bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cicatricial alopecia; a dermatopathologic and immunopathologic study of 33 patients (pseudopelade of brocq is not a specific clinico‐pathologic entity)
Authors: Amato L , Mei S , Massi D , Gallerani I , Fabbri P 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground  Pseudopelade of Brocq (PB) is a permanent progressive scarring alopecia characterized by numerous alopecic patches localized only in the scalp, that tend to coalesce into larger, irregular plaques with policyclic borders. PB can be considered either the final atrophic stage of several scarring disorders such as lichen planus pilaris (LPP) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) (secondary PB) or an autonomous disease (primary PB).The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of primary vs. secondary PB by a combined histopathological and immunopathological study in a series of patients who fulfillled the clinical diagnostic criteria for PB set forth by Braun Falco et al.Methods  We studied 33 patients (5 males and 28 females, whose age ranged from 24 to 75 years). The duration of the disease (from onset to biopsy) ranged from 3 months to 8 years. Serum samples were tested for circulating auto‐antibodies (antinuclear antibodies anti ENA, anticentromere, anti‐Scl70, antithyroid, antigastric parietal cells) circulating immune complexes, total and single fraction (C3, C4) complement activity. The skin biopsies taken from the active advancing margin of the more recent alopecic patch were bisected vertically, one was sent for histopathological examination, and the other for the immunofluorescence studies.Results  In all patients the serum tests above were found to be negative or normal. Histopathologically, 11 biopsies (33.3%) displayed findings typical for LPP whereas seven cases (21.2%) showed typical DLE features. In the remaining 15 cases (45.5%) histopathological findings were not suggestive of any specific dermatosis. DIF investigations showed findings typical of LPP in six cases (18.1%) and typical of DLE in seven cases (21%). In three cases we did not find findings typical of LPP, DLE, or any other specific dermatitis. In 11 cases no immunological deposits could be detected and therefore were classified as negative.Conclusion  In conclusion, PB is a type of scarring alopecia of the scalp associated with a peculiar clinical presentation and evolution, which cannot be considered an autonomous nosologic entity because in 66.6% of patients it is the end stage of other inflammatory chronic diseases such as LPP and DLE. It is conceivable that even in those cases in which the histopathological and immunopathological findings did not allow for a specific diagnosis, LPP and DLE were also involved. It is noteworthy that in our study the histopathological and the immunopathological examinations did not conflict and often the results were even coincidental, thus confirming the compatibility of the combined histo‐immunopathological approach in the diagnostic evaluation of PB.
Multiple eccrine hidrocystomas associated with Graves’ disease
Authors: Kim Yoon‐Dong , Lee Eun‐Ju , Song Min‐Ho , Suhr Ki‐Beom , Lee Jeung‐Hoon , Park Jang‐Kyu 
Published: March 2003

A 20‐year‐old Korean woman presented in August 1999 with a 3‐month history of multiple, tiny papules on the periorbital and malar areas (Fig. 1a). She had noted hyperhidrosis for the preceding 6 months, even at room temperature. She had been well and had received no medication prior to her first visit to our clinic. Physical examination showed yellow colored, translucent, small papules, as well as finger tremor, exophthalmos, and a goiter. Histologic examination demonstrated cystic structures in the dermis lined with two layers of cuboidal epithelial cells (Fig. 2). The epidermis was normal and the rete ridges were partially effaced. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that the epithelial cells of the cyst wall were carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) positive but S‐100 protein negative.Multiple tiny papules on the periorbital and malar areas before (a) and after (b) treatment for Graves’ diseaseimageStaining with hematoxylin and eosin (× 100); (b) Staining with hematoxylin and eosin (× 200); (c) CEA‐positive epithelial cells; (d) S‐100 protein‐negative epithelial cellsimageBecause a goiter and finger tremor were noted on physical examination, hyperthyroidism was suspected. Thyroid function test results were: triiodothyronine (T3), 8.0 ng/mL (normal range, 0.7–1.9 ng/mL); free thyroxine (T4), 8.1 ng/mL (0.7–1.9 ng/mL); T4, 35 µg/dL (6.0–11.8 µg/dL); thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), 0.04 IU/mL (0.25–4.0 IU/mL); positive for anti‐TSH receptor antibody. On the basis of these findings, the patient was diagnosed with Graves’ disease and treated with methimazole, 40 mg/day. As the patient's symptoms improved, the therapeutic dose was decreased to 20 mg/day. Four months after the beginning of treatment, the free T4 and T3 values had returned to the normal range (Table 1). The skin lesions, finger tremor, and hyperhidrosis had also disappeared. Exophthalmos was improved, but still present (Fig. 1b).

Comparison of thyroid hormone values in Graves’ disease pretreatment and post‐treatment

T3 (ng/mL)
Free T4 (ng/mL)

Pretreatment
8.0
8.1

Post‐treatment
1.0
0.15

T3, triiodothyronine; T4, thyroxine.
An ultrastuctural study of hair fiber damage and restoration following treatment with permanent hair dye
Authors: Ahn Hyung Jin , Lee Won‐Soo 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIntroduction Hair fibers are comprised of non‐nucleated keratinocytes and are biologically dead. Clinical damage to the hair shaft occurs with the application of hair dye. Whether this damage can be repaired and the time frame involved is of interest and may help to determine the optimal interval between repeat applications.Aims and methods Ultrastructural changes of hair shafts after application of permanent hair dye were observed sequentially in a 26‐year‐old woman. The dye contained p‐phenylenediamine, m‐aminophenol, resorcin and hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizer. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy was performed immediately before application of the hair dye and again at 30 min, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 8 weeks.Results The hair showed cuticular swelling with focal degeneration. In some places there was exposure of the hair cortex due to extensive cuticular detachment. There were many holes of various size in the endocuticle, small focal lacunae along the intercellular space and an ill‐defined A‐layer especially beneath the area of cuticular detachment. The exocuticle appeared normal. The findings were most dramatic in the 6 h and 1 day specimens and tended to improve gradually thereafter. The 8 week specimen showed near complete restoration of the hair cuticle and return to the precoloring state.Conclusion Hair returns to its precoloring state and this requires 8 weeks.
Comèl–Netherton syndrome and peeling skin syndrome type B: overlapping syndromes or one entity?
Authors: Sárdy Miklós , Fáy Andrea , Kárpáti Sarolta , Horváth Attila 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground  A 42‐year‐old male patient suffering from the rare Comèl–Netherton syndrome is reported, and the symptoms are discussed together with the results of light and electron microscopic examinations.Case report  Our case presented peeling skin syndrome type B with spontaneous, lifelong skin shedding with underlying erythema; however, with more careful studies, the hidden features of Comèl–Netherton syndrome were identified.Conclusion  This is an example of a condition where there is no clear border between Comèl–Netherton syndrome and peeling skin syndrome type B, lending credence to a close relationship between the two syndromes.
Clinical and epidemiological observations of cutaneous tuberculosis in Larkana, Pakistan
Authors: Bhutto Abdul Manan , Solangi Aijaz , Khaskhely Noor Mohammad , Arakaki Hajime , Nonaka Shigeo 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Cutaneous tuberculosis is widespread in Pakistan but has not been fully documented. This study was conducted to determine the clinical pattern, nature and existence of the disease in Larkana, Sindh province, Pakistan.Methods We are reporting 153 cases of patients with cutaneous tuberculosis who visited our department from 1996 to 1999. All cases were diagnosed at the clinic, and the biopsies were examined for histopathological evidence. The patients received three antituberculous treatments during a 9 month course.Results Clinically, 63 (41.2%) cases of lupus vulgaris, 54 (35.3%) of scrofuloderma, 29 (19.59%) of lupus verrucosa cutis, six (3.92%) of tuberculosis cutis orificialis and one (0.64%) case of disseminated cutaneous tuberculosis were observed in our department from 1996 to 1999. All patients were aged between 3 and 50 years and had experienced the present complaints for 1 to 12 years. Sixty‐nine (45.1%) cases were children aged under 10 years, 50 cases (37.25%) were aged between 10 and 20 years, and 27 cases (17.65%) were aged over 20 years. There was no considerable ratio difference of the disease between male and female patients. Histopathologically, all the specimens showed chronic granulomatous changes; the majority was infiltrated with epitheloid cells, langhans giant cells, plasma cells and other inflammatory cells, such as lymphocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils in ulcerated lesions. Increased numbers of mast cells were seen in upper and lower dermis in two‐thirds of the specimens. Caseating necrosis was visible in half of the specimens while Ziehl‐Neelsen stain was negative in all the sections.Conclusions The observed number of patients was moderately large, thus indicating a high incidence of cutaneous tuberculosis in Larkana. Lupus vulgaris, a form of cutaneous tuberculosis, was widespread in this area and prevalent in adults, while scrofuloderma was prevalent in children. Moreover, the existing rate of the disease was higher in children aged under 10 years and lower in adults. This indicates that children are more prone to this disease than adults.
Lupus erythematosus panniculitis: a clinicopathologic study
Authors: Ng Patricia Pei‐Lin , Tan Suat Hoon , Tan Tulip 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Lupus erythematosus panniculitis is a clinical variant of lupus erythematosus which involves the deep dermis and the subcutaneous fat. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the clinical profile of Asian patients with this condition.Methods This was a retrospective study of all histologically confirmed lupus panniculitis seen at our center between 1992 and 1997. The age, sex, past history/subsequent diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), presence of clinical discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) changes on overlying skin, direct immunofluorescence, serologic, and histologic findings were analyzed.Results There were 12 cases of lupus panniculitis, two of which were in patients already diagnosed with SLE and one in which the patient subsequently evolved into SLE. The mean age at diagnosis was 31.3 years. The face (50%), upper limbs (33%), and scalp (25%) were the most common sites of involvement. Thirty‐three per cent had clinical evidence of DLE on the overlying skin, whilst 67% had histologic features of DLE on the overlying skin. A lupus band was present in 36%. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) was positive in three of 11 cases; these were in the two patients who already had SLE and in the only patient who progressed to SLE. All of the cases showed fat necrosis and, in the majority of cases, there was associated lobular and paraseptal inflammation. Thirty‐three per cent showed lymphocytic vasculitis and 75% had mucin deposition. None had lymphoid nodules, subepidermal hyalinization, or calcification.Conclusions Lupus panniculitis affects a younger age group in Asians as compared with the Western population. Although about one‐third of patients show clinical evidence of overlying DLE, two‐thirds of patients show histologic evidence of DLE. It tends to have a mild disease course in the majority of cases.
Primary cutaneous amoebiasis: case report with review of the literature
Authors: Parshad Sanjeev , Grover P. S. , Sharma Ashok , Verma D. K. , Sharma Anuradha 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Primary cutaneous amoebiasis is a rare clinical entity. The lesions can be successfully treated if suspected and correctly diagnosed. We report an interesting case with review of the literature.Methods A 25‐year‐old man presenting with primary cutaneous amoebiasis with extensive involvement of the anterior abdominal wall is described. Correct diagnosis eluded us for 2 years. Clinical suspicion and a simple bedside test (wet drop preparation examination) were sufficient to diagnose the lesion. Successful treatment was achieved with oral Metronidazole followed by split skin grafting. Only six cases of primary cutaneous amoebiasis could be traced in the literature.Conclusions Primary cutaneous amoebiasis is extremely rare. Diagnosis is usually not suspected because of its rarity. Cutaneous amoebiasis responds readily to proper treatment, yet, if unrecognized and neglected, produces significant morbidity and may be fatal.
Leprosy in a high‐prevalence Egyptian village: epidemiology and risk factors
Authors: Hegazy Aly A. , Abdel‐Hamid Ibrahim A. , Ahmed El‐Shahat F. , Hammad Sabry M. , Hawas Samia A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground  The epidemiology of leprosy in rural Egypt is unknown. This prospective household survey was conducted in a high‐prevalence Egyptian village in order to explore the epidemiologic characteristics of the disease and to determine the possible socioeconomic and HLA genotype risk factors.Methods The subjects of the study were the residents of Kafr‐Tambul village in the Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. There were 10,503 inhabitants of the village, of whom 9643 (91.8%) had a complete visual skin examination, and suspected leprosy patients were subjected to histopathological examination and slit skin smears. Each household was interviewed to record personal data on family members, family size, education, occupation, crowding index at sleep, social score and source of water supply. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II genotypes were analyzed in all leprosy patients and in a number of both household (N = 124) and non‐household (N = 30) contacts.Results The overall prevalence of clinical leprosy in the village studied was 24.9/10,000 (95%CI = 16.3–37.6). Individuals above the age of 40 years were 4 times more likely to develop leprosy (OR = 4, P= 0.01). The degree of education, crowding index at sleep, social score and source of water supply were found to be unlikely to increase the risk of leprosy (P > 0.05). The frequencies of HLA‐DR2 and ‐DQ1 were significantly associated with leprosy (OR = 3.33 and 5.4; CI = 0.95–12.07 and 1.08–30.19, respectively, all P < 0.05).Conclusions Our study provides the first picture of the epidemiology of leprosy in a high‐prevalence village in rural Egypt. Leprosy detection campaigns should be initiated and directed towards high‐prevalence villages. Provision of leprosy control activities in rural health units is necessary in order to detect new cases. The risk for leprosy is associated with HLA‐DR2 and ‐DQ1 markers, and these markers appear to increase personal susceptibility to leprosy in this village.
B‐cell lymphomas involving the skin associated with hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Viguier Manuelle , Rivet Jacqueline , Agbalika Félix , Kerviler Ericde , Brice Pauline , Dubertret Louis , Bachelez Hervé 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground A role for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been suggested in the pathogenesis of non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL).Aim To evaluate the characteristics of cutaneous lymphomas occurring in HCV‐infected patients, and to investigate the hypothesis of a direct infection of malignant cells.Methods Three patients showing a positive serology for HCV and a cutaneous lymphoma were studied. Analysis of HCV replication was performed using reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. The presence of HCV RNA was also assessed in biopsies from lesional skin and in a lymph node in one case. Genotype characterization was carried out on the basis of LiPA genotyping assays using viral genomic amplification products.Results Cutaneous NHL occurred in patients with chronic and replicative HCV infection, and exhibited a B‐cell phenotype (one diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, one follicular lymphoma, and one marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma). All patients were male; two of them were former intravenous drug abusers, while the HCV contamination route was unknown in the third. The search for HCV RNA in the skin and in lymph nodes yielded negative results. HCV genotypes were 1b in two cases and 3a in one case.Conclusion These results show that a subset of B‐cell cutaneous NHL is associated with a replicative HCV infection and suggest that HCV is not involved in lymphomagenesis through a direct infection of malignant cells. The ability of HCV to trigger a chronic B‐cell lymphoproliferation could represent another mechanism, while a fortuitous association cannot be excluded.
Familial anetoderma
Authors: Thomas Jean E. , Mehregan Darius R. , Holland Jean , Mehregan David A. 
Published: March 2003

A 31‐year‐old Caucasian male presented with a history of erythematous, saccular outpouchings of the skin on his back, shoulders, and upper extremities (Fig. 1). The patient reported that his mother and aunt had a similar skin disorder, which initially began with inflammation, but healed leaving lax skin in its wake. He did not recall the name of the skin condition.Extensive outpouching of the skin involving the entire back and upper armsimagePhysical examination revealed large confluent zones of sac‐like protrusions of erythematous skin on the back and shoulders. Histopathologic examination of the excisional biopsy revealed a relatively unremarkable epidermis. Perivascular lymphocytes were present in small numbers in the papillary dermis. Adnexal structures and deep dermis remained intact. The acid‐orcein‐Giemsa stain highlighted the absence of elastic fibers within the mid and lower reticular dermis (Fig. 2a,b), consistent with anetoderma.(a,b) Dermis shows extensive loss of elastic fibers with only rare, fragmented elastic fibers present (acid Orsein‐giemsa stain. Magnification: (a)×90, (b) ×240image
Patterns of fluctuating asymmetry in flowers: Implications for sexual selection in plants
Authors: Møller Anders Pape , Eriksson Mats 
Published: March 2003

AbstractCharacters in animals used in signalling and subjected to strong directional selection often demonstrate (i) an elevated level of fluctuating asymmetry (small random deviations from bilateral symmetry) and (ii) a negative relationship between the degree of individual fluctuating asymmetry and the size of a given character. We tested these two predictions in plants since flowers are subjected to strong directional selection and are involved in signalling to pollinators, whereas leaves are supposed not to be directly involved in signalling. The overall level of fluctuating asymmetry in a number of plant species with bilaterally or radially symmetric flowers was not generally higher in floral traits than in leaves. The level of fluctuating asymmetry in plants was sometimes significantly consistent within individuals. The absolute degree of individual fluctuating asymmetry in floral traits was generally negatively related to the size of the trait, while there was a positive relationship for leaves. The degree of individual fluctuating asymmetry in floral traits was marginally negatively related to the degree of individual fluctuating asymmetry in leaf traits. These patterns of fluctuating asymmetry in plants suggest that (i) the degree of asymmetry in flowers signals different aspects of quality than does the degree of asymmetry in leaves, and that (ii) fluctuating asymmetry in flowers often reflects the phenotypic quality of individual plants.
Geographical variation in wing polymorphism of the waterstrider Aquarius najas (Heteroptera, Gerridae)
Authors: Ahlroth  , Alatalo  , Hyvärinen  , Suhonen  
Published: March 2003

Abstract
The waterstrider Aquarius najas is wingless in Northern Europe, while winged individuals occur frequently in Central and Southern Europe. To test if the latitudinal difference is genetically controlled, we collected mature individuals from 10 different populations and raised their offspring in ‘common garden’ laboratory conditions. Half of these populations were from southern and the other half from central Finland. Daylength and temperature do influence wing development among other species of waterstriders, and thus we maintained a similar short daylength and warm conditions for all populations. These conditions should be favourable for wing development in general. Among laboratory-bred individuals several winged individuals appeared, and their proportion varied between populations. The relative frequency of winged individuals was highest in the southern populations. Thus, apart from phenotypic plasticity there seems to be some genetic control over the occurrence of wings, and the latitudinal trend coincides with the direction in natural populations over a larger European scale. Overwinter survival in our laboratory conditions was higher among the wingless individuals. The survival cost may explain why the proportion of winged individuals was lower in the northern populations with more extreme overwintering conditions than in the southern ones.
Selection for starvation resistance in Drosophila melanogaster : physiological correlates, enzyme activities and multiple stress responses
Authors: Harshman  , Hoffmann  , Clark  
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Correlated responses to artificial selection for stress tolerance can provide insight into underlying genetic variation and the physiological basis of stress resistance. Lines of Drosophila melanogaster held in the absence of food or with an unsuitable resource, specifically decomposing lemon, responded to selection by becoming starvation resistant. The lemon-selected lines also adapted by evolving a resource-based induction response. Compared to control lines, the selected lines tended to store more lipid, develop slower and have a larger body size. Additional responses included resistance to desiccation and acetone fumes, suggesting multiple stress resistance is a correlated result of selection for starvation resistance. The specific metabolic rate was lower in the starvation selected lines and enzyme activities changed in response to selection. In particular, enzyme activities indirectly associated with lipid biogenesis increased in both types of selected lines. The correlated responses to the two selection regimes were sufficiently consistent to indicate a common basis for starvation resistance. Specific responses to starvation selection appeared to oppose the short-term phenotypic responses to starvation. Thus, a common response to stress selection may be to ameliorate the immediate physiological impact of the stress factor.