bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polydactylous Bowen's disease
Authors: Koch A , Schönlebe J , Haroske G , Köstler E , Wollina U 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTMalignant nail tumours are rare. We report on a 52‐year‐old patient with chronic verrucous lesions of the nail bed of fingers and toes. Nail biopsy revealed polydactylous Bowen's disease. This is the first case reported with hand and foot lesions.
Cutaneous extranasal NK/T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Ruiz Villaverde R , Blasco Melguizo J , Juez Martel I , Linares Solano J , Naranjo Sintes R 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTMalignant neoplasm from natural killer (NK) cells are characterized by their positivty for CD56 and absence of monoclonal TCR gene rearrangement. We present the case of a 54‐year‐old man with a fungous mass in his left flank whose histological examination was consistent with cutaneous extranasal T/NK cell lymphoma. We review the literature and also discuss the prognose and treatment of this variety of lymphoma.
Late onset Blueberry Muffin Syndrome following congenital rubella
Authors: Vozza A , Tolone C , Carrano Em , Di Girolamo F , Santinelli R , Ascierto Pa , Toraldo R , Nacca L , Vozza G 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTThe authors report a case of congenital rubella in a 7‐month‐old female infant presenting a Blueberry Muffin Rash. Blueberry Muffin Syndrome is a cutaneous manifestation characterized by widespread maculo papular lesions of a reddish‐blue or magenta colour, due to persistent dermal erythropoiesis in patients with congenital viral infections.
Kaposi's sarcoma: aetiopathogenesis, histology and clinical features
Authors: Buonaguro FM , Tornesello ML , Buonaguro L , Satriano RA , Ruocco E , Castello G , Ruocco V 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTKaposi's sarcoma (KS) represents today one of the most common skin cancers in transplanted Mediterranean subjects and, since the epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome, in young unmarried single men. The disease has been associated with the recent identified human herpesvirus (HHV)‐8 or KS herpesvirus and its incidence in the general population shows a north to south gradient that parallels the HHV‐8 increasing prevalence from Nordic countries to sub‐Saharan regions. The identification of the aetiopathogenetic mechanisms (viral agents and immunodeficiency) involved in the pathogenesis of KS, are relevant for identifying susceptible subjects (HHV‐8 seropositive subjects), monitoring the immune levels in iatrogenic immune suppressed patients, and developing new therapeutic approaches based on antiviral and immune modulators.Learning objective This article should enable the reader: (i) to learn about the clinical and molecular aspects of KS in order to have a multidisciplinary approach to a tumour that shows unique features; (ii) to consider the role of viral agents and immunity; and (iii) to recognize properties of an opportunistic neoplasm. The identification of the HHV‐8 role in KS pathogenesis should establish a relevant tool in the clinical management of KS patients.
Apoptosis in HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Bell DJ , Dockrell DH 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTApoptosis is a key event in biologic homeostasis with particular importance to the immune system. It is an active energy‐dependent process that is tightly regulated and controlled by a variety of signal transduction pathways. Apoptosis modulation plays a part in the pathogenesis of many human diseases, including HIV infection. Although multiple mechanisms may contribute to the decline in CD4 T‐lymphocyte numbers observed, apoptosis is a significant factor. Alterations in levels of apoptosis are observed in both directly infected and uninfected bystander cells and a variety of pathways of apoptosis induction have been implicated. Apoptosis induction is related to death receptor and mitochondrial‐induced pathways in specific circumstances. These events have been linked to individual HIV proteins and have been demonstrated to be altered by antiretroviral therapy.
Evaluation of emergency dermatological consultations in a tertiary care centre in North India
Authors: Gupta S , Sandhu K , Kumar B 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTIntroduction The nature of dermatological consultations in an emergency setting has not been studied in detail.Aim To evaluate the reasons and the nature of emergency dermatological consultations at a tertiary care centre in India.Material and methods One hundred consecutive emergency calls received over a period of four months from the emergency outpatient department were included in the analysis. The details of all the patients along with their clinical diagnosis were recorded in a proforma. In order to evaluate the reasons for emergency calls they were divided into four categories; Category I comprised of primarily dermatological disorders without any systemic involvement, Category II included III consisted of primarily systemic disorders with related cutaneous lesions and in Category IV systemic diseases with unrelated cutaneous findings were included.Results Out of 100 patients, 63 were males and 37 were females. The number of calls in categories I–IV was 57, 9, 7 and 27 respectively. Infections (32) constituted the most common dermatological presentations, followed by drug reactions (27). Only 21 were true dermatological emergencies.Conclusion Diagnosis and management of common skin diseases should be stressed during the training of physicians in emergency medicine.
Digital imaging in clinical dermatology across the UK in the year 2001
Authors: Strauss RM , Goodfield MJD 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTColour photography is an important tool in the daily practice of dermatologists. Digital photography promises quicker acquisition and handling of clinical images. Despite increasing availability and falling costs, dermatologists have been slow in adopting this new technique. To establish to what degree digital photography has found its way into routine practice in dermatology departments in the UK during the year 2001, we conducted a postal survey of all dermatology departments in the UK about usage of digital cameras. A total of 65.4% of the questionnaires were returned. The responses indicated that 71% of departments in teaching hospitals vs. 56% of departments in district general hospitals (DGH) had access to a digital camera. Reasons for not having a digital camera were satisfaction with conventional photography and lack of resources. In 48% of the departments of teaching hospitals or DGH with access to a digital camera, less than 10% of all photos were taken digitally. However, 24% of departments in DGH and 22% in teaching hospitals took more than 80% of their clinical photos digitally, indicating that in many departments digital photography is still in an early phase and only occasionally used, whilst in others a change from conventional photography towards digital photography as the mainly used technique has already taken place. Overall, the main drawbacks of digital photography were poorer resolution in comparison with conventional photography, problems with storage and filing images and time required for downloading and storing images.
Psoriasis, vasculitis and methotrexate
Authors: Moreno JC , Vélez A , Medina I , Valverde F , Fernández‐Roldán JC , Ocaña MS , Espinosa M , Aljama P 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTReport on the association of the psoriasis and vasculitis are a very infrequent in the literature. Such an association as been described in extensive psoriasis and arthropathy psoriasis. In this paper we described two cases in which psoriasis, vasculitis and nephropathy are present together. In both cases the association might be produced by methotrexate. In both cases methotrexate is possible uleashing.
Clinical aspects of epidermodysplasia verruciformis
Authors: De Oliveira WRP , Festa Neto C , Rady PL , Tyring SK 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTThirteen patients with epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) were studied over a period of 7 years. EV is a rare genodermatosis characterized by a generalized infection with a specific group of human papilloma virus (HPV) and a propensity for developing skin malignant tumours in 30%−50% of patients. The diagnosis of EV was confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. Three of our patients had the benign form of EV, which is characterized by monomorphous lesions and no malignant changes, whereas 10 had the malignant form, which is characterized by polymorphic lesions and development of cutaneous malignant tumours. All EV patients with the malignant form developed multiple skin tumours (77%). They started to appear at age 20, predominantly on the forehead (50%). Most were squamous cell carcinoma, extremely aggressive and invasive, which provoked metastasis and death in two patients.
Erythema annulare centrifugum‐type psoriasis: a particular variant of acute‐eruptive psoriasis
Authors: Vocks E , Worret W‐I , Ring J 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTA case of erythema annulare centrifugum‐type psoriasis in a 58‐year‐old white woman with a history of chronic plaque psoriasis is described. Initial failure of antipsoriatic treatments and an untypical histology complicated the diagnosis. After several trials acitretin at a low maintenance dose combined with oral fish oil and topical calcitriol led to sustained long‐term remission. The spectrum of clinical differentiation of this rare disease, the histological characteristics and its nosological classification are discussed. It is suggested that this dermatosis represents a variant of acute psoriasis, rather than a variant of pustular psoriasis.
The role of T cells in psoriasis
Authors: Prinz JC 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTEvidence for a key role of T cells in the pathogenesis of psoriasis has come from both experimental and clinical data. Initially, generalized immunosuppressants, intended for use in transplant settings, were found to improve clinical signs and symptoms of psoriasis. Their efficacy attracted attention to the activated T cells that are a major component of the inflammatory infiltrate of psoriatic lesions. Further research determined that T cells from patients with psoriasis could transmit disease in animal models. These findings laid the groundwork for characterizing the pathogenesis of psoriasis as immune mediated with skin‐directed T cells playing a central role. Once these pathogenic T cells have entered the skin, they become activated and release cytokines and chemokines to attract other immune cells to perpetuate the inflammatory cascade. As the role of the T cell in psoriasis has evolved and understanding of immunopathology has increased, a multitude of biologic targets have been revealed. Newer strategies for the treatment of psoriasis have therefore focused on modifying T cells in this disease through direct elimination of activated T cells, inhibition of T‐cell activation, or inhibition of cytokine secretion or activity. The mechanisms by which these new biologic agents act on psoriasis will affect their profile of efficacy and safety. Important selection criteria for optimal antipsoriatic therapies include long‐term safety and tolerability, ability to produce long‐lasting remissions, and convenient dosing regimens.
Primary cutaneous actinomycosis of the forehead
Authors: Cocuroccia B , Gubinelli E , Fazio M , Girolomoni G 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTActinomycosis is a granulomatous suppurative bacterial disease caused by anaerobic actinomyces, which presents primarily with the cervico‐facial, thoracic, abdominal or pelvic form. Cutaneous involvement is well documented and it is usually secondary to local extension or exceptionally to ematogenous spreading from visceral sites. Primary cutaneous actinomycosis is very rare and usually associated with external trauma and/or local ischemia. We report on the case of a primary cutaneous actinomycosis of the forehead in a 59‐year‐old man with diabetes mellitus who had had a preceding cranial trauma and several cutaneous reconstructive surgical procedures. The patient was treated successfully with combined antibiotic therapy.
Microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma arising on lichen sclerosus of the penis
Authors: Nasca MR , Panetta C , Micali G , Innocenzi D 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTThe case of a 70‐year‐old white man with a 10‐year history of penile lichen sclerosus (LS) who developed microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma on LS is described. A high incidence of penile cancer arising on genital LS has recently been observed. The authors stress the importance of an adequate diagnosis and long‐term follow‐up in patients with penile LS because of the malignant potential of the disease.
Narrow‐band UV‐B micro‐phototherapy: a new treatment for vitiligo
Authors: Menchini G , Tsoureli‐Nikita E , Hercogova J 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTBackground Vitiligo is a common, acquired, often familial, melanocytopenic disorder with focal depigmentation of the skin. There are several new treatments, that appear to have higher success rates than previous therapies for the treatment of vitiligo. Among these, the most promising one appears to be narrow‐band UV‐B therapy.Objective The aim of this open study is to evaluate the efficacy of the BIOSKIN® micro‐phototherapy in the treatment of vitiligo in 734 patients.Subjects and methods Seven hundred and thirty‐four individuals affected by vitiligo (segmental and non‐segmental) were treated for 12 months with a new device called BIOSKIN® that can produce a focused beam of narrow band UV‐B (microphoto‐therapy) on vitiligo patches only. Photographs of the subjects were taken at the beginning of the therapy and every month thereafter for 12 months. The response to treatment was estimated in two comparable photographs using planimetry. The duration of the clinical study was of 2 years and 8 months. At the end of this period 734 patients had received each a mean of 24 sessions of treatment during a period of 12 months.Results Five hundred and ten subjects (69.48%) of the 734 achieved normal pigmentation on more than 75% of the treated areas. In particular, 112 of these were totally repigmented. One hundred and fifty‐five (21.12%) individuals achieved 50–75% pigmentation of the treated areas, and 69 (9.40%) showed less than 50% repigmentation. No patients showed acute or chronic relevant adverse effects.Conclusion BIOSKIN® UV‐B microphototherapy seems highly effective in restoring pigmentation in patients affected by vitiligo. As no side‐effects have been observed, this could represent the treatment of choice for vitiligo limited to less than 30% of the skin surface.
Primary classic Kaposi's sarcoma of the penis: report of a case and review
Authors: Micali G , Nasca MR , De Pasquale R , Innocenzi D 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTKaposi's sarcoma is a vascular tumour of multifocal origin occurring primarily on the extremities. The case of a 45‐year‐old HIV negative and HHV‐8 positive man with an asymptomatic reddish macular lesion on the inner layer of the prepuce is described. Although primary penile Kaposi's sarcoma is a relatively uncommon disorder in HIV negative men, dermatologists and venereologists should consider this possibility when treating non‐specific penile lesions. A minimal penile lesion with non‐distinctive clinical features may sometimes be the exclusive manifestation of Kaposi's sarcoma, making histologic evaluation necessary to establish the diagnosis.
Echocardiographic findings in subjects with psoriatic arthropathy
Authors: Sar⋖caoglu H , Güllülü S , Bülbül Baskan E , Cordan J , Tunal⋖ Ş 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTBackground Psoriatic arthropathy (PA) is a seronegative arthropathy with a 5–20% prevalence among psoriatics. In recent years, cardiovascular abnormalities have been shown in patients with seronegative arthropathies.Objective/aim Since echocardiography is a non‐invasive method to evidence cardiac abnormalities, we planned a study to evaluate heart involvement in subjects with psoriatic athropathy using this method.Methods A total of 21 subjects (15 women, six men) aged from 34 to 71 years were involved in this study. After PA diagnosis was confirmed by skeletal scintigraphic survey, patients were evaluated by Doppler echocardiogram for cardiovascular disturbances and the results were compared with those for a sex‐ and age‐matched control group.Results The left ventricle end‐diastolic and end‐systolic diameters of the PA group were statistically different from those of the control group (P < 0.05), but no difference was observed in ejection fraction and the mitral E/A ratios. The presence of diastolic dysfunction was significantly related to the presence of arthropathy and the duration of psoriasis (P < 0.05).Conclusion We conclude that mild diastolic dysfunction may accompany PA but our data should be confirmed by further studies.
The anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome
Authors: Baba M , Karakaş M , Aksungur VL , Homan S , Yücel A , Acar MA , Memışoǧlu HR 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTBackground The anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome is a potentially fatal multisystemic reaction to anticonvulsant medications.Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome.Results A total 32 subjects, aged from 6 to 72 years, diagnosed as having anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome based on clinical and histopathological findings, were included in the study. In 22 of the 32 cases, the anticonvulsants had been administered prophylactically after craniotomy and in 10 cases for epilepsy. When the cases were assessed for skin lesions, maculopapular eruption was registered in 22, Stevens–Johnson syndrome in five, and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in five. Treatment included suspension of the offending drug and then, except for the cases with toxic epidermal necrolysis, administration of corticosteroids. The 22 cases that required anticonvulsant therapy were treated with valproic acid. In all cases, we observed rapid clinical improvement corroborated by laboratory findings.Conclusions It is essential that due importance be given to the development of an eruption in individuals to whom anticonvulsants are administered after craniotomy because anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome is likely to be life‐threatening.
Monochromatic excimer light (308 nm): an immunohistochemical study of cutaneous T cells and apoptosis‐related molecules in psoriasis
Authors: Bianchi B , Campolmi P , Mavilia L , Danesi A , Rossi R , Cappugi P 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTBackground Various types of UVB radiation source (290–320 nm) are used in treating psoriasis and their therapeutic mechanism has been attributed to immunosuppressive properties. Recently, a new UVB source generated by a 308‐nm excimer laser has been introduced for the treatment of psoriasis.Objective In this study we investigated the immunohistochemical evaluation of T cells and the expression of various apoptosis‐related molecules in the psoriatic hyperproliferative skin before and after treatment with 308‐nm monochromatic excimer light (MEL).Methods Ten patients (three women and seven men), ranging in age from 29 to 79 years, affected by plaque‐type psoriasis vulgaris, were treated with MEL. Biopsies from psoriatic lesions of MEL‐treated sites were taken before, 24 h and/or 48 h after the first irradiation and analysed by the immunophosphatase alkaline technique (APAAP).Results MEL treatment was found to cause a significant decrease in the rate of proliferation of keratinocytes and a relevant depletion of T cells in all psoriatic lesions, 48 h after the first irradiation: 308 nm light eliminated T cells from the psoriatic epidermis and also from the dermis, highlighting the ability of this UVB source to penetrate the skin compared with normal UVB and establish direct cytotoxic action on T cells infiltrating skin lesions. Rapid clearing of psoriatic lesions involves potential molecular targets of UVB in T cells including p53, which is upregulated after direct irradiation with 308‐nm UVB. Moreover, Bcl‐2 expression in healing psoriasis epidermis after MEL treatment is significantly decreased compared with untreated skin and the TUNEL (TdT‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labelling) technique revealed the presence of relevant apoptotic keratinocytes in the irradiated epidermis.Conclusions These results indicate that psoriatic skin after monochromatic excimer light therapy is associated with significant T‐cell depletion and alterations of apoptosis‐related molecules accompanied by a decreased proliferation index and clinical remission.
Mechanisms of apoptosis: UVA1‐induced immediate and UVB‐induced delayed apoptosis in human T cells in vitro†
Authors: Breuckmann F , Von Kobyletzki G , Avermaete A , Radenhausen M , Höxtermann S , Pieck C , Schöneborn P , Gambichler T , Freitag M , Hoffmann K , Altmeyer P 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTObjective The decreased number of lymphocytes combined with the induction of apoptosis and necrosis seems to be the key mechanism of many phototherapeutic agents. The purpose of our study was to determine the regulating pathway, time course and dose dependence of UVA1‐ vs. UVB‐induced cell death in human T lymphocytes.Methods In our study we applied an in vitro method using single‐laser flow cytometry differentiating between intact (Annexin V–FITC−/PI−), apoptotic (Annexin V–FITC+/PI−) and necrotic T cells (Annexin V–FITC+/PI+) following UVA1 (340–400 nm) or UVB (280–320 nm) irradiation. Additionally, fluorescence microscopy of apoptotic cells was performed using acridine orange and ethidium bromide.Results Compared to DNA‐binding fluorescent microscopy, the flow cytometric method revealed similar, but more precise, results concerning apoptosis and necrosis. Our data indicate that UVB irradiation exerts its effects by the induction of delayed apoptosis within 24–48 h. In contrast, UVA1 irradiation acts via the dose‐dependent induction of immediate apoptosis and necrosis within 6 h.Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that UVA1 irradiation may effect structural and functional modifications leading to immediate initiation of apoptosis followed by early membrane rupture, whereas UVB irradiation leads to DNA damage followed by delayed apoptosis, obviously without initial membrane alteration.
Pyoderma gangrenosum or leukaemia cutis?
Authors: Rafael MRMdaSA , Fernandes CMBM , Machado JMdaC , Rodrigues PAPA , Cardoso OJP , Afonso A , Sousa AB , Pacheco FMDdeA , Proença RM 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTWe report a case of atypical bullous pyoderma gangrenosum associated with acute myeloid leukaemia in which we found atypical myeloid cells within the skin lesion. Although there have been many reported cases of leukaemia‐associated pyoderma gangrenosum, the finding of myeloblasts in the skin has rarely been described.
Linear spiradenoma with focal malignant transformation
Authors: Braun‐Falco M , Bonel H , Ring J , Hein R 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTMalignant spiradenoma is an exceedingly rare adnexal tumour clinically characterized by rapid enlargement of a pre‐existing, long‐standing benign spiradenoma. Microscopic examination typically reveals a continuum between benign spiradenoma and areas of malignant transformation. Biological behaviour is unpredictable and it should be regarded as a potentially lethal neoplasm. Treatment recommendations require radical surgical excision. The reported case of a 23‐year‐old female illustrates the malignant transformation of a 1.5 cm nodule within a large linear spiradenoma almost covering the frontal aspect of the lower leg. In reviewing the literature, malignant transformation seems to occur slightly more often in multiple than in solitary spiradenomas. It is unclear whether excision restricted to the malignant area is an advisable treatment option in comparison to total excision of all spiradenoma nodules. In the presented case, the transformed area was excised. The patient is free of recurrence after 2 years.