bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunophenotypic analysis of normal human dendritic cells isolated from epidermis and dermis
Authors: Prignano, MD, PhD Francesa , Gerlini, MD Gianni , Pimpinelli, MD, PhD Nicola , Giannotti, MD Benvenuto , Romagnoli, MD Paolo 
Published: March 2003

Background The skin immune system comprises two types of dendritic cells, i.e. CD1a‐positive Langerhans cells in the epidermis and CD36‐positive dendritic macrophages in the dermis. Dendritic cells can migrate from skin explants into a culture medium. Methods We have examined the morphology and immunophenotype of the dendritic cells migrating from epidermal and dermal sheets in vitro. The epidermis and dermis of keratomes of normal human skin were separated with dispase and cultured for 72 h. At this time, the non‐adherent cells in the medium were removed, enriched on a metrizamide or Lymphoprep gradient, counted, prepared by cytospin, and labeled for CD1a, CD36, and HLADr. ResultsCells migrating from the epidermis and dermis show many thin projections or a few veils from the cell surface. Approximately four times more cells migrate from epidermal than dermal sheets from the same keratome. ConclusionsUsing methods to separate the epidermis from the dermis, both CD1a‐positive Langerhans cells and CD36‐positive dendritic macrophages can be obtained from both tissues, although in different numbers.
Diagnostic value of IgM deposition at the dermo–epidermal junction
Authors: Kulthanan MD Kanokvalai , Pinkaew MSc Sumruay , Suthipinittharm MD Puan 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundGranular immunoglobulin M (IgM) deposits at the dermo–epidermal junction (DEJ) are common in lupus erythematosus (LE); however, weak, interrupted, linear and granular patterns of IgM at the DEJ have been reported in sun‐exposed skin in normal adults and in a heterogeneous group of diseases. Materials and methodsWe analyzed 200 patients with positive IgM direct tissue immunofluorescence deposition at the DEJ, alone or in combination with other immunoreactants, in order to determine the diagnostic significant of IgM deposition at the DEJ. ResultsIgM deposition at the DEJ, commonly in combination with other immunoreactants, was associated with LE in 57.5% of patients. In cases with IgM deposition alone at the DEJ, only 12% had LE (strong intensities). IgM deposition at the DEJ was associated with other dermatoses in 42.5% of patients. In non‐lupus patients, IgM deposition was the sole finding in 59% of cases, and was weaker and more focal than in LE patients. ConclusionsIgM deposition at the DEJ in patients with LE tends to exhibit a strong intensity and is commonly detected in combination with other immunoreactants. IgM deposition alone at the DEJ, especially of weak intensity or focal in pattern, is noted in non‐lupus patients, and has less diagnostic significance.
Oral–facial–digital syndrome (OFDS) type I in a patient with Werdnig–Hoffman disease
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshio , Kashiwagi Takayuki , Takahashi Hidetoshi , Iizuka Hajime 
Published: March 2003

An infant with various craniofacial anomalies was referred to our department at the age of 10 days. She was born as a floppy infant with a symmetrical muscle weakness that was more extensive in the proximal part of the limbs. Her brother had Werdnig–Hoffman disease and died of respiratory failure at the age of 4 months. No family history of malformations was detected.Physical examination revealed the following abnormalities: a high arched palate, micrognathia, a medial cleft of the upper lip, cleft palate, and low set ears (Fig. 1). She also had clinodactyly and partial syndactyly of toes II–III, III–IV on the right foot (Fig. 2). Radiographs of the right foot revealed polydactyly of the first toe. Nail hypoplasia was observed on the bilateral second toes (Fig. 2). No abnormalities were seen on both hands. The face, trunk, and limbs were symmetrical. There was no evidence of abnormalities of the genitalia.Wrinkled skin was conspicuous on the neck and four extremities (Fig. 1). The hair was sparse and brittle. Fine scale and dry skin were conspicuous on the scalp and the upper part of the trunk. Numerous milia were seen on the face. Skin biopsy could not be performed. Hypohidrosis was not found clinically. Because of the accompanying skin manifestations, she was given a diagnosis of oral–facial–digital syndrome (OFDS) type I.Chromosome analysis revealed a normal female karyotype. Chest roentgenogram and a computerized tomographic (CT) scan of the brain detected no abnormal findings. No malformations of the cardiovascular, gastro‐intestinal, or urinary systems were detected. Because of the craniofacial anomalies and general muscle weakness, she had feeding problems and had stopped gaining weight at the age of 3 months. She had considerable difficulty in breathing because of chest muscle weakness.Electromyogram (EMG) showed a typical neurogenic pattern. Because of the progressive muscle weakness, typical EMG findings, and a family history, she was diagnosed as having Werdnig–Hoffman disease. Her clinical course was complicated by recurrent pneumonia, apnea, and difficulty with feeding. At the age of 7 months, she died of respiratory failure.
Dermatology in southwestern Ethiopia: rationale for a community approach
Authors: Figueroa Jose I. , Fuller Lucinda C. , Abraha Aynalem , Hay Roderick J. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background Skin diseases represent one of the most frequent causes of morbidity in developing countries; however, little is known about the dermatologic needs of the population. The prevalence of skin disease in two different rural communities in southwestern Ethiopia was determined using descriptive epidemiologic techniques. Methods A household survey, designed to ascertain demographic information and dermatologic needs, was given to all households in both communities827. The point prevalence of skin diseases was determined after examination by dermatologists of 768 self‐selected individuals (40% of individuals were invited to attend dermatologic examination, either those self‐reporting skin disease or identified as positive cases during the household survey); an individual survey form was given to all of these patients. Results Although 47% (S/UO) and 59% (Kishe) of the households in the two communities reported skin symptoms, the true dermatologic needs of these settlements were far greater than the expressed values, as examination by dermatologists of randomly selected households revealed that 67% of householders not reporting dermatoses had significant skin disease. During the point prevalence study, the commonest complaints were parasitic (scabies, pediculosis, and onchocerciasis) infestations (46% of diagnoses), followed by bacterial and fungal infections (33%); other conditions included endemic nonfilarial elephantiasis. Overcrowding was the main risk factor for infection. Thirty‐two per cent (S/UO) and 39% (Kishe) of examined individuals had received previous treatments, which were ineffective in 74% and 63% respectively. Conclusions Subsistence farmers spend a high proportion of their limited cash income on ineffective treatment. Simple schemes of management for the most common dermatoses, which local health workers could be trained to recognize and manage, could do much to redress the burden of skin disease in this population.
Aerobic and anaerobic microbiology of chronic venous ulcers
Authors: Brook Itzhak , Frazier Edith H. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground The role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of chronic venous leg ulcers (CVLU) is unclear. The objective of the study was to establish the aerobic and anaerobic bacteriology of CVLU.Methods A retrospective review was carried out of the clinical and microbiological laboratory records obtained from patients with CVLU. Microorganisms were grown from 43 specimens obtained from 41 patients.Results Aerobic or facultative bacteria alone were present in 18 (42%) specimens, anaerobic bacteria only in three (7%), and mixed aerobic–anaerobic flora in 22 (51%).In total, there were 97 isolates, 64 aerobic or facultative and 33 anaerobic, an average of 2.3 isolates per specimen (1.5 aerobes and 0.8 anaerobes). The predominant aerobic organisms were Staphylococcus aureus (26 isolates), group D streptococci (5), and Escherichia coli (5). The predominant anaerobes were Peptostreptococcus spp. (15), Bacteroides fragilis group (6), Propionibacterium acnes (4), and Prevotella spp. (3).Conclusions CVLU have a polymicrobial aerobic–anaerobic flora.
A pilot study on bacterial viability in acne. Assessment using dual flow cytometry on microbials present in follicular casts and comedones
Authors: Arrese Jorge E. , Goffin Véronique , Avila‐Camacho Mabel , Greimers Roland , Piérard Gérald E. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background Antibiotic therapy is one of the main methods of acne treatment; however, bacterial resistance is on the rise and can affect the treatment outcome. Quantitative bacteriologic cultures are the gold standard methodology for the assessment of such a problem; however, certain important biological aspects remain uncovered. Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the antibacterial activity of minocycline and lymecycline in sebaceous follicle infundibula and comedones of acne patients. Method We used a recently introduced flow cytometric method, allowing a distinction to be made between viable, injured (presumably resistant), and dead microorganisms. Results Minocycline (100 mg) proved to be superior to lymecycline (600 mg) in abating the microflora harboring in the sebaceous follicles of acne patients. Conclusions The dissimilar bioavailability and antimicrobial efficacy between the two bacteriostatic agents may impart different clinical efficacy.
Dermatography as a new treatment for alopecia areata of the eyebrows
Authors: Van Der Velden Eddy M. , Drost Brigitte H. I. M. , RD . , Ijsselmuiden Otto E. , Baruchin Avraham M. , Hulsebosch Hendrik Jan 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background Alopecia areata is considered to be an autoimmune disease. It consists of patchy hair loss of the scalp and the eyebrows, making it a disfiguring condition. This 10‐year study was designed to assess the usefulness of the treatment of the eyebrows with dermatography as a relatively quick and simple method to obtain a cosmetically satisfactory result. Materials and methods The eyebrow areas were covered with a halftone pattern of tiny dots of color pigments, using a Van der Velden Derma‐injector, without anesthesia. On average, two to three dermatography sessions of 1 h were required. The follow‐up was 4 years. Results Thirty three patients, most of whom had been previously treated with a sensitizer such as dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), were treated with dermatography. Four patients had also been treated by a beautician with a crude form of tattooing. The results in 30 patients were excellent. In three patients the results were good. Conclusions Dermatography is a technique offering a good alternative for time‐consuming, troublesome treatment modalities that often have considerable side‐effects. With dermatography, no side‐effects were found.
The in vitro effect of hydroxychloroquine on skin morphology in psoriasis
Authors: Wolf Ronni , Lo Schiavo Ada , Lombardi Maria Luisa , PhD . , De Angelis Francesca , Ruocco Vincenzo 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground In earlier papers, we suggested that the aggravation of psoriasis by antimalarial drugs (analogous to hypolipidemic drugs) could be initiated by a break in the epidermal barrier. We suggested that these drugs exerted their effect by inhibiting epidermal transglutaminase activity, and supported this hypothesis by demonstrating the effect of hydroxychloroquine sulfate (HCQS) on the morphology of cultured skin and on liver transglutaminase activity. In the present article, we describe, for the first time, the morphologic changes induced by HCQS on cultured skin of psoriatic patients.Methods Uninvolved (apparently normal) skin explanted from the back of two psoriatic patients was cultured in the presence of 9.2 and 13.8 m
m of HCQS for 3 days. The morphologic changes were evaluated in a blind manner. The experiment was repeated twice.Results Significant changes in the epidermal morphology of psoriatic skin cultured in the presence of HCQS, compared with skin cultured without the presence of the drug, were observed. The most striking changes were enhanced and irregular keratinization and dermo–epidermal detachment and cleft formation. No parakeratosis or other characteristics of psoriasis were observed.Conclusions The first changes caused by HCQS on the cultured skin of psoriatic patients are not characteristic of psoriasis, and include hyperproliferation and enhanced and irregular keratinization. The present experimental study gives further support to the hypothesis that HCQS causes an initial break in the barrier function of the epidermis (probably by inhibiting transglutaminase activity), which is followed by a physiologic response of the epidermis aimed at barrier restoration. This rather nonspecific stimulus to epidermal proliferation is probably sufficient to trigger psoriasis, in vivo, among genetically predisposed patients.
Basis of occlusive therapy in psoriasis: correcting defects in permeability barrier and calcium gradient
Authors: Hwang Sang Min , Ahn Sung Ku , Menon Gopinathan K. , Choi Eung Ho , Lee Seung Hun 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground  Although occlusive dressings have great potential in the management of psoriasis vulgaris, the therapeutic mechanism is not completely understood. Occlusion artificially restores and corrects the defective barrier in psoriasis plaques. Additionally, occlusion is know to normalize the epidermal calcium gradients in hyperproliferative murine skin models.Methods  To investigate the basis of the therapeutic effect of occlusion on psoriatic plaques, we investigated the ultrastructural morphology of intercorneocyte lipid layers, lamellar bodies, and calcium gradient in chronic plaque‐type psoriasis after occlusion with a water vapor‐impermeable membrane. The specimens were processed for electron microscopy using: (i) ruthenium tetroxide postfixation; and (ii) ion‐capture cytochemistry for calcium localization.Results  Occlusion for 7 days resulted in a nearly mature pattern of intercellular multilamellar structures, re‐establishment of the near‐normal epidermal calcium gradient, and disappearance of calcium precipitates from the stratum corneum interstices.Conclusions  The normalization of the permeability barrier and epidermal calcium gradient may play important roles in the therapeutic effects of occlusive dressings in chronic plaque‐type psoriasis.
Post‐kala‐azar dermal leishmaniasis in Nepal
Authors: Garg Vijay Kumar , Agrawal Sudha , Rani Sudha , Joshi Arun , Agarwalla Arun , Das Murari Lal , Koirala Shekhar 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground  Post‐kala‐azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) manifests as a skin eruption after healing of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), either spontaneously or as a result of treatment. This study was undertaken to describe the demographic, clinical, and histopathologic features of PKDL in Nepal.Methods  Demographic, clinical, microbiologic, and histopathologic features and response to treatment were studied in 22 patients with PKDL from April 1998 to March 2000.Results  PKDL accounted for 0.13% of all new dermatologic cases. There were 13 (59.1%) males and nine (40.9%) females. A past history of kala‐azar was present in all but one patient. A family history of kala‐azar was noted in eight (36.4%) patients. All patients presented with multiple types of lesion, except for two in whom only macular lesions were seen. Oral lesions in the form of nodules and plaques were seen in four patients. Generalized lymphadenopathy was present in five patients. Slit skin smears revealed Leishman–Donovan bodies (LDBs) in nine (40.9%) patients. In macular lesions, there was a sparse infiltrate of plasma cells, lymphocytes, or histiocytes in the upper dermis. There was a dense chronic inflammatory infiltrate comprising plasma cells, lymphocytes, histiocytes, and epithelioid cells in the entire dermis from papules, plaques, or nodules. Giemsa staining of biopsy specimens revealed LDBs in seven (38.9%) patients only. Fine needle aspiration from epitrochlear lymph nodes in two patients demonstrated LDBs. All patients responded well to treatment with minimal side‐effects.Conclusions  This study emphasizes the need to be aware of the possibility of cases of PKDL in endemic regions of leprosy, as the conditions may be difficult to distinguish clinically and histopathologically.
Faun tail: a rare cutaneous stigma of spinal dysraphism
Authors: Kaya Tamer Irfan , Kokturk Aysin , Guleryuz Adil , Bagdatoglu Celal , Ikizoglu Güliz 
Published: March 2003

A 13‐year‐old girl was referred to our dermatology outpatient clinic for the treatment of a congenital, circumscribed, hypertrichotic area on the lumbosacral region because it was cosmetically embarrassing. Dermatologic examination revealed a 25 × 15 cm circumscribed hypertrichotic area on the lumbosacral region. Coarse, dark, terminal hairs were observed, but the underlying skin was normal (Fig. 1). The lesion had been present since birth. Her history also revealed back pain, which developed by 3 years of age, and a long history of urinary incontinence. On neurologic examination, no motor weakness or sensory changes were observed. On orthopedic examination, minimal atrophy and 2 cm shortening of the right leg were detected, and the right foot was smaller than the left. There was an accentuation of lumbar lordosis. There was no history of a similar lesion in the family. There was no consanguinity in the relatives.Clinical appearance of the patient 6 months after operationimageMagnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography findings included diastematomyelia between T10 and L2 levels, minimal spina bifida at L2–L3 levels, mild tethered cord, and a fat density mass at L1 level behind the left lamina. Complete blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and blood chemistry were within the normal ranges.The patient underwent lumbar laminectomy with excision of the lipoma and release of the tethered cord, and a type II diastematomyelia was detected at operation.A diagnosis of faun tail with underlying spinal dysraphism was made. There was also associated foot deformity and urinary incontinence as late sequelae of spinal dysraphism. The patient had been shaving the lesion periodically. We recommended laser epilation.
Pattern of admissions to a tertiary dermatology unit in South Africa
Authors: Jessop Sue , McKenzie Rowena , Milne James , Rapp Solveig , Sobey Glenda 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground There is worldwide recognition of the need to control the rising costs of health‐care. As a result there is a trend away from inpatient treatment of people with non‐life‐threatening skin disorders. In the developing world there is a conflict between the inadequacy of home and community facilities and the need to limit expenditure.Aim The aims of this study were to assess the current indications for admission to a dermatology ward, the level of domestic and community facilities among those admitted, and the apparent benefits obtained from such admissions.Methods Over a 6‐month period all patients admitted to the tertiary dermatology unit at Groote Schuur Hospital were recruited and a questionnaire was completed by the admitting doctor. On discharge, patients and doctors were asked to assess the level of improvement in the patient's skin disorder.Results There were 133 people admitted, with a mean age of 34.1 years (range 1–88). Diagnoses recorded most often were atopic dermatitis (44), other forms of dermatitis (18), psoriasis (21), severe drug reaction (10), leg ulcer (7), skin infection (7) and bullous disease (6). Overall, the extent and severity of the skin involvement was the major indication for admission, although psychosocial problems and a lack of home facilities were contributing factors. A group of 25 people had been admitted to the ward on 2 or more occasions over the preceding 2 years. This group did not differ from the rest of the patients in terms of diagnosis, home circumstances or level of employment.Conclusions Most admissions to a tertiary dermatology unit in Cape Town are for extensive eczema or psoriasis. Most people experience great short‐term benefit from inpatient care. The group of people who require repeated admissions do not appear to differ from the total group by diagnosis or available facilities, but may represent a psychosocially vulnerable subset.
Cell cycle in sporadic melanoma
Authors: Czajkowski Rafał , Drewa Tomasz , Woźniak Alina , Krzyżyńska‐Malinowska Ewa 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSporadic melanoma is a neoplasm whose etiology has not been fully investigated. Contemporary achievements in molecular biology have made it possible to localize the genes whose damage can contribute to the initiation of neoplastic transformation of melanocytes and lead to a progression of the disease. The majority of these genes are responsible for the correct progression of phase G1 of the cell cycle. Phase G1 of the cell cycle is subject to control by many protooncogenes and antioncogenes, which constitute the pRb or p53 pathway, damage to which can lead to the development of malignant melanoma. The present paper discusses disorders in the control of phase G1 of the cell cycle in sporadic melanoma.