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BACKGROUND Psychiatric disorders have been extensively documented in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with skin-restricted lupus (SRL) remains unknown, although SRL is more common than SLE. OBJECTIVES To assess current and lifetime prevalence of Axis I psychiatric disorders among outpatients with SRL and to examine the factors associated with psychiatric disorders among such patients. METHODS A multicentre case-control study involving outpatients with SRL and controls matched for sex, age and education level. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used for psychiatric evaluation. RESULTS We evaluated 75 patients and 150 controls. Of these, 49% of patients vs. 13% of controls fulfilled the criteria for at least one current psychiatric disorder (P < 0·001). The following disorders were significantly more frequent among patients than controls: current and lifetime major depressive disorder (9% vs. 0%, P < 0·001 and 44% vs. 26%, P = 0·01), generalized anxiety disorder (23% vs. 3%, P < 0·001 and 35% vs. 19%, P = 0·03), panic disorder (7% vs. 0%, P = 0·004 and 21% vs. 3%, P < 0·001), current suicide risk (24% vs. 7%, P = 0·003), alcohol dependence (7% vs. 0%, P = 0·004) and lifetime agoraphobia (20% vs. 9%, P = 0·01). Lupus duration and lupus past treatment by thalidomide were significantly higher among patients with current psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates a high prevalence of several psychiatric disorders (anxiety, depression, suicide risk, alcohol dependence) in patients with SRL.

Resume Introduction Les metastases en transit sont frequentes lors de l’evolution d’un melanome cutane primitif. Exceptionnellement, elles sont distribuees sur un territoire radiculaire et sont alors appelees « metastases zosteriformes ». Observation Nous rapportons le cas d’un patient presentant des metastases cutanees zosteriformes de melanome, evoluant de facon pejorative malgre une exerese chirurgicale et un traitement par immunotherapie. Discussion Le mecanisme physiopathologique de la dissemination metamerique reste inconnu a ce jour.

Summary Background Some prognostic markers of venous leg ulcer (VLU) healing have been evaluated, mostly in retrospective studies. Objectives To identify which clinical characteristics, among those known as possible prognostic factors of VLU healing, and which VLU-associated sociodemographic and psychological factors, are associated with complete healing at week 24 (W24). Methods A prospective, multicentre, cohort study was conducted in 22 French dermatology departments between September 2003 and December 2007. The end point was comparison between healed and nonhealed VLUs at W24, for patient clinical and biological characteristics; psychological, cognitive and social assessments; affected leg inclusion characteristics; venous insufficiency treatment and percentage of initial wound area reduction during follow-up. Results In total, 104 VLUs in 104 patients were included; 94 were analysed. The mean VLU area and duration were 36·8 ± 55·5 cm2 and 24·8 ± 45·7 months, respectively. At W24, 41/94 VLUs were healed. Univariate analysis significantly associated complete healing with superficial venous surgery (P = 0·001), adherence to compression therapy at W4 (P = 0·03) and W24 (P = 0·01), ankle-joint ankylosis (P = 0·01) and mean percentage of VLU area reduction at W4 (P = 0·04). Multivariate analysis retained superficial venous surgery during follow-up [odds ratio (OR) 8·4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·9–48·2] and percentage reduction of the VLU area at W4 (OR 1·6, 95% CI 1·0–2·14) as being independently associated with healing. Conclusions These results indicate that complete healing of long-standing, large VLUs is independently associated with ablation of the incompetent superficial vein and percentage of wound area reduction after the first 4 weeks of treatment.

Summary We report a new case of ‘large plaque-type blue naevus (PTBN) with subcutaneous cellular nodules’ involving the breast. A 25-year-old-woman presented with a large plaque, 140 × 100 mm in size, on the right chest wall involving the right breast, associated with recent subcutaneous nodules. Histopathological examination revealed features of cellular and common blue naevus. Dermatoscopy was performed, and the diagnosis of PTBN was made. PTBN is a rare condition with an imprecise prognosis. In cases of PBTN lesions on the head, clinicians must keep in mind the risk of malignant transformation of PTBN or an association with cutaneous neurocristic hamartoma. For this new variant of PTBN appearing on the trunk, we propose close monitoring of the patient if surgical excision is impossible.

We report a large infiltrating atypical granular cell tumor in a child with Noonan syndrome. Even though granular cell tumors are rare in childhood, five cases have been reported in children with Noonan syndrome. This study compares these different cases and explores the possibility of activation of the granular cell by the Ras pathway.

In collaboration with Mexico City government officials, a vehicle demonstration was designed to show the benefits of an oxidation catalyst retrofit. This paper presents emission results of Mexico City's taxi fleet vehicles and displays the effectiveness of a Pt/Pd oxidation catalyst system in lowering emission levels. Two fleet vehicles were emission tested before and after catalyst retrofit modifications with the U.S. FTP-75 vehicle test method. Carburetor modifications were also included to study the effects of engine tuning on engine emissions and catalyst performance. A catalyst retrofit is one approach for achieving reductions in emissions. Prerequisites to a catalyst retrofit are the availability of lead-free fuel and proper engine maintenance schedules. For the covering abstract see IRRD 851463.

One of the central points of debate in the discussion of whether oxidation catalysts are capable of working with leaded-fuel is the simulation of in-use mileage accumulation. Various catalyst ageing cycles have been proposed. Some engine cycles have been shown to only slightly deactivate catalysts, while road ageing experience typically produces significant catalyst deactivation. This paper will report the influence of three different engine ageing cycles on oxidation catalyst durability when a typical 0.15 g Pb/liter European fuel is used. Steady-state ageing at either 370 deg C or 590 deg C inlet temperatures were compared to a multi-mode cycle with a maximum catalyst inlet temperature of 760 deg C. The multi-mode cycle was developed as a simulation of the CCMC cycle requirements based on information obtained from characterizing a vehicle driven according to the recommendations of the CCMC.