bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between some Th1 and Th2 cytokine receptor gene polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus in Chinese patients
Authors: Xu Yao , Chen Zhi‐Qiang , Li Yu‐Mei , Gong Juan‐Qin , Li An‐Sheng , Chen Min , Liu Jun 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground  Genetic factors seem to play a significant role in the susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Some researchers have described amino acid polymorphisms within the interleukin‐4 receptor (IL‐4R) [isoleucine50valine (Ile50Val), arginine576glutamine (Arg576Gln), etc.], the IL‐10R (G241A and G520A), and the interferon‐γ receptor (IFN‐γR) [valine14methionine (Val14Met) and glutamine64arginine (Gln64Arg)].Methods  The Ile50Val genotypes were examined by the reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction‐single‐strand conformation polymorphism (RT‐PCR‐SSCP) method and DNA sequencing. The RT‐PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RT‐PCR‐RFLP) method was used to detect the Arg576Gln, G241A, G520A, Val14Met, and Gln64Arg genotypes.Results  There were significant differences in the genotype frequencies of Ile50/Ile50, G520/G520, and G520/A520 between the SLE group and healthy control group. There was a positive correlation between the IL‐4R Ile50/Ile50 genotype and the susceptibility to SLE (P = 0.022). This was also found for the IL‐10R G520/G520 (P = 0.004) and G520/A520 (P = 0.055) genotypes. The risk of SLE susceptibility was increased in individuals with the genotype combinations Ile50/Ile50 and Gln576/Arg576 (P = 0.056) and G241/G241 and G520/G520 (P = 0.004). The IFN‐γR2 Arg64/Arg64 genotype decreased the risk of SLE (P = 0.047). A decreased risk of development of SLE was detected in individuals with the genotype combination IFN‐γR2 Arg64/Arg64 and IFN‐γR1 Val14/Val14 (P = 0.004).Conclusions  The IL‐4R Ile50/Ile50 and IL‐10R2 G520/G520 and G520/A520 genotypes were shown to determine the susceptibility to SLE in a Chinese population, as were the combinations Ile50/Ile50 and Gln576/Arg576, and G241/G241 and G520/G520.
Isotopic response of fungal granuloma following facial herpes zoster infections – report of three cases
Authors: Huang Ching‐Wen , Tu Mei‐Eng , Wu Yu‐Hung , Lin Yang‐Chih 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground  An isotopic response is the occurrence of a new skin disease at the site of another unrelated, healed skin disorder.Methods  We report three cases of unilateral granulomatous fungal infection in immunocompetent patients at sites of resolved herpes zoster on the face. Diagnoses were made by potassium hydroxide preparation, histopathologic findings, and fungal culture. Two patients had Candida albicans folliculitis, and the other was infected with both Epidermophyton floccosum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.Results  The patients responded well to antifungal therapy.Conclusions  Localized isotopic fungal infections, although rare, can occur in immunocompetent patients.
Immunoglobulin variable region gene analysis to the autoantibody‐secreting B cells from tumors in association with paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome
Authors: Wang Jing , Bu Dingfang , Zhu Xuejun 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectives We have studied the role of lymphoproliferative tumors in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and the origin of the autoantibodies in PNP. Objectives of this study is to understand the characteristics of immunoglobulin genes of the B‐cells isolated from the tumor which can produce auto‐antibody.Methods Total RNA of the tumor cells was then isolated and the mRNA was reversely transcribed into cDNA. VHand VLgenes were amplified and cloned and their sequences were analyzed.Results 49 VHgenes (527 to 577 bp) and 36 VLgenes (445 to 454 bp) sequences were cloned from five tumors. All of the IgVLwere mostly homologous to IGKV4‐01 germ‐line gene. The frequency of IgVHgerm‐line gene usage in a decreasing order was IGHV3‐23 > IGHV3‐9 > IGHV4‐31 > IGHV4‐59. There was more nucleotide changes occurred in complementary determining regions (CDR) than those in the framework regions (FR) in the VHand VLof B cell clones. In both VHand VL, the probability (P) that the number of observed replacement mutations (R) in the CDRs would occur by random chance was low.Conclusions The clones of B‐lymphocytes in the tumors carrying possibly functional rearranged immunoglobulin heavy and light chain genes were isolated and there were high incidences of somatic mutations in CDRs and relatively conserved sequences in framework region.
Skin tag as a cutaneous marker for impaired carbohydrate metabolism: a case–control study
Authors: Rasi Abbas , Soltani‐Arabshahi Razieh , Shahbazi Nasim 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground  Skin tags are common benign skin tumors usually occurring on the neck and major flexors of older people. A possible association with impaired carbohydrate metabolism has been suggested in previous studies, but the results are not conclusive.Objective  To investigate and compare the prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in patients with skin tag and a control group.Patients and methods  A case–control study was conducted in individuals over 15 years old, comparing cases (n = 104) with at least three skin tags and age‐, sex‐, and body mass index (BMI)‐matched controls (n = 94) without skin tag. Cases and controls were recruited from patients consecutively seen at an academic outpatient dermatology clinic. All patients underwent a standard 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test with 75 g glucose.Results  Patients with skin tag had higher frequency of diabetes than the control group (23.07% vs. 8.51%, χ2‐test, P = 0.005). The difference in the frequency of IGT was not significant (13.46% vs. 10.63%, χ2‐test, P = 0.543). There was a positive correlation between the total number of skin tags and the mean fasting plasma glucose (Pearson correlation, r = 0.260, P = 0.031); patients with more than 30 skin tags were particularly at an increased risk of diabetes (52.0%). No correlation was found between the number of skin tags and BMI. We did not find any correlation between the anatomical localization of skin tags and impaired carbohydrate metabolism, except for skin tags under the breast in women.Conclusion  These results show an increased risk of diabetes mellitus in patients with multiple skin tags. With regard to the importance of early diagnosis of diabetes, we recommend a high level of suspicion for impaired carbohydrate metabolism in patients with skin tag.
Seasonal pattern of the diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma: a hospital‐based study in a Mediterranean country
Authors: Nikolaou Vasiliki , Stratigos Alexander J. , Antoniou Christina , Sypsa Vana , Stefanaki Irene , Papadopoulos Othonas , Danopoulou Ifigenia , Hampsas Gregorios , Plaka Michaella , Polydorou Dorothea , Katsambas Andreas D. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground  Several investigators have described a seasonal variation in the diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma. Limited data exist on the seasonality of melanoma diagnosis in Southern European countries.Patients and methods  The seasonal pattern of diagnosis was analyzed in 404 Greek patients diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma (CM) between 1996 and 2004. A summer‐to‐winter ratio was determined overall and in relation to gender, age, anatomic site, histopathologic type, and tumor thickness.Results  The summer‐to‐winter ratio was 1.53 for all patients (95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.15–2.02) with a ratio of 1.83 for women (95% CI: 1.20–2.78) and 1.28 for men (95% CI: 0.87–1.88). A seasonal pattern of melanoma diagnosis was observed for patients younger than 50 years of age (1.70, 95% CI: 1.05–2.74) and between 50 and 69 years (1.64, 95% CI: 1.05–2.56), for melanoma located on the upper or lower extremities (2.50, 95% CI: 1.12–5.56 and 2.23, 95% CI: 1.19–4.18, respectively), for superficial spreading and nodular melanomas (1.73, 95% CI: 1.12–2.69 and 1.52 95% CI: 0.96–2.41) and for melanomas with a tumor thickness of 1–2 mm (1.69, 95% CI: 0.91–3.12) and > 4 mm (2.13, 95% CI: 1.04–4.35).Conclusions  No major differences were seen in the seasonal distribution of CM diagnosis in a Mediterranean population compared to previously reported results. A better ascertainment of the skin during the summer and an increased awareness due to the melanoma screening campaigns are the more likely reasons for the seasonality of melanoma diagnosis in Greece.
Pemphigus vulgaris in Iran: a clinical study of 140 cases
Authors: Esmaili Nafiseh , Chams‐Davatchi Cheyda , Valikhani Mahin , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Balighi Kamran , Hallaji Zahra , Barzegari Masoumeh , Akhyani Maryam , Ghodsi Zahra S. , Mrotazavi Hossein , Naraghi Zahra S. , Toosi Siavash 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground  Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes. It varies in its clinical profile and epidemiologic characteristics in different parts of the world.Objective  To determine the clinical features of PV in Iran in a prospective manner.Methods  The study included 140 patients with newly registered PV attending our dermatology clinic between January 2003 and June 2004.Results  The mean age at the onset of the disease was 41.5 ± 15.7 years, with a female to male ratio of 1.59 : 1. At presentation to our clinic, both skin and mucosal involvement was observed in 95 patients (67.9%). Cutaneous lesions without the involvement of the mucous membranes were seen in nine patients (6.4%), and exclusive mucosal involvement was present in 36 patients (25.7%). The most common initial localization of the disease was the oral cavity, which was involved in 93 patients (77.5%). The most frequent cutaneous and mucosal sites involved were the thorax and oral cavity, respectively.Conclusion  Although minor differences were noted, the results of this study are in relatively good agreement with the literature with regard to the age, gender, and initial presentation of PV in Iran. Some skin sites, such as the scalp, thorax, and axilla, may be more commonly affected in men. Patients with initial mucosal lesions were significantly younger than those with initial cutaneous involvement. Mucosal lesions other than the oral mucosa may be more common than previously thought.
Expression of minichromosome maintenance 5 protein in proliferative and malignant skin diseases
Authors: Liu Houjun , Takeuchi Satoshi , Moroi Yoichi , Lin Nengxing , Urabe Kazunori , Kokuba Hisashi , Imafuku Shinichi , Dainichi Teruki , Uchi Hiroshi , Furue Masutaka , Tu Yating 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground  The entire minichromosome maintenance (MCM) family (MCM2–7) play roles in the initiation and elongation of DNA replication. Many studies have demonstrated that MCM proteins may be better indicators of a wide variety of proliferative or cancer cells in malignant tissues.Objectives  To characterize the pattern and frequency of MCM5 expression in proliferative and malignant skin diseases in comparison with those of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).Methods  Twelve normal skin specimens, 12 specimens of psoriasis, 21 specimens of bowenoid papulosis (BP), 16 specimens of Bowen's disease (BD), 38 specimens of skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and 11 specimens of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for MCM5 and PCNA.Results  MCM5 protein was expressed in the lower layers of epidermis in psoriasis, while MCM5 protein were present throughout the tumor cells in BP, BD, and moderately/poorly differentiated SCC. MCM5 protein was preferentially expressed in the periphery of well‐differentiated SCC or bigger nests of BCC, although some small nests of BCC seemingly showed diffuse staining patterns. The percentages of MCM5‐positive cells were 15.7% in normal skin, 21.8% in psoriasis, 75.9% in BP, 83.8% in BD, 63.5% in well‐differentiated SCC, 77.5% in moderately differentiated SCC, 79.8% in poorly differentiated SCC, and 21.2% in BCC in average. Well‐differentiated SCC showed a significantly lower percentage of positive cells than did moderately differentiated SCC or poorly differentiated SCC. MCM5 staining basically show a similar staining pattern to that of PCNA, but more cells tended to be stained with MCM5 than with PCNA.Conclusions  Our results demonstrate pattern and frequency of MCM5 expression in various skin diseases and suggest that MCM5 may be a useful marker to detect cell proliferation in skin tissue sections.
Comparison of the Tzanck test and polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of cutaneous herpes simplex and varicella zoster virus infections
Authors: Ozcan Atilla , Senol Mustafa , Saglam Hulya , Seyhan Muammer , Durmaz Riza , Aktas Elif , Ozerol I. Halil 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground  Although the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections is usually made clinically, the Tzanck test, electron microscopy, viral culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and serologic tests can be utilized to verify the diagnosis.Methods  We conducted a study on a total of 98 patients (77 patients with recurrent herpes simplex and 21 patients with herpes zoster) to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of the Tzanck test in comparison with PCR.Results  In herpes virus infections, the general positivity rates of the Tzanck test and PCR were 61.2% and 79.6%, respectively. The difference between the positivity rates of the two tests was statistically significant. The positivity rates of the tests differed according to the type and duration of the lesions.Conclusions  Although PCR was superior to the Tzanck test, the Tzanck test has also been proven to be a reliable diagnostic method, with a sensitivity of 76.9% and a specificity of 100%. We recommend the use of this easy, quick, reproducible, and inexpensive diagnostic test more often in dermatologic practice, especially in cutaneous herpes virus infections.
Clindamycin phosphate scavenges hydroxyl radical
Authors: Sato Emiko , Kato Masatoshi , Kohno Masahiro , Niwano Yoshimi 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground  Clindamycin phosphate (CLDMP) is effective against Gram‐positive and anaerobic bacteria, and is known to have anti‐inflammatory properties.Methods  To further study the anti‐inflammatory properties of CLDMP, we examined the scavenging effects on superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical using an electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trapping method.Results  In a hypoxanthine–xanthine oxidase reaction system, CLDMP did not scavenge superoxide anion. In a Fenton reaction system, however, CLDMP reduced the level of hydroxyl radical, and the scavenging activity of CLDMP against hydroxyl radical was more potent than that of mannitol. As the concentration which inhibits the formation of hydroxyl radical by 50% (IC50) of CLDMP was changed by the addition of a 10‐fold amount of a spin trapping agent, 5,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrroline‐N‐oxide, it is strongly suggested that CLDMP scavenges hydroxyl radical directly.Conclusion  This is the first report of the direct scavenging effect of CLDMP on hydroxyl radical, and the effect may improve the inflammatory response caused by invading bacteria.
Assessment of androgens in women with adult‐onset acne
Authors: Seirafi Hassan , Farnaghi Farshad , Vasheghani‐Farahani Amir , Alirezaie Najmeh‐Sadaat , Esfahanian Fatemeh , Firooz Alireza , Ghodsi Seyedeh Zahra 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground  Acne is generally recognized as a disorder of young adults; however, the referral of patients aged over 25 years with acne is increasing. Disturbed androgen production in the ovaries or adrenal gland and impaired plasma transport of androgens in women with adult‐onset acne or acne associated with hirsutism have been described.Methods  Thirty‐five white women with adult‐onset acne (onset after the age of 25 years) and hirsutism (A + H), 35 white women with adult acne without hirsutism (A – H), and 35 age‐matched white female controls were recruited in this case–control study. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone, dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA‐S), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were determined in all patients and compared.Results  The mean SHBG, free androgen index (FAI), and DHEA‐S were significantly different between A + H and control subjects. The only significant difference between A – H and control subjects was observed for DHEA‐S.Conclusion  DHEA‐S plays a key role in the pathogenesis of adult‐onset acne. Measurement of circulating androgens, including DHEA‐S, especially in patients presenting with adult‐onset acne and hirsutism, is helpful, and patients with elevated levels can benefit from hormonal therapy.
Chemotherapeutic/chemopreventive role of retinoids in chemically induced skin carcinogenesis in albino mice
Authors: Bukhari Mulazim H. , Qureshi Shahzad Shafqat , Niazi Shahida , Asef Mohammad , Naheed Mamona , Khan Saeed A. , Chaudhry Naseer A. , Tayyab Mohammad , Hasan Mumtaz 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjective  To determine the chemotherapeutic effect of retinoids on albino mouse skin.Methods  Eighty albino mice were selected for this study and were divided into four groups (A–D, 20 mice in each group). 7,12‐Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and tetradecanoylphorbal‐13‐acetate (TPA) were given for 15 weeks to produce tumors. Retinoids were given topically and orally after the development of tumors for the following 15 weeks.Results  Of the 80 mice, 69 (86.25%) developed different types of lesion and 11 (13.75%) remained lesion free. Of the 69 mice that developed lesions, 50 (62.50%) developed benign lesions and 19 (23.75%) developed malignant lesions. In all groups of mice, treatment with retinoids was effective against all benign lesions and the early stages of carcinogenesis of the skin. The chemotherapeutic effect against malignant tumors was not satisfactory.Conclusion  This study demonstrates that retinoids are effective as chemopreventive agents in premalignant lesions of the skin, but have a very weak chemotherapeutic role in malignant neoplasms. If retinoids are given at an early stage, they can cause regression of premalignant lesions of the skin. They are best administered both orally and parenterally. These agents should be recommended as they reduce the potential effects of carcinogenesis.
Plasma free polyunsaturated fatty acid levels are associated with symptom severity in acute mania
Authors: Sublette M Elizabeth , Bosetti Francesca , DeMar James C , Ma Kaizong , Bell Jane M , Fagin‐Jones Stephanie , Russ Mark J , Rapoport Stanley I 
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  Nutritionally essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been implicated as potentially important factors in mood disorders. For instance, n‐3 PUFA supplementation is reported to improve outcomes in major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. However, the role of PUFAs in acute mania has been minimally investigated. We performed a pilot study to compare plasma levels of free (non‐esterified) and esterified PUFAs between patients in an acute manic episode and healthy volunteers, and to explore associations between symptom severity and levels of fatty acids and of the arachidonic acid metabolite, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).Methods:  Patients (n = 10) who were medication‐free for at least two weeks and seeking inpatient admission for an acute manic episode were compared with healthy volunteers (n = 10). Symptom severity was assessed at admission and after six weeks of naturalistic treatment. Fasting baseline free and esterified plasma levels of docosahexaneoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n‐3), arachidonic acid (AA,20:4n‐6) and the AA metabolite PGE2 were determined, and PGE2 levels were tested again at six weeks.Results:  No between‐group differences were found in levels of individual or total fatty acids, or of PGE2. Among subjects, manic symptom severity correlated negatively with levels of free AA and free EPA, and positively with the free AA:EPA ratio. PGE2 levels did not differ between groups or in subjects pre‐ and post‐treatment.Conclusions:  Our preliminary results suggest that, in susceptible persons, low plasma levels of free EPA compared with AA are related to the severity of mania.
Adherence to lithium in naturalistic settings: results from a nationwide pharmacoepidemiological study
Authors: Kessing Lars Vedel , Søndergård Lars , Kvist Kajsa , Andersen Per Kragh 
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  To estimate adherence to lithium in a nationwide sample of all patients treated with lithium and to characterize adherence according to gender and age.Methods:  Adherence to lithium was estimated using data obtained by linking Medicinal Product Statistics with the Danish Medical Register on Vital Statistics, identifying all persons who received lithium among the 5.3 million persons living in Denmark during the period 1995 to 2000 inclusive.Results:  The median time to discontinuation of lithium was 181.0 days [95% confidence interval (CI) 135.7–181.0] and 25% of patients stopped treatment with lithium within 45.2 days. Adherence to lithium was significantly poorer for women (135.7 days; 95% CI 90.5–135.7) than for men (316.7 days; 95% CI 271.4–407.1) and for younger (18–39 years) and older (≥60 years) patients compared to middle‐aged patients.Conclusions:  The results highlight the need for increased focus on long‐term adherence to lithium with intensified psychological support, especially among younger and older female patients.
Relationships between insight and psychosocial adjustment in patients with bipolar I disorder
Authors: Yen Cheng‐Fang , Chen Cheng‐Sheng , Yang Shang‐Ju , Ko Chih‐Hung , Yen Ju‐Yu , Huang Chi‐Feng 
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to examine the relationships between insight and psychosocial adjustment in outpatients with bipolar I disorder in clinical remission.Methods:  Using the Schedule of Assessment of Insight (SAI) and its expanded version (SAI‐E), we evaluated 50 consecutive patients with bipolar I disorder in remission to determine their level of insight. We also evaluated their psychosocial adjustment using the Community Life Scale. Relationships among psychosocial adjustment, insight, residual affective symptoms, and demographic and clinical characteristics were examined.Results:  The results of the multiple regression analysis indicated that having a higher total SAI or SAI‐E insight score and having no residual affective symptoms were significantly associated with better psychosocial adjustment in patients with bipolar I disorder.Conclusions:  In this cross‐sectional study, better insight and less residual affective symptoms were correlated with good psychosocial adjustment. To address the causality issue, a longitudinal study is needed.