bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti‐p200 pemphigoid: A novel autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease
Authors: DILLING Amrei , ROSE Christian , HASHIMOTO Takashi , ZILLIKENS Detlef , SHIMANOVICH Iakov 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTAnti‐p200 pemphigoid is a recently defined autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease characterized by circulating and tissue‐bound autoantibodies to a 200‐kDa protein (p200) of the dermal–epidermal junction (DEJ). This DEJ constituent is thought to be important for adhesion of basal keratinocytes to the underlying dermis. While the exact identity of p200 remains unknown, it has been demonstrated to be immunologically and biochemically distinct from all major autoantigens of the DEJ, including bullous pemphigoid antigens 180 and 230, laminin 1, 5 and 6, α6β4 integrin, and type VII collagen. Clinically, most reported cases present with tense blisters as well as urticarial papules and plaques, closely resembling bullous pemphigoid. Histopathological examination of lesional skin biopsies shows subepidermal split formation and superficial inflammatory infiltrate typically dominated by neutrophils. Immunopathologically, linear deposits of immunoglobulin (Ig)G and C3 are detected along the DEJ by direct immunofluorescence microscopy of perilesional skin. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy of patients’ sera on NaCl‐split human skin demonstrates circulating IgG autoantibodies labeling the dermal side of the split. By immunoblotting, these autoantibodies recognize a 200‐kDa protein of human dermis. Biochemical characterization of the p200 molecule revealed a noncollagenous N‐glycosylated acidic protein with an isoelectric point of approximately 5.5. We present an overview of the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of this new disease entity.
Efficacy and safety of serial glycolic acid peels and a topical regimen in the treatment of recalcitrant melasma
Authors: ERBIL Hakan , SEZER Engin , TAŞTAN Bülent , ARCA Ercan , KURUMLU Zafer 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTMelasma is a common acquired disorder of facial hyperpigmentation. In this study we investigated the efficacy and safety of a combined treatment regimen including serial glycolic acid peels, topical azelaic acid cream and adapalene gel in the treatment of recalcitrant melasma. Twenty‐eight patients with recalcitrant melasma were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial lasting 20 weeks. The patients of the group receiving chemical peels underwent serial glycolic acid peels in combination with topical azelaic acid 20% cream (b.i.d.) and adapalene 0.1% gel (q.i.d., applied at night). The control group received only topical treatment including topical azelaic acid and adapalene. The clinical improvement was assessed with the Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) at baseline and monthly during the 20‐week treatment period. The results showed a prominent decrease in MASI scores at the end of the treatment in both groups, although the results were better in the group receiving chemical peels (P = 0.048). All patients tolerated the topical agents well with minimal irritation observed in the first few weeks of the therapy. Three patients in the glycolic acid peel group developed a mild‐degree postinflammatory hyperpigmentation with total clearance at the end of the treatment period. Therefore, the present study suggests that combined treatment with serial glycolic acid peels, azelaic acid cream and adapalene gel should be considered as an effective and safe therapy in recalcitrant melasma.
Case of keratosis lichenoides chronica with atypical sarcoidal granulomatous inflammation
Authors: MANSUR Ayşe Tülin , AYDINGÖZ İkbal Esen , KOCAAYAN Nurhan , GÜNDÜZ Sevil , ÖZŞEKER Nihal , HAZAR Armağan , YILDIZ Kürşat 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTKeratosis lichenoides chronica (KLC) is a rare chronic disease characterized by violaceous, papular and nodular lesions typically arranged in a linear and reticulate pattern. The etiology of KLC is unknown, but it may be associated with internal diseases such as hypothyroidism, glomerulonephritis and lymphoproliferative disorders. Herein, we describe the case of 44‐year‐old male patient with characteristic lesions of KLC on the trunk and extremities, present for 12 years. The clinical diagnosis was proven by histopathological examination on several occasions. In the years following the diagnosis of KLC, he developed bilateral hilar and multiple mediastinal, cervical and inguinal lymphadenopathies and hepatosplenomegaly. In 2000, diffuse interstitial and then reticulonodular pulmonary infiltrates associated with fever, weight loss, malaise and subcutaneous nodules developed. Biopsies taken from peripheral and mediastinal lymph nodes, pulmonary parenchyma, pleural tissue, bone marrow and skin showed non‐necrotizing granulomas, indicating a sarcoidal granulomatous reaction. Characteristic histopathological findings and the absence of atypical cells, clonality and a high proliferative index excluded lymphomas. Furthermore, detailed tests showed no evidence of an infectious granulomatous disease. As far as we know, this is the first reported case of KLC associated with a sarcoidal granulomatous reaction.
Neurofibromatosis type 2 in an infant with multiple plexiform schwannomas as first symptom
Authors: MIYAKAWA Takehiko , KAMADA Noriaki , KOBAYASHI Takashi , HIRANO Keiko , FUJII Katsunori , SASAHARA Yoshitaro , NAGAI Yuichiro , SHINKAI Hiroshi 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTNeurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is an autosomal dominant disorder that is caused by inactivating mutations or a loss of both alleles in the NF2 tumor‐suppressor gene. Bilateral vestibular schwannomas are considered to be the hallmark of this disease, with hearing loss and tinnitus which are caused by these tumors, usually presenting as the initial symptoms. In addition to other tumors and ocular findings, skin abnormalities also occur in NF2, however, they are not so characteristic as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). We herein report a case of NF2 which occurred in a 5‐year‐old boy. He had multiple cutaneous tumors but did not have any symptoms related to vestibular schwannomas. He also had multiple depigmented spots. A histopathological examination revealed these tumors to be plexiform schwannomas; we therefore suspected NF2. As a result of magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium enhancement, bilateral vestibular schwannomas were detected and a final diagnosis of NF2 was thus made. The association between NF2 and multiple depigmented spots is unknown, we therefore consider that multiple cutaneous plexiform schwannomas may strongly suggest an association with NF2.
Zosteriform skin involvement of nodal T‐cell lymphoma: A review of the published work of cutaneous malignancies mimicking herpes zoster
Authors: NIIYAMA Shiro , SATOH Kanji , KANEKO Satoshi , AIBA Shinsaku , TAKAHASHI Mari , MUKAI Hideki 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTA 77‐year‐old Japanese woman initially presented with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma involving her neck, axillary and inguen lymph nodes. She had edematous erythema and nodules limited to the skin in zosteriform distribution on the left side chest wall along the T4–5 dermatome. In addition, since 1970, we have mainly been collecting English‐language articles on malignant skin tumors and skin metastasis described as zosteriform in the title, and we have reviewed a total of 29 cases, including our own. It should be mentioned that 59% of the cases reported had been diagnosed with herpes zoster at the time of the initial examination and that many of them had received drug therapy (e.g. acyclovir). We wish to add the dermatomic eruption mimicking zoster sine herpete to the list of possible presentations of cutaneous malignancies.
Drug eruption caused by ranitidine hydrochloride (Zantac) which showed a strong reaction in a drug‐induced lymphocyte stimulation test
Authors: OKAMOTO Osamu , FUJIWARA Sakuhei 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTAn 80‐year‐old male who developed a generalized papular erythema‐type drug eruption after being treated with ranitidine hydrochloride is herein reported. The duration from the intake of the medicine to the onset of the eruption was 3 days, and the eruption remained unchanged for a week after withdrawal of the medicine and even after the eruption itself was treated. A diagnosis of drug eruption by ranitidine hydrochloride was confirmed based on a strongly‐positive reaction of a drug‐induced lymphocyte stimulation test (DLST).
Bullous eosinophilic cellulitis succession with eosinophilic pustular folliculitis without eosinophilia
Authors: ARCA Ercan , KÖSE Osman , KARSLIOĞLU Yildirim , TAŞTAN Halis Bülent , DEMİRİZ Murat 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTEosinophilic cellulitis is characterized clinically by an acute dermatitis resembling cellulitis with unknown etiology. Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis is also a rare inflammatory dermatosis characterized by recurrent crops of erythematous follicular papulopustules that coalesce to form annular plaques with unclear etiopathogenesis. We describe a 20‐year‐old white male who had vesiculobullous and plaque‐like lesions on the hands and feet and was diagnosed with bullous eosinophilic cellulitis clinically and histologically without any etiological agents. Following therapy with oral corticosteroid and oral tetracycline capsules, the lesions disappeared. After a 2‐month asymptomatic period, the patient developed pruritic follicular papules and pustules on the lower and upper extremities and upper back. Stool examination revealed Gierdia intestinalis eggs. The patient had complete clearance with treatment of ornidazol for 2 weeks and indomethacin for 2 months. This is the first report of bullous eosinophilic cellulitis coexisting with eosinophilic pustular folliculitis without eosinophilia in the English published work.
Tuberculous gumma associated with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: Report of a Japanese female patient
Authors: MAEJIMA Hideki , ARAI Satoru , EBATA Toshiya , TAKEDA Hiroshi , KUSUNOKI Mai , KATSUOKA Kensei 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTOur patient was a 77‐year‐old Japanese woman, who was under treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and chronic renal failure. She had warm nodules and cord‐like induration on her left knee that appeared similar to Bazin's erythema induratum. A chest X‐ray examination revealed miliary tuberculosis; after anti‐mycobacterial therapy, the warm nodules and cord‐like induration were transformed into a cold, non‐tender abscess that drained. Histopathological findings showed caseation necrosis in the subcutaneous tissue, however, mycobacteria were directly detected by Ziehl–Neelsen staining from cutaneous lesions, and cultures from the same lesion also grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculous gumma demonstrated multiple, cold, painless abscesses and thrombosis were also seen. This is a rare and unusual clinical form of cutaneous tuberculosis, and the result of hematogenous dissemination from a primary focus during periods of lowered resistance.
Dipalmitoylation of radicicol results in improved efficacy against tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo
Authors: Oikawa Tsutomu , Onozawa Chizuko , Kuranuki Sachi , Igarashi Yasuhiro , Sato Mayumi , Ashino Hiromi , Shimamura Mariko , Toi Masakazu , Kurakata Shinichi 
Published: December 2006

Tumor‐related angiogenesis is likely to be a potential target for the treatment of cancer. One key to develop this angiostatic strategy would be to find useful angiogenesis inhibitors. Here we report the effects of radicicol, a microbial angiogenesis inhibitor that we previously identified using the chorioallantoic membrane assay, and its novel analog, 14,16‐dipalmitoyl‐radicicol, on tumor angiogenesis and growth. As expected for agents containing a penolic hydroxyl group, systemic administration of radicicol had little or no effect on neovascularization triggered by a M5076 mouse tumor cell line or a RMT‐1 rat mammary carcinoma cell line established from autochthonous rat mammary tumors induced by 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in a mouse dorsal air sac assay system. The agent did not show growth‐inhibitory activity against either transplantable M5076 tumors or autochthonous 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene‐induced rat mammary tumors. In contrast, 14,16‐dipalmitoyl‐radicicol potently suppressed tumor angiogenesis and growth in these experimental models. Furthermore, the analog significantly prolonged the survival rate of M5076‐implanted mice. Although not stronger than radicicol, it dose‐dependently inhibited embryonic angiogenesis in the chorioallantoic membrane assay, the dose required for half‐maximal inhibition (ID50) value being 23 µg (27 nmol) per egg, and showed concentration‐dependent antiproliferative activity against microvascular endothelial cells in vitro. These data suggest that 14,16‐dipalmitoyl‐radicicol is a promising antitumor agent with antiangiogenic activity. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 219–225)
Downregulation of RECK by promoter methylation correlates with lymph node metastasis in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chang Huang‐Chou , Cho Chun‐Yu , Hung Wen‐Chun 
Published: December 2006

In the present study, we addressed the molecular mechanism of the downregulation of reversion‐inducing‐cysteine‐rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK), a critical tumor suppressor that can potently inhibit angiogenesis and metastasis, in non‐small cell lung cancer and its clinical significance. The methylation status of the RECK gene promoter was studied by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction. RECK mRNA and protein levels were investigated by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Downregulation of RECK was observed in 60% of the 55 tumors analyzed. Using methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction analysis methylation of the RECK promoter was detected in 63.6% (35/55) of the tumor tissues. A strong correlation between downregulation and promoter methylation was found in these tumors (P = 0.000005). More importantly, downregulation of RECK significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.038). Mutation of codon 12 of the K‐ras gene was detected in 25.5% (14/55) of lung tumor tissues. Statistical analysis indicated that K‐ras mutation was linked with RECK promoter methylation (P = 0.047) and downregulation (P = 0.023). Promoter methylation was also detected in human lung cancer cell lines, and the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5′‐azacytidine reversed the expression of RECK and reduced the invasive ability of these cell lines. Collectively, our results suggest that downregulation of the metastasis suppressor RECK is caused by promoter methylation in non‐small cell lung cancer and is associated with K‐ras mutation and lymph node metastasis. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 169–173)
Inverse association between coffee drinking and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: a case‐control study in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Keitaro , Hara Megumi , Sakamoto Tatsuhiko , Higaki Yasuki , Mizuta Toshihiko , Eguchi Yuichiro , Yasutake Tsutomu , Ozaki Iwata , Yamamoto Kyosuke , Onohara Shingo , Kawazoe Seiji , Shigematsu Hirohisa , Koizumi Shunzo 
Published: December 2006

Coffee use has consistently been associated with lower serum liver enzyme levels and a reduced risk of liver cirrhosis. A limited number of cohort and case‐control studies also suggest a decreased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among coffee drinkers, but mostly without consideration of hepatitis virus infection. In the present case‐control study, we recruited 209 incident HCC cases and three different controls (1308 community controls, 275 hospital controls, and 381 patients with chronic liver disease [CLD] without HCC), all of whom were aged 40–79 years and residents of Saga Prefecture, Japan. A questionnaire survey elicited information on coffee use during the last 1–2 years and 10 years before, and plasma hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies to hepatitis C virus were tested for all but community controls. After adjustment for sex, age, heavy alcohol use, smoking status and hepatitis virus markers (except for community controls), coffee use during the last 1–2 years was associated with a decreased risk against any control group. For coffee use 10 years before, comparison between HCC cases and either community controls or CLD patients revealed a decreased risk; adjusted odds ratios for occasional use, 1–2 cups/day and ≥3 cups/day compared with no use were 0.33, 0.27 and 0.22 (P trend < 0.001), respectively, against community controls, and 0.86, 0.62 and 0.53 (P trend = 0.05), respectively, against CLD patients. These results suggest that coffee may protect against the development of HCC, yet further elaborate studies (hopefully, intervention studies) are warranted to corroborate these findings. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 214–218)
Risk assessment of ritual use of oral dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and harmala alkaloids
Authors: Gable Robert S. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTAim  To extend previous reviews by assessing the acute systemic toxicity and psychological hazards of a dimethyltryptamine and β‐carboline brew (ayahuasca/hoasca) used in religious ceremonies.Method  A systematic literature search, supplemented by interviews with ceremony participants.Results  No laboratory animal models were located that tested the acute toxicity or the abuse potential of ayahuasca. Separate animal studies of the median lethal dose of dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and of several harmala alkaloids indicated that a lethal dose of these substances in humans is probably greater than 20 times the typical ceremonial dose. Adverse health effects may occur from casual use of ayahuasca, particularly when serotonergic substances are used in conjunction. DMT is capable of inducing aversive psychological reactions or transient psychotic episodes that resolve spontaneously in a few hours. There was no evidence that ayahuasca has substantial or persistent abuse potential. Long‐term psychological benefits have been documented when ayahuasca is used in a well‐established social context.Conclusion  A decoction of DMT and harmala alkaloids used in religious ceremonies has a safety margin comparable to codeine, mescaline or methadone. The dependence potential of oral DMT and the risk of sustained psychological disturbance are minimal.
A comparative multi‐level analysis of contextual drinking in American and Canadian adults
Authors: Kairouz Sylvia , Greenfield Thomas K. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTAim  To investigate the effects of demographic factors and drinking location on contextual drinking in a comparison of US and Canadian adults.Design  Multi‐level techniques were used to model the two‐level hierarchical structure of drinking contexts (level 1) nested within individuals (level 2).Participants  Two random samples of current drinkers aged 18 years or older were drawn from Canada's Alcohol and Other Drugs Survey (CADS, 1994) and the 1995 National Alcohol Survey (NAS 9). The US sample included 2304 respondents (level 2) who reported a total of 5956 drinking contexts (level 1); in Canada, 5394 respondents reported 13 235 drinking contexts.Measurements  Participants reported usual alcohol intake in up to four drinking locations. Demographic data included age, gender, education level, income and marital status.Findings  Significant variation in usual alcohol intake was observed between drinking locations in both the US and Canada. The full multi‐level models explained 25% of the variance at the contextual level and 25% and 22% at the individual level in the US and Canada. Contextual drinking was determined by a complex relationship between demographic characteristics and drinking locations. Some interactions between locations and demographic variables were observed for both the US and Canada, whereas others were observed only in the US sample.Conclusions  There is a need, from a population health perspective, for a multi‐level approach in epidemiology and prevention that considers drinking setting as a relevant level for analysis and intervention.
The reliability and validity of the Severity of Dependence Scale for detecting cannabis dependence in psychosis
Authors: Hides L. , Dawe S. , Young R. McD. , Kavanagh D. J. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTAims  To determine the reliability and validity of the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) for detecting cannabis dependence in a large sample of in‐patients with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder.Design  Cross‐sectional study.Participants  Participants were 153 in‐patients with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder in Brisbane, Australia.Measurements  Participants were administered the SDS for cannabis dependence in the past 12 months. The presence of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Version‐IV (DSM‐IV) cannabis dependence in the previous 12 months was assessed using the Comprehensive International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI).Findings  The SDS had high levels of internal consistency and strong construct and concurrent validity. Individuals with a score of ≥2 on the SDS were nearly 30 times more likely to have DSM‐IV cannabis dependence. The SDS was the strongest predictor of DSM‐IV cannabis dependence after controlling for other predictor variables.Conclusions  The SDS is a brief, valid and reliable screen for cannabis dependence among people with psychosis.
The Indian Ocean dipole – the unsung driver of climatic variability in East Africa
Authors: Marchant Rob , Mumbi Cassian , Behera Swadhin , Yamagata Toshio 
Published: December 2006

AbstractA growing body of evidence suggests that an independent ocean circulation system in the Indian Ocean, the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD), is partly responsible for driving climate variability of the surrounding landmasses. The IOD had traditionally been viewed as an artefact of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) system although increasingly the evidence is amassing that it is separate and distinct phenomenon. We review the causes of the IOD, how it develops within the Indian Ocean, the relationships with ENSO, and the consequences for East African climate dynamics and associated impacts on ecosystems, in particular along the Eastern Arc Mountains of Kenya and Tanzania. We evaluate current research initiatives focussed on characterizing and constraining the IOD and examine how effective these will be in determining climate change impacts on East African ecosystems and how such predictive capacity can be used in developing policy.
Habitat diversity and fish assemblages in an African river basin (Nyagui River, Zimbabwe)
Authors: Kadye Wilbert T. , Marshall Brian E. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractLittle is known about the ecology of stream fishes in Zimbabwe and this study investigated fish communities in the Nyagui River basin and is one of the first to examine the relationship between fish assemblages and habitat diversity in Zimbabwe. Fourteen sampling stations were, for convenience, divided into three groups; upper (>1400 m above sea level), middle (1000–14000 m) and lower stations (<1000 m). A total of 24 species were collected, four of which were introduced, and the species composition differed according to the location of the stations. Species that favoured running water and/or rocks were generally absent from the upper stations, reflecting the fact that they were mostly sandy‐bottomed and still. Diversity and relative abundance increased in the mid‐ and low‐altitude stations, which were rockier and faster flowing. Both species diversity and relative abundance increased with the catchment area above each station, which was attributed to increased habitat diversity in larger streams. This view was supported by a strong correlation between habitat diversity and catchment area, and between habitat diversity and species richness and relative abundance. At present, the Nyagui system is relatively unregulated but the Kunzvi Dam, presently under construction, will change this situation and species diversity is likely to decrease owing to the loss of rheophilic species while other groups, notably cichlids and introduced species will increase.