bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facial pain, depression and stress – connections and directions
Authors: Korszun Ania 
Published: March 2003

AbstractChronic facial pain is associated with depression, stress and other chronic pain disorders such as fibromyalgia. There is growing evidence that all these conditions share underlying pathophysiological processes. This review explores this relationship and examines the role of the main stress hormone axis, the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, in the pathogenesis of facial pain including possible future therapeutic approaches.
Cell proliferation activity and the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins in oral lichen planus
Authors: Hirota Makoto , Ito Takaaki , Okudela Koji , Kawabe Ryoichi , Yazawa Takuya , Hayashi Hiroyuki , Nakatani Yukio , Fujita Kiyohide , Kitamura Hitoshi 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground:  In oral lichen planus (OLP), destruction of the basal cell layer, which is one of the characteristic histological features, is seen and many changes in cell proliferation, cell repair and cell death occur in the injured mucosal epithelium.Methods:  We studied mucosal tissues from 19 patients of OLP and 10 controls, with immunohistochemistry for Ki‐67, p53, cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKI) and cyclins. Mitotic count was calculated. TUNEL assay was also performed for evaluation of apoptotic cell death.Results:  Mitotic count, Ki‐67 and cyclin D1 labeling indices in the basal and parabasal layers of OLP mucosa were elevated in comparison with those of controls. p53, p21Cip1 and TUNEL indices of OLP mucosa were also increased.Conclusions:  These complex changes, which concomitantly occur in the injured mucosal epithelium, could contribute to the development and maintenance of characteristic mucosal epithelial architectures seen in OLP.
Oral mucosa alterations induced by cyclosporin in mice: morphological features
Authors: Meller A. T. , Rumjanek V. M. , Sansone C. , Allodi S. 
Published: March 2003

Background and objective:  The mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of cyclosporin A‐induced gingival hyperplasia are not well understood. The present work aimed at developing a mouse model with the characteristics of the human process, i.e. time of appearance, dose dependency and the capacity of developing in a variety of genetic backgrounds. This model would present the advantages of using a very well known animal species, small and easy to handle, with a number of experimental reagents (antibodies, etc.) already available against its products.Methods:  Three different strains of mice were used: CBA, F1(C57Bl × DBA), Balb/c. Groups of mice received different concentrations of cyclosporin A (CSA) (10 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally five times a week. Anatomical and histological alterations were recorded at various time intervals.Results:  All strains of mice presented gingival hyperplasia after 8 weeks of CSA treatment. A dose‐dependency was observed with regard to the time of first appearance of alterations. Increased redness was seen in all animals at the sixth week, independent of the dosage used. Histologic examination exhibited increased vascularization, epithelial and connective tissue thickening, edema and a mononuclear infiltrate.Conclusions:  It was possible to develop CSA‐induced gingival hyperplasia in mice with the characteristics described in humans and other species. The use of this animal model may help in the elucidation of the process involved in CSA‐induced gingival overgrowth.
Comparison of phototherapy two times and four times a week with low doses of narrow‐band ultraviolet B in Asian patients with psoriasis
Authors: Leenutaphong Vichit , Nimkulrat Peerapat , Sudtim Srismorn 
Published: March 2003

Background/Aims: The optimum narrow‐band (TL‐01) ultraviolet (UV) B weekly treatment frequency for psoriasis has yet to be defined, especially in Asian patients with TL‐01. Our purpose was to compare 2× weekly and 4× weekly therapy with narrow‐band UVB at low doses for psoriasis vulgaris.Methods: Sixty‐nine patients with moderately severe psoriasis were recruited and allocated to the 2× weekly or 4× weekly treatment group. The patients were treated with a new protocol using low doses of narrow‐band UVB with varied exposure increments. Outcomes were evaluated by means of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores, time (weeks), cumulative UVB dose and number of treatments to clearance.Results: No significant difference was found between the two regimens in the PASI score at the end of treatment, in the proportion of patients whose skin cleared during treatment and in the time to clearance (8 weeks). Those who completed treatment achieved clearance after a median of 16 exposures with 2× weekly treatment compared with 32 exposures with 4× weekly treatment (P=0.0304), and 12.5 minimal erythema dose multiples (MEDs) compared with 39.7 MEDs (P=0.0470). Acute side effects of the treatment were similar for the two groups (P=0.8462).Conclusion: For skin phototype III‐V populations, a greater long‐term risk is expected, connected with the higher cumulative UVB dose and number of exposures required in the 4× weekly group. Therefore, 4× weekly phototherapy will no longer be used for psoriasis.
Pharmacokinetic behaviour of sublingually administered 8‐methoxypsoralen for PUVA therapy
Authors: Shephard Sarah E. , Langguth Peter , Panizzon Renato G. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Conventional oral PUVA therapy is hampered by large inter‐ and intraindividual variations in the bioavailability of 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP), caused by its low solubility in the gastrointestinal juices and large interindividual differences in hepatic metabolism rate (hepatic first pass).Aims: New galenic formulations of 8‐MOP based on solid dispersions, suspensions, and saturated solutions containing penetration enhancers were developed for sublingual administration, a drug delivery route which avoids the hepatic first pass metabolism.Methods: Solubility properties of 8‐MOP were tested in 22 potential penetration enhancers and solubilizers. Following preliminary in vivo tests of 13 sublingual 8‐MOP formulations, five were administered to groups of volunteers at a nominal dose of 0.6 mg/kg body weight: two solid dispersions based on PEG 1540 (with and without Xylitol); a solution in Labrasol® (glyceryl and PEG‐8 caprylate/caprate), PEG 400, Transcutol® (ethoxydiglycol) (1:1:1); a micronized suspension in sorbitol, water, ethanol, propylene glycol (ca. 3:1:1:5 w/v); and Oxsoralen® capsules. Pharmacokinetic behaviour of 8‐MOP was examined in serum; samples were analysed by HPLC. Photosensitivity was measured in seven subjects.Results: The peak of maximum 8‐MOP concentration in blood was sharp, rapid and reproducible: tmax of 8‐MOP in blood averaged 23±3 min, independent of the particular formulation. Cmax was higher when 8‐MOP was presented in dissolved form (solution and capsule formulations, 85±29 and 85±35 ng/ml, respectively) and lowest with the suspension (42±15 ng/ml). Photosensitivity peaked reproducibly at 45 min. post dosing.Conclusions: Sublingual PUVA therapy is suitable for patients with skin types I and II, in particular patients who are less suitable candidates for standard PUVA therapy (due to hepatic, renal, or cardiac insufficiency) or who have experienced side effects with standard PUVA.
Suppression of hypothalamic pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene expression by daily melatonin supplementation in aging rats
Authors: Rasmussen Dennis D. , Marck Brett T. , Boldt Brian M. , Yellon Steven M. , Matsumoto Alvin M. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Both plasma melatonin levels and hypothalamic arcuate nucleus pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) (biosynthetic precursor to the endogenous opioid ß‐endorphin and other opiomelanocortins) mRNA content decrease with aging. To test whether the decline in melatonin is responsible for the decline in POMC mRNA, we investigated the effects of daily melatonin treatment on hypothalamic POMC mRNA content in middle‐aged and older Sprague–Dawley rats. Daily nocturnal melatonin treatment (50 μg kg bw−1 night−1, in the night‐time drinking water) for 7 months, starting at 13 months of age, did not significantly alter female arcuate nucleus POMC mRNA content determined at the end of the light period (i.e., before nightly melatonin administration), but suppressed (24%, P < 0.05) POMC mRNA content at the end of the dark period (i.e., following melatonin administration). Likewise, nocturnal administration of 50 or 500 μg melatonin kg bw−1 night−1 to male rats for 7 months suppressed (31 or 28%, respectively; P < 0.05) POMC mRNA content at the middle of the dark period at 20 months of age. Finally, 10 wk administration of 30 μg melatonin kg bw−1 day−1 suppressed (31%, P < 0.01) POMC mRNA content in middle‐aged male rats killed at the end of the dark period. Melatonin treatments did not significantly alter estradiol or testosterone levels. Thus, moderate‐dosage nocturnal melatonin supplementation suppressed nocturnal hypothalamic POMC gene expression in both middle‐aged males and females, suggesting that melatonin supplementation during aging decreases, rather than increases, forebrain opiomelanocortinergic activity. These POMC responses were apparently not dependent on gonadal steroid responses and did not become refractory to melatonin treatment maintained until old age.
In vivo optical coherence tomography imaging of human skin: norm and pathology
Authors: Gladkova N. D. , Petrova G. A. , Nikulin N. K. , Radenska‐Lopovok S. G. , Snopova L. B. , Chumakov Yu. P. , Nasonova V. A. , Gelikonov V. M. , Gelikonov G. V. , Kuranov R. V. , Sergeev A. M. , Feldchtein F. I. 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: Since the majority of skin diseases are known to be accompanied by structural alterations, research efforts are focused on the development of various novel diagnostic techniques capable of providing in vivo information on the skin structure. An essential parameter here is spatial resolution. In this paper we demonstrate the capabilities of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in detecting in vivo specific features of thin and thick skin. A particular focus is made on the identification of OCT patterns typical of certain pathological processes in skin, by performing parallel histological and tomographical studies.Methods: To obtain images of the skin, we used a compact fiber OCT system developed at the Institute of Applied Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. A low coherence source (superluminescent diode) operated at a wavelength of 1280 nm; the output power was 0.5–2 mW. This power is low enough to conform to the ANSI safety standards for light exposure. The in‐depth resolution limited by the spectral bandwidth (40–50 nm) of the probing light was ∼20 μm. The lateral resolution determined by the probe light focusing ranged from 15 to 30 μm. In this series of experiments the maximum depth of imaging did not extend beyond 1.5 mm. Obtaining images of skin regions 2–6 mm long took 2–4 s. OCT capabilities for imaging normal skin of different localization and some skin diseases were studied in 12 healthy volunteers and 24 patients.Results: OCT imaging of the skin can detect in vivo such general pathological reactions of the human body as active inflammation and necrosis. OCT is useful for in vivo diagnosis of some specific processes in the skin, including hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis and formation of intradermal cavities. OCT imaging is noninvasive and therefore allows frequent multifocal examination of skin without any adverse effects. OCT can perform monitoring of disease progress and recovery in the course of therapy. Morphometric studies, measurements of the depth and extension of skin pathology within the human body can be easily performed by OCT.Conclusions: OCT allows imaging of subsurface soft tissues with the spatial resolution of 15–20 μm, a resolution one order of magnitude higher than that provided by other clinically available noninvasive diagnostic techniques. An imaging depth of up to 1.5–2 mm, given by current OCT technology, is sufficient to examine the skin. Real time OCT imaging can provide information not only on the structure, but also on some specific features in the functional state, of tissues. OCT imaging is a noninvasive technique, i.e., OCT does not cause trauma and has no side effects since it utilizes radiation in the near infrared wavelength range at a power as low as 1 mW.
Skin color measurements: comparison between three instruments: the Chromameter®, the DermaSpectrometer® and the Mexameter®
Authors: Clarys P. , Alewaeters K. , Lambrecht R. , Barel A. O. 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: Two types of skin reflectance instruments are available nowadays for the determination of skin color: a tristumulus colorimeter (Chromameter from Minolta) using the CIE L*a*b* color system and the narrow‐band simple reflectance meters (DermaSpectrometer from Cortex and Mexameter from Courage‐Khazaka) using the erythema/melanin indices. The purpose of this study was to compare the capabilities of the three instruments (sensitivity, repeatability and correlation) in vitro and in vivo.Methods: Comparative color measurements were carried out first in vitro on standardized color charts and subsequently in vivo on different skin areas in human volunteers. Skin color changes induced by various physico‐chemical treatments were also quantitatively evaluated with the three instruments.Results: The in vitro and in vivo repeatabilty as well as the sensitivity of the three instruments are rather good. Erythema and skin blanching could be readily quantified by the increase of the a* parameter and of the erythema indices of the simple reflectance meters. Natural UV tanning and artificial chemical tanning could be measured by the decrease of L* and increase of b* and of the melanin indices.Conclusion: The Chromameter and the two narrow‐band reflectance instruments were able to characterize skin color and to quantify small skin color changes. Moderate to high significant linear correlations could be established between the CIE L*a*b* color parameters and the erythema/melanin indices.
The efficiency of humectants as skin moisturizers in the presence of oil
Authors: Sagiv Assaf Eliezer , Dikstein Shabtay , Ingber Arieh 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: The research on the treatment of “dry skin syndrome” is hampered by the lack of a suitable animal model. Formerly, we developed a validated guinea pig in vivo model in which the dry skin syndrome persists at least for 1 week. We can, therefore, compare the pharmacological effectiveness of known and potential moisturizers for the treatment of dry skin syndrome. Our aim is to study whether the moisturizing efficiency of humectants depends on the solvents in which they are dissolved.Methods: “Dry skin syndrome” was induced on the shaved skin on one side of guinea pigs by daily application of 2% sodium lauryl sulphate in deionized water (SLS) for 3 days. The other shaved side was used as control. After ascertaining skin dryness, that side was treated for 6 days with glycerol or 1,2‐hexanediol in different solvents: water, or medium chain triglycerides (MCT) or mixtures of MCT with isopropyl alcohol in different proportions. Measurement of the in vivo moisturizing effect was carried out by a Corneometer CM 825®; erythema was measured by a Mexameter MX 16®.Results: Treatments with glycerol (1M) in water reversed the skin dryness shown by both instruments. When dissolving glycerol in MCT, no moisturizing effect was found, probably because glycerol does not dissolve in the oil. No moisturizing effect was found with different combinations of glycerol in the mixtures of MCT and isopropyl alcohol. No moisturizing effect was found using another polyol moisturizer: 1,2 hexanediol (1M) dissolved in MCT oil. Glycerol or 1,2‐hexanediol abolished the erythema only when they were dissolved in water alone.Conclusion: Polyol moisturizers such as glycerol or 1,2‐hexanediol do not act in the presence of oils against the sodium lauryl sulphate‐induced dry skin in our guinea pig model. Since in an oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsion, the water evaporates within several minutes, one has to question the ability of moisturizing emulsions to treat dry skin. In such instances, one cannot draw conclusions about the moisturizing efficiency of the preparation merely from the presence of the humectant. One has to study the effect of the finished preparation.
Corticosteroid‐induced atrophy and barrier impairment measured by non‐invasive methods in human skin
Authors: Kolbe Ludger , Kligman Albert M. , Schreiner Volker , Stoudemayer Tracy 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: Atrophy is a distressing side effect of potent corticosteroids. After open application of a high potency steroid, we monitored atrophogenicity by a variety of non‐invasive methods.Methods: Volar forearms were treated twice daily for 3 or 4 weeks, with clobetasol propionate cream (Temovate®). The following methods were used: 1) confocal microscopy, 2) transepidermal water loss (TEWL), 3) dimethyl sulfoxide whealing, 4) sodium hydroxide erosions, 5) analysis of stratum corneum lipids, and 6) B‐scan ultrasound.Results: Confocal microscopy revealed thinning of the epidermis, decreased microvasculature and decreased size of keratinocytes. Evaporimetry demonstrated transepidermal water loss. Whealing to dimethyl sulfoxide was enhanced. Sodium hydroxide erosions formed more quickly. The amount of ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids was reduced. Ultrasound showed thinning of the dermis.Conclusion: Non‐invasive methods are very useful for quantifying the atrophogenicity of topical corticosteroids.
Measurement of the mechanical properties of skin with ballistometer and suction cup
Authors: Jemec Gregor B. E. , Selvaag Edgar , Ågren Magnus , Wulf Hans Christian 
Published: March 2003

Background:There is no consensus on the methodology for describing the mechanical properties of human skin in vivo. Current descriptions are generally method dependent.Method: The mechanical properties of palmar skin of the hypothenar as well as dorsal and ventral forearm skin were studied in 17 healthy volunteers. Two methods were used: ballistometry [Dia‐stron Torsional Ballistometer (Diastron Ltd., Andover, UK)] and suction cup [The Dermaflex machine (Cortex Technology, Hadsund, Denmark)].Results: A moderate degree of correlation was found between the methods (rs=0.315–0.540), while internal correlation between different measures obtained with one method was higher (rs=0.375–0.967). The suction cup method parameters (distensibility and elasticity) correlated significantly with the ballistometry parameters (indentation, alpha, area and coefficient of restitution), while the hysteresis did not correlate to ballistometry parameters. The coefficient of variation of both methods (CV=0.02–0.35) was within the range obtained with other non‐invasive methods, e.g., TEWL. Regional differences were identified with both methods, while only the suction cup method identified age‐related changes.Conclusions: The results suggest that while both methods may be useful, they describe related but not identical aspects of skin mechanics. The differences in measuring principle suggest that the suction cup method predominantly measures elasticity, while the ballistometer predominantly appears to measure stiffness. Hysteresis may be a unique measure of skin viscosity. Additional studies, however, are needed to specify the clinical significance of the various measures of skin mechanics.
Instrumental and dermatologist evaluation of the effect of glycerine and urea on dry skin in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Lodén M. , Andersson A.‐C. , Andersson C. , Frödin T. , Öman H. , Lindberg M. 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: Moisturising creams are useful treatment adjuncts in inflammatory dermatoses and have beneficial effects in the treatment of dry, scaly skin. The effects on dryness and skin permeability of a new moisturising cream with 20% glycerine was compared with its placebo and with a medicinally authorised cream with 4% urea (combined with 4% sodium chloride) in the treatment of dry skin.Methods: Patients (n=109) with atopic dermatitis were treated for 30 days with a moisturiser in a randomised, parallel and double‐blind fashion. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin capacitance were assessed instrumentally, and changes in the dryness of the skin were assessed by the dermatologist.Results: No difference in TEWL was found between glycerine treatment and its placebo, whereas a lower value was found in the urea‐treated area compared to the glycerine‐treated area. No difference in skin capacitance was found. The clinical assessment of dryness showed urea to be superior to glycerine in treating the condition.Conclusions: Moisturising creams are different, not only with respect to composition but also with respect to their influence on skin as a barrier to water in patients with atopic dermatitis.
Thermal imaging in acute herpes zoster or post‐zoster neuralgia
Authors: Ammer K. , Schartelmueller T. , Melnizky P. 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: Asymmetry of normal skin temperature patterns has been reported in patients with herpetic disorders. The aim of the study was to describe the temperature distribution in patients suffering from acute herpes zoster or post‐herpetic neuralgia.Methods: Biographic data, including age, gender and time of onset of the skin lesions, were recorded. The distribution of pain was investigated by pain mapping, and the intensity of pain and dysesthesia was quantified by a visual analogue scale. Infrared thermal images of the affected body regions were performed in all possible views using either an Agema 870 or a NEC San‐ei Thermotracer.Results: The mean temperature difference between the affected and the unaffected sides of the body in all patients was 0.52±0.30°C. Higher temperatures were detected in early cases with a disease duration of 1–9 days (mean temperature difference: 0.62±0.36°C) than in patients with pain scores greater than 79 (mean temperature difference: 0.48±0.33°C). Only 6 of 57 patients presented with a temperature difference between the affected side and contralateral side of less than 0.2°C.Conclusion: Thermal asymmetry of the skin is a common finding in patients with acute herpes. However, the thermal patterns seem to correlate better with the duration of the disease than with the intensity of pain.