bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
REITER'S SYNDROME‐LIKE PATTERN IN AIDS‐ASSOCIATED PSORIASIFORM DERMATITIS
Authors: ROMANÍ JORGE , PUIG LLUÍS , BASELGA EULAILIA , MORAGAS JOSÉ M. DE 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. The prevalence of psoriasiform dermatitis in HIV‐infected patients is similar to that in the general population, but its clinical severity and the immunosuppression in these patients pose special problems of therapeutic management. Furthermore, a distinctive clinical pattern has been reported in some cases. In order to assess these features in our clinical setting, we have done a retrospective study on the clinical records of all human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patients with psoriasiform dermatitis requiring systemic treatment. Methods. The clinical records were reviewed of seven HIV‐positive patients who were referred between 1988 and 1994 to a University Hospital Dermatology Department from an HIV‐clinic because of psoriasiform dermatitis, resistant to topical treatment. Results. The clinical appearance was rather uniform, with the following common features: facial seborrhea, flexural and acral involvement, with pustulosis of the palms and soles, and frequent arthritis. Lesions appeared in nonterminal stages of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Three patients developed cutaneous lesions after the diagnosis of HIV infection was made and showed the most severe clinical involvement and arthritis. Etretinate, followed by RePUVA, proved to be the most effective systemic therapy prescribed, with only rare adverse effects. Methotrexate was shown to be effective, but its use was accompanied by hematologic toxicity. Cyclosporine A treatment was moderately effective and was not associated with progression of AIDS. Conclusions. A characteristic Reiter‐like clinical picture was observed in AIDS‐related psoriasiform dermatitis. Etretinate and RePUVA were effective and safe in controlling the lesions. Physiopathologic mechanisms involved in the development of AIDS‐related psoriasis might provide an explanation for the outstanding similarity of the clinical pattern in those patients.
SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF VITILIGO WITH PUVA‐PIGMENTED AUTOLOGOUS EPIDERMAL GRAFTING
Authors: SUGA YASUSHI , BUTT KHALID IQBAL , TAKIMOTO REIKO , FUJIOKA NORIKO , YAMADA HIROMICHI , OGAWA HIDEOKI 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. The methoxypsoralen‐ultraviolet A‐light (PUVA)‐induced pigmented epidermal grafting procedure appears to be a more effective treatment for vitiligo than similar treatments presently available. This finding was based on: 1) a more vigorous and completely homogeneous repigmentation was observed in the vitiliginous area and 2) that the treatment was safe, easy, inexpensive, and not time‐consuming (approximately 3–4 hours), thus making it a suitable outpatient clinic treatment procedure for vitiligo patients. Patients and Methods. Twenty‐eight patients with amelanotic depigmented lesions that had been refractory to conventional therapy were treated using suction blisters from autologous epidermal sheets. These had 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP) solution applied and had been exposed to ultraviolet A light (topical PUVA) in order to stimulate melanogenesis. Results. Successful repigmentation was obtained after transplantation in all patients with segmental and localized vitiligo. The most homogeneous repigmentation was obtained within 3 months after grafting. Conclusions. This novel procedure is an excellent tool by which to treat segmental and localized vitiligo lesions that have failed to respond to other therapies.
LEPROMATOUS AND TUBERCULOID LEPROSY: CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND CYTOKINE RESPONSES
Authors: OCHOA MARÍA TERESA , VALDERRAMA LILLIANA , OCHOA AUGUSTO , ZEA ARNOLD , ESCOBAR CARLOS E. , MORENO LUIS H. , FALABELLA RAFAEL 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Objective. This study analyzes the major clinical characteristics of patients with active leprosy in relation to the in vitro immune response to the T‐ lymphocyte activator anti‐CD3. Methods. Thirty‐eight patients with an established diagnosis of leprosy were classified according to the Ridley and Jopling table. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from both lepromatous leprosy (LL) and tuberculoid leprosy (TL) patients and healthy controls were used to evaluate lymphocyte proliferation; immunoenzymatic assays were used to evaluate cytokine production (IL‐I, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, IFN‐gamma). Results. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from both LL and TL patients displayed blastogenic responses to anti‐ CD3. The cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, and IFN‐γ were detected in culture supernatants. Endogenous production of IL‐1ß was significantly higher in cell cultures from patients with the lepromatous form of the disease compared to those with tuberculoid leprosy. Production of IL‐6 in response to anti CD3 was observed in a significantly higher proportion of LL than TL patients (P = 0.0025). Gamma‐interferon production did not differ between TL and LL, but a direct correlation was observed between time of multidrug treatment and IFN production in vitro (P = 0.016). Interleukin‐10 was detected in culture supernatants of lymphocytes activated by anti‐CD3 from both patient groups, but not from healthy controls. Conclusions. The findings of this study suggest that patients with the two distinct forms of leprosy are capable of responding to a polyclonal T‐lymphocyte stimulus such as anti‐CD3 and provide evidence suggestive of alterations in the immune responses mediated by cytokines that may contribute to the spectrum of disease and response to treatment.
SEROLOGIC TESTS FOR TREPONEMATOSES IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Authors: NSANZE HERBERT , LESTRINGANT GILES G. , AMEEN ABDUL M. , LAMBERT JEAN MARIE , GALADARI IBRAHIM , USMANI MOHAMMED A. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background and Objective. Venereal syphilis is uncommon in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Gulf states in the Middle East. Although nonvenereal syphilis (bejel) has been reported to be endemic in some of these countries, the extent of treponematoses in the UAE is unknown. The objectives were therefore, to investigate those who attended the outpatient clinic of a hospital in the UAE and to establish the seroprevalence of treponematoses and related clinical conditions. Methods. One thousand and eighty‐four patients were serologically screened with a Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) tests. The charts of seropositive and seronegative patients, matched for age and sex, were reviewed and compared for clinical problems. Results. A total of 47 people tested had antitreponema antibodies. The positivity rates varied considerably and rose with age from 0.36% for persons < 16 years to 8.3% for those > 50 years. Among the seropositive group, there were no obvious clinical signs of bejel on presentation, but osteoarthritis was significantly more common than in the seronegative group. Conclusions. In the UAE, although venereal syphilis is uncommon, there is a high seropositivity rate in the > 50‐year age range possibly due to old or attenuated bejel.
BLASTOMYCOSIS‐LIKE PYODERMA (PYODERMA VEGETANS) RESPONDING TO ANTIBIOTICS AND TOPICAL DISODIUM CHROMOGLYCATE
Authors: RONGIOLETTI FRANCO , SEMINO MARIATERESA , DRAGO FRANCESCO , BLANGETTI MARIA GRAZIA , REBORA ALFREDO 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Blastomycosis‐like pyoderma is a disorder of uncertain etiology that has been described in association with a variety of underlying conditions, including inflammatory and neoplastic pathologic conditions and in association with a primary immunodeficiency state. The response to therapy, antibiotics in particular, is said to be variable or poor. Methods. We examined two patients with blastomycosis‐like pyoderma in whom no underlying pathologic or immunologic abnormalities were found. We treated them with antibiotics according to bacterial resistance tests. In the second case topical disodium chromoglycate was added. Results. Treatment cleared or markedly improved the lesions. Conclusions. Antibiotic treatment guided by susceptibility tests is recommended. The addition of topical disodium chromoglycate may be useful.
NECROLYTIC ACRAL ERYTHEMA: A CUTANEOUS MARKER OE VIRAL HEPATITIS C
Authors: EL DAROUTI MOHAMED , ABU EL ELA M. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Necrolytic acral erythema (NAE) is a distinctive skin lesion that was found to affect the dorsa of the feet of seven patients having active viral hepatitis C. Necrolytic acral erythema occurs in the form of well circumscribed dusky erythematous areas that develop flaccid blisters in their early stages and a hyperkeratotic surface in their chronic form. Microscopically, lesions of NAE are similar to those of other necrolytic erythemas such as necrolytic migratory erythema, pellagra, and zinc deficiency. Method. Seven patients with NAE were included in this study. These patients underwent microscopic examination of punch biopsy specimens of the affected skin, abdominal sonography, ct scan of pancreas, and a liver biopsy. Blood samples were obtained for complete blood picture, serum glucose, zinc, amino acids, liver function tests, and markers of hepatitis. Results. All patients with nae were found to have hepatitis C by elisa and pcr. Conclusions. Necrolytic acral erythema is a distinctive type of necrolytic erythemas that was observed to occur almost exclusively with viral hepatitis C. Therefore, it should be considered an important cutaneous marker of hepatitis C, particularly in areas showing a high incidence of this form of hepatitis.
SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN THE SEVERITY OF ACNE VULGARIS
Authors: GFESSER MICHAEL , WORRET WOLF‐INGO 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background and Objective. The improvement of acne in summertime or the aggravation of acne in winter is a traditional dermatologic opinion. Ultraviolet rays are thought to be beneficial in the treatment of acne. In the existing literature there is no proof of this. The purpose of this study was to find out whether or not acne generally worsens in winter. Patients and Method. One hundred and thirty‐nine patients were asked if their acne worsens in winter or in summertime, whether it improves seasonally, or if they didn't notice any change with the seasons. Results. About one‐third of the patients reported an aggravation of their acne in winter, but also approximately one‐third of the patients complained about an aggravation of their acne in summer. Another third did not notice any change. Conclusions. Sun‐bathing may be beneficial for psychologic reasons and may produce euphoric effects, but we do not see any reason to treat acne with ultraviolet radiation because of all its negative effects on the skin.
SOLITARY TRUNCAL POROKERATOTIC ECCRINE OSTIAL AND DERMAL DUCT NEVUS IN A SIXTY‐YEAR‐OLD MAN
Authors: BEER KENNETH , MEDENICA MARIA 
Published: May 2007

A sixty‐year‐old white man presented with a 2 × 1.5 cm lesion on his right buttock. The lesion had been present for several years, but had not been present when the patient was a child. No other family members reported having similar lesions. His past medical history was unremarkable. By history, the lesion was slowly growing, but was neither painful nor pruritic. On examination, a well defined pink nodule was noted on his right buttock. The surface of the lesion had a crateriform appearance with verrucous edges. A shave biopsy was performed. Histopathology: The specimen was cut into four pieces and sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin were examined. A low power view (Fig. 1) shows an epidermis with considerable hyperkeratosis and several focal areas of parakeratosis that fill epidermal dilated eccrine ducts. Higher magnification (Fig. 2) reveals, that these foci of parakeratosis resemble the cornoid lamellae seen in porokeratosis of Mibelli. Figure 2 also reveals that the process originates within the eccrine duct. Higher magnification demonstrates the porokeratotic column arising from dyskeratotic keratinocytes that lack a granular layer (Fig. 3). An inflammatory infiltrate consisting of lymphocytes and histiocytes is present in the underlying dermis with accentuation directly under the cornoid lamellae.
DISSEMINATED AMERICAN CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS
Authors: BONFANTE‐GARRIDO RAFAEL , BARROETA SEGUNDO , DE ALEJOS MARIA A. MEJÍA , MELÉNDEZ ENRIQUE , TORREALBA JOSE , VALDIVIA OSWALDO , MOMEN HOOMAN , GRIMALDI GABRIEL 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. While studying cutaneous leishmaniasis in the central part of western Venezuela, we found four cases of disseminated American cutaneous leishmaniasis, three from the Lara State and one from Portuguese State. Methods. A clinical history was taken for each of these patients, followed by microscopic examination of the Giemsa‐stained smears from their cutaneous lesions and by a Montenegro skin test. Serum from a skin lesion were grown in Novy‐MacNeal‐Nicolle medium (nnn). Hamsters were inoculated with suspension of tissues taken from the patient's lesions. Biopsies were taken for histopathologic examination. Isolates from cultures on nnn medium and from hamsters were subcultured in Schneider's medium for parasite identification, using molecular techniques. Treatment with injections of N‐methyl glucamine antimonate, 25 mg/kg/day was precribed for each patient for 20 consecutive days and, after a week of rest, a second course of injections was administered. Results. Patients had disseminated papular, ulcerous, nodular, and ulceronodular lesions on the skin. Smears of the skin lesions from all of the patients showed abundant amastigotes within histiocytes or free in the tissues. The skin test was negative in two patients. On histopathologic examination of skin lesions, mainly numerous vacuolated histiocytes filled with amastigotes were observed. Isolates from all the patients were identified as Leishmania venezuelensis. One of the patients healed after treatment with N‐methyl glucamine antimonate. The others were resistant to this therapy. Conclusions. Diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis can be caused also by Leishmania venezuelensis. Patients with nodular lesions who presented a negative Montenegro skin test were more resistant to treatment with specific pentavalent antimonials.
SKIN DISEASE IN RURAL TANZANIA
Authors: HENDERSON CATRIONA A. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Skin disease is a common problem, accounting for significant morbidity in developing countries. Knowledge about the prevalence of different skin conditions allows appropriate planning for provision for these health needs. There are currently few data about the needs in rural areas; therefore, this study was set up to investigate skin abnormalities found in a village population in Tanzania. Materials and Methods. A village with a population of 2,876 was chosen and one‐third of the population was examined for cutaneous abnormalities. Results. During the survey, 97.7% of the target population was examined. Signs of nutritional deficiency were common with koilonychia affecting 18.1% of the population examined and signs of hypoproteinemia being present in 3.4% of them. Infections and infestations were also frequently seen. Scabies was observed in 6.0% and pediculosis capitis in 5.3%. Dermatophyte infection was present in 5.1%. These were all most common in prepubertal children. Leg sores were seen in 5.1% and leg ulcers in 3.0% of the population. Conclusions. The survey reveals that easily treatable skin infections and infestations are common in a rural Tanzian population. Signs of nutritional deficiency are also frequently seen.
Disclosure, Corporate Governance and Foreign Share Ownership on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange
Authors: Mangena Musa , Tauringana Venancio 
Published: May 2007

AbstractWe investigate the association of foreign share ownership with firm‐level disclosure and corporate governance structures in Zimbabwe, a developing country in Southern Africa. Our motivation for the study derives from the literature, which suggests that foreign investors: (1) generally have a preference for companies in which they are well informed and where their investments are more likely to be protected, and (2) avoid companies in developing countries because of weak corporate governance structures and low disclosure. Using data drawn from companies listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, we examine the effect of disclosure and corporate governance on foreign share ownership. We find that disclosure, proportion of non‐executive directors, institutional share ownership and audit committee independence are all positively and significantly associated with foreign share ownership. Our results also demonstrate that market capitalization, return on equity and liquidity ratios are significantly associated with foreign share ownership. These results are consistent with the notion that foreign investors have a preference for companies with effective corporate governance structures, companies with less information asymmetry, as well as companies with healthy cash positions. The results have implications for policy‐makers in developing countries in their endeavour to improve liquidity on stock markets through the participation of foreign investors. The results are also useful to managers in developing countries who are keen to increase the market value of their company, thereby reducing their cost of capital.
Do Investors Really Value Corporate Governance? Evidence from the Hong Kong Market
Authors: Cheung Yan‐Leung , Thomas Connelly J. , Limpaphayom Piman , Zhou Lynda 
Published: May 2007

AbstractTo examine the relation between corporate governance and firm value, we develop an instrument to assess the corporate governance practices of listed companies in Hong Kong. Based on the Revised OECD Principles of Corporate Governance (OECD) and the Code of Best Practices (HKEx), we construct a corporate governance index (CGI) for Hong Kong listed companies. Unlike measures used in other studies, the CGI score reflects the presence of good corporate governance practices as well as variation in the quality of corporate governance practices. Empirical evidence shows that a company's market valuation is positively related to its overall CGI score, a composite measure of a firm's corporate governance practices. We also find that the transparency component of the CGI score drives the relation with market valuation. In summary, this study provides supporting evidence for the notion that, in Hong Kong, good corporate governance practices are consistent with value maximization.
Gender‐Based Harvesting in Wildlife Disease Management
Authors: Fenichel Eli P. , Horan Richard D. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractWildlife disease management strategies traditionally focus on lowering aggregate host density below a host‐density threshold, reducing infectious contacts (when transmission is density‐dependent) to reduce prevalence. The focus on aggregate host density is because controls such as harvests are typically nonselective with respect to disease status. Such nontargeted strategies increase control costs and may not optimally lead to eradication. We consider targeting an observable trait correlated with infection—gender. Two endogenous host‐density thresholds emerge, in contrast to the exogenous thresholds arising in the ecological literature on multiple‐host‐pathogen problems. The ability to manage these thresholds reduces control costs and makes eradication optimal.
BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: Knowles J. W. 
Published: May 2007

Book reviewed in this article: The Needs of Children Mia Kellmer Pringle Thackray Reading Readiness Profiles D. V. and L. Thackray Assessment for Learning in the Mentally Handicapped P. Mittler (ed.) The Principle of Normalisation in Human Services W. Wolfensberger Bernard‐Bringing up our Mongol Son John and Eileen WilksSetting a Course for Social Work Education 1971–73Residential Work is a Part of Social Work
Success within Failure: an assessment of a parentled response to inormal school exclusion
Authors: Goodchild Agatha , Williams Chris 
Published: May 2007

Increasing numbers of children are informally excluded from school for a range of reasons, including bullying and sexual harassment. Although little is done to help them, one group of parents demonstrated that it is not difficult to create a temporary alternative to school and to provide a period of respite. The venture was seen as failure, but all the children are now back in mainstream education.Agatha Goodchild, one of the parents, and Chris Williams, Research Fellow at the Norah Fry Research Centre, University of Bristol, analyse and evaulate the success that came from failure!
The Monetary Policy of the European Central Bank
Authors: Surico Paolo 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe first six years of ECB monetary policy are examined using a general framework that allows central bankers to weight differently positive and negative deviations of inflation, output and the interest rate from their reference values. The empirical analysis on synthetic euro‐area data suggests that the objective of price stability is symmetric, whereas the objectives of real activity and interest‐rate stabilizations are not. Output contractions imply larger policy responses than output expansions of the same size, while movements in the interest rate are larger when the level of the interest rate is relatively high. The hypothesis of M3 growth‐rate targeting is rejected.
A role for the SEN co‐ordinator in the 1990s: A reply to Dyson
Authors: BUTT NORMAN 
Published: May 2007

In the August 1990 issue of Support for Learning (5(3)) Alan Dyson wrote a provocative article entitled ‘Effective learning consultancy: A future role for special needs co‐ordinators?’ In it he confidently predicted the decline and eventual disappearance of special educational needs (SEN) co‐ordinators. Further he claimed there were fundamental contradictions and philosophical confusion at the heart of the ‘whole school approach’ which were ultimately self‐defeating. To survive, he concluded, SEN co‐ordinators must develop new models of teaching and learning including a change of title to ‘effective learning consultant’. This new ELC would primarily be responsible for helping teachers and schools improve the effectiveness of the learning situation.Norman Butt responds to the Dyson thesis. He points out the omissions and contradictions he finds in Dyson's arguments. Notably he takes Dyson to task for overlooking the possible effects of local management of schools and his purportedly facile dismissal of the ‘whole school approach’. In contrast Butt claims to find many commendable examples of this approach. Further he sees progress towards the normalisation of schools and states that the whole school approach is about ‘making all pupils special’. He converges with Dyson in his belief that a new professional will emerge and offers his own ‘job description’. Co‐ordinator for individual development or effective learning consultant? Readers must make up their own minds. The debate is certain to continue.
Lend me your watch and I'll tell you the time! Consultancy as research in developing learning support
Authors: HUMPHREYS KEITH , COLLINS PATRICIA 
Published: May 2007

The role of support services has never been particularly clear. Most grew simply out of local concerns and developed their own esoteric patterns. Paradoxically, this turned out to be both a strength and weakness. Strong in that it well understands local situations but weak in that it has difficulty in responding to current pressures. The climate suggests that traditional services are extremely vulnerable.Keith Humphreys and Patricia Collins became involved in a review of one such support service. They describe the strategy deployed in arriving at a consensus as to how professionals might adapt to the contemporary situation. Their “pointers for future action” provide a good starting point for others contemplating such a review of provision.