Clinical spectrum of cutaneous Langerhans' cell histiocytosis mimicking various diseases.

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis summarizes a spectrum of diseases on the basis of histogenetic criteria. These are characterized by an accumulation of cells with Langerhans' cell phenotype in one or multiple organs. Up to 50% of patients with either single or multi-organ manifestation of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis initially present with cutaneous symptoms.

25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in renal transplant recipients.

Context: Bone disease after kidney transplantation is a common problem. The serum levels of the active vitamin D metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D] have been studied extensively. In contrast, there has not been much concern about the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) [25(OH)D].

Vitamin D and skin: new aspects for dermatology.

It has been shown that epidermal keratinocytes have the capacity for the UVB-induced photochemical conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to vitamin D3, and also for the enzymatically controlled hydroxylation of the photolysis product. This metabolic loop results in the formation of the biologically active final product 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha,25(OH)2D3, calcitriol). The epidermal synthesis of calcitriol is of fundamental relevance because calcitriol regulates important cellular functions in keratinocytes and immunocompetent cells.

Meshed reversed dermal graft in patients with surgical defects of sole and scalp: technique and long-term results.

Background: Defects of the sole and the scalp require a reconstruction technique that combines a high survival rate in poorly vascularized areas with maximal mechanical strain.

Objective: To describe the technique of the meshed reversed dermal graft for reconstruction and to summarize the postoperative and long-term results.

Methods: Twenty-one patients have undergone reconstruction of defects following excision of acral lentiginous melanoma of the sole or squamous cell carcinoma of the sole or scalp.