bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acrodermatitis Enteropathica in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mostafa Wedad Z. , Al‐Zayer A. A. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:Four patients with acrodermatitis enteropathica (AF) are presented from three Saudi families. The clinical picture in these patients is basically similar to that described elsewhere. These patients, however, showed different degrees of involvement of various body systems. In all cases, low serum zinc levels were documented, and they responded well to zinc supplementation. In the follow‐up evaluation, angular cheilitis was observed as a feature that appears to herald the relapse of disease. Interestingly, when patients are treated, it was the last sign to disappear. Current information on zinc is summarized.
Melanoma
Authors: Williams Hywel C. , Smith David , du Vivier Anthony 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:A retrospective review of 182 cutaneous melanomas seen at King's College Hospital from 1970 to 1987 showed that surgeons saw much thicker melanomas (median 3.64 mm) when compared to dermatologists (median 1.14 mm). Surgeons saw a greater proportion of nodular melanomas, less superficial spreading melanomas, were less likely to make the correct clinical diagnosis, and were more likely to perform wide excisions for thin melanomas (less than 2 mm) when compared to dermatologists. General surgeons see a different group of melanoma patients compared to dermatologists and manage them differently from dermatologists working with plastic surgeons. There is a need for a combined approach for the diagnosis and management of cutaneous melanoma between specialists.
PILOMATRICOMA: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: AHMAD MANZOOR , KHAN INAM ULLAH , KHAN AMIR HUSSAIN , REHMAN SIMEEN BER , ZUBAIRI ADNAN MANSOOR 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA study of 53 Pakistani patients with pilomatricoma diagnosed at AFIP during 1985–1989 is presented. It constituted 37.2% of all benign adnexal tumors, during the same period. 56.2% of patients were more than 30 years of age. Differences in site, sex, and age distribution from Western reports were observed. Unusual clinical presentations were also noted. This study outlines the clinicopathologic features of pilomatricoma in Pakistan.
MELASMA‐LIKE (PIGMENTED) ACTINIC LICHEN PLANUS
Authors: AL‐FOUZAN ABDULWAHAB S. , HASSAB‐EL‐NABY HUSSEIN M.M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractFour patients suffering from pigmented actinic lichen planus were studied. Clinically, the lesions are melasma‐like, affecting mainly the face and exacerbating in summer and spring time. The histopathologic and immunofluorescence studies showed typical changes of actinic lichen planus. The possibility of pigmented actinic lichen planus should be considered in every patient with facial melanosis.
ALOPECIA UNIVERSALIS TREATED WITH ORAL CYCLOSPORINE A AND PREDNISOLONE: IMMUNOLOGIC STUDIES
Authors: TESHIMA HIDEKI , URABE ATSUMICHI , IRIE MASAHIRO , NAKAGAWA TETSUYA , NAKAYAMA JUICHIRO , HORI YOSHIAKI 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAlopecia universalis is a refractory condition. Although the cause of this disease is unknown, immunologic abnormalities have recently been suspected. Thus, we treated six cases of refractory alopecia universalis with immunotherapy. Oral administration of cyclosporine A (2.5 mg/kg) and prednisolone (5 mg/day) resulted in marked symptomatic improvement. Cyclosporine A did not produce any side effects because the administered dosage was relatively low. At present, more than 6 months after the cessation of treatment, recurrence of alopecia has not been seen. Oral administration of low‐dose cyclosporine A and prednisolone is considered to be an effective treatment for this disease. Immunologic examination of peripheral blood demonstrated improvement of immunologic function. In particular, cos‐positive T cells, NK cells, and C3, which had been reduced, were increased. A reduction in active CD4 cells, eosinophils, and circulating immune complexes was observed. Histology with fluorescent antibodies showed T‐cell infiltration around the hair matrixes. This phenomenon was no longer observed after treatment. These improvements in immunologic function were seen in parallel with the resolution of the clinical symptoms, indicating that immunologic abnormalities are related to this disease.
BEHÇET'S DISEASE AND SURGICAL INTERVENTION
Authors: BOZKURT MERAL , TORIN GAMZE , AKSAKAL BURHAN , ATAOGTLU ÖMÜR 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBehçet's Disease (BD) is a systemic disorder with an unknown etiopathogenesis. The need for clinical criteria in the establishment of diagnosis is of great importance. We present the case of a 27‐year‐old man with BD, who had a surgical operation during the active period of his disease and experienced subsequent complications. Cutaneous hyper‐reactivity response to minor cutaneous trauma—the pathergy phenomenon— is found in most patients with BD. Theoretically, major traumas may lead to major reactions in the skin or any of the organs. In practice, we observed that while there was a severe inflammatory reaction — histopathologically a superficial perivascular dermatitis—which developed at the incision site, the systemic symptoms of the disease increased in spite of intensive treatment of the condition.
DETECTION OF AUTOIMMUNITY PARAMETERS IN THE ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME (aids)
Authors: KYRIAKIS KYRIAKOS , TOSCA ANDRONIKI , KATSANTONIS JOHN , HATZIVASILIOU MARIA , ELIOPOULOS GEORGE , STRATIGOS JOHN 
Published: May 2007

AbstractWe have examined various autoimmunity parameters in AIDS with special emphasis on the expression of pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid antibodies. Sera from healthy seropositive individuals without syphilis (cs−, n = 17), seropositive individuals with syphilis (cs+, n = 11), and patients with AIDS (n = 6) were studied and compared with normal controls (n = 30); autoimmunity parameters related to dermatology were evaluated. Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) for pemphigus and pemphigoid antibodies, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti‐DNA antibodies, antismooth muscle antibodies (ASMA) antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA), and antithyroid antibodies (ATA) was carried out and findings were graded with a cumulative index (ci) for each patient group. Pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid‐like antibodies (IgG, PV+BP) were detected in 33% of the AIDS patients. Statistically increased ci (P<0.01) was found in the cs− group compared with the cs+ group and in the AIDS group compared with cs− (P<0.01).
SPECIFIC CUTANEOUS LESIONS IN A CD8+ PERIPHERAL T‐CELL LYMPHOMA
Authors: MARTI ROSA M. , ESTRACH TERESA , PALOU JOSÉ , URBANO‐ISPIZUA ALVARO , GRATACOS JORDI , CERVERA RICARDO , PELIU EVARISTO , GRAU JOSÉ M. , MASCARO JOSÉ M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractHistopathologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural studies were carried out on cutaneous lesions of a 43‐year‐old man with an aggressive peripheral T‐cell lymphoma involving the lung, central nervous system, bone marrow, and skin. Some results are distinctive and not previously reported, such as extremely strong epidermotropism, aberrant CDS+ immunophenotype with lack of one pan T antigen (CDS), and giant cytoplasmic granules. We discuss these features comparing them with other hematologic malignancies usually involving the skin, such as cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma, angiocentric lymphomas, and malignant histiocytosis.
ISSUES IN MEASURING PERCUTANEOUS ABSORPTION OF TOPICAL CORTICOSTEROIDS
Authors: MAIBACH HOWARD I. , WESTER RONALD C. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractStudies that examine the pharmacokinetics of topical drugs at their site of action in the skin have been difficult to perform and, therefore, limited in number. In the early years of topical drug pharmacokinetic research, investigators had to rely on the measurement of less direct indicators of drug throughput such as blood levels and urinary excretion. Today, advances in theory are impelling pharmacokinetic research in new directions, including the measurement of drug availability in tissue compartments within the skin. This research will lead to greater precision in pharmacokinetic measurement and greater relevance of these measurements to the therapeutic efficacy of topical cortico‐steroids in cutaneous disease states.
POROKERATOSIS IN IMMUNOSUPPRESSED AND NONIMMUNOSUPPRESSED PATIENTS
Authors: RAYCHAUDHURI SIBA P. , SMOLLER BRUCE R. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPorokeratosis is an uncommon, inherited, autosomally dominant disorder. In the last decade association of porokeratosis and immunosuppression has been observed. In this study we carried out a comparative study between immunosup‐pressed and nonimmunosuppressed porokeratosis cases. We found that 9 out of 20 cases of porokeratosis were associated with organ transplantation/immunosuppression. Clinicopathologic study revealed that the pattern of disease is alike both in immunosuppressed and nonimmunosuppress‐ed patients. Our observations indicate that immune modulation could be a factor in the genesis of porokeratosis.
CANDIDA ALBICANS ‐ SAPROPHYTE OR PATHOGEN?
Authors: JAAFAR RADZI , PETTIT JOHN H.S. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractSkin scrapings taken from toe spaces of 200 healthy volunteers and from toe webs and groins of 150 pediatric patients were cultured for Candida albicans using the serum germ‐tube test. The results showed that Candida albicans can be isolated in about 15% of normal toe spaces and 14% of children with normal groins. Although Candida albicans can be found in various grades of athlete's foot and also in some abnormal groins, we believe that it is not necessarily responsible for these conditions and is often present at these sites only as a saprophyte.
TREATMENT OF BENIGN PIGMENTED EPIDERMAL LESIONS BY Q‐SWITCHED RUBY LASER
Authors: TAYLOR CHARLES R. , ANDERSON R. ROX 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Disorders of cutaneous pigmentation are a common problem, which can cause substantial cosmetic morbidity. Traditional treatments are often ineffective and sometimes associated with further hyperpigmentation, hypo‐pigmentation, or scarring. Because the Q‐switched ruby laser has proven useful for the treatment of tattoos and, in a small number of cases, benign disorders of the epidermal melanin, we decided to apply this modality systematically to additional benign pigmented lesions. Methods. Thirty‐four benign pigmented epidermal lesions including lentigines, café‐au‐lait macules, and nevi spili in nine white patients were exposed to single pulses of a Q‐switched ruby laser (694 nm, 40 ns pulse duration) at 4.5 and/or 7.5 J/cm2. Results. After one treatment, substantial clearing occurred at each fluence in all lentigines and café‐au‐lait macules. Initial improvement was achieved in a small nevus spilus after two treatments at 4.5 J/cm2, and a larger nevus spilus after one treatment at 7.5 J/cm2 with complete removal of the junctional or compound nevi portion but no improvement in the cafe‐au‐lait portion. Complete return of the background pigment was observed by 1 year. There was no scarring. Immediately after treatment, histology revealed vacuolizaton of keratinocytes and melanocytes, and occasional subepidermal blisters. Conclusions. These findings show that while the Q‐switched ruby laser may not be entirely useful for treating nevi spili, it does provide an effective treatment for lentigines and café‐au‐lait macules.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF TRICHOPHYTON VIOLACEUM
Authors: AMER MOHAMED A. , TAHA MOHAMED , DIAB NAGWA A. , EL MOUGHITH A. , EL HARRAS MONA 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. The ultrastructure of different fungi have been described in recent literature; however, few reports have concerned dermatophytes. Methods. Fine structure of Trichophyton violaceum was observed using electron microscopy. Results. Hyphae appeared as branched segmented filaments with a cell wall consisting of two layers. Thin electron dense plasma membrane was evident continuous with the inner surface of the cell wall. Septal walls with central pores and a uniform electron opacity plugs were seen. The hyphae were multinucleated and the cytoplasm contained endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and vacuoles. Conclusions. Although these findings showed ultrastructural similarities of the cell wall with Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Microsporum audouinii, there were some points of difference in the ultrastructure of the hyphae in Epidermophyton floccosum, and in the mitochondria of Trichophyton mentagrophytes as described by other investigators.
PSORIASIS‐LIKE LESIONS IN GUINEA PIGS RECEIVING PROPRANOLOL
Authors: TÜZÜN BINNUR , TÜZÜN YALÇIN , GÜREL NURAY , TÜZÜNER NÜKHET , ALTUG TUNCAY , BÜYÜKDEVRIM SEVIM 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. β‐Blockers cause a psoriasiform eruption. We investigated the skin effects of systemic propranolol in a formal protocol. Methods. Propranolol, 0.1 mg/day, was used systemically by gavage in eight albino guinea pigs. Normal saline was given to another group of seven guinea pigs. Results. Propranolol produced psoriasiform lesions in five of seven guinea pigs on the 30th day. Biopsies showed acanthosis, parakeratosis, microabscesses, and cellular infiltration of upper dermis. Topical application of propranolol did not produce clinical psoriasiform changes, while acanthosis and papillomatosis was observed in six of the six guinea pigs. Conclusions. Systemically given propranolol can lead to psoriasis‐like lesions, which might be due to a serum factor.
TREATMENT OF PAUCIBACILLARY LEPROSY
Authors: SAXENA UMA , MISRA R.S. , RAMESH V. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. When multidrug therapy was introduced a decade ago to shorten the duration of treatment, paucibacillary leprosy was advocated 6 months of treatment. The diagnosis is based mainly on clinical and histopathologic examination, negative slit‐skin smear examination, and positive lepromin test. Methods. The case records of 508 paucibacillary leprosy patients attending our urban leprosy center have been analyzed with reference to regularity of therapy, response to multidrug regimen, follow‐up, and relapse. Results. The incidence of paucibacillary leprosy was found to be 37%. Defaulter rate was 45%. Nine percent of the cases attended the center with deformities emphasizing the need for corrective surgery and early case detection to prevent them. Conclusions. The main problem that we faced was the optimum duration of treatment, which is as yet an unsettled question. The opinions of other workers have been given, and a slight modification in current WHO regimen has been suggested without significantly affecting the cost of therapy.
MESOGLYCAN TREATMENT RESTORES DEFECTIVE FIBRINOLYTIC POTENTIAL IN CUTANEOUS NECROTIZING VENULITIS
Authors: LOTTI TORELLO , CELASCO GIUSEPPE , TSAMPAU DIONIGI , TEOFOLI PATRIZIA , BENCI MAUKIZIO , DAHM MICHAEL , COMACCHI CLAUDIO , GHERSETICH ILARIA , MATUCCI‐CEIUNIC MARCO 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Cutaneous necrotizing venulitis (CNV) is a clinical disorder associated with segmental inflammation and fibrinoid necrosis of the dermal venules. It usually presents clinically as palpable purpura, even sometimes as nodules, bullae, ulcers, and urticarial lesions. This form, when showing as leukocytoclastic vasculitis is apparently characterized by the tissue deposition of circulating immune complexes and by reduced cutaneous (cfa) and plasma (pfa) fibrinolytic activity due to reduced release of plasminogen activator (PA) from the venular endotheliocytes. Reduced cfa and pfa cause large amounts of fibrin deposits in both intra‐ and perivascular areas, which are able to magnify and self perpetuate the inflammatory processes following immune complex deposition. Methods. We have studied both the pfa and cfa potential (the maximum amount of PA released in the skin after certain stimuli) and the deposits of immunoglobulins, C3, and fibrin related antigen, before and after intradermal injection of histamine (a substance able to provoke endothelial release of PA), in three subjects affected by CNV before and 20 days after 10 mg/kg/day I.M. treatment with the fibrinolytic agent mesoglycan. Results. Cutaneous fibrinolytic activity and cfa potential, reduced prior to treatment, was normal after treatment, while the deposits of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG and IgM), C3, and fibrin related antigen, detected with direct immune fluorescence (dif) showed similar findings before and after treatment. Conclusions. These data suggest that reduced cfa may play a major role in the pathogenesis of the immunologically mediated injury in cnv. The intraperivascular deposition of fibrin is favored. The fibrinolytic agent mesoglycan seems effective in restoring defective fibrinolysis in patients affected by cutaneous necrotizing venulitis, suggesting that in cases with reduced cutaneous fibrinolitic activity (or potential) the use of a fibrinolytic agent should be considered.
TUBERCULOSIS VERRUCOSA CUTIS ASSOCIATED WITH LUPUS VULGARIS
Authors: PRAMATAROV KYRILL , BALABANOVA MARIA , MITEVA LIUBKA , GANTCHEVA MERY 
Published: May 2007

A 68‐year‐old peasant had an 8‐year history of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis. After an injury the patient developed a pustule, which extended slowly and formed a plaque. New lesions appeared and increased in number and size. He was treated with various antibiotics without any significant effect. Three months previously a dull‐red plaque developed on the chin without any complaints from the patient.The patient denied any history of tuberculous infection. The examination of the left foot revealed a verrucous plaque over the medial surface. There were firm, raised, and verru‐cous papules, which exuded yellow pus. Similar lesions were present on the edge of the sole. The plaque was re‐stricted by a margin of crusted papules. The affected nails were thick, keratotic, and damaged (Fig. 1). On the skin of the chin a single lesion was present, 1 × 2 cm in size, flat, irregular, dull‐red in color and firm, without any secretion or accompanying symptoms (Fig. 2).Histology from the lesion of the foot revealed: necrosis in the superficial stratum corneum with numerous spongio‐form pustules around and beneath the necrotic areas; marked acanthosis reaching pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia and papillomatosis; and pronounced mononuclear infiltrate without tuberculid structures. Ziehl‐Neelsen staining for mycobacteria was negative (Fig. 3).Histology from the lesion of the skin revealed: crusted parakeratosis and acanthosis and pronounced band‐like infiltrate in the upper and middermis with well‐formed tuberculoid structures and numerous giant cells. In the deep dermis the infiltrate was predominantly perivascular and periadnexial with tuberculoid structures in some areas. The collagen bundles were hyalinized (Fig. 4). The fluorescent staining with auramine revealed mycobacteria. (Fig. 5).The routine laboratory findings were within the normal limits except for a mild elevated ESR of 45 mm. Mantoux‐test with 10 Ul of PPD showed induration with purple red surface (Fig. 6). The patient was x‐rayed, but another tuberculous focus could not be detected. Treatment with isoniazid and rifampin was applied with rapid results (Fig. 7).
LEPROSY IN CHILDREN: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: SEHGAL VIRENDRA N. , CHAUDHRY ANUP K. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Leprosy has been identified as an important health problem in the pediatric age group. The study of leprosy in children is imperative as it may unravel the missing links in the natural evolution of the disease and dispel the uncertainty of the precise incubation period. Methods. The study was undertaken on patients attending the Urban Leprosy Centre. There were 161 children in the age group of 0 to 14 years, amongst 3184 cases of leprosy, detected between 1981 and 1991. The diagnosis in each was formed after meticulously recording the clinical features, slit‐skin smear examination, and histopathologic characteristics. In addition, a detailed history of duration of the disease was elicited by complement recall method. Results. The study revealed an incidence of 5.06% amongst leprosy patients, in an urban setting. The boys:girls ratio was 2.6:1. The mean duration of the disease was 1.2 years in paucibacillary and 2.8 years in multibacillary. History of intra‐ or extrafamilial contact was elicited in 8.7%. The typical lesion was a “hypopigmented macule,” either of indeterminate, tuberculoid, borderline tuberculoid, or borderline borderline leprosy. Borderline lepromatous, lepromatous, and polyneuritic leprosy were uncommon. Conclusions. Leprosy in children is a well‐established distinct entity. Any hypopigmented macule in pediatric age group should arouse suspicion of leprosy. The diagnosis is clinical. Other investigative parameters, namely slit‐skin smear, and histopathology may supplement but not supplant the diagnosis.
ERUPTIVE SYRINGOMA IN A CHINESE BOY
Authors: AKARAPHANTH RUTSANEE , GIAM Y.C. 
Published: May 2007

An 8‐year‐old Chinese boy was referred to the National Skin Centre (NSC) for evaluation of multiple white asymptomatic papules of 2 weeks duration. These lesions appeared suddenly on the face, neck, trunk, and extremities. There was no family history of a similar papular eruption. He was otherwise in good health.Physical examination revealed numerous discrete whitish domeshaped papules measuring 1 to 2 mm in diameter. These were of a bilateral and symmetrical distribution on the lower eyelids, posterior auricular area, neck, dorsal and ventral aspects of the arms (Figs. 1 and 2) and legs, chest, abdomen, and back. Most of the lesions were soft, some firm, smooth surfaced, noncrusted papules. Our first impressions were epidermal cyst, lichen nitidus, milia, histocytic lesion, or rare case of eruptive syringoma.The first skin biopsy was done from a firm papule on the right arm. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed cystic structures filled with bluish material in the upper dermis and a few basophilic epithelial cords in the surrounding connective tissue stroma. Von Kossa stain showed the presence of calcium in the cyst.On the second visit, we noticed new crops of papular lesions, which were smaller and softer than previous ones. The second biopsy was done from the right forearm, at this time we saw basophilic cells in cords and in tadpole‐like configuration with a normal connective tissue stroma; this confirmed syringoma (Fig. 3).
AMOXICILLIN AND CLAVULANIC ACID IN THE TREATMENT OF ACTINOMYCETOMA
Authors: GOMEZ ALBERTO , SAUL AMADO , BONIEAZ ALEJANDRO , LOPEZ MAVI 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Mycetoma is a relatively frequent disease in tropical countries. Drugs commonly used need a long period of treatment, and some cases are resistant to these drugs, especially those with bone or visceral involvement. The combination of amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid has shown effectiveness against strains of Nocardia brasiliensis in vitro. Methods. We have used this combination in two cases of mycetoma caused by N. brasiliensis, both with bone involvement and resistance to the drugs usually used. A dose of three tablets a day for 5 to 6 months was given (each tablet contains 500 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid). Results. Clinical and mycologic amelioration was observed in the two cases after completing the treatment. There were no side effects or relapses after 3 to 6 months of follow‐up after treatment. Conclusions. We propose this antibiotic as a new option for the treatment of some special cases of actinomycetoma with bone or visceral involvement or resistance to the drugs commonly used in this disease.