bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cyclosporine decreases skin lesions and pruritus in dogs with atopic dermatitis: a blinded randomized prednisolone‐controlled trial*
Authors: Olivry Thierry , Rivierre Christine , Jackson Hilary A. , Murphy K. Marcy , Davidson Gigi , Sousa Candace A. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract During the last decade, oral cyclosporin (CsA) has proven to be effective, in randomized controlled trials, for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in human patients. The purpose of this blinded randomized controlled trial was to test the hypothesis that CsA was successful in reducing the gravity of clinical signs of AD in dogs. Thirty dogs with nonseasonal AD were randomly allocated to receive an oral solution of either NEORAL CsA (5 mg kg−1) or prednisolone (0.5 mg kg−1) once daily for 6 weeks. Before, and 3 and 6 weeks after therapy, skin lesions were graded by clinicians using the Canine AD Extent and Severity Index (CADESI). Pruritus was assessed by the owners using a visual analog scale (PVAS). In both groups, CADESI and PVAS values were significantly lower at 6 weeks post treatment than before the initiation of therapy (Friedman test, P < 0.0004). The percentage reductions in CADESI and PVAS values from baseline were not statistically different between groups (Mann–Whitney test, P > 0.3). In this experiment, the tolerability and safety of oral CsA and prednisolone appeared similar. One‐fifth of dogs given oral CsA occasionally developed diarrhoea or soft stools. One dog that was given CsA developed a generalized papillomatous skin eruption during the second half of the trial. Our study provides randomized controlled trial evidence that CsA reduces the severity of clinical signs in dogs with nonseasonal AD. Moreover, the anti‐allergic efficacy of CsA appears comparable with that of prednisolone. We propose that oral CsA should be considered as a valuable alternative to glucocorticoid therapy in dogs with AD.
Transfer of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis to Malassezia pachydermatis by the serum of atopic dogs with Malassezia dermatitis
Authors: Morris D. O. , Deboer D. J. 
Published: March 2003

In atopic dogs with Malassezia dermatitis (MD), type 1 hypersensitivity reactions and circulating serum IgE reactive to M. pachydermatis extracts have been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functionality of anti‐Malassezia IgE by the transfer of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA testing). Three nonatopic dogs were used as recipients. Two test sera were utilized: pooled sera from 10 atopic dogs with MD that were skin test positive to M. pachydermatis extract; and serum from an atopic dog with MD that exhibited high levels of anti‐Malassezia IgE on an ELISA assay. One aliquot of each untreated serum, one aliquot of each serum heated at 56 oC for 4 h and two aliquots of the ELISA‐positive serum adsorbed with either mouse anticanine IgE or bovine serum albumin (as a control) were utilized. Six serial dilutions of all six aliquots were injected intradermally in triplicate, along with a 20 µg mL−1 extract of M. pachydermatis to rule out prior sensitization to the yeast. At 24‐, 48‐ and 72‐h intervals, the yeast extract was injected intradermally at the sites of prior serum injections and wheal/flare responses were graded 0–4+ compared with saline and histamine controls. Through 72 h, all dogs showed > 2+ reactions at the injection sites of both the untreated sera and the BSA‐treated sera (titers = 1:64), but no reactions at the sites of heat‐inactivated and IgE‐adsorbed sera. These results support the transfer of PCA by anti‐Malassezia IgE and implicate it to be functional in type 1 hypersensitivity. Funded by the Canine Health Foundation of the American Kennel Club.
Isolation and characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from sheep with fleece rot in northern and middle Jordan
Authors: El‐Sukhon Saeb N. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract A total of 162 sheep fleece samples were collected from 2315 sheep clinically examined for evidence of dermatitis. The sheep belonged to 32 flocks raised in northern and middle Jordan. Eighty‐three samples showed no obvious abnormalities, whereas the remainder showed exudation (79 samples), fleece discoloration (18) and fleece roughness (40) and abscesses (7). Seventeen Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were obtained from these samples. Antibacterial resistance in vitro was common; resistance to tetracycline, amoxycillin, erythromycin and cotrimoxazole was shown by > 90% of the isolates. Resistance to norfloxacin (29.4% of isolates), ciprofloxacin (17.6%) and amikacin (17.6%) was also demonstrated. Fourteen isolates were serum resistant when assessed after 1–3 h incubation in sheep and calf sera, and their count increased by 2–2.9 and 2.5–3.5 respectively.
Occupational protein contact dermatitis caused by meat and fish
Authors: Boehncke MD Wolf‐Henning , Pillekamp MD Hans , Gass MD Steffen , Gall MD Helmut 
Published: March 2003

Background Protein contact dermatitis is a form of contact dermatitis possibly triggered by proteinaceous allergens. Materials and methods We report two patients with a history of erythematous and urticarial skin reactions followed by transformation into prolonged papular symptoms upon contact with proteinaceous material. Results The symptoms reported by the patients were reproducible by skin testing with meat (cow) and fish (salmon). Both patients experienced extracutaneous manifestations after ingestion of meat and fish, as proven by oral challenge. Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies were detected in the patients’ blood. Conclusions Both cases meet all major criteria of protein contact dermatitis, suggesting IgE‐mediated immediate‐type hypersensitivity with late‐phase cutaneous reactions.
Cytokines in leprosy, II. Effect of treatment on serum cytokines in leprosy
Authors: Moubasher Alaa El‐Din A. , Kamel ; Neveen A. , Zedan Hatem , Raheem Diaa El‐Din Abdel 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background Multidrug therapy (MDT) causes a decrease in the bacterial burden in leprosy patients. Does the decrease in the antigenic stimulation of the immune system have an effect on cytokine production? Methods The effect of treatment on serum cytokines was evaluated in 36 leprosy patients and 35 reactional leprosy patients and compared with that in 20 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy individuals. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was used to measure serum levels of interleukin‐2 receptor (IL‐2R), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), and interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) before and after treatment. These cytokines represent T‐helper 1 (TH1), T‐helper 2 (TH2), and macrophage cytokines, respectively. Results The studied serum cytokines were significantly reduced after 1 year of treatment in leprosy patients. The degrees of reduction were significantly positively correlated with a reduction in the bacterial index (BI) and morphologic index (MI). After 1 year of MDT (but not 6 months), paucibacillary (PB) patients showed a significant reduction in all the studied serum cytokines to levels comparable with those of healthy controls. Multibacillary (MB) patients also showed a significant reduction in all the studied serum cytokines, but the levels were still significantly higher than those of healthy controls. Leprosy patients with high levels of serum IL‐1β were more susceptible to the development of reactions after the initiation of treatment. Corticosteroid therapy of reactional patients resulted in a significant reduction in the studied serum cytokines to levels similar or lower than those of nonreactional leprosy patients. The dose of steroids showed a significant positive correlation with the amount of decrease in IL‐1β. Conclusions MDT caused a reduction in serum cytokines correlated with a reduction in the bacterial burden. It is advisable to continue MDT for PB patients for 1 year. Serum IL‐1β levels may have a prognostic value for the susceptibility of leprosy patients to the development of reactions.
Eruption of human immunodeficiency virus seroconversion
Authors: Sapadin Allen N. , Gelfand Joel M. , Gumprecht Jeffrey , Gordon Marsha , Rudikoff Donald 
Published: March 2003

A 34‐year‐old Caucasian man, previously in excellent health, was admitted to Mount Sinai Hospital in September 1996 with an acute illness, including high fevers, malaise, sore throat, and a mucocutaneous eruption. On examination, he had a temperature of 38.5 °C. Cutaneous findings included a severe seborrheic dermatitis and an exanthem characterized by multiple erythematous macules and papules, some with a hemorrhagic center, distributed on the trunk and proximal extremities ( Fig. 1). Subtle palmar petechiae were noted. The mouth contained an enanthem with palatal petechiae and a well‐circumscribed erosion (
Fig. 2). Koplik’s spots were not present. Hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy were absent. Complete blood count revealed a white blood count of 2600 with a differential of 46% polymorphonuclear cells, 25% bands, 25% lymphocytes, and 4% monocytes. His hemoglobin was 11 g/dL and his platelet count was 90,000. A lymphopenia (0.7 (normal range 1.0–4.5 × 1000)) and an elevated PTT were also present. The routine biochemistry profile was within normal limits. Monospot was negative. There were no antibodies to hepatitis B or C, Coxsackie virus, Epstein–Barr virus, measles, herpes, toxoplasmosis, or cytomegalovirus antigen. The patient was immune to measles. Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) was nonreactive. Two months prior to presentation, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody testing was negative.Exanthem characterized by multiple scattered erythematous macules and papules on the trunkimageEnanthem characterized by palatal petechiae and well‐circumscribed erosionimageA biopsy specimen from a lesion on the upper part of the chest demonstrated a mild interface dermatitis ( Fig. 3), consistent with a drug reaction or viral exanthem. Acid fast, Dieterle, and Gram stains of the biopsy specimen failed to reveal microorganisms. Serological testing for HIV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive. PCR testing for HIV RNA recorded in excess of 7 million copies/mm3. Triple antiretroviral therapy with Saquinavir, AZT, and 3TC was initiated. The eruption cleared completely within one week of its onset. Six weeks later, seroconversion to HIV antibody positivity occurred. Eight weeks after starting therapy, the patient experienced severe nausea and vomiting and became icteric, and all medications were withdrawn. The patient recovered and has not experienced any further illness in 1 year of follow‐up.Photomicrograph of biopsy specimen demonstrating mild interface dermatitis (hematoxylin and eosin; magnification, 200×)image
Tinea pedis et unguium in the Muslim community of Durban, South Africa
Authors: Raboobee Noufal , Aboobaker Jamila , Peer Abdool Kader , Micro Mmed 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background In a pilot study performed in eight mosques in the Durban area, it was found that the prevalence of tinea pedis et unguium in the adult Muslim male population regularly attending mosques was higher than in the nonMuslim male population. The aims of the present study were: (i) to determine the prevalence of tinea pedis et unguium in the adult Muslim male population regularly attending mosques; (ii) to investigate the role of mosque carpets and ablution areas in the spread of infection; and (iii) to develop strategies to combat the infection. Method Seventy‐eight regular worshippers comprising adult Muslim males, chosen at random from five mosques in the Durban area, were examined for clinical evidence of tinea pedis et unguium. Skin scrapings and nail clippings were taken from clinically infected individuals and submitted for microscopy and culture for fungal organisms. A control group, comprising 72 nonMuslim adult male office workers from the administration departments of King Edward VIII Hospital, was similarly examined. In addition, scrapings from high traffic areas of the mosque carpets and swabs from the ablution areas were cultured for fungi. Results In the mosque group, it was found that the prevalence of tinea pedis et unguium was 85%, taking either microscopy or culture positivity as indicative of infection. In the control group, the prevalence was 41%. Thus a statistical difference of 44% (P < 0.0001) between the two groups was demonstrated. Dermatophytes and yeasts were isolated from the carpets and/or floors of the ablution areas in all the mosques under investigation. Conclusions The high prevalence of tinea pedis et unguium among regular male worshippers in the Muslim community can be attributed to the spread of fungal organisms in the communal ablution areas and prayer carpets of the mosques. Strategies to combat this spread of infection are being developed. These strategies are expected to find important practical applications in other communal environments, such as gymnasia, health spas, swimming pools, changing rooms of sports clubs, public showers, and even hotels.
The diagnostic role of the in vitro drug‐induced interferon‐γ release test in Stevens–Johnson syndrome
Authors: Halevy Sima , Cohen Arnon D. , Livni Ella 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background Drug‐related T‐cell activity in cutaneous drug reactions may be assessed by in vitro cytokine release tests. The diagnostic role of in vitro drug‐induced interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) release was evaluated in a patient with Stevens–Johnson syndrome. Case report Stevens–Johnson syndrome was diagnosed in a 58‐year‐old man, treated with colchicine (1 mg daily for 39 days) and allopurinol (300 mg daily for 13 days). Based on a clinical–epidemiologic score, allopurinol was more likely to be the causative agent. In vitro drug‐induced IFN‐γ release test was conducted on this patient and on two controls, using an enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Increased IFN‐γ release was observed following an in vitro challenge of the patient’s lymphocytes with allopurinol, but not following in vitro challenge with colchicine. An in vitro challenge with allopurinol in two control patients, treated with allopurinol without adverse drug reactions, did not induce a significant increase in IFN‐γ release. Conclusions The role of allopurinol as the drug responsible for the induction of Stevens–Johnson syndrome in our patient was confirmed by in vitro allopurinol‐induced IFN‐γ release, which may indicate a drug‐specific immune response.
Perianal Crohn's disease
Authors: Morales María Susana , Marini Mario , Caminero Mirta , Caglio Patricia 
Published: March 2003

A 13‐year‐old girl with a history of 4 months of perianal skin lesions is described. Physical examination revealed three 0.5 Ï 1‐cm red, swollen, fleshy, skin tags extending from the perianal area to the perineum ( Fig. 1). The patient reported intermittent fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, and her body weight was below the third percentile for her age.Red swollen, fleshy, skin tags extending from the perianal area to the perineumimageLaboratory studies showed an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 101 mm/h; hematocrit of 26%; white blood cell count of 9800/mm3 ; serum iron of 15 mg/L (normal value (NV), 60–160 mg/L); ferritin of 43.4 μg/L (NV, 12–150 μg/L); transferrin of 203 mg/100 mL (NV, 200–400 mg/100 mL); transferrin saturation of 6% (NV, 20–50%); hypoalbuminemia; negative purified protein derivative (PPD), cytomegalovirus (CMV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL), and antinuclear antibody tests; and Toxoplasma titers of 1/16, Van de Kamer 1.67 g/day. A barium examination revealed marked irregularity of the descending colon, and a colonoscopy showed uneven areas of mucosal edema and pseudopolyps in the transverse and descending colon, associated with irregular thickening and stenosis.Histopathologically, large intestine and skin lesions consisted of noncaseating epithelioid and giant cell granulomas ( Fig. 2). Cultures for acid‐fast bacilli and fungi were negative, and under polarized light no foreign bodies were seen.Noncaseating epithelioid and giant cell granulomas (hematoxylin and eosin, original magnification ×100)imageTreatment with metronidazole (250 mg three times a day), prednisone (0.5 mg/kg/day), and acetylsalicylic acid (75 mg/kg/day) was moderately effective. Vitamin, folic acid, and iron supplements were also added.
The significance of stress hormones (glucocorticoids, catecholamines) for eruptions and spontaneous remission phases in psoriasis
Authors: Weigl Bea A. 
Published: March 2003

AustriaBackground  In an earlier paper, it was described how acute eruptions of psoriasis may be produced in phases of immune deficiency and in the presence of bacterial antigen‐releasing inflammatory foci, whereas clinical spontaneous remissions are produced in phases of immunologic activity. Therefore, it was of interest to investigate whether the stress hormones cortisol/epinephrine are involved in triggering such deficiency and activity phases.Methods  During a series of investigations lasting up to 3 years in 95 patients, the following were determined: cortisol/epinephrine levels, polyclonal serum immunoglobulins IgM, IgG, and IgA, total serum IgE, complement C3 and C4 proteins, T cells and subpopulations, as well as streptococcal titers ASO/ADNase B, severity index (PASI)Results  Phases of clinical inactivity are associated with the mechanism, ‘‘immunologic regulation,’' where antibacterial titers are elevated, but all other parameters are unremarkable. Eruption phases (in 32 of 95 patients) showed absolute increases in serum cortisol levels and antibacterial titers, and decreases in serum epinephrine (adrenaline) levels. Phases of spontaneous remission (in 25 of 32 patients) showed, in contrast to the eruption phases, absolute increases in serum epinephrine levels, and significant falls in serum cortisol levels and bacterial titers.Conclusions  On the basis of these results, the participation of the immune system is confirmed in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, which is subject to control by higher neurohormonal systems. Cortisol may be involved in the clinical eruption phase, and epinephrine in the remission phase. Both hormones are true antagonists and have important effects on the human immune system if produced in excess via the pituitary–adrenal axis. Infection with Streptococcus pyogenes is an additional trigger for the dermatosis.
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa complicated with nephrotic syndrome due to secondary amyloidosis
Authors: Gündüz Kamer , Vatansever Seda , Türel Aylin , SÛen Sait 
Published: March 2003

A 15‐year‐old young woman had a history of recurrent blisters and erosions on her whole body and oral mucosa since birth. There were patchy areas of cicatricial alopecia on the scalp and flaccid blisters and erosions on the back, buttocks, and distal portions of the extremities ( Fig. 1). Mitten‐hand deformity was observed on the hands and feet (
Fig. 2). The mobility of the tongue was limited due to fibrosis of the frenulum. Dental and ocular examinations were normal. Her mother and father were first‐degree relatives and no other relatives were known to have blistering disorders.Blisters and erosions on the back, buttocks, and upper extremitiesimageMitten‐hand deformity on the hands and feet as well as erosions on the lower extremitiesimageSkin biopsy specimens were stained with periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) and antilaminin, anticollagen IV antibodies by indirect immunohistochemistry. There was a separation between the epidermis and dermis. Regular linear homogeneous staining of the basement membrane with PAS was observed between the epidermis and the roof of the bullae ( Fig. 3). While laminin immunoreactivity was positive irregularly in the lamina lucida, deposition of collagen IV was observed as a homogeneous sheet in the lamina densa. Both the positive immunoreactivities for laminin and collagen IV were at the roof of the bullae. There was an inflammatory reaction in the dermis and within the bullae.Bullae (asterisks) between the epidermis and dermis; basement membrane (arrow) staining homogeneously at the roof of the bullae. The inflammatory reaction is also indicated (star) (PAS, ×100)imageHematologic and biochemical tests revealed anemia (hemoglobin 8.3 g/dL, hematocrit 28.5%, ferritin 12.7 ng/mL), hypoalbuminemia (2.12 g/dL), and proteinuria (2016 mg/24 h).Creatinine clearance was 9 mL/min. Rectal biopsy was negative for amyloidosis; the diagnosis of amyloidosis was established by means of renal biopsy ( Fig. 4). Immunohistochemical staining showed amyloid A type amyloid deposits in the renal glomerulus. Staphylococcus aureus grew frequently in skin cultures.Segmental amyloid deposition at the vascular pole of the glomerulus (hematoxylin and eosin, ×400)imageTopical antiseptic dressings were applied and systemic antibiotics were used for secondary bacterial infection. Vitamin E (200 IU/day) and phenytoin (5 mg/kg/day) were administered with little success. Only protein replacement therapy could be administered for secondary amyloidosis and nephrotic syndrome because of renal impairment. The patient is still under the control of the Departments of Dermatology and Nephrology.
Effect of palmitic acid on neutrophil functions in vitro
Authors: Akamatsu Hirohiko , Niwa Yukie , Matsunaga Kayoko 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground  It has been shown that in acne comedones the proportion of linoleic acid is markedly decreased, while palmitic acid is significantly increased. We previously reported that the decreased proprtion of linoleic acid, which markedly suppresses neutrophil reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and phagocytosis, contribute to the worsening of acne inflammation. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of palmitic acid on neutrophil functions in vitro.Methods  We investigated the effect of palmitic acid on inflammatory parameters such as neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and ROS generation. Reactive oxygen species generation in a cell‐free, xanthine‐xanthine oxidase system was also assessed. The species examined were superoxide radical anion (O2–), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radical (OH·).Results  Palmitic acid significantly decreased H2O2 generation both by neutrophils and in the xanthine‐xanthine oxidase system, while neutrophil chemotaxis and phagocytosis as well as O2– and OH· generation by both systems were not markedly affected in the presence of palmitic acid.Conclusions  The present study suggests that palmitic acid may be involved in the pathogenesis of acne inflammation from a standpoint of oxidative tissue injury.
Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with a combination of allopurinol and low‐dose meglumine antimoniate
Authors: Momeni Ali Z. , Reiszadae Mohamad Reza , Aminjavaheri Malihalsadat 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of a combination of allopurinol (AL) and low‐dose meglumine antimoniate (MA) with standard‐dose MA in cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major.An open, controlled study was performed. Seventy‐two patients were randomly selected from volunteers with cutaneous leishmaniasis living in a hyperendemic area. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, nursing vs. gestation, age less than 5 years, and duration of disease of more than 4 months. Each patient received MA (60 mg/kg/day) or AL (20 mg/kg/day) plus low‐dose MA (30 mg/kg/day) for 20 days, and was followed up for 30 days after cessation of treatment.The study was completed as planned in 66 patients. Complete healing occurred in 74.2% of patients in the MA group and in 80.6% of patients in the MA + AL group. No difference was found between the two groups with respect to side‐effects.The combination of AL and MA increases the anti‐leishmanial effects of antimoniate. In this study, it was confirmed that low‐dose MA plus AL is as effective as high‐dose MA in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. major.