bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MAST CELL TRYPTASE AND CHYMASE ARE POTENTIAL REGULATORS OF NEUROGENIC INFLAMMATION IN PSORIATIC SKIN
Authors: NAUKKARINEN ANITA , HARVIMA ILKKA T. , AALTO MARJA‐LEENA , HORSMANHEIMO MAIJA 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Tryptase and chymase are proteinases present only in mast cells. In psoriatic lesions, mast cells are increased in number. Certain neuropeptides are also more abundant in lesional than nonlesional psoriatic skin. Based on some earlier results as well as the results of the present study, a hypothesis is presented concerning the regulatory action of mast cell tryptase and chymase on neuropeptides in psoriatic inflammation. Methods. Forty patients were biopsied, 13 for a mature psoriatic plaque and 9 patients of 27 for a developing (1–3 weeks) psoriatic lesion induced by tape stripping (Koebner reaction). Each lesion had its nonlesional control from the same patient. Mast cell tryptase and chymase, and the neuropeptides Substance P (SP) vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and calcitonin‐gene‐related peptide (CGRP) were stained by enzyme‐and immunohistochemical methods. Morphological contacts between mast cells and neuropeptides were visualized using double stains and quantitated in the upper dermis. Results. As the lesion aged, MCTC mast cells displaying tryptase activity increased in number, whereas chymase activity in these cells decreased. All neuropeptides showed some increase along with the development of the lesion, but SP was most abundant in mature lesions. Substance P‐positive nerves had also more contacts with mast cells compared to VIP‐ or CGRP‐containing fibers, the contact count being highest in mature lesions. Conclusions. Tryptase is known to degrade VIP and CGRP, but not SP. Chymase is capable of cleaving both SP and VIP, but is rendered partially inactive in psoriatic skin. These data together with the results of the present study strongly suggest that SP has potency to act as an important mediator in different stages of the psoriatic inflammation.
CEPHALIC PYODERMA GANGRENOSUM (PG)‐LIKE LESIONS AS A PRESENTING SIGN OF WEGENER'S GRANULOMATOSIS
Authors: MICALI GIUSEPPE , COOK BRIAN , RONAN SALVE , YADGIR JOHN , SOLOMON LAWRENCE M. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG)‐like lesions can be associated with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG); in rare instances, they could be the presenting sign of WG. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between these two disorders. Methods. The clinical and histologic data from a case of WG with primary ulcerative lesions of the face were compared with five other cases previously reported in the literature. Results. A predominance among young men was noted. In three patients the histology of the skin ulcerations was suggestive of WG, in the remaining three, including the case described, it was nonspecific. Two cases developed pulmonary WG after the skin lesions cleared, showing that the extent and severity of skin lesions do not necessarily correlate with the systemic disease. Conclusions. When the histology of the skin is nonspecific, the diagnosis of PG or PG‐like lesions of the head and neck should not be considered definitive and the patients should be carefully monitored to rule out the possible presence of WG.
ONYCHOMYCOSIS IN CHILDREN
Authors: CHANG PATRICIA , LOGEMANN HEIDI 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Onychomycosis is the most common nail disease in adults. During recent years an increase in its frequency has been reported in children. Materials and Methods. Children under 12 years were examined and a clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis was made (Figs. 1–4). Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparations were made and a fungus culture was done in each case. Results. Twenty‐six children with onychomycosis are reported; 16 boys (61.4%) and 10 girls (38.6%). The average age was 8 years. The most frequent variety was distal subungual onychomycosis (88.5%) and the earliest sign was distal subungual hyperkeratosis. The agent most frequently isolated was Trichophyton rubrum which was found in 18 cases (69.2%). Conclusions. Onychomycosis in children is not exceptional. Attention should be given to any sign during physical examination to avoid dystrophy of the nails and also to eliminate any source of infection.
MULTIPLE ANGIOKERATOMAS WITH ZOSTERIFORM DISTRIBUTION IN TWO SISTERS
Authors: EIZAGUIRRE XABIER , LANDA N. , RATÓN J.A. , DÍAZ‐PÉREZ J.L. 
Published: May 2007

Case 1: At the age of 12 years a 28 year‐old woman noticed multiple reddish papular lesions on the left buttock and thigh. The lesions gradually spread to involve her left thigh towards the knee. The patient had no systemic symptoms, Examination of the skin revealed 23 well‐circumscribed, purplish verrucous lesions each of 2–3 mm diameter, located over the left buttock and extending in a linear fashion to the popliteal flexure (Fig. 1). General examination and routine laboratory studies were normal. Case 2: A 27‐year‐old woman, sister of the previous patient, noticed at the age of 10 years a steadily increasing number of purple lesions on her left buttock that gradually extended to the left posterior thigh. The lesions were asymptomatic, although the patient noticed occasional bleeding with trauma. The lesions of the thigh had disappeared spontaneously without scarring during the previous 4 years. When we first examined this patient, at the age of 27, she had eight reddish papular hyperkeratotic lesions, 2–3 mm in size, with a linear zosteriform distribution over the left buttock. She was healthy and symptom free. Routine laboratory studies were normal.An excision biopsy was taken from each sister. The histopathologic examination revealed similar findings in both lesions. Hyperkeratosis with slight acanthosis and papillomatosis was present. Greatly dilated capillaries were seen in the upper and middermis. The capillary walls were lined by flattened endothelium. In one area of the lesion from the second patient there was intravascular thombosis (Fig. 2).
PREVALENCE OF EYELID DERMATITIS IN PRIMARY SJÖGREN'S SYNDROME
Authors: KATAYAMA ICHIRO , KOYANO TAEKO , NISHIOKA KIYOSHI 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. The eyelid dermatitis seen in elderly patients is a relatively heterogenous and troublesome disease. Most cases seem to be idiopathic and show resistance to standard dermatologic therapy. Methods. Fifty‐two patients with primary definite Sjögren's syndrome (4 men, 48 women, mean age 54 years) were enrolled in this study, and the prevalence of eyelid dermatitis was investigated. Diagnostic criteria for Sjögren's syndrome were based on the criteria proposed by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare. Patch test was performed using ICDRG‐European standard allergens and/or eye drops, hair dye, and cosmetics. Results. Of the 52 patients, 22 showed eyelid dermatitis. These changes were much more frequent in elderly patients and showed a good correlation with the presence of ocular dry sensation. No significant difference was observed in clinical and other laboratory findings between patients with or without eyelid dermatitis. Although 8 of the 13 patients showed positive patch test reaction to various allergens, no close relationship existed between the use of a suspected substance and the onset or severity of eyelid dermatitis. Conclusions. These results suggest that the presence of rubbing dermatitis of the eyelid may be one of the cutaneous manifestations of Sjögren's syndrome.
TREATMENT OF COLD URTICARIA
Authors: HUSZ SÁNDOR , TÓTH‐KÁSA I. , KISS M. , DOBOZY A. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. The etiology of cold contact urticaria is unknown and the therapy is therefore usually rather disappointing. Methods. This study reports therapeutic data on 42 patients with cold urticaria treated with a combination of terbutaline (3 × 5 mg a week, later 3 × 2.5 mg) and aminophylline‐containing drugs (3 × 150 mg). Results. Complete remission of the urticarial response was achieved in 37 of the 42 patients. Conclusions. The therapy was tolerated relatively well and the results are promising.
FAMILY STUDY OF ATYPICAL NEVI WITH INVESTIGATION OF HEPARAN SULFATE PROTEOGLYCAN
Authors: BJARNASON BOLLI , MOONEY ELLEN 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. The epidemiology of atypical nevi (AN) is currently obscure; however the diagnosis must be made early in order to follow these individuals and treat any melanomas that may arise at an early stage, thus preventing premature death. Materials and Methods. Following the guidelines of the NIH on clinical and histologic features of ANS, 38 adult members in 8 families were investigated. Twenty‐seven were physically examined and 25 biopsied. Biopsies from ANS and junctional nevi from unrelated persons were also stained with antibodies against heparan sulfate proteogly‐can (HSPG). Results. At least 21 of 38 members had ANS. Staining with HSPG antibodies did not differentiate between ANS and benign junctional nevi, all showing slightly irregular staining. In seven of eight families, two or more family members were affected by ANS. Conclusions. Although it is not known whether or not HSPG plays a role in melanomas becoming invasive, or the potential of melanoma developing in ANS there were no differentiating features of staining in ANS, and junctional nevi to help in the differential‐diagnosis of the two.
THE ROLE OE MAST CELLS IN TREATMENT OE SCABIES
Authors: AMER MOHAMMED , MOSTAFA FAWZIA FARAG , NASR AWATIF NAGIB , EL‐HARRAS MONA 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Objective. The purpose of this study was to recognize the role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of scabies. Methods. One hundred and fifty patients and 10 controls were included in the study. Group 1 included 20 patients without previous treatment. In group 2, 80 patients were treated with antiscabietic drugs. Group 3 had 50 patients who received an antiscabietic drug followed by 3 days of crotamiton. Diurnal and nocturnal skin biopsies were taken from group 1. In groups 2 and 3, the biopsies were taken after 2 weeks of treatment. Sections were cut and stained by hematoxylin and eosin and Giemsa stains. Results. Mast cells were increased in diurnal and nocturnal biopsies. Evident degranulation of mast cells was detected in nocturnal biopsies. The mast cell number decreased to half its pretreatment number in patients treated with antiscabietic drugs and to its normal number in patients treated with antiscabietic drugs followed by 3 days with crotamiton. Conclusion. The number of mast cells are increased in scabietic lesions. This plays a role in the pathogenesis of the clinical and histologic picture of scabies. We recommend that an antiscabietic drug should be followed by 3 days of crotamiton in the treatment of scabies.
LOW‐DOSE CYCLOSPORINE A IMPROVES SEVERE DISABLING PSORIASIS IN LATIN AMERICA
Authors: HONEYMAN JUAN F. , SÁNCHEZ LEONARDO , VALDÉS PILAR 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Severe forms of psoriasis have been treated successfully with cyclosporine A (cyA) in Europe and North America. The aim of the present investigation was to record and evaluate this drug treatment in Latin American patients with severe psoriasis in a multicenter controlled dose‐efficacy study. Patients and Methods. One hundred and fifty‐two patients from 10 Latin American countries had on entry to the study a Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) of 18 or more. Initial treatment was with cyA, 2.5 mg per kg per day for 6 weeks. At week 6, 27 patients with a baseline PASI score reduction of < 33% had the dose increased to 4 mg/kg/day. At week 12, 48 patients, who had not improved their baseline PASI scores by 66% or more, had their dose increased to 4 or 5 mg/kg/day, respectively. At the end of the study, 74 patients (56%) received cyA 2.5 mg/kg/day, 41 patients (31%) received 4 mg/kg/day, and 16 patients (12%) received 5 mg/kg/day. Results. Cyclosporine A treatment was considered successful in 84.7% of the patients, who reduced their initial PASI score by 66% or more at the end of treatment at week 18. Adverse effects were seen in 29 patients (19%). Hypertension occurred in 27% and an increase of serum creatinine level above 30% of the initial value in 40% of patients. Among other side effects were gastrointestinal complaints (5.1%), hirsutism (4.3%), muscle pain (2.2%), joint pain (2.2%), respiratory infections (2.2%), headache (1.4%), and hemorrhagic gingivitis (0.7%). Twenty‐one patients (13.8%) were withdrawn from the study for various reasons: adverse events in five cases (3.3%), noncompliance in five cases (3.3%), lack of efficacy in three cases (2%) and nonrelated diseases in two cases (1.3%). There were also six patients of a group that finished earlier than planned. A follow‐up at 8 weeks after treatment was performed in 106 patients; in this phase 60 patients (56.5%) continued with their previous successful PASI reduction. Relapses (i.e., PASI increasing by more than 50% over baseline) were seen in 22.6% of cases. Conclusions. Cyclosporine A is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for severe psoriasis. An initial dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day is recommended. Most of the patients have a good response to this dose.
NEW TREATMENT OF ATROPHIC ACNE SCARS BY IONTOPHORESIS WITH ESTRIOL AND TRETINOIN
Authors: SCHMIDT J.B. , BINDER M. , MACHEINER W. , BIEGLMAYER CHRISTIAN 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Common treatment of atrophic acne scars consists of invasive methods such as dermabrasion, chemo‐peeling, or implantation of bovine collagen. In our study a new noninvasive treatment method consisting of local iontophoresis is demonstrated. Local iontophoresis was performed with either estriol—a mainly topically active estrogen—or with tretinoin. Patients and Methods. Eighteen women were treated with estriol iontophoresis twice weekly for a period of 3 months. In addition to photographic and clinical documentation of the skin, venous blood for determination of serum levels of prolactin and estradiol according to standard radioimmunoassay methods was obtained monthly. Tretinoin iontophoresis was performed according to the same time schedule in 28 patients (19 women and 9 men) with atrophic acne scars. Results. Improvement of acne scars was observed in 93% of patients treated with tretinoin iontophoresis and in 100% of the group treated with estriol iontophoresis. No hormonal changes were noted in the estrogen group. Side effects involving the skin appeared in the tretinoin group in 4 cases and consisted of increased dryness and of retinoid dermatitis. Conclusion. Both treatments were shown to be clinically effective in decreasing acne scars and persistence of effects. This promising new therapeutic approach may thus replace invasive treatment methods in many patients.
HYDROALCOHOLIC HUMAN PLACENTAL EXTRACT: SKIN PIGMENTING ACTIVITY AND GROSS CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
Authors: PAL PRAJNAMOY , ROY RABINDRA , DATTA PIJUSH K. , DUTTA AJIT K. , BISWAS BANASRI , BHADRA RANJAN 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Vitiligo is a pigmentary disorder of the skin of unknown etiology. It is thought to be of autoimmune origin after demonstration of antibody‐mediated destruction of melanocytes. Photochemotherapeutic PUVA therapy is widely used in vitiligo with about 33% success. Aqueous or hydroalcoholic extracts of human placenta of ill‐defined composition have also been used therapeutically for vitiligo. A hydroalcoholic human placental extract has been developed by us with pigmenting activity based on experimental therapies. Its chemical analysis was the primary objective of this study. Methods. For the guinea pig experiment, 20 drops of the extract or vehicle (60% alcohol) as control was topically applied around the nipples covering the areola zones of male immature white guinea pigs (wt. 175–250 g) daily for 60 days with 15 minutes infrared (IR) exposure used for vascular dilatation and enhancement of the absorption of the extract. Standard methods have been followed for all chemical analyses. Results. The guinea pig experiment showed clear pigmentation and hypertrophy of the experimental nipples to varying degrees. Chemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of small‐molecular‐weight proteins/peptides, lipids (including glycosphingolipids), carbohydrates, sialic acids, cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoproteins (hdl), and others, including amino acids, nucleotides, carotenes, vitamins, etc. Conclusion. Glycosphingolipids, known modulators of B and T cells, were reported capable of inducing adhesion, spreading, and motility of melanoma. It is present in the extract and, therefore, may lead to skin pigmentation through induction of melanocytes. Endothelin, a 21‐amino acid pep‐tide, detected in human placenta and possibly extractable by our process, has been reported to be indispensable for melanocyte growth.
REVISIT TO KAPOSFS VARICELLIFORM ERUPTION: ROLE OF IL‐4
Authors: RAYCHAUDHURI SIBA P. , RAYCHAUDHURI SMRITI K. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Kaposi's varicelliform eruption (KVE) is characterized by disseminated cutaneous eruptions usually caused by infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV). Kaposi's varicelliform eruption is commonly observed among patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Why AD patients are prone to HSV infections is still an enigma. Recent findings suggest that an increased number of IL‐4‐secreting cells can be cloned from lesions of AD. Because IL‐4 is a known Th1 cell inhibitor, theoretically, by inhibiting the Th1 cells, it could downregulate the immune response against HSV. In this study, we have evaluated the role of IL‐4 on HSV replication. Methods. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 10 HSV seronegative and five seropositive healthy individuals were stimulated with PHA, recall antigen (tetanus toxoid), and HSV antigen in combination with IL‐4 and anti‐IL‐4. Supernatants were assessed for interferon (IFN) gamma, IL‐4 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and for anti‐HSV effect. Anti‐HSV effect was assessed by measuring inhibition of the cytopathic effect (CPE) of HSV on a Vero cell line. Results. Both seropositive and seronegative groups showed significant inhibition of IFN‐gamma secretion with addition of IL‐4 (P < .001, Wilcoxon rank sum test) and this effect could be neutralized by anti‐IL‐4. There was a direct relationship between the IFN‐gamma concentration and the HSV cytopathic effect and an inverse relationship between IL‐4 concentration and HSV CPE. Conclusions. This study provides evidence that IL‐4 can enhance HSV infection. Therefore, it is conceivable that patients with conditions of increased activity of IL‐4, as in ad, would be prone to extensive forms of HSV infection.
EFFICACY OF DEXAMETHASONE PULSE THERAPY IN PROGRESSIVE SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS
Authors: PAI BALLAMBAT SATHISH , SRINIVAS CHAKRAVARTHI R. , SABITHA LAKSHMINARAYANAN , SHENOI SHRUTAKIRTHI D. , BALACHANDRAN CHANDRASEKHARAN N. , ACHARYA SANDHYA 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Systemic sclerosis is a disease of unknown etiology for which no specific treatment is effective. Pulse therapy with corticosteroids has been tried for various autoimmune disorders with minimal side effects. We undertook this study to determine the efficacy of dexamethasone pulse therapy in progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS). Methods. Five women with PSS between the ages 30 and 60 years, received 100 mg dexamethasone in 500 mL of 5% dextrose by slow intravenous infusion over 3 hours for 3 consecutive days, once a month. Results. All patients had symptomatic and clinical improvement. The vital capacity improved in three and posttreatment histopathologic regression was seen in two patients. Conclusions. Dexamethasone pulse therapy may provide an additional option for treating systemic sclerosis.
SKIN LESIONS IN HIV‐POSITIVE AND HIV‐NEGATIVE PATIENTS IN SOUTH INDIA
Authors: RAJAGOPALAN BISHAKHA , JACOB MARY , GEORGE SOSHAMMA 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Various dermatologic conditions have been reported to occur with increased frequency in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive individuals, but there are only a few studies comparing the prevalences of skin diseases in HIV‐positive patients with those in matched HIV‐negative controls. Methods. Skin lesions in 129 HIV‐positive patients and 258 HIV‐negative controls were studied prospectively over an 18‐month period from October 1991 to March 1993. Results. Oral Candida, tinea cruris, and ichthyosis were significantly more common in HIV‐positive patients compared to controls. Several other dermatologic conditions were found only in the HIV‐positive group. Conclusions. The pattern of skin lesions in Indian patients with HIV infection may be different from that in the West.
HLA AND LEPROSY: SEGREGATION AND LINKAGE STUDY
Authors: DESSOUKEY MOHAMMED WAGDY , EL‐SHIEMY SALEH , SALLAM TARIF 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground.The presence of a genetic factor in the determination of leprosy has long been debated. This study tests whether the HLA‐linked control of susceptibility to leprosy and/or for the types of leprosy could be confirmed.Materials and Methods.In 15 multicase families, the method of DeVries et al., 1976, was used to detect nonrandom segregation of parental HLA haplotypes in their affected and healthy siblings. Linkage analyses, for two and three alleles were performed by the computer program LIPED.Results.For the affected siblings, the segregations of the parental HLA haplotype were significantly nonrandom from the healthy parents and random from the affected parents, indicating that affected siblings were sharing their HLA haplotypes (segregated from the healthy parents) more than expected. The segregations to the healthy siblings from both the healthy and affected parents were random. Healthy siblings inherited the haplotypes shared among the leprosy siblings randomly as expected. There were excess DR2/DR2homozygote individuals among tuberculoid siblings. The highest lod score was achieved when we considered our suggested three‐alleles model for the susceptibility to the different types of leprosy.Conclusions.A closely HLA‐linked gene on chromosome number 6 with multiple alleles (3 or more) in recombination fraction between 0.05 and 0.1 with 70 to 100% penetrance may be responsible for the susceptibility to the different types of leprosy, whereas the susceptibility to leprosy per se maybe the responsibility of non‐HLA linked gene/s. DR2/DR2homozygote individuals may be relatively at high risk of developing leprosy or tuberculoid leprosy.
POROKERATOSIS OF MIBELLI AND HIV‐INFECTION
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ EDUARDO A. , JAKUBOWICZ SILVIA , CHINCHILLA DANTE A. , CARRIL ALBERTO , VIGLIOGLIA PABLO A. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. The exacerbation of porokeratosis of Mibelli associated with inmunosuppression has been well documented. Materials and Methods. We describe the clinical and histologic data of three cases of HIV‐infected patients, who developed porokeratosis following HIV‐contact. Results. The three reported patients were found to have the clinical and histologic features of porokeratosis of Mibelli. Either the exacerbation or development of the disease followed HIV infection. Conclusion. Although porokeratosis is not a disease indicative of AIDS, its flare‐up or its presence in HIV‐infected patients may serve as a marker of inmunodeficiency.