bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased fatty acid oxidation in transgenic mice overexpressing UCP3 in skeletal muscle
Authors: Wang S. , Subramaniam A. , Cawthorne M. A. , Clapham J. C. 
Published: August 2003

Aim:  To determine the rates of substrate oxidation by skeletal muscle in vitro as well as tissue‐specific glucose uptake in vivo in transgenic mice overexpressing uncoupling protein‐3 (UCP3) in skeletal muscle.Methods:  Soleus muscle was isolated from transgenic mice overexpressing UCP3 in skeletal muscle and wild‐type mice. Rates of [1‐14C]‐palmitate oxidation and [2‐14C]‐pyruvate oxidation were determined by in vitro incubation of the soleus muscle. Tissue glucose uptake rates were characterized during a glucose tolerance test using 2‐deoxy‐[1‐3H]‐glucose as a tracer.Results:  Oxidation of [1‐14C]‐palmitate to CO2 by isolated soleus muscle was increased in UCP3 transgenic mice (0.45 ± 0.03 vs. 0.24 ± 0.02 µmol/h/g). [2‐14C]‐pyruvate oxidation, which is a measure of the activity of pyruvate carboxylase in introducing pyruvate carbon into the tricarboxylic acid cycle, was increased 1.4‐fold in the presence of fatty acid in the UCP3 transgenic mice (3.84 ± 0.28 vs. 5.36 ± 0.29 µmol/h/g). The plasma glucose concentration after an overnight fast was significantly lower in the UCP3 transgenic mice (3.56 ± 0.37 vs. 5.11 ± 0.33 m/mol). Only brown adipose tissue from the UCP3 transgenic mice showed increased tissue glucose uptake rates compared with the wild‐type mice. Skeletal muscle uptake rates of 2‐deoxyglucose were either unchanged (soleus and gastrocnemius) or reduced (diaphragm) in the UCP3 transgenic mice.Conclusions:  The improved glucose tolerance in the UCP3 transgenic mice does not appear to be the result of increased uptake into peripheral tissues. The increased fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle of UCP3 transgenic mice supports the proposed role of UCP3 in the export of fatty acid anions from mitochondria during fatty acid oxidation.
Plasma adiponectin in overweight, nondiabetic individuals with or without insulin resistance
Authors: Shand B. I. , Scott R. S. , Elder P. A. , George P. M. 
Published: August 2003

Aim:  Adiponectin is a protein produced exclusively by adipocytes with putative insulin‐sensitizing and anti‐atherogenic properties. This cross‐sectional study investigated the relationship between plasma adiponectin and a range of anthropometric, glycaemic, lipid and inflammatory parameters in overweight and obese subjects expressing characteristics of the metabolic syndrome.Methods:  Subjects were selected for the study from a clinical database, if they were non‐diabetic, overweight [body mass index (BMI) > 25] and had features of the metabolic syndrome. The subjects were grouped according to BMI (25–30, 31–35 and >35 kg/m2) and then stratified for insulin resistance [homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) %S]. One hundred and ninety‐seven patients (109 males and 88 females) were selected for the study by taking an equal number with the highest and lowest HOMA indices from each of the three BMI groups. Plasma adiponectin concentration was measured in duplicate by radioimmunoassay, and the relationship between these levels and the other parameters was investigated using correlation and multiple linear regression analyses.Results:  Plasma adiponectin concentration was higher in females than males (median 10.3 vs. 7.1 µg/ml, p < 0.001) despite being matched for BMI. In both genders, adiponectin levels were inversely related to BMI, waist circumference, percentage body fat, insulin resistance and the fasting plasma concentration of leptin. A direct correlation in both sexes was found between adiponectin levels and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1 and age. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that the independent determinants of low plasma adiponectin concentrations were gender, age, BMI, insulin resistance and HDL‐cholesterol. An association between reduced adiponectin and increased high‐sensitivity plasma C‐reactive protein concentration was observed only in female subjects and was independent of anthropometric variables. Our observation that adiponectin levels increase with age differs from the majority of other studies and may simply reflect the demographics of the population studied.Conclusions:  This study shows that adiponectin is an important molecular link between obesity, insulin resistance and atherogenic lipoproteins. It is possible that plasma adiponectin concentration may be a convenient marker for identifying subjects with the metabolic syndrome who may progress to impaired glucose tolerance. Longitudinal studies are required in order to verify this clinical application of adiponectin.
Sibutramine enhances insulin sensitivity ameliorating metabolic parameters in a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Tambascia M. A. , Geloneze B. , Repetto E. M. , Geloneze S. R. , Picolo M , Magro D. O. 
Published: August 2003

Aim:  To assess the effect of sibutramine‐assisted weight reduction program on insulin sensitivity and metabolic parameters in obese normal glucose tolerant individuals over a period of 24 weeks.Research Design and Methods:  A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel, prospective clinical trial was carried out at our medical centre. Forty female normal glucose tolerant patients, body mass index: 34.3 ± 2.9 kg/m2 and age: 41.1 ± 9.9 (range: 19–58 years), were randomized to placebo or sibutramine, 10 mg once daily.Results:  Seventeen patients from sibutramine group and 14 placebo had completed the study protocol. Significant weight change was seen in sibutramine (p < 0.01) (−5.6 kg or −6.1% vs. +0.9 kg or +1.1% in placebo). Insulin sensitivity enhanced in sibutramine group (Kitt: from 4.03 ± 1.97 to 5.09 ± 2.48%/min; p < 0.05). Homeostasis model assessment‐IR (HOMA‐IR) decreased from 7.8 ± 6.9 to 5.6 ± 4.5 (p < 0.05). HOMA‐β also decreased from 508 ± 381 to 374 ± 256 (p < 0.05). No changes were observed in the placebo control group regarding insulin sensitivity or secretion. Concomitant reductions were observed in the sibutramine group in lipid parameters (triglycerides and high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol), uric acid and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (p < 0.05).Conclusions:  Sibutramine has demonstrated efficacy in reducing weight in non‐diabetic women along with amelioration in insulin sensitivity and additional improvement in metabolic parameters.
Therapeutic effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on motor function in Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Khedr E. M. , Farweez H. M. , Islam H. 
Published: August 2003

Cortical excitability of the primary motor cortex is altered in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Therefore, modulation of cortical excitability by high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the motor cortex might result in beneficial effects on motor functions in PD. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of rTMS of the motor cortex on motor functions in patients with PD.Thirty‐six unmedicated PD patients were included consecutively in this study. The patients were assigned in a randomized pattern to one of two groups, one group receiving real‐rTMS (suprathreshold 5‐Hz, 2000 pulses once a day for 10 consecutive days) and the second group receiving sham‐rTMS using closed envelopes. Total motor section of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), walking speed, and self‐assessment scale were performed for each patient before rTMS and after the first, fifth, 10th sessions, and then after 1 month. Evaluation of these measures was performed blindly without knowing the type of rTMS. anova for repeated measurements revealed a significant time effect for the total motor UPDRS, walking speed and self‐assessment scale during the course of the study in the group of patients receiving real‐rTMS (P = 0.0001, 0.001, and 0.002), while no significant changes were observed in the group receiving sham‐rTMS except in self‐assessment scale (P = 0.019). A 10‐day course of real‐rTMS resulted in statistically significant long‐term improvement of the motor functions in comparison with the sham‐rTMS. The rTMS could have a therapeutic role of for PD patients.
Recalcitrant psoriasis vulgaris associated with Laurence–Moon–Biedl syndrome
Authors: Margolin L , Haliulin Y 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTWe report a 30‐year‐old European (Ashkenazi Jewish) male with Laurence–Moon–Biedl syndrome (Bardet–Biedl type) who was hospitalized because of severe recalcitrant plaque‐type psoriasis. Laurence–Moon–Biedl syndrome has been shown to be linked to the chromosome 11q region in the majority of the patients of European descent. The same 11q region had increased frequency of aberrations in the study that included cytogenetic analysis of 477 psoriatic patients. The animal model of the syndrome (mice) showed abnormalities in hair growth and epidermal differentiation. This genetic association between Laurence–Moon–Biedl syndrome and psoriasis can contribute to the understanding of the factors involved in the initiation of psoriasis and factors that modulate its severity and resistance to therapy.
Histological and immunofluorescence findings of non‐follicular papulopustular lesions in patients with Behçet's disease
Authors: Alpsoy E , Uzun S , Akman A , Alpaslan Acar M , Memişoǧlu HR , Başaran E 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTBackground Papulopustular lesions (PPL), the most common type of cutaneous lesions in Behçet's disease (BD), clinically may not be differentiated from ordinary acne. Disagreement exists as to the exact nature of these acneiform and folliculitis‐like lesions and whether to include them as a major criterion.Objective We investigated whether PPL can be a useful tool for the diagnosis of BD when non‐follicular lesions over the trunk or extremities were selected, and were correlated with histological and/or immunofluorescence study.Methods Seventeen patients with BD (five women, 12 men; mean ± SEM age, 32 ± 7.9 years), were enrolled in the study with blind histopathological and immunofluorescence studies. Biopsies of the PPL and adjacent (approximately 2 cm distant) normal‐appearing skin were performed from the extremities and trunk. Follicle‐based acneiform lesions and those lesions over face were excluded. Histological evaluation primarily included epidermal and dermal alterations, cellular infiltration and vascular changes. We also performed direct immunofluorescence studies, using polyclonal antibodies for IgA, IgG, IgM, C3 and fibrin.Results Lesional specimens of the patients with BD revealed a significant leucocytoclastic vasculitis as compared with non‐lesional skin (P < 0.05). The vessels of the lesional skin showed a higher IgM deposition than non‐lesional skin (52.9% and 17.6%) (P < 0.05). IgG, C3 and fibrin deposits on the vessels of the lesional skin were also higher than non‐lesional skin (35.3, 11.8%; 41.2, 17.6%; and 47.1, 17.6%, respectively), but the differences were not statistically significant.Conclusions Our findings indicate that non‐follicular PPL over the trunk or extremities are more specific, and immune complex‐mediated vasculitis is likely to be the main feature of these lesions, as they are in other cutaneous lesions of BD.
An unusual presentation of primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Baloǧlu H , Doǧan B 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTThe cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant epithelial tumour that usually arises from an underlying precursor skin lesion. We report the case of a 65‐year‐old woman with multiple de novo squamous cell carcinomas in an unusual presentation.
Pimecrolimus: A review
Authors: Gupta AK , Chow M 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTPimecrolimus (SDZ ASM 981), an ascomycin derivative, is one of the new classes of immunomodulating macrolactams and was specifically developed for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. The interest in pimecrolimus has been substantial because of its significant anti‐inflammatory activity and immunomodulatory capabilities and its low systemic immunosuppressive potential. The mechanism of action of pimecrolimus is the blockage of T cell activation. Pimecrolimus (like all ascomycins) is an immunophilin ligand, which binds specifically to the cytosolic receptor, immunophilin macrophilin‐12. This pimecrolimus‐macrophilin complex effectively inhibits the protein phosphatase calcineurin, by preventing calcineurin from dephosphorylating the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF‐AT), a transcription factor. This results in the blockage of signal transduction pathways in T cells and the inhibition of the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines, specifically Th1‐ and Th2‐type cytokines. Pimecrolimus has also been shown to prevent the release of cytokines and pro‐inflammatory mediators from mast cells. Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of pimecrolimus as a treatment for skin diseases. In animal models of allergic contact dermatitis, topical pimecrolimus was found to be effective. In human studies of allergic contact dermatitis pimecrolimus demonstrated significantly more efficacy than the control treatment. As well, the effectiveness of pimecrolimus 0.6% cream was comparable to 0.1% betamethasone‐17‐valerate; however, pimecrolimus was not associated with any of the side effects characteristic of a topical steroid. Topical application of pimecrolimus is not associated with skin atrophy. Pimecrolimus is effective and safe in both children and adults with atopic dermatitis. When pimecrolimus 1% cream has been applied to adult atopics, improvement has been observed as early as the first week, with a 72% reduction in severity after 3 weeks. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown very low blood levels of pimecrolimus following topical application, with no accumulation after repeated applications. Following application of pimecrolimus cream occasional transient irritation may be experienced at the application site. Similar results have also been found in children aged 3 months and older following application of pimecrolimus 1% cream. Topical pimecrolimus in psoriasis appears to exhibit a dose‐dependent therapeutic effect under semi‐occlusive conditions. Pimecrolimus has an enormous potential as a new treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. It has been shown to be effective in atopic and allergic contact dermatitis, with a favorable adverse‐effects profile, which includes little effect on the systemic immune response.
Cholesterol crystal embolization: an atherosclerotic disease with frequent and varied cutaneous manifestations
Authors: Donohue KG , Saap L , Falanga V 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTIn this paper the basic pathogenesis of cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE) is described, its clinical characteristics are presented and diagnosis and therapy are discussed. The main focus will be on the cutaneous manifestations; however, considering that CCE is a systemic illness, findings in other organs will also be highlighted, particularly the commonly involved renal and gastrointestinal systems.
Itching attacks with generalized hyperhydrosis as initial symptoms of Hodgkin's disease
Authors: Stadie V , Marsch WCH 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTBackground Clinical signs of Hodgkin's disease are unexplained weight loss, nocturnal sweating, fever and more or less permanent itching or pain around the affected lymphnodes, especially after alcohol consumption. Paraneoplastic symptoms are major challenges to the dermatologist, particularly if these seem harmless, though somewhat strange, as in the following case.Observation A 35‐year‐old patient had suffered for about 6 months from paroxysmal severe itching. A transient, generalized hyperhydrosis followed these attacks closely. The itching attacks usually began between the fingers and on the palms of the hands, and then spread to become generalized over the entire integument. The itching attacks commonly occurred three times daily for only a few minutes, while the subsequent severe hyperhydrosis, with cold sweat, lasted up to an hour.Conclusions This case illustrates the necessity of considering a malignant underlying disease like Hodgkin's disease, not only in the presence of the well‐known B‐symptoms, but also when peculiar symptom combinations, like itching attacks and immediately subsequent transient generalized hyperhydrosis are present.
Mycosis fungoides responding to systemic itraconazole
Authors: Cooper SM , Sheridan A , Burge S 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTMycosis fungoides is a form of cutaneous lymphoma with a typically indolent course. We describe an unexpected, repeated response to a systemic antifungal agent, itraconazole. The mechanism of action is speculative but itraconazole has marked immunosuppressive activity on T‐lymphocyte proliferation in vitro.
Penile paraffinoma
Authors: Santos P , Chaveiro A , Nunes G , Fonseca J , Cardoso J 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTA 40‐year‐old Caucasian man, originating from Ukraine, but living for the last year and a half in Portugal, presented to our department with a one year history of an irregular penile mass and phimosis. He reluctantly admitted that 8 years previously he had multiple mineral oil injections in the penis , for the purpose of penile enlargement. A diagnosis of penile paraffinoma was made and surgical excision was performed at the urology department. Paraffinoma results from mineral‐oil injections : such practice is very rare in the western world nowadays, however, it still is performed in many Eastern European Countries.
Lupus vulgaris over a tattoo mark – inoculation tuberculosis
Authors: Ghorpade A 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTLupus vulgaris developing after tattooing and remaining exclusively confined to it, in a 40‐year‐old‐lady is reported. The tattooing was done one year earlier by a roadside tattoo artist. Diagnosis was suggested by the clinical features and confirmed by histopathology.
Cutaneous infection caused by Salmonella typhi
Authors: Marzano AV , Mercogliano M , Borghi A , Facchetti M , Caputo R 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACT Salmonella typhi is a flagellated, gram‐negative bacillus belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae responsible for typhoid fever, which is a prolonged bacteraemic, systemic illness with minimal, at least initially, diarrhoea. Localized infection is a not uncommon complication of salmonella septicaemia, particularly occurring in immunocompromised patients. However, salmonella localization to the skin presenting as cutaneous ulceration is regarded as a rare event. We report a unique case of such a presentation as the sole clinical manifestation of infection with S. typhi and highlight the possible salmonella aetiology for unusual cutaneous lesions in individuals coming from endemic areas.
Analytic quantification of solar lentigines lightening by a 2% hydroquinone–cyclodextrin formulation
Authors: Petit L , Piérard GE 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTBackground The innate melanin pigmentation of skin is modulated during lifetime by a series of factors, including ageing and chronic ultraviolet light exposure. Actinic lentigines may be of particular concern from a cosmetic point of view. Conventional hypopigmenting agents are usually deceptive. Using cyclodextrins to form inclusion compounds with these agents might represent a more active drug delivery system.Objective To assess sensitive and objective methods predicting the effects of a 2% hydroquinone–cyclodextrin formulation on solar lentigines.Study design Thirty Asian adults applied a 2% hydroquinone–cyclodextrin formulation once daily on solar lentigines of a forearm for 2 months. The other untreated forearm served as a control. Monthly assessments were performed using skin colorimetry and fluorescence video recording combined with image analysis. Corneomelametry following photodensitometry of cyanoacrylate skin surface strippings was performed after melanin staining of the samples.Results The control untreated solar lentigines showed no significant variations in the biometrological parameters. By contrast, the test formulation induced lightening of the solar lentigines. Corneomelametry disclosed improvement after 1 months’ treatment, whereas the other assessments only reached significance after 2 months.Conclusions A 2% hydroquinone–cyclodextrin formulation proved to be effective in lightening actinic lentigines. Corneomelametry predicted the effects discernible at a later stage by in vivo colour assessments of the melanin content.
Cutaneous angiosarcoma of the face
Authors: Cannavò SP , Lentini M , Magliolo E , Guarneri C 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTCutaneous angiosarcoma is a rare tumour of vascular origin, which has a poor prognosis because of its high potential for metastasis. We report the case of a 57‐year‐old man with an 8‐month history of a progressively enlarging, asymptomatic red patch over the left periorbital region of the face, previously diagnosed as angiolupoid leishmaniasis, insect‐bites, ‘cellulitis’ and treated with several topical antibiotic and steroid therapy, without any improvement. A skin biopsy of the lesion was performed and histological and immunohistochemical examination revealed a pattern of poorly differentiated angiosarcoma. The peculiarity of the localization at the periorbital area and the particular clinical presentation are emphasized.
Squamous cell carcinoma in vitiligo lesion after long‐term PUVA therapy
Authors: Park HS , Lee YS , Chun DK 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTPhotochemotherapy using psoralen and ultraviolet (UV)A irradiation (PUVA) is a useful treatment method for vitiligo. However, long‐term PUVA therapy may cause several adverse effects including skin cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We describe a case of SCC in vitiligo lesion after long‐term PUVA therapy.
Monochromatic excimer light 308 nm in the treatment of vitiligo: a pilot study
Authors: Leone G , Iacovelli P , Paro Vidolin A , Picardo M 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTObjective To study the efficacy and safety of monochromatic excimer light (MEL) on 37 vitiligo patients referred to our clinic.Methods In a pilot study, 37 patients (17 males, 20 females) with acrofacial (n = 21), focal (n = 11), segmental (n = 1), and generalized (n = 4) vitiligo were treated twice weekly with MEL for a maximum period of 6 months.Results Thirty‐five patients (95%) showed signs of repigmentation within the first eight treatments. The treatment resulted in good repigmentation in 16 patients, and excellent repigmentation in 18 patients. Adverse events were limited to transient erythema. In addition, some patients (n = 3) not responding to prior narrow‐band UVB (NB UVB) phototherapy showed good results with MEL in our series.Conclusions Treatment with 308 nm MEL for vitiligo may be more effective in obtaining rapid repigmentation than phototherapy with NB UVB. The results in this study are similar to those recently reported with a 308 nm excimer laser, but 308 MEL could present some advantages: the possibility of treating larger areas compared to the 308 nm excimer laser, with shorter treatment times and better patient compliance. The overall good results and the early appearance of repigmentation contribute to reducing the cumulative exposure to UV radiation.
Necrotizing fascitis induced by mosquito bite
Authors: Verma SB 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTNecrotizing fascitis usually occurs after a perforating trauma or sometimes surgery. It is an acute necrotizing process which involves the fascia of the skin. Within one or two days of the causative event the patient experiences pain, oedema and a dusky bluish–red discolouration of the skin with or without bullae formation. These areas become gangrenous usually by the fifth day. Often any specific organisms are not grown on culture, but the common ones that are include beta‐haemolytic streptococci, coliforms, enterococci, pseudomonas. Treatment comprises early detection, surgical debridement, intravenous antibiotics and supportive care. We report a case of grossly neglected necrotizing fascitis caused by mosquito bites. Our treatment consisted of intravenous antibiotics, thorough debridement, regular dressings and a split‐thickness skin graft. These measures collectively preserved an otherwise hopelessly mutilated upper limb.