bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MACROECONOMIC AND LABOUR MARKET POLICIES FOR EMPLOYMENT GENERATION IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Padayachee Vishnu , Zarenda Harry 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTThe recent advent of political democracy in South Africa has brought into sharp focus those macroeconomic and labour policies designed to combat unacceptably high unemployment levels, that have escalated steadily to present estimates of approximately 40 per cent of the Economically Active Population. The continuing implementation of neo‐liberal orthodox policies, the authors maintain, will aggravate the problem. An alternative theoretical framework containing elements of a neo‐Ricardian, post‐Keynesian approach and based on research work of the Macroeconomic Research Group (MERG) is advocated. This approach focuses on State‐led, demand‐inducing policies, while not neglecting the supply side of the labour market in South Africa.
Scalp immersion proxigraphy (SIP): an improved imaging technique for phototrichogram analysis*
Authors: Van Neste Dominique J.J. , Dumortier Marianne , de Brouwer Bernadette , De Coster Walter 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn recent years we have developed the concept of using automated computer assisted image analysis (ACAIA) for hair growth evaluation. The success of this sophisticated technology depends on the quality of the original images that are fed into the mainframe of the image analyzer. Application of immersion oil onto the scalp site to be photographed appears to improve contrast between hair and scalp and has been named ‘Scalp Immersion Proxigraphy’ (SIP) in contrast to crude proxigraphy, that is close‐up photography without application of immersion oil, commonly used for phototrichogram analysis (PT). In this paper, we report evidence indicating that besides the qualitative improvement of the image, SIP also contributes to generate more accurate quantitative data. Such a conclusion was reached after hair growth variables were compared as a function of the photographic method (SIP vs. PT: 16 scalp sites; 5 balding subjects with clinical features consistent with androgen dependent alopecia). Each site was photographed with both techniques immediately after clipping and 48 h later. After image recording, we manually re‐processed the original pictures on transparencies. The original pictures and the transparencies were analyzed with ACAIA. There was a significant difference between methods in terms of evaluation of linear hair growth rate (LHGR; mm/day, n= 1332 bairs; Scheffe F‐test, P < 0.05). LHGR recorded with re‐processed SIP pictures (0.317 mm/day) was very close to that measured in our laboratory with micrometric methods. Distorted figures were generated by PT, leading to an underestimation of this parameter by 30% on average (0.224 mm/day). From previous studies, we knew that hair diameter correlates with linear hair growth rate: the thinner the hair fiber, the slower the growth rate. Both variables may be considered as additive in terms of severity of the alopecia. In this comparative trial of two phototrichogram techniques, we showed that linear hair growth rates can only be accurately estimated with SIP. Therefore, SIP should be used instead of crude proxigraphy when a global assessment of hair growth is to be monitored during clinical trials.
Dermatologic complications in renal transplant recipients versus uraemic patients under maintenance haemodialysis treatment
Authors: Sobh Mohamed A. , Hamid Ibrahim A. Abdel , Saad Hany M. , Eid Mahmoud M. , Razic Moheb M. Abdel , Elshamy Saed , Ghoniem Mohamed A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractOne hundred and twelve renal transplant recipients and 40 patients with chronic renal failure undergoing maintenance haemodialysis were included in this study. Skin infections were the most common complication in renal transplant recipients (67.8%), with fungal infections being the most frequent (58%). Kaposi's sarcoma was found in three of our transplant patients (2.6%); no other skin tumors were observed in our cases. The second most frequent skin complication after infections was acne lesions (43.7%). On the other hand, pallor and dryness were the most common skin signs observed in uraemic patients; fungal infections were found in 15%. No skin neoplasms were found in the uraemic patients. In conclusion, skin infections and Kaposi's sarcoma are more common in renal transplant recipients than in uraemic patients under haemodialysis maintenance treatment.
The HLA‐dermatosis connection
Authors: Nikkels A.F. , Nikkels‐Tassoudji N. , Piérard G.E. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA number of dermatological diseases are associated with distinct HLA types. These associations vary in different populations and ethnic groups. HLA determination can be related to different disease courses, various anatomical predilection sites and can be used as a diagnostic tool. However, the pathogenic role of HLA in susceptibility to specific dermatological diseases often remains unclear.
Schwannomatosis: dermatological relevance of an unusual form of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF‐2)
Authors: Giménez‐Arnau Ana Ma. , Pou‐Serradell Adolf , Camarasa José G. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractFour patients (three women and one man) suffering from multiple subcutaneous, painful, nodular tumors, diagnosed as multiple schwannomas of peripheral nerves (MCN), are presented. Two had radicular and VIII cranial nerve schwannomas associated with meningioma. The other two patients had only MCN. These cases were obtained from a prospective study of 30 patients with clinical criteria of neurofibromatosis (NF). The main inclusion criteria were pathological nuclear magnetic resonance (3). In 19 cases histological studies of internal neurological tumors were carried out. The four cases reported here presented fewer than six ‘café au lait’ spots. No hereditary background was demonstrated in these patients. Clinical and genetic investigations were insufficient to affirm that MCN or schwannomatosis is a new entity or a new form of NF. Sporadic cases of NF‐2 appear more often than has been admitted before and these non‐inherited forms appear to be in cases associated with MCN.
Use of the polymerase chain reaction to detect human papillomavirus type 16 in the cervical scrapes of Irish women with varying grades of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Birthistle K. , Kaminski G.Z. , McKenna P. , Hillary I.B. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjective To assess the prevalence of HPV type 16 among Irish women with various degrees of CIN.Subjects One hundred and five women with varying degrees of CIN, detected on prior cytological screening, and thirty‐two women with cytologically normal cervical smears.Methods HPV 16 DNA was detected by the PCR technique, with controls against contamination.Setting The colposcopy clinic in the Rotunda Maternity Hospital, Dublin, and the Virus Reference Laboratory, U.C.D., from October 1991 to April 1992.Results HPV 16 DNA was detected in 66% of subjects with abnormal cervical cytology, and in 31% of those with normal cervical smears. A higher HPV 16 prevalence was found among those women with CIN III (74%), than among those with CIN I/CIN II (60%).Conclusions The prevalence of HPV 16 among Irish women with normal cytology and CIN was similar to previous published studies from other areas, with a higher prevalence in those with abnormal cervical cytology. The usefulness of detection of HPV 16 as an indicator of a higher risk of carcinoma of the cervix is discussed.
Prevalence of gallstones in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria in Northern Ireland
Authors: Todd David J. , Nevin Norman C. , Burrows Desmond 
Published: July 2006

AbstractErythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is characterized by increased red cell protoporphyrins, which are excreted solely in the bile. Since gallstones are thought to be more prevalent in EPP, all 17 patients in Northern Ireland known to have EPP had abdominal ultrasound scanning and tests of liver function. Asymptomatic gallstones were detected in one patient, an 11‐year‐old girl. Liver function was normal in all patients.
Italian multicentre trial comparing itraconazole with griseofulvin in the treatment of dermatomycoses. Preliminary results
Authors: Finzi A. , Cilli P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe results of previous international studies have suggested that itraconazole is significantly superior to griseofulvin in the treatment of tinea corporis/cruris. The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of the two agents in a larger number of patients with dermatomycoses. This study is ongoing in 46 Italian Centers of Dermatology. From this total of 46 Centers, the patients of 16 Centers have been included for the “ad interim” analysis. One hundred and thirty‐four patients were randomized to treatment with either itraconazole 100 mg once daily for 15 days (73 patients) or griseofulvin 375–1000 mg daily for a mean of 17 days (61 patients). The patients were assessed clinically and mycologically before entering the trial, at the end of therapy and again 30 days after the end of treatment. Both groups showed a statistically significant improvement in desquamation, erythema and subjective complaints, with a trend in favour of itraconazole, despite the significantly shorter duration of treatment. Thirty days after the end of therapy, microscopic results were negative in 91.5% of the itraconazole group and 71.7% of the griseofulvin group. Cultures were negative in 80% and 65%, respectively. A significantly higher proportion of patients in the itraconazole group than in the griseofulvin group experienced both clinical and mycological recovery. One patient in the itraconazole group and three in the griseofulvin group reported adverse experiences. The preliminary results of this study show that itraconazole is well tolerated and more effective than griseofulvin. Furthermore, itraconazole demonstrated a more rapid action than griseofulvin.
Italian multicentre study with oral itraconazole in recurrent pityriasis versicolor, Preliminary report
Authors: Difonzo E.M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractPityriasis versicolor is a common mycosis, characterized by frequent recurrences. Oral itraconazole is very effective in the treatment of this infection but there are no published studies on its prophylactic use. The purpose of our study was to assess further the efficacy of itraconazole in the treatment of recurrent pityriasis versicolor and to investigate its role in prophylaxis. In this ongoing study, 270 patients with recurrent pityriasis versicolor receive 200 mg itraconazole once daily for seven days. Those who experience clinical and mycological cure, sustained one month after the end of treatment, then enter the prophylactic phase of the study and receive either 200 mg itraconazole or two placebo capsules once a month for five months. Of the 48 patients who so far have received the full seven days' treatment with itraconazole, 31 have completed the first phase of the study. Complete clinical cure was achieved in 30(96%) and residual lesions persisted in one. Mycological cure was achieved in all. No adverse events were reported. Nine patients have now entered the prophylactic phase (five taking itraconazole and four placebo). No symptoms so far have reappeared in any of them. Oral itraconazole is a highly effective and well‐tolerated treatment for recurrent pityriasis versicolor. The role of itraconazole in prophylaxis is still undetermined pending completion of the study.
New therapeutic concepts in onychomycosis
Authors: Willemsen M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractOnychomycoses are common and difficult to treat. Ketoconazole and griseofulvin have been the mainstays of therapy but, even with prolonged courses, treatment often fails and relapse is frequent. Pharmacokinetic and previous clinical data have indicated that itraconazole may be more effective. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of a three‐month course of therapy with itraconazole and to determine the levels of itraconazole in the distal nail plate up to six months after the end of treatment. Thirty‐eight patients with onychomycosis of one or more toenails received three months’treatment with itraconazole 100 mg or 200 mg daily. Patients were followed up at monthly intervals for up to six months. Those in the 200 mg group received a further assessment at 18 months. Mycological cure was achieved in 13% and 19%, respectively, of the 100 mg and 200 mg treatment groups by the end of the three months’therapy. But, at the six‐month follow‐up, negative mycological results were obtained in 79% of the patients in the 200 mg group and in only 26% in the 100 mg group. Higher levels of itraconazole persisted in the nails after treatment with the 200 mg dose and there were few subsequent relapses among patients in this group. Itraconazole offers a new concept in the treatment of chronic and refractory fungal nail infections. A three‐month course of 200 mg daily produces a sustained mycological cure in most patients.
In vitro susceptibility testing of Pityrosporum ovale against antifungal, antiseborrheic and antipsoriatic agents
Authors: Nenoff Pietro , Haustein Uwe‐Frithjof 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjective The in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of Pityrosporum ovale strains isolated from patients with seborrheic dermatitis was determined.Method Minimum inhibitory concentrations of a total of 11 agents ‐ including true antifungal, antiseborrheic, and antipsoriatic drugs ‐ were measured.Results Ketoconazole was the most effective of the tested antifungal agents against Pityrosporum ovale in vitro (minimum inhibitory concentration 0.1 μg/ml). The antiseborrheic agents zinc pyrithione and selenium disulfide showed a good in vitro efficacy against Pityrosporum with similar minimum inhibitory concentrations. Liquor carbonis detergens and dithranol were also able to inhibit growth of Pityrosporum ovale in vitro, but much higher concentrations were necessary.Conclusion The tested agents commonly used against seborrheic dermatitis might exert their efficacy, at least in part, due to inhibition of Pityrosporum ovale.
Non‐invasive evaluation of inflammation in atopic dermatitis*
Authors: Hoffmann Klaus , Dirschka Thomas , Schwarze Hartmut , Stücker Markus , El‐Gammal Stefan , Hoffmann Andrea , Altmeyer Peter 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn atopic dermatitis the inflammatory reaction is quantified either clinically or histologically. While clinical evaluation has the major disadvantage of inter‐ and intraoperator variance, histological investigation requires invasive procedures. Therefore, standard techniques which provide both an objective and non‐invasive form of examination are desirable.We investigated 20 patients with atopic dermatitis by means of high resolution 20‐MHz b‐*scan ultrasound. Investigations were performed on inflammatory skin lesions at regular intervals using a standardized combination of external treatment with α‐methyl‐prednisolon‐aceponat ointment and UV‐A/UV‐B phototherapy until the lesions had healed. Skin colour (erythema) was assessed with the Minolta Chromameter CR 200 colorimeter according to the L*a*b* colour system.Sonograms of affected skin show a zone of low echogenicity below the so‐called entry‐echo. We refer to this as the echolucent area. Healing of a lesion is seen as a decrease in thickness and an increase in density of the skin in the sonographic image; the echolucent area disappears totally when the lesion has clinically healed. In five patients we excised small areas of skin to compare the sonographic and histological pictures of exactly the same site. This showed that the thickness of the subepidermal echolucent area corresponds to the inflammatory reaction representing both edema and cellular infiltration.Comparing the findings in sonography with the change in skin colour measurements we found that the a*‐value of the L*a*b* colour system representing redness correlated well with the sonographic density of the echolucent area. In conclusion, 20‐MHz‐b‐scan sonography and colorimetry are suitable methods for non‐invasive, objective evaluation of the inflammatory process in atopic dermatitis.
Cockayne syndrome and lichen actinicus
Authors: Schepis Carmelo , Palazzo Rosaria , Fabrizi Giuseppe , Motta Vincenzo 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe authors describe the case of a young woman aged 22 years admitted to our Institute with a diagnosis of Cockayne syndrome. On admission she presented with a photoexposed dermatitis diagnosed, on the basis of clinical and histological aspects, as lichen planus actinicus. Cockayne Syndrome is characterized by precocious aging and other important signs such as dwarfism, mental retardation, photosensitivity, retinal atrophy and progressive neurological deterioration. The syndrome is autosomal recessive with normal infancy and onset of the first signs of deterioration within the first years of life. Lichen planus actinicus is a typical papular dermatitis of the photoexposed parts found in tropical and Mediterranean regions, which may be conditioned by racial factors. This is the first description in literature of a case of lichen planus actinicus in Cockayne syndrome.
An evalution of atopic diseases in relation to immediate skin test reactions among schoolchildren in the Sør‐Varanger community
Authors: Dotterud Lars Kåre , Kvammen Bjørn , Lund Eiliv , Faik Edvard S. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim To compare the frequency of questionnaire based diagnosis of atopic diseases to those of clinical findings and sensitization and to evaluate the reliability of self‐reported reactions to allergens with those confirmed by skin prick tests.Background Not only airborne allergens but also environmental indoor and outdoor air pollution are regarded as risk factors for the development of respiratory diseases in children. Metals, soot, SO2, passive smoking and pollution from new building materials irritate both the skin and the respiratory mucosa and also increase the risk of atopic sensitization. A strong indication that atopic diseases are common in Sør‐Varanger community, an area heavily polluted by the nearby Russian smelting plants, prompted us to investigate this hypothesis.Subjects The clinical and immunological examination involved 424 out of 575 schoolchildren aged 7–12 years.Results A total of 36% of the subjects were atopic; i.e. atopic dermatitis was established in 23% and mucous membrane atopy in 18%. 44% were definite non‐atopies, leaving 14% not classifiable in either group and 6% latent atopies. Sensitization was confirmed by positive prick tests in 69% of children with a history of pollen allergy and 11% of those with a history of allergy to animal dander.Conclusions Skin prick tests are of little value in the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis but of major importance for the confirmation of mucous membrane atopy. In cases of controversy between history, clinical findings and sensitization, it is difficult to decide between atopies and non‐atopies. Allergological examinations may be restricted to individuals with a positive symptom‐based diagnosis only.
Zalcitabine‐associated pharyngeal ulcers
Authors: Nandwani R. , Moyle G.J. , Perry N. , Hooker M. , Gazzard B.G. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjective To report the development of giant pharyngeal ulcers in a series of HIV‐positive patients after commencing zalcitabine therapy. We also present an algorithm for the clinical management of oral ulceration in HIV‐infected individuals.Design and subjects Prospective review of patients who were prescribed zalcitabine. a nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor of HIV, at a single UK centre.Setting HIV out‐patient clinic at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London.Outcome measured Oro‐pharyngeal ulceration associated with zalcitabine therapy.Results We report 3 cases of zalcitabine‐associated oral toxicity which manifested as atypical giant pharyngeal ulcers. The subjects were all male homosexual non‐smokers who were participating in the Medical Research Council Delta trial and had previously been randomised to receive didanosine or matching placebo in combination with zidovudine, before commencing open label zalcitabine.ConclusionsOral ulceration is a documented side‐effect of zalcitabine, which may produce larger atypical lesions in some individuals. Possible predisposing factors and proposed mechanisms for zalcitabine‐associated pharyngeal ulceration are discussed.
Infectious dermatoses in adult diabetic patients
Authors: Al‐Jabre Salih Hamad Mohamad , Al‐Sultan Ali Ibrahim 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground The views about the increased prevalence of cutaneous infections in diabetic patients are in conflict.Objectives To study the prevalence of cutaneous infections in diabetic patients.Methods 100 non‐insulin dependent diabetics and 100 controls were studied. Complete skin examination and routine dermatologic tests were used in the diagnosis of cutaneous infections.Results The overall prevalence of infections was higher in diabetic than non‐diabetic patients. The toe webs were the most commonly affected sites. The frequency of erythrasma was significantly higher in diabetics, but not of candidosis, tinea versicolor, dermatophytosis and staphylococcal and viral infections.Conclusion In diabetics, erythrasma was the most frequently encountered skin infection.
High prevalence of atopy suggesting a role as co‐factor in the clinical manifestation of condylomata acuminata
Authors: Ruzicka Thomas , Geltinger Stefan 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground A high proportion of those infected with human papilloma virus remain asymptomatic. The co‐factors predisposing to the clinical manifestation of condylomata acuminata are unknown. Atopy represents a minimal form of cellular immune deficiency and shows a high association with mucocuta‐neous infections. Its role in condylomata acuminata has never been investigated.Objectives To determine the role of atopy in the manifestation of condylomata acuminata.Design The presence of predisposing factors was assessed by clinical data, and serological, microbiological and proctological investigations. Atopy was evaluated by a standardised procedure, and an atopy score calculated and correlated with extent, duration and relapse rate of condylomata acuminata.Subjects Fifty‐eight patients with condylomata acuminata were investigated at the Department of Dermatology of the University of Munich.Results A high proportion of patients showed predisposing local factors, such as coexistent infections, anal eczema or haemorrhoids. Many patients showed stigmata of atopy. A positive association was seen between atopy score and relapse of condylomata acuminata. The presence of atopy could be identified as a predisposing factor.Conclusions Atopy is common in patients with condylomata acuminata and may represent a co‐factor for the development of clinically evident papillomas in persons infected with HPV, and offer an explanation for the high relapse rate of condylomata acuminata.
Apoptosis, the dermatologist, the venereologist and the patient
Authors: Gaffney Eoin F. , Cotter Thomas G. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractApoptosis is the genetically mediated process whereby individual cells determine their deletion from normal and diseased tissues. Deregulation of apoptosis occurs to a greater or lesser extent in malignant tumours and in certain skin diseases, and also largely accounts for the progressive depletion of CD4+ lymphocytes in HIV infection. Greater understanding of apoptosis modulation by oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes such as c‐myc. Fas, p53, bcl‐2, and abl will facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies for cancer and other diseases.
Acroangiodermatitis
Authors: Dias Margarida , Cardoso Jorge , Afonso Ana , Rodrigues Ana 
Published: July 2006

AbstractKaposi‐like acroangiodermatitis or pseudo‐Kaposi's sarcoma is a reactive angiodysplasia of the cutaneous blood vessels that resembles true Kaposi's sarcoma, both clinically and histologically. We report a 17‐year‐old girl with congenital spina bifida and myelomeningocele and cutaneous lesions localized on the lower limbs. Clinical, functional and histological investigation led to a diagnosis of Kaposi‐like acroangiodermatitis.