bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of itraconazole pulse therapy: Brazilian multicentric study on toenail onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes
Authors: Ramos‐e‐Silva Marcia , Marques Silvio Alencar , Gontijo Bernardo , Zaitz Clarisse , Campbell Iphis , Veloso Simone Tavares 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundItraconazole is a large spectrum triazole with known efficacy in both continuous and pulse therapy for various mycoses.ObjectivesEvaluate the efficacy and tolerability of itraconazole pulse therapy for onychomycosis of the toenails due to dermatophytes, in a prospective, open, non‐comparative and multicentric investigation.Patients and methodsThe trial was completed by 72 patients of an initial total of 89. Treatment consisted of four cycles of itraconazole, 200 mg twice a day, for seven consecutive days each month. Patients were evaluated clinically, mycologically and biochemically before, during and at the end of the investigation, and were divided into two groups according to the measure of normal portion of the most affected nail (target nail), as follows: Group 1: 0–5.9 mm; and Group 2: more than 6 mm.ResultsImprovement was satisfactory and progressive. Results were statistically significant, when comparing the three moments. of the study: pre‐treatment, end of therapy (fourth month) and follow‐up (ninth month) in both groups.ConclusionsItraconazole pulse therapy was efficient and safe for the treatment of onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes, although a much higher daily dosage than the known continuous administration was used. Group 1, with nails initially more extensively affected, had a more evident improvement, by the mean variation in millimeters of normal portion of the target nail. This group showed a very satisfactory response, although not reaching total cure, thus demonstrating the great importance of early treatment of this disease. A residual therapeutic effect is maintained even after suspension of the drug. Group 2 obtained better total cure rates, and four pulses were, in general, sufficient, whereas more cycles would have been beneficial for the Group 1 patients with more extensive involvement.
In vivo and in vitro investigations of hydration effects of beauty care products by high‐field MRI and NMR microscopy
Authors: Szayna M. , Kuhn W. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAimData obtained from in vivo and in vitro measurements on human skin and skin samples are presented.MethodsIn vivo measurements, using a 3‐Tesla magnetic resonance system, on the forearm of three female volunteers show an increase of signal intensity, after application of cream, between 30% and 58%, depending on the cream type. In‐plane resolution was 90 μm, with slice thickness of 2 mm. Chemical‐shift‐selective in vitro microimaging studies were performed on a 9.4‐T spectrometer using human skin samples from the abdomen. In these experiments, in‐plane resolution was 4 μm and slice thickness was 100 μm.ResultsThe results demonstrate clearly the moisturising effect of beauty care products on the stratum corneum, which can be identified in in vitro experiments. No ingress into the skin of the lipid components of the emulsions could be observed in vitro. However, skin occlusion and consequently a long‐lasting moisturising effect cannot be excluded.ConclusionsThese results prove the capability of magnetic resonance imaging to investigate human skin in vivo and in vitro, and to follow the skin penetration of beauty‐care products and pharmaceutical ointments.
Bullous erythema multiforme following herpes zoster and varicella‐zoster virus infection
Authors: Weismann Kaare , Petersen Carsten Sand , Blichmann Christa W. , Nielsen Niels Henrik , Hultberg Birthe Mørch 
Published: September 2006

AbstractFour cases of herpes zoster‐induced bullous erythema multiforme (EM) are reported. Three patients presented with widespread skin lesions 10 to 14 days after an episode of thoracic herpes zoster. In these patients a high increase in varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) antibody titer was detected, indicating secondary VZV infection. Histologic examinations of skin biopsy from a patient with widespread lesions (case 4) revealed a mixture of EM, toxic epidermal necrolysis and herpetic virus infection. VZV should be included in the list of infectious agents able to trigger EM and Stevens‐Johnson syndrome.
Cutaneous angiomyolipoma: report of two cases with emphasis on HMB‐45 utility
Authors: Büyükbabani Nesimi , Tetikkurt Seza , Öztürk A. Settar 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundAngiomyolipomas are tumors composed of adipose tissue, blood vessels and smooth muscle. Although renal angiomyolipomas are well known, cutaneous tumors have been described only recently. HMB‐45 reactivity, reported for renal angiomyolipomas, has been suggested as a useful tool in differential diagnosis.ObjectiveTwo cases of cutaneous angiomyolipoma are described and investigated for HMB‐45 reactivity.MethodsConventional histochemical and immunohistochemical methods were used.ResultsImmunohistochemical analysis showed no reactivity for HMB‐45 antibody.ConclusionWe conclude that, unlike renal angiomyolipomas, HMB‐45 reactivity is not helpful in differentiating cutaneous angiomyolipomas.
Incontinentia pigmenti: variable disease expression within an affected family
Authors: Basarab T. , Dunnill M.G.S. , Munn S.E. , Russell‐Jones R. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe report a florid case of incontinentia pigmenti in a neonate in which linear vesiculobullous, verrucous and pigmented lesions were present simultaneously at birth. Histology of a vesiculobullous lesion showed vesiculation with numerous eosinophils in the epidermis, and a sparse infiltrate in the dermis with pigmentary incontinence. The mother of our patient described a streaky linear rash on her legs during her own childhood which resolved spontaneously, in addition to partial anodontia, suggesting that she too has the disease, although previously undiagnosed. This emphasises the variable disease expression and the importance of recognising this condition so that patients can be followed up with regard to complications, and genetic counselling can be offered. The issue of prenatal diagnosis is discussed.
Continuing medical education
Authors: Piérard G.E. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractGeneral description Colour assessment of skin by visual inspection alone may be precise for a given individual although comparison between colours is only possible when they are viewed simultaneously. Subjective colour expression is also difficult to communicate with consistency. The limitations of visual observations may be overcome by colour‐order systems and by instrumental measurements using either reflectance spectrophotometry or reflectance colorimetry following the CLE (Commission Internationale de ľEclariage) recommendations. Image analysis using sensitive colour video cameras is another accurate method to record and compare skin colours. The current instrumental methods have proven both sensitive and reliable. Numerical colour communication expresses colours more precisely than words and allows exact analysis of skin pigmentation and skin colour changes.Learning objective The reader will be introduced to the origins of skin colours and with basic principles of their measurements. Methods of colour reading are reviewed with particular insight into practical procedures, pitfalls and correct interpretation of data.
Duodenal ulcer patients exhibit a greater skin response to histamine
Authors: Tur Ethel , Aviram Galit , Meidan Michal , Zeltser David , Brenner Sarah 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground Histamine is considered a major mediator in the process of gastric acid secretion. When acid peptic activity overpowers the mucosal defense mechanism, peptic ulceration may develop. Is the hyperreactivity of patients with duodenal ulcer to histamine also expressed in the skin?Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the reactivity of patients with duodenal ulcer to histamine as reflected in the skin, by comparing the erythema and the cutaneous blood flow response to histamine in duodenal ulcer patients and healthy controls.Methods Twenty volunteers participated in the study: 10 duodenal ulcer patients and 10 age and gender matched healthy controls. Histamine was topically administered to the back and to the volar side of the forearm, and the induced response was quantified by spectrophotometry and laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). The extent of the response and time parameters were compared.Results The maximum response, as measured by LDF, was greater in the peptic ulcer patients (P < 0.05) compared to healthy controls. Aging was accompanied by decreased responsiveness in both groups.Conclusion The results suggest that some peptic ulcer patients exhibit a greater cutaneous response to topical application of histamine than healthy controls. As the methods used are non‐invasive, simple and rapid, they might be useful in preclinical ulcer diagnosis and detection of patients at risk. © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.
Classic Kaposi's sarcoma in two young heterosexual men
Authors: Potouridou Irene , Katsambas Andreas , Pantazi Vassiliki , Armenaka Melina , Stavrianeas Nikos , Stratigos John 
Published: September 2006

AbstractClassic Kaposi's sarcoma is primarily a skin disease of the lower extremities affecting predominantly elderly men of Mediterranean origin. We report classic Kaposi's sarcoma first presenting in the third decade in two heterosexual, HIV‐negative, males of Greek origin from Albania. Ten years after onset, the disease became aggressive with unusual clinical features that included exophytic tumors, extensive lesions on the hands as well as the legs, and prominent leg edema. One of the patients also presented lesions on the face, trunk and palate, and bubonic lymphadenopathy. In both cases, CD4 counts were normal and HLA‐DR5 was positive. Treatment included radiation therapy, subcutaneous interferon (alpha 2b) and combined chemotherapy (ABV). At follow up 1 and 2 years later, both patients remain in partial remission with significant improvement in clinical disease, on maintenance interferon.
Clobetasol propionate followed by calcipotriol is superior to calcipotriol alone in topical treatment of psoriasis
Authors: Austad Joar , Bjerke Jens R. , Gjertsen Bjørn T. , Helland Svein , Livden John K. , Morken Tore , Mørk Nils‐jørgen 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground Although potent, topical corticosteroids offer effective and rapid healing of psoriatic lesions. Their long term use is limited because of the risk of side effects. Calcipotriol is safe for long‐term treatment, but its initial efficacy is lower than with topical corticosteroids.Objectives To investigate whether 2 weeks of treatment with clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment bd followed by 4 weeks of treatment with calcipotriol 50 /μg/g bd would offer therapeutic advantages over 6 weeks of continuous treatment with calcipotriol.Methods Forty‐nine patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were recruited from five centres in Norway. In a randomised, double‐blind, right‐ versus left‐side comparison, ointments were applied to two symmetrically‐located areas.Results Two weeks of treatment with clobetasol propionate produced a significantly greater decrease in total symptom score (combined scores of erythema, induration and scaling) than calcipotriol treatment (P < 0.0001). This improvement on the clobetasol.propionate‐treated side of the body was maintained throughout a subsequent 4‐week treatment period when calcipotriol was applied to both sides of the body (P < 0.0001). The superiority of the clobetasol propionate followed by calcipotriol treatment was maintained during a 4‐week, treatment‐free, observation period. Treatments were well tolerated with no rebound effect.Conclusions Clobetasol propionate ointment bd for 2 weeks followed by treatment with calcipotriol ointment bd for 4 weeks was superior to calcipotriol ointment alone in the treatment of plaque psoriasis.
Adult dermatomyositis with livedo reticularis and multiple skin ulcers
Authors: Yosipovitch G. , Feinmesser M. , David M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSkin ulcers are commonly described in the juvenile form of dermatomyositis; however, in the adult form they are rarely described. We report on a patient with adult dermatomyositis, deep cutaneous ulcers in the skin folds and livedo reticularis eruption.
Sexually transmitted diseases in 1161 HIV‐positive patients: a 38‐month prospective study in southern Spain
Authors: Muñoz‐Pérez M.A. , Rodriguez‐Pichardo A. , Martinez F. Camacho 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground HIV infection is primarily a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but intravenous drug use (IDU) is the main risk factor for HIV infection in certain areas, including southern Europe. A number of prospective studies of dermatological findings in HIV‐1 infected patients have been published, almost all from countries where homosexuality is the main risk factor of HIV infection and without correlation with CD4 cell counts. No STD data is included in those studies.Objective To determine the incidence of STDs in a cohort of 1161 HIV‐1‐positive patients from Spain, in the previous medical history and during the prospective study.Methods We prospectively examined 1161 HIV‐1‐positive patients for 38 months, 986 men and 175 women. IDU was the risk factor in 74%, while homosexuality was a risk factor in only 9%. CDC stage II was predominant (51%), while stage IV was less frequent (39%). The mean CD4 cell count was 353/mm3. Patients' past and present medical history of STDs was obtained. CD4 cells/mm3 counts were measured at each visit.Results Six hundred and eighty‐four patients had a past history of STD, whilst new infections were diagnosed in 258 individuals (22%) during the 38‐month study. Pediculosis pubis (26%), gonorrhoea (22%), syphilis (13%), genital Candida infection (11%) and condyloma acuminatum (10%) were the commonest previous STDs, followed by non‐gonococcal urethritis (NGU) (5%), genital herpes (4%) and trichomoniasis (2%). During the 38‐month study period and with strong recommendation of condom use for sexual intercourse, condyloma acuminatum (7%), scabies (6%), syphilis (4%) and genital herpes (3%) were commonly diagnosed, followed by gonorrhoea (1.8%), NGU (1.6%), genital Candida infection (1,5%), pediculosis pubis (0.6%) and trichomoniasis (0.3%). Only genital herpes had a statistically significant association with advanced stage (P= 5.12 × 10‐6) and low CD4 cell counts (180 ± 166 cells/mm3).Conclusion Despite the predominance of the IDU factor among our patients, the incidence of STDs in the past medical history was surprisingly high. The incidence of STD during the study was also high, despite the advice of using condoms after the diagnosis of HIV infection. STDs may accelerate the course of HIV infection and be a poor prognostic indicator in these patients. If an HIV‐1‐positive patient can acquire an STD, he/she can also transmit HIV infection. This indicates that new publicity campaigns are still needed to stop HIV and STDs infection among HIV‐positive patients as well as in the general population.
Eosinophils, pruritus and psoriasis: effects of treatment with etretinate or cyclosporin‐A
Authors: Schopf R.E. , Hultsch T. , Lotz J. , Bräutigam M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground The antipsoriatic drugs cyclosporin A (CyA) and etretinate have been found to influence proinflammatory eosinophilic leukocytes and pruritus.Aim We compared the number of Wood eosinophils, concentration of serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and pruritus in patients with psoriasis treated with either CyA or etretinate.Study design Patients with psoriasis vulgaris were randomly assigned to treatment for 10 weeks with either CyA (n= 21) or etretinate (n= 10). The psoriasis area‐and‐severity index (PASI‐score) and pruritus (according to a 0–3 scale) served as clinical parameters, the blood esosinophil counts (Coulter Counter) and the serum ECP (RIA, Pharmacia) as laboratory parameters.Results After CyA treatment the PASI‐score amounted to 24 ± 4%, after etretinate to 56 ± 6% of the initial values (mean ± SEM). One week after CyA treatment, esosinophils dropped from 190 ± 21 to 137 ± 16/μ (P= 0.038, Wilcoxon test), after 10 weeks to 127 ± 18/μ (P= 0.006). By contrast, under etretinate blood eosinophil counts only changed marginally. Before treatment, ECP concentrations of 15.71 ± 1.30 (CyA) and 15.3 ± 5.53 μg/1 (etretinate) were measured (normal range 3–16 /μg/1), ECP remained constant under both CyA and etretinate or tended to increase after 10 weeks; about 50% of the patients exhibited elevated ECP concentrations. Pruritus diminished more with CyA than etretinate therapy. PASI‐scores and pruritus were directly proportional.Outcome We conclude that treatment of psoriasis with CyA leads to a rapid drop of blood eosinophils and that the activation state of eosinophils does not decrease after antipsoriatic treatment. Pruritus in psoriasis is coupled to disease severity. The underlying antipsoriatic mechanisms of CyA may be linked to lowering the number of blood eosinophils.
Altered sperm function or sperm antibodies are not associated with chlamydial antibodies in infertile men with leucocytospermia
Authors: Habermann Barbara , Krause Walter 
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjectiveLeucocytospermia, defined as a concentration of more than 106 leucocytes/ml of seminal fluid in patients without clinical symptoms due to an adnexitis, is seen in about 10% of patients in an infertility department. Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is possibly relevant as other pathogenic bacteria were not cultured from the semen in significant numbers.SettingUniversity Clinic, Department of Andrology.PatientsTwo hundred and seven patients attending the department for male infertility investigation.MethodsAnalysis on each semen sample included determination of leucocyte count and the MAR test for the detection of sperm antibodies. Chlamydial antibodies in semen were determined using an on‐slide enzyme immunoassay.ResultsNo differences between leucocyte counts in patients with and without chlamydial antibodies were detected. In addition, no differences in the sperm parameters or results of MAR‐tests in these two groups was seen. There were no correlations between the leucocyte count and sperm parameters, including the MAR‐test results.ConclusionsWe conclude that antibodies to chlamydiae in semen are not associated with leucocytospermia. Leucocytospermia per se does not appear to be significant for the sperm functions and immune responses to sperm.
Two cases of tinea pedis caused by Scytalidium hyalinum
Authors: Romano Clara , Valenti Lidia , Difonzo Elisa Margherita 
Published: September 2006

AbstractTwo cases of tinea pedis due to Scytalidium hyalinum, the first to be described in Italy, are reported. The patients were a 41‐year‐old woman and a 35‐year‐old man who had spent periods in the Caribbean. The clinical manifestations were indistinguishable from those caused by dermatophytes. In the woman they were striking with ‘moccasin foot’ type lesions, whereas in the man they were less evident, with minor plantar desquamation and interdigital maceration. Diagnosis was based on direct mycological microscopic examination and culture. Clinical and mycological remission were obtained with systemic itraconazole therapy. These cases are reported because infections caused by Scytalidium hyalinum are rare in Europe and their clinical and mycological diagnosis, as well as therapy, may be problematic.
Eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells' syndrome): a new case description
Authors: Ferreli C. , Pinna A.L. , Atzori L. , Aste N. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundWells' syndrome was first described by Wells in 1971 as a recurrent granulomatous dermatitis with eosinophilia and was later named eosinophilic cellulitis. It is defined by the following criteria: (i) sudden onset of annular or circinate erythematous‐edematous patches that rapidly evolve to morphea‐like blue‐slate‐colored plaques; (ii) a histological picture usually characterized by the presence of ‘flame figures’ (iii) non‐constant blood hypereosinophilia.MethodsWe describe the case of a 49‐year‐old woman who reported the sudden appearance of a few hard, pasty, oval‐shaped, reddish‐violet, moderately itchy, erythematous‐edematous patches on both arms about 2 months before our observation.ResultsThe remote pathologic history showed that the woman have been submitted to quadrantectomy with lymph node dissection followed by cobalt therapy for breast cancer. Based on the pharmacological history, intake of drugs was excluded. Routine blood chemistry and instrumental tests did not show any alteration, nor did assays of the main autoantibodies, complement, circulating immunocomplexes, or tumor markers.ConclusionsHistologically the picture was compatible with the diagnosis of Eosinophilic cellulitis. Following topical corticosteroid therapy the lesion healed rapidly. It relapsed 2 months later, and was again cured with the same topical treatment. No further relapses were observed in a 1 year follow‐up.
Perifollicular fibroma
Authors: Cho Soyun , Hahm Jeong‐Hee 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPerifollicular fibroma(PFF) is a rare cutaneous hamartoma that shows differentiation in the connective tissue sheath of the hair follicle. It may be single (congenital or acquired) or multiple (late onset). We report a 14‐year‐old Korean boy with a congenital solitary PFF on the face, which supports the ne void concept of origin rather than a reactive response to injury.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis following morbilli‐parotitis‐rubella vaccination
Authors: Dobrosavljevic Danijela , Milinkovic Mirjana V. , Nikolic Milos M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe present the first reported case of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) caused by morbilli‐parotitis‐rubella (MPR) vaccine. A 13‐year‐old girl developed TEN 7 days after she received live, attenuated, triple MPR vaccine. The history of drug intake and any illness was negative. At admission the patient was acutely ill with high fever. The whole body was erythematous. The epidermis was wrinkled and the Nikolsky sign was positive. Numerous erosions were present on the lips and genital region. On the seventh day of illness, the eruption involved 80% of the skin. Systemic corticosteroid therapy was not employed. The skin and mucosal defects completely epithelized by the end of the third week of illness. Mild keratoconjunctivitis sicca remained because of permanent cup cell damage.
Acquired cutaneous lymphangiectasia in a patient with cirrhotic ascites
Authors: Garcia‐Doval Ignacio , de la Torre Carlos , Losada Antonio , Ocampo Conceptión , Rodríguez Teresa , Cruces Manuel J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundLymphangiectasia results from acquired dilation of lymphatic vessels. Areas of skin affected by obstruction or destruction of lymphatic drainage are said to be prone to the development of lymphangiectasia. Cirrhosis is a cause of alterations of lymph flow.MethodsCase report.ResultsWe report a case of acquired, late‐onset, lymphangiectasia associated with alcoholic hepatic cirrhosis. Lesions were scattered over the right, lower, anterior abdominal wall, a region that is drained by a common group of lymphatic vessels that were probably disordered.ConclusionWe think that this is the first reported case of lymphangiectasia associated with altered lymph flow in cirrhosis and ascites.
Longitudinal melanonychia associated with hydroxyurea therapy in a patient with essential thrombocytosis
Authors: Cohen Arnon D. , Hallel‐Halevy Dafnah , Hatskelzon Lev , Peretz Eyal , Halevy Sima 
Published: September 2006

AbstractOccurrence of skin lesions during long‐term therapy with hydroxyurea are well described, but there have been only a few case reports of longitudinal melanonychia associated with hydroxyurea treatment. We report herein longitudinal melanonychia associated with hydroxyurea therapy in a subject with essential thrombocytosis. The prolonged time lapse (1‐year) between initiation of hydroxyurea therapy and the onset of the longitudinal melanonychia should be noted.