bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo skin elasticity of 22 anatomical sites
Authors: Malm Mats , Samman Michael , Serup Jorgen 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Regional anatomical variations in bio‐mechanical properties of skin were not mapped systematically in the past, despite the obvious clinical variation of this function. The object was to describe variations in skin distensibility and elasticity by the use of a suction chamber device.Methods: 22 different anatomical sites were measured in 25 healthy volunteers aged 5‐72 years. Anatomical sites were numbered systematically from the head toward the foot according to a vertical principle as a part of the study design.Results: A systematic and vertically oriented decrease of distensibility and hysteresis from the head toward the foot was observed with a gradual increase of skin stiffness toward the ground. Skin elasticity decreased significantly with age. Acral female skin was more easily distended than male skin.Conclusions: The vertical gradient of skin distensibility was described for the first time. This appears a prerequisite to resist the hydrostatic pressure and influences of gravity. The findings may have important implications in leg ulcer and gravitational syndrome.
Skin biomechanical properties: in vivo evaluation of influence of age and body site by a non‐invasive method
Authors: Couturaud V. , Coutable J. , Khaiat A. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Biomechanical properties of the skin are evaluated in vivo by torsion or extension methods. We assessed their modifications as function of age, probe diameter and regional body site.Methods: For measuring skin extensibility (or traction), we used a non‐invasive suction device on a total of 37 volunteers, consisting of (A) 14 younger women (30.1±7.6 years) and (B) 23 older women (60.2±6.5 years). Measurements were performed on three different areas with 4 different probe diameters. The parameters used were (UE) extensibility; (UV) plasticity; (UR) tonicity; (URUE) elasticity; the difference between the lowest point of the last curve (5th) and that of the 1st is the fatiguability. Concurrently, we measured on each volunteer the microdepressionary network (mDN) length.Results: Generally, tonicity, extensibility and elasticity decreased; fatiguability increased and plasticity stayed the same; all of these factors apply regardless of age. Results are more homogenous on the volar face of the forearm and with 2, 4 and 6 mm probe diameters. As a general trend, mDN length decreases with age.Conclusions: The knowledge of this variation is important in interpreting the results obtained after product application. Standardisation of measures with the 2‐mm probe will allow product efficacy determination and the comparison of different products.
High‐frequency ultrasound characterization of normal skin. Skin thickness and echographic density of 22 anatomical sites
Authors: Olsen L. Overgaard , Takiwaki H. , Serup J. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Variation in skin thickness relative to anatomical site was little studied in the past. Biopsy cutting and histological processing change tissue geometry. High‐frequency ultrasound allows in vivo measurement of skin thickness of multiple sites. The object was to map regional differences in skin thickness.Methods: 22 different anatomical sites were studied. The Dermascan C (20 MHz) was used. The acoustic density of the dermis and the epidermal entrance echo was analyzed by the in‐built image analysis software. 18 healthy volunteers aged 24‐41 years were studied.Results: Extremity skin was thinner than truncal skin, and acoustically dense. Females had thinner and more dense skin in comparison with males. Skin of the palm, sole and the head was thick but weak in density, and the biological variation in the dermis/subcutaneous tissue interphase does not allow highly accurate evaluation in these special sites. There was an overall inverse correlation between skin thickness and acoustic density with thin skin being dense and thick skin being relatively echo‐poor.Conclusions: Skin thickness and acoustic density reflecting intradermal structure exhibit systematic regional variation with thin and dense skin on extremities in comparison with the trunk and special ultrasound profiles in selected sites such as the face, the palp and sole. Female skin is thinner and more dense in comparison with male skin.
High‐frequency ultrasound measurement of dermis and subcutaneous fat in the newborn infant
Authors: Petersen Jes Reinholdt , Petersen Sten , Serup Jørgen 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Skin thickness and subcutaneous fat thickness of newborn infants may reflect the condition of the infant including prematurity. Skin thickness and subcutaneous fat thickness might be useful parameters to characterize and monitor the nutritional state of the infant. The objective was to introduce ultrasonography for this purpose.Methods: A high‐frequency (20 MHz) ultrasound A‐mode scanner was employed. Skinfold caliper recordings were performed for comparison. Frontal skin and skin of the back were studied in 7 infants with body weight 1095‐4750 g (also studied with B‐mode scanning). 46 infants weighing 925‐4120 g were studied and correlated with skinfold recording.Results: A high degree of correlation between skinfold recordings and ultrasound measurements (A‐mode) of subcutaneous fat was found, coefficient of correlation 0.84, p<0.001.Conclusions: High‐frequency ultrasound measurement of skin and subcutaneous fat thickness is precise and reliable for in vivo assessment of body fat in newborn infants. Further validation of the technique relative to neonatal skin and nutritional state is, however, needed before the ultrasound technique can be used as routine in neonatalogical monitoring.
Video‐optical monitoring of wheal and flare reactions
Authors: Steinmetz Jacob , Bjerring Peter 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: In order to monitor the dynamics of experimentally‐induced cutaneous inflammation in humans, we developed an objective, computerized video‐optical method for wheal and flare area determination.Methods: The method was used for evaluation of PAF‐acether‐induced experimental inflammations on the volar aspect of the forearms of human volunteers. The study design was double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled. Repeated measurements can be performed, e.g., with intervals of 1 min to reveal the time‐course of the inflammatory reaction. In the present study, the effect of topical application of creams containing 3 different concentrations of the putative anti‐inflammatory drug sodium sucrose‐sulphate (SoS) on cutaneous inflammation was investigated.Results: 30 min after intracutaneous PAF‐acether injection, a statistically significantly increased (p<0.05) wheal area was found in skin sites treated by either 1%, 3% and 9% SoS cream, whereas no influence of sucrose‐sulphate could be demonstrated on the flare area. The reduction of the wheal area was significantly faster in the SoS‐treated areas than in the placebo (p<0.05).Conclusions: Computerized video‐optical quantification of acute skin inflammatory reactions may be a suitable experimental tool for objective dynamic monitoring of both wheal and flare reactions and hence for quantification of the effect of anti‐inflammatory drugs in humans. Topical application of SoS surprisingly increased PAF‐acether‐induced skin oedema (wheal), significantly whereas no effect was found on the flare reaction. No concentration‐related effect of SoS could be shown.
EEMCO guidance for the assessment of dry skin (xerosis) and ichthyosis: clinical scoring systems
Authors: Serup Jørgen 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Visual and tactile assessment of dry skin and ichthyosis is difficult and may vary. There is a need for standardized assessment according to universal scoring schemes.Material and methods: A guidance to subjects (consumers) and experts evaluation with control of individual and other factors is presented. Scoring schemes include analogue scales, the overall dry skin score (ODS) and the specified symptom sum score (SRRC) system with grading of scaling, roughness, redness and cracks. The dry skin/ichthyosis area and severity index (DASI) is defined for dermatological evaluation of the entire skin surface. Conclusion: The EEMCO guidance is a practical research tool both for characterization of xerotic skin conditions and for efficacy substantiation of products. The guidance is developed to harmonize research in this field and improve interlaboratory comparison.
Squamometry in acute photodamage
Authors: Piérard G. E. , Piérard‐Franchimont C. 
Published: October 2006

Background: Ultraviolet Irradiation has been shown to elicit alterations in corneocyte adhesion.Purpose: To evaluate the early events in the changes of physical properties of the stratum corneum following a single ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation.Method: Squamometry (Chroma C* of D‐Squames) was used in 40 volunteers to assess the variations in stratum corneum cohesion during 3 consecutive days following 1.5 MED UVB irradiation on the forearms.Results: Subjects with normal or moderately dry skin showed a significant increase in squamometry values during the 24 or 48 h following irradiation. Subjects with severe xerosis showed a progressive decrease in that value over time.Conclusions: UV‐Squamometry is a convenient, rapid and sensitive method for evaluating the direct effect of UVB radiation on the stratum corneum.
Differentiation of involved and uninvolved psoriatic skin from healthy skin using noninvasive visual, colorimeter and evaporimeter methods
Authors: Pershing L. K. , Bakhtian S. , Wright E. D. , Rallis T. M. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Uninvolved skin of psoriasis may not be entirely normal. The object was to characterize healthy, uninvolved psoriatic skin and lesional skin by biophysical methods.Methods: Involved and uninvolved psoriatic and age‐gender matched healthy skin was measured objectively with a colorimeter and evaporimeter and subjectively with visual assessment in 14 subjects.Methods: Visual assessment of erythema (E), scaling (S) and induration (I) as well as the target lesion score at the involved psoriatic skin sites were significantly elevated (p<0.05) above uninvolved psoriatic or healthy skin sites. No difference between uninvolved psoriatic and healthy skin was measured visually. Transepidermal water loss at involved psoriatic skin >uninvolved psoriatic skin >healthy skin (p<0.05). Objective assessment of skin color in 3 color scales, L*, a*, and b*, differentiated involved and uninvolved psoriatic skin from healthy skin sites. Involved psoriatic skin demonstrated higher (p<0.01) a‐scale values and lower (p<0.01) L* and b* scale values than uninvolved psoriatic skin. Further, colorimeter L* and a* scale values at uninvolved psoriatic skin sites were lower and higher (p<0.05), respectively, than healthy skin. The individual chromameter parameters (L*, a*, b*) correlated well with the visual parameters (E, S and I). Composite colorimeter description (L*× b*)/a* significantly differentiated healthy skin from both involved and uninvolved psoriatic skin.Conclusions: These collective data highlight that even visually appearing uninvolved psoriatic skin is compromised compared with healthy skin. These objective, noninvasive but differential capabilities of the colorimeter and evaporimeter will aid in the mechanistic quantification of new psoriatic drug therapies and in conjuction with biochemical studies, add to understanding of the multifactorial pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Non‐invasive assessment of the antipsoriatic activity of fumaric acid derivatives
Authors: Hoffmann K. , Dirschka Th. , Schwarze H. , Stücker M. , Matthes U. , El‐Gammal S. , Hoffmann A. , Altmeyer P. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Noninvasive methods are introduced for the monitoring of healing of psoriasis. Fumaris acid derivatives (FAD) were used in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris for more than 30 years, but the effectiveness of these drugs has remained controversial. The object was to study the efficacy of FAD in a prospective study including noninvasive techniques, which may allow more accurate assessment in a smaller patient group.Methods: High‐frequency ultrasound including image analysis, and colorimetry was employed. 14 patients were treated for 20 weeks.Results: In the ultrasound image, acanthosis and inflammatory infiltrate of active psoriasis cause an echopoor area under the entry echo. Under theray, this echo area diminishes while its density increases. During healing, the decrease in redness could be quantified.Conclusions: Monitoring of the healing of psoriasis is possible with ultrasonography and colorimetry. Fumaric acid was found efficient and safe in the treatment of psoriasis.
Image analysis for quantification of nucleolar organizer regions in basal cell carcinoma and seborrheic keratosis
Authors: Lee Sung Yul , Lee Jong Suk , Oh Chil Hwan 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) have recently attracted much attention because of claims that their frequency within nuclei is significantly higher in malignant cells than in normal, reactive, or benign neoplastic cells. The purpose of this paper is to analyze a method allowing selection of the best morphometric criterion for quantifying AgNORs (Silver stained Nucleolar organizer Regions) under conventional observation conditions, by light microscopy.Methods: The various parameters including NORs counting in cutaneous tumors using image analysis system were studied.Results: There were significant differences in mean numbers of AgNORs per nucleus, mean ratio of AgNORs area per nucleus area, mean ratio of greatest AgNORs area per nucleus area, mean nucleus area per a AgNOR, and CV (Coefficient of Variation) of AgNORs area between basal cell carcinoma and seborrheic keratosis.Conclusion: Study of AgNORs using the image analysis system is a useful tool for diagnosis of cutaneous tumors.
Karyometry of malignant melanoma cells present in skin strippings
Authors: Piérard Gérald E. , Ezzine‐Sebai Nadia , Fazaa Bécima , Nikkels‐Tassoudji Nazli , Piérard‐Franchimont Claudine 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Skin strippings harvest the malignant melanoma cells eliminated through the stratum corneum. In this study, morphometry was applied to such non‐invasive samplings in order to derive objective information about nuclear atypia.Method: Cyanoacrylate skin surface strippings were collected from 140 malignant melanomas. Karyometry was performed to quantify the size and shape of malignant cell nuclei.Results: Anisokaryosis was prominent although the outline of nuclei were rather smooth.Conclusion: Image analysis of skin strippings harvested from malignant melanomas shows that anisokaryosis is the major cytologic feature of malignant melanoma cells in transit in the stratum corneum.
Computerized evaluation of pigmented skin lesion images recorded by a videomicroscope: comparison between polarizing mode observation and oil/slide mode observation
Authors: Seidenari Stefania , Burroni Marco , Dell'Eva Giordana , Pepe Patrizia , Belletti Barbara 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: It has now been established that ELM significantly improves the clinical diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions, particularly when associated with image analysis on digital pictures.Besides surface microscopes, so called “videomicroscopes” are nowadays commercially available. Thanks to their practicality and to their reasonable price and small volume, they could be usefully employed by general practitioners or peripheral dermatologists in their practice. The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness and the handiness of a videomicroscope provided with polarized light, and to compare images recorded in the polarizing mode to those of the same lesions recorded after application of oil and a glass slide.Methods: 114 images of benign pigmented skin lesions were recorded both in polarizing mode and in oil/slide mode observation. Digital images were then analyzed by means of a dedicated software, evaluating 34 different parameters.Results: The instrument is easy to handle and the acquisition of images is simple and quick. Polarizing mode observation enables the recognition of subsurface structures, like pigment network and capillaries. Red and blue components in the images tend to be more pronounced, when images are acquired by the polarizing system, whereas green components are prominent in oil images. Values referring to dark areas are also higher for oil images. However, the 2 observation modes provide digital images, whose values, in most cases, do not differ statistically.Conclusion: Videomicroscopes are cheap, space saving, and enable a quick examination of skin areas to be imaged. The possibility of a rapid switch from surface to subsurface polarizing mode observation, makes the examination procedure even faster. Our data demonstrate that polarizing mode observation and recording can be employed as a basis for clinical and computerized epiluminescence, particularly in situations, where a rapid screening of numerous patients and lesions is necessary.
Storage and retrieval of digital images in dermatology*
Authors: Bittorf A. , Krejci‐Papa N. C. , Diepgen T. L. 
Published: October 2006

Background: Differential diagnosis in dermatology relies on the interpretation of visual information in the form of clinical and histopathological images. Up until now, reference images have had to be retrieved from textbooks and/or appropriate journals. To overcome inherent limitations of those storage media with respect to the number of images stored, display, and search parameters available, we designed a computer‐based database of digitized dermatologic images.Methods: Images were taken from the photo archive of the Dermatological Clinic of the University of Erlangen. A database was designed using the Entity‐Relationship approach. It was implemented on a PC‐Windows platform using MS Access* and MS Visual Basic®. As WWW‐server a Sparc 10 workstation was used with the CERN Hypertext‐Transfer‐Protocol‐Daemon (httpd) 3.0 pre 6 software running.Results: For compressed storage on a hard drive, a quality factor of 60 allowed on‐screen differential diagnosis and corresponded to a compression factor of 1:35 for clinical images and 1:40 for histopathological images. Hierarchical keys of clinical or histopathological criteria permitted multi‐criteria searches. A script using the Common Gateway Interface (CGI) enabled remote search and image retrieval via the World‐Wide‐Web (W3).Conclusions: A dermatologic image database, featurig clinical and histopathological images was constructed which allows for multi‐parameter searches and world‐wide remote access.
Echographic assessment of corticosteroid‐induced skin‐thinning, including echogenicity measurement
Authors: Richard S. , Duteil L. , Poli F. , de Rigal J. , Querleux B. , Queille‐Roussel C. , Lévêque J. L. , Revuz J. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Skin atrophy is one of the main side effects of long‐term topical corticosteroid therapy. It has already been studied through ultrasound skin‐thickness measurement. In this study, the quantification of dermal echogenicity was introduced to provide new information on this phenomenon.Methods: Skin thinning induced by topical application (without occlusion) of the superpotent corticosteroid clobetasol propionate (0.05% lotion), was assessed by means of ultrasonography in terms of thickness and echogenicity. 15 healthy volunteers were treated for 6 weeks, 1 daily, 5 days a week on the forearms.Results: The thinning showed a biphasic pattern, with a 1st period of rapid change (about 15% of thinning in a week) followed by a period of slower but significant change. Skin thickness returned to baseline values 3 weeks after the end of treatment. Dermal echogenicity, which represents the mean intensity of the ultrasound signals reflected by the dermis, was found to follow the same variations, increasing strongly during the 1st week, then more slowly. The 2 parameters are correlated and probably reflect the same physiological modifications responsible for skin thinning, i.e., a reduction in glycosaminoglycan synthesis (leading to a drastic fall in dermal water content) and vasoconstriction.Conclusion: This sensitive and non invasive method enables us to identify the effects of clobetasol propionate on the healthy dermis in the absence of any clinical signs of thinning.
The effect of probe depth on histamine levels in humans. In vivo cutaneous microdialysis
Authors: Andersson Thomas , Svensson Catherine , Anderson Chris 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Microdialysis technique, for the in vivo estimation of endogenous and exogenous substances in tissues, is gaining increasing use in human experimentation. The cutaneous microdialysis technique has interesting applications in several fields, including the study of skin inflammation and percutaneous absorption. One of the aspects of cutaneous microdialysis which needs clarification is the influence on results of the exact position of the microdialysis probe in the dermis.Methods: In a total material of 67 histamine experiments, probe depth has been measured by the ultrasound technique. In 24 uniform experiments, histamine values at 10‐min intervals after probe insertion and prior to other provocation have been analyzed in relation to probe depth.Results: The mean probe depth was 1.1 mm (range 0.8‐1.9 mm). In regression analysis of histamine values in 10‐min intervals up to 90 min after probe insertion in relation to probe depth, the histamine values were found to be independent of probe depth. This may be due to rapid local diffusion of histamine, together with axon reflex mediated histamine release. Further analysis revealed no correlation between histamine results and the subject's age, sex or presence of atopy.Conclusion: The present results indicate that the exact placement of the microdialysis probe into the dermis is not too critical in experiments where histamine is to be studied. It must be pointed out that the same may not necessarily be true of other inflammatory mediators: for each new target substance and application, the influence of probe placement needs to be considered.
The effect of 3 moisturisers on skin surface hydration
Authors: MØSS Judi 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: The hydrating properties of three moisturising preparations, commonly recommended for the treatment of dry skin, were compared by utilising non‐invasive measuring methods.Methods: The preparations were Decubal®/Abitima® cream, Dumex Ltd; pH5‐Eucerin® ointment, Beiersdorf; and Essex® cream, Schering Plough. Skicon‐200® and a Corneometer CM 420® were used for assessment of skin hydration. Readings of the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin temperature were also taken. The study was conducted in 2 parts, each with 12 women. The preparations were applied to a designated area on the forearms 2× a day for 7 days; the 4th, untreated, area served as control. Readings were taken before the start of treatment and every morning during the treatment period and the following week.Results: Both electrical measuring methods showed that hydration of the stratum corneum increased after a few days of treatment, especially after the application of Decubal®/Abitima®. TEWL was not affected by any of the treatments.Conclusions: The two electrical methods ranked the products consistently, i.e. Decubal®/Abitima® >pH5‐Eucerin® >Essex®. Conductance (Skicon‐200) was more discriminative than capacitance (Corneometer CM420). However, these methods are not water specific. TEWL was not affected by the treatments.