bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Field evaluation of the CATT/Trypanosoma brucei gambiense on blood‐impregnated filter papers for diagnosis of human African trypanosomiasis in southern Sudan
Authors: Chappuis F. , Pittet A. , Bovier P. A. , Adams K. , Godineau V. , Hwang S. Y. , Magnus E. , Büscher P. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryMost Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) control programmes in areas endemic for Trypanosoma brucei gambiense rely on a strategy of active mass screening with the Card Agglutination Test for Trypanosomiasis (CATT)/T. b. gambiense. We evaluated the performance, stability and reproducibility of the CATT/T. b. gambiense on blood‐impregnated filter papers (CATT‐FP) in Kajo‐Keji County, South‐Sudan, where some areas are inaccessible to mobile teams. The CATT‐FP was performed with a group of 100 people with a positive CATT on whole blood including 17 confirmed HAT patients and the results were compared with the CATT on plasma (CATT‐P). The CATT‐FP was repeated on impregnated filter papers stored at ambient and refrigerated temperature for 1, 3, 7 and 14 days. Another 82 patients with HAT, including 78 with a positive parasitology, were tested with the CATT‐FP and duplicate filter paper samples were sent to a reference laboratory to assess reproducibility. The CATT‐FP was positive in 90 of 99 patients with HAT (sensitivity: 91%). It was less sensitive than the CATT‐P (mean dilution difference: −2.5). There was no significant loss of sensitivity after storage for up to 14 days both at ambient and cool temperature. Reproducibility of the CATT‐FP was found to be excellent (kappa: 0.84). The CATT‐FP can therefore be recommended as a screening test for HAT in areas where the use of CATT‐P is not possible. Further studies on larger population samples in different endemic foci are still needed before the CATT‐FP can be recommended for universal use.
Evaluation in vivo and in vitro of the performance of interactive dressings in the management of animal soft tissue injuries
Authors: Cockbill  
Published: March 2003

Over the last 35 years there has been extensive research into human wounds and consequent evolutionary changes in their management. Products such as vapour‐permeable films, alginates, hydro‐colloids, hydrogels and foams have been developed, all of which contribute in different ways to the enhance‐ment of the healing cascade. The first part of this study assessed the influence on animal wound healing of some of these contemporary wound‐management products With animal wounds the major problem is their isolation from the aggression of both the patient and the environment. The second part of this paper is directed at the development of an occlusive chamber to enable topically applied medicaments to remain in contact with the wound surface and presents the initial results of a programme of investigation directed at producing a ‘ring’ adhesive to overcome the adherence problems presented by lipid concentration and hirsutism. This adhesive also allows successive applications of contemporary dressings.
A retrospective study of cutaneous neoplasms in domestic rabbits (1990–2001)
Authors: Mauldin E. A. , Goldschmidt M. H. 
Published: March 2003

Spontaneous skin tumors in privately‐owned domestic rabbits, particularly nonviral‐associated neoplasms, have been sporadically documented in the veterinary literature. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively survey cutaneous neoplasms submitted from veterinary practitioners for routine histopathological evaluation. Four hundred and forty surgical pathology specimens from lagomorphs were submitted to the Laboratory of Pathology Diagnostic Service at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, from 1990 through 2001. Of those, 139 were cutaneous neoplasms. Trichoblastomas (basal cell tumors) were the most commonly diagnosed skin neoplasm (total = 45) and comprised 32% of all skin tumors, while three trichoepitheliomas (2%), and three papillomas (2%) were also identified. Malignant epithelial neoplasms (10%) consisted of four squamous cell carcinomas, three apocrine carcinomas, one basal cell carcinoma, one sebaceous carcinoma and five carcinomas that were not further classified. Two cases of cutaneous malignant melanoma were found. Cutaneous Shope and non‐Shope fibromas (34) comprised 25% of the cases. Seven lipomas (5%) were diagnosed. Malignant mesenchymal neoplasms consisted of 29 soft tissue sarcomas (21%). One case of cutaneous epidermotropic lymphosarcoma and one nonepitheliotropic malignant round cell tumor were also identified. In this study, trichoblastomas were found to be the most common nonviral‐associated cutaneous neoplasm.
Efficacy of pre‐treatment with lufenuron for the prevention of Microsporum canis infection in a feline cohabitant‐challenge model
Authors: Deboer D. J. , Moriello K. A. 
Published: March 2003

We previously observed a trend towards clinically milder or delayed Microsporum canis infections in cats pre‐treated with lufenuron, suggesting a possible effect of this drug in limiting dermatophyte growth. We sought to determine the effect of pre‐treatment with lufenuron on development of M. canis infections induced via exposure to an infected cat. Lufenuron suspension (100 to 140 mg kg−1 orally, once monthly; or 40 mg subcutaneously, every 6 months) or placebo was administered to groups of eight juvenile cats. After 4 months of treatment, cats were challenged by introducing cats with mild, experimentally induced M. canis infections into the rooms. The extent of any resulting infection was monitored for 22 weeks after challenge. All cats became infected with M. canis. Cats treated with lufenuron had significantly lower infection scores during the early weeks following exposure, and there was a more prolonged initial progression phase of the infection. Once infections reached peak intensity, they resolved over a similar time period in both treated and control groups. We conclude that lufenuron, when used at the dose schedule and under the conditions in this study, did not prevent dermatophyte infection by exposure to an experimentally infected cat. The delay in establishment of infection may reflect an inhibitory effect of lufenuron on the organism that is measurable, but not sufficient to prevent development of infection under these conditions. This study was supported by Novartis Animal Health.
Steroid acne vs. Pityrosporumfolliculitis: the incidence ofPityrosporum ovaleand the effect of antifungal drugs in steroid acne
Authors: Yu Hee‐Joon , Lee Soo‐Keun , Son Sook Ja , Kim Yun Suck , Yang Hong Yoon , Kim Jae Hong 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background Steroid acne is a folliculitis that can result from systemic or topical administration of steroid, and has been described as showing a similar clinical picture to Pityrosporum folliculitis, but there have been few reports about the incidence of Pityrosporum ovale and the effect of antimycotic drugs in steroid acne and other acneiform eruptions. Our purpose was to describe the association between steroid acne and P. ovale, and to confirm the superior efficacy of oral antifungal drugs over anti‐acne drugs in the treatment of steroid acne. Methods The history, clinical features direct microscopy, histopathologic analysis, and therapeutic results of 125 cases with steroid acne or other acneiform eruptions were described and compared. Results Over 80% of patients with acneiform eruption receiving systemic steroid revealed significant numbers of P. ovale in the lesional follicle. Furthermore, oral antifungal drug (itraconazole) showed significantly better clinical and mycologic effects than any other group of medications used in this study. Conclusions Steroid acne and other acneiform eruptions showing discrete follicular papules and/or pustules localized to the upper trunk and acneiform facial skin lesions associated with multiple acneiform lesions on the body in the summer period should be suspected as Pityrosporum folliculitis. In addition, oral antifungal drugs recommended for Pityrosporum folliculitis; however, it will require a larger case‐control study to confirm the superiority of antifungal therapy over anti‐acne treatment.
Cutaneous reactions at the site of post‐infection gp160 vaccination therapy in HIV‐1+ patients
Authors: Smith MD Kathleen J. , Skelton MD Henry G. , Ruiz MD Nancy , Samlaska MD Kurt , Wagner MD Kenneth F. ,   The Military Medical Consortium for the Advancement of Military Medicine
Published: March 2003

Background Post‐infection vaccination with human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV‐1) specific antigens has been hypothesized as a mechanism for generating a more effective immune response to the HIV‐1 virus. Cutaneous reactions at the site of immunization may provide information on the pattern of immune activation induced by the vaccine. Objective To evaluate exaggerated local cutaneous reactions in eight HIV‐1+ patients enrolled in a phase I and II gp160 vaccine study. Methods Cutaneous biopsy specimens were obtained and evaluated using routine histologic, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical techniques. Results A mononuclear cell infiltrate with tissue eosinophilia, in some cases forming flame figures, was present on histologic sections. There was no evidence of immune complex deposition. Activated T‐helper cells formed a major portion of the mononuclear cell infiltrate. Conclusions A delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction, mediated by T cells with a T‐helper 2 cytokine pattern, was favored by clinical and histologic features. The most likely antigen stimulating this reaction is residual lepidopteran used in the preparation of the vaccine; however, baculovirus antigens may also play a role. In addition, the adjuvant, aluminum phosphate, as well as the underlying patterns of immune dysregulation present in HIV‐1+ patients, may potentiate these reactions.
Itraconazole for the treatment of onychomycosis
Authors: Gupta MD Aditya K. , De Doncker PhD Piet , Scher MD Richard K. , Haneke MD Eckart , Daniel III MD Ralph C. , André MD Josette , Baran MD Robert 
Published: March 2003

Background The broad spectrum of activity of itraconazole in vitro manifests itself clinically with the drug being effective for the treatment of onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes, Candida and some non‐dermatophyte molds. The pharmacokinetics of itraconazole in the nail results in drug remaining at therapeutic levels for 6–9 months after completion of therapy. Methods An overview of studies where continuous or pulse itraconazole therapy has been used in the treatment of fingernail and toenail onychomycosis. Results Following continuous therapy at 200 mg/day for 3 months for toenail onychomycosis (n = 1741), the rates of clinical cure, clinical response and mycologic cure were: (meta‐average ± 95% standard error (SE)), 52 ± 9%, 86 ± 2%, and 74 ± 3%, respectively, at follow‐up 12 months following start of therapy. In fingernail onychomycosis (n = 211), the duration of therapy was 6 weeks and the corresponding efficacy rates at follow‐up, 9 months after start of therapy, were meta‐average (± S.E.) 82 ± 5%, 90 ± 2%, and 86 ± 3%, respectively. In toenail onychomycosis treated with 3 pulses of therapy (n = 1389), the clinical response, clinical cure and mycologic cure were observed in meta‐average (± S.E.) 58 ± 10%, 82 ± 3%, and 77 ± 5% patients, respectively, at follow‐up 12 months after the start of therapy. In fingernail onychomycosis treated with 2 pulses of therapy (n = 210), at follow‐up 9 months after the start of therapy, the corresponding efficacy rates were meta‐average (± S.E.) 78 ± 10%, 89 ± 6%, and 87 ± 8%, respectively. Conclusions Both the continuous and pulse therapy regimens are safe with few adverse effects. Compared to continuous therapy, the pulse regimen has an improved adverse‐effects profile, is more cost‐effective, and is preferred by many patients.
Epidemiologic aspects of scabies in Mali, Malawi, and Cambodia
Authors: Landwehr Dirk , Keita Somita M. , Pönnighaus Jörg M. , Tounkara Cheikna 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background The prevalence rates of scabies are compared in Bamako, Mali, Karonga District, Malawi, and Battambang Province, Cambodia. Methods In Mali, children attending three different urban schools catering for different socio‐economic levels were examined specifically for scabies. In Malawi, data were collected during a total population survey for leprosy. In Cambodia, a sample survey was carried out in a rural area to determine the prevalence of leprosy and other skin diseases. Results In Mali, the prevalence rate of scabies among all the children examined was 4% (44/1103), but only 1.8%7/388 in the higher socio‐economic group. In Malawi, the overall prevalence rate of scabies was 0.7%408/61,735. The highest rate (1.1%) was found among children 0–9 years of age. In Cambodia, the overall prevalence in the 13 villages screened was 4.3%645/14,843. The highest rate (6.5%) was found among children 0–9 years of age. Conclusions Scabies was most prevalent among children in Cambodia and Malawi, but there were considerable differences in the overall rates between the two areas studied. The data from all three countries indicate that poor socio‐economic conditions, in particular crowding and public water supplies, are risk factors for scabies.
Cutaneous manifestations of the Hemiscorpius lepturus sting: a clinical study
Authors: Radmanesh Mohammed 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background and design Scorpion stings are a serious problem in Khuzestan, a southwestern province of Iran. In around 5 years, 36,463 patients with scorpion stings have been seen. Most of the patients had no cutaneous findings, but a small group of patients developed various local and generalized skin manifestations. Patients were evaluated in terms of cutaneous findings early in and during the course of their illness. The correlation between the site of the sting and the severity of the cutaneous and systemic problems is discussed. Results
Hemiscorpion (Hemiscorpius) lepturus (HL), which is responsible for more than 10% of the scorpion stings in this area, was found to be the only scorpion with related cutaneous findings. Different species of the Buthidae family, which were responsible for the remaining 90% of scorpion stings, have a neurotropic and noncytotoxic venom and, as a result, induce no cutaneous reaction. Conclusions HL venom is cytotoxic, and HL is the only scorpion whose venom induces a toxic reaction. Erythema, purpuric changes, bullae, necrosis, and ulcers, or a combination of these, may be seen at different stages. The site and the severity of the cutaneous reaction may aid in the prediction of the clinical outcome for the patients and in estimating the interval between the sting and presentation.
Eccrine squamous syringometaplasia in a patient with phytophotodermatosis
Authors: Goihman‐Yahr Mauricio 
Published: March 2003

Case reportA 46‐year‐old man noticed, after a day of rural work, the development of burning erythematous lesions arranged in linear streaks on sun‐exposed skin. Some of the lesions became vesicular and bullous over the next few hours. The patient reported that cutaneous lesions appeared in uncovered skin areas that had been in close contact with plants, except for the face and neck.When he visited our hospital, 1 week after the development of the skin eruption, he exhibited multiple linear erythematous lesions, with weeping and crusting patches, affecting the extensor aspect of the arms and legs ( Fig. 1). There was no history of previous allergy, photosensitivity, or drug intake. Results of all routine laboratory studies were negative or within normal limits. The patient brought the plant with him, which was classified as belonging to the family Ruthaciae.Erythematous skin lesions arranged in linear streaks, affecting sun‐exposed skinimageA skin biopsy obtained from affected skin revealed isolated and diffuse necrosis of keratinocytes with re‐epithelialization phenomena ( Fig. 2a). Below these focal epidermal changes, the straight portion of the eccrine ducts showed squamous metaplasia (
Fig. 2b). The secretory portion of the eccrine glands was unaffected. Inflammatory infiltration adjacent to the sweat glands was scarce and not relevant.(a) Extensive epidermal necrosis with re‐epithelialization phenomena (hematoxylin and eosin, ×200). (b) Squamous syringometaplastic changes affecting the eccrine ducts in the middle and right side of the field. There is fibro‐edematous connective tissue surrounding some of these ducts (hematoxylin and eosin, ×400)image
Reticulate postinflammatory hyperpigmentation with band‐like mucin deposition
Authors: Noto Giuseppe , Pravatà Gabriella , Aricò Mario 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Mucinoses of the skin are a group of disorders sharing accumulation of mucin in the skin or hair follicles. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, with pigmentary incontinence, is due to loss of melanin from epidermal basal cells and its accumulation in dermal macrophages.Methods We describe clinicopathologic features of two patients presenting with the association of pigmentary incontinence with an unusual diffuse, band‐like dermal deposition of mucin, clinically presenting with reticular pigmented macular lesions.Results Two patients were observed with asymptomatic, persistent, reticular, pigmented patches located in the flexures, thighs, neck and back. Histology showed melanophages with a diffuse, band‐like dermal deposition of mucin, an increased number of fibroblasts, a slight T‐cell infiltrate and scattered mast cells. Blood markers of lupus erythematosus were negative.Conclusions These findings may draw attention to pigmentary disorders such as lichen planus pigmentosus, erythema dyschromicum perstans, pigmentatio maculos eruptiva idiopathica, dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis, prurigo pigmentosa and frictional melanosis. None of these entities, however, includes mucin deposition among its microscopic features. Macules were not preceded by erythema or any other lesions. We suggest that our cases could belong to group II of Rongioletti and Rebora’s classification, i.e. they could be cases of secondary mucin deposition in postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, possibly in an unusual form of lichen planus pigmentosus or, less likely, frictional melanosis.
Relapsing cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa associated with streptococcal infections
Authors: Albornoz M. Anthony , Benedetto Anthony V. , Korman Michael , McFall Susan , Tourtellotte Charles D. , Myers Allen R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Polyarteritis nodosa is an aggressive, often fatal form of vasculitis associated with multi‐organ involvement. Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa is purported to be a more benign form of this disorder with involvement limited to the skin.Methods The identification of a female patient from childhood to adulthood documenting repeated episodes of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa following bouts of recurrent streptococcal pharyngitis.Results Repeated bouts of streptococcal pharyngitis at ages 11, 28, and 33 years were followed by episodes of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa, documented by histopathologic skin changes and clinical presentation, and confirmed by therapeutic management.Conclusions Various infectious and non‐infectious conditions have been linked both to the initiation and relapse of this disease. We describe a patient with recurrent episodes of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa spanning a period of over 20 years with each episode appearing to be linked to a prior streptococcal infection.
Nurse’s cap alopecia
Authors: Hwang Sang Min , Lee Won Soo , Choi Eung Ho , Lee Seung Hun , Ahn Sung Ku 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background Traction alopecia associated with the nurse’s cap is a relatively common form of occupational hair loss. Methods We examined 199 healthy South Korean nurses to assess the clinical and pathologic characteristics of traction alopecia caused by prolonged traction exerted at the point of attachment of the nurse’s cap. Results Seven nurses (3.5% of 199) had hair loss at the pin site used to secure the nurse’s cap. The lesions were exclusively localized on the parieto‐occipital scalp. Histopathologic findings revealed characteristic cicatricial changes which showed a marked decrease in the number of hair follicles without inflammation. Conclusions Nurse’s cap alopecia is not an uncommon occupational alopecia, and appears to be a distinct clinical entity which should be distinguished from other forms of patchy alopecia.
Recombinant human granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor applied locally in low doses enhances healing and prevents recurrence of chronic venous ulcers
Authors: Jaschke Erna , Zabernigg August , Gattringer Claus 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background Chronic venous leg ulcers have a major medical and economic impact on the elderly worldwide. Healing of the large ulcers (>10 cm2 ) occurs only in two‐thirds of the patients and reulceration of healed ulcers recurs in one‐third within 1 year. Because both healing and relapse rate influence greatly a patient’s quality of life and the overall cost of treatment, every effort should be made to improve these two parameters. Objective To determine the safety and efficacy of topical low‐dose recombinant human granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (rhu GM‐CSF) for the treatment of venous ulcers, and to document any improvement in healing rates. Methods Thirty‐eight patients (29 women, 9 men; median age, 74 years) with chronic venous insufficiency were treated with topical rhu GM‐CSF (5 μg/mL 0.9% sodium chloride solution), followed by application of a compression dressing. All subjects were treated as outpatients. Results Complete healing was observed in 47 of the 52 ulcers (90.4%). The average healing time was 19 weeks. No systemic or local side‐effects from the therapy were observed. Nine chronic ulcers, previously refractory to conventional treatment (pretreatment for more than 46 weeks), showed the same response rate (9/8, or 88.9%) and healing time (mean, 19 weeks). After 40 months, no reulceration of the healed ulcers was observed, but two patients developed new ulcers on the same leg. Healing remained stable, with excellent cosmetic results. Conclusions In this first study, topically applied low‐dose rhu GM‐CSF was a safe treatment for chronic venous leg ulcers. Healing rates were significantly increased and relapse rates were minimal.
A new therapeutic approach to type II leprosy reaction
Authors: Welsh Oliverio , Gómez Minerva , Mancias Cecilia , Ibarra‐Leal Sara , Millikan Larry E. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background An increase in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been implicated in type II leprosy reaction. Thalidomide, which inhibits TNF, is an effective drug, but has severe side‐effects in pregnant women. Other therapeutic drugs are required. Methods Clofazimine and pentoxifylline were evaluated for their efficacy against severe type II leprosy reaction in four patients (three men and one woman). Results All four patients showed a similar fast response to treatment. Conclusions The results obtained in this study are promising; however, clofazimine and pentoxifylline must be evaluated in a larger group of patients in order to determine their value in controlling type II leprosy reaction.