bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of shrinkage ability of the stratum corneum under dehydration conditions*
Authors: Hatzis John 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Pliability and elasticity of stratum corneum (SC) depends on hydration. The aim of the present study was to introduce a new method for the measurement of the ability of the stratum corneum to shrink following dehydration and rehydration.Methods: The experimental bulla roof of 6 normal volunteers, 3 men and 3 women (40‐60 years old) and 2 patients suffering from x‐linked ichthyosis were examined. The experimental bulla was made on the flexure surface of the left forearm after exposure to NH4OH vapors for 15 min. The measurements were performed by the Cutech In Vivo Extensometer (Stiefel). The instrument arms were retained constant and each force applied upon them was able to recorded by graph, and that force was measured quantitatively. The bulla roof was stuck on the instrument arms, in situ.Results: In the laboratory environment, the adherent SC on the instrument arms was dehydrated and as a result, a shrinkage force appeared which reached a maximum (mean value=21.6 g; force per 0.6 cm2 of SC) at 18‐25 minutes. Artificial SC hydration (2 drops of water for 10 s, separately on each SC surface) showed as a result immediate disappearance of the shrinkage force which was followed by a gradual reappearance of the shrinkage force level at 8‐16 min. This phenomenon had a high reproducibility. Similar phenomena were observed in the SC of the x‐linked ichthyosis patients.Conclusions: We considered that the shrinkage ability of the SC can be used as a marker to study SC hydration; it is also responsible for some clinical problems (chapping during winter, cracking in asteatosis, etc.) and plays an important role in desquamation of a single corneocyte or scale. Our experimental model can be used to evaluate substances or emolients’action on SC hydration.
Image analysis in dermatopathology
Authors: Fleming Matthew G. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Image analysis in dermatopathology has been used for DNA ploidy analysis, morphometry, stereology, and quantitative immunohistochemistry. The object is to review image analysis in dermatopathology and evaluate these modalities and their application in pigmented lesion pathology, for elucidation of tumor behaviour and architecture and as an aid in tumor identification and prognostication.Conclusion: Image analysis in dermapathology has a huge potential. The techniques are difficult and at present mainly used in specialized centres.
Quantitative surface topography as a tool in the differential diagnosis between melanoma and naevus
Authors: Connemann Bernhard J. , Busche Heidrun , Kreusch Jürgen , Teichert Hanns‐Martin , Wolff Helmut H. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: The mainstays of the clinical diagnosis of melanoma are asymmetry, border irregularity, color variegation, and a diameter >6 mm, and any major progress in diagnostic accuracy will probably be related to the development of additional criteria. Such independent criteria might arise from the study of the geometry of the tumour surface, because this quality has been substantially disregarded until now. Our work is aimed at utilizing the surface topography for the differential diagnosis between malignant melanoma and naevocytic naevus.Methods: Dynamically focusing optical profilometry was used to measure the surfaces of negative replicas of melanocytic skin tumours and of the surrounding normal skin. 21 silicone imprints of superficial spreading melanomas and 25 imprints of naevocytic naevi were examined.Results: Melanomas and naevi differed with respect to a variety of statistical surface parameters, and a linear discriminant analysis correctly allocated 19 out of 21 melanomas (90%) and 21 out of 25 naevi (84%). To get an unbiased estimate of the errors to be expected with this classification rule, we calculated bootstrap‐corrections to the apparent errors. Estimated probabilities of correct allocation were 84.1% for melanomas and 77.1% for naevi.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that simple statistical parameters of surface topography can differentiate effectively between malignant melanomas and naevocytic naevi.
Efficient segmentation of large‐area skin images: an overview of image processing*
Authors: Filiberti Daniel P. , Bellutta Paolo , Ngan Phillip , Perednia Douglas A. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: This paper is the first of a series describing research and development performed by the SPOTS project towards automating the process of monitoring pigmented lesions for change over time. A comprehensive overview of digital image processing techniques used for the systematic approach to segmentation of large‐area skin images, including the description and classification of skin features, is presented.Methods: The multiresolution hierarchical segmentation technique, which makes use of image pyramid data structures and cooperative computation with unforced linking, was used to group pixels with similar color properties. This technique was further enhanced to enforce contiguity of segments by determining connected components. The resulting segmentation was then classified by using representative properties of pyramid nodes as input to a cascade of multilayer perceptron neural networks trained using the classical backpropagation algorithm. In order to make our system more resistant to imaging distortions, a technique was developed to grow regions based upon the resulting classification.Conclusions: This system produces a segmentation at multiple resolutions based upon color, where each segment is a contiguous group of pixels on the image. The classification makes use of both spatial and color properties, as well as parent‐child relationships within the pyramid. The addition of classification‐driven region growing reduces the change in lesion area where the boundary fades into surrounding skin. Furthermore, the system contains parameters that can be tuned to provide desirable results.
EEMCO guidance for the assessment of dry skin (xerosis) and ichthyosis: evaluation by stratum corneum shippings
Authors: Piérard Gérald E. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Evaluation of scaliness in xerotic and ichthyotic conditions is conveniently addressed by stratum corneum stoppings.Material/methods: A guidance for the use of sticky slides, casual adhesive tapes, specially designed adhesive‐coated discs and cyanoacrylate skin surface strippings is presented. The samples may be rated by visual inspection, weighting, optical measurements without or after specific staining, and morphometry.Conclusion: The assessment of scaling conditions by stratum corneum stripping methods may be validly used in the laboratory. Interpretations, however, must be cautious. Direct extrapolations with respect to the water content in the stratum corneum should be avoided.
Quantification of cutaneous pharmacological reactions: comparison of laser Doppler scanning, colorimetry, planimetry and skin temperature measurement
Authors: Stücker Markus , Reuther Tilmann , Hoffmann Klaus , Aicher Bernhard , Altmeyer Peter 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: 2‐dimensional laser Doppler scanning distinguishes itself particularly by its good reproducibility with regard to both time and site. The aim of this study was to investigate this relatively new procedure in localised hyperaemic reactions and to compare it to already established techniques.Methods: We used a pharmacological test system with the rubefacient substances nonivamide, nicoboxil, a combination of these 2 substances as well as the inactive ointment base. Prior to and for up to 8 h after application of the test substances, measurements were made of the flow by means of laser Doppler scanning, the skin temperature by means of a probe thermometer, the colour of the skin by means of tristimulus‐color‐imetry and the area of erythema by means of planimetry.Results: With the parameters “maximum hyperaemic area” (laser Doppler scanning), planimetry and the a*‐value of the lab.*‐system (colorimetry), a significant difference was demonstrated between the combination of the active substances and the individual substances (p<0.0002; p<0.002; p<0.0469). The “maximum hyperaemic area” with laser Doppler scanning correlated significantly (p<0.0001) with the planimetrically determined area. The correlation coefficient was high (0.88≤r≤s0.92). The correlation between the “maximum hyperaemic area” and the * a‐value was also significant (p<0.0001), but the correlation coefficient was smaller (0.64≪r≪.82).Conclusions: In summary, in our test system, laser Doppler scanning, colorimetry and planimetry had the same ability to quantify cutaneous pharmacological reactions. Laser Doppler scanning, however, has the advantage that it can be used without any contact whatsoever with the skin.
Differentiation of inflicted dermal burns by high‐frequency ultrasound scanning
Authors: Stender Ida‐Marie , Nakagawa Hidemi , Shimozuma Michiro , Søndergard Jørgen 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: The depth of experimentally inflicted superficial/partial dermal burns and deep dermal burns were non‐invasively evaluated using a 30 MHz B‐mode high‐frequency ultrasound scanner.Material/methods: Superficial and deep burns were produced in 10 Harley female albino guinea pigs. Ultrasound scanning was performed immediately after, and 24, 48, 72 and 96 postbum. Specimens for histology were obtained after 72 h.Results: The echo reflection at the dermis‐subcutaneous interface was easily defined 2 days after burn infliction in all superficial/partial dermal burns, whereas it was disturbed and not detected in any deep dermal burn.Conclusions: It is concluded from our study that the ultrasonography of the deep dermis, especially the dermis‐subcutaneous interface, is of major importance in the diagnostic and prognostic evaluations of burns.
Permeability of protective gloves to sodium lauryl sulfate. Release chambers used as an in vitro test system
Authors: Ramsing Dorte W. , Fullerton Ann 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Gloves are important and necessary in many occupations especially in wet work. They may offer a protection against harmful materials, but many substances may also penetrate protective gloves.Methods: The permeability of 6 different commonly used protective gloves to the anionic detergent sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) was investigated. The gloves were tested as membranes in diffusion cells at 32°C. (35S)SLS 1% was used as permeant and synthetic sweat was used as recipient. Samples were counted on a scintillation counter.Results: During a test period of 24 h, none of the gloves tested were found to be permeable to SLS.Conclusions: The gloves tested were found to offer protection against SLS. The difussion cells were useful for in vitro testing of protective gloves under controlled experimental conditions.
Non‐invasive cosmetic efficacy testing in human volunteers: some general principles*
Authors: Salter David 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: The Sixth Amendment to the European Union's Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC requires “proof of the effect claimed for the cosmetic product, where justified by the nature of the effect or product”. To avoid unnecessary claim support disputes, it may be helpful for there to be discussion in the literature to clarify what is generally considered to be sufficient proof of efficacy. Certainly most will wish to encourage efficacy study methodologies which simultaneously (a) ensure an adequate level of quality based on accepted principles of good scientific investigation; (b) are broad and flexible so that detailed procedure can be adapted to suit local needs and conditions; (c) are relevant to the needs of producers, regulatory authorities and consumers.Conclusion: To progress these aims, it appears that the same basic set of considerations arises in all contexts. This is outlined under a series of key headings in the present paper, which may serve as a basis for further discussion.
In vivo skin relief measurement using a new optical profilometer
Authors: Potorac A. D. , Toma I. , Mignot J. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Usually, skin topography is quantified by means of 2D profilometry using negative‐ or positive‐replicas. To allow a direct in vivo measurement, a new profilometer is built, based on an optical triangulation principle.Conclusion: High speed of measurement can be reached using a non contact profilometer. The ability of a position sensing detector to read the center of gravity of the spot reflected by the skin surface, allows one to reduce the effects of the enlargement due to the skin absorption of the laser beam.
Effects of site and menstrual cycle on barrier function and stratum corneum water‐holding capacity
Authors: Berardesca Enzo , Distante Fernanda , Vignoli Gian Piero , Rabbiosi Giacomo 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Areas of the skin with similar anatomical structure may have different functional behaviour. In vivo barrier function and stratum corneum water‐holding capacity during the menstrual cycle on two sites of the volar forearm (upper and lower) and on the anterior aspect of the thigh were evaluated using the plastic occlusion stress test (POST).Methods: 13 healthy women (age 31 ± 4) with regular menses entered the study. POST was performed by applying a plastic chamber (1.8 cm diameter) on the skin for 24 h. After removal the skin surface water loss (SSWL) was measured using an evaporimeter (EP1‐Servomed, Sweden) every 5 min for 30 min. Measurements were taken on the 10th and 25th day of the menstrual cycle. Statistical analysis was performed using one‐factor Anova for repeated measures. Free and bound water compartments of evaporation were also analysed.Results: Higher hydration and SSWL were detectable on the 25th day of the cycle. However, no significant influence of menstrual cycle was found. Significant differences between the upper and lower volar foream were detected (P < 0.001).Conclusion: The differences observed were mainly related to the evaporation of bound water, confirming a different barrier function at the sites investigated; therefore, it must be taken into account that adjacent skin sites with equal structure may have different functional behaviour.
CaF2:Dy and CaF2 crystal‐based UV dosimeters
Authors: Wulf Hans Christian , Gniadecka Monika 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Monitoring of ultraviolet (UV) exposure in humans is important, since UV has been implicated in the pathogenesis of skin cancer, skin ageing and immunosuppression. Biological and physical dosimeters are being developed to measure occupational and environmental UV radiation exposure. We studied the UV‐dependent thermoluminescence in CaF2:Dy and CaF2 crystals and report on the development of a small personal UV dosimeter based on the thermoluminescent phenomenon.Methods: CaF2:Dy or CaF2 was sensitized to UV by heating for 1‐3 h to 750‐950oC on different supports (porcelain, steel, preheated steel, silicon, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, Fe2O3, Fe3O4). Sensitized crystals were irradiated with UV of different energies and wavelengths. Thermoluminescence of irradiated crystals was measured at different temperatures.Results: Maximal sensitivity of the crystals to UV was obtained after preheating to 900oC on steel and manganese supports. Sensitivity could be improved further by prolonging heating time. CaF2:Dy and CaF2 were most sensitive to short‐wave UVC and UVB radiation. Based on these findings we have constructed personal UVB and UVC dosimeters.Conclusion: Development of personal UVC and UVB dosimeters based on UV‐induced thermoluminescence in CaF2:Dy and CaF2 crystals is feasible. CaF2:Dy and CaF2 crystals are not sensitive enough to long‐wave UV radiation to be used for construction of UVA dosimeters.
In vivo evaluation of sunscreens by spectroscopic methods
Authors: Utz Sergei R. , Knuschke Peter , Sinichkin Yuri P. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: The methods available for testing the efficacy of topical sunscreens have improved considerably in recent years. Nevertheless, so far no simple and rapid test has been proposed to measure in vivo transmission spectra of sunscreens in the UVA region.Methods: Spectral changes that occur after sunscreen application were measured with a fluorescence spectrometer (LS 50B, Perkin Elmer, UK) equipped with a Y‐shape quartz guide for in vivo measurements. Three sunscreens with different protection factors in the UVA range were tested. The excitation‐emission maps of human collagen, skin and sunscreens were analysed.Results: As a consequence of the human skin and sunscreen fluorescence map analysis, the optimal spectral regions (both for direct and indirect fluorescence measurements) were detected. In vivo fluorescence and remittance spectroscopy were used to investigate the time dependence in transmission spectra of epidermis with applied sunscreens. We also evaluated the feasibility of in vivo fluorescence measurements for the investigation of the sunscreens’water‐resistance.Conclusion: The procedure is simple, and values obtained can be used to predict UVA protection on the basis of the mathematical algorithms.
Analysis of laser Doppler perfusion images of experimental irritant skin reactions
Authors: Wårdell Karin , Andersson Thomas , Anderson Chris 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) permits measurement of skin blood flow changes in patch test reactions. It is, as yet, unclear how collected data can best be handled and presented in order to maximize the possible discriminatory advantage of the imaging technique and to make the selection of data for statistical analysis as objective as possible. The aim of the present study was to compare a new software program (LDISOFT) for the analysis of LDPI images with the built‐in standard statistical functions in the LDPI system (PIM 1.0). In addition, a modification of the software was used to gather additional data by performing sequential perfusion images.Methods: A dithranol cream was applied under Finn chambers for 30, 60 and 90 min on the ventral forearm skin of three volunteers. Photographic documentation and LDPI recordings were performed immediately after the removal of the Finn chambers and at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. By the use of the above mentioned software, rectangular and threshold selected regions of interest were used to find an optimal way of calculating the mean perfusion and extent of the reactions.Results: An LDISOFT threshold of 2 V was adequate and showed agreement (r<0.902, n=78) between mean perfusion analysis performed by LDISOFT (threshold‐steered region of interest) and LDPI statistics (rectangular region of interest). The LDISOFT program had the added advantage of comparing application‐site size with reaction size. Sequential recordings showed both spatial and temporal perfusion variability.Conclusions: Utilization of the full potential of LDPI will involve optimization of data analysis and presentation. A more “automated” system for data analysis will reduce bias due to subjective selection of analysis area. Particularly in weaker reactions, in irregular shaped or ring reactions and when there is non‐specific background irritation, this may represent an advantage. Averaging of sequential recordings reduced background noise.
Measurement of skin mechanics
Authors: Jemec Gregor B. E. , Gniadecka Monika , Jemec Barbara 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Skin mechanics may be affected by a number of dermatological and systemic conditions, and reliable quantification of skin distension may therefore be of considerable interest. This study was undertaken in order to assess the intra‐and inter‐individual variation of measurements of skin distensibil‐ity when using Dermaflex A.Methods: Dermaflex is a suction device that measures the deformation of the skin surface within a 10‐ mm cup following application of given suction. Three levels of suction were studied on the flexural side of the forearm in 19 healthy volunteers.Results: Increasing levels of suction produced significantly increasing skin distension (P<0.0001) with a significant non‐linear trend (P=0.0310). Inter‐individual variation (coefficient of variation range 15.43‐27.88%) was significantly larger than intra‐individual variation (coefficient of variation range 9.16‐11.45%, P=0.0031) throughout the range of suction tested. There was no significant difference between the intra‐ and inter‐individual coefficients of variation with different levels of suction.Conclusion: The results suggest that measurements of skin distensibility can be a useful method for objective determination of skin mechanics.
Diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon by thermography
Authors: Ammer Kurt 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: The aim was to clarify whether cold fingers before a moderate cold stress test can predict a prolonged delay (more than 20 min) in rewarming, as diagnostic for Raynaud's phenomenon.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 71 patients suspected of suffering from Raynaud's phenomenon. The thermal gradient from the metacarpophalangeal joints to the finger tips was calculated for each finger and cold fingers were defined by a temperature difference of more than −0.5°2C.Results: Combining the frequencies of cold fingers with a diagnosis Raynaud's phenomenon resulted in a sensitivity of 78.4%, a specificity of 72.4% and diagnostic accuracy of 74.0%.Conclusion: Based on a positive predictive value of 58.5%, it was concluded, that a prolonged delay of rewarming after a cold stress test cannot be predicted sufficiently by the presence of cold fingers alone, and that a cold stress test is necessary to confirm the diagnosis objectively.
Can early malignant melanoma be differentiated from atypical melanocytic nevi by in vivo techniques?
Authors: Rao B. K. , Marghoob A. A. , Stolz W. , Kopf A. W. , Slade J. , Wasti Q. , Schoenbach S. P. , De‐David M. , Bart R. S. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims:Atypical melanocytic nevi (AMN) share some or all of the clinical features of malignant melanoma (MM). The clinical sensitivity for diagnosing MM by physicians experienced in evaluating pigmented lesions is reported to range from 73% to 89%. This study attempted to determine whether clinical sensitivity can be increased by dermoscopy (epilumnescence microscopy, dermatoscopy).Methods:A total of 72 melanocytic neoplasms were histologically diagnosed as either AMN or early MM (<1 mm Breslow thickness). Prior to excisional biopsy, each lesion was photographed without oil being applied to its surface (clinical photo); subsequently it was photographed with oil applied (dermoscopic photo). Each 35 mm color transparency, visualized on a rear‐view projector, was analyzed by two experienced and two less experienced observers. Each of them recorded one clinical, one “overall” dermoscopic, and one “scored” dermoscopic diagnosis: either AMN or MM for each.Results:Histologically, 21 lesions were diagnosed as MM and 51 as AMN. The observers, except one of the less experienced, had an increase in sensitivity ranging from 5 to 15% for diagnosing MM with dermoscopy. The increase was higher for the scored dermoscopy than for overall dermoscopy. Diagnostic Accuracy (DA) changed from −20% to +11%. Specificity (SP) changed from −23% to +24% with scored dermoscopy. Three of the 21 MMs were missed by one or more observers using all three in vivo diagnostic methods.Conclusions:In this study dermoscopy, when used by experienced dermatologists, increased diagnostic sensitivity and index of suspicion but decreased specificity and diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing MM. Therefore, dermoscopy may result in an increased number of biopsies of benign lesions (AMN), but would decrease the probability of missing MM.