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A relationship between acne vulgaris (AV) and the masculinized (lower) second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio in females was demonstrated in our previous study. Development of the digits and the sebaceous glands both occur during the same gestational period; therefore, the association between the 2D:4D ratios and AV may result from the effects of the prenatal endocrine environment on the sebaceous glands. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and sebum levels in the skin of females with AV. In total, 215 female AV patients and 92 healthy controls, aged 18–35 years, were enrolled in this study. Finger-length measurements were made using a digital Vernier caliper, and the sebum levels of five facial areas were measured using a Sebumeter SM 815. Acne severity was assessed using the International Consensus Conference on Acne Classification System. The 2D:4D ratios of the AV patients were significantly lower than those of the controls, for both hands. The mean sebum levels in the T-zone, U-zone and whole face were significantly higher for AV patients compared with controls. The 2D:4D ratio in the left hand showed significant negative correlations with the sebum levels in the U-zone; however, no association was found between the 2D:4D ratios and sebum levels in the T-zone and whole face. While acne severity was positively correlated with skin sebum levels, no correlation between acne severity and 2D:4D ratios was observed. This study provides preliminary evidence regarding the association between lower 2D:4D ratios and higher rates of sebum secretion in the U-zone for females with AV. The 2D:4D ratio might be a predictor of sebum levels, as well as acne development, in females.

Background Although the pathophysiology of acne vulgaris (AV) is not clear, androgens are thought to play an important role in its development through either an increased level of circulating androgens or end-organ sensitivity. The ratio of the length of the second and fourth digit (2D : 4D) has been hypothesized to reflect prenatal androgen exposure and/or an individual's sensitivity to androgens, with a low 2D : 4D ratio suggesting high prenatal androgen exposure. Interestingly, the prenatal androgen peak time period coincides with both the development of the sebaceous gland and digits. Objectives To determine the relationship between digit ratio and AV. Methods Vernier caliper was used to take digit measurements of both patients and controls. Acne severity was assessed by using the International Consensus Conference on Acne Classification System. Results Data of 251 patients with AV (67.7% female) and 120 healthy controls (72.5% female), aged 16–40 years, were analysed. The 2D : 4D ratios of female patients with AV were significantly lower than healthy females in both hands. However, there was no significant difference between male acne cases and controls. Acne severity was positively correlated with the left 2D : 4D ratios and mean 2D : 4D ratio, whereas the duration of acne was negatively correlated with the right 2D : 4D ratios in females. Conclusion Our results support the anatomical evidence of in utero androgen exposure and/or an individual's sensitivity to androgens in patients with AV and suggest that the 2D : 4D ratio might be a predictor of acne development, duration, and severity grade, at least in female patients.

WOS: 000296942200016, PubMed: 22148022, Histiocytic skin disorders are usually classified as either Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) or non LCH, based on the pathology. Benign cephalic histiocytosis (BCH) is a rare type of non-Langerhans histiocytitic disorder and is characterized by self-healing multiple small eruptions of yellow to red-brown papules on the face and upper trunk. Histologic features of this disorder show dermal proliferation of histiocytes that have intracytoplasmic comma-shaped bodies, coated vesicles and desmosome-like structures. In this study, we report on a 7-month-old boy who contained small yellow-red papules on his face that spread to his upper trunk. The clinical and histologic features in this patient were consistent with BCH. (Ann Dermatol 23(4) 508 similar to 511, 2011)

BACKGROUND Digital block with epinephrine is safe in selected patients. Chemical matricectomy with phenol is a successful, cheap, and easy method for the treatment of ingrown nails. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of digital block with epinephrine in chemical matricectomy with phenol. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty-four patients with ingrown toenail were randomly divided into two groups. The plain lidocaine group (n=22) underwent digital anesthesia using 2% plain lidocaine, and the lidocaine with epinephrine group (n=22) underwent digital anesthesia with 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. In the postoperative period, the patients were evaluated for pain, drainage, and peripheral tissue destruction and were followed for up to 18 months for recurrence. RESULTS The mean anesthetic volume used in the epinephrine group (2.2±0.4 mL) was significantly lower than the plain lidocaine group (3.1±0.6 mL). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative pain and recurrence rates, but duration of drainage was significantly shorter in the epinephrine group (11.1±2.5 days) than in the plain lidocaine group (19.0±3.8 days). CONCLUSION Digital block with epinephrine is safe in selected patients, and epinephrine helps to shorten the postoperative drainage period. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. © 2010 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.

WOS: 000373634600001, PubMed: 27088074, Background. The aim of this study was to compare the cytomorphometric characteristics of the buccal cells of Behccet's disease patients with those of healthy controls. Methods. This case-control study compared a group of 30 patients with Behcet's disease with an age-and gender-matched control group of 30 healthy individuals. The buccal mucosal smears were stained using the Papanicolaou technique for cytomorphometric analyses. The nuclear and cytoplasmic areas were evaluated using digital image analysis; the ratio of nuclear to cytoplasmic areas and nuclear roundness are presented. Results. The nuclear and cytoplasmic areas of the BD patients' cells were significantly smaller than those of the healthy controls' cells, while the nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio and neutrophil infiltration rate did not differ significantly between the groups. However, the nuclear area, cytoplasmic area, nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio, and nuclear roundness factor were significantly higher in patients without aphthae. The neutrophil infiltration rate did not differ significantly in patients with or without aphthae. Conclusion. Behcet's disease can produce cytomorphometric changes in buccal cells that are detectable by exfoliative cytology and cytomorphometric analysis techniques.

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases. However, studies conducted on the relationship of TWEAK and psoriasis patients are limited. In this study, we aimed to explore the serum levels of TWEAK and investigated whether TWEAK levels are associated with clinical variables and expression of other well-known psoriasis-related cytokines including IL-6, IL-23 and TNF-α. Forty-five patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and 43 controls were enrolled in this study. The severity of psoriasis was assessed by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Serum levels of cytokines were measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The mean TWEAK, IL-6, IL-23, and TN-α levels were significantly higher in psoriasis patients than in control subjects. However, there were no significant correlations between the psoriasis severity, the illness duration and serum cytokine levels. This study shows that TWEAK may be associated with the pathogenesis of psoriasis, like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-23.

Congenital arteriovenous fistula of the hand is uncommon. We report a case of unusual congenital arteriovenous fistula forming multiple fistulous communications between the arteries and veins in the right hand. Clinical findings were confirmed by color Doppler sonography and digital subtraction angiography.

Background. Epinephrine is currently added to local anesthetics for its advantageous vasoconstrictive effects. Traditionally, however, its use is not advised for digital block anesthesia due to the risk of digital gangrene. Objective. To observe vasoconstrictive effect of epinephrine in digital block anesthesia. Methods. Digital blocking with epinephrine containing lidocaine was performed in 24 subjects undergoing surgical procedure of their finger and toes. Digital artery blood flows were studied with color Doppler ultrasonography before digital blocking and at 10th, 60th, and if needed 90th minutes after blocking. Doppler parameters such as peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity, and resistive index values were studied. Results. There were statistically significant decrease of blood flow rates and an increase of resistive index in all patients within 10 minutes. At the 10th minute of digital block, four patients had no measurable blood flow, which was restored within 60 or 90 minutes. Others showed diminished but persistent blood flow, which returned to normal within 60 minutes. No systemic or local complication related with epinephrine usage was observed. Conclusion. Vasoconstrictive effect of epinephrine in local anesthetics is not persistent and resolves within 60 or 90 minutes. Its use seems to be safe in selected patients.

Benign fibrous histiocytoma is a common soft tissue tumor that can be deep or superficially located. Although the deep type of fibrous histiocytoma has a predilection for the orbit, the eyelids are an unusual location for the cutaneous type. A 42-year-old woman had bilateral yellowish nodular masses of the eyelids for two years. Pathological examination after excision revealed benign fibrous histiocytoma. Our case is an unusual clinical presentation of cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma as well as a rare location such as the eyelids.

A double-blind, randomized study was designed to determine the efficacy of dexamethasone in decreasing periorbital edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty. Sixty rhinoplasty patients undergoing hump resection and lateral osteotomy were included in the study and were divided into 6 groups: group 1 (n = 10), single dose of 8 mg intravenous (IV) dexamethasone 1 hour before the operation; group 2 (n = 10), single dose of 8 mg IV dexamethasone at the beginning of the operation; group 3 (n = 10), 3 doses of 8 mg IV dexamethasone 1 hour before the operation, and 24 and 48 hours after the operation; group 4 (n = 10), 3 doses of 8 mg IV dexamethasone at the beginning of the operation, and 24 and 48 hour after the operation; group 5 (n = 10), 3 doses of 8 mg IV dexamethasone immediately after the operation, and 24 and 48 hours after the operation; group 6 (n = 10), control, no dexamethasone administration before or after the operation. Intraoperative blood loss was recorded for each patient. Patients were evaluated at 24 hours and days 2, 5, 7, and 10. For the postoperative evaluation of periorbital ecchymosis and edema, a scale of 0 to 4 points was used. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of bleeding (P > 0.05). In the groups using steroid before osteotomy, edema and ecchymosis were significantly lower during the first 2 days compared with the control group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was seen between groups 1 and 2. When patients were evaluated on day 5, edema and ecchymosis were significantly lower in groups 3 and 4 (P < 0.05) compared with other groups, but there was no difference between them. Group 5 had a significantly higher level of edema and ecchymosis compared with groups 1 through 4 at 24 hours and at days 2, 5, and 7 (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups on day 10. In conclusion, if the first dose is given before osteotomy, triple-dose steroid application is the best bet for decreasing postoperative edema and ecchymosis. None of the patients had any complications related to the use of dexamethasone.

Purpose Behcet's disease is a multisystem disease characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, relapsing uveitis, mucocutaneous, articular, gastrointestinal, neurologic, and vascular manifestations. Paraoxonase is believed to play an important role in protection of LDL and HDL particles from oxidation, in antioxidant effect against lipid peroxidation on cellular membranes, and in anti-inflammatory process. Lipid peroxidation and free oxygen radicals have been thought to play a role in pathogenesis of BD. The association of paraoxonase gene polymorphisms with Behcet's Disease in a group of Turkish patients with clinical manifestations and healthy controls has been investigated. Patients and methods Paraoxonase (PON-1-L55M) gene polymorphism was investigated in 50 Behcet patients and 50 healthy individuals with a PCR/RFLP method. Results There were significant differences between patients and the control group in allele frequencies of the PON1 L55M polymorphism (p=0.04). Also, when patients were compared with the control group according to clinical manifestations, this statistical significance was getting sharper. Compared with the PON55 L allele, the M allele was associated with greater than 3.5 fold (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.3-8.9) increased risk of ocular (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.3), 2.4 fold joint and 3.1 fold (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.1-8.4) central nervous system manifestations of BD. Conclusion The PON L55M gene polymorphism seemed to play a role in the pathogenesis of BD.

Previous studies indicate that 25–45% of chronic urticaria patients have an autoimmune etiology. Autologous serum skin test (ASST) and autologous plasma skin test (APST) are simple tests for diagnosing chronic autoimmune urticaria (CAU). However, there are still some questions about the specificity of these tests. This study consisted of 50 patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and 50 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals aged 18 years, and older. A total of 31 (62%) patients and 5 (10%) control patients had positive ASST; 21 (42%) patients and 3 (6%) control patients had positive APST. Statistically significant differences were noted in ASST and APST positivity between the patient and control groups (ASSTP<0.001; APSTP<0.001). Thirteen (26%) patients and 5 (10%) control patients had antithyroglobulin antibodies or antithyroid peroxidase antibody positivity. No statistically significant differences were noted in thyroid autoantibodies between the patient and control groups (anti-TGP=0.317; anti-TPOP=0.269). We consider that the ASST and APST can both be used asin vivotests for the assessment of autoimmunity in the etiology of CSU and that thyroid autoantibodies should be checked even when thyroid function tests reveal normal results in patients with CSU.

Background. Training models are necessary for development of many skills in medical education. Objective. To develop a training model for improvement of simple surgical procedure skills. Methods. A convex, rectangular, smooth-surfaced wooden plate covered by first cotton material and then polyethylene stretch film was used. Skins of rats that had been used previously for experimental studies were attached on the wooden plate. In order to see efficacy of our model, we decided to use it in a cutaneous surgery workshop. Theoretical and practical information about surgical sutures, punch biopsy, excisional biopsy, rotational flap, and Z-plasty procedures was given to the participant physicians. Surgical skills of participants were scored before and after the practical part of workshop. Results. Thirty-three physicians were enrolled voluntarily to the workshop. All participants showed statistically significant increase in scores (P < 0.05). Conclusion. The similarity to human skin and the easy setup make this training model an ideal teaching tool to improve the skills of physicians for simple cutaneous surgery.

WOS: 000181079800016, PubMed: 12621574, Anticoagulant use is common in the elderly population. The role of these medications in the postoperative period is not well defined. We designed a prospective study to evaluate the incidence of postoperative complications in patients taking aspirin and warfarin. A prospective study was performed on 102 patients undergoing minor cutaneous plastic surgery. The number of subjects using regular aspirin, warfarin, and that of the patients with no anticoagulant medication were 37, 21, and 44, respectively. Complications were defined as minor, moderate, or major based on predetermined criteries. Of patients taking warfarin, 57% had some complication, significantly more than complications in the control group. The number of major complications in the warfarin group was significantly higher than those of the control and aspirin groups (p = 0.02). Also, the total number of complications in the warfarin group was significantly higher than the control group, but there was no significant difference between aspirin and control groups (p > 0.05). Cutaneous surgery in patients who receive warfarin is associated with a risk of major complication, but this risk does not exist in the patients receiving chronic aspirin treatment.

Amaç: Bu retrospektif araştırmada alerjik kontakt dermatit (AKD) tanısı ile takip edilen 304 olgunun Avrupa Standart Seri ile uygulanan yama testi sonuçları değerlendirildi. Çalışmanın amacı AKD tanılı olgularda farklı duyarlandırıcalara karşı pozitif reaksiyonların sıklığını bulmak, cins ve yaş farklılıklarını tespit etmek idi. Gereç ve Yöntem: Kliniğimize Ocak 2003-Aralık 2008 tarihleri arasında başvuran, AKD düşünülerek 22 maddelik Avrupa Standart Serisi ile yama testi uygulanan 195’i (%64,1) kadın, 109’u (%35,9) erkek toplam 304 olgu değerlendirildi. Test sonuçları uygulamadan 48 ve 72 saat sonra Uluslararası Kontakt Dermatit Araştırma Grubu’nun önerisine göre okundu. Bulgular: Alerjik kontakt dermatit lezyonları en sık ellerde (%65,5) saptandı. Doksan beş olguda (%31,3) bir veya daha fazla maddeye karşı pozitif reaksiyon elde edildi. En sık duyarlandırıcının nikel sülfat (%14,8) olduğu, bunu kobalt klorid (%9,2), potasyum dikromat (%6,6), peru balsamı (%3,6), koku karışımı (%3,3), merkaptobenzotiazol (%3) ve kolofoninin (%2,3) takip ettiği görüldü. Nikel sülfat ile pozitif reaksiyon veren olgular çoğunlukla genç yaş grubundaki kadınlardı. Formaldehit ile hiçbir olguda pozitif reaksiyon görülmezken, lanolin, merkapto karışımı, epoksi reçinesi, paraben karışımı ve kuaterniyum-15 gibi maddeler nadir alerjen olarak saptandı. Pozitif reaksiyon veren olguların %51,6’sında sorumlu alerjen Avrupa Standart Serisi kullanılarak bulundu. Sonuç: Bu araştırma ülkemizde olduğu gibi bölgemizde de metal ve koku karışımına bağlı duyarlanma oranının halen yüksek ve genel olarak kadınlarda erkeklerden daha fazla olduğunu göstermesine rağmen, olgu sayısının fazla olduğu çok merkezli prospektif araştırmalar ülkemizde Avrupa Standart Serisinin yeterliliğini daha iyi ortaya koyacaktır. (Türk derm 2011; 45: 198-202), Background and Design: In this retrospective study, patch test results of 304 patients with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), who were tested with the European Standard Series, were evaluated. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of positive reactions to different sensitizers in patients with ACD and to identify sex and age differences. Material and Method: We evaluated a total of 304 patients (195 (64.1%) female and 109 (35.9%) male) who applied to our clinic between the period of January 2003 and December 2008 and who were tested with patch test with the consideration of ACD. Patch test results were assessed according to the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group at 48 and 72 hours after initial application. Results: Lesions of ACD were found to be most frequent on the hands (65.5%). A total of 95 (31.3%) patients had one or more positive patch test reactions. The most common allergens were nickel sulfate (14.8%) followed by cobalt chloride (9.2%), potassium dichromate (6.6%), balsam of Peru (3.6%), fragrance mix (3.3%), mercaptobenzothiazole (3%) and colophonium (2.3%). Positive reactions to nickel sulfate were more common among women, especially those in younger group. Frequency of contact allergy to lanolin, mercapto mix, epoxy resin, paraben mix and quaternium-15 were relatively low, while no positive reaction was obtained to formaldehyde in any case. In 51.6% of patients with positive reaction, the responsible allergen was detected by testing with the European Standard Series. Conclusion: Although this study shows that sensitization rate to metals and fragrance are still high in our region, as well as in our country, and are more frequent in females than in males, future prospective multicenter studies with large number of patients would point out the adequacy of the European Standard Series in our country. (Turk derm 2011; 45: 198-202)

WOS: 000254834600033, PubMed: 17408775, Aim: P-wave dispersion (PD) has been reported to be associated with inhomogeneous and discontinuous propagation of sinus impulses. Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic multi-system disease presenting with recurrent oral and genital ulceration, and relapsing uveitis. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death have been documented in Behcet's disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate myocardial involvement noninvasively in patients with 1313 by measuring PD. Methods: Study population included 29 patients with BD (group 1), (16 males, mean age: 60.4 +/- 10.1 years), and 45 normal (group 11), (23 males, mean age: 61.2 +/- 12.0 years). The maximum and minimum P-wave duration (Pmax and Pmin) and PD were measured from the 12-lead surface electrocardiogram. Echocardiographic examination was also performed. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in respect to age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and cigarette smoking (p > 0.05). Pmax, and PD of patients with BD were found to be significantly higher than those of control subjects (116.2 +/- 14.0 ms vs. 102.0 +/- 16.5 and 49.3 +/- 12.7 ms vs. 29.3 +/- 8.5 ms, respectively p < 0.0001). Moreover, we found a significant positive correlation between PD with 1313 duration (r=0.78, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Pmax and PD are found to be greater in patients with BD than in controls and are related with the duration of the disease. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

WOS: 000241193800014, PubMed: 16958606, Background: The aim of this study was to investigate serum paraoxonase (PON1) activity in relation to homocysteine, malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipid parameters in active and inactive Behcet's disease, (BD). Methods: A total of 46 consecutive BD patients and 25 healthy control subjects were included in the present study. Results: Serum PON1 activity in both active and inactive BD was significantly lower compared with healthy subjects (p < 0.05). When compared to the control group, serum MDA levels were significantly higher in both active and inactive BD (p < 0.05). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine concentrations were significantly higher in active BD than those in inactive BD and control subjects (p < 0.05). In addition, there was significant negative correlation between serum PON1 and MDA levels (r= -0.697, p < 0.05) and serum PON1 activity was also negatively correlated with homocysteine levels (r= -0.428, p < 0.05) in BD patients. Conclusions: Decreased PON1 could explain the increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress observed in BD. Also, according to our results, we suggest that homocysteine may contribute to decreased serum PON1 activity.

BACKGROUND: Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is a common pruritic disorder resulting from repeated rubbing and scratching. Nighttime pruritus is a common feature in LSC and may disrupt the sleep pattern. The aim of this study is to determine whether there are sleep abnormalities in patients with LSC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with LSC and 15 age-, sex- and body mass index-matched control subjects were enrolled in the study. No participant had any other medical or psychiatric illness. All subjects were evaluated by overnight polysomnography, scratch electrodes, Epworth sleepiness scale and a general questionnaire for demographic data and sleep problems. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the groups for total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep latency, rapid eye movement (REM) latency, percentage of stage 1 non-REM sleep and REM sleep. The percentage of stage 2 non-REM sleep was higher (P < 0.05) and the percentage of slow wave sleep (stages 3 and 4) was lower in the study group (P < 0.05) than in the controls. The patient group had a mean of 15.9 ± 7.5 arousal index and 22.8 ± 14.1 awakenings compared with 9.5 ± 3.1 and 10.4 ± 3.9, respectively, in the controls (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). Arousals of patients were mainly observed in non-REM sleep. The number of scratching bouts ranged from 6 to 20 per night. Scratching episodes were observed frequently during stage 2 non-REM sleep. CONCLUSION: Polysomnographic findings of patients with LSC demonstrated that sleep structure is disturbed by arousals and awakenings related to scratching bouts during sleep. Copyright © 2006 by The Southern Medical Association.

WOS: 000227499700019, PubMed: 15807740, Background Rosacea is a common, chronic dermatosis that requires long-term therapy. Oral isotretinoin and topical and/or oral antibiotics are effective, but their usage may be limited due to side-effects. Objective The goal of the study was to compare the efficacy of topical adapalene gel (0.1%) and topical metronidazole gel (0.75%) in the treatment of patients with papulopustular rosacea. Methods This study included 55 patients with papulopustular rosacea. Diagnostic efforts were focused on clinical and histological features. Patients were randomly assigned to the adapalene (n = 30) and metronidazole (n = 25) groups. Sunlight protection factor 20 cream was used to protect all patients from sunlight. The characteristics and numbers of inflammatory papules, pustules, erythema and telangiectasia were scored at baseline and after 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Side-effects were recorded at each visit. Results Fifty patients, 27 in the adapalene group and 25 in the metronidzaole group, completed the study. Significant reductions in the total number of inflammatory lesions were found in the adapalene group compared with the metronidazole group. There was no significant difference in the scores of erythema and telangiectasia in the adapalene group. However, a significant reduction in erythema was seen in the metronidazole group. Conclusions Adapalene gel is well tolerated and can be used as an alternative for topical treatment of papulopustular rosacea.

Congenital arteriovenous fistula of the hand is uncommon. We report a case of unusual congenital arteriovenous fistula forming multiple fistulous communications between the arteries and veins in the right hand. Clinical findings were confirmed by color Doppler sonography and digital subtraction angiography.

Acetone may induce oxidative stress leading to disturbance of the biochemical and physiological functions of red blood cells (RBCs) thereby affecting membrane integrity. Vitamin E (vit E) is believed to function as an antioxidant in vivo protecting membranes from lipid peroxidation. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of possible protective effects of vit E treatment against acetone-induced oxidative stress in rat RBCs. Thirty healthy male Wistar albino rats, weighing 200-230 g and averaging 12 weeks old were randomly allotted into one of three experimental groups: Control (A), acetone-treated (B) and acetone + vit E-treated groups (C), each containing ten animals. Group A received only drinking water. Acetone, 5% (v/v), was given with drinking water to B and C groups. In addition, C group received vit E dose of 200 mg/kg/day i.m. The experiment continued for 10 days. At the end of the 10th day, the blood samples were obtained for biochemical and morphological investigation. Acetone treatment resulted in RBC membrane destruction and hemolysis, increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TEARS) levels in plasma and RBC, and decreased RBC vit E levels. Vit E treatment decreased elevated TEARS levels in plasma and RBC and also increased reduced RBC vit E levels, and prevented RBC membrane destruction and hemolysis. In conclusion, vit E treatment appears to be beneficial in preventing acetone-induced oxidative RBC damage, and therefore, it can improve RBC rheology. © 2005 Springer.

The pathophysiology of alopecia areata (AA) has not been clearly defined; however, it appears as a tissue-restricted autoimmune disease mediated by T lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical studies have shown peri- and infra-follicular inflammatory infiltrate which damages hair follicles. We analyzed the role of lipid peroxidation and oxidant-antioxidant enzymes in the pathogenesis of AA.Twenty-four patients with AA and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. We analyzed serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) and the serum activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and xanthine oxidase (XO) in patients with AA and control subjects.The levels of MDA and NO (nitrite/nitrate) and the activity of XO in serum of patients with AA (0.76+/-0.34 nmol/ml, 14.88+/-6.40 nmol/ml, and 0.34+/-0.10 U/ml, respectively) were significantly higher than those of controls (0.35+/-0.09 nmol/ml, 10.71+/-1.75 nmol/ml, 0.11+/-0.03 U/ml; p0.001, p0.001, p0.05, respectively). The SOD activity (12.95+/-2.16 U/ml) in the serum of patients with AA was significantly lower than that of controls (14.89+/-2.29 U/ml, p0.05).Increased lipid peroxidation in AA may be related to an increase in NO level and XO activity and a decrease in SOD activity. These results suggest that lipid peroxidation and alterations in the oxidant-antioxidant enzymatic system may play a role in the pathogenesis of AA.

An 18 year-old-woman presented with a 1-week history of a psoriasiform eruption on her limbs and trunk that began 1 week after starting metformin hydrochloride. She had taken no other medications. She had no personal or family history of psoriasis. The lesions disappeared within 5 weeks after discontinuation of the drug. In the 4 months following the cessation of metformin hydrochloride, no relapse was observed, but rechallenge with oral metformin again produced the eruption. Metformin hydrochloride should be added to the list of drugs that can cause a psoriasiform eruption.

WOS: 000220062700047, PubMed: 14504542

To enhance skin flap viability, pharmacological and ischemic preconditioning methods were investigated intensively. This study was designed to determine whether combined local dexamethasone administration and pedicle clamping would result in an additive enhancement of skin flap survival in the rat model. Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in dexamethasone injection, clamping, clamping plus dexamethasone injection, and control groups. A rectangular random skin flap (3 x 11 cm) was outlined as bipedicled on the back of the animals. The dexamethasone or saline injection points in the flap were standardized. In the dexamethasone injection group, after raising the flaps, a total of 2.5 mg/kg dexamethasone was injected into the flaps. In the ischemic preconditioning group, 1 hour after saline injection, the cranial pedicle was clamped for 20 minutes and then 40 minutes reperfusion was performed. The clamping-plus-dexamethasone injection group was the same as the clamping group except dexamethasone was injected instead of the saline. In the control group, saline was injected instead of dexamethasone. Regardless of the group, all flaps were cut at the cranial side at the end of the 2 hours and were sutured back. On day 7, the surviving area was significantly greater in all experimental groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the clamping-plus-dexamethasone group demonstrated the highest flap viability.

Author(s): Koca, Rafet, MD; Altinyazar, H Cevdet, MD; Yenidunya, Sibel, MD; Tekin, Nilgun Solak, MD

Background Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, chronic, papulosquamous dermatosis. Although several types of treatment have been developed, repetitive treatment courses are often necessary. Aim To perform a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study with metronidazole 0.75% gel in patients with mild to moderate seborrheic dermatitis of the face. Methods Eighty-four patients (52 males and 32 females) with seborrheic dermatitis were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to the application of metronidazole 0.75% gel or placebo to their facial lesions, twice daily for 8 weeks. Patients were scored with regard to the severity of the lesions at the initial evaluation and every 2 weeks for 2 months. All patients were evaluated for a final assessment of improvement at the end of the study. Results At baseline, both treatment groups were comparable in terms of demographic data and lesion severity score. Seventy-eight patients (48 males and 30 females), 48 (62%) in the metronidazole group and 30 (38%) in the placebo group, completed the study. Two patients in the metronidazole group and four patients in the placebo group left the study. There was no statistically significant difference in the change in the mean severity score between the two groups at the end of the study (P > 0.05). At the final evaluation of the response at 8 weeks, no statistically significant difference was found between the treatment groups (P > 0.05). Metronidazole gel was generally tolerated well during the study. Conclusions Metronidazole 0.75% gel and placebo show similar efficacy in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.

A 22-year-old white male with a one-year history of dissecting cellulitis of the scalp was successfully treated with oral isotretinoin. Complete healing was seen after 2 months and the treatment was discontinued after a course of 9 months. The patient is still in remission 3 months after cessation of the therapy.

WOS: 000232898000033, PubMed: 16243155

A 7-year-old boy presented to our clinic with a 1-week history of guttate psoriasis-like lesions after BCG vaccination. Although the patient did not have any history of psoriasis, his father and uncle had a history of psoriasis vulgaris. He was treated successfully with topical corticosteroid. Complete healing was seen after 3 weeks and the patient was still in remission 4 months after the cessation of the therapy. We proposed that patients who have psoriasis or predisposition to psoriasis must be carefully followed after BCG vaccination. © Oxford University Press 2004; all rights reserved.

WOS: 000184877700047, PubMed: 12960891

We present a 52-year-old man with widespread cutaneous metastases (CMs) of unknown primary origin. Although we performed many of the investigations, we could not find out a primary origin of malignancy. There are no practical algorithms to identify the primary of cutaneous metastatic tumors of unknown origin. An algorithm in cancer patients with CMs seems to be needed to manipulate such cases. We believe that more reports related with this issue must be published to form an algorithm in such cases.