bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Chinese–Japanese boy with black dot ringworm due to Trichophyton violaceum
Authors: KONDO Maho , NAKANO Naomi , SHIRAKI Yumi , HIRUMA Masataro , IKEDA Shigaku , SUGITA Takashi 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTA 4‐year and 8‐month‐old Chinese‐Japanese boy, who had been visiting Dalian, China frequently, developed multiple alopecia lesions 1 year previously. At his initial visit to our department, multiple patchy alopecia with black dots was observed in the parietal scalp area. Multiple erythematous macules were also seen on the face, nape and right dorsum of the hand. A diagnosis of tinea capitis and tinea corporis was obtained on the basis of potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopic examination of hair and scales from the lesions. Colonies grown on Sabouraud cycloheximide‐chloramphenicol agar culture were examined using Fungi‐Tape and MycoPerm‐blue, and numerous microconidia and a small number of macroconidia were observed. Trichophyton violaceum was identified as the causative organism on the basis of colony morphology, microscopic morphology and molecular biology technique. As T. violaceum infection is not often seen in Japan, we suspected that the patient was infected by T. violaceum during his stay in Dalian. Conidia formation is rarely observed with T. violaceum, and only five cases with T. violaceum macroconidia formation have been reported in Japan (including this case). We also report the method for visualizing conidia formation of T. violaceum using Fungi‐tape and MycoPerm‐blue.
Calcifying aponeurotic fibroma of the knee: A case report with radiological findings
Authors: HASEGAWA Hiromi K. , PARK Susam , HAMAZAKI Minoru 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTCalcifying aponeurotic fibroma is a rare type of benign tumor that occurs most commonly in the distal extremities of young children. Due to its infiltrative growth, it has a high tendency of recurrence. Although the clinicopathological features of over 100 cases of this rare disease have been reported, its clinical and radiological features have yet to be described in detail. We present a case of calcifying aponeurotic fibroma of the knee from birth with radiological images, that demonstrate the peculiar features of this uncommon benign tumor and discuss its clinicopathological features based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance images.
Cross‐reactivity among shrimp, crab and scallops in a patient with a seafood allergy
Authors: ZHANG Yan , MATSUO Hiroaki , MORITA Eishin 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTShrimp is known to be the most common causative agent in seafood allergy. Patients with shrimp allergy often exhibit allergic symptoms to a variety of seafoods such as crabs and clams. We experienced a 14‐year‐old girl with shrimp allergy who developed oral swelling and pain accompanied with an uncomfortable feeling after ingestion of scallops followed by intensive exercise. Laboratory investigation showed that she had serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E molecules reacting with several kinds of crustaceans and mollusks, including shrimp, crab and scallops. Immunoblotting revealed that her serum IgE reacted with the 38 kDa bands for shrimp, crab and scallops, suggesting that tropomyosin was the major allergen. Dot‐blot inhibition analysis showed a cross‐reactivity among shrimp, crab and scallops. We conclude that the cross‐reactivity of IgE in this patient resulted from the high homology of tropomyosins.
Transient acantholytic dermatosis (Grover's disease) in a renal transplant patient
Authors: BOUTLI Fotini , VOYATZI Maria , LEFAKI Ioanna , CHAIDEMENOS Giorgos , KANITAKIS Jean 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTGrover's disease (“transient acantholytic dermatosis”) is a transient dermatosis of unknown cause manifesting clinically as a papular skin eruption located usually on the anterior chest and abdomen and histologically with dyskeratosis and acantholysis. Grover's disease has occasionally been reported in patients with chronic renal failure, HIV infection, hematological malignancies and bone‐marrow allotransplantation. We report herein a new case of Grover's disease that developed in a renal transplant patient. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first observation of Grover's disease developing in the setting of solid organ transplantation.
A case of lupus erythematosus/lichen planus overlap syndrome
Authors: NAGAO Kyoko , CHEN Ko‐Ron 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTA case of lupus erythematosus/lichen planus overlap syndrome (LE/LP overlap syndrome) was reported. A 53‐year‐old woman developed violaceous erythema around the nostrils and the upper lips and atrophic scaly erythema on the cheeks and neck. Histopathological studies revealed that the patient had distinct discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), LP, and a lesion with combined features of DLE and LP. Direct immunofluorescent (DIF) studies of the mixed lesion revealed both prominent immunoglobulin (Ig)G deposits in a granular pattern at the basement membrane zone (BMZ) and IgM deposits in the clusters of cytoid bodies; the former are more typical of LE and the latter more of LP. DIF features in combination were unique for LE/LP overlap syndrome. The patient was satisfactorily treated with topical tacrolimus. While reports support the effectiveness of tacrolimus in either LE or LP, this is the first case of LE/LP overlap syndrome treated with topical tacrolimus.
A case of crusted scabies with a bullous pemphigoid‐like eruption and nail involvement
Authors: NAKAMURA Eri , TANIGUCHI Hiroko , OHTAKI Noriko 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTWe report a case of a 71‐year‐old man infected at a nursing home who developed a bullous pemphigoid‐like eruption with nail involvement. He was diagnosed by his family doctor as suffering from eczema and was treated with topical corticosteroids, then blisters started appearing. He was next diagnosed as suffering from bullous pemphigoid and treated with oral prednisolone, which worsened his condition. He was finally diagnosed as having crusted scabies with bullous pemphigoid‐like eruptions and nail involvement at our clinic. He was then prescribed oral ivermectin (two doses of 12 mg ivermectin with a 1‐week interval) and topical lindane (1%γ‐BHC in petrolatum) for scabies with 5% salicylic acid in plastibase as an additional treatment for the crusted lesions on his soles. He showed remarkable improvement in 2 weeks, and his nails showed complete recovery after 7 weeks of occlusive dressing treatment with 1%γ‐BHC. One and a half years later, the patient showed no sign of a recurrence of scabies. The histology of a blister taken from this patient was similar to that of bullous pemphigoid. Direct immunofluorescence showed immunoglobulin (Ig)G and C3 deposition at the dermoepidermal junction similar to that of bullous pemphigoid, but indirect immunofluorescence was negative. The bullous symptoms of this patient were considered to be due to the scabies, because the patient recovered completely after receiving treatment for scabies. Indirect immunofluorescent study is important to distinguish between scabies with blister formation and true bullous pemphigoid.
Autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome associated with grief complications
Authors: GUNDOGAR Duru , YUKSEL BASAK Pınar , BAYSAL AKKAYA Vahide , AKARSU Ozlem 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTThe clinical presentation of a patient with autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome associated with a complicated grief reaction is reported. A 50‐year‐old female patient presented with recurrent episodes of painful ecchymotic bruising on the lower extremities which started in 1995 after the sudden death of her son and exacerbated almost every year at approximately the same time her son died as an anniversary reaction. No pathological findings were detected in the laboratory examinations. The diagnosis was confirmed by induction of similar lesions by i.d. injection of the patient's own washed erythrocytes and whole blood. Psychiatric assessment revealed that the patient was depressed, socially introverted, overly defensive and avoidant in interpersonal relationships. Antidepressant treatment and psychotherapy for major depression and grief complications were started with the patient. Having an awareness of this rare condition will assist in the prevention of unnecessary investigations in such cases and will allow early referral for appropriate psychological counseling.
PHACES syndrome presenting as hemangiomas, sternal clefting and congenital ulcerations on the helices
Authors: DURUSOY Cicek , MIHCI Ercan , TACOY Sukran , OZAYDIN Eda , ALPSOY Erkan 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTSternal malformation/vascular dysplasia association is a very rare condition comprised of midline defects and hemangiomas of the face and anterior trunk, that can be found as part of the PHACES phenotypic spectrum (posterior fossa malformations, hemangiomas, arterial anomalies, coarctations of the aorta, cardiac defects and eye abnormalities, sternal clefting). Herein, we describe a 6‐month‐old boy with sternal cleft, extensive segmental hemangiomas, and a depigmented scar on the tip of the xyphoid process, corresponding to a sternal malformation/vascular dysplasia association. He also had bilateral cutaneous ulcerations on the helices. Our case report indicates that ulceration of a hemangioma can occur before significant proliferation and may even be present congenitally.
Linkage mapping of gene‐associated SNPs to pig chromosome 11
Authors: Sawera M. , Cirera S. , Jørgensen C. B. , Gorodkin J. , Fredholm M. 
Published: March 2006

SummarySingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were discovered in porcine expressed sequence tags (ESTs) orthologous to genes from human chromosome 13 (HSA13) and predicted to be located on pig chromosome 11 (SSC11). The SNPs were identified as sequence variants in clusters of EST sequences from pig cDNA libraries constructed in the Sino–Danish pig genome project. In total, 312 human gene sequences from HSA13 were used for similarity searches in our pig EST database. Pig ESTs showing significant similarity with HSA13 genes were clustered and candidate SNPs were identified. Allele frequencies for 26 SNPs were estimated in a group of 80 unrelated pigs from Danish commercial pig breeds: Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace and Large White. Eighteen of the 26 SNPs genotyped in the PiGMaP Reference Families were mapped by linkage analysis to SSC11. The EST‐based SNPs published here are new genetic markers useful for linkage and association studies in commercial and experimental pig populations. This study represents the first gene‐associated SNP linkage map of pig chromosome 11 and adds new comparative mapping information between SSC11 and HSA13. Furthermore, our data facilitate future studies aimed at the identification of interesting regions on pig chromosome 11, positional cloning and fine mapping of quantitative trait loci in pig.
Association of polymorphisms in the bovine FASN gene with milk‐fat content
Authors: Roy R. , Ordovas L. , Zaragoza P. , Romero A. , Moreno C. , Altarriba J. , Rodellar C. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryFatty acid synthase (FASN) is a multifunctional protein that carries out the synthesis of fatty acids so it plays a central role in de novo lipogenesis in mammals. Previously, we defined the genetic structure and expression of the bovine FASN gene. Our mapping studies placed FASN on BTA19 (19q22) where several quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting milk‐fat content and related traits have been described. This study was conducted to identify polymorphisms in the bovine FASN gene and to study their association with milk‐fat content. The bovine FASN gene was screened for polymorphisms in two cattle breeds. Sequence analysis revealed several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and two of them were analysed: a G>C substitution in the untranslated exon 1 (g.763G>C), altering a potential Sp1 transcription factor‐binding site, and an A>G substitution in exon 34 (g.16009A>G), which determines a non‐conservative substitution of threonine by alanine. Allele‐specific amplification of the SNPs in FASN revealed significant frequency differences for both polymorphisms in Holsteins with high and low breeding values for milk‐fat content. The intragenic haplotypes comprising exon 1 (alleles G and C) and exon 34 (alleles A and G) polymorphisms were studied, and the existence of linkage disequilibrium between these SNPs was found (DCG = 0.048, P < 0.001). Our results suggest that the FASN gene polymorphisms contribute to variation in milk‐fat content. We propose that the bovine FASN gene is a candidate gene for a milk‐fat content QTL.
Overcoming graft rejection in heavily transfused and allo‐immunised patients with bone marrow failure syndromes using fludarabine‐based haematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Srinivasan Ramaprasad , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Philip McCoy J. , Espinoza‐Delgado Igor , Dorrance Colleen , Igarashi Takehito , Lundqvist Andreas , John Barrett A. , Young Neal S , Geller Nancy , Childs Richard W. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryAllogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can cure a variety of non‐malignant haematological disorders. Although transplant outcomes for selected patients with severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) and paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) have improved, older age, allo‐immunisation from transfusions, prior immunosuppressive therapy and a prolonged time from diagnosis to transplantation are associated with worse outcome. Because of its potent immunosuppressive effects, we investigated a fludarabine‐based non‐myeloablative conditioning regimen in patients with transfusion‐dependent non‐malignant haematological disorders at increased risk for graft rejection with conventional transplant conditioning. Twenty‐six patients with transfusion dependent/anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG)‐refractory SAA, PNH or pure red cell aplasia underwent HCT from a human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐compatible relative. Transplant conditioning consisted of cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg) and fludarabine (125 mg/m2) with or without ATG. Ciclosporine, alone or combined with mycophenolate mofetil or methotrexate, was used as graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. All patients achieved durable engraftment and transfusion‐independence. Twenty‐four of 26 patients are alive at a median of 21 months following transplantation. Although a high cumulative incidence of acute (65% grades II–IV, 54% grades III–IV) and chronic GVHD (56%) was observed, only one patient died from transplant‐related causes (cumulative incidence 7%). These data show that HCT following fludarabine‐based non‐myeloablative conditioning results in durable engraftment and excellent survival in SAA and PNH patients at high risk for graft rejection.
Degree and clinical relevance of sensitization to common allergens among adults: a population study in Helsinki, Finland
Authors: Pallasaho P. , Rönmark E. , Haahtela T. , Sovijärvi A. R. A , Lundbäck B. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryBackground
We aimed to assess the prevalence of allergic sensitization and multiple sensitization, risk factors, and the clinical impact of being sensitized in the adult population of Helsinki, Finland.Methods
As a part of the FinEsS study, a population‐based random sample of 498 adults aged 26–60 years were tested for 15 common aeroallergens with skin prick tests (SPTs) and interviewed on respiratory symptoms and diseases, including respiratory irritants and childhood environment.Results
The prevalence of at least one positive prick test was 46.9%. A large difference by age was found: 56.8% were sensitized among those aged 26–39 years, 49.2% in the age group 40–49 years, and 35.6% in the age group 50–60 years (P<0.001). Sensitization to multiple allergens was common among young subjects with 42% of the sensitized responding to at least four allergens, while this proportion was only 16% of the sensitized among those aged 50–60 years. The prevalence of physician‐diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR) or conjunctivitis, and wheeze increased significantly with increasing number of positive responses to SPTs. Having a family history of AR or conjunctivitis was a significant risk factor for allergic sensitization and for sensitization to any of the pollens. Further, urban living in childhood yielded an increased risk for pollen sensitization.Conclusions
The prevalence of allergic sensitization was high in the urban adult population of Helsinki. More than half of those aged 26–39 years was sensitized and 24% was sensitized to at least four allergens. Sensitization to multiple allergens was associated with a high prevalence of asthma, AR or conjunctivitis, and wheeze.
In contrast to specific B cells, human basophils are unaffected by the toxic activity of an allergen toxin due to lack of internalization of immunoglobulin E‐bound allergen
Authors: Wicklein D. , Stöcker M. , Klockenbring T. , Huhn M. , Wodrich M. , Haas H. , Becker W.‐M. , Barth S. , Petersen A. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryBackground
Specific immunotherapy is the only curative therapy for type I allergies and the alarming increase in allergy prevalence emphasizes the need for additional/alternative strategies for curative treatment. Allergen toxins (AT), fusion products of an allergen with an apoptosis inducing cytotoxin, are a new kind of immunotoxin.Objective
AT should allow allergen‐specific targeting and elimination of allergy‐relevant cells, with B cells being the primary target. An important question is the fate of the effector cells, e.g. mast cells and basophils, which carry allergen‐specific IgE: the immunotoxin might even prove to be harmful.Methods
We established a reliable in vitro B cell model (using two mouse hybridoma cell lines) for testing specificity and toxicity of P5‐ETA′, a fusion protein of the major timothy grass pollen allergen Phl p 5b and truncated Pseudomonas Exotoxin A. In a second step, we investigated the impact of the AT on human basophils.Results
P5‐ETA′ reliably eliminated Phl p 5‐specific cells in the in vitro B cell model, leaving unspecific B cells unharmed. Human basophils of grass pollen allergic donors specifically bound P5‐ETA′, released IL‐4 and up‐regulated the activation marker CD203c, but were not subject to the toxic effect because of lack of internalization of IgE‐bound allergen.Conclusion
According to our data, basophils are pure effector cells in the context of IgE‐bound allergen and not involved in classical antigen presentation.
Too clean, or not too clean: the Hygiene Hypothesis and home hygiene
Authors: Bloomfield S. F. , Stanwell‐Smith R. , Crevel R. W. R. , Pickup J. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryThe ‘hygiene hypothesis’ as originally formulated by Strachan, proposes that a cause of the recent rapid rise in atopic disorders could be a lower incidence of infection in early childhood, transmitted by unhygienic contact with older siblings. Use of the term ‘hygiene hypothesis’ has led to several interpretations, some of which are not supported by a broader survey of the evidence. The increase in allergic disorders does not correlate with the decrease in infection with pathogenic organisms, nor can it be explained by changes in domestic hygiene. A consensus is beginning to develop round the view that more fundamental changes in lifestyle have led to decreased exposure to certain microbial or other species, such as helminths, that are important for the development of immunoregulatory mechanisms. Although this review concludes that the relationship of the hypothesis to hygiene practice is not proven, it lends strong support to initiatives seeking to improve hygiene practice. It would however be helpful if the hypothesis were renamed, e.g. as the ‘microbial exposure’ hypothesis, or ‘microbial deprivation’ hypothesis, as proposed for instance by Bjorksten. Avoiding the term ‘hygiene’ would help focus attention on determining the true impact of microbes on atopic diseases, while minimizing risks of discouraging good hygiene practice.
Competition enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) can be a sensitive method for the specific detection of small quantities of allergen in a complex mixture
Authors: Dobrovolskaia E. , Gam A. , Slater J. E. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryRationale
The competition ELISA assay is used to determine the potency of US standardized allergen extracts. We have been concerned that the competition ELISA is not sensitive to changes in individual allergen levels. This study was designed to determine the sensitivity of the competition ELISA to detect the specific loss of Bla g 1 and Bla g 2 in cockroach extracts.Methods
German cockroach extract E3Cg was made from defatted German cockroaches. New Zealand White rabbits were immunized with rBla g 1 or rBla g 2. Optimal dilutions of anti‐Bla g 1 and anti‐Bla g 2 sera were established by ELISA. E3Cg was selectively depleted of Bla g 1 or Bla g 2 by immunoabsorption with anti‐Bla g 1 or anti‐Bla g 2 attached to Protein G agarose beads. Competition ELISA using pooled human sera, or mixed anti‐Bla g 1 and anti‐Bla g 2 serum, was performed on the depleted extracts, and on depleted extracts reconstituted with rBla g 1 or rBla g 2.Results
Unlike pooled human‐allergic IgE sera, anti‐Bla g 1 and anti‐Bla g 2 IgG – in dilutions as low as 10−6, could be used in the competition ELISA to measure the loss of allergen in depleted E3Cg. As little as 0.001 μg/mL of added rBla g 1 and 0.1 μg/mL of added rBla g 2, could be detected.Conclusion
The competition ELISA can be highly sensitive to compositional differences in complex allergen mixtures, even when the specific detecting antibody is present in relatively small amounts.
Effects of a reversible β‐tryptase and trypsin inhibitor (RWJ‐58643) on nasal allergic responses
Authors: Erin E. M. , Leaker B. R. , Zacharasiewicz A. , Higgins L. A. , Nicholson G. C. , Boyce M. J. , de Boer P. , Jones R. C. , Durham S. R. , Barnes P. J. , Hansel T. T. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryBackground
β‐Tryptase is a multifunctional mast cell serine protease released during mast cell degranulation and tryptase/trypsin inhibitors are a novel potential therapeutic approach for allergic inflammatory diseases.Objectives
This study was performed to assess the effects of RWJ‐58643 on nasal symptoms, eosinophil influx, and cytokine and chemokine release following nasal allergen challenge (NAC).Methods
Male patients with grass pollen allergic rhinitis (n=16) out of season received single doses of RWJ‐58643 (100, 300, 600 μg) or matched placebo given 30 min before NAC in a double‐blind, randomized crossover design. A single dose of 200 μg budesonide was studied in an open‐label extension phase. NAC was performed with Timothy grass pollen (ALK) via a nasal device, and nasal lavage was performed at times 0 (pre‐drug, pre‐allergen), 0.5 (30 min post‐drug, pre‐NAC) 1.5, 2.5, 4.5, 6.5, 8.5, and 24 h after drug administration. Nasal lavage mediators were analysed using a sensitive multiplexed bead immunoassay system.Results
Low‐dose RWJ‐58643 (100 μg) and budesonide (200 μg) significantly reduced symptoms, eosinophils and levels of IL‐5 following NAC. However, higher doses of RWJ‐58643 (300 and 600 μg) caused a late eosinophilia and preceding increases in IL‐5 compared with placebo.Conclusions
This study suggests that combined β‐tryptase and trypsin inhibition has therapeutic potential in allergic inflammation, however, this property is dose responsive and higher doses are ineffective and may cause eosinophilia.