bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA IN THE EASTERN PROVINCE OF SAUDI ARABIA
Authors: ABAHUSSEIN ABDULAZIZ A. , AL‐ZAYIR AHMAD A. , MOSTAFA WEDAD Z. , OKORO ANEZI N. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Epidermolysis bullosa is recognized to be rare, but its prevalence in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia had not been previously established. Methods. We reviewed 49,902 dermatology cases seen in our clinic over a 7–year period (1984 through 1990) and carried out a therapeutic trial of oral phenytoin in three severe cases of epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica (Recessive dystrophic type). Results. Sixteen cases of epidermolysis bullosa were found in this series, ten (62.5%) of which were of the dermolytic type (epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica), and four (25%) of the epidermolytic type (epidermolysis bullosa simplex). Parental consanguinity was established in fourteen (87.5%) of these cases. All ten cases of epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica developed complications. Three severe cases were treated with oral phenytoin and managed with meticulous nursing and nutrition with blended foods and protein and vitamin supplements and responded satisfactorily. Conclusions. This study confirmed the rarity of epidermolysis bullosa in this province (population 3,000,000), and demonstrated the usefulness of oral phenytoin therapy, meticulous nursing, and good nutrition in the management of epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica.
ELEVATED SERUM NICKEL CONCENTRATION IN PSORIASIS VULGARIS
Authors: SMITH STEVEN A. , AAMIR FARAH , OTIS MICHAEL P. B. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Psoriasis vulgaris is a common skin disease afflicting 1–3% of the American population. Its pathogenesis remains unknown despite concerted research efforts. Our purpose was to study baseline serum nickel concentrations in psoriasis vulgaris subjects and in healthy control subjects. Methods. Sixteen psoriasis vulgaris subjects with active disease (in 14 of moderate to marked severity), and 11 age‐and sex‐matched healthy control subjects were studied. Serum nickel determinations were performed using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry (ETAAS). Results. Despite the relatively small sample size, significant elevation of mean serum nickel concentration was found in the psoriasis group compared to the control group (P = 0.019). Conclusions. Recognition of abnormal nickel homeostasis could point the way to greater understanding of the primary biochemical defect in the psoriatic process. Alternatively, this finding may mark an association without pathogenic significance. Further investigation is needed.
ULTRASOUND IMAGING OF PSORIATIC SKIN: A NONINVASIVE TECHNIQUE TO EVALUATE TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS
Authors: VAILLANT LOIC , BERSON MARCEAU , MACHET LAURENT , CALLENS ANNICK , POURCELOT LÉANDRE , LORETTE GÉRARD 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. The aim of our study was to image psoriasis plaques by ultrasound to assess the changes in psoriasis and to measure and quantify them objectively. Materials and Methods. Thirty‐one psoriasis plaques were studied in 19 patients. Measurements of skin thickness were obtained with a high resolution B‐mode echographic system. Results. Some changes were seen in psoriatic skin. A new structural element was observed: a wide subepidermal nonechogenic band. The other changes were a decrease in dermal echoes that were less intense and less dense, and an increase in the epidermal and dermal skin thicknesses. The skin thickness was increased in all psoriasis plaques as compared to apparently normal skin (P < 0.001). The average increase was 67% for whole skin and 200% for epidermis. Conclusions. Ultrasound imaging of psoriatic skin allowed the identification of different skin changes induced by psoriasis, and particularly, the differentiation between epidermal and dermal alterations. We presume that epidermal thickness reflects epidermal proliferation and desquamation, and the increase in the dermal and whole skin thickness reflects infiltration. We feel that ultrasound imaging of psoriatic skin is a quantitative method that is as easy and noninvasive as the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). It could be used for following up patients with psoriasis and could achieve widespread use, especially in research protocols.
EFFICACY OF SHORT‐CONTACT THERAPY WITH DITHRANOL IN CHILDHOOD PSORIASIS
Authors: ZVULUNOV ALEXANDER , ANISFELD AMIR , METZKER ARIEH 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Dithranol is a potent reducing substance and is thought to achieve its effect on psoriasis by reduction of cell turnover. It was shown to be efficacious in adults, but its efficacy has not been documented in children. Methods. The efficacy of short‐contact therapy, a dithranol cream preparation, was retrospectively evaluated in 58 children with psoriasis. Dithranol cream (0.1‐2%) was applied daily for 30 minutes to affected skin areas. Patients were evaluated at 1‐4‐week intervals. Results. The median duration of therapy before the onset of remission was 2 months. Remission was achieved in 81% of the children. The median duration of remission was 4 months. Mild adverse skin reactions occurred in 20% of patients, but only one patient had to discontinue therapy. Conclusion. Short‐contact therapy with dithranol cream preparation is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for childhood psoriasis. A thorough explanation of the disease and mode of therapy to patients and their parents is essential for good compliance and subsequent success.
EFFECTS OF AZELASTIN ON PRURITUS AND PLASMA HISTAMINE LEVELS IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS
Authors: MATSUI CHIHIRO , IDA MITSURU , HAMADA MASAAKI , MOROHASHI MASAAKI , HASEGAWA MASATSUNE 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Persistent pruritus is the most common symptom in hemodialysis patients. Its causes are poorly understood and there is no effective treatment. We have studied the effect of azelastin HCL on the plasma histamine concentrations and pruritus in maintenance dialysis patients with or without erythropoietin therapy. Patients. Twenty‐eight hemodialysis patients were divided into four groups according to the presence or absence of pruritus and whether or not they received erythropoietin therapy. Results. Histamine concentrations in the patient groups were significantly higher than in healthy volunteers, but a significant difference could not be found among the four groups. The patients with pruritus showed no change in their histamine concentration during treatment with azelastin HCL, but their pruritus scores decreased remarkably. Conclusions. The present data do not support the thesis that the increased plasma histamine concentration is causally related to pruritus in hemodialysis patients or that the antiallergic drug, azelastin HCL, alleviates the pruritus of dialysis patients by decreasing plasma histamine levels. The possible role of the increased tissue levels of histamine remains to be studied.
IL‐1 ALPHA‐INDUCED EXPRESSION OF ICAM‐1 ON CULTURED HYPERPROLIFERATIVE KERATINOCYTES: SUPPRESSION BY ANTIPSORIATIC DIMETHYL‐FUMARATE
Authors: SEBÖK BELA , BONNEKOH BERND , MAHRLE GUSTAV 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. In the psoriatic plaque both IL‐1 dysregulation and ICAM‐1 expression on keratinocytes have been previously described. Furthermore systemic administration of fumarates has been reported to be effective in psoriasis. We, therefore, studied the effect of dimethyl‐fumarate ester (DMF) on the putative IL‐1‐induced ICAM‐1 expression. Methods. Hyperproliferative human kertinocytes (HaCaT cell line) were incubated in 10 to 100 U/mL IL‐1 alpha for 24 h with and without preincubation with 0.4–12.0 uM dmf. Expression of icam‐1 was measured by a special ELISA‐APAAP technique. Results. The exposure to 11‐1 led to a significant dose‐dependent induction of ICAM‐1 expression of from 124 ± 17 to 194 ± 22% (control 100 ± 12%), while proliferation remained unaltered. Pretreatment with > 4 μM DMF resulted in a distinct suppression of ICAM‐1 expression and a slight decrease in proliferation. Conclusions. The present results show that ICAMI‐1 expression on hyperproliferative keratinocytes may be triggered by il‐i alpha and serve as a molecular target for antipsoriatic DMF.
LEUKOCYTE‐EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX INTERACTIONS IN PSORIASIS
Authors: EL‐SHERIF ABDALLA I. , KRUPINSKI ARKADIUSZ , MAJEWSKI SLAWOMIR , JABLONSKA STEFANIA 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. The basic phenomenon in psoriasis appears to be a directed leukocyte migration that in a great part, depends on the cell‐extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. Methods. To evaluate the leukocyte‐ECM interactions in psoriasis, we investigated the adherence of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) to ECM components (collagen type I, IV, laminin, and fibronectin), using crystal violet staining and measuring absorbance at 570 nm. Results. In the most active cases of psoriasis (pin‐point and guttate type) of short duration, we found a decreased adherence of PBMC to collagen type IV. In a majority of cases of actively spreading plaque psoriasis of large extent and longer duration, there was decreased adherence to all ECM components, especially to collagen type IV and laminin. The adhesion of PMNL to collagen type IV (but not to other ECM components) was increased only in cases of short duration. Preliminary data suggest that etretinate treatment may modulate leukocyte adherence to the ECM components in patients with psoriasis. Conclusions. The decreased in vitro adherence of PBMC to ECM components, especially those of the basement membrane, may reflect their in vivo activation and migration to the epidermis, which is a basic phenomenon in psoriasis that could be affected by etretinate therapy.
IMMUNOLOGIC PARAMETERS IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS
Authors: BRUNS MARCO , HERRMANN KONRAD , HAUSTEIN UWE‐FRITHJOF 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Immunologic abnormalities seem to play an important role in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods. We studied the following immune parameters to get more insight into SSc: autoantibodies (antinuclear antibodies (ana), anti‐Scl‐70, anticentromere antibodies (aca) subsets of lymphocyte subpopulations and markers of their activation, as well as serum levels of il‐2, the soluble il‐2 receptor (sil‐2r), il‐6 and its correlation to N‐terminal procollagen‐Ill propeptide (piiip), and finally, the il‐6 production by SSc and normal dermal fibroblasts. Results. In patients with active SSc, we found a reduced number of cd2+ T‐lymphocytes and an increase in the expression of T‐lymphocyte activation markers such as cd25+ and cd71+, hla‐dr la, as well as elevated serum levels of sil‐2lr and il‐6. SSc fibroblasts did not produce more il‐6 than normal fibroblasts in monolayer cultures. Conclusions. Our data show that a wide range of immunologic parameters are altered in SSc. In general, T‐helper (th) lymphocytes are activated possibly because of reduced T‐suppressor (ts) and natural killer (nk)‐cell levels, TH may polyclonally stimulate B cells, which in turn produce higher amounts of autoantibodies. Our findings support the concept that TH cell‐derived cytokines/growth factors stimulate matrix protein synthesis by fibroblasts, resulting in generalized fibrosis.
CIGARETTE SMOKING IS NOT A RISK FACTOR IN ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Authors: MILLS CAROLINE M. , SRIVASTAVA EMANUEL D. , HARVEY IAN M. , SWIFT GILLIAN L. , NEWCOMBE ROBERT G. , HOLT PETER J.A. , RHODES JOHN 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. In recent years several diseases have been shown to have a relationship with smoking. Psoriasis is largely a disease of smokers, whereas acne appears to be associated with not smoking. Methods. One hundred and fifty patients with atopic dermatitis were sent a postal questionnaire on smoking habits and the results were compared with those from matched controls in the local community. Results. One hundred and twenty‐seven patients (85%) completed the questionnaire. There was no apparent difference in the prevalence of current smokers amongst atopic dermatitis patients compared with controls (odds ratio = 1.1, 95% confidence limits 0.65–1.86, P = 0.8). Conclusions. There was no significant difference between the smoking prevalence of patients with atopic dermatitis and matched controls.
RHINOPHYMA IN JAPAN
Authors: FURUKAWA MASAYOSHI , KANETOU KIMIKO , HAMADA TOSHIO 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Rhinophyma is an end stage of acne rosacea. It results in a large nose due to a proliferation of sebaceous glands and fibrous tissue. Many cases of rhinophyma have been reported in the Western world; however, in Japan, rhinophyma has been an uncommon disease. Methods. We present two patients associated with rhinophyma who were treated by cross‐shaped full‐thickness excision followed by direct closure and compare the rhinophyma in Japan with that in the West. Results. To date, only 20 rhinophyma cases including our 2 cases have been reported in Japan. Epidemiologic factors of rhinophyma between the West and Japan do not differ except for location, malignancy and surgical treatment. Conclusions. In Japan, almost all cases are located on the lower half of the nose, treated by full‐thickness excision followed by application of either skin grafts or direct closure. None have been malignant.
EPIDEMIC CUTANEOUS SPOROTRICHOSIS
Authors: CAMPOS PABLO , ARENAS ROBERTO , CORONADO HELIODORO 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous fungal infection. Lymphocutaneous and fixed sporotrichosis are the most common forms; cases of disseminated sporotrichosis are rare. There have been isolated reports and some epidemic familial outbreaks of the infection. Methods. We studied four members of two families who contracted sporotrichosis after sleeping in an old and rust‐stained camping tent. Results. All cases presented with polymorphic lesions, three of them with multiple sites of inoculation. The camping tent was shown to be the source of infection. Conclusions. We report an epidemic of sporotrichosis in a family. In three cases disseminated cutaneous sporotrichosis occurred in nonimmunodeficient patients. The isolate of Sporothrix schenckii from a camping tent is extremely rare.
ISOTRETINOIN THERAPY IN ACNE VULGARIS: A 10‐YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IN SINGAPORE
Authors: SHAHIDULLAH MOHAMMED , THAM SIEW NEE , GOH CHEE‐LEOK 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. The use of isotretinoin, a first generation synthetic retinoid, in the treatment of patients with severe acne vulgaris was a major therapeutic advance in dermatology. This 10–year retrospective study reviews the effectiveness of isotretinoin in patients with acne vulgaris seen in a skin clinic in Singapore. Methods. The case records of 250 cases of severe inflammatory and nodulocystic acne treated with isotretinoin were analyzed with reference to the demographic data, response to isotretinoin, dosage and cost of isotretinoin used, adverse effects, clinical follow‐up, and relapse. Results. Two hundred and fifty patients, 171 men (68.4%) and 79 women (31.6%), with different types and grades of acne vulgaris were studied. The dose of isotretinoin used ranged from 0.33 to 1.0 mg/kg/day (median 0.5 mg/kg/day) for a period ranging from 1 to 12 months (median 4 months). Response was excellent in 127 (50.8%) patients, good in 86 (34.4%), fair in 30 (12.0%) and poor in 7 (2.8%). Relapse occurred in 14 (5.6%) patients over a 6–month follow‐up period. Adverse effects were noted in 140 (56.0%) patients and were mild in most cases. Eighteen (7.2%) patients had to discontinue the drug due to significant side effects. Conclusion. This study confirms that isotretinoin is very effective for severe acne, and complete remission can be induced in more than 90% of cases even with lower dosage regimens. Significant clinical improvement can be achieved with the use of lower doses (mean 0.5 mg/kg/day) for an average of 4 months of treatment with lower risk of adverse effects.
LOCALIZED LEPROMATOUS LEPROSY AND ITS RESPONSE TO CHEMO‐IMMUNOTHERAPY
Authors: BEENA K. R. , ZAHEER S.A. , GULERIA I. , MUKHERJEE R. , TALWAR G.P. , MUKHERJEE A. , RAMESH V. , MISRA R.S. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. This is an unusual presentation of lepromatous leprosy (ll) in a young boy, 12 years of age. The study forms part of a large scale immunotherapeutic trial with Mycobacterium w (M.w) antileprosy vaccine. The trial is being conducted in two major hospitals in New Delhi, India. Materials and Methods. This patient presented with three lesions: one on each forearm and the third on the left leg. He was classified initially as borderline tuberculoid leprosy. Slit‐skin smears and histopathology from the lesions proved the diagnosis to be lepromatous leprosy with a bacterial index (bi) 6+. The initial lepromin test was negative. The patient was treated with chemo‐immunotherapy (standard multidrug therapy and immunotherapy with Mycobacterium w vaccine). Results. Investigations after 1 year (15 months) of multidrug therapy and three doses of vaccine, showed a remarkable fall in the bi from 6 to 0 in the lesions, a lepromin positivity of 5 mm, and a histological upgrading from lepromatous leprosy to borderline tuberculoid. Immunologic studies at 15 months revealed a good LTT response and high levels of cytokines, specifically IL‐2 and IFN‐γ. Conclusions. This report presents an LL patient with disease limited to a few sites. It stresses the importance of slit‐smear and biopsy in all patients of leprosy, and it highlights the upgrading observed on administration of chemo‐immunotherapy.
CLINICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC SPECTRUM OF PILOMATRICOMAS IN ADULTS
Authors: KADDU STEVEN , SOYER H. PETER , CERRONI LORENZO , SALMHOFER WOLFGANG , HÖDL STEFAN 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Pilomatricomas are benign cutaneous neoplasms with differentiation toward hair matrix. Although previously reported to occur mostly in children and young adults, Taaffe et al. recently observed a second onset peak in adults and the elderly. Methods. To study the clinical and histopathologic features of pilomatricomas in adults we analyzed files and histologic sections of all cases of pilomatricomas seen at the Department of Dermatology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria, between January 1980 and December 1990. Results. A total of 118 patients were identified, 58 of whom were >45 years of age. The clinical features of patients >45 years of age were generally similar to those of patients <45 years of age. Differential diagnoses in both groups were also comparable except in some cases of the older study‐group where differential diagnoses included basal cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, and metastasis. Recurrence of the lesions after simple excision was observed in one patient >45 years of age. Histopathologically, lesions in both age groups showed similar features except in four lesions of the older patients where “atypical” features were present. The histopathologic differential diagnosis of the lesions with “atypical” features included pilomatrical carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma with matrical differentiation, and matricoma. Conclusions. Our study reveals the relatively frequent occurrence of pilomatricomas in adults and the elderly. Pilomatricoma should be considered along with other benign and malignant conditions in the clinical differential diagnosis of solitary, firm skin nodules presenting in adults and the elderly, especially on the head and neck.
PHOTOGRAPHY WITHOUT FILM: LOW‐COST DIGITAL CAMERAS COME OF AGE IN DERMATOLOGY
Authors: SASSON MARVIN , SCHIFF THEODORE , STILLER MATTHEW J. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Photography is integral to the practice of dermatology. Digital imaging techniques have only recently been used to assess cutaneous disorders. Previously reported imaging systems have been both expensive and cumbersome. Consequently, they have failed to gain widespread acceptance. Methods. We describe our experience using an inexpensive digital camera. Photographs taken with this portable digital camera (FotoMan) compare favorably to those obtained with conventional 35 mm cameras. Results. This inexpensive digital camera provides photographs of acceptable quality for a variety of dermatologic applications. Images created with this system are available within minutes and are less expensive than traditional photographs. Conclusions. Digital imaging is a new and exciting development. The digital camera described is simple to operate and provides a useful alternative or adjunct to conventional photography.
AN OUTBREAK OF PHYTOPHOTODERMATITIS DUE TO CELERY
Authors: FINKELSTEIN EVE , AFEK UZI , GROSS ELLIS , AHARONI NEHEMIA , ROSENBERG LIOR , HALEVY SIMA 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Celery is known to contain psoralens, a group of substances that cause a toxic dermal reaction on exposure to ultraviolet A rays (uva). An outbreak of phytophotodermatitis amongst 11 workers in a celery harvest in southern Israel is reported. Methods. Analysis of the trigger factors was carried out. The patients were questioned regarding their working conditions. Samples of the celery that the workers had been harvesting were analyzed for levels of total psoralens by means of high performance liquid chromatography (hplc). Levels of uva were measured. Results. It was found that the celery harvested in the south of the country contained 84 μg/g fresh weight (f.wt.) total psoralens as compared to 35 μg/g f.wt. in celery harvested in the north of the country at the same time. The following year the celery harvested in the south contained only 26 μg/g f.wt. total psoralens. Conclusions. Multiple factors contributed to the outbreak of phytophotodermatitis. A late harvest in the south of the country is incriminated as the cause of the unusually high levels of psoralens in the celery of that year.
HYALURONIC ACID IN CUTANEOUS INTRINSIC AGING
Authors: GHERSETICH ILARIA , LOTTI TORELLO , CAMPANILE GRAZIA , GRAPPONE CECILIA , DINI GERMANA 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. In elderly individuals all components of the skin and subcutaneous tissue undergo histologic and ultra‐structural changes. The turgidity of the dermis appears decreased, presumably due to altered patterns and levels of glycosaminoglycans (GAGS), especially hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate that are the most common. A linear, age‐related decrease in the content of GAGS (mainly hyaluronic acid) has been hypothesized in human aged skin. Methods. We used the cationic dye Alcian Blue to selectively stain hyaluronic acid within the dermis in old and young subjects to compare ultrastructurally its topography and variations with age. Results. We demonstrated a progressive reduction in the number of electron‐dense granules of hyaluronic acid and of their filaments until they were completely absent in subjects aged 60. Conclusions. We propose that the variations of the levels of hyaluronic acid in the dermis in aging could account for some of the most striking alterations of the aged skin, including decreased turgidity, less support for microvessles, wrinkling, and altered elasticity.
ABSENCE OF MERKEL CELLS IN LESIONAL SKIN
Authors: BOSE SUMIT KUMAR 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. In vitiligo, other than loss of melanocytes and melanin pigment in the lesional skin, keratinocytes are also Involved. Human fetal Merkel cells are now generally considered to be derived from the epidermis.1 To date, no observations on Merkel cells in lasional skin of active vitiligo have been reported. Methods. Merkel ceils were identified by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy using the monoclonal antibody TR0MA1. Results. No TROMA 1‐positive cells were observed in the vitiliginous skin lesions in any of the specimens examined, whereas normal numbers of these cells were seen in the adjacent pigmented skin. Conclusions. This finding suggests that the processes that lead to damage of keratinocytes in vitiligo also involve other keratin‐expressing cells such as the Merkel ceils.