bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prurigo pigmentosa: a clinicopathological study and analysis of associated factors
Authors: Lu Pei‐Hsuan , Hui Rosaline C.‐Y. , Yang Li‐Cheng , Yang Chih‐Hsun , Chung Wen‐Hung 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground  Prurigo pigmentosa (PP), a rare inflammatory disease of the skin, is mostly reported in the ethnic Japanese population. Its pathogenesis remains unclear. The chronic and recurrent nature of PP implies a possible role of viral infection in the pathogenesis. The anti‐inflammatory mechanism of doxycycline, which is well documented as a good treatment for PP, is related to the suppression of interleukin expression.Methods  We identified and retrospectively analyzed 16 biopsy‐proven and criteria‐matched patients over a seven year period at a single medical center. DNA extracted from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded specimens was analyzed for herpes simplex virus‐1 (HSV‐1), HSV‐2, and human herpes virus‐6 (HHV‐6) DNA by polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) expression in PP skin lesions.Results  Clinicopathological findings in the ethnic Chinese population are similar to those reported in Japanese studies. All patients had a good response to doxycycline treatment, with a mean duration of use of 2.4 weeks. However, recurrence was noted in six patients. HSV‐1, HSV‐2, and HHV‐6 DNA in PP skin lesions were negative. Immunohistochemistry showed IL‐6 (P = 0.035) to be more strongly expressed in PP skin lesions. There was no statistical significance of elevated IL‐8 expression in PP (P = 0.123).Conclusions  Prurigo pigmentosa is not uncommon in the ethnic Chinese population. There was no evidence of herpes virus DNA in PP skin lesions. Increased expression of IL‐6 in PP skin lesions may explain the effects of doxycycline in terms of its anti‐inflammatory properties.
Immunohistochemical expression of cyclooxygenage‐2 in melanocytic skin lesions
Authors: Minami Shoichiro , Lum Christopher A. , Kitagawa Kevin M. , Namiki Thomas S. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground  Several reports have shown expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in malignant skin tumors. COX‐2 has also recently been reported as a marker of malignant melanoma (MM).Objective  Our aim was to investigate whether there is a difference in the immunohistochemical expression of COX‐2 between malignant and benign melanocytic lesions of the skin.Methods  We selected 40 archival cases of MM including 10 cases of superficial spreading melanoma, 10 of lentigo maligna melanoma, 10 of nodular melanoma, and 10 of acral lentiginous melanoma. For comparison, we also selected 35 benign melanocytic lesions, which included 15 nonatypical nevi and 10 atypical nevi. The remaining 10 cases were Spitz nevi. COX‐2 immunohistochemical staining was performed, and intensities were assessed quantitatively.Results  The MM group and the benign melanocytic nevi group showed a highly statistically significant difference in the intensity of COX‐2 expression (P < 0.0001). Staining intensity in the dermal component of MM cases also showed a tendency to increase with increasing tumor depth. By contrast, the intensity of the dermal component in the melanocytic nevi group decreased with increasing depth as the nevus cells matured from type A to type C cells. No statistical difference was noted between the MM and Spitz nevi cases (P = 0.20).Conclusions  Malignant melanoma shows stronger immunohistochemical expression of COX‐2 than benign melanocytic nevi. Although COX‐2 cannot be used alone to differentiate MM from melanocytic nevi, it may serve as an aid in the differential diagnosis of melanocytic skin lesions.
Epidermal changes associated with symptomatic resolution of dandruff: biomarkers of scalp health
Authors: Kerr Kathy , Darcy Trevor , Henry James , Mizoguchi Haruko , Schwartz James R. , Morrall Stephen , Filloon Thomas , Wimalasena Rohan , Fadayel Gina , Mills Kevin J. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground  Dandruff is a common scalp condition characterized by flakes, pruritus and sometimes mild erythema. These symptoms reflect underlying histopathologic and biochemical events that must be reversed if treatment is to be effective.Objectives  This study aimed to better characterize the state of the epidermis in dandruff and to determine how a defined set of skin surface biomarkers of this state change during a successful course of treatment with a potentiated zinc pyrithione (ZPT) shampoo.Methods  A population of dandruff sufferers was treated for 3 weeks with a commercial ZPT shampoo or a non‐medicated product, and the effect of treatment on adherent scalp flake (ASF) scores was evaluated. Biopsies were taken from lesional sites at baseline and at the end of the study for histomorphometric and histopathologic analysis. Stratum corneum (SC) samples were likewise obtained for evaluation of biochemical markers of inflammation (IL‐1α, IL‐1RA, IL‐8) and barrier integrity (keratin 1, 10, 11; involucrin; SC lipids; human serum albumin). The biomarker profile was evaluated first by comparison with that in non‐dandruff subjects at baseline, and then to determine whether any treatment‐induced changes were correlated with reductions in flaking in dandruff sufferers.Results  Taken together, our studies showed that treatment with the ZPT shampoo led to an improvement in the overall scalp condition as assessed by the resolution of flaking, reduction in epidermal thickness and inflammatory biomarkers, and a dramatic improvement in biomarkers of epidermal barrier integrity.Conclusions  The combination of biomarkers examined appears to be a good overall descriptor of the health of the scalp in dandruff, and changes in these biomarkers track with tissue‐level events that underlie clinical efficacy in the treatment of dandruff by ZPT shampoo. For the first time, we demonstrate a set of tools that extend beyond flaking scores to provide insight into specific biological changes occurring on the scalp to enable an objective assessment of scalp health.
A novel homozygous splice site mutation in COL7A1 in a Chinese patient with severe recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Lin , Wong Yim‐Ping , Burd Andrew 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground  Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is an inherited blistering skin disorder caused by mutations in COL7A1 gene encoding type VII collagen, the major component of anchoring fibrils in the dermo–epidermal junction. The development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most serious complications of this disease. We report herein a Chinese patient with the severe generalized subtype of RDEB (RDEB‐sev gen) complicated by SCC.Methods  Skin biopsies were examined for histology, basement membrane ultrastructure, and type VII collagen expression. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood samples and subjected to polymerase chain reaction amplification and direct automated DNA sequencing.Results  Histopathological examination of the patient’s skin revealed an undetectable expression of type VII collagen polypeptides in the basement membrane zone. Mutation analysis identified a novel splice site mutation in intron 64 (IVS64+5g‐>a) of COL7A1 gene, which resulted in an in‐frame deletion of exon 64 in both alleles.Conclusions  This report contributes to the expanding database of COL7A1 mutations and emphasizes the need to elucidate the underlying genetic mechanisms associated with the increased incidence of SCC in RDEB patients.
Purpuric macules with vesiculobullous lesions: a novel manifestation of Chikungunya
Authors: Pakran Jaheersha , George Mamatha , Riyaz Najeeba , Arakkal Riyaz , George Sandhya , Rajan Uma , Khader Anza , Thomas Sumi , Abdurahman Rahima , Sasidharanpillai Saritha , Thumbayil Lekha 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground  Chikungunya (CHIK) is an emerging viral disease with a myriad of cutaneous manifestations.Aims  The aim of our study was to document the morphology and evolution of skin lesions in cases presenting with fever, purpuric macules and vesiculobullous lesions, to confirm its causative relationship with CHIK, and to investigate further in order to delineate possible mechanisms of bulla formation in these cases.Materials and Methods  A prospective, descriptive hospital‐based study was carried out at a tertiary health care centre in Kerala. A total of 10 patients were enrolled in the study and investigated.Results  All cases had morbilliform eruption prior to onset of purpuric macules. Eight cases developed vesiculobullous lesions that arose either de novo or over a part or whole of the purpuric macules. Skin lesions resolved within an average of 7.6 days leaving post‐inflammatory hypopigmentation. IgM CHIK enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was positive in all 10 patients. Tzanck smear from the bullae showed lymphocytes in most cases along with acantholytic cells, necrotic keratinocytes or occasional neutrophils. Skin biopsy showed intraepidermal or subepidermal bullae. Immunohistochemistry revealed predominantly CD8 positive T lymphocytes in the infiltrate. The prognosis was good with supportive management alone.Discussion  The clinical features in our cases are comparable to the 3 previous reports of vesiculobullous lesions in CHIK affected infants. Based on the current evidence, we hypothesize that at least 2 mechanisms are at play for these skin lesions; CHIK virus induced keratinocyte necrosis followed by a cytotoxic immune response, and possible modulation of rash by drugs.Conclusion  With severe epidemics of CHIK spreading from Asia and Africa to the Western hemisphere, we must consider bullous CHIK as a differential diagnosis in cases with fever and purpuric and vesiculobullous lesions.
Full‐spectrum light phototherapy for atopic dermatitis
Authors: Byun Hee Jin , Lee Hye In , Kim Beomjoon , Kim Myeung Nam , Hong Hyuckki , Choi Yeonshik , Jo Youngchang , Cho Kwang Hyun , Mun Seog‐Kyun 
Published: December 2010

SummaryBackground  Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disease resulting in a profound deterioration in quality of life. The FSL® is a newly developed phototherapy device generating full‐spectrum light (FSL) with a continuous wavelength (320–5000 nm). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FSL® phototherapy in AD.Methods  We enrolled 38 patients with moderate to severe AD in this open, randomized, controlled, prospective study. In the FSL‐irradiated group (20 patients), irradiation was conducted twice per week for 4 consecutive weeks. In the control group (18 patients), only emollient application was allowed. SCORing Atopic Dermatis (SCORAD) values were obtained at baseline, week 4 and 8. Patients were asked to give subjective assessments of improvement and laboratory tests including serum eosinophil counts, ECP levels, IgE levels and 22 cytokine levels were performed.Results  In the FSL‐irradiated group, the mean SCORAD value decreased significantly after 4 weeks of phototherapy and remained reduced for a further 4 weeks after the cessation of treatment. In the control group, the mean SCORAD value did not change significantly over the study period. Patients’ subjective assessments indicated good to excellent responses in 75% of the FSL‐irradiated group, by contrast with 50% of the control group. The mean values for serum eosinophil counts, IL‐4 and IL‐5 levels decreased significantly after FLS phototherapy. No serious adverse effects were reported.Conclusions  In this study, we showed that FSL® phototherapy can be an effective and safe treatment option in AD.
Tuberous sclerosis complex: tumors and tumorigenesis
Authors: Borkowska Julita , Schwartz Robert A. , Kotulska Katarzyna , Jozwiak Sergiusz 
Published: December 2010

AbstractTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an inherited disorder characterized by hamartomas in different body organs, mainly in the brain, skin, kidney, liver, lung, and heart. The clinical manifestations of TSC are the result of a mutation of one of two tumor suppressor genes, TSC1 and TSC2. Cutaneous findings in TSC should be regarded as cutaneous signs of a pivotal systemic disease. The authors elucidate the variety of neoplasms seen in TSC patients, along with their clinical significance, and suggest suitable evaluation and management strategies.
How pharmacogenomics of biological response modifiers will influence clinical response and toxicity in dermatology
Authors: Dalle Stéphane , Thomas Luc , Shear Neil H. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBiological response modifiers (BRMs) have dramatically changed therapeutic approaches in dermatology. Pharmacogenomic studies are increasingly integral to the early development phases of targeted therapies. The first evidence supporting the impact that genetic background has on responses to BRMs was from rituximab, where the clinical response was correlated with Fc‐gamma receptor gene polymorphisms. Later, many studies were done to investigate the impact of gene polymorphism on the mechanism of action of BRMs. Growing evidence supports the view that both efficacy and toxicity of BRMs can be highly influenced by genetic background. The foreseeable objective is to select personalized therapeutics, based on genetics characteristics that will result in more efficient and less toxic treatment. We review the current data focusing on the BRMs widely used in the practice of dermatology.
Bone mineral disease in children after renal transplantation in steroid‐free and steroid‐treated patients – a prospective study
Authors: Grenda Ryszard , Karczmarewicz Elżbieta , Rubik Jacek , Matusik Halina , Płudowski Paweł , Kiliszek Małgorzata , Piskorski Jarosław 
Published: December 2010

Grenda R, Karczmarewicz E, Rubik J, Matusik H, Płudowski P, Kiliszek M, Piskorski J. Bone mineral disease in children after renal transplantation in steroid‐free and steroid‐treated patients – a prospective study. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:205–213. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Bone disease may persist after transplantation. Different approaches aiming to ameliorate this problem have been investigated. The aim of the study was to compare the long‐term effect of three medical interventions: (i) two prophylactic oral doses of 50 mg ibandronate; (ii) daily oral dose of 0.25 μg of 1α‐OHD3 (both of these regimens in patients receiving steroids), and (iii) steroid minimization immunosuppressive protocol in patients with no other specific prophylaxis. Patients: A total of 37 children, at a mean age of 13.33 ± 3.49 yr, dialyzed for 15.93 ± 16.7 months before transplantation, were divided into three groups, depending on medical intervention. Bone mineral content and density (BMC, BMD, DXA), serum markers of bone resorption and formation (CTX, P1NP), calcium, phosphate, 25OHD3/1.25 (OH)2D3 and PTH concentration were evaluated during two yr of follow‐up. The mean values of BMD in the whole population and among the three subgroups remained within the age‐ and gender‐matched normal range during follow‐up. Patients from groups II (alphacalcidiol) and III (steroid minimization) showed a significant decrease in BMD Z‐scores over time, and this effect was determined with increasing age using multivariate analysis. Patients receiving two doses of ibandronate maintained unchanged Z‐scores for BMD and BMC over time.
Biomarkers of liver fibrosis
Authors: Adams Leon A 
Published: December 2010

AbstractFibrosis prediction is an essential part of the assessment and management of patients with chronic liver disease. Blood‐based biomarkers offer a number of advantages over the traditional standard of fibrosis assessment of liver biopsy, including safety, cost‐savings and wide spread accessibility. Current biomarker algorithms include indirect surrogate measures of fibrosis, including aminotransaminases and platelet count, or direct measures of fibrinogenesis or fibrinolysis such as hyaluronic acid and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1. A number of algorithms have now been validated across a range of chronic liver disease including chronic viral hepatitis, alcoholic and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Furthermore, several models have been demonstrated to be dynamic to changes in fibrosis over time and are predictive of liver‐related survival and overall survival to a greater degree than liver biopsy. Current limitations of biomarker models include a significant indeterminate range, and a predictive ability that is limited to only a few stages of fibrosis. Utilization of these biomarker models requires knowledge of patient co‐morbidities which may produce false positive or negative results in a small proportion of individuals. Furthermore, knowledge of the underlying prevalence of fibrosis in the patient population is required for interpretation of the positive or negative predictive values of a test result. Novel proteins identified by proteomic technology and genetic polymorphisms from genome association studies offer the possibility for further refinement and individualization of biomarker fibrosis models in the future.
Alteration in the phenotype of macrophages in the repair of renal interstitial fibrosis in mice
Authors: KUSHIYAMA TAKETOSHI , ODA TAKASHI , YAMADA MUNEHARU , HIGASHI KEISHI , YAMAMOTO KOJIRO , SAKURAI YUTAKA , MIURA SOICHIRO , KUMAGAI HIROO 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTAim:  Renal interstitial fibrosis is the final common pathway determining long‐term prognosis of chronic kidney diseases, but its repair process is scarcely understood. Because recent reports indicate that M2 macrophages play important roles in the repair of various tissues, special attention was paid to the phenotypes of infiltrating macrophages in the present study when the histological changes occurring in mouse kidneys after the release of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) inducing renal fibrosis were analyzed.Methods:  The left ureter of male mice was obstructed for 10 days by using a vascular clamp, and that kidney was removed for analysis either on the day when the clamp was removed or after the kidney had been allowed to recover for 3, 7 or 21 days.Results:  Interstitial fibrosis assessed by picrosirius red staining decreased with time after the release, and this decrease was paralleled by a decrease in the interstitial area positive for α‐smooth muscle actin. Macrophage infiltration assessed by F4/80 staining also significantly decreased from day 3. In contrast, real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed that the ratios of mRNA for the macrophage scavenger receptor (CD204) and the mannose receptor (CD206), both of which are preferentially expressed on M2 macrophages, to CD68 (a general macrophage marker) were significantly greater on day 7 than on day 0 in the UUO‐released mice.Conclusion:  Although the total number of infiltrating myofibroblasts and macrophages decreased after UUO release, the ratios of macrophages expressing CD204 and CD206 increased, suggesting that M2 macrophages play an important role in the repair of renal fibrosis.
Sterol biosynthesis in the harmful marine dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis: Identification of biosynthetic intermediates produced during exposure to the fungicide fenpropidine
Authors: Leblond Jeffrey D. , Roche Shannon A. , Porter Nicole M. , Howard James C. , Dunlap Norma K. 
Published: December 2010

SUMMARY Karenia brevis is a harmful marine dinoflagellate that forms yearly blooms in the Gulf of Mexico. Under normal growth conditions, K. brevis forms two predominant sterols (24R)‐4α‐methyl‐5α‐ergosta‐8(14),22‐dien‐3β‐ol (gymnodinosterol) and its 27‐nor isomer (brevesterol). At the current time, there are no published studies concerning the biosynthesis of these two sterols. We have therefore undertaken experiments in which K. brevis was exposed to the fungicide fenpropidine, an inhibitor of the Δ14‐reductase and the Δ8→7‐isomerase that operate in sterol biosynthesis in both fungal and plant systems. Such exposure to fenpropidine has produced two, tri‐unsaturated intermediates. The identifications of these two K. brevis sterol biosynthesis intermediates, via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques, were 4α‐methyl‐5α‐ergosta‐8,14,22‐trien‐3β‐ol and 5α‐ergosta‐8,14,22‐trien‐3β‐ol.
Conjugation processes of Penium margaritaceum (Zygnemophyceae, Charophyta)
Authors: Tsuchikane Yuki , Tsuchiya Miki , Kokubun Yume , Abe Jun , Sekimoto Hiroyuki 
Published: December 2010

SUMMARYDetailed conjugation processes in Penium, a unicellular conjugating green alga, are described for the first time. A homothallic strain of Penium margaritaceum (Ehrenb.) Bréb. (Designation, izu84‐10) was isolated from a rice paddy field in Japan. The species was identified based on its morphology, and a molecular phylogeny confirmed that izu84‐10 was closely related to another identified strain of this species. Using time‐lapse photography, the conjugation processes in P. margaritaceum were observed and then categorized into the following six stages: (1) cell division, resulting in the formation of two sister gametangial cells from one vegetative cell; (2) formation of a sexual pair between the two sister gametangial cells (or between gametangial cells of another nearby individual); (3) formation of conjugation papillae by elongation of the cell wall; (4) release of a gamete from one of the pair members; (5) release of a gamete from the other pair member; and (6) formation of the zygospore by gamete fusion. By alcian blue staining, possible involvement of mucilage to facilitate this cell adhesion and cell–cell communication was suggested.
Cellular therapies for lung disease: A distant horizon
Authors: MOODLEY Yuben , MANUELPILLAI Ursula , WEISS Daniel J. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTLung diseases constitute a major global burden of health and are characterized by inflammation and chronic fibrosis resulting in a loss of gas exchange units. To date there has been no effective treatment to reverse these chronic inflammatory changes and tissue remodelling. Recently, stem cells have been shown to successfully treat animal models of lung disease. In addition, certain cells have demonstrated a capacity to differentiate into lung cells. Based on these preliminary data, there are clinical trials underway to examine the potential for cellular therapies in lung disease. Recently, there have been a variety of cell examined for both their immunomodulatory effects on the lung as well as their potential for differentiation into lung cells. These range from lung progenitor cells, circulating cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), placental stem cells and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Several cell types demonstrate immunomodulatory effects including circulating cells, MSCs and placental stem cells. In addition, iPS, placental cells and ESCs have shown some capacity for differentiation.Despite these major steps forward cellular therapy for lung diseases still faces challenges. Issues that need to be resolved include bioethical issues, the safety of cell transplantation, ideal routes of delivery, the timing and the specific indications that would make cellular therapy effective.