bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EFFECTIVE DETECTION OF PLANTAR MALIGNANT MELANOMA
Authors: SAIDA TOSHIAKI , ISHIHARA YOKO , TOKUDA YASUTAKA 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background: As the sole of the foot is the most prevalent site of malignant melanoma in non‐Caucasians, early detection of the neoplasm at this anatomical site is very important. In our previous study, we proposed a clinical guideline that acquired melanocytic lesions on the sole larger than 7 mm in maximum diameter should be examined histologically. Methods: Eighty‐one Japanese patients with the complaint of plantar pigmented lesions were screened at our dermatology clinic during 3 years using the 7‐mm criterion. Results: Of the total 80 melanocytic lesions on the sole, 14 lesions were larger than 7 mm in maximum diameter, excluding congenital lesions. Diagnoses of the 14 “large” lesions were as follows: advanced malignant melanoma, 8 lesions; early malignant melanoma (malignant melanoma in situ), 1 lesion; acquired melanocytic nevus, 4 lesions, and volar melanotic macule, 1 lesion. Conclusions: The present study confirmed the validity of the 7‐mm criterion for the early effective detection of plantar malignant melanoma.
RETICULATE ACROPIGMENTATION OF KITAMURA: TWO CASE REPORTS
Authors: EREL ARZU , GURER MEHMET ALI , EDALI NACI 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Reticulate acropigmentation of Kitamura (RAK) is an autosomal dominantly inherited dermatosis. Case Reports. Two patients are described with the clinical and histopathologic features of reticulate acropigmentation of Kitamura. Conclusions. We speculate that RAK and the Dowling‐Degos disease (DDD) are the same diseases.
USE OF TOPICAL MINOXIDIL THERAPY FOR ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA IN WOMEN
Authors: JACOBS JAMES P. , SZPUNAR CHERYL A. , WARNER MICHAEL L. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in men and women. Androgenetic alopecia in women begins as a diffuse and progressive thinning of the frontoparietal area of the scalp. In women, hair loss at any age is socially unacceptable and may be the basis of psychiatric illness. Methods. A 32‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted in 10 European centers to assess the efficacy and safety of 2% topical minoxidil solution for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women. Two hundred ninety‐four of the 346 women enrolled (85%) completed the 32‐week trial. Photographic and computer imaging techniques were used at each visit to determine objectively the number of nonvellus hairs present in a 1‐cm2 area selected as the target evaluation site. Results. In the 2% minoxidil group, the mean increase in nonvellus hair count was 33 hairs, which was significantly greater than that of 19 hairs in the placebo group (P = 0.0001). The investigators observed that 44% of the patients in the 2% minoxidil group achieved new hair growth compared with 29% in the placebo group. When asked to evaluate their own hair growth, 55% of the women in the 2% minoxidil group compared to 41% of the women in the placebo group believed that they had achieved new hair growth. No clinically significant changes in vital signs were observed during the study and no serious or unexpected medical events were reported. Conclusion. Topical minoxidil solution was significantly more effective than placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women.
TOPICAL MINOXIDIL THERAPY FOR ANDROGENIC ALOPECIA IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Authors: KARAM PAULA 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. A 48‐week open label trial was conducted in five Middle‐Eastern countries (Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates) to determine the safety and efficacy of 2% minoxidil in the treatment of early androgenic alopecia and to compare the response with Western countries. Methods. One hundred and ninety‐five men aged between 19 and 47 years were enrolled. The duration of their baldness varied from 6 months to 10 years, and they all showed a type III vertex or type IV of the modified Hamilton scale. Baldness pattern, diameter of the balding area, hair counting within a 2.5 cm bald patch as well as investigator's and patient's evaluation were regularly noted. Results. No significant changes were observed in vital signs or laboratory parameters. Of the 161 patients considered evaluable at 48 weeks, 80% showed moderate to dense growth. The mean increase in nonvellus hair at 12 months was 234. Conclusions. The age of the patient and the type of baldness rather than its duration affected the final outcome.
SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF A PATIENT WITH RECURRENT FURUNCULOSIS BY VITAMIN C: IMPROVEMENT OF CLINICAL COURSE AND OF IMPAIRED NEUTROPHIL FUNCTIONS
Authors: LEVY RACHEL , SCHLAEFFER FRANCISC 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Neutrophils play a critical role in host defense against a variety of microbial pathogens. There is much information to suggest a role for vitamin C in the physiology of neutrophils. Thus, the effects of vitamin C treatment were studied in a patient with a history of recurrent furunculosis who showed altered neutrophil functions. Methods. Superoxide generation was measured by cytochrome C reduction. Phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan by neutrophils and chemotaxis on agarose plates were determined. Results. Chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and superoxide generation of the patient's neutrophils were significantly lower than those of the matched control. Treatment with vitamin C (500 mg/day) for 30 days caused a dramatic clinical response and a significant improvement of all three neutrophil functions to values similar to those of the controls. Conclusions. We suggest that the patient described here had a temporary defect in neutrophil functions. The treatment with vitamin C probably prevented neutrophil oxidation, thus contributing to recovery of neutrophil function and arrest of furunculosis.
SUICIDAL IDEATION IN PSORIASIS
Authors: GUPTA MADHULIKA A. , SCHORK NICHOLAS J. , GUPTA ADITYA K. , KIRKBY SUEANN , ELLIS CHARLES N. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Psoriasis has been associated with depressive disease and case reports of completed suicide. Methods. 217 consenting psoriasis patients completed the Carroll Rating Scale for Depression (CRSD), a 52‐item self‐rated scale, with four of the Items directly addressing wishes to be dead and suicidal ideation. The patients also self‐rated the severity of their psoriasis. Results. 9.7% of patients reported a wish to be dead, and 5.5% reported active suicidal ideation at the time of the study. The death wish and suicidal ideation were associated with higher depression scores (P < 0.0001) and higher patient self‐ratings of psoriasis severity (P < 0,05). Patient self‐reports of psoriasis severity correlated directly with the overall depression scores (r = 0.39), P < 0.0001). Conclusions. The comorbidity between depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and psoriasis severity is in contrast with reports that severe depression and suicidal ideation are mainly a feature of life‐threatening medical disorders such as malignancies. Our finding may have important implications in the management of psoriasis.
LEPROMIN RESPONSES IN RECIPIENTS OE A CANDIDATE ANTILEPROSY BACTERIN VACCINE (WHO‐IMMLEP MYCOBACTERIUM LEPRAE KILLED PREPARATION) IN THE USA
Authors: KROTOSKI WOJCIECH A. , MROCZKOWSKI TOMASZ E. , SHANNON EDWARD J. , MILLIKAN LARRY E. , SANCHEZ RITA M. , HASTINGS ROBERT C. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Identification of the nine‐banded armadillo as a potential source of massive numbers of Mycobacterium leprae led to the development of a candidate bacterin vaccine for possible immunoprophylaxis. Methods. Volunteers were from a leprosy‐hypoendemic, nonBCG‐using area (USA). They had been vaccinated intradermally 3 years earlier with a candidate antileprosy bacterin vaccine of irradiated and autoclaved Mycobacterium leprae obtained from experimental nine‐banded armadillos. They were tested for dermal responsiveness to standard lepromin A. Results. Values for induration and erythema appeared slightly greater for the vaccinated group; however, the differences were not statistically significant, indicating no appreciable ‘anamnestic’ effect on either Fernandez (early) or Mitsuda (late) reactions after 3 years. Conclusions. Because previous studies had demonstrated that administration of this bacterin produced no humoral changes, it now appears less probable that laboratory methods will be of much help in assessing even possible effectiveness of such vaccination.
PLICA NEUROPATHICA AFTER USING HERBAL SOAP
Authors: RAMANAN CHERUKOT , GHORPADE ASHOK 
Published: May 2007

A 22‐year‐old woman was referred to dermatology from oncology for an opinion regarding the sudden matting of scalp hair of 10 days duration. A case of primary infertility for 7 years, this patient was undergoing chemotherapy with doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and cisplatin after operative removal of a papillary cystadenoma (clear ceil type) from her left ovary 40 days previously.She had noticed a sudden matting of her hair 3 to 4 hours after using a soap containing Acacia concinna for washing her hair. All efforts to disentangle the matted hairs were futile. She was feeling very uncomfortable because of the heavy solid mass of tangled hair. She told of rubbing her wet hair and using a wet towel to cover her hair after use of the soap. She denied earlier use of the soap, shampoo, setting lotions, bleaches, or hair dye. She had not cut her hair since early childhood.Examination showed a huge, firm almost stony mass of severely tangled hair on her scalp, which was more marked over the vertex and occipital areas (Figs. 1 and 2). The hairs in the frontal area were free, thin, and straight. The skin over the entire scalp was normal. On light microscopy, a few hairs showed features of trichorrhexis nodosa. Routine hematology was normal. The patient was unable to tolerate the pain and discomfort because of the stony hard mass. She shaved her head and offered her hair in a temple, as is a common custom in parts of South India.
PHOTOSENSITIZING POTENTIAL OF OFLOXACIN
Authors: SCHEIFE RICHARD T. , CRAMER WENDY R. , DECKER EDWARD L. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. The relative phototoxic risk of ofloxacin, one of the newer fluoroquinolones, was compared with that of an active control of known but low phototoxic risk, naproxen. Methods. A randomized, controlled, open‐label trial was used with a standardized phototoxic assay completed at baseline, midway through, and at the termination of the 12‐day trial. The trial was held at a dermatology research laboratory located at a large tertiary referral and teaching hospital. Thirty healthy volunteers who met the inclusion criteria and met none of the exclusion criteria were enrolled. Twenty‐seven patients completed the trial. Three subjects failed to complete the trail. One subject developed an exaggerated response to the Initial photoexposure and was dropped from the study. The other two subjects failed to return for follow‐up visits. Results. Both ofloxacin and the active control agent, naproxen, significantly increased the subjects’ response to the tested solar and ultraviolet irradiation. There was, however, no significant difference between the responses observed for ofloxacin versus naproxen at any time. Conclusions. Ofloxacin possesses a definite but low potential to cause phototoxic reactions in humans. These study data, in concert with surveillance data, suggest a hierarchy of phototoxic risk among the fluoroquinolones: fleroxacin ≫ lomefloxacin, pefloxacin ≫ ciprofloxacin > enoxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin. The impact that phototoxicity risk will have on selecting the optimum member of a large drug family appears to be substantial in outpatient and ambulatory settings and minimal in inpatient settings.
FEASIBILITY OF A REGISTRY OF PEMPHIGUS IN ITALY: TWO YEARS EXPERIENCE
Authors: NALDI LUIGI , BERTONI MAURIZIO , CAINELLI TULLIO ,   GRUPPO ITALIANO STUDI EPIDEMIOLOGICI IN DERMATOLOGIA (GISED)
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. There are still unanswered questions about optimal treatment strategies and long‐term prognosis of pemphigus. The Italian Group for Epidemiologic Research in Dermatology (GISED) started to register pemphigus in March 1990. Methods. The registry is hospital‐based, covering newly diagnosed cases referred to 33 dermatologic centers in the north and the middle‐south of Italy. Serum samples were collected at the time of diagnosis, for centralized storage. Results. In the period between March 1990 and December 1991, 110 cases were collected, with 105 retained. Median age at diagnosis was 54, and the man to woman ratio was 0.7. The median lag of diagnosis was 4 months. Seventy‐four of 79 patients with pemphigus vulgaris/vegetans and 24 of the 26 with pemphigus erythematosus/foliaceus were given corticosteroid treatment. Conclusions. A hospital‐based registry is feasible and provides useful information about both clinical aspects and management of pemphigus, serving as a basis for developing ad hoc research programs (e.g., formal epidemiologic studies and clinical research).
STEVENS‐JOHNSON SYNDROME AND TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS IN THAILAND
Authors: LEENUTAPHONG VICHIT , SIVAYATHORN APICHATI , SUTHIPINITTHARM PUAN , SUNTHONPALIN PATCHAREE 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are potentially life‐threatening illnesses that have often been linked to drug exposure. Methods. We looked retrospectively for all cases of SJS and TEN that were admitted to Siriraj Hospital between 1981 and 1990 to determine the drug etiology. Results. Fifty‐eight cases of SJS and 20 cases of TEN were identified. Eight patients initially had an SJS‐like aspect, which subsequently evolved into TEN. A culpable drug was determined in 60 patients (77%). The mean time from first drug administration to onset of SJS or TEN was 6.8 ± 6.5 days (range, 1 to 28 days). A longer incubation period was observed with thiacetazone (10.5 ± 5.6 days), phenytoin (12 ± 8.5 days), and carbamazepine (11.3 ± 3.4 days). Conclusions. The culprit drugs included the following: antibiotics, 32 cases (penicillin, sulfonamides, tetracycline, erythromycin); anticonvulsants, nine (phenytoin, carbamazepine, barbiturates); antitubercular drugs, eight (thiacetazone); analgesics, four (acetylsalicylic acid, fenbufen); sulfonylurea, two; allopurinol, one; and others, four. The most frequent underlying diseases justifying the ingestion of one or more drugs in our patients were infections (52.7%), followed by pulmonary tuberculosis (10.8%), and by seizures (8.1%). The total mortality rate was 14%; 5% for SJS, and 40% for TEN. Mortality was not affected by the type of drug responsible.
MULTIPLE CUTANEOUS GRANULAR CELL TUMORS WITH SYSTEMIC DEFECTS: A DISTINCT ENTITY?
Authors: BAKOS LUCIO 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. The association between cutaneous granular cell tumors and systemic defects Is extremely rare, this being the tenth case reported in the literature. The reported defects in the literature include lentiginosis, face and skull alterations, heart defects, muscular and neural pathologies, among other sporadic defects in other organs. The patients do not present visceral granular cell tumors. Case Report. An 11year‐old girl had 124 skin granular cell tumors associated with face and skull defects, pulmonary stenosis, EEG and other neurologic alterations, diffuse muscle hypotonia, and an excess of finger joint mobility. Conclusions. The combination of multiple cutaneous granular cell tumors with repeated alterations in other organs seems to be more than simply coincidental, thus suggesting a syndromic separate entity.
LUPUS MILIARIS DISSEMINATUS FACIEI‐PATHOLOGIC STUDY OE EARLY, FULLY DEVELOPED, AND LATE LESIONS
Authors: EL DAROUTI MOHAMED , ZAHER HESHAM 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei is a chronic inflammatory disorder, which affects adults of both sexes. Methods. This study included 25 patients with lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei. Three biopsies, representing early, fully developed, and late lesions, were taken from each patient. Results. Histopathologic examination of the different lesions revealed that in early lesions, all of them showed superficial perivascular and periappendigeal cellular infiltrate composed mostly of lymphocytes and few histiocytes with occasional neutrophils. The fully developed lesions showed a sarcoidal granuloma only (40%), sarcoidal granuloma with abscess (24%), sarcoidal granuloma around areas of caseation necrosis (20%), and a mixture of sarcoidal and tuberculoid granulomas (16%). Conclusions. All the late lesions showed extensive fibrosis especially in the perifollicular areas. Scattered lymphocytes, histiocytes and neutrophils were present within the fibrotic areas. A possible explanation of the pathogenesis is discussed.
WIDESPREAD PRIMARY CUTANEOUS INFECTION WITH MYCOBACTERIUM FORTUITUM
Authors: ROTMAN DARRIN A. , BLAUVELT ANDREW , KERDEL FRANCISCO A. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Cutaneous infection with Mycobacterium fortuitum, a ubiquitous rapid growing atypical mycobacterium, most often occurs as a postsurgical wound complication or at the site of a penetrating injury to the skin. Rarely, disseminated infection with cutaneous involvement can occur in immunocompromised patients. Case Report. A 47‐year‐old black woman presented with a 10‐year history of numerous draining abscesses and tender nodules on the back and buttocks unresponsive to oral and intravenous antibiotics. Biopsy showed a granulomatous and suppurative dermatitis and panniculitis and special stains did not reveal organisms. M. fortuitum was cultured from involved skin on two separate occasions. The patient improved with a 2‐week course of intravenous amikacin and cefoxitin combined with oral probenecid followed by a course of doxycycline and ciprofloxacin. Conclusions. Widespread primary cutaneous infection with M. fortuitum may occur in an immunocompetent patient. Chronic draining skin abscesses unresponsive to routine antibiotics may represent infection with an atypical mycobacterium; tissue cultures of affected skin should be performed to rule out this possibility. Therapy should be directed by culture sensitivity results.
CLARITHROMYCIN IN THE TREATMENT OF SKIN AND SKIN STRUCTURE INEECTIONS: TWO MULTICENTER CLINICAL STUDIES
Authors: PARISH LAWRENCE CHARLES ,   THE CLARITHROMYCIN STUDY CROUP
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Clarithromycin is a new macrolide analog of erythromycin with activity against a number of dermatologic pathogens. Methods. The efficacy and safety of clarithromycin, 250 mg bid, were compared with those of reference drugs, cefadroxil and erythromycin, in two multicenter studies: (1) a randomized, double‐blind 45‐center study, in which clarithromycin or cefadroxil 500 mg bid was given for 5–14 days; and (2) a single‐blind 31‐center study, in which clarithromycin or erythromycin, 250 mg qid, was given for ≤ 14 days. Results. In the first study, efficacy and safety were evaluated in 299 and 538 patients, respectively. In the second study, the numbers were 141 and 261 patients, respectively. Overall, clarithromycin was as effective and safe as cefadroxil and erythromycin. Conclusions. Clarithromycin provides an alternative therapy to cefadroxil and erythromycin for skin and skin structure infections, especially in beta‐lactam allergic patients.
IN VITRO SUSCEPTIBILITY OF DERMATOPHYTES TO ANTIFUNGAL DRUGS: A COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS
Authors: MACURA ANNA B. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. There is an evidence that some fungal strains are resistant to certain antimycotic drugs with resulting therapeutic failures. Unlike testing of antibacterial agents, the activity of these drugs against the given fungal strains is not tested routinely. The paper presented is an approach to such a procedure. Methods. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values obtained using the dilution method were compared with the diameters of growth inhibition zones using the disk‐diffusion method. Seven antifungal drugs (graiseofulvin, natamycin, naftifine, clotrimazole, bifonazole, miconazole, ketoconazole) were tested with 80 fungal strains, including Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, and Epidermophyton floccosum. Results. The majority of fungal strains were inhibited by griseofulvin at concentrations not exceeding 10 mg/L. The least susceptible was T. mentagrophytes. The most effective drug was naftifine, and the least effective was natamycin. Naftifine inhibited 98.75% of the strains tested at a concentration not exceeding 1.0 mg/L. An increase of the MIC value was accompanied by a decrease in the growth inhibition diameter. The relation was statistically significant. Conclusions. T. rubrum strains are more susceptible to antifungal drugs than T. mentagrophytes. Naftifine proved to be the most effective drug in dermatophytoses. Natamycin is a useful drug against yeast‐like fungi but not against dermatophytes. The disk‐diffusion method of fungal susceptibility assessment yields data consistent with results obtained from the dilution method and is recommended for routine use because of its simplicity.
ACUTE FEBRILE NEUTROPHILIC DERMATOSIS (SWEET'S SYNDROME)
Authors: SITJAS DOLORS , PUIG LLUIS , CUATRECASAS MIRIAM , DE MORAGAS JOSÉ M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground. Sweet's syndrome is well recognized and not infrequently diagnosed in Spain; however, the range of clinical and pathologic expression may not have been fully realized.Methods. We reviewed 30 consecutive Spanish cases of Sweet's syndrome diagnosed in our department from 1979 to 1990, with special attention to clinical and histopathologic findings.Results. Distinctive clinical features in our series included oral mucosa lesions in four patients (13%), development of pathergy phenomenon in one case, concurrent nodular lesions resembling erythema nodosum on the limbs in nine cases (30%), and lung involvement in two patients. Infectious disease and drug treatment were recorded as possible triggering factors of Sweet's syndrome in eight and seven patients respectively. Associated underlying systemic disorders were present in 15 (50%) of our patients. The most frequent associations were hematologic neoplasia in four patients, solid neoplasia in two, and chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease in three patients. Dressler's syndrome and sicca syndrome were found in one patient each. Histopathologic studies of skin biopsy specimens obtained at presentation disclosed typical features of Sweet's syndrome in all cases. Epidermal involvement, with variable degrees of spongiosis, exocytosis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and keratinocyte necrosis, was a prominent feature in 83% of biopsy specimens.Conclusions. Further characterization of the clinicopathologic spectrum of Sweet's syndrome is necessary as the recognition of the full spectrum of this syndrome will improve our diagnostic abilities and provide a solid clinical basis for prospective studies that allow dissection of the intricate pathomechanisms involved in this fascinating disorder.
POST‐KALA‐AZAR DERMAL LEISHMANIASIS: A CLINICAL AND THERAPEUTIC STUDY
Authors: RAMESH VENKATESA , MISRA RADHEY SHYAM , SAXENA UMA , MUKHERJEE ASHOK 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground. Post‐kala‐azar dermal leishmaniasis is a condition peculiarly confined to the Indian subcontinent.Methods. The clinical features and investigations in 18 patients of post‐kala‐azar dermal leishmaniasis were studied.Results. There was a polymorphic picture from hypopigmented macules to nodules and plaques. Mucous membranes were affected in five, the lips and glans penis being the most frequent sites, Histopathologically, a rich dermal infiltrate was seen in indurated lesions and in macules; it was confined to perivascular foci in the upper dermis. Leishman‐Donovan bodies were seen in 16.Conclusions. The lesions cleared in 4 to 5 months after treatment with sodium antimony gluconate intramuscularly 20 mg/kg/day up to a maximum of 1 g/day. The drug was well tolerated.