmelanoma skin cancer were common. Patient concerns about changes or symptoms drove about one‐third of the biopsies. Physician concerns more commonly drove biopsies in men and older patients (> 60 years). Physician‐directed biopsies more commonly yielded atypical nevi, but there was no difference in the likelihood of melanoma. The ratio of removed nevi to melanomas was 9.2 : 1.Conclusions  Both patient‐driven and physician‐driven indications lead to skin biopsies. We found no standard method of documentation of dermoscopic evaluation, which prevented us from making definitive conclusions about the role of dermoscopy in this cohort.
Role of vascular endothelial growth factor in keloids: a clinicopathologic study
Authors: Salem Ahmed , Assaf Magda , Helmy Afaf , Nofal Ahmad , Ibrahim Samia , Eldeeb Fatma , Youssef Christeen 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground  Despite their benign nature, keloids are usually associated with considerable cosmetic effects and may lead to functional problems. Recently, it has been reported that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent angiogenic factor, is overexpressed in keloid tissue and may have a potential role in its evolution.Methods  Twenty patients with keloids were included in this study and classified into two groups according to the treatment received: intralesional triamcinolone acetonide 20 mg/mL (group 1) and cryotherapy spray technique (group 2). Treatment was continued until clearance or for a maximum of six sessions, and the follow‐up period was 1 year. Skin biopsies were taken from patients before and after treatment to evaluate keloid pathology and from patients and 10 healthy controls to detect the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF.Results  Histopathologic examination revealed a remarkable resolution of the nodular arrangement of collagen after therapy, particularly in group 1. A statistically significant difference in VEGF expression was found between patients before therapy and controls, and between patients before and after therapy in each group. There was no significant difference in the treatment outcome between intralesional steroids and cryotherapy. No significant correlation was observed between the clinical variables of keloids and both VEGF expression and clinical response to therapy.Conclusion  VEGF seems to play an important role in the pathogenesis of keloids and may be a useful guide in the evaluation of keloid therapeutics. Modulation of its production may provide a valuable treatment for keloids.
Purpura annularis telangiectodes of Majocchi: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Hoesly Fridolin J. , Huerter Christopher J. , Shehan James M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground  Purpura annularis telangiectodes of Majocchi is an uncommon form of pigmented purpuric dermatosis which may present a therapeutic challenge. Given the rare nature of this condition, there is limited anecdotal information available regarding optimal therapy. Although pigmented purpuric dermatoses are generally innocuous, in some cases they may cause patients significant distress, and there is a need to exclude cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma.Methods  We reviewed the literature on the treatment of pigmented purpuric dermatoses and managed a 69‐year‐old woman who presented with purpuric annular patches on the legs.Results  Three separate biopsies demonstrated an interstitial to perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate with erythrocyte extravasation, consistent with pigmented purpuric dermatosis. The patient's condition proved refractory to many of the previously reported modes of management, but markedly improved with methotrexate. Treatment alternatives for pigmented purpuric dermatosis are reviewed, and a treatment algorithm is proposed.Conclusion  This is the first reported case regarding the successful use of methotrexate for pigmented purpuric dermatosis. Methotrexate may offer a therapeutic alternative to patients with highly symptomatic pigmented purpuric dermatosis refractory to other, more conservative, treatment modalities.
Response to adefovir or entecavir in renal allograft recipients with hepatitic flare due to lamivudine‐resistant hepatitis B
Authors: Tse Kai Chung , Yap Desmond Y. H. , Tang Colin S. O. , Yung Susan , Chan Tak Mao 
Published: September 2009

Tse KC, Yap DYH, Tang CSO, Yung S, Chan TM. Response to adefovir or entecavir in renal allograft recipients with hepatitic flare due to lamivudine‐resistant hepatitis B. Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01090.x © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  We studied the effects of adefovir or entecavir in six kidney transplant recipients (mean age 45.7 ± 7.8 yr) who developed hepatitic flare due to lamivudine‐resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with 18 months of follow‐up. All patients had elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and HBV DNA >105 copies/mL (median 2.15 × 108 copies/mL) at baseline. Serum creatinine and creatinine clearance levels were 137.8 ± 59.7 μmol/L and 62.6 ± 18.7 mL/min, respectively. Four patients were treated with adefovir and two with entecavir. Median HBV DNA decreased to 1.99 × 105 copies/mL (p = 0.028) after six months, 1.5 × 104 copies/mL (p = 0.043) after 12 months, and 7.35 × 104 copies/mL (p = 0.068) after 18 months of treatment. There was a corresponding improvement in ALT (34.5 ± 19.1 U/L after 18 months, p = 0.029 compared with baseline). The rate of HBV DNA suppression was variable, and three patients took over six months for the viral load to decrease to <105 copies/mL. After 18 months, HBV DNA was <105 copies/mL in four patients and <102 copies/mL in one patient. Treatment was well‐tolerated and renal function remained stable. We conclude that both adefovir and entecavir are effective in the treatment of lamivudine‐resistant HBV in renal allograft recpients, and the reduction of HBV DNA to <105 copies/mL could be slow.
Non‐organ‐specific and anti‐endothelial antibodies in relation to CMV infection and acute rejection in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Costa Cristina , Touscoz Giovanni Antonio , Bergallo Massimiliano , Terlizzi Maria Elena , Astegiano Sara , Sidoti Francesca , Sinesi Franca , Segoloni Giuseppe P. , Cavallo Rossana 
Published: September 2009

Costa C, Touscoz GA, Bergallo M, Terlizzi ME, Astegiano S, Sidoti F, Sinesi F, Segoloni GP, Cavallo R. Non‐organ‐specific and anti‐endothelial antibodies in relation to CMV infection and acute rejection in renal transplant recipients. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 488–492. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  The presence of non‐organ‐specific (NOSA) and anti‐endothelial antibodies (AECAs) and the onset of rejection in relation to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was investigated in 96 renal transplant recipients: 48 CMV pp65‐antigenemia‐negative (group 1) and 48 positive (group 2). The presence of autoantibodies (autoAbs) was evaluated before and following renal transplantation (first three months) by indirect immunofluoresce. Before transplantation, none of the patients was positive to AECAs, while eight (8.3%) were positive to NOSAs. Post‐transplantation, AECA were found in none of patients from group 1 vs. 15/48 (31.2%) from group 2 (p < 0.05); NOSAs were detected in 9/48 (18.8%) and 9/48 patients from group 1 and 2, respectively. An acute rejection was diagnosed in ten cases: six of interstitial type (antigenemia‐, and AECA‐negative; two NOSA‐positive); four of vascular type (all of them NOSA‐negative, 3/4 antigenemia‐, and AECA‐positive). CMV infection did not seem to be significantly associated with the appearance of NOSAs, while there was a significant correlation with the occurrence of AECAs. No significant correlation was found between acute rejection and the occurrence of NOSAs, while 75% of the cases of vascular rejection was associated to CMV infection and AECA‐positivity, suggesting the pathogenic role of CMV‐mediated endothelial damage.
Genetic and structural analysis of MBL2 and MASP2 polymorphisms in south‐eastern African children
Authors: Vallès X. , Sarrias M.‐R. , Casals F. , Farnós M. , Piñer R. , Suárez B. , Morais L. , Mandomando I. , Sigaúque B. , Roca A. , Alonso P. L. , Torres A. , Thielens N. M. , Lozano F. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) pathway of complement system is activated when carbohydrate‐bound MBL forms complexes with different serine proteases (MASP‐1, MASP‐2 and MASP‐3), among which MASP‐2 has a predominant functional role. Polymorphisms impairing the quantity and/or the functional activity of proteins encoded by the MBL2 and MASP2 genes have been reported in all human populations showing different allelic frequency and distribution. This likely reflects the existence of environmental influences on MBL2 and MASP2 genetic evolution. Herewith, we conducted a study in a children population from Mozambique to analyse the genetic diversity of sequences corresponding to the promoter and collagen‐like region (exon 1) of MBL2 and to the CUB‐1 and epidermal growth factor domain (exon 3) of MASP2, which are critical regions for the formation of functional MBL/MASP‐2 complexes. Our results show a high prevalence of MBL‐intermediate/low genotypes (43.5%); the description of new alleles and a high level of sequence polymorphism at both MBL2 and MASP2, with no statistical evidence for positive or balancing selection. Furthermore, Biacore analyses performed to explore the functional relevance of the MASP2 variants found [T73M (2.9%), R84Q (12.7%) and P111L (25.4%)] were compared with those of two previously reported variants (R103C and D105G). None of the analysed MASP2 variants, with the exception of D105G, interfered with interactions with either MBL or ficolins (H and L).
A single‐nucleotide polymorphism marker within the FCRL5 gene and HLA‐B27 positive Han Chinese ankylosing spondylitis patients
Authors: Tang X. , Pan F. , Xia G. , Liao F. , Ge R. , Mei Y. , Ye D. , Xu S. , Xu J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine whether FCRL5 genes in concert with human leukocyte antigen‐B27 (HLA‐B27) genotypes are associated with susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in Chinese population. One hundred and sixty‐nine HLA‐B27‐positive AS patients (107 males and 62 females) and 184 HLA‐B27‐positive matched controls (112 males and 72 females) were analyzed from Han Chinese populations by case–control design, and their samples were genotyped using a panel of two single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers (rs6427384, rs12036228) within the FCRL5 gene by ligase detection reactions (LDRs) and the HLA‐B27 subtypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using sequence‐specific primer (SSP) methods. Our results show that in addition to B27, the SNPs rs6427384 and rs12036228 were associated with AS, and the C‐T haplotype was higher in cases with AS than in the control population [74.8% vs 63.6%, Fisher's P = 0.003, odds ratio (OR) = 1.660,95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.184−− 2.326]. Our results suggest that, in addition to HLA‐B27, a novel polymorphism within the FCRL5 gene confers susceptibility to AS in Han Chinese population.
Should dynamic parameters for prediction of fluid responsiveness be indexed to the tidal volume?
Authors: VISTISEN S. T. , KOEFOED‐NIELSEN J. , LARSSON A. 
Published: September 2009

Background: The respiratory variation in the pre‐ejection period (ΔPEP) has been used to predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients. Recently, we modified this parameter (PEPV) and showed that it was a reliable predictor for post‐cardiac surgery, mainly paced, patients when moderately low tidal volumes were used. One of the modifications involved tidal volume indexation, which had not been proposed before for dynamic parameters. The aim of the present animal study was to investigate whether indexation to tidal volume should be part of a new definition of dynamic parameters such as the case for our newly proposed PEPV.Methods: Eight prone, anesthetized piglets (23–27 kg) were subjected to a sequence of 25% hypovolemia, normovolemia, and 25% and 50% hypervolemia. At each volemic level, tidal volumes were varied in three steps: 6, 9, and 12 ml/kg. PEP variations (ms) and pulse‐pressure variation (PPV) were measured during the three tidal volume steps at each volemic level.Results: PEP variations increased significantly with increasing tidal volume at all volemic levels but 50% hypervolemia and were proportionally related to the tidal volume at normovolemia. PPV increased significantly with increasing tidal volume at all volemic levels and was roughly proportional to the tidal volume at all volemic levels but hypovolemia.Conclusion: Our study indicates that dynamic parameters are improved by indexing to tidal volume.