bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does immune serum globulin confer protection against skin diseases?
Authors: Mimouni Daniel , Gdalevich Michael , Mimouni Francis B. , Grotto Itamar , Eldad Arieh , Shpilberg Ofer 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Following a case of serologically proven hepatitis A in a food‐handling worker serving several military bases in the same vicinity, the entire military population was vaccinated with immune serum globulin (ISG).Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of ISG in preventing skin disease.Methods The data for this study were drawn from the military archives of the Medical Corps. The population of the bases was followed for a period of 3 months after immunization. Rates of selected skin diseases were compared with those of a nearby base during the same period, and with those in the population of the same bases a year earlier.Results The rates of several skin diseases (bacterial skin infections, dermatitis and eczema, fungal infections, acne, warts, nail disorders, and nonspecific skin diseases) among the vaccinated population were significantly lower when compared to the historical control group and to the contemporary control group of the nearby base.Conclusions ISG provides a protecting effect for skin diseases, especially those of infectious origin.
Helicobacter pylori and idiopathic chronic urticaria
Authors: Daudén Esteban , Jiménez‐Alonso Isabel , García‐Díez Amaro 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background Different studies have shown a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in patients with chronic urticaria (CU), and occasional remission of the skin lesions after eradication therapy. Recent investigations, however, have failed to find a significant relationship between the two conditions. We designed a case–control study to assess the prevalence of HP infection and the effect of bacterium eradication on the outcome of the skin disease in patients affected by CU. The literature is reviewed. Methods Twenty‐five patients diagnosed with CU were included. Information about their medical history and a complete laboratory investigation ruled out other diseases or situations suspected to cause CU. Twenty‐five healthy volunteers from a census‐based, randomized sample were used as controls. HP infection was assessed by the 13C‐urea breath test (UBT). Eradication therapy included oral amoxicillin, omeprazole, and clarithromycin for 1 week. Results The high prevalence of HP infection (68%) and mean titer of UBT (24.13) in our patients with idiopathic CU do not differ from the general population. Marked differences were observed in the mean age of the CU patients with positive UBT (45.52 years) vs. those without HP infection (35.25 years). After eradication therapy, only one patient showed a complete remission of urticaria and two showed a partial remission. Conclusions Our results support a lack of relationship between HP infection and the course of idiopathic CU.
Application of computerized image analysis in pigmentary skin diseases
Authors: Lee Eun‐So , Kim Jie‐Hoon , Im Sungbin , Lee Kyi Beom , Sohn Seonghyang , Kang Won Hyoung 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background  Melanocyte number and the amount of melanin pigment are related to diagnosis and treatment of pigmentary skin diseases. Various histologic methods are used, such as Fontana‐Masson stain for melanin pigment or immunohistochemical stain for melanocytes. Recently, computerized image analysis has been applied to many fields to avoid interobserver bias. In this study, we applied a computerized image analysis to assess the melanin content and melanocyte density of human epidermis.Methods  We evaluated the skin biopsy specimens (paraffin blocks) from normal human skin (33 ± 6.6, n = 11) and diseased skins; vitiligo (32 ± 10.0, n = 8), melasma (35 ± 8.6, n = 11), and lentigo senilis (40 ± 7.2, n = 11) (mean age ± SD). Each specimen was stained with Fontana–Masson for melanin pigments and immunohistochemical method for melanocytes. Quantitative analysis of melanin pigment and melanocyte number (density) were investigated through two methods: (1) two dermatologists measured the visual scales; and (2) computerized image analysis was used to measure melanin content indices (MCI). The data were evaluated using one‐way
anova.Results  The visual scale of the Fontana–Masson stain was the highest for lentigo senilis (3.8 ± 0.40), followed by melasma (2.6 ± 0.67), normal skin (1.8 ± 0.60) and vitiligo (0) (P < 0.05). These findings were consistent with objective measurements made by computerized image analysis. MCI values were 120.3 ± 20.74 for lentigo senilis, 81.1 ± 19.27 for melasma, 45.5 ± 16.92 for normal skin, and 0.3 ± 0.30 for vitiligo in decreasing order (P < 0.05). MC/1E (melanocyte number per 1 mm epidermis) was about two fold larger in lentigo senilis (18.1 ± 8.92) than melasma (9.7 ± 2.40) or normal skin (9.3 ± 2.67) (P < 0.05). MC/1B (melanocyte number per 1 mm basal layer) was about 1.5 fold higher in lentigo senilis (13.5 ± 4.17), compared to normal skin (9.0 ± 3.55) (P < 0.05). Melasma showed increased melanocyte numbers compared to normal skin, but it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).Conclusion  We believe this computerized image analysis could be useful tool for diagnosis and comparison of interval changes in pigmentary diseases like melasma or lentigo senilis by quantifying melanin pigments or melanocytes in skin biopsy specimens.
Pemphigus in South Africa
Authors: Aboobaker Jamila , Morar Nilesh , Ramdial Pratistadevi K. , Hammond Michael G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground  Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease characterized by intraepidermal blistering. We describe the demography, prevalence, clinical features, response to treatment, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) characteristics of pemphigus in Kwa‐Zulu Natal, South Africa.Methods  All patients with pemphigus were prospectively recruited over 12 years from January 1987 to December 1999. The demography, clinical features, histology, and immunofluorescence (IF) were recorded. In a subset of patients, HLA tests were performed.Results  One hundred and twelve patients had pemphigus. Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) was the commonest variant seen (62 patients) and 80% of these patients were black. The mean age was 43 years (12–93 years) and the male to female ratio was 1 : 1.4. Fifty patients had pemphigus vulgaris (PV), of whom 82% were Indian. The mean age of presentation of PV was 48 years (21–82 years). The male to female ratio was 1 : 1.7. There was no mucosal involvement in PF. PV patients had painful oral lesions. The mortality rate was 14% in the total sample (six in PV and two in PF). HLA‐B8 was positive in 41% of patients with PF (P < 0.001).Conclusions  PF occurs more commonly in black people, while most cases in Indians present with the PV subtype. Pemphigus patients present with severe and extensive disease, and PV patients share features in common with patients from their land of origin (India), suggesting a genetic link.
Cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma treated with electron beam irradiation in Indian patients
Authors: Parida Dillip K. , Verma Kaushal K. , Chander Subhash , Joshi R. C. , Rath Goura K. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background  Cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare occurrence in India. Total skin electron irradiation (TSEI) is a well‐accepted therapeutic modality for the treatment of CTCL throughout the world. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the treatment outcome of TSEI in Indian patients with CTCL and to determine the different parameters affecting the disease‐free survival in these patients.Methods  Fourteen male patients between 27 and 82 years of age with CTCL (duration of disease, 4 months to 2 years) were treated with TSEI between 1985 and 1998. Seven patients had early stage disease, while the other seven had advanced disease. Two patients had lymph node involvement at the time of presentation. The TSEI was performed according to the Stanford technique delivering a total dose in the range 8–36 Gy.Results  Of the 14 patients, 10 showed complete remission following TSEI. The total follow‐up period was 4–110 months (median, 52 months). Five patients were disease free at the end of 5 years. Two patients died due to rapid progression of the disease, while the cutaneous lesions relapsed in three patients after 2–27 months and one patient developed visceral metastasis.Conclusions  TSEI was an effective therapeutic modality for the treatment of CTCL in this group of patients, both as a curative and palliative measure, although the long‐term prognosis is poor.
Personal and practice‐related characteristics of a subsample of US women dermatologists: data from the Women Physicians' Health Study
Authors: Frank Erica ,   MPH, Singh Sareeta R. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background  The number of women dermatologists has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Despite this, there have been few studies examining the personal or professional characteristics of women dermatologists practicing in the USA.Methods  A representative random sample of active, part‐time, professionally inactive, and retired US women physicians, aged 30–70 years, was studied; this article compares data from the 95 responding dermatologists with data from 4350 other respondents.Results  Women dermatologists were more likely to be US born, white, and married to a physician than were other women physicians; they were similar to other women physicians in age, marital status, children, amount of stress at home, political self‐characterization, and personal health behavior. Women dermatologists were more likely to be board certified and to practice in solo or two‐person practices than were other women physicians. They had fewer nights on call, were less likely to state that they worked too much, reported less stress at work, were more satisfied with their careers, and reported higher household incomes. With the decided exception of skin cancer prevention and screening, they were unlikely to have considerable training, confidence, or interest in routine prevention‐related screening or counseling for patients.Conclusions  Women dermatologists are unlikely to be part of a minority group, likely to be married to another physician, and likely to have a high household income. They report reasonable work stress and high career satisfaction. Given these findings, it is not surprising that only 10% would consider changing their specialty were they to relive their lives.
Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with eruptive vellus hair cysts
Authors: Köse Osman , Tastan Halis Bülent , Deveci Salih , Gür Ali Riza 
Published: March 2003

A 21‐year‐old white man complained of heat intolerance, absence of sweating, and papular lesions on the forehead. Facial features included a saddle nose, prominent supraorbital edge, and frontal bossing. The scalp hair was scanty, fine, and brittle. Eyelashes and eyebrows were also thin. Subungual hyperkeratosis and dystrophic changes were observed on the finger and toe nails. Hypodontic teeth were detected on oral examination. He was otherwise healthy. Biochemical and hematologic analyses were also normal. Cutaneous examination revealed smooth and dry skin. Multiple, 4–5 mm, brown–black, comedo‐like, soft papules were observed on the forehead (Fig. 1). A biopsy specimen from a papule on the forehead revealed cystic structures lined by squamous epithelium and containing laminated keratinous material and scattered obliquely and transversely cut vellus hairs (Fig. 2). Topical application of 0.1% tretinoin for 2 months produced no clinical improvement.Scanty and fine scalp hair, prominent supraorbital edge and frontal bossing on the face, and brown–black comedo‐like soft papules (arrows) on the foreheadimageLuminal vellus hairs and laminated keratinous material (hematoxylin and eosin, × 200)image
Nitric oxide and endothelin‐1,2 in actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma: changes in nitric oxide/endothelin ratio
Authors: Vural Pervin , Erzengin Dilek , Canbaz Mukaddes , Selçuki Dilek 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground  Nitric oxide (NO) is an inorganic free radical gas which has cytostatic/cytotoxic actions in tumoral tissues, including gynecologic, breast, and colon cancer. Nitric oxide is also a multifunctional signaling molecule active in many cells of the body, including endothelial cells, macrophages, monocytes, hepatocytes, mast cells, osteoblasts, and astrocytes. Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) is a 21‐amino acid peptide that stimulates the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes, and plays a role in the expression of proto‐oncogenes (c‐myc, c‐fos), which precedes cell proliferation. Similar to NO, ET is secreted by different cell types, including macrophages, monocytes, hepatocytes, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and various tumor cells. Elevated ET‐1 levels are observed in pulmonary, hepatocellular, and prostate cancers. Actinic keratosis (AK) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are common skin tumors with accentuated hyperkeratinization, hyperpigmentation, and keratinocyte proliferation.Aim  To investigate plasma NOx (nitrite/nitrate –‐ the end products of NO metabolism), ET, and the NOx/ET ratio in patients with AK and BCC in comparison with healthy controls.Methods  NOx, ET, and the NOx/ET ratio were measured in 13 patients with AK, 12 patients with BCC, and in 16 healthy controls.Results  Data analysis indicated a significant increase in plasma NOx, ET, and NOx/ET values in BCC patients in comparison with controls (P < 0.001, P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Plasma ET levels in AK were also increased in comparison with controls (P < 0.001). When the two study groups (AK and BCC) were compared, a significant increase (P < 0.001) in the NOx/ET ratio in BCC was found.Conclusions  The increased plasma ET and NOx levels in AK and, especially, BCC are probably the result of and/or reason for the accentuated hyperkeratinization, hyperpigmentation, and keratinocyte proliferation. The increased production of ET and NO by keratinocytes may function as growth and cytotoxic factors and potential mitogens, and may accelerate further proliferation of these skin tumors. In addition, the increased NOx/ET ratio probably reflects a disturbed equilibrium between these two substances, leading to cell damage and tumor promotion and proliferation.
Cutaneous sinus tract of dental origin
Authors: Güleç Ayse Tülin , Seçkin Deniz , Bulut Şule , Sarfakoğlu Evren 
Published: March 2003

A 47‐year‐old woman presented with a nodular lesion on her face that had been discharging pus intermittently for 7 months. She could not recall any previous trauma to the site. Dermatologic examination revealed a nontender, erythematous, nodular, draining lesion on the patient's chin (Fig. 1). Dental examination showed poor oral hygiene and severe chronic periodontitis, but no acute infection. Radiography demonstrated diffuse periapical radiolucency associated with the right central mandibular incisor (Fig. 2). The patient was diagnosed with chronic apical periodontitis. Because it was too late for her oral condition to be corrected with endodontic treatment, the tooth was extracted and the scar on her chin was revised later.A cutaneous draining sinus of dental origin presenting as an erythematous nodule on the patient's chinimageA periapical radiograph demonstrating periapical radiolucency surrounding the lower right central incisor (tooth no. 25)image
Cutaneous involvement of dermatomyositis can respond to Dapsone therapy
Authors: Cohen Jack B. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Dapsone (4,4‐diaminodiphenylsulfone) is a sulfone antibiotic used in the treatment of leprosy, but dermatologists more commonly utilize its anti‐inflammatory properties particularly directed against leukocytes to treat various bullous disorders, erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, Sweet’s syndrome, cutaneous vasculitis, and cutaneous forms of lupus erythematosus. The cutaneous manifestations of dermatomyositis are often resistant to antimalarial and immunosuppressive therapies.Methods Two patients with cutaneous dermatomyositis unresponsive to combination therapy with prednisone, hydroxychloroquine, quinacrine, and immunosuppressive medications had Dapsone added to their therapy.Results Both patients showed rapid improvement with the addition of Dapsone. Each had an exacerbation of their cutaneous dermatomyositis on Dapsone with withdrawal and subsequent improvement when the Dapsone was reinstituted.Conclusions Dapsone therapy for cutaneous dermatomyositis may have a wider role in treatment for these patients refractory to prednisone and antimalarial therapy.
Perianal actinomycetoma experience of 20 cases
Authors: Chávez Guadalupe , Estrada Roberto , Bonifaz Alexandro 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Actinomycetoma is a chronic infection resulting from aerobic Actinomycetes. The major agents are Nocardia brasiliensis, Actinomadura madurae, and Streptomyces somaliensis. The most frequent topographies are the lower and upper limbs. The prognosis of this disease is determined by several factors, such as etiologic agent, clinical topography, and depth of disease (degree of involvement, visceral, and bone affection). The purpose of this paper was to present our experience with actinomycetoma of the perianal region.Methods This study comprises 20 cases of perianal actinomycetoma, all of which were clinically and microbiologically proven by direct examinations, cultures, and biopsies. Clinical responses to the two principal treatment regimes used [combination of trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMS/SMX) and diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS) or amikacine plus TMS/SMX] are reported.Results Most of the cases were male (17/20, 85%), the mean age was 42.1 years, and the farmers predominated (90%). The principal etiologic agent isolated was N. brasiliensis (85%).Conclusions Perianal actinomycetoma is a rare entity. Differential diagnosis with anal sinuses, hydroadenitis, and cutaneous tuberculosis must be made in endemic areas by performing mycologic tests and biopsies. Treatment depends on the etiologic agent involved and the patient's condition.
Cutaneous findings associated with chronic natural killer cell lymphocytosis
Authors: Vanness Erin R. , Davis Mark D. P. , Tefferi Ayalew 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Chronic Natural Killer Cell Lymphocytosis (CNKL) is a recently described rare proliferative disorder. We noted an association of cutaneous disorders with CNKL in our clinical experience.Methods We reviewed the medical records of all known patients with CNKL at our institution.Results Five of 14 patients (36%) with CNKL had associated chronic cutaneous disease: two had livedoid vasculopathy; one, urticarial vasculitis; one, peripheral T‐cell lymphoma; and one had complex recurrent aphthous stomatitis. In each case, except the one with lymphoma, the cutaneous disease was present before CNKL was diagnosed and CNKL persisted for the duration of the cutaneous disease. All five patients had increased numbers of large granular lymphocytes on a peripheral blood smear and three or four in the bone marrow (one patient did not undergo bone marrow biopsy).Conclusions Although CNKL and the reported skin diseases have occurred in the same patients, a causal link cannot yet be established. With CNKL, dermatologists must recognize associated cutaneous diseases, monitor patients for systemic disorders and cytopenias, and appropriately refer patients to a hematologist.
Assortative mating across a hybrid zone in Chorthippus parallelus (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Authors: Ritchie Michael G. , Butlin Roger K. , Hewitt Godfrey M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTwo subspecies of the grasshopper Chorthippus parallelus meet and form a hybrid zone in the Pyrenees. Both strong hybrid dysfunction and a behavioural difference occur, which would seem to make the zone a suitable candidate for speciation by reinforcement. One of the classic ways of looking for this is to test for increased levels of assortative mating between populations from close to the region of contact. Here we show that, with virgin insects, such assortment decreases as one approaches the centre of the zone in C. parallelus. The pattern is different upon remating, with non‐virgins showing a pattern more like that predicted by reinforcement. Overall there is little evidence for reinforcement. We argue that other tests of the model may be more appropriate for stable hybrid zones.
Lack of seasonal changes in mitochondrial DNA variability of a Drosophila subobscura population
Authors: González Ana , Carrió Rafael , Fernández‐Pedrosa Victoria , Moya Andrés 
Published: March 2003

AbstractRestriction site analysis of mtDNA of 550 isofemale lines corresponding to different seasonal samples of a single geographic population of Drosophila subobscura was carried out. The distribution pattern of haplotypes was similar to that observed for the entire range of the species on the European continent: two haplotypes were equally and highly frequent, and a set of sporadic haplotypes were almost never present in more than one seasonal sampling. No statistically significant evidence was found for between‐population heterogeneity across time, and the mean within‐population variation was similar to other mtDNA restriction site analyses previously reported for D. subobscura populations. These observations could be interpreted in terms of the neutral mutation hypothesis where the entire population has not yet reached an equilibrium. The causes of this non‐equilibrium are most likely periodic winter bottlenecks, phenomena that particularly affect the distribution of mtDNA haplotypes across time.
A comparison between allozyme data and phenotypic distances from defensive secretion in Oreina leaf‐beetles (Chrysomelinae)
Authors: Rowell‐Rahier Martine , Pasteels Jacques M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe genetic relationships between five Oreina species (Chrysomelidae, Coleoptera) were studied. Of these species, four (O. bifrons, O. gloriosa, O. speciosa, O. variabilis) feed on Apiaceae and secrete mixtures of autogenous cardenolides from defensive glands, whilst the other (O. speciosissima) feeds on Asteraceae and is able both to produce cardenolides and to sequester pyrrolizidines N‐oxides (PAs). A dendrogram based on the different mixtures of cardenolides produced by the different species agreed with these genetic relationships. In other words, cardenolide mixtures are good taxonomic markers, since the clustering method based on chemical defense produces a branching pattern similar to that based on genetic relationships.