bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical trial of the efficacy and safety of oral etretinate with calcipotriol cream compared with etretinate alone in moderate‐severe psoriasis
Authors: Giannetti Alberto , Coppini Maurizio , Bertazzoni Maria Grazia , Califano Adalberto , Altieri Ermete , Pazzaglia Alberto , Lega Mario , Lombardo Maurizio , Pelfini Carlo , Fornasa Cleto Veller , Rabbiosi Giacomo , Cespa Maddalena 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this clinical trial was to assess the efficacy and safety of calcipotriol cream associated with oral etretinate compared with etretinate alone in the treatment of moderate‐severe psoriasis.MethodsThis controlled multicenter trial, within patients (hemiparts), enrolled 86 in‐ or out‐patients (62 males, 24 females), mean (±SD) age 57.1 ± 14.2 years, with psoriasis vulgaris on both sides of the body, and mean (±SE) baseline PASI score (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) 30.7 ± 0.9. All patients took oral etretinate 50 mg/day and applied calcipotriol cream (50 μg/g) on one half of their body twice a day. Treatment was continued for 9 weeks, and patients were seen every 3 weeks.ResultsAt the end of the first 3 weeks the PASI score indicated a significant clinical difference between the two sides of the body (P < 0.001, ANOVA), with a reduction of 50.7% in the score for the calcipotriol‐treated half, compared with a 39% reduction for the untreated half. By the 9th week of treatment the PASI score was 81.4% lower on the treated half, and 70.3% on the untreated side (P < 0.001, ANOVA).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that patients with moderate‐severe psoriasis might benefit from treatment with etretinate plus calcipotriol, with the aim of achieving a faster response and an overall smaller total dose of etretinate.
Plasma antioxidant defense in actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Vural Pervin , Canbaz Mukaddes , Selçuki Dilek 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundReactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, particularly cancer. There may be an inverse correlation between lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate whether certain plasma antioxidants (ascorbic acid, α‐tocopherol, total thiol groups, ceruloplasmin, urate, albumin and erythrocyte glutathione) are altered in actinic keratosis (AK) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC).MethodsPlasma samples and red blood cells (RBC) of 13 patients with AK, 12 with BCC and 16 healthy controls were investigated.ResultsData analysis indicates significant decrease of ascorbic acid (P < 0.001), α‐tocopherol (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001), total thiol groups (P < 0.001), ceruloplasmin (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05), and RBC glutathione (P < 0.05) values in both AK and BCC groups compared to controls. Comparison of AK and BCC groups evidenced a significant decrease of α‐tocopherol and RBC glutathione (P < 0.05) in BCC patient.ConclusionPlasma antioxidants are decreased in the AK and BCC, probably due to the long exposure to UV irradiation which is one of the most important factors in the etiology of AK and BCC and α‐tocopherol and RBC glutathione (P < 0.05) are most altered in BCC.
Coexistence of morphea and psoriasis responding to acitretin treatment★
Authors: Bilen Nilgün , Apaydin Rebiay , Erçin Cengiz , Harova Gökhan , Başdaş Füsun , Bayramgürler Dilek 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA large number of dermatoses associated with either morphea and psoriasis have been reported. However, to the best of our knowledge there is only one report in the literature about coexistence of morphea and psoriasis. Here we report a case of morphea and psoriasis that improved with acitretin treatment. The concomitant occurrence of these two dermatoses may be explained by immunological factors or trauma. We think that the improvement of the morphea lesions may be due to an immunomodulatory effect of the drug or a decrease in collagen production by dermal flbroblasts due to retinoic acid.
Lesion topography in two cases of nifedipine‐related pemphigus
Authors: Brenner Sarah , Golan Haim , Bialy‐Golan Anat , Ruocco Vincenzo 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSimilar lesion topography which resembled an inverted fir tree in two patients with nifedipine‐related pemphigus vulgaris is described. The possible relation of the lesion pattern to the offending drug is discussed.
Extracoporeal photochemotherapy in cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wollina U. , Looks A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe report two female subjects with therapy‐resistant cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE), one with subacute cutaneous and the other chronic discoid LE, both treated with extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP). The responses after six and eight cycles of ECP led to a prolonged remission of 18 and 11 months, respectively. ECP seems to be a treatment option for patients not responding to or showing unwanted side‐effects during conventional standard therapy.
Reducing AIDS risk among inner‐city women: a review of the Collectivist Empowerment AIDS Prevention (CE‐AP) Program
Authors: MacKenzie Jean E. , Hobfoll Stevan E. , Ennis Nicole , Kay Jennifer , Jackson Anita , Lavin Justin 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe discuss the process underlying our HTV‐prevention project for young inner‐city women. Health interventions are almost uniformly based on individualistic models of health and behavior. In contrast, AIDS and AIDS prevention, by their very social nature, may require more collectivist principles of disease, health, and intervention. We conducted a behavioral intervention, the Collectivist Empowerment AIDS Prevention (CE‐AP) Program, with young, inner‐city women to deal with this critical health issue. Our primary intervention goal was to promote women's sense of owning and making healthy choices about their bodies. We attempted to accomplish this by emphasizing the concepts of empowerment, collectivism (as opposed to individualism), and culturally sensitive skill building. Collectivism is emphasized to encourage women to involve others in their behavioral health decisions and to gain power through social joining and coalition building. A woman's behavioral decisions affect many others in her life. Thus, involving others in decision making emphasizes the connection between an individual's actions and their impact on interpersonal relationships. CE‐AP was found to be effective in changing safer‐sex behavior and we review our findings and future directions.
Comparative chemical evaluation of two commercially available derivatives of hyaluronic acid (Hylaform® from rooster combs and Restylane® from streptococcus) used for soft tissue augmentation
Authors: Manna F. , Dentini M. , Desideri P. , De Pità O. , Mortilla E. , Maras B. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractHyaluronic acid (HA) derivatives have been developed to try to enhance Theological properties of this molecule to make it suitable for various medical applications. The main dermatological application of HA derivatives is the augmentation of soft tissues, via injection into the dermis. HA derivatives are indicated for the correction of cutaneous contour deficiencies of the skin, particularly in cases of ageing or degenerative lesions or to increase lips. Two HA derivatives have been evaluated: Hylaform® Viscoelastic Gel (Hylan B), derived from rooster combs and subjected to cross‐linking, and Restylane®, produced through bacterial fermentation (streptococci) and stabilized, as declared by the producer. In both cases the purpose is to improve HA rheological characteristics and slow down its degradation once it is in contact with biological structures. Distribution of particle dimensions, pH, protein concentration and rheological properties have been investigated in order to evaluate their reliability as fillers for soft tissue augmentation. The results of the analyses showed that there are differences between Restylane® and Hylaform®. Especially as far as rheological characteristics are concerned, the results outline different structures of the products: Hylaform® behaves as a strong hydrogel, Restylane® as a weak hydrogel; theologically Hylaform® is clearly superior to Restylane®. Hylaform® contains a definitely minor quantity (about a quarter) of cross‐linked hyaluronic acid than Restylane®. Furthermore, although not declared by the manufacturer, Restylane® contains protein, resulting from bacterial fermentation or added to enable cross‐linking reaction; the quantity of proteins contained by Restylane® can be as much as four times the quantity contained by Hylaform®, for the same volume (1 ml). It is evident that Hylaform® offers higher safety margin than Restylane®. Furthermore, wide literature and 20 years of clinical experience on hyaluronan derived from rooster combs confirm the reliability of this derivative while we did not find evidence regarding about the safety of HA obtained from streptococcus.
Simultaneous occurrence of multiple melanoma in situ on sundamaged skin (lentigo maligna), solar lentigo and labial melanosis: the value of dermoscopy in diagnosis
Authors: Massi Daniela , Nardini Paolo , De Giorgi Vincenzo , Carli Paolo 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe report on a patient developing simultaneous occurrence of lentigo maligna lesions, solar lentigines and an extensive melanosis of the oral mucosa. Diagnostically, epiluminescence microscopy had a relevant role in the preoperative assessment and selection of suspicious pigmented lesions, as the lesions histologically labelled as lentigo maligna and solar lentigo were clinically indistinguishable. We review the clinical, dermoscopic and histopathologic differential diagnosis of solar lentigo, malignant lentigo and mucosal melanosis with other melanocytic and keratinocytic lesions and discuss the possible relationship between these entitles.
Squamous cell carcinoma secondary to recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: report of eight tumours in four patients
Authors: Bosch RJ. , Gallardo M.A. , del Portal G. Ruiz , Snchez P. , Arce M.F. , Herrera E. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe development of squamous cell carcinomas is the main cause of death of patients with Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. We think it is of interest to know their clinical characteristics and the treatment difficulties they cause.MethodsWe followed the clinical evolutions and carried out histopathological studies of eight primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas on three males and one female with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Patient ages ranged from 16 to 34 years (mean 27).ResultsTwo patients had two tumours and one three, all were in characteristically scarred skin; four on upper limbs; four on lower. Maximum tumour dimensions ranged from 2 to 28 cm (mean 13), and represented 6 or more months of evolution. In three cases the affected limb must be amputated. Five tumours were well differentiated, three were moderately differentiated.ConclusionsThe patients consulted too late and their large lesions needed aggressive treatment. Appropriate information and regular examination of patients with RDEB helps early diagnosis of tumours and may avoid disabling operations.
Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with 20% paromomycin ointment
Authors: Stanimirović A. , Stipić T. , Skerlev M. , Basta‐Juzbašić A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractCutaneous leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by flagellate protozoa of the genus Leishmania. In Mediterranean countries, the most common causative agents are Leishmania (L.) major, L. infantum and L. tropica. In Croatia, cutaneous leishmaniasis is a rare disease, the last case being reported in 1988. Our patient was a 5‐year‐old boy with a left cheek skin lesion in the form of papule with central exulceration, hyperkeratotic crust and erythema of a 6‐month duration. The diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis was based on history data (stay in the southernmost region of Croatia and multiple mosquito bites), light microscopic histology (dense infiltrates of large histiocytes with extracellular bodies), and positive Montenegro (leishmanin) test. A new therapy with aminosidine (paromomycin), an aminoglycoside antibiotic, in the form of ointment at a concentration of 20%, was for the first time used in Croatia. Four‐week therapy resulted in complete regression of the skin lesions with residual hyperpigmentation. During therapy, no local or systemic side effects were observed. Thus, topical therapy with paromomycin could be considered an efficient therapeutic alternative in the management of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Tobacco smoking contributes little to facial wrinkling
Authors: O'Hare Patricia M. , Fleischer Alan B. , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Feldman Steven R. , Hinds Martha A. , Rassette Sheila A. , McMichael Amy J. , Williford Phillip M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe potential detrimental effects of tobacco smoking have been widely cited. Tobacco smoking has been linked with facial wrinkling, but some previous studies have failed to take into account a number of potential confounders or were unblinded and thus subjective to bias.ObjectiveThis study was designed to determine if there was increased facial wrinkling in smokers directly associated with tobacco usage after controlling for solar risk behavior.SubjectsEighty‐two smokers (<10 cigarettes per day) and 118 non‐smokers (<100 lifetime cigarettes) were recruited. Caucasian participants completed a questionnaire designed to assess demographic variables and other suspected factors related to wrinkling.MethodsThree dermatologists, blinded to demographic information, reviewed three photographs of each subject and rated the wrinkling on a 100 mm visual analog scale. Stepwise linear regression was performed on all variables which attained a P < 0.1 level of independent significance.ResultsOverall the model accounted for 75.4% (P= 0.0001) of the variance in wrinkling, and predictive variables (P < 0.02) included age (partial R2= 0.69), smoking pack years (R2= 0.04), hours of outdoor work (R2= 0.008), freckling (R2= 0.007), and eye color (R2= 0.004). A second model was created excluding age which accounted for 37.8% of the variance. The predictive variables in the second model (P < 0.08) included education (partial R2= 0.08), smoking pack years (R2= 0.05), hours of outdoor work (R2= 0.03), weight change (R2= 0.02), female sex (R2= 0.02), hours of lifetime sun (R2= 0.03), tanning bed use (R2= 0.01), and sunscreen use (R2= 0.02).ConclusionsSmoking may significantly contribute to facial wrinkling, but accounts for only 6% of the explained variance. If there is a role for tobacco smoking in causing wrinkling, this role is a minor one.
Livedo reticularis and cerebrovascular accidents (Sneddon's syndrome) as a clinical expression of antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Gantcheva M. , Tsankov N. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe present two patients with livedo reticularis and cerebrovascular accidents (Sneddon's syndrome) and positive antic‐ardiolipin antibodies. We suggest that these antibodies may be pathophysiologically related to the clinical manifestation observed in some patients with this syndrome. When Sneddon's syndrome is associated with positive anticardiolipin antibodies it could be regarded as antiphospholipid syndrome and fall into this category of nosological entity.
Rhodotorula rubra fungaemia in an immunosuppressed patient
Authors: Papadogeorgakis H. , Frangoulis E. , Papaefstathiou C. , Katsambas A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe report the case of a patient who, following surgical removal of an extensive tumour of the bowel, developed fungaemia. The yeast was isolated from repeated blood and urine cultures and identified as Rhodotorula rubra on the basis of macroscopic and microscopic features. Following treatment with amphotericin B, the patient's condition improved and the cultures became sterile.
Notalgia paresthetica: clinical, physiopathological and therapeutic aspects. A study of 12 cases
Authors: Raison‐Peyron N. , Meunier L. , Acevedo M. , Meynadier J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractNotalgia paresthetica (NP) is a common but often unrecognized neurocutaneous condition, with very few cases reported to date. It is characterized by pruritus localized in an area between D2 and D6 dermatomes, sometimes accompanied by sensory neuropathies and/or electrical conductivity disorders. Cutaneous pigmented patches and friction amyloidosis can arise with irritation. Some hereditary cases have been noted mainly in young patients, associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A. However, NP mainly occurs in older patients and most are sporadic pathologies linked with musculoskeletal compression of spinal nerves. Only capsaicin has shown some (but unfortunately only transient) efficacy in relieving NP symptoms. We present observations on 12 sporadic cases of NP. Spinal X‐rays revealed dorsal arthrosis or spinal static disequilibrium in nine of these patients. Six patients underwent spinal and paraspinal ultrasound or radiation (better) physiotherapy, and the symptoms subsided in four of these cases. These results highlighted that spinal disorders could be a determining factor in NP, indicating that patients could benefit from physiotherapy.
Past and current understanding of the pathophysiology of muscle cramps: why treatment of varicose veins does not relieve leg cramps
Authors: Jansen P.H.P. , Lecluse R.G.M. , Verbeek A.L.M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractHistorically relevant hypotheses on the pathophysiology of muscle cramps are reviewed. Psychosomatic, static, vascular, myogenic and neural theories are highlighted from a clinician's point of view. Modern neurophysiologic research leaves little doubt that muscle cramp is caused by excitation of spinal motor neurones mediated by changes in presynaptic input. Nevertheless, obsolete theories and relative treatments stubbornly persist in clinical practice.
Multiple perifollicular fibromas
Authors: McKenna D.B. , Barry‐Walsh C. , Leader M. , Murphy G.M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPerifollicular fibroma is a benign mesodermal tumour of the hair follicle. It can occur as a solitary papule or as multiple lesions that are clinically indistinguishable from other tumours of the pilar apparatus. Multiple perifollicular fibromas may be inherited although the pattern remains unclear. Adnexal tumours can be associated with internal malignancy and perifollicular fibromas have been linked with adenomatous colonic polyps. This report describes a patient with multiple perifollicular fibromas with no associated malignancy to date and a family pedigree suggestive of an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance.
Hydroxyurea‐induced leg ulcers: is macroerythrocytosis a pathogenic factor?
Authors: Vélez Antonio , García‐Aranda José‐María , Moreno José‐Carlos 
Published: September 2006

AbstractHydroxyurea is a common cancer chemotherapy agent that inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, an enzyme essential to DNA synthesis. It is considered the drug of choice in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia and essential thrombocythemia. The occurrence of leg ulcers have been described in 8.5% of patients receiving continuous treatment with hydroxyurea, but the cause of this complication is unknown. We report two additional patients and suggest that macroerythrocytosis, which occurs in almost all the patients taking hydroxyurea, may be a pathogenic factor. Macroerythrocytosis can be considered as an ‘acquired’ blood dyscrasia, and similar leg ulcers have long been known to occur with certain hereditary blood dyscrasias, such as sickle cell anemia, thalasemia, and spherocytosis.
Mid‐dermal elastolysis associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Authors: Gambichler Thilo , Linhart Carola , Wolter Manfred 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe report the case of a 38‐year‐old Caucasian female presenting asymptomatic plaques of fine wrinkling and perifollicular papular protrusions especially on the trunk. Histological examination evidenced loss of elastic fibers in the mid‐dermis due to elastophagocytosis, with giant cells and granuloma formation. Moreover, elevated titers of thyroid autoantibodies were detected and thyroid ultrasound revealed echo‐poor tissue. These findings met the diagnoses of mid‐dermal elastolysis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This association has not been reported before. We present a comprehensive overview of the literature and discuss the pathogenetic aspects of mid‐dermal elastolysis and the significance of the association with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Primary cutaneous mucormycosis: a diagnosis to consider
Authors: García‐Bustínduy Marta , Guimerá‐Martín‐Neda Francisco , Noda Antonio , Lecuona María , Sánchez‐González Rosalba , de Mesa María José González , Sáez‐Rodriguez Miguel , Martín‐Malagón Antonio , García‐Montelongo Rafael 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPrimary cutaneous mucormycosis is a deep fungal infection, mainly seen in diabetics and immunocompromised subjects. Rapid diagnosis and therapy are necessary to avoid fatal outcome. We describe the complete histopathological and microbiological studies of primary cutaneous mucormycosis in a 74‐year‐old man with several risk factors, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory acidosis, hemolytic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome and iatrogenic diabetes, due to corticosteroid therapy. He developed two cutaneous necrotic scars on his left leg. Mucormycosis was suspected and specimens from surgical debridement were histopathologically and microbiologically studied confirming the clinical diagnosis. Amphotericin B was given topically and intravenously resulting in complete healing of the ulcer. Risk factors and microbiological studies are compared with those in the current literature. It is necessary in certain cases to suspect mucormycosis infections in diabetics, immunocompromised subjects and even in healthy individuals. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are important, but they should be based on complete histopatholgical and microbiological studies, to establish the genus of the causal agent.
Fifth toenail clinical response to systemic antifungal therapy is not a marker of successful therapy for other toenails with onychomycosis
Authors: Avner S , Nir N , Henri T 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground  Onychodystrophy is a major manifestation of onychomycosis. However, nail trauma may also result in onychodystrophy. The fifth toenail, due to its location, suffers repeated friction/pressure trauma from shoes.Objective  To test the hypothesis that treatment failure of fifth toenail onychomycosis is not a marker of treatment failure of other toenails with onychomycosis.Methods  Fifty patients who had fifth toenail deformity (with or without onychomycosis) and onychomycosis of the other toenails were treated with oral terbinafine, 250 mg/day, for 4 months.Results  Forty‐three patients completed the study. Before the study, 26/43 (61%) had callus lateral to the fifth toe (suggesting mechanical pressure in that area). Twenty‐one/43 (49%) of the fifth toenails had onychomycosis. At the end of the treatment period, only 4/21 (19%) of the fifth toenails (with initial onychomycosis), compared with 12/21 (57%) of the other toenails, were completely cured (CC). Out of the whole group (n = 43), the clinical cure rate of the fifth toenail was 4/43 (9%) and for the other toenails, 20/43 (47%) (P < 0.05). The mycological cure rates were 11/21 (52%) for the fifth toenail and 25/43 (58%) for the other toenails. Callus lateral to the fifth toe was associated with a poor clinical result (P < 0.01).Conclusions  Clinical improvement of the fifth toenail after systemic antifungal therapy is less favourable and does not correspond with the clinical cure of the other toenails, mostly because of mechanical factors. Therefore, patients should be told to adjust their expectations as to the visual results of their antifungal treatment.