bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin ‐ histopathological features and their significance for the clinical outcome
Authors: Petter G. , Haustein U.‐F. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground Owing to the rising incidence of tumours, the question of reliable risk classification is becoming increasingly significant.Objective Participation in the multicentre carcinoma registry maintained by the Association of Operative and Oncological Dermatology of the German Dermatological Society requires, in addition to the parameters of clinical staging and grading already established by the International Union against Cancer, description of other histopathological criteria related to prognosis, with special attention to microstaging.Methods One hundred and eighty‐four patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the skin were examined. The histological parameters, carcinoma type, Breslow index, invasion level, growth form, grading and mitotic index were recorded and classified, and clinical staging was performed.Results It was found that the clinical criterion of tumour diameter (T‐category) determines the further course of the disease. The other parameters taken into account, namely pathohistological microstaging and grading, can increase the accuracy of prognosis evaluation, and in particular enable carcinomas of the T1‐category to be classified as either high malignant or low malignant tumours. The desmoplastic squamous cell carcinoma subtype is a potential risk tumour. Endophytic tumours are more malignant in their development than exophytically‐growing carcinomas, and the probability of recurrence and metastatic tumour spread further increases when ulceration can be detected by microscope. In order to distinguish metastatic and recurring carcinomas, in addition to determining the invasion levels after Clark, measuring the Breslow index proved to be an important criterion. Quoting the mitotic index augmented the grading system, which further improved the reliability of malignancy assessment.Conclusions The TNM categories currently applied to squamous cell carcinomas of the skin must be supplemented by additional histological parameters which, according to our findings, permit more accurate classification of high and low malignant tumours.
Hereditary multiple fibrofolliculomas, trichodiscomas and acrochordons: syndrome of Birt‐Hogg‐Dubè
Authors: Scalvenzi Massimiliano , Argenziano Giuseppe , Sammarco Elena , Delfino Mario 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe syndrome of Birt‐Hogg‐Dubè (BHD) is an autosomal dominant syndrome, characterized by a triad of cutaneous lesions including multiple fibrofolliculomas, trichodiscomas, and acrochordons. There are many clinical expressions, solitary and multiple forms, with or without other skin tumors. In the literature BHD syndrome has been associated with internal malignancy. We describe a patient with multiple firm, skin‐colored papules in which the three types of lesion are documented. No signs of systemic disease were present.
Scleromyxoedema and thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura: two rare conditions both responding to plasma exchange
Authors: Harman Karen E. , Abbs Ian C. , Mahood John M. , Black Martin M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe report the case of a 66‐year‐old female who over an 18‐month period developed severe, disabling scleromyxoedema with pulmonary fibrosis. Treatment with oral prednisolone and melphalan had failed to prevent disease progression. Treatment with a 5‐day course of plasma exchange, intravenous cyclophosphamide (500 mg) and methyl‐prednisolone (1 g on 3 consecutive days) was unfortunately followed by the development of thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP). After 17 extra plasma exchanges, she recovered and there has been a dramatic improvement in her skin signs. We postulate that the extra plasma exchanges which she received as a consequence of developing TTP have contributed to this result. To our knowledge, TTP has never been associated with scleromyxoedema, but it is likely to be a coincidence in this case.
Benign nodular calcification and calciphylaxis in a haemodialysed patient
Authors: Strumìa Renata , Lombardi Anna Rita , Bedani Pier Luigi , Perini Leonella 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSeveral types of soft tissue calcification can be detected from radiographic evaluation of patients with end‐stage renal failure. The factors that predispose to such calcification include an increase in CaxP product in serum, the degree of secondary hyperparathyroidism, the level of blood magnesium, the degree of alkalosis, and the presence of local tissue injury. Three major varieties include calcification of medium‐sized arteries, periarticular or tumoral calcification and visceral calcification. Calciphylaxis is a phenomenon consisting of acute ischemic necrosis in presence of calcification of dermohypodermic arterioles. It occurs mostly in chronic renal failure patients with secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism with a persistently elevated calcium‐phosphorus product. There are few options in treating calciphylaxis and the outcome is generally poor. The authors report the case of a haemodialised patient with benign nodular calcification and calciphylaxis. The coexistence of both entities in the same patient has never been described.
Prevalence, epidemiological and clinical correlates of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection1
Authors: Tchoudomirova K. , Nuhov Ph. , Tchapanova A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjective To evaluate the prevalence of genital infection with Chlamydia trachomatis in different groups of patients in the region of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, over a period of four years (1992–1995) and to establish epidemiological and clinical correlates of infection.Material and methods Five groups were enrolled in the study: group A ‐ 990 symptomatic male sexually transmitted disease (STD) patients, group B ‐ 1023 symptomatic female STD patients, group C ‐ 253 gynaecological patients, and asymptomatic groups D ‐ 276 men and group E ‐ 231 women. Urethral samples from men and cervical and urethral samples from women were examined for C. trachomatis antigen by direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) or enzyme immunoassay (EIA) confirmed by DFA at the STD outpatient clinic of the Medical Institute in Plovdiv.Results The prevalence rates for genital infection with Chlamydia trachomatis were 25.1% in group A, 21.8% in group B, 15.4% in group C, 4.3% in group D and 6.1% in group E. Infection with C. trachomatis was more common in patients who were ≥ 25 years of age, unmarried, and with risk sexual behaviour, as well as in those who had signs and symptoms suggestive of infection.Conclusion The study shows a relatively high prevalence of infection with C. trachomatis in STD and gynaecological patients. Symptoms and signs correlated with C. trachomatis infection, but were not specific or reliable indicators of infection. C. trachomatis detection should be included in standard STD and gynaecological examination.
Efficacy and tolerance of oral ivermectin in scabies
Authors: Dourmishev Assen , Serafimova Dimitrina , Dourmishev Lyubomir 
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this open‐label study was to investigate the therapeutic effect and adverse reactions of oral ivermectin in scabies patients.BackgroundThere is much confusion over reports of efficacy, adverse reactions and relapses after oral treatment of scabies with ivermectin.MethodsNineteen patients, ten otherwise healthy outpatients with scabies, and nine inpatients with scabies and another skin disease (dermatomyositis, 3; pemphigus, 2; bullous pemphigoid, 1; pyoderma, 1; HIV, 1; Behcet's disease, 1) were treated with an oral dose of 0.2 mg/kg ivermectin (1% water solution) on days 1 and 8. The presence of live mites and ova in the patient's skin was investigated before, during and after the treatment.ResultsNone of the 19 patients with scabies had evidence of scabies after the second dose of ivermectin. In seven patients we noted the enhancement of pruritus 24–72 h after the first administration of ivermectin. In three patients the skin manifestation, vesicle‐pustular rash increased between the second and the fourth day.ConclusionThe advantages of oral ivermectin treatment in scabies patients are: high therapeutic efficacy againstSarcoptes scabiei, good tolerance and influence of the drug on the whole skin surface and on clinical symptoms. The administration of the drug is easy and quick.
A fibre‐free alginate dressing in the treatment of split thickness skin graft donor sites
Authors: Steenfos H.H. , Agren M.S. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground Alginate dressings are gaining acceptance in wound management although comparative published data with conventional treatment is inconclusive.Aims The aim of this randomised controlled study was to compare a fibre‐free alginate dressing (Comfeel SeaSorb) with conventional treatment of standardised split‐thickness skin graft donor sites in 17 patients regarding initial absorption of blood and healing.Results The alginate dressing absorbed 40% (P < 0.05) more blood, measured as total iron content of used dressings, during the first 10 post‐wounding minutes than fine mesh gauze, resulting in less subsequent bleeding. Light microscopic examination of punch biopsies obtained from 10 wounds on post‐operative day 6 demonstrated that nine wounds treated with the alginate dressing compared with seven wounds treated conventionally with paraffin‐impregnated gauze (Jelonet®) were completely epithelialised, a statistically non‐significant difference (P= 0.46).Conclusions In conclusion, the fibre‐free alginate dressing showed increased initial blood absorption resulting in quicker haemostasis but showed no greater beneficial effect on epithelialisation of split‐thickness skin graft donor sites compared with conventional topical treatment
Increased serum IL‐6, TNF‐alpha and IL‐10 levels in patients with bullous pemphigoid: relationships with disease activity
Authors: D'Auria L. , Mussi A. , Bonifati C. , Mastroianni A. , Giacalone B. , Ameglio F. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAimThe present report analyzes the serum levels of three cytokines, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐alpha) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) in 15 patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP) (compared with 20 healthy controls) to evaluate a possible involvement of these biological modulators in the clinical expression of this disease.BackgroundBP is a rare, bullous disease of autoimmune origin with evidence of inflammatory processes that cause skin lesions with local increase of various pro‐inflammatory mediators.MethodsDetermination of cytokine concentrations were obtained employing commercially available ELISA kits.ResultsThe sera of BP patients showed increased levels of these three cytokines (P < 0.01). When the number of skin lesions (blisters and/or erosion) of each patient, employed as a marker of disease activity, was correlated with the serum levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐alpha, significant correlations were found (IL‐6: P < 0.01 and TNF‐alpha: P < 0.01, respectively), suggesting a possible role of these mediators in the development of BP blisters. The serum levels of IL‐6 also correlated (P= 0.01) with those of serum C reactive protein (CRP), an acute‐phase protein induced by IL‐6 in hepatocytes. In addition, serum TNF‐alpha and sE‐selectin (an adhesion molecule previously reported to be increased by this cytokine) levels were also correlated (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOn the basis of these data, it may be indicated that at least IL‐6 and TNF‐alpha are associated with the clinical expression of BP and that the endothelial activation (possibly induced by the TNF‐alpha activity), seems to be an important phase of this dermatosis.
Penile pyoderma gangrenosum
Authors: Güngör Emel , Karakayali Güliz , Alli Nuran , Artüz Ferda , Lenk Nurdan 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPyoderma gangrenosum is a rare ulcerating inflammatory skin disease. Genital involvement has been rarely reported. We report a 24‐year‐old man with penile pyoderma gangrenosum who was treated with systemic corticosteroids.
Peeling agents: toxicological and allergological aspects
Authors: Cassano Nicoletta , Alessandrini Giuseppe , Mastrolonardo Mario , Vena Gino Antonio 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe use of peeling agents is very common in clinical practice. However, despite the overall good safety profile, it is not without any inherent risk; therefore, clinicians should be adequately informed about potential risk in order to avoid or prevent them.ObjectiveThis paper reviews toxicological and allergological aspects of peeling agents in general, also beyond their actual use in peeling procedures. Toxic and allergic reactions from peeling agents are rather uncommon and have been rarely reported in association with the medical use of peels.MethodsSystemic toxic effects may essentially derive from phenol and potentially from two phenol derivatives, resorcinol and salicylic acid. A complete understanding of the toxicological profile of peeling agents, along with a correct execution of the technique and a carefully selection of patients, can help avoid serious side effects.ResultsAllergic contact reactions occur most frequently with resorcinol, while most peeling agents are only rare sensitizers or appear to be free of true sensitizing power. Other types of hypersensitivity response seem to be very rare.
Monocytic aleukemic leukemia cutis
Authors: Török L. , Lueff S. , Garay G. , Tápai M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe authors present a case of monocytic aleukemic leukemia cutis in which skin symptoms were the sole manifestation of the leukemia during the first year and a half of the disease. Diagnostic difficulties, the importance of immunhistochemical markers, and the prognosis and therapy of aleukemic leukemia cutis are discussed.
UV‐B radiation microphototherapy. An elective treatment for segmental vitiligo
Authors: Lotti Torello M. , Menchini Giovanni , Andreassi Lucio 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundVitiligo is a common disease of unknown cause that produces disfiguring white patches of depigmentation. Previous studies have suggested the effectiveness of UV‐B radiation in generalized vitiligo (GV) therapy, but there was no evidence to support the same role for segmental vitiligo (SV).ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to use UV‐B radiation exclusively on vitiligo patches of individuals affected by S V to evaluate the effectiveness of this therapy.Subjects and methodsEight individuals with SV were treated for 6 months with a new device called BIOSKIN® that can produce a focused beam of UV‐B (microphoto‐therapy) on vitiligo patches only. Photographs of the subjects were taken at the beginning of the therapy and once a month thereafter for 6 months. The response to treatment was estimated in two comparable photographs using planimetry. A control group of eight individuals matched for sex and age was treated with placebo, using the same device but not releasing any kind of detectable light.ResultsAfter 6 months of microphototherapy five subjects of the eight studied achieved normal pigmentation on more than 75% of the treated areas. In particular, three of these were totally repigmented. Two individuals achieved 50–75% pigmentation of the treated areas, and only one showed less than 50% repigmentation (Table 3). In the control group only one patient showed moderate repigmentation (less than 50%) (Table 3) (Fig. 3).ConclusionUV‐B microphototherapy seems highly effective in restoring pigmentation in patients affected by vitiligo. As no side‐effects have been observed, this could represent the treatment of choice in the limited (segmental) forms of vitiligo.
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the scalp. Multidisciplinary treatment
Authors: Camacho Francisco M. , Moreno Jose C. , Murga Manuel , Proaño Jorge , Cantillana Jose , Naranjo Manuel , Martínez‐Sahuquillo Angel , Macher Gustavo , Romero Francisco 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundMalignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFH) are uncommon in the skin, and even less frequent on the scalp. On the scalp they are often very difficult to excise and it is even more difficult to close the resulting wound.ObjectiveTo review all malignant fibrous histiocytomas diagnosed and treated in our Department during the past 6 years, and to describe the multidisciplinary procedure employed to treat one special case of aggressive malignant fibrous histiocytoma on the scalp that recurred twice.ResultMalignant fibrous histiocytomas represent 0.01% of malignant cutaneous tumors in our area. The immediate results after a multidisciplinary treatment performed on a recurrent malignant fibrous histiocytoma located on the scalp were excellent, but recurrence was observed 6 months later. Two years later we have also treated another case of MFH on the scalp. The same surgical technique was performed, but the patient received high‐dose‐methotrexate‐based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HD‐MTX). One year later, this patient is still alive and no signs of recurrence have been detected.ConclusionWhen malignant fibrous histiocytoma occurs on the scalp it must be treated immediately by means of an excision with a large peripheral edge of 2 cm from the visual or CAT limits of the lesion, since the first treatment must be definitive.
Congenital non‐familial unilateral basaloid follicular hamartoma
Authors: Harman Mehmet , Inalöz H. Serhat , Akdeniz Sedat , Inalöz Serap S. , Aslan Adem 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBasaloid follicular hamartoma is not a well‐recognized clinical entity and has often been diagnosed as trichoepithelioma or basal cell carcinoma. It is a unique benign follicular tumour which comprises a variety of clinical manifestations. We present the case of a 24‐year‐old male with unilateral basaloid follicular hamartoma present at birth and later misdiagnosed as basal cell carcinoma. Histological features of basaloid follicular hamartoma are not always diagnostic and clinico‐pathological correlation is particularly important to distinguish this benign hamartoma from other basaloid tumours including basal cell carcinoma. Continuous follow‐up of our patient did not reveal any clinical or histological malignant transformation.
Nevoid hyperkeratosis of the nipple and areola: treatment with topical retinoic acid
Authors: Okan Gökhan , Baykal Can 
Published: September 2006

AbstractNevoid hyperkeratosis of the nipple and areola is a rare dermatosis with unknown etiology, (Perez‐Izquierdo JM, Vilata JJ, Sanchez JL, et al. Retinoic acid treatment of nipple hyperkeratosis. Arch Dermatol 1990;126:687–688). Only 40 cases have been reported until 1997 (Alpsoy E, Yilmaz E, Aykol A. Hyperkeratosis of the nipple: report of two cases. J Dermatol 1997;24:43–45). The disease has a benign course and may only be a cosmetic problem. Different modalities have been used in the treatment of NHNA. In our case treatment with topical retinoic acid induced an acceptable response.
Achilles foot‐screening project: background, objectives and design
Authors: Haneke E. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjective A description of the background‐; objectives and design of the Achilles foot screening project.Subject Foot diseases, especially tinea pedis and onychomycosis.Methods Literature review and description of the Achilles set‐up.Results The prevalence of tinea pedis and onychomycosis has sharply increased since 1950. Tinea pedis is one of the most common mycological diseases and onychomycosis is the most frequent nail disorder. They occur mainly in adults with an estimated overall prevalence of 10–20%, although epidemiological data are limited. The pan‐European Achilles foot‐screening project was undertaken to gather basic information on foot diseases, using a survey by questionnaire and a mycological assessment study.Conclusion The prevalence of foot mycoses, particularly onychomycoses, is much higher than anticipated.
Glycolic acid peeling in the treatment of acne
Authors: Atzori L. , Brundu M.A. , Orru A. , Biggio P. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundGlycolic acid chemical peels have been widely accepted as a useful modality in many cutaneous conditions characterized by abnormalities of keratinization.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate the use of glycolic peels in the main clinical forms of acne.MethodsBetween January 1995 and December 1996, 80 women, aged 13–40 years, were visited for acne and selected for the study at the Cagliari University Dermatology Department (Italy). The type and severity of acne in each patient was assessed following the Leeds technique. The chemical peels were performed with a 70% glycolic acid solution, for times that varied in a range between 2 and 8 minutes. The number and frequency of the applications depended on the intensity of the clinical response.ResultsThe main clinical forms were comedonic acne in 32 cases, papulo‐pustolar acne in 40 cases and nodule‐cystic acne in the remaining eight cases The most rapid improvement was observed in comedonic acne. In the papulo‐pustular forms an average of six applications was necessary. Although nodular‐cystic forms required eight to ten applications, a significant improvement of the coexisting post‐acne superficial scarring was noted. The procedure was well tolerated and patient compliance was excellent.ConclusionGlycolic acid chemical peels are an effective treatment for all types of acne, inducing rapid improvement and restoration to normal looking skin.
The risk of coronary heart disease in men with androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Sasmaz S. , Senol M. , Ozcan A. , Dogan G. , Tuncer C. , Akyol O. , Sener S. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe meaningful association of androgenetic alopecia and coronary heart disease has been well documented, but few studies have focused on the importance of lipid parameters, such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), apolipoprotein Al and apolipoprotein B in patients with androgenetic alopecia.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate the relation between androgenetic alopecia and coronary heart disease and to determine the significance of certain lipid parameters on this relationship.SubjectsForty‐one men with vertex type androgenetic alopecia (study group) and 36 men, age‐matched, with normal hair status (control group) were the subjects of this study.ResultsWe found significant differences in serum lipoprotein (a) and triglyceride levels between the study and control groups (P < 0.05). Forty‐seven percent of patients and 30% of controls had a lipoprotein (a) level more than 30 mg/dl higher than the level critical for atherosclerotic heart disease.ConclusionDermatologists should investigate lipid profile, especially lipoprotein (a), of patients with androgenetic alopecia and refer to a cardiologist if necessary.