bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The emergence of mucormycosis as an important opportunistic fungal infection: five cases presenting to a tertiary referral center for mycology
Authors: Ameen Mahreen , Arenas Roberto , Martinez‐Luna Eduwiges , Reyes Miguel , Zacarias Rogelio 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground  Mucormycosis, a rare opportunistic fungal infection, is re‐emerging in importance with the increase in prevalence of immunosuppressive states, both as a result of therapy and disease.Methods  We report five cases of mucormycosis diagnosed by the Dermatology Department and managed jointly with the Medical and Surgical Services of “Dr Manuel Gea Gonzalez” General Hospital in Mexico City, a tertiary referral center for mycology. We also review the current literature including recent advances in medical therapy.Results  Four of the five cases were of the rhino‐orbital‐cerebral variant, commonly associated with significant mortality, and one of these patients died despite early diagnosis and aggressive management. The fifth case was primary cutaneous mucormycosis and this patient survived infection without relapse. Diabetic ketoacidosis predisposed to infection in four cases and the other was associated with advanced human immunodeficiency virus infection. Radiologic imaging was important in cases of facial involvement in order to evaluate the extent of disease and possible intracranial involvement. All cases were managed with systemic antifungals and surgical debridement, together with the treatment of predisposing factors.Conclusions  These cases illustrate the need for early clinical recognition and prompt therapy, as well as the requirement for tissue biopsy in order to demonstrate the characteristic morphologic features of this fungal agent in the absence of positive mycology culture results. This report also highlights that, although rhino‐orbital‐cerebral mucormycosis requires effective multidisciplinary management, the disease not uncommonly presents to dermatologists for diagnosis.
Odontogenic focal infection could be partly involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis as exacerbating factor
Authors: Igawa Ken , Nishioka Kiyoshi , Yokozeki Hiroo 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground  A focal infection has been reported to be associated with the pathogenesis of various skin diseases, but, to date, not atopic dermatitis (AD). The objective of the study was to clarify whether the odontogenic focal infection (OFI) could be recognized as one of the exacerbating factors in AD.Methods  Forty‐three patients with AD whose skin conditions were resistant to conventional therapy were examined. An OFI was evaluated by using radiographs. Serum IgE/sCD30 levels were also examined. Skin condition was evaluated by the eczema area and severity index (EASI).Results  Odontogenic focal infection was detected in 13 patients (30%) and this incidence was higher than in the normal population. Moreover, a 3‐month therapy including dental care improved the skin conditions of patients with OFI better than those without OFI.Conclusion  The study concluded that OFI could be involved in the pathogenesis of some types of AD as exacerbating factors.
A comparison of botanical and synthetic substances commonly used to prevent head lice (Pediculus humanus var. capitis) infestation
Authors: Canyon Deon V. , Speare Rick 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground  Pediculosis, caused by head lice (Pediculidae: Pediculus humanus var. capitis), is experiencing a global resurgence, with the prevalence in primary schools averaging as high as 40% in some areas regardless of socioeconomic factors. Control efforts using chemical treatments are becoming increasingly ineffective, with insecticide resistance recorded in several countries. Prevention using repellents and oils would be useful if they limited transmission. Many commercially available substances reputedly have effective repellent qualities, but remain untested.Methods  This study tested the preventative efficacy of N,N‐diethyl‐3‐methylbenzamide (DEET) against several commercially available botanicals to clarify their value as transmission inhibitors, irritants, repellents, and antifeedants.Results  The transfer of head lice to treated hairs was limited by the slippery nature of the oils rather than their repellent qualities. Irritancy was not important because lice proceeded despite being highly irritated, except in the case of coconut. Tea tree and peppermint caused the most repellence, and tea tree and lavender prevented some blood feeding on treated skin. Comparatively, tea tree oil was most efficacious, with DEET ranking equal second overall with coconut, peppermint, and a botanical mixture.Conclusions  Neither DEET nor any of the botanicals tested showed sufficient preventative efficacy to be endorsed.
Granulosis rubra nasi
Authors: Akhdari Nadia 
Published: April 2007

An 18‐year‐old man presented with erythematous lesions over the nose of 1 year's duration without sensitivity to sunlight. He was otherwise well and there was no relevant family history. Physical examination showed excessive sweating of the nose, cheeks, and upper lip, and erythema of the nose covered by beads of sweat and vesicles (Fig. 1). The rest of the physical examination was normal. The skin biopsy showed a discrete mononuclear cell perivascular infiltrate.Hyperhidrosis and erythema of the nose covered by beads of sweatimage
First case of typical Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis treated with miltefosine
Authors: Stojkovic Marija , Junghanss Thomas , Krause Eric , Davidson Robert N. 
Published: April 2007

A 26‐year‐old man presented to our clinic for advice on treatment options regarding cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) with multiple lesions. The biopsy revealed Leishmania amastigotes; Leishmania major was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).11 Leishmania serology (indirect immunofluorescence test) was positive at 1 : 160 (normal, ≤ 1 : 40).Ten weeks earlier, the patient had spent a 1‐week biking holiday in central Tunisia. Two weeks after returning to Germany, he noticed the flaring up of multiple insect bites (> 40) contracted in Tunisia on both arms. The lesions increased in size and axillary lymph node enlargement occurred. Some of the nodular lesions disappeared spontaneously and some increased in size and showed central ulceration. When we first saw the patient, he had six lesions on his right arm and one on his left arm. The largest lesion was on the dorsum of the right hand (Fig. 1) and showed an indurated edge and central ulceration. Before starting systemic treatment, the patient decided to wait a few weeks in case spontaneous improvement occurred. However, 8 weeks later, the ulceration had further increased in size (Fig. 2) from a diameter of 2 cm initially to a diameter of 5 cm. Regional lymphatic spread with palpable nodules along the adjacent lymphatic vessel had occurred. With the patient's informed consent, treatment with oral miltefosine, according to his body weight of 96 kg, was started at 50 mg three times daily for 28 days. The treatment was well tolerated without any subjective side‐effects reported. Liver enzymes, serum creatinine, and urea were monitored during treatment. There was a mild increase in liver enzymes during the third week of treatment: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), 49 U/L (normal, < 35 U/L); alanine aminotransferase (ALT), 107 U/L (normal, < 45 U/L); this resolved spontaneously.Eight weeks before the start of treatmentimageAt the beginning of treatment with regional lymphatic spreadimageTen days after completion of treatment, the rolled edge had disappeared and the central ulcer had almost healed (Fig. 3). Figure 4 shows the lesion 5 months after completion of treatment.Ten days after completion of treatmentimageFive months after completion of treatmentimage
A case of keratitis–ichthyosis–deafness (KID) syndrome
Authors: Watanabe Daisuke , Zako Mcasahiro , Tamada Yasuhiko , Matsumoto Yoshinari 
Published: April 2007

A 26‐year‐old Japanese woman was referred to our hospital with generalized hyperkeratosis associated with keratitis and a hearing defect. The patient was born from nonconsanguineous parents. Her skin was moderately hyperkeratotic at birth. During childhood, the thickness of the skin increased progressively. Bilateral sensorineural deafness was recognized at the age of 3 years. Visual disturbance was noted in later childhood, and corneal transplantations to the right eye were performed twice at the age of 16 and 25 years, but did not improve her visual acuity. There was no family history of similar disease.On physical examination, the patient showed erythematous, keratotic, scaly plaques on the cheeks, auricles, and perioral area (Fig. 1a). A grainy, spiculated, hyperkeratotic papillomatosis was particularly marked on the palms and the edge of the feet (Fig. 1b,c). The nails were slight hypertrophic, but not dystrophic. Ophthalmologic examination revealed the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes and hyperkeratotic lesions of the eyelids (Fig. 1d). Corneal opacification was observed in the right eye. Conjunctivitis and blepharitis with photophobia were also observed in both eyes (Fig. 1d,e). A skin biopsy specimen from the right lower thigh showed basket‐wave hyperkeratosis and papillomatosis of the epidermis. Hyperkeratotic plugs were not observed (Fig. 1f). Laboratory data, including complete blood cell count, sedimentation rate, immunoglobulins and transaminases, urea, cholesterol, and triglycerides were normal.Clinical appearance of the patient. (a) Erythematous, keratotic, scaly plaques on the cheeks, auricles, and perioral area. (b) Grainy, spiculated, hyperkeratotic papillomatosis on the palm. (c) Diffuse keratoderma of the foot. (d) Right eye. Loss of eyebrows and eyelashes; hyperkeratotic lesions of the eyelids and corneal opacification. (e) Left eye. Conjunctivitis of the corneal surface. (f) A skin biopsy specimen from the right lower thigh. Basket‐wave hyperkeratosis and papillomatosis of the epidermis (hematoxylin and eosin stain, ×100)imageWith informed consent, genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples. The complete open reading frame of the GJB2 gene was polymerase chain reaction amplified and sequenced. A transition mutation (148G → A) was detected, resulting in a putative amino acid change from aspartic acid to asparagine at codon 50 (Fig. 2). The mutation was not present in her parents or two siblings. These clinical, pathologic, and genetic data supported the diagnosis of keratitis–ichthyosis–deafness syndrome.Mutation analysis of GJB2 in the patient. A transition mutation (148G → A) in the GJB2 sequence resulting in a putative amino acid change from aspartic acid to asparagine at codon 50image
“Composite graft”: a simple option for nasal lining
Authors: Cordova Adriana , Di Lorenzo Sara , Moschella Francesco 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground  We present our experience in the reconstruction of full‐thickness losses of the substance of the nose using a forehead flap and a composite graft (taken from the anterior surface of the concha and adequately shaped) as both support and endonasal lining. This technique has never been described for the reconstruction of large full‐thickness losses of the substance of the nose. The donor site of the composite graft in the concha is repaired by a Masson retroauricular flap.Methods  This technique was used on 14 patients (age range, 52–92 years) after full‐thickness excision of tumors of the distal third of the nose. Follow‐up was from 1 to 4 years. All the composite grafts were revascularized.Results  The results obtained were stable over time, and rhinoscopy, carried out 6 months after the operation, confirmed a homogeneous aspect and a perfect integration of the graft in the residual mucosa.Conclusions  The use of a composite graft for internal lining and a forehead flap for external skin allowed is to obtain good results with minimal retraction. This technique is simple, fast and almost free of side effects.
Mycotic cysts: report of 21 cases including eight pheomycotic cysts from Saudi Arabia*
Authors: Sheikh Salwa S. , Amr Samir S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground  Mycotic cysts are subcutaneous cystic granulomas caused by either dematiaceous (pigmented) fungi (pheomycotic cysts) or eumycotic (nonpigmented fungi) present in soil, wood, and decaying plant material. These fungi gain access to the tissues via a wooden splinter or thorn. No deep tissue involvement or extension to bone is known to occur.Methods  We reviewed our surgical pathology files for the last 32 years. All cases with the diagnosis of cysts with fungi, thorns, or splinters and associated granulomatous and acute inflammation were reviewed. Gomori's silver and periodic acid–Schiff stains were performed in all cases.Results  Twenty‐one cases of mycotic cyst were found, including eight pheomycotic cysts (one with a recurrent lesion seen 11 months after the initial excision of the cyst). Thirteen cysts had nonpigmented fungal hyphae. There were 14 males and seven females, with an age range of 5–76 years. The dorsum of the foot was the most frequently affected site (12 cases). Four cases involved the fingers, two involved the knee area, two involved the big toe, and one each involved the leg, ankle, and forearm. The cysts measured 0.6–4.5 cm in diameter. Histologically, there was granulomatous inflammation with a variable degree of neutrophilic infiltrate giving central abscess formation. Twelve cases showed a wooden splinter. All cases were positive for fungal organisms, mostly septate hyphae and spores that were highlighted by special stains. Fungal pigment, ranging from yellow–brown to light brown to black, was observed in eight cases. No extension to deep tissues was noted. The clinical impression varied widely including ganglion, sebaceous cyst, giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath, and lipoma. One patient was immunosuppressed following renal transplantation. All patients were treated by simple excision. No antifungal chemotherapy was needed or administered in any of the patients. One patient had a recurrence of his lesion within 1 year as a result of inadequate initial excision. A second re‐excision was curative.Conclusion  Mycotic cysts are uncommonly encountered lesions that can be easily missed, especially in cases with scant fungal elements, thus requiring special stains to detect the organisms. We reported 21 cases of mycotic cyst, including eight pheomycotic cysts, with emphasis on the histopathologic recognition of this unusual entity.
The purse‐string suture revisited: a useful technique for the closure of cutaneous surgical wounds
Authors: Cohen Philip R. , Martinelli Paul T. , Schulze Keith E. , Nelson Bruce R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe purse‐string suture provides complete or partial closure of round postoperative skin defects. It is a rapid and simple procedure to perform. Tension placed on the suture uniformly advances the skin from the entire periphery of the wound, resulting in a significant reduction of the defect size and enhancement of hemostasis at the wound edge. The history, modifications of the technique, advantages, and potential complications of the purse‐string suture are reviewed. It is not only useful following the removal of nonmelanoma skin cancer but also after the local excision of melanoma. In addition, this technique is especially suitable for the repair of round surgical wounds for patients who are unable to modify their active lifestyles during the week following surgery, individuals concurrently being treated with anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents or both, and people with extensive postoperative defects that would otherwise require either a skin graft or a large cutaneous flap. Typically, the site of the surgical wound following partial or complete closure with the purse‐string suture demonstrates excellent long‐term cosmetic and functional results.
Interferon‐α is effective for CD4+, CCR4– mycosis fungoides
Authors: Fujimura Taku , Okuyama Ryuhei , Watabe Akiko , Hashimoto Akira , Tagami Hachiro , Aiba Setsuya 
Published: April 2007

AbstractMycosis fungoides (MF), a cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, is usually characterized by cell features of T‐helper‐2 (Th2) lymphocytes. MF has recently been reported to show increased CCR4 expression, a chemokine receptor specifically expressed in Th2. Previously, we have reported the effectiveness of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) for the treatment of CCR4+ MF. In this report, we describe two cases of CD4+, CCR4– MF successfully treated with IFN‐α, but not IFN‐γ. Although MF usually displays a Th2 profile, the tumor cells in our two cases did not express CCR4. Our cases suggest the effectiveness of IFN‐α, but not IFN‐γ, for CCR4– MF.
Livedoid vasculopathy and hypercoagulability in a patient with primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Cardoso Raquel , Gonçalo Margarida , Tellechea Oscar , Maia Rosa , Borges Catarina , Silva J. A. Pereira , Figueiredo Américo 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground  A 31‐year‐old woman presented with a 5‐year history of painful ulcerations, palpable purpura, porcelain‐white atrophic scars of the malleolar region and dorsal aspect of the feet, livedo reticularis on the limbs, arthralgia, xerophthalmia, and xerostomia.Methods  Skin biopsy revealed vessel wall hyalinization and thrombosis of the microvasculature with a very scarce dermal inflammatory infiltrate. Biopsy of the oral mucosa showed mononuclear infiltration of an intralobular duct of a salivary gland.Results  Laboratory studies, including autoantibodies and inflammation markers, were normal, except for a positive rheumatoid factor. Coagulation screening revealed C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutation, with a normal serum homocysteine. The patient was treated with oral methylprednisolone (32 mg/day with progressive reduction) and enoxaparin (20 mg/day subcutaneously), with complete ulcer healing within 4 months.Conclusion  Livedoid vasculitis or vasculopathy has not been referred to previously in association with Sjögren's syndrome, but may be associated with other autoimmune disorders and anomalies of coagulation, namely factor V Leiden mutation, protein C deficiency, and MTHFR mutation, associated or not with hyperhomocysteinemia, a condition that seems to confer an increased risk of recurrent arterial and venous thrombosis. We stress the importance of anticoagulant therapy for ulcer healing and for the prevention of other thrombotic events.
Determination of lead, arsenic and mercury in cosmetic formulations at modified electrodes
Authors: WANG LAI‐HAO , TIEN HSIEN‐JU 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisLead, arsenic and mercury in cosmetic formulations digested with HNO3+ HF (10:3) or HNO3+ H2SO4 (5:1) in a microwave oven were determined, respectively, by the thin mercury film electrode, gold electrode and thin gold film electrode in sodium acetate buffer, in 6 m HNO3 and 0.1 m HCIO4 solution. Comparison with results obtained from atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis (AAS) showed good agreement. The detection limits were 0.38 ppb (μgl‐1), 0.66ppb and 0.04ppb for lead, arsenic and mercury, respectively, using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. The detection limits for lead, arsenic and mercury were 0.53 ppb, 1.24ppb and 0.40ppb, respectively, using AAS. The two methods proposed were applicable to the determination of concentrations at ppb levels of commercial cosmetic formulations.
Comparison of different separative techniques in the quantitative determination of active compound enclosed in liposomal systems
Authors: BONINA F. , MONTENEGRO L. , ROSA C. LA , GASPARRI F. , LEONARDI R. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisThe suitability of three different separative techniques, dialysis, gel filtration and centrifugation, for determining the percentage of active compound included (PAI) in liposomal systems was assessed. Two model compounds, glucose and vitamin E acetate were encapsulated in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), soybean lecithin (SL) and hydrogenated soybean lecithin (HSL) multilamellar vesicles (MLV). Vitamin E acetate PAI values from DPPC MLV liposomes obtained by dialysis, gel filtration and centrifugation, were compared with those determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Glucose PAI values from DPPC MLV liposomes, obtained using the same separative techniques, were compared with that calculated by taking into account the glucose content of the liposome internal aqueous phase on the basis of liposome mean size determined by light scattering.Vitamin E acetate and glucose PAI values from SL and HSL liposomes were compared with those obtained for DPPC liposomes. Dialysis proved suitable for PAI determination for both lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds, centrifugation was found to be suitable only for the determination of lipophilic compound PAI values while gel filtration using Sephadex G‐25M proved inadequate for the determination of PAI values for both lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds in the experimental conditions used in this study.
The galenic behaviour of a dermopharmaceutical excipient containing honey
Authors: JIMÉNEZ M.M. , FRESNO M.J. , SELLÉS E. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisThis paper describes the design of an emulsion cream, obtained from a self‐emulsifying base, to which lavender honey has been added. Physical, galenic and stability studies and assays, and rheological analyses, are used to describe the qualities and properties of the honeyed cream under study. The formula is presented as an ivory‐coloured cream with a light lavender scent and agreeable organoleptic characteristics. From a rheological viewpoint this is very adequate for spreading and applying onto the skin because of its thixotropic behaviour. The emulsion is stable and perfectly adaptable to the requirements of this type of skin application.
Use of infrared spectroscopy for in vivo measurement of the stratum corneum moisturization after application of costmetic preparations
Authors: WICHROWSKI K. , SORE G. , KHAÏAT A. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryIn this study the moisturization of the stratum corneum was assessed using a non‐invasive and non‐destructive in vivo method, i.e., Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy. First, the values of absorption band integrations were recorded for the non‐treated skin. Next, the results after application of various cosmetic preparations were reported and correlated with corneometric findings.
Use of polymeric and non‐polymeric surfactants in o/w emulsion formulation
Authors: CARLOTTI M.E. , PATTARINO F. , GASCO M.R. , CAVALLI R. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryAn acrylic/alkyl acrylate co‐polymer and a mixture of non‐ionic surfactants (sorbitan monostearate and sorbitan monostearate(20)OE) were used to prepare o/w emulsions for cosmetic use. Formulations with optimal performances were obtained by selecting appropriate percentages of components through statistical procedures. The non‐polymeric surfactants were seen to affect the stability and appearance of the emulsion, although they were used at low percentages (0.3–0.6%), and were seen to interact with the polymer in different ways. The influence of twelve w/o emulsifiers (alcohol‐, glyceryl‐ and sorbitan‐derivatives) on the emulsion was examined and models of stability and thixotropic module were calculated: the thixotropic behaviour of the emulsion depended on the structural characteristics of hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties of the w/o surfactant molecule.