Search

Background: One measure of the impact of a medical article is how often it is cited in other articles. Many authors of articles published in dermatologic journals are seldom, if ever, cited while other authors are often cited. Objective: To identify the 25 authors whose publications in the dermatology literature were most often cited. Design: We obtained a citation database from the Institute for Scientific Information. From this database we separately quantified the total number of citations for each author and the total number of citations to first authors of original articles. Setting: Dermatology journals. Subjects: All authors of papers published in 24 dermatology journals between 1981 and 1996. Intervention: None. Main Outcome Measure: Number of citations. Results: If all articles irrespective of the author's listing (eg, first or second) are counted, the top 25 cited authors in the dermatology literature from 1981 to 1996 were cited between 1480 and 4706 times. If only citations and articles of which an author was the first listed author are counted, the top 25 authors were cited between 400 and 813 times. Only 4 authors were among the top 25 cited authors by both criteria. Conclusions: A relatively small proportion of all authors account for a high proportion of all citations of the dermatologic literature. The most frequently cited first authors of original articles were different in 84% of cases from the most often cited authors of all papers irrespective of the individuals placement in the authorship listing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In addition to publishing in the dermatologic literature, some dermatologists also publish articles in the general medical journals, which enjoy wide circulation and whose articles are often cited. OBJECTIVE: To identify articles and citations to these articles that the most frequently cited authors in the dermatologic literature published in highly cited general medical journals. DESIGN: We obtained a citation database from the Institute of Scientific Information, Philadelphia, Pa, that identified all articles published by the top-cited authors in the dermatologic literature in 5 "high-impact" general medical journals. SETTING: The 5 high-impact general medical journals with the historically highest impact factors. SUBJECTS: Two hundred top-cited authors in dermatology journals and their coauthors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Number of citations to articles published in 5 high-impact general medical journals. RESULTS: From 1981 to 1998, 120 of the 200 top-cited dermatology authors published a total of 674 papers in the 5 most highly cited general medical journals. Original articles published in these high-impact general medical journals were cited an average 7.5 times more often than articles published in dermatology journals. CONCLUSIONS: Top-cited authors in dermatology journals also frequently publish in the leading 5 high-impact general medical journals. Publications in these journals by dermatologists are often highly cited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an invitation for authors to submit manuscripts on any topic in biotechnology that is relevant to dermatology for the journal "Archives of Dermatology." Acceptance of original research papers reporting novel discoveries that enhance understanding of disease processes or present major therapeutic advances for common disorders; Encouragement for manuscripts reporting innovative approaches for actual or potential clinical applications of stem cell research, cellular and tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and transplantation techniques; Invitation for scholarly articles discussing the opportunities and challenges for translating the novel discoveries into clinical practice.

Calls for manuscripts on complementary, alternative and integrative medicine to be considered for publication. Format for concurrent theme issue; Increasing public interest in the field; Manuscript review process.

Examines the area of dermatologic surgery and appeals for papers on the subject to be published in the periodical 'Archives of Dermatology.' Evolution of dermatologic surgery; Formation of the Dermatologic Surgery Advisory Board; Elevation of the standards of dermatologic surgery research.

Editorial. Announces the acceptance of papers regarding evidence-based medicine in dermatology to be published in the periodical 'Archives of Dermatology.' Requirements for the submission of articles; Anticipated date of publication; Address for the submission of articles.

Announces the study findings presented at the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery's 2003 meeting ni San Diego, California.

Objectives To gather and compare clinical and histologic information from individuals affected by hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) and unaffected control subjects and to assess the value of these data in the diagnosis of HED. Design Volunteer subjects attending the 20th Annual Family Conference of the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasia answered a questionnaire and performed a starch-iodide sweat-function test. A subset of the subjects also donated samples of hair and 4-mm punch biopsy specimens of palmar and scalp skin. Specimens from each of these tests were assessed in a blinded fashion. Analysis was performed comparing affected and control subjects for each of the following parameters: quantification of eccrine structures in the skin biopsy specimens, analysis of hair sample trichograms for hair shaft defects, and qualitative classification of starch-iodide palm-print sweat-function test results. Setting An international conference for families and individuals with ectodermal dysplasias. Subjects A total of 40 subjects were included in the final analysis: 15 unaffected control subjects and 25 subjects with HED. Nine affected subjects and 9 unaffected subjects donated skin biopsy specimens. Main Outcome Measure This study was designed to assess the value of 4 simple tests in supporting the diagnosis of HED. Results Investigators were blinded to group during analysis of the test samples. Trichogram examination identified 3 hair shaft abnormalities, with a slightly higher prevalence in the affected group: variable shaft thickness, trichorrhexis nodosa, and pili torti. The sensitivity and specificity for each of these findings was less than 40%. Starch-iodide paper palm imprints identified a higher likelihood of diminished or absent sweat in the affected group, but this test had a low sensitivity (44%) and an imperfect specificity (93%). Examination of horizontally sectioned skin biopsy specimens from the palm were devoid of eccrine structures in a minority of affected subjects (sensitivity, 30%; specificity, 100%). In contrast, scalp biopsy specimens lacked eccrine structures in the majority of affected subjects (sensitivity, 67%; specificity, 100%). Separate analysis excluding the subjects without apparent eccrine apparatus yielded comparable numbers of eccrine ducts from control and affected groups. Conclusions We have defined the value of simple, easily performed tests in the morphological diagnosis of HED. Noninvasive trichogram and sweat testing results can support the diagnosis of HED, but they are not sensitive or highly specific; horizontally sectioned 4-mm punch biopsy specimens of the scalp or palms that lack eccrine structures are diagnostic of HED; scalp biopsy is much more sensitive than palmar biopsy; and a scalp biopsy specimen with detectable eccrine structures suggests that a patient does not have HED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Editorial. Comments on issues concerning genomic medicine and patients. Definition of the term genomics; Impact of the development of computer modeling techniques.

Background: Dermoscopy is a helpful tool that can assist experienced users improve the diagnostic accuracy for pigmented lesions in acral sites. As a simplification, one can assume that if pigment is found predominantly in the furrows, the lesion can be considered benign, and if the pigmentation is present predominantly on the ridges, the lesion should be considered malignant. The differentiation between furrows and ridges is the main clue for the diagnosis, but this can sometimes be difficult to discern. For this reason, we describe a simple in vivo technique that makes this task much easier for the clinician. Observations: Liquid ink (ie, from a fountain pen) should be applied directly onto the lesion. The ink should be left on the skin for a few seconds to allow the ink to penetrate into the furrows. The excess ink should then be wiped off. The ink will at first diffusely color the entire skin surface. The subsequent cotton swab wiping will only remove the ink on the skin overlying the ridges. The furrows will retain the stain and become clearly visible on dermoscopic examination as thin inked lines. This in turn will make it easy to evaluate whether the melanin pigmentation follows the ink lines (benign pattern) or if the pigmentation is located in between these ink lines (malignant pattern). Conclusion: The furrow ink test is a quick and easy method to facilitate the correct identification of furrows and ridges on volar skin and facilitates dermoscopic diagnosis of pigmented lesions in acral sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine preferences for acne-related outcomes in adolescents. Design: Community-based, cross-sectional survey study. Setting: Four public high schools in San Francisco, California. Participants: Volunteer sample of 266 adolescents with acne. Main Outcome Measures: Health utilities for current acne state and 3 hypothetical acne-related states (100% clearance, 50% clearance, and 100% clearance but with residual scarring) using time trade-off (TTO) and willingness to pay metrics. A self-administered written survey was used. Results: The mean (median) utilities for current acne state using the TTO metric was 0.961 (0.985). One hundred percent acne clearance received a higher utility score (mean [median] score, 0.978 [0.994]) than 50% clearance (0.967 [0.992]; P<.001 by Wilcoxon signed rank test) and 100% clearance with scarring (0.965 [0.992]; P<.001). Although current acne state utility was not correlated with physician-rated severity (P=.23), a significant association with subject-rated severity was observed in both univariate analysis (P=.01) and after adjustment for duration of acne, having seen a physician for acne, and income (P=.05). Adolescents were willing to pay a median of $275 to have never had acne in their lifetime and were willing to pay significantly more for 100% clearance than for 50% clearance or 100% clearance but with scarring (P<.001 for both comparisons). Conclusions: We describe adolescents' acne-related health state utilities. Compared with current acne state utility, both partial and total clearance with scarring are substantially less preferable than total clearance. Subjects' self-rated disease severity correlates with current acne state utility, whereas physician-rated severity does not. A self-administered paper instrument can effectively assess adolescents' acne-related preferences in community-based samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor about the effectiveness of ovide against malathion-resistant head lice.

Comments on a paper on the effectiveness of iveremctin in treating scabies. Standard treatment for scabies; Therapeutic options in treating scabies; Therapeutic success of ivermectin in HIV-infected persons with scabies.

Objective: To compare the impact of chronic pruritus and chronic pain on quality of life (QoL) using directly elicited health utility scores. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Convenience sample of patients attending the Emory Dermatology Clinic, Emory Spine Center, and Emory Center for Pain Management, Atlanta, Georgia. Participants: Adult men and women (aged≥18 years) experiencing chronic pain or pruritus for 6 weeks or more. Main Outcome Measures: The mean utility score of patients with chronic pruritus was compared with that of patients with chronic pain. A regression analysis was performed to determine the impact of the primary predictor variable--symptom type--on the primary outcome variable--mean utility score (a metric representing the impact on QoL). Results: The study included 73 patients with chronic pruritus and 138 patients with chronic pain. The mean (SD) utility among patients with pruritus was 0.87 (0.27) compared with 0.77 (0.31) for patients with pain (P<.01). After symptom severity, duration, and demographic factors were controlled for, only symptom severity (0.03 [P<.05]) and single marital status (-0.12 [P=.02]), but not symptom type (P=.43), remained significant predictors of the mean symptom utility score. Conclusions: Chronic pruritus has a substantial impact on QoL, one that may be comparable to that of pain. The severity of symptoms and the use of support networks are the main factors that determine the degree to which patients are affected by their symptoms. Addressing support networks in addition to developing new therapies may improve the QoL of itchy patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on the criteria for the manuscripts that will be accepted and published in the journal "Archives of Dermatology." Contact information; Categories of articles; Criteria for the manuscripts; Authorship information.

Presents an information about the "Archives of Dermatology," an international dermatologic journal. Manuscript criteria and information; Instructions for preparing reports of randomized controlled trials; Directions for preparing structured abstracts.

Editorial. Discusses various drug-resistant lice found in the U.S. Comparison between Ecuadorian lice and Florida lice on the basis of their response towards permethrin drug; Measures taken to control the lice outbreak in Great Britain and Czech Republic; Role of immune system in the regulation of louse infestation.

Presents papers on dermatology published in the February 2003 isue of the journal 'Archives of Dermatology.' 'Narrowband UV-B vs Medium-Dose UV-A1 Phototherapy in Chronic Atopic Dermatitis,' by Franz J. Legat, Angelika Hofer, Eva Brabek, Franz Quehenberger, Helmut Kerl, Graz, Peter Wolf; 'The Acute Edema/Cutaneous Distension Syndrome,' by Neil H. Cox; 'Direct Immunofluorescence of Plucked Hair in pemphigus,' by Leo Schaerer, Ralph M. Trüeb.

Focuses on the coverage of dermatology-related issues in medical journals. 'The Lancet' News Section's article by Robert Fishman about the Supreme Court of Israel's upholding of a lower district court conviction of malpractice resulting from ignorance of the current medical literature; Difference in articles presented by 'The Lancet' and the 'Archives of Dermatology'; Difference between the 'Archives of Dermatology' and the 'Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology'.

Reports on developments in the field of dermatology, as of October 1999. Information on conferences scheduled from September 2000 to November 2001; Information on the 21st annual Arcachon Course of Pediatric Dermatology that will be held on April 25-28, 2000; Call by the Society for Pediatric Dermatology for residents from developing countries to submit papers on clinical research relating to pediatric dermatology.

Presents a letter to the editor about the dermatological application of confocal laser scanning reflectance microscopy.

Presents a letter to the editor about the bacterial sterility of stored nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid-based cutaneous filler.

PDxMD Dermatology is a paper compilation based on an extensive electronic reference text developed and maintained by Elsevier Science. The source electronic version is a proprietary evidence-based primary care information system. That is, the editors at Elsevier have enlisted the help of expert internists, family doctors and subspecialists to compile by disease topic the best information regarding the diagnosis, evaluation and management of processes commonly seen by general physicians. The hierarchy of evidence is respected.

Focuses on the optimization of laser treatment safety in conjunction with cryogen spray cooling in dermatologic surgery. Treatment of darker skin types; Requirements of cryogen spray and air cooling; Evaluation of coincident cryogen coverage and laser spot size.

Background: In adult organ transplant recipients, nodulocystic acne induced by the use of cyclosporine can be treated successfully with isotretinoin. Cyclosporine's acnegenic effects in children and the pediatric response to treatment are less clear. Observations: A 9-month-old boy presented with cysts and nodules on his face after he began cyclosporine therapy after a heart transplantation. We describe successful treatment with cessation of cyclosporine therapy and administration of isotretinoin. Conclusions: Nodulocystic acne may be induced by the use of cyclosporine in children as well as adults. When it occurs, it can be managed with cessation of cyclosporine therapy and treatment with isotretinoin. Because this management approach may influence other outcomes in children with transplants, it is best to treat these patients using a multidisciplinary approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Editorial. Focuses on resources about nonallopathic therapies for dermatologic disorders. Creation of the International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements; Function of the National Council Against Health Fraud; Reference books about alternative medicine.

Editorial. Discusses the changing spectrum of the cutaneous manifestations of HIV disease. Skin infections classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as AIDS-defining illnesses; Characteristics of protean cutaneous diseases; Factors associated with infection with HIV.

Each one of us has some pet formula that he uses habitually in certain cases, but about which he says or writes little if anything, not because he desires to keep it secret, but that he does not think it worth while to bring it to the attention of his fellow workers. This seems to me to be a mistake. Surely we all wish to know of anything that will help us cure our patients, and anything that any member of this Association has found useful can not fail of being of great interest to all of us. For a long time I have thought that it would be extremely profitable to us if we devoted a portion of our time at these meetings to an informal interchange of personal experiences in matters of treatment. It seems to me that it would be time better spent than in listening to the reading of valuable papers that require quiet study to digest and assimilate. Acting on this belief I now venture to say a few words to you about sulphur cream, goose grease, and crude petroleum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on dermatology-related congresses in 1999. Fifth Midwest Dermatopathology Workshop; International Meeting of the International League of Dermatological Societies; Sixth International Workshop on Langerhans Cells; Annual Colloquium of the International Society of Dermatopathology; Certifying Examination of the American Board of Dermatology.

Comments on the article "Permethrin-Resistant Human Head Lice, Pediculus capitis, and Their Treatment," by Yoon and colleagues, published in the Volume 139 issue of "Arch Dermatology." Investigation of the two features of head louse, the bacterial symbionts within head lice and the glue extruded from the louse; Assessment of ovicidal activity by the number of hatched eggs counted after incubation.

Comments on Ciconte and colleagues' documentation of the morbidity related to warts, both from the effect of having the warts alone and the effect of treatment of patients who had sought in the past. Description of the morbidity observed in the study; Emphasis on the need for further investigations regarding intralesional injections of Candida and mumps into warts and common duct tape with and without topical agents.

Describes the authors' experience with a non-invasive, nonablative radiofrequency device to treat redundant nasolabial folds, jowls and marionette lines. Device's ability to cause collagen tightening by producing controllable volummetric heating of the deep dermis.

Reports on the implications of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) on health care delivery in Toronto, Ontario. Containment of the syndrome; Disruption of the normal life; Effect of SARS on dermatology.

Demonstrates that bexarotene gel, a retinoid X receptor-selective retinoid, is well tolerated as a topical therapy for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL); Response rate of patients with early CTCL.

Editorial. Reports on the use of Apligraf, a commercially available artificial skin bioequivalent, in the treatment of acute and chronic wounds in patients with inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Composition of Apligraf; Delay in rejection of allografts in EB; Issues to be resolved in additional studies with Apligraf.

Presents comments regarding articles published in the periodical 'Archives of Dermatology.' Comment regarding an article dealing with livedo vasculopathy; Study concerning the lack of association between aphthous ulcers and Helicobacter pylori.