bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Venous ulcer: epidemiology, physiopathology, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Abbade Luciana P. Fernandes , Lastória Sidnei 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThis review discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and current therapeutic options for venous ulcer. Venous ulcer is a severe clinical manifestation of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). It is responsible for about 70% of chronic ulcers of the lower limbs. The high prevalence of venous ulcer has a significant socioeconomic impact in terms of medical care, days off work and reduced quality of life. Long‐term therapeutics are needed to heal venous ulcers and recurrence is quite common, ranging from 54 to 78%. Thrombophlebitis and trauma with long‐term immobilization predisposing to deep venous thrombosis are important risk factors for CVI and venous ulcer. The most recent theories about pathogenesis of venous ulcer have associated it with microcirculatory abnormalities and generation of an inflammatory response. Management of venous leg ulcers is based on understanding the pathogenesis. In recent years novel therapeutic approaches for venous ulcers have offered valuable tools for the management of patients with this disorder.
Microcystic adnexal carcinoma: report of four cases treated with Mohs’ micrographic surgical technique
Authors: Khachemoune Amor , Olbricht Suzanne M. , Johnson Darlene S. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground  Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a rare and aggressive malignant tumor of the sweat glands. Clinically, it often presents as a firm subcutaneous nodule on the head and neck regions. On histology, MAC exhibits both pilar and sweat duct differentiation with a stroma of dense collagen. It often extends beyond the clinical margins with local spreading in the dermal, subcutaneous, and perineural tissue planes. It has a high local recurrence rate after standard excision. Recent preliminary reports have indicated more favorable cure rates with Mohs’ micrographic surgery (MMS).Objective  To present our data on four cases of MAC treated by MMS. We also compared our findings with more recently reported series in the English language literature.Methods  We reviewed the medical records of four patients (two males and two females) with MAC treated by MMS over the last 3 years. We also obtained follow‐up data.Results  In all four patients with MAC treated by MMS, there were no recurrences, with a mean follow‐up of 1 year.Conclusion  We report an additional four MAC cases treated by MMS. The accumulated data continue to confirm that, if the diagnosis of MAC is made early, and if the anatomic location is accessible to excision by MMS, a favorable outcome can be expected.
Development of the US PSORIQoL: a psoriasis‐specific measure of quality of life
Authors: McKenna Stephen P. , Lebwohl Mark , Kahler Kristijan N. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground  Several instruments are available for assessing impairment and disability associated with psoriasis. The first true psoriasis‐specific quality of life (QoL) questionnaire suitable for use in clinical trials, the Psoriasis Index of Quality of Life (PSORIQoL), has recently been developed in the UK. The aim of the current study was to produce and validate a conceptually equivalent US version of the PSORIQoL with equally good psychometric properties.Methods  A lay translation panel was employed to ensure that the wording of the questionnaire was appropriate for a US population. Semi‐structured interviews conducted with 37 patients tested the instrument's ease of completion, relevance and comprehensiveness. Finally, a test‐retest validation mail survey was conducted with 72 patients to determine reliability, internal consistency and construct validity.Results  Few changes were necessary to the wording of the questionnaire. Interviewees found the questionnaire easy to complete (requiring an average of 4 min) and the content relevant and comprehensive. The adapted measure had comparable psychometric properties to the original, with a test‐retest reliability coefficient of 0.90, indicating excellent reproducibility. Internal consistency and initial indications of construct validity were also good, with scores on the measure related as expected to perceived general health and severity of psoriasis and the presence of visible lesions.Conclusions  The US PSORIQoL is a practical, reliable and valid instrument for measuring the impact of psoriasis and its treatment on QoL in clinical trials and in routine practice. It remains necessary to establish the instrument's responsiveness to changes in QoL associated with effective interventions.
Survey of bacteriological contamination of cosmetic creams in Iran (2000)
Authors: Behravan J. , Bazzaz Fazly , Malaekeh P. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe bacteriological quality of a variety of unused and used cosmetic creams was investigated. A 1‐g sample from each product was aseptically placed in 9 ml of sterile Tween‐peptone diluent, and 10‐fold serial dilutions were prepared. The pour plate technique was used for aerobic bacterial colony counts, and microorganisms that grew in the culture were identified. The incidence of contamination by Gram‐positive Bacilli, Staphylococcus aureus and non Escherichia coli Gram‐negative organisms was found to be higher for used cosmetic creams (54%, 38% and 8%, respectively) than for unused creams (38%, 25% and 0%, respectively). Viable microorganisms were not recovered from 17% of the unused items whilst only 10% of the used creams did not contain viable microorganisms. The significance of the results is discussed and the importance of adopting suitable quality control guidelines is highlighted.
Investigation of herpes simplex virus DNA in pityriasis rosea by polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Bozdag Kübra Eren , Güven Füsun Özder , Zeytinoglu Aysin , Erensoy Selda , Karaman Ahmet , Bilgiç Altýnay 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground  Pityriasis rosea (PR) is an acute, inflammatory disease of unknown cause. Clinical and experimental findings indicate an infectious etiology of PR. Our purpose is to examine the skin lesions and blood samples of PR patients by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of HSV type 1 and 2 DNA.Methods  The lesional skin biopsies from 10 patients and blood samples from two randomized patients with clinically and histologically confirmed pityriasis rosea were examined by PCR.Results  No HSV 1 and HSV 2 DNA was detected in the lesional biopsy and blood samples.Conclusions  We could not identify a relationship between HSV 1, HSV 2 and PR.
Thyroid autoimmunity in children and adolescents with alopecia areata
Authors: Kurtev Alexander , Iliev Emil 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground  Autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) is often associated with alopecia areata (AA) in children and adolescents.Methods  Forty‐six children (23 girls and 23 boys), with a mean age of 9.9 ± 3.38 years (2.24–17.5 years), were included in a study to assess thyroid function and thyroid autoantibody formation in AA. The size and function of the thyroid gland [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) test; fluoroimmunologic assay (FIA), Delfia], antithyroglobulin (TAT) and antimicrosomal (MAT) antibodies (microhemagglutination method), thyroid gland ultrasound, and indices of cellular and humoral immunity were assessed.Results  Thyromegaly was found in 29 children (63%). Increased basal TSH levels were present in six of the 29 (13.3%) and hypothyroid‐type stimulated secretion (TRH test) in two (out of 12). TAT was increased in 17 (39.5%) and MAT in 14 (33.3%) children with AA. Thyroid ultrasound examination was suggestive of AT in 13 (34.2%) and typical of AT in five (13.2%) children.Conclusions  We diagnosed AT in 22 of 46 children with AA (47.8%). The immune studies revealed increased activated T lymphocytes. We recommend that thyroid gland size and function and antibody formation be examined at the diagnosis of AA and twice a year thereafter.
Digital imaging: a diagnostic screening tool?
Authors: Tucker William F. G. , Lewis Fiona M. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground  Much interest has been shown in the possibility of using digital images to aid in the more rapid diagnosis of patients with dermatologic disease. A study was undertaken to test the efficacy of the “teledermatology” screening of referrals, and thereby to triage the patients to appropriate care.Methods  A retrospective comparison of digital and “face‐to‐face” diagnoses by two consultant dermatologists was made. Eighty‐four images from 75 patients seen in general dermatology clinics were studied. The clinical diagnosis and treatment plan of the patients seen in the clinic by one dermatologist were then compared with those suggested on digital image only, as seen by the other dermatologist.Results  The diagnostic correlation between the two observers was fair, with full agreement in 47 of 84 cases (56%) and partial agreement in a further 10 (12%). There was no agreement in 14 cases (16.7%); in a further 13 cases, the images and history were not sufficient to allow a diagnosis to be made. The image quality was considered to be poor in 18 cases, but in six of these a diagnosis was still attempted. It was recommended that 66 patients (88%) should be seen in the hospital setting. Thirty patients (40%) received treatment at their visit.Conclusions  Teledermatology is not likely to have a great impact on reducing waiting lists. It is possible that it may help to prioritize referrals from remote areas.
Nevus comedonicus syndrome: a case associated with multiple basal cell carcinomas and a rudimentary toe
Authors: Alpsoy Erkan , Durusoy Çiçek , Özbilim Gülay , Karpuzoğlu Gülten , Yilmaz Ertan 
Published: August 2006

A 28‐year‐old man presented to our clinic for the evaluation of widespread black spots and cysts, in which recurrent infections could not be controlled by topical and systemic antimicrobials. He was first noted at birth to have a rudimentary toe on the right foot. By the age of 8 years, he had developed pitting on the neck and sole, many of which contained black dots. Over subsequent years, pigmented papules representing pigmented basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) also began to appear on the neck and chest. The patient gave a history of recurrent abscesses and cysts developing on the lesions after the age of 14 years. His personal history was negative for epileptiform attacks and congenital cataract. There was no parental consanguinity and no family history of any similar skin condition.Dermatologic examination revealed aggregated, linear, discrete, dilated, follicular orifices plugged with keratinous material on both sides of the neck, extending down to the upper chest. In some areas, these comedo‐like pits were associated with erythematous papules, nodules, cysts, and scars. Some follicules had a rudimentary hair, and others no hair at all. In addition, there were multiple, small, black, glistening papules, characteristic of pigmented BCCs (Fig. 1). Interfollicular hypopigmentation was also observed. On the medial edge and sole of the right foot, there was a linear patch of pitting. There was also a skin‐colored, soft, 2 cm pedunculated nodule arising from the medial aspect of the great toe, which was diagnosed as a rudimentary toe (Fig. 2). The rest of the physical examination was normal. The patient's general health was good.Multiple, small, black, glistening papules on the upper chest typical of pigmented basal cell carcinomaimageLinear patch of pitting on the medial edge and sole of the right foot and a skin‐colored, soft, 2 cm, pedunculated nodule arising from the medial aspect of the great toe (rudimentary toe)imageHistopathologic examination of the skin lesions revealed dilated and invaginated keratin‐filled follicular structures and well‐defined, keratin‐filled cysts. A peri‐infundibular inflammatory infiltrate was also observed. Multiple BCCs were detected adjacent to nevus comedonicus (Fig. 3).Nests of basal cell carcinoma adjacent to a lesion of nevus comedonicus (hematoxylin and eosin, × 10)imageThe patient was treated with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, plus daily applications of tretinoin gel 0.025% and benzoyl peroxide 5% with some improvement. Cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen was performed on the smaller BCCs. In addition, the larger BCCs and some persistent painful cysts were surgically removed. The patient remains under observation and is well.
Anetoderma developing in Juvenile Xanthogranuloma
Authors: Gamo R. , Ortíz‐Romero P. , Sopena J. , Guerra A. , Rodríguez‐Peralto J. L. , Iglesias L. 
Published: August 2006

Anetoderma is characterized by circumscribed oval macules with overlying wrinkled skin that is slightly depressed or bulges outwards. Skin biopsy shows a decrease of elastic dermal fibers. It may not be associated with an underlying disease (primary anetoderma) or may be related to many dermatoses (secondary anetoderma).We report a 7‐year‐old girl who presented at birth with yellowish brown papules on the upper trunk, neck and head, which within days evolved to yellowish orange papules. A skin biopsy was carried out and the presence of an histiocytic infiltrate with foam cells and Touton cells in the dermis that were CD68+, factor XIII+ and S‐100−, confirmed the diagnosis of Juvenile Xanthogranuloma (JXG). After 4 years the lesions began to evolve to asymptomatic oval and round atrophic skin areas. Histopathologic evaluation showed decrease of elastic fibers in the dermis, diagnostic of anetoderma.The mechanisms of anetoderma are unknown. Although many different dermatoses have been associated with anetoderma we have only found two reported cases of anetoderma and JXG.
Radiotherapy of skin carcinomas of the pinna: a study of 115 lesions in 108 patients
Authors: Caccialanza M. , Piccinno R. , Kolesnikova L. , Gnecchi L. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground  The possibility of treating skin carcinomas of the pinna with radiotherapy is somewhat under discussion and scarcely known. Therefore the aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of dermatologic radiotherapy in a series of patients affected by basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the pinna.Methods  A retrospective study was performed on 108 patients affected by 115 carcinomas of the pinna (99 basal cell carcinomas, 16 squamous cell carcinomas) without involvement of the external auditory canal. Radiotherapy was performed with kilovoltage techniques (55–120 kV) and the total doses administered ranged from 45 to 70 Gy (105 Gy in one case only), with different fractionations.Results  The mean follow‐up was 28.80 months. Complete remission was obtained in 111 lesions (96.52%) and partial remission in one (0.87%), as evaluated 1 month after the end of radiotherapy. No response was observed in two lesions (1.74%). The response was not evaluable in one lesion (0.87%). During follow up a relapse was observed in 12 lesions (all basal cell carcinomas): nine central and three marginal to the irradiation field. The 5‐year cure‐rate from the end of radiotherapy was 78%. The cosmetic results were evaluated as good or acceptable in 88.28% of lesions. No complications nor sequelae to the treatment were observed.Conclusions  The results obtained confirm the possibility of treating epithelial skin neoplasms of the pinna with dermatologic radiotherapy, which can afford high‐remission percentages without damaging cartilaginous tissue.
Mycobacterium marinum with different responses to second‐generation tetracyclines
Authors: Cummins Deborah L. , Delacerda Davi , Tausk Francisco A. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground  Persistent cutaneous infections with Mycobacterium marinum can follow exposure of injured skin to contaminated water or fish, and can be treated with second‐generation tetracyclines in addition to other antimicrobials. Due to the rarity of this infection, there are few data comparing the different treatment alternatives.Methods  We report a patient with culture‐proven M. marinum who was treated with two different second‐generation tetracyclines.Results  Our patient failed a 4‐week trial of doxycycline, but responded rapidly to minocycline.Conclusion  This case suggests that, despite a similar mechanism, pharmacokinetics, and even sensitivity, these two agents may differ in their effectiveness against strains of M. marinum.
Lichen scrofulosorum: A prospective study of 39 patients
Authors: Singal Archana , Bhattacharya Sambit N. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground  Lichen scrofulosorum is considered a rare form of cutaneous tuberculosis. Current information is based on case reports and case series with a small number of patients.Methods  Thirty‐nine patients with Lichen scrofulosorum were followed during the period January 1996 to December 2002. Clinical details (age, sex, duration of disease, associated tubercular lesions, extent and distribution of skin lesions), laboratory parameters (hemoglobin, total leucocytic counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Mantoux test, presence of BCG scar), and response to antitubercular treatment were recorded and analyzed.Results  7.6% patients of all (511) patients with cutaneous tuberculosis had LS. 22 (56.4%) were males and 32 (84%) were below 15 years of age. Twenty‐eight (72%) had an associated focus of tuberculosis elsewhere in the body; 13 (33%) had tubercular lymphadenopathy, while 11 (28%), three (8%) and six (15%) had pulmonary tuberculosis, intracranial tuberculosis and other forms of cutaneous tuberculosis, respectively. Six (15%) had tubercular focus at multiple sites. Eleven (28%) had no other identifiable focus of tuberculosis. Twenty‐eight (72%) had evidence of receiving BCG vaccination. Trunk was the commonest (100%) affected site. The two groups with and without associated tubercular focus were not different with respect to age, sex, duration of disease, hemoglobin, total leukocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Mantoux test positivity, and presence of BCG scar. Mycobacteria tuberculosis could not be detected either on acid fast bacilli (AFB) staining or on culture from biopsies of LS lesions. All patients (including those without evidence of tubercular focus) responded to antitubercular treatment, signifying an underlying occult tubercular focus as etiology.Conclusions  Lichen scrofulosorum is an uncommon but not rare cutaneous manifestation of tuberculosis. A high index of suspicion and awareness is required for diagnosis. Systemic tuberculosis is often associated with LS and a prior BCG inoculation does not protect against development of LS. Response to antitubercular treatment is good irrespective of the presence or absence of associated tubercular focus.
Quantification of asthma control: validation of the Asthma Control Scoring System
Authors: LeBlanc A. , Robichaud P. , Lacasse Y. , Boulet L.‐P. 
Published: August 2006

Background:  We developed an instrument for quantifying asthma control, the Asthma Control Scoring System (ACSS), based on the criteria proposed by the Canadian Asthma Consensus Guidelines.Objective:  To assess the measurement properties of the ACSS.Methods:  The ACSS and two other questionnaires were completed by 44 asthmatic patients on a first visit and 2 weeks later. The ACSS evaluates three types of parameters: clinical, physiologic, and inflammatory. These parameters are each quantified to obtain a maximal score of 100% and a global score is calculated as the mean of these scores.Results:  The analysis showed sufficient internal consistency for every section of the ACSS (Cronbach's‐α ranging from 0.72 to 0.88). Pearson's correlations indicated good test–retest reliability for the clinical score (r = 0.59, P = 0.005), the physiologic score (r = 0.86, P < 0.0001), the inflammatory score (r = 0.71, P = 0.049), and the global score (r = 0.65, P = 0.001). Cross‐sectional and longitudinal construct validity were supported by moderate correlations between the ACSS scores and corresponding instruments.Conclusions:  The ACSS is a valid tool for quantifying asthma control parameters, using a percent score. Further research should determine the usefulness of such an instrument as a means to improve asthma management and reduce related morbidity.
Maternal human leukocyte antigen‐G polymorphism is not associated with pre‐eclampsia in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Lin A. , Yan W. H. , Dai M. Z. , Chen X. J. , Li B. L. , Chen B. G. , Fan L. A. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractPre‐eclampsia is a multisystem disorder of pregnancy and remains the leading cause of both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality in many countries. Despite extensive studies, the underlying mechanisms still remain unknown. Besides its restricted expression in the tissues of placenta and its function in regulating immune suppression and in ensuring successful invasion of placental tissues into maternal deciduas, it has been postulated that HLA‐G may play a role in modulation of immune tolerance at the fetal–maternal interface. Aberrant HLA‐G expression may result in pregnancy disorders that are associated with poor invasion of extravillous cytotrophoblast into maternal spiral arteries, such as pre‐eclampsia. Studies have shown that pre‐eclampsia is largely under genetic control, but genetic mechanisms underlying the disorder have yet to be determined. In the current study, we focus on the potential role of HLA‐G polymorphism in the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia. Samples were obtained from Chinese Han primiparous women with pre‐eclampsia and irrelative normal women, and case‐matched placentas were genotyped for the HLA‐G polymorphism in the exons 2, 3, and 4, and the 14‐base‐pair (bp) insertion/deletion polymorphism in the 3′‐untranslated region of exon 8 was analyzed separately. The frequency of HLA‐G polymorphism in these samples was not significantly different from those of normal controls, indicating that maternal HLA‐G polymorphism is not associated with the risk for pre‐eclampsia in this Chinese Han population. However, the maternal 14‐bp insertion/deletion polymorphism is ethnically different.
Airway hyper‐responsiveness to adenosine 5′‐monophosphate in preschool‐age children with asthma
Authors: Bakirtas Arzu , Turktas Ipek 
Published: August 2006

Airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR) to adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP) is closely associated with airway inflammation; however, not all asthmatic patients are responsive to it. This study was planned to investigate the predictive factors of AHR to AMP in asthmatic children aged between 3 and 6 yr.We performed a retrospective analysis of data from 63 asthmatic preschool‐age children who were challenged by AMP in our department. All children were characterized by skin‐prick tests, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, peripheral blood eosinophil percentage and bronchial challenge with methacholine (MCH) and AMP. Potential determinants for AHR to AMP were assessed within the group.AHR to AMP was found in 46% of preschool‐age children with asthma, while that of MCH was 93.7%. All children responsive to AMP were also responsive to MCH. The geometric mean provocative concentration of MCH and AMP causing a 15% fall in transcutaneous oxygen tension (PC15PtcO2MCH and AMP) were 0.55 mg/ml (0.004–9.19) and 10.53 mg/ml (0.59–342.89), respectively. AMP‐responsive children did not differ from non‐responsive ones with respect to demographic factors, geometric mean PC15PtcO2MCH and atopic status. The median serum IgE level was significantly higher in AMP‐responsive group than the non‐responsive ones (p = 0.011). The peripheral blood eosinophilia was more frequent among responsive children (p = 0.019), and it was found as the only predictive factor for AMP responsiveness in preschool‐age children with asthma in logistic regression model (odds ratio: 5.14; 95% CI: 1.23–21.47; p = 0.025). AMP responsiveness may be predicted by peripheral blood eosinophilia but not with atopy markers in young children with asthma.