bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PSEUDODIPHALLIA
Authors: PERIS V. TORRES , CUEVAS E. JORDA , QUILIS L. RAMON 
Published: May 2007

Ten years ago, a 17‐year‐old high school student noticed a small growth in the prepuce near the free edge; this elevation (Fig. 1) began to grow progressively until it was 0.5 cm long and 0.3 cm wide (Fig. 2). The base of this tumor was not pediculated, it was lighter in color than the skin around it, and its consistency was half soft.The upper part of the tumor was covered completely by the skin of the penis. The patient stated that he had never felt pain and that the tumor had not changed in size. He felt a slight sensation of tension in this area only when he had not urinated for many hours and his bladder was full. He also had this sensation in the normal penis.A careful examination showed that the testes, scrotum, and penis were normal, without hypospadias. On rectal examination, the prostate and seminal vesical were found to be normal. Neither the anus nor the rectum showed any change.Secretory urographic studies showed two normal kidneys that were somewhat descended and rotated. Neither the lumbosacral region of the spinal column nor the pubis was abnormal. The diphallus was extirpated while the patient was under local anesthesia, and we noticed that there was no connection between the tumor (diphallus) and the normal urethra. Histologic Examination: The surgical extirpation was divided into several 5‐mm portions. On macroscopic examination, it had a cystic appearance, with creamy contents.The first portions revealed the presence of a pavement and horny (keratinous) epithelium (Fig 3), with a dilated duct beneath It; this duct was covered by transitional mucus, similar to that covering the normal urethra (Fig. 4).In the last pieces cut, at low and high magnifications, a urethral cavity was seen that was covered by a pavement epithelium; under this epithelium, numerous groups of erectile fibers were found (Fig. 5).
DEVELOPMENT OF ANTHRALIN SHORT‐CONTACT THERAPY IN PSORIASIS: SURVEY OF PUBLISHED CLINICAL TRIALS
Authors: NALDI LUIGI , CARREL CLAUDE‐FRANCE , PARAZZINI FABIO , D'ORO LUCA CAVALIERI , CAINELLI TULLIO 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn a survey of clinical trials concerning the efficacy of short‐contact therapy with anthralin in psoriasis vulgaris, focusing principally on methodologic issues, twenty‐four papers published between January 1982 and December 1989, in English, French, and Italian, were selected. Nine of 24 papers reported on more than one trial, giving a total of 37 clinical trials to be evaluated. A great heterogeneity was evident in many aspects of the design and conduct of these trials, making pooling of results impossible. Most trials suffered from flaws in general methodologic aspects such as randomization and blinding. Limitations in general applicability of results were discussed with reference to the popular use of self‐control design and selection of composite indexes (e.g., PASI) as an outcome variable. Published trials are not a reliable guide to clinical decisions concerning short‐contact therapy, and some methodologic observations we made could be of general interest in designing clinical trials of psoriasis.
EOSINOPHILIC PUSTULAR FOLLICULITIS IN PATIENTS WITH ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME
Authors: FERRÁNDIZ CARLOS , RIBERA MIGUEL , BARRANCO JUAN CARLOS , CLOTET BONAVENTURA , LORENZO JUAN CARLOS 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThree patients with aids had an intensely pruritic eosinophilic pustular folliculitis associated with abundant Pityrosporum yeasts in the follicles, demonstrated by direct microscopy. The excellent response to ketoconazole treatment suggests a possible pathogenic role for Pityrosporum.
ACTIVITY OF GENTIAN VIOLET AND BRILLIANT GREEN AGAINST SOME MICROORGANISMS ASSOCIATED WITH SKIN INFECTIONS
Authors: BAKKER PETER , VAN DOORNE HANS , GOOSKENS VINCENT , WIERINGA NICOLIEN F. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe antimicrobial activity of gentian violet and brilliant green was tested against various strains of potential skin pathogens, by means of agar diffusion assay. The activity of both compounds was affected by pH. Gentian violet was found to be more active than brilliant green at pH 7.4, particularly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The spectrum of activity of gentian violet was not increased by the addition of brilliant green. An aqueous solution of gentian violet 0.5% turned out to be an adequate topical anti‐infective drug. The preparation is particularly suitable for primary health care in tropical developing countries, because it is cheap, chemically and physically stable, and easy to prepare.
TONGUE INVOLVEMENT IN LEPROMATOUS LEPROSY
Authors: SHARMA VINOD K. , KAUR SURRINDER , RADOTRA BISHAN D. , KAUR INDERJEET 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Involvement of the oral cavity in lepromatous leprosy is well‐documented. The tongue may demonstrate multiple nodules, thickening, and scarring. Methods. Ten consecutive untreated patients with lepromatous leprosy with a bacteriologic index of 4+ or more were clinically and histopathologically studied for evidence of tongue involvement. Results. Three patients showed clinical tongue involvement, as a noduloplaque lesion in one patient and fissured tongue (lingua plicata) in two patients. Tongue was clinically normal or showed nonspecific changes in the remaining seven patients. Histologic evidence of tongue involvement by lepromatous process was seen in six patients, including three without clinical involvement. Conclusions. We conclude from this study that the tongue is as prone to involvement by lepromatous process as buccal and palatal mucosa.
OUTBREAK OF CERCARIAL DERMATITIS IN THAILAND
Authors: KULLAVANIJAYA PREYA , WONGWAISAYAWAN HARN 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. An epidemic of cercarial dermatitis caused by Schistosoma spindale cercaria occurred in November 1988 in a district called Chaiya, Surajthani province, in Southern Thailand. Case Reports. Fifty‐eight Thai farmers in Chaiya, Surajthani gave a history of itch following immersion in water while planting rice. The area of rice field was flooded for 10 days before farmers started working. The duration of the disease ranged from 2 days to 1 month. Forty‐one patients had the disease for the first time, seventeen had a history of previous manifestations. Conclusions. This epidemic was caused by S. spindale cercaria, which developed in the Indoplanorbis exustus snail, associated with flooding.
INTRAMUSCULAR LOW DOSE ALPHA‐2B INTERFERON AND ETRETINATE FOR TREATMENT OF MYCOSIS FUNGOIDES
Authors: ALTOMARE GIANFRANCO F. , CAPELLA G.L. , PIGATTO P.D. , FINZI A.F. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Mycosis fungoides is a lymphoma of cutaneous origin characterized by a proliferation of cells with a T phenotype. Methods. In this pilot study, 13 men with mycosis fungoides in various stages were treated with alpha‐2b interferon and etretinate. Results. In ten of them, such a therapy proved to be effective (7 complete responses, 3 partial responses), sometimes with prolonged remissions (up to 20 months, and still persistent) after suspension of the drugs. Conclusions. We chose low‐dose interferon administration in order to prevent side effects, which are said to be dose‐dependent. In our experience this is not true, but this drawback seems to be overcome by the very good, sometimes spectacular, response to this combination therapy, particularly in low stage forms of the disease. This fact, compared with results provided by other groups, prompts us to plan new research protocols based on associations of retinoids with different interferon types (or even associations of different interferons), because we believe they will have an important place in treatment of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma in future.
DETECTION OF MYCOBACTERIUM LEPRAE DNA IN FORMALIN‐FIXED, PARAFFIN‐EMBEDDED SAMPLES FROM MULTIBACILLARY AND PAUCIBACILLARY LEPROSY PATIENTS BY POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION
Authors: SUNG KYUNG JEH , KIM SUNG BUM , CHOI JEE HO , KOH KYOUNG , NA DOE SUN 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Diagnosis of paucibacillary leprosy is often difficult. A method that could confirm the diagnosis is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of M. leprae DNA. This reaction was applied to biopsied tissues of leprotic patients to determine the suitability and sensitivity of the reaction. Methods. Biopsy samples were taken from previously untreated patients with multibacillary (5 patients) and paucibacillary (3 patients) leprosy, fixed in formalin, and embedded in paraffin, DNA was extracted from paraffin blocks and PCR applied. The sensitivity of the PCR method was tested by using the serially diluted DNA sample as the template. Results. All eight patients showed a positive PCR for M. leprae DNA. The sensitivity was such that a single organism of M. leprae, as counted by staining of the acid‐fast bacilli was identified by the PCR. Conclusions. The PCR method is simple, sensitive, specific, and does not require the use of radioisotopes. It can be applied to the unequivocal diagnosis of paucibacillary leprosy which is difficult by other means. The diagnosis can be obtained within 10 hours.Int J Dermatol 1993; 32:710–713
CRUSTED SCABIES: AN UNUSUAL CLINICAL MANIFESTATION
Authors: BEZERRA SARITA M.F.M.C. , CANTARELLI DIVAL L. 
Published: May 2007

The patient, a 40‐year‐old Brazilian woman, was admitted to the Pernambuco Federal University Hospital with a dry extensive crusted eruption on her skin. She had a history of uterine carcinoma that had been treated by radiotherapy 3 years before. She had been losing weight for the past few years. The patient's husband had ordinary scabies, and the family history revealed other affected members. Her bed linen was always covered with scales.Physical examination revealed generalized cutaneous erythema and scaling. The palms were markedly hyperkera‐totic (Figs. 1 and 2). This caused discomfort under pressure. There was a mild pruritus and her nails were abnormal. No burrows or vesicles were seen.Laboratory studies revealed the following: anemia and eosinophilia of 12%. Immunoglobulins were normal. Her cel‐lular immunity was diminished. Sensitivity to dinitrochloro‐benzene and reactivity to intradermal injection of tuberculin, trichophytin, and candidin were negative. Direct light mi‐croscopy of thick scales showed a large number of Sarcoptes mites and numerous eggs. Microscopic examination of a biopsy specimen showed hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and a chronic inflammatory infiltrate composed predominantly of lymphoid cells. The horny layer was riddled with innumer‐able mites.The patient was treated with a 20% urea ointment and 1% lindane lotion. The skin condition was significantly im‐proved after a 5‐day treatment with keratolytic ointment (2 times a day) and antiscabic lotion applied at night to the whole skin for a period of 5 days. Throughout the hospital stay she remained in good health and was discharged 10 days after admission with her dermatologic problem com‐pletely cured (Fig. 3).Four months later the patient died due to a cerebral metastatic carcinoma.
URTICARIAL VASCULITIS DEVELOPED ON THE STRIAE DISTENSAE DURING PREGNANCY
Authors: KWON CHUL WOOK , LEE CHANG WOO , KIM YOUNG TAE , KIM JAE HONG 
Published: May 2007

A 23‐year‐old woman (gravida 1, para 0) in her 34th week of pregnancy had urticarial erythema on the legs for a period of 2 weeks. The initial eruptions of erythematous papules, plaques, and urticarial lesions were noted on the calves, at the site of striae distensae. The number of erythematous le‐sions had increased during the last 10 days to cover most of the preexisting sites of striae distensae on the lower legs and thighs, with several satellite lesions (Fig. 1). Individual lesions on the legs were pruritic and persisted longer than 1 day.The lesions of striae distensae on the legs (with urticari‐al erythema) and on the abdomen (without any overlying urticarial lesions) had occurred during pregnancy over the past 8 months. There was no history of drug use, infection, or any other systemic disorders relevant to the skin dis‐ease. Systemic symptoms such as fever, arthralgia, or malaise were not associated with the evolution of the ur‐ticarial erythema.Her past medical history and family history were non‐contributory. She was healthy and maintained uncomplicat‐ed normal pregnancy without any remarkable findings on physical examination except for the skin lesions.A biopsy specimen taken from a satellite lesion showed a moderate degree of perivascular and transmural infiltra‐tion of neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphohistiocytic cells, with some nuclear dust in the upper dermis. Endothe‐lial swellings and foci of extravasation of red blood cells were also seen (Fig. 2). The direct immunofluorescence study of the same tissue showed deposits of IgM and C3 in the blood vessel walls of the upper dermis (Fig. 2).The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated to 45 mm/h. Complete blood count with differential, platelet count, urinalysis, and stool test for occult blood were within normal limits or negative.The pattern of serum protein electrophoresis, total serum hemolytic complement, and levels of human chorionic gonadotropin were all normal. The results of the tests for antinuciear antibodies, cryoglob‐ulin, hepatitis B surface antigen, and VDRL were negative. The skin lesions of urticarial vasculitis in this patient were treated with oral prednisolone (25 mg/d). The pruritic lesions cleared in a week with no evidence of recurrence until the postpartum period.
PRIMARY CUTANEOUS NOCARDIA INFECTION DUE TO NOCARDIA ASTEROIDES
Authors: VOGEL PAULA S. , HEIMER WILLIAM L. , SAU PURNIMA , BENSON PAUL M. 
Published: May 2007

A 34‐year‐old white man was admitted to the hospital for treatment of cyclosporine toxicity. He was referred to the dermatology service for the evaluation of two lesions that had been present for 4 weeks on the dorsum of his left hand. The patient stated that he had cut his hand on a fence and later cleaned his aquarium two weeks before the skin lesions appeared. The past medical history was significant for a cadaveric renal transplant in 1984 for renal agenesis of the left kidney and obstructive nephropathy of the right kid‐ney. His oral medications included methylprednisolone, dil‐tiazem, ranitidine, cyclosporine, and ketoconazole. The recent addition of ketoconazole for oral thrush was felt to have caused the cyclosporine toxicity.The patient was cushingoid in appearance with promi‐nent generalized hypertrichosis. The vital signs and the chest examination were normal. Skin examination revealed a 6‐mm tense vesicle with surrounding erythema with an adjacent 5‐mm firm linear papule (Fig. 1). There was no lymphadenopathy. Both lesions were biopsied, hemisec‐tioned, and sent for routine light microscopy and for fungal, atypical mycobacterial, and bacterial cultures.Laboratory studies were significant for a blood urea ni‐trogen of 56 mg/dL, creatinine of 2.6 mg/dL, WBC of 13,100/mm13, and a cyclosporine level of 2333 ng/mL (thera‐peutic level 100–300 ng/mL). X‐ray of the left hand showed no abnormality. Chest x‐ray and computerized axial tomog‐raphy scan revealed a widened superior mediastinum sec‐ondary to mediastinal lipomatosis. Tissue cultures grew Nocardia asteroides. Bacterial and mycobacterial cultures, including atypical mycobacteria, were negative.The biopsy showed a mixed cellular infiltrate with scat‐tered multinucleated giant cells and focal microabscesses. Brown and Brenn stain showed gram‐positive filamentous organisms.A modified Fite stain (Fig. 2) demonstrated acid‐fast filamentous organisms. The patient was diagnosed as having primary cutaneous nocardiosis with no evidence of dissemination. He was treated with trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), one tablet orally four times daily, with resolution of the skin lesions within 3 weeks, but the patient developed neurolog‐ic toxicity and elevation of his serum creatinine with this therapy. He was unable to tolerate a lower dose of TMP/SMX and the medication was changed to sulfisoxazole 500 mg orally four times daily, with plans to continue the treatment for 12 months.There has been no recurrence after almost 12 months of therapy.
COMPARISON OF TOPICAL PHENYTOIN WITH NORMAL SALINE IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC TROPHIC ULCERS IN LEPROSY
Authors: BANSAL NIRMAL KUMAR , MUKUL  
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Trophic ulceration, one of the most common complications of leprosy, is disabling, distressing, and demoralizing for the patient. Methods. The wound healing effects of topical phenytoin powder were compared with those of normal saline in a controlled in‐patient study of 100 patients with 110 trophic leprosy ulcers of varying chronicity, over a 4‐week study period. Fifty patients were assigned to the topical phenytoin group and 50 to saline therapy group. Ten patients had two ulcers each, and, in these cases, one ulcer was treated with phenytoin and the other with saline. Results. Over the 4‐week treatment period healthy granulation tissue appeared earlier, and mean percentage of ulcer volume reduction was greater, in the phenytoin group (72.1 ± 19.9% versus 55.5 ± 21.6%) compared with the control group. Conclusions. This difference was statistically significant at the level of P < 0.001. Phenytoin appears to be a useful agent for the promotion of healing of trophic leprosy ulcers.
TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR: STATUS IN REACTIONS IN LEPROSY BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT
Authors: SEHGAL VIRENDRA N. , BHATTACHARYA SAMBIT N. , CHATTOPADHAYA DEBASISH , SAHA KUNAL 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF) is an important mediator of immunologic responses to chronic infections. Method. Sera from 25 patients with acute reactions (6 with type 1 upgrading, 8 with type 1 downgrading, and 11 with type 2 reaction) were assayed for TNF before treatment and after clinical remission of the acute episode. The results were compared with serum TNF levels in healthy controls and fresh pauci‐and multibacillary leprosy patients. Results. TNF levels in acute reactions were higher than in the control groups (significant only in upgrading reaction). In type 1 reaction, serum TNF concentrations fell to approximately the levels of the control patients following treatment and clinical remission. In type 2 reaction, however, levels of TNF were seen to rise further (became statistically significant) as a result of therapy induced clinical remission. Conclusions. The rise in TNF‐A level in reactions in leprosy is significant and indicates its active role in immunopathogenesis. The corresponding decline in TNF‐a levels seen following regression of type 1 (lepra) reactions was not observed in the case of type 2 (ENL) reaction. This probably reflects the enhancement of cellular immunity in such cases and/or an attempt by the immunologic process to overcome specific inhibitors.
OVERHEATING IN BED AS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN MANY COMMON DERMATOSES
Authors: MOLLOY HUGH F. , LAMONT‐GREGORY ERIC , IDZIKOWSKI CHRIS , RYAN TERENCE J. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Extensive questioning of patients with a wide variety of skin disorders led to the impression that nocturnal overheating was probably an important factor in the initiation and the perpetuation of many skin disorders. Methods. In order to test the hypothesis, 12 “clean‐skinned” subjects (6M/6F) aged 18 to 45 years were monitored electronically every 30 seconds during an 8 hour sleep period (2300 to 0700 hours), sleeping under a standard 10 tog duvet. Results. All the subjects were too hot by 3 to 4°C. All showed changes in their EEG patterns with reduced REM sleep, increased awakenings, and all showed changes in their sleep stage patterns. In addition, they all showed evidence of increased sweating in the “heat‐sink” area. Conclusions. The mechanisms where by such changes could be implicated in the precipitation and perpetuation of skin disease are discussed. “Lifestyle” modification as a very effective, noninvasive, therapeutic regime is recommended. Further research along these lines would probably be very valuable and instructive.
TREATMENT OF ORAL PEMPHIGUS VULGARIS
Authors: CHRYSOMALLIS FOTIS , IOANNIDES DEMETRIS , TEKNETZIS ANGELOS , PANAGIOTIDOU DESPINA , MINAS ARISTIPPOS 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Oral pemphigus is considered to represent either an initial stage of pemphigus vulgaris that should be treated with high doses of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent its spread to the skin or a variety of the disease that does not need aggressive treatment. The absence of a widely accepted therapeutic method and the obscure nature of this disease prompted this study. Methods. Twenty‐eight patients with oral pemphigus were randomly divided into three groups. The first group received only steroids at a dose of 40 mg of prednisone equivalent. In the other two groups the same dose of steroids was administered, but combined with either 100 mg of cyclophosphamide or 5 mg/kg of cyclosporine as an adjuvant. Direct immunofluorescence studies were performed on specimens obtained from both buccal mucosa and oral skin. Results. There was no significant difference in the duration of treatment required to achieve remission and in the relapse rate among the three groups. The incidence of complications was higher with combination treatment. Deposited immunoreactants were detected with equal frequency in specimens obtained from the buccal mucosa and normal skin. Conclusions. Oral pemphigus most likely represents an initial stage of a disease that can become generalized. Administration of moderate doses of steroids alone is effective in controlling the disease.
TINEA VERSICOLOR AND VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS
Authors: HASHIM FAISAL A. , ELHASSAN AHMED M. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Background. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic in several areas in the Sudan. The disease is associated with depressed cellular immunity. Tinea versicolor is a normal commensal of the skin which can become pathogenic particularly in patients with depressed cell‐mediated immunity. Patients with VL have a high prevalence of tinea versicolor. Methods. One hundred and thirty patients with parasitologic confirmation of VL were screened for tinea versicolor infection. In the suspected cases the diagnosis was made by demonstrating the fungal hyphae and spores in skin scrapings. All patients were treated with sodium stibogluconate. Results. Of the 130 patients with VL, 10.8% were found to have severe tinea versicolor. The fungal infection developed or became worse with the start of VL. After successful treatment of VL, the tinea lesions disappeared completely or decreased in severity. Conclusions. Depressed cell‐mediated immunity that is a feature of VL is the probable underlying cause for fungal infection. Tinea infection during the course of VL is to be distinguished from lesions of post‐kala‐azar dermal leishmaniasis.