bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo drug resistance of falciparum malaria in mining areas of Venezuela
Authors: Aché A. , Escorihuela M. , Vivas E. , Páez E. , Miranda L. , Matos A. , Pérez W. , Díaz O. , Izarra E. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe Lot Quality Assurance Double‐Sampling Plan (LQADSP) technique was used in three areas, Maripa, Kilómetro 88 and Ikabaru, to assess the efficacy of antimalarials used routinely by the VenezuelanMalaria Programme. The use of chloroquine (25 mg/kg), chloroquine (40 mg/kg) and the combination of sulfadoxine (500 mg) and pyrimethamine (25 mg) registered treatment failures above the threshold level of 25% in Maripa and Kilómertro 88. In Ikabaru the use of chloroquine (40 mg/kg) did not surpass that quality level and could possibly be less than 10%. Quinine (30 mg/kg) was totally effective in curing patients in all three areas. The use of this technique seems adequate for rapid field evaluations and in this case for providing appropriate information to assist this health programme. However, whilst being an ideal technique for surveying areas in which considerable variation may exist among lots and particularly for Plasmodium falciparum infections in these areas, repeated surveys should be carried out in the same areas over time to monitor changes in the susceptibility of this parasite to first‐, second‐ and third‐line drugs. In that way, national drug policies can be modified adequately.
Myocardial damage in falciparum malaria detectable by cardiac troponin T is rare
Authors: Günther A. , Grobusch M. P. , Slevogt H. , Abel W. , Burchard G. D. 
Published: March 2003

Summaryobjectives  To estimate the prevalence of myocardial damage in falciparum malaria by serum concentration of cardiac troponin T.methods  Retrospective study of stored sera and patient files; assessment of acute myocardial damage by serum concentration or activity of cardiac troponin T, creatine kinase, creatine kinase MB and myoglobin and by routine electrocardiography.results  A total of 161 patients with falciparum malaria were included in the study; troponin T was elevated in one case (0.6%), no CK‐MB elevations were found, myoglobin was elevated in 10 of 161 patients (6.2%), all of whom were elderly and had concomitant elevated serum concentration levels of cystatin C; ECG abnormalities were seen in 23 patients.conclusion  Assessed by troponin T, myocardial damage in falciparum malaria is rare.
Prescribing practices of rural primary health care physicians in Uzbekistan
Authors: Pavin Melinda , Nurgozhin Talgat , Hafner Grace , Yusufy Farruh , Laing Richard 
Published: March 2003

SummaryDoctors prescribe medications for therapeutic indications and to meet patient expectations. Understanding the pattern of prescribing is a necessary precursor for any intervention and for improving prescribing practices. Using the WHO standard methodology, we investigated the prescribing practices of doctors in rural primary health care (PHC) clinics in the Ferghana region of Uzbekistan. Doctors in these clinics may have over‐prescribed, prescribing 2.9 drugs per patient per encounter. Fifty‐seven per cent of these were for injectable drugs, and 57% for antibiotics. Most prescriptions were for name brand (62%) rather than generic drugs.
Canine atopic dermatitis: a retrospective study of 169 cases examined at the University of California, Davis, 1992–1998. Part II. Response to hyposensitization
Authors: Zur Gila , White Stephen D. , Ihrke Peter J. , Kass Philip H. , Toebe Nina 
Published: March 2003

AbstractOne hundred and sixty‐nine dogs were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, and treated with hyposensitization for at least 1 year based on the results of either intradermal skin tests (IDST) or enzyme‐linked immunosorbant serum assays (ELISA). Excellent (i.e. hyposensitization alone controlled clinical signs), good (> 50% improvement), moderate (< 50% improvement) and no (clinical signs were unchanged) responses were seen in 19.5, 32.5, 20.1 and 27.8%, respectively. Age of onset, age when treatment was initiated or the duration of clinical signs had no influence on response to hyposensitization. Dogs having concurrent flea allergy dermatitis were statistically more likely to respond better than dogs with concurrent food allergies. Although not statistically significant, there were trends for Golden Retriever and male dogs to respond better than other breeds and female dogs, respectively. Dogs having more than 21 positive reactions in allergy tests and treated with more than 21 allergens had lower response scores, and a longer time course before achieving beneficial response. Lower response scores were seen in dogs having positive reactions to cultivated plants, grasses, trees or insects. There was no difference in response to hyposensitization whether based on IDST or ELISA results.
Evaluation of the clinical and serum IgE responses to oral challenge with cornstarch, corn, soy and a soy hydrolysate diet in dogs with known food allergy
Authors: Jackson H. A. , Hammerberg B. , Jackson M. W. , Coblentz L. 
Published: March 2003

Hydrolysate diets have been advocated in the management of the food‐allergic dog, but little information is available on their performance in dogs with known allergies. Fourteen dogs with known allergies to soy and corn were maintained on a limited antigen diet exclusively for 80 days (Hills d/d Rice and Duck, Hills Pet Nutrition, Topeka, KS). This diet was continued during oral challenge with 200 mg kg−1of cornstarch, corn and soy respectively on two occasions each at 24‐h intervals. There was a minimum period of 15 days between each challenge. A diet containing hydrolysed soy protein and cornstarch (CNM HA, Ralston Purina Co., St. Louis, MO) was then introduced. Before and after each oral challenge the dogs were examined and a clinical score was determined; serum was also collected for measurement of allergen‐specific and total IgE concentrations. Statistical analysis employed the use of a longitudinal mixed model and was performed using SAS software (Cary, NC). Significant increases in clinical scores were seen after oral challenge with cornstarch, corn and soy (P = 0.04, 0.002, 0.01 respectively) but not with HA (P = 0.5), although three dogs did develop clinical signs after this latter challenge. Allergen challenge did not affect total serum IgE concentrations. Although increases in soy‐ and corn‐specific serum IgE were measured in individual dogs post‐challenge they were not statistically significant, and could not be used to predict clinical hypersensitivity. This study was funded by a grant from Ralston Purina Co., St. Louis, MO.
Comparative sequence analysis of three canine type 2 keratins
Authors: Credille K. M. , Murphy K. E. , Venta P. J. , Page L. , Harville M. A. , Tucker K. A. , Miller A. B. , Mruthyunjaya A. , Barnhart K. A. , Dunstan R. W. 
Published: March 2003

In order to better define the cornification process in dogs and to understand how it is similar or different from cornification in other mammals, we are sequencing the major molecules of cornification in the dog. In this report, we describe the complete genomic sequence of three superficial type 2 canine keratins: K1, K2e and K2p. Oligonucleotide primers for PCR were designed from homologous regions of previously reported human or murine cDNA sequences of the genes of interest. DNA sequencing and evaluation with blast confirmed that the primers amplified the respective canine genes. These primers were then used to screen a subset of a canine genomic library known to contain basic keratin genes. Selected clones were sequenced to obtain the complete DNA sequence. K1, K2e and K2p each had nine exons and eight introns characteristic of the type 2 keratins that code for proteins with variable glycine‐rich head and tail regions and a central α‐helical rod domain. K2p encoded a protein of 659 amino acids, larger than both K1 and K2e (620 and 634 amino acids, respectively). Amino acid sequence homology with humans was 81, 74 and 81% for K1, K2e and K2p, respectively, with homology greatest at the central rod region and decreasing dramatically at the head and tail. Comparisons of the amino acid sequences of these keratins within the canine species defined K2e and K2p as having a slightly higher degree of similarity. In contrast, in humans K2e has greater sequence homology with K1. This study was funded in part by the Morris Animal Foundation.
Cutaneous lesions in dogs with Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens infestation and concurrent tick‐borne transmitted diseases
Authors: Tarello Walter 
Published: March 2003

Abstract  A pruritic dermatitis characterized by the presence of erythema, papules, focal or multifocal alopecia, crusting and nodules was seen in 28 dogs with Dirofilaria repens microfilariae infestation in an endemic area in north‐west Italy. Previous unsuccessful nonspecific antipruritic treatments, flea control and restricted diet were recorded in 53.6% of the patients. Both the Knott and the antigen tests were negative for Dirofilaria immitis and Acanthocheilonema reconditum. Concurrent babesiosis and/or canine granulocytic ehrlichiosis was also diagnosed in many affected dogs. Preliminary treatment of the concurrent diseases was followed by specific filaricide treatment. The cutaneous lesions, although slightly improved with the initial treatment, resolved completely with macro‐ and microfilaricide treatment. Although D. repens may be an opportunistic pathogen, this parasite should not be considered as harmless as previously thought and its potential pathogenic role in causing cutaneous lesions in dogs should be considered. Furthermore, it has a zoonotic importance as human cases have been reported worldwide.
Azathioprine in the treatment of Partheniumdermatitis
Authors: Sharma MD, MNAMS Vinod K. , Chakrabarti MD Aditi , Mahajan MD Vikram 
Published: March 2003

Background Parthenium dermatitis is a chronic disorder whose management is extremely difficult. Allergen avoidance is almost impossible, topical corticosteroid therapy provides only partial relief, and prolonged systemic corticosteroid therapy has unacceptable side‐effects. Methods Twenty patients with chronic Parthenium dermatitis, with relative contraindications to systemic corticosteroids or their side‐effects, were treated with oral azathioprine (100–150 mg daily). The severity of dermatitis was assessed at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months using a modified PASI scoring system. Results The mean age of the patients was 54 years (range, 40–72 years) and the mean duration of dermatitis was 7.6 years (range, 3 months to 36 years). The mean initial score was 18.9 (range, 3.3–42), which decreased to 8.8 (range, 1.6–18.2) at 3 months, 4.8 (range, 0.6–14.6) at 6 months, and 0.7 (range, 0.2–1.4) at 12 months. Of the 15 patients evaluated at 6 months, all but one showed a response. Ten (66.6%) patients showed near‐total clearance, i.e. reduction in score by more than 90%, and three patients (20%) showed more than 50% reduction in score. No significant side‐effects were noted. Conclusions Azathioprine is an effective and safe alternative to corticosteroid therapy in the treatment of chronic Parthenium dermatitis. It is especially useful in patients with side‐effects or contraindications to corticosteroid therapy.
Drugs causing fixed eruptions: a study of 450 cases
Authors: Mahboob Atiya , Haroon Tahir Saeed 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Drug eruptions are among the most common cutaneous disorders encountered by the dermatologist. Some drug eruptions, although trivial, may cause cosmetic embarrassment and fixed drug eruption (FDE) is one of them. The diagnostic hallmark is its recurrence at previously affected sites.Objective We evaluated 450 FDE patients to determine the causative drugs.Results The ratio of men to women was 1:1.1. The main presentation of FDE was circular hyperpigmented lesion. Less commonly FDE presented as: nonpigmenting erythema, urticaria, dermatitis, periorbital or generalized hypermelanosis. Occasionally FDE mimicked lichen planus, erythema multiforme, Stevens–Johnson syndrome, paronychia, cheilitis, psoriasis, housewife’s dermatitis, melasma, lichen planus actinicus, discoid lupus erythematosus, erythema annulare centrifugum, pemphigus vulgaris, chilblains, pityriasis rosea and vulval or perianal hypermelanosis. Cotrimoxazole was the most common cause of FDE. Other drugs incriminated were tetracycline, metamizole, phenylbutazone, paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, mefenamic acid, metronidazole, tinidazole, chlormezanone, amoxycillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, belladonna, griseofulvin, phenobarbitone, diclofenac sodium, indomethacin, ibuprofen, diflunisal, pyrantel pamoate, clindamycin, allopurinol, orphenadrine, and albendazole.Conclusions Cotrimoxazole was the most common cause of FDE, whereas FDE with diclofenac sodium, pyrantel pamoate, clindamycin, and albendazole were reported for the first time. FDE may have multiform presentations.
Evidence‐based dermatologic out‐patient treatment
Authors: Jemec Gregor B. E. , Thorsteinsdottir D. Med. Sci. Hugrun , Wulf Hans Christian 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective To determine the evidence base for routine therapeutic decisions in dermatologic out‐patients.Design A retrospective review of a random sample of primary therapy and literature.Setting University hospital, dermatologic out‐patient clinic in CopenhagenMaterial A random sample of the case notes from 115 out‐patients.Method The evidence base of therapy prescribed when the diagnosis was ascertained was studied in literature searches in MEDLINE® and EMBASE®. Evidence was structured into primary evidence consisting of randomized controlled trials, and secondary evidence consisting of follow‐up studies or the application of trial results between diseases with pathogenic or clinical similarities, e.g. atopic and seborrheic dermatitis.Results Randomized controlled trials could be found describing 38% (95% confidence interval: 30–47) of all treatments. Secondary evidence was found for 33%24–41, while no evidence was found for 23%16–31 of the given treatments.Conclusions Approximately three‐quarters of dermatologic out‐patient therapy is based on scientific evidence ranging from randomized controlled trials to logical deduction from analogous clinical situations. The proportion of evidence‐based medicine in dermatologic therapy therefore appears to be comparable with that of internal medicine and may thus be above expectations.
Biotin recycling impairment in phenylketonuric children with seborrheic dermatitis
Authors: Schulpis Kleopatra H. , Nyalala John O. , Papakonstantinou Evangelos D. , Leondiadis Leon , Livaniou Evangelia , Ithakisios Dionyssios , Georgala Sophia 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective To investigate the effect of a therapeutic diet on serum biotin levels and to explain the seborrheic dermatitis in phenylketonuric (PKU) patients on a “loose” diet.Design Forty‐seven patients were divided into two groups: group A (n = 21) demonstrated good compliance to a special diet and group B (n = 26) were on a “loose” diet. Most of the patients in group B (20/26), who suffered from mild seborrheic dermatitis, were requested to return to phenylalanine (Phe)‐restricted diet for at least 15 days. Seventy‐nine healthy children of comparable age were used as controls. Biotin serum levels and plasma biotinidase activity were measured in patients as well as controls. In addition, biotinidase activity was evaluated in vitro after incubation with various concentrations of Phe.Results Biotin levels in group A patients (636 ± 118 ng/L) were statistically significantly elevated (P < 0.01) compared with those of group B patients before (412 ± 184 ng/L) and after (501 ± 160 ng/L) 15 days on a Phe‐restricted diet, as well as with those of controls (337 ± 290 ng/L). Furthermore, biotinidase activities were decreased in group B patients (4.2 ± 1.68 nmol/min/L) compared with those of group A patients (6.4 ± 0.7 nmol/min/L) and controls (6.10 ± 0.8 nmol/min/L). Additionally, biotinidase activities in the patients of group B were restored to normal (5.78 ± 0.81 nmol/min/L), with a simultaneous remission of their skin lesions, after 15 days on a Phe‐restricted diet. Moreover, the in vitro findings showed a 51% inhibition of biotinidase activity when incubated with Phe (20 mg/dL).Conclusions It is suggested that the high biotin levels in group A patients reflect the intake of water‐soluble biotin of vegetable origin. In contrast, the low biotinidase activity in group B patients may be attributed to their high Phe plasma levels, which acts as an enzyme inhibitor, as shown by the in vivo and in vitro results. Consequently, the observed seborrheic dermatitis in PKU children (group B) is associated with an impairment of biotin recycling.
Tretinoin‐iontophoresis in atrophic acne scars
Authors: Schmidt Jolanta B.. , Donath Peter , Hannes Johanna , Perl Sylvia , Neumayer Renate , Reiner Angelika 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Atrophic acne scars are a frequent problem after acne. Hitherto, mainly invasive treatment measures were possible. In a recent paper, we demonstrated the positive effects of iontophoresis with 0.025% tretinoin gel vs. estriol 0.03%.Objective In this further study, the recording of the clinical effects of iontophoresis with 0.025% tretinoin gel in atrophic acne scars was supplemented by immunohistochemistry investigations of collagen I and III, proliferation markers, and the estimation of epidermal thickness.Methods The treatment was performed twice weekly in 32 volunteer patients for a period of 3 months by application of the substance under a constant direct current of 3 mA for 20 min. Skin biopsies prior to and at the end of treatment were performed in 32 voluntary patients in order to investigate collagen I/III and proliferation markers by immunohistochemistry methods.Results Clinically, at the end of treatment, in 94% of patients a significant decrease in the scar depth was observed. Neither epidermal thickness nor proliferation markers revealed a significant increase at the end of treatment. Furthermore, collagen I and collagen III showed no common trend, as expressed statistically by a lack of significance. In some cases, increases in collagen III became evident at the end of treatment.Conclusions Tretinoin‐iontophoresis is an effective, noninvasive treatment of atrophic acne scars without causing disturbing side‐effects.
Pruritic papular eruption in HIV seropositive patients: a cutaneous marker for immunosuppression
Authors: Boonchai Waranya , Md Rungroj Laohasrisakul , Manonukul Jane , Kulthanan Kanokvalai 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background Previous reports have shown the correlation between certain skin disorders and immune status in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients. Pruritic papular eruption (PPE) is the most common cutaneous manifestation in HIV infected patients. The purpose of this study is to define the relationship between the presentation of PPE and the immune status in HIV infection, as measured by the T‐cell subset, and to establish the usefulness of this common eruption as a predictor of CD4 count. Method In this cross‐sectional study, 20 HIV‐positive patients with characteristics of PPE were studied. Clinical data, skin biopsy, and immune status, evaluated by measuring CD4, CD8, and CD4/CD8, were investigated. Results Seventy‐five per cent of patients already had antecedent skin disorders, so PPE is not a leading symptom in HIV infected patients; 81.25% of PPE patients had an advanced degree of immunosuppression with a CD4 count below 100/mm3 and 75% below 50/mm3. Conclusions PPE can be regarded as a cutaneous marker of advanced HIV infection.
Oral ivermectin in the treatment of scabies
Authors: Elmogy Mohammed , Fayed Hassan , Marzok Hamdy , Rashad Aml 
Published: March 2003

One hundred and twenty scabietic patients attending the outpatient clinic of the Department of Dermatology, Mansoura University Hospital, voluntarily participated in this uncontrolled, open label study to evaluate ivermectin 20 μg/kg as a scabietic after they had given their consent.The scabietic subjects included in this study were otherwise healthy, mentally competent, aged more than 18 years, and used no topical antiscabietic treatment in the week before ivermectin treatment, or during the 4‐week study period. Patients were also required to show clinical evidence of scabies, and the microscopically demonstrated presence of Sarcoptes scabiei, their eggs, or their fecal pellets (scybala).A thorough history was taken, and a physical examination was conducted that included measurement of the pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and weight. For each participant, the distribution of scabies lesions was plotted on a body diagram, and the severity of disease was recorded as mild (10 or fewer lesions), moderate (11–49 lesions), or severe (50 or more lesions). Skin scrapings were examined for mites, eggs, or scybala. Urinalysis, stool analysis, a complete blood count, prothrombin time, and serum chemistry studies (serum creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bilirubin) were performed before treatment, and 2 and 4 weeks after the drug was given.Ivermectin was administered as scored 6‐mg tablets with water, and the dose was designed to provide 200 μg/kg (ivermectin was provided by Delta Pharma, Tenth of Ramadan City, Egypt). The patients were instructed to have recently worn clothing, sheets, and towels washed in a hot cycle the day after treatment.The patients were interviewed 3 days after treatment about any symptoms or subjective evidence of adverse reactions. Follow‐up examinations were carried out 2 and 4 weeks after intake of ivermectin, and all examination procedures and laboratory investigations were repeated.Cure criteria included absence of nocturnal itching as well as dermatologic evidence of scabies, and negative skin scraping. Patients showing evidence of active scabies or having new lesions during the follow‐up visits were given a second dose of ivermectin.All members of the household and immediate family were treated with either topical 5% permethrin cream or 1% gamma benzene hexachloride to reduce the chance of reinfestation.