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Irritants
Kinds of Irritants Terms modified by Irritants Selected AbstractsOEESC-2005 , Summing up on the theme Irritants and Wet WorkCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 6 2006Mari-Ann Flyvholm The aim of this paper was to summarize the presentations and discussions on the theme Irritants and Wet Work at the second conference on Occupational and Environmental Exposures of Skin to Chemicals held in Stockholm June 2005 (OEESC-2005) to bring the focus points to a broader group of professionals and stimulate further discussions. Occupational skin diseases are common diseases with a huge potential for prevention. The risk factors are mostly well known, and the ongoing high occurrence of occupational skin diseases may be seen as a paradox problem. Although all mechanisms involved in occupational skin diseases are not shown throughout, much is known. The existing knowledge justifies the relevance of reducing exposure and introducing prevention programmes. The questions identified for further research included an internationally agreed-upon definition of wet work; better methods to assess the exposure to wet work; the effect of combined exposure to water and water-soluble irritants; the importance of wet work with frequent/short wet,dry cycles versus working longer periods with wet hands; testing skin protection and skin care products; long-term skin effects from alcohol-based hand disinfectants; workplace testing of evidence-based prevention programmes in prospective randomized, controlled intervention studies. [source] Irritants in combination with a synergistic or additive effect on the skin response: an overview of tandem irritation studiesCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 6 2006Francisca Kartono Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) has often been chosen as a model for irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) to study the effect of irritants in combination (1,14). Recently ,tandem', or sequential, exposures with SLS have been performed to study the mechanism of skin barrier impairment in ICD (1,6, 15). The assessment of reactions have been documented with visual scoring, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin colour reflectance measurements, skin blood flow; among which TEWL has been noted as the most sensitive value (16). The matched control groups were treated with either a single exposure to a single irritant or in tandem with the same irritant repeatedly. Synergistic and additive effects have been reported for various tandem pairs of irritants, however, the mechanism for both remains unclear. The results of tandem irritation studies were evaluated to define and investigate the responses produced and deduce a possible mechanism of action. Clinical ramifications, albeit complex, are discussed. [source] Environmental Allergens and Irritants in Schools: A Focus on AsthmaJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 1 2002Susan R. Tortolero ABSTRACT: As part of the Partners in School Asthma Management Program, environmental data were collected from 385 rooms in 60 elementary schools in southeast Texas, using an Environmental Observation Checklist and a Q-TRAK Indoor Air Quality Monitor. Dust samples for allergen analysis were collected from floors, carpets, and area rugs in 80 classrooms in a subset of 20 schools. CO2 levels >1,000 ppm were found in 86% of rooms; 69% had indoor humidity above recommended levels. Der p I dust mite allergen levels >2,000 ng/g were present in 20% of rooms, but only 2.5% of rooms had Der f I mite allergen levels exceeding recommended tolerances. Detectable levels of cockroach allergen (Bla g II) were found in all schools (median 5.5 ng/g), with 10% of rooms over the recommended threshold. Almost two-thirds of classrooms had mold spore counts >10,000 col/g (median, 14,400 col/g; range, 2,000 , 52,000 col/g). [source] Sensitization to 26 fragrances to be labelled according to current European regulationCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 1 2007Results of the IVDK, review of the literature To study the frequency of sensitization to 26 fragrances to be labelled according to current European regulation. During 4 periods of 6 months, from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2004, 26 fragrances were patch tested additionally to the standard series in a total of 21 325 patients; the number of patients tested with each of the fragrances ranged from 1658 to 4238. Hydroxymethylpentylcyclohexene carboxaldehyde (HMPCC) was tested throughout all periods. The following frequencies of sensitization (rates in %, standardized for sex and age) were observed: tree moss (2.4%), HMPCC (2.3), oak moss (2.0), hydroxycitronellal (1.3), isoeugenol (1.1), cinnamic aldehyde (1.0), farnesol (0.9), cinnamic alcohol (0.6), citral (0.6), citronellol (0.5), geraniol (0.4), eugenol (0.4), coumarin (0.4), lilial (0.3), amyl-cinnamic alcohol (0.3), benzyl cinnamate (0.3), benzyl alcohol (0.3), linalool (0.2), methylheptin carbonate (0.2), amyl-cinnamic aldehyde (0.1), hexyl-cinnamic aldehyde (0.1), limonene (0.1), benzyl salicylate (0.1), ,-methylionon (0.1), benzyl benzoate (0.0), anisyl alcohol (0.0). 1) Substances with higher sensitization frequencies were characterized by a considerable number of ,++/+++' reactions. 2) Substances with low sensitization frequencies were characterized by a high number of doubtful/irritant and a low number of stronger (++/+++) reactions. 3) There are obviously fragrances among the 26 which are, with regard to contact allergy, of great, others of minor, and some of no importance at all. [source] Formaldehyde-releasers: Relationship to formaldehyde contact allergy, Part 2: Metalworking fluids and remainderCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2010Anton De Groot We have reviewed formaldehyde-releasers used in metalworking fluids (MWFs) in this and a previous part of a two-part article. These biocides do not appear to be frequent or important sensitizers. Even in highly selected patient groups of metalworkers, mean prevalence rates of sensitivity are low: 0.2% for Tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane, 1.6% for tris(N -hydroxyethyl)hexahydrotriazine, 1.9% for Bioban® P-1487 and Bioban® CS-1246, and 2.8% for Bioban® CS-1135. In the case of the Biobans, many reactions may have been irritant. Only N,N,-methylenebis(5-methyloxazolidine) has a fairly high mean score of 4.0% in metalworkers. With the exception of Bioban® P-1487, there is a clear relationship between positive patch test reactions to the releasers and formaldehyde sensitivity: 40,70% of reactions to releasers occur in patients sensitive to formaldehyde and may therefore be caused by formaldehyde allergy. There is a lack of reliable data on the clinical relevance of contact allergy to the formaldehyde releasers in MWF. In most studies, no data on relevance were provided and in those that did, relevance was often found for a (very small) minority of the reactions only. Also discussed here are the formaldehyde-releasers MDM hydantoin, methenamine, N -methylolchloracetamide, paraformaldehyde, and Preventol® D2. [source] A 6-month follow-up study of 1048 patients diagnosed with an occupational skin diseaseCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 5 2009Tarja Mälkönen Background: Occupational skin diseases (OSDs) often have considerable medical and occupational consequences. Previous data on prognostic factors have been derived from studies with fairly small sample sizes. Objectives: To determine the medical and occupational outcome in 1048 patients diagnosed with OSD at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and to identify the prognostic risk factors for the continuation of OSD. Methods: Patients examined in 1994,2001 filled out a follow-up questionnaire 6 months after the diagnosis. Data on atopy, contact allergies, and occupation were analysed. Results: Six months after the diagnosis the skin disease had healed in 27% of the patients. The OSD had cleared up in 17% of those with no changes at work, and in 34% of those who had changed their job/occupation. The best clearing had occurred in the patients with contact urticaria (35%), whereas the healing of allergic (27%) and irritant (23%) contact dermatitis was similar. The risk factors for continuing occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) were no changes in work, age > 45 years, food-related occupations, respiratory atopy, and male sex. Conclusions: The healing of OSD was associated with discontinuation of the causative exposure. A change in work and the presence of easily avoidable work-related allergies were associated with a good prognosis. [source] Metalworking exposures and persistent skin symptoms in the ECRHS II and SAPALDIA 2 cohortsCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 5 2009Maria C. Mirabelli Background:, Diseases of the skin are important and often preventable conditions occurring among workers with dermal exposures to irritant and sensitizing agents. Objective:, We conducted this analysis to assess the associations between metalworking exposures and current and persistent skin symptoms among male and female participants in two population-based epidemiologic studies. Methods:, We pooled data from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II (ECRHS II) and the Swiss Cohort Study on Air Pollution and Lung and Heart Disease in Adults 2 (SAPALDIA 2), two prospective cohort studies in Europe. Each participant completed interviewer-administered questionnaires to provide information about symptoms and exposures related to selected occupations, including metalworking, during the follow-up periods. We assessed associations between skin symptoms and the frequency of metalworking exposures among 676 ECRHS II/SAPALDIA 2 respondents. Results:, Current skin symptoms were reported by 10% of metalworkers and were associated with frequent use, defined as four or more days per week, of oil-based metalworking fluids [prevalence ratio (PR): 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25,2.49)] and organic solvent/degreasing agents (PR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.21,3.50). Conclusions:, Skin symptom prevalence is associated with increasing frequency of oil-based metalworking fluid and degreasing agent use. Our findings justify assessing strategies for reducing the frequency of metal-related exposures. [source] Irritants in combination with a synergistic or additive effect on the skin response: an overview of tandem irritation studiesCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 6 2006Francisca Kartono Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) has often been chosen as a model for irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) to study the effect of irritants in combination (1,14). Recently ,tandem', or sequential, exposures with SLS have been performed to study the mechanism of skin barrier impairment in ICD (1,6, 15). The assessment of reactions have been documented with visual scoring, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin colour reflectance measurements, skin blood flow; among which TEWL has been noted as the most sensitive value (16). The matched control groups were treated with either a single exposure to a single irritant or in tandem with the same irritant repeatedly. Synergistic and additive effects have been reported for various tandem pairs of irritants, however, the mechanism for both remains unclear. The results of tandem irritation studies were evaluated to define and investigate the responses produced and deduce a possible mechanism of action. Clinical ramifications, albeit complex, are discussed. [source] Augmentation of skin response by exposure to a combination of allergens and irritants , a reviewCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 5 2004Line Kynemund Pedersen Clinical experimental studies on contact dermatitis (CD) often evaluate the effect of one allergen or one irritant at a time. In real life, the skin is often exposed to more allergens, more irritants or allergens and irritants in combination. This combined exposure may potentially influence irritant effects as well as allergenicity of the substances. Mechanisms for a changed response can be immunological effects or enhanced penetration. Knowledge about the influence on skin reaction of combined exposures may influence skin reactivity and is important for prevention of CD. For allergens, threshold values may be influenced by the presence of other allergens or irritants, and prevention of CD by regulation of threshold values may not be sufficient if this is not taken into account. [source] Strong irritants masquerading as skin allergens: the case of benzalkonium chlorideCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 4 2004David A. Basketter Chemicals may possess a number of hazards to human health including the ability to cause skin irritation and contact allergy. Identification and characterization of these properties should fall within predictive toxicology, but information derived from human exposure, including clinical experience, is also of importance. In this context, it is of interest to review the case of benzalkonium chloride, a cationic surfactant. This chemical is a well-known skin irritant, but on occasions it has also been reported to have allergenic properties, typically on the basis of positive diagnostic patch test data. Because the accumulated knowledge concerning the properties of a chemical is employed as the basis for its regulatory classification (e.g. in Europe), as well as for informing the clinical community with respect to the diagnosis of irritant versus allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), it is important to distinguish properly which chemicals are simply irritants from those which are both irritant and allergenic on skin. A review of the information on benzalkonium chloride confirms that it is a significant skin irritant. However, both predictive test results and clinical data lead to the conclusion that benzalkonium chloride is, at most, an extremely rare allergen, except perhaps in the eye, but with many supposed cases of ACD being likely to arise from the misinterpretation of patch test data. As a consequence, this substance should not normally be regarded as, or classified as, a significant skin sensitizer. [source] FS02.8 Patch testing with gold trichloride can give false test resultsCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2004Birgitta Gruvberger Background:, Hydrochloric acid is formed in water solutions of gold trichloride. Hydrochloric acid in contact with aluminium generates hydrogen gas which can reduce and transform trivalent gold to elemental gold. Objective:, To investigate whether patch testing with aqueous gold trichloride can cause false positive (irritant) reactions in patients without contact allergy to gold and false negative reactions in patients with gold allergy. Methods:, 13 patients with and 13 patients without positive patch test reactions to gold sodium thiosulfate were tested with gold trichloride in 2 different vehicles, water and alkaline buffer, using 2 different test techniques, the Finn Chamber technique with aluminium chambers and van der Bend technique with polypropene chambers. Results:, Irritant patch test reactions were obtained with aqueous gold trichloride tested in van der Bend chambers in 10 patients without gold allergy. In gold-allergic patients no positive test reactions were obtained from aqueous gold trichloride in Finn chambers while 2 positive test reactions were obtained from gold trichloride in alkaline buffer tested in van der Bend chambers. Conclusion:, If gold trichloride is patch tested in wrong vehicle and with wrong test technique irritant test reactions may occur which can be misinterpreted as positive allergic reactions in patients without gold allergy as well as negative reactions in patients with gold allergy. [source] Nonanoic acid , an experimental irritantCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2003Jan E. Wahlberg Irritant contact dermatitis is defined as a non-immunological skin reaction following exposure to various chemical, mechanical and physical factors. It is known that the skin response to irritants depends on the irritant applied and differs between chemically different irritants. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an anionic detergent and the most frequently used substance in experimental irritant contact dermatitis. In 1980, it was suggested that nonanoic acid (NNA) could be used as a positive control when patch testing. Since then, NNA has been used as an experimental irritant in several studies and has been used as a chemically different substance compared to SLS. The present article presents a review of the application of NNA in studies on skin irritancy and experimental irritant contact dermatitis. [source] Computer-related skin diseasesCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 5 2003Marjolein Wintzen The use of computers has increased vastly, occupationally as well as for private use, and in the last decade, a number of reports have been published in which skin problems are ascribed to the (intensive) use of computers. Not only irritant or mechanically induced contact dermatitis has been reported but also allergic contact dermatitis. As this appears to be a new group of occupational dermatoses, we present a brief overview of these cases, and aetiologic factors are discussed. [source] Natural vegetable fats in the prevention of irritant contact dermatitisCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 1 2002S. Schliemann-Willers Chronic irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is one of the most pressing problems in occupational medicine and is common in the food processing industry. To date, protective creams that fulfil the special requirements in the foodstuffs industry have not been available. Therefore, we studied the efficacy of pre-exposure application of natural vegetable fats in the prevention of experimentally induced ICD. A panel of 20 healthy volunteers was tested with a repetitive irritation test using sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as a standard irritant in a randomized study. Application sites were assessed clinically and by the use of bioengineering techniques (evaporimetry, chromametry, and corneometry). Rape seed and palm fats showed significant protective potential. Gas-chromatographic analysis revealed differences in the fatty acid composition of the vegetable. Higher content of linoleic acid and lower content of oleic acid was associated with beneficial effects. Our results are a new approach in the prevention of ICD and towards the development of new protective preparations for workplaces in the foodstuffs industry. [source] Clues to an accurate diagnosis of contact dermatitisDERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 3 2004Robert L. Rietschel ABSTRACT:, An accurate diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis can be achieved by a combination of historical, morphologic, and diagnostic steps. Clues in the history and physical examination can point to an irritant as the source of contact dermatitis. While irritants and allergens share many common features both immunologically and clinically, there are grounds for the distinction. Knowledge of occupational factors is necessary to assess the source of contact dermatitis. A common pitfall is the failure to appreciate the role of endogenous factors in the clinical presentation and overall care of the dermatitis patient. A comprehensive assessment of the patient's environment will lead to appropriate patch tests being applied and a correct diagnosis being reached. [source] Contact dermatitis of the vulvaDERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 1 2004Lynette J. Margesson ABSTRACT:, Vulvar diseases rarely stand alone. They are often caused or worsened by primary irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, and this should be considered when evaluating any vulvar complaint. All irritants should be avoided in all women, and those with vulvar dermatoses should be patch tested to help define or rule out allergens. [source] Cross-priming with an epicutaneously introduced soluble protein antigen generates Tc1 cellsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 11 2006Li-Fang Wang Abstract Epicutaneous sensitization with a protein antigen was demonstrated to induce a predominant type 2 CD4 T cell response with high IgE production in mice. On the other hand, its CD8 T cell responses have not been addressed probably partly because of the generally accepted concept that cross-priming of soluble protein is an inefficient process. Here, we used an established patch-applied murine model to demonstrate that cross-priming with an epicutaneously introduced soluble protein antigen, though inefficient, generated mainly Tc1 cells, but not Tc2 cells. In the presence of an irritant or hapten, the efficiency of this cross-priming process could be enhanced and more Tc1 cells were generated. CpG oligonucleotides also promote the generation of Tc1 cells. In contrast, lipopolysaccharide and poly (inosinic-cytidylic) acid [poly (I:C)] have no effect. Together, these results provide supportive evidence of the epicutaneous sensitization of human cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen-positive CD8 T cells found in the peripheral blood or tissues of patients. The surprising observation of the type 1 character of the generated CD8 T cells will also help us to better understand the complicated pathogenesis of atopic and cutaneous inflammatory diseases. [source] Nitric oxide-peroxynitrite-poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase pathway in the skinEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2002László Virág Abstract: In the last decade it has become well established that in the skin, nitric oxide (NO), a diffusable gas, mediates various physiologic functions ranging from the regulation of cutaneous blood flow to melanogenesis. If produced in excess, NO combines with superoxide anion to form peroxynitrite (ONOO,), a cytotoxic oxidant that has been made responsible for tissue injury during shock, inflammation and ischemia-reperfusion. The opposite effects of NO and ONOO, on various cellular processes may explain the ,double-edged sword' nature of NO depending on whether or not cellular conditions favour peroxynitrite formation. Peroxynitrite has been shown to activate the nuclear nick sensor enzyme, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Overactivation of PARP depletes the cellular stores of NAD+, the substrate of PARP, and the ensuing ,cellular energetic catastrophy' results in necrotic cell death. Whereas the role of NO in numerous skin diseases including wound healing, burn injury, psoriasis, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, ultraviolet (UV) light-induced sunburn erythema and the control of skin infections has been extensively documented, the intracutaneous role of peroxynitrite and PARP has not been fully explored. We have recently demonstrated peroxynitrite production, DNA breakage and PARP activation in a murine model of contact hypersensitivity, and propose that the peroxynitrite-PARP route represents a common pathway in the pathomechanism of inflammatory skin diseases. Here we briefly review the role of NO in skin pathology and focus on the possible roles played by peroxynitrite and PARP in various skin diseases. [source] pH-induced alterations in stratum corneum propertiesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 3 2003K. P. Ananthapadmanabhan Synopsis Skin-cleansing compositions based on alkyl carboxylates (soaps) have a higher irritation potential than those based on syndet surfactants such as alkyl isethionates or alkyl ether sulphates. Contributing factors include inherent differences in the irritation potential of soaps and syndet surfactants, pH-induced changes in surfactant solution chemistry, and the direct effects of pH on the physical properties of the stratum corneum (SC). Past work has not directly addressed the effect of solution pH on the SC itself and its potential role in cleanser-induced skin irritation. In the current work, alterations to SC properties induced by buffered pH solutions and two strongly ionizable surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulphate and sodium lauryl ether sulphate, at different pH values are measured. By utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy we have directly measured physical changes in SC proteins and lipids. Our results indicate that SC swelling, which reflects alterations to SC structural proteins, is increased significantly at pH 10, compared to pH 4 and 6.5. The transition temperature (Tm) of SC lipids is found to increase at pH 10, compared to pH 4 and 6.5, suggesting a more rigid SC lipid matrix. Surfactants cause a further increase in swelling and lipid rigidity. Some aspects of what these results mean for SC physical properties as well as their implications to potential mechanisms of surfactant-induced skin irritation are discussed. Résumé Les compositions nettoyantes pour la peau à base d'alkyl carboxylates (savons) ont un potentiel irritant supérieur à celles à base de syndet tensioactifs tels que les alkyl isothionates ou les alkyl ether sulfates. Les facteurs en cause comprennent les différences de potentiel irritant inhérentes aux savons et aux syndet tensioactifs, les modifications de la chimie de la solution de tensioactif dues aux pH, et les effets directs du pH sur les propriétés physiques de la couche cornée (CC). Les travaux antérieurs n'ont pas traité directement l'effet du pH de la solution sur la couche cornée elle-même et son rôle potentiel dans l'irritation de la peau due à la solution nettoyante. Dans la présente étude on a mesuré les altérations des propriétés de la CC causées par des solutions à pH tamponné et deux tensioactifs fortement ionisables, le dodecyl sulfate de sodium et le lauryl ether sulfate de sodium, à différentes valeurs de pH. En utilisant la tomographie optique (OCT) et la spectroscopie à infrarouge (IR) on a mesuré directement les modifications physiques des protéines et des lipides de la CC. Nos résultats montrent que le gonflement de la CC, qui traduit des altérations des protéines structurales de la CC, augmente significativement à pH 10, par comparaison au pH 4 et 6.5. On observe que la température de transition (Tm) des lipides de la CC augmente à pH 10, par comparaison au pH 4 et 6.5, suggérant une matrice lipidique de la CC plus rigide. Les tensioactifs provoquent une augmentation plus importante du gonflement et de la rigidité lipidique. On aborde certains aspects de la signification de ces résultats vis-à-vis des propriétés physiques de la couche cornée ainsi que leurs conséquences sur les mécanismes potentiels de l'irritation de la peau causée par les tensioactifs. [source] Respiratory hypersensitivity to trimellitic anhydride in Brown Norway Rats: a comparison of endpointsJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 2 2002Jürgen Pauluhn Abstract A rat bioassay has been developed to provide an objective approach for the identification and classification of respiratory allergy using trimellitic anhydride (TMA), which is a known respiratory tract irritant and asthmagen. Particular emphasis was placed on the study of route-of-induction-dependent effects and their progression upon inhalation challenge with TMA (,23 mg m,3 for a duration of 30 min), which included analysis of specific and non-specific airway hyperreactivity and pulmonary inflammation initiated and sustained by immunological processes. Refinement of the bioassay focused on procedures to probe changes occurring upon challenge with TMA or methacholine aerosols using physiological, biochemical and immunological procedures. Following challenge with TMA, the rats sensitized to TMA showed marked changes in peak inspiratory and expiratory air flows and respiratory minute volume. In these animals, a sustained pulmonary inflammation occurred, characterized by specific endpoints determined in bronchoalveolar lavage (lactate dehydrogenase, protein, nitrite, eosinophil peroxidase, myeloperoxidase). When compared with the naive controls, lung weights were increased significantly, as were the weights of lung-associated lymph nodes following inhalation induction and auricular lymph nodes following topical induction. The extent of changes observed was equal or more pronounced in animals sensitized epicutaneously (day 0 : 150 µl vehicle/50% TMA on each flank, day 7; booster administration to the skin of the dorsum of both ears using half the concentration and volume used on day 0) when compared with rats sensitized by 5 × 3 h day,1 inhalation exposures (low dose: 25 mg TMA m,3, high dose: 120 mg TMA m,3). In summary, the findings support the conclusion that the Brown Norway rat model is suitable for identifying TMA as an agent that causes both an immediate-type change of breathing patterns and a delayed-type sustained pulmonary inflammatory response. However, it remains unresolved whether the marked effects observed in the topically sensitized rats are more related to a route-of-induction or dose-dependent phenomenon. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Spinal somatosensory evoked potential evaluation of acute nerve-root injury associated with pedicle-screw placement procedures: An experimental studyJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 2 2003I-Ming Jou Pedicle screws for spinal fixation risk neural damage because of the proximity between screw and nerve root. We assessed whether spinal somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) could selectively detect pedicle-screw-related acute isolated nerve injury. Because pedicle screws are too large for a rat's spine, we inserted a K-wire close to the pedicle in 32 rats, intending not to injure the nerve root in eight (controls), and to injure the L4 or L5 root in 24. We used sciatic-nerve-elicited SSEP pre- and postinsertion. Radiologic, histologic, and postmortem observations confirmed the level and degree of root injury. Sciatic (SFI), tibial (TFI), and peroneal function indices (PFI) were calculated and correlated with changes in potential. Although not specific for injuries to different roots, amplitude reduction immediately postinsertion was significant in the experimental groups. Animals with the offending wire left in place for one hour showed a further non-significant deterioration of amplitude. Electrophysiologic changes correlated with SFI and histologic findings in all groups. SSEP monitoring provided reliable, useful diagnostic and intraoperative information about the functional integrity of single nerve-root injury. These findings are clinically relevant to acute nerve-root injury and pedicle-screw insertion. If a nerve-root irritant remains in place, a considerable neurologic deficit will occur. © 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. [source] Hand and forearm dermatoses among veterinariansJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 3 2007DM Bulcke Abstract Background, Infectious and non-infectious hand and forearm dermatoses are frequent in daily veterinary medicine. In this specific occupation there is a serious impact of skin disease on the lives and careers of veterinarians. Objective, In this study we clarify the different occupational dermatoses on hands and forearms among veterinarians, using data collected in different dermatological patch-test expert centres in Belgium and the Netherlands. Methods, Instead of questioning veterinarians themselves, which has been done in different studies in the past, we contacted dermatologists in Belgium and the Netherlands, questioning them about their experiences with dermatoses among veterinarians. Results, Seven dermatologists described a total of 58 veterinarians. Infectious dermatoses were described in 12 cases (20.7%). The non-infectious dermatoses (46 cases, 79.3%) can be classified as contact urticaria and as irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. Conclusion, While irritant contact dermatitis accounts for the vast majority of hand and forearm dermatoses among veterinarians, contact urticaria and allergic contact dermatitis also significantly contribute to the occupational morbidity. Repeated hand washing, occlusion under rubber gloves, contact with animal protein fluids during obstetric procedures and contact with antiseptic agents, systemic and topical corticosteroids and antibiotics are the most likely causes of hand and forearm dermatoses among veterinarians. [source] Skin benefits from continuous topical administration of a zinc oxide/petrolatum formulation by a novel disposable diaperJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 2001S Baldwin Abstract Background Diaper dermatitis is a common childhood affliction. Aiming to help reduce the prevalence of this problem, we have advanced in our development of a novel diaper that delivers dermatological formulations to help protect the skin from over-hydration and irritation. Objective To determine the clinical benefits of a novel disposable diaper designed to deliver a zinc oxide and petrolatum-based formulation continuously to the skin during use. Methods All studies were independent, blinded, randomized clinical trials. Study A was conducted to confirm transfer of the zinc oxide/petrolatum (ZnO/Pet) formulation from the diaper to the child's skin during use. Children wore a single diaper for 3 h or multiple diapers for 24 h. After the use period, stratum corneum samples were taken from each child and analysed for ZnO/Pet. Study B evaluated the prevention of skin irritation and barrier damage from a standard skin irritant (SLS) in an adult arm model. Study C evaluated skin erythema and diaper rash in 268 infants over a 4-week usage period. One half of the infants used the ZnO/Pet diaper, while the other half used a control diaper that was identical except for the absence of the ZnO/Pet formulation. Results The ointment formulation and ZnO transferred effectively from the diaper to the child's skin during product use. Transfer of ZnO increased from 4.2 µg/cm2 at 3 h to > 8 µg/cm2 at 24 h. Exposure to the formulations directly on adult skin prior to an irritant challenge was associated with up to a 3.5 reduction in skin barrier damage and skin erythema. Greatest reductions were seen for the ZnO containing formulations. Wearing of the formulation treated diaper was also associated with a significant reduction in skin erythema and diaper rash compared to the control product. Conclusions The results demonstrated the clinical benefits associated with continuous topical administration of a zinc oxide/petrolatum-based formulation by this novel diaper. [source] Skin cleansing in childrenJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 2001C Gelmetti Abstract The problems of skin cleansing in infants have been re-evaluated in recent years on the basis of current understanding of cosmetology and skin physiology. The anatomical and functional peculiarities of infant's skin have been elucidated and, although it is known that the barrier function is established at birth in normal babies, it remains the case that children's skin is more delicate and therefore more prone to irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. These factors determine the choice of cleansing agents during infancy. The products available on the market differ markedly. Indeed detergents, bath oils, bath powders, due to their distinctive properties, have different indications and different benefits. The method of cleansing the skin, i.e. bathing or showering, is also important. The frequency of cleansing should take into account the age and the degree of exposure to pollutants. For special purposes, e.g. impetiginized dermatoses, antiseptics such as potassium permanganate or chlorhexidine can be added to the water in appropriate concentrations. The ideal paediatric detergent should be very mild to avoid irritant dermatitis, and very simple to avoid allergic dermatitis. [source] Insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists as flea adulticides in small animalsJOURNAL OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 4 2010D. T. VO Vo, D. T., Hsu, W. H., Abu-Basha, E. A., Martin, R. J. Insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists as flea adulticides in small animals. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2885.2010.01160.x. Fleas are significant ectoparasites of small animals. They can be a severe irritant to animals and serve as a vector for a number of infectious diseases. In this article, we discuss the pharmacological characteristics of four insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists used as flea adulticides in dogs and cats, which include three neonicotinoids (imidacloprid, nitenpyram, and dinotefuran) and a macrocyclic lactone (spinosad). Insect nAChR agonists are one of the most important classes of insecticides, which are used to control sucking insects on both plants and animals. These novel compounds provide a new approach for practitioners to safely and effectively eliminate adult fleas. [source] Cytology in the diagnosis of rhinosinusitisPEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2007M. Gelardi Nasal cytology is a diagnostic tool currently used in rhinology, with the aim of assessing cell changes in the nasal epithelium exposed to irritant or inflammatory agents. Its rationale is based on the knowledge that nasal mucosa of healthy individuals is constituted by four cytotypes (ciliata, mucipara, striata, and basalis) and does not show other cells except, rarely, neutrophils and, very rarely, bacteria. In this view, the detection of a given cell type different from these is a sign of possible pathology. The advantage and the diffusion of nasal cytology were increased by a number of factors such as the easiness of performance, the non-invasiveness allowing repetition (which is often needed in the efficacy monitoring of medical or surgical treatment of nasal diseases), and the low cost. This makes nasal cytology particularly feasible for application in children. The cytological feature characterizing infectious inflammation is the presence of abundant bacteria, which may be found in extracellular tissue and also inside neutrophils as a result of phagocytosis. In such clinical condition it is important to monitor the disease with cytological controls to verify the significant decrease, or the disappearance of inflammatory cells, which indicates the resolution of the pathology. [source] Prevalence of Cutaneous Findings in Hospitalized Neonates: A Prospective Observational StudyPEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Ayten Ferahbas M.D. Methods:, All of newborn infants hospitalized in the Newborn Unit of Erciyes University Medical School Hospital in Central Anatolia, Turkey from February 1 to November 30, 2003, were included prospectively in the study. A questionnaire regarding maternal gestational history, maternal and family history was administered to the parents of each child. All skin lesions were recorded and mapped on a body chart. Results:, Of the 816 newborns, parents of 650 gave informed consent. Only 28 (4.3%) of the infants had no dermatologic examination findings. The most common 10 diagnoses were: xerosis/desquamation 257 (39.5%), sebaceous hyperplasia 207 (31.8%), transient toxic erythema 201 (30.9%), salmon patch 125 (19.2%), Mongolian spot 86 (13.2%), cutis marmorata 69 (10.6%), suction bulla 67 (10.3%), miliaria 55 (8.5%), hypertrichosis 51 (7.8%), and dermatitis (irritant, seborrheic, or diaper) 14 (2.1%). Conclusions:, This study confirms that skin changes in the newborn are common, particularly desquamation, sebaceous hyperplasia, and transient toxic erythema. [source] Acute symptoms associated with asphalt fume exposure among road pavers,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 9 2006Allison L. Tepper PhD Background Although asphalt fume is a recognized irritant, previous studies of acute symptoms during asphalt paving have produced inconsistent results. Between 1994 and 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) evaluated workers at seven sites in six states. Methods NIOSH (a) measured exposures of asphalt paving workers to total (TP) and benzene-soluble particulate (BSP), polycyclic aromatic compounds, and other substances; (b) administered symptom questionnaires pre-shift, every 2 hr during the shift, and post-shift to asphalt exposed and nonexposed workers; and (c) measured peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of asphalt paving workers when they completed a symptom questionnaire. Results Full-shift time-weighted average exposures to TP and BSP ranged from 0.01 to 1.30 mg/m3 and 0.01 to 0.82 mg/m3, respectively. Most BSP concentrations were <0.50 mg/m3. Asphalt workers had a higher occurrence rate of throat irritation than nonexposed workers [13% vs. 4%, odds ratio (OR),=,4.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2,13]. TP, as a continuous variable, was associated with eye (OR,=,1.34, 95% CI: 1.12,1.60) and throat (OR,=,1.40, 95% CI: 1.06,1.85) symptoms. With TP dichotomous at 0.5 mg/m3, the ORs and 95% CIs for eye and throat symptoms were 7.5 (1.1,50) and 15 (2.3,103), respectively. BSP, dichotomous at 0.3 mg/m3, was associated with irritant (eye, nose, or throat) symptoms (OR,=,11, 95% CI: 1.5,84). One worker, a smoker, had PEFR-defined bronchial lability, which did not coincide with respiratory symptoms. Conclusions Irritant symptoms were associated with TP and BSP concentrations at or below 0.5 mg/m3. Am. J. Ind. Med. 49:728,739, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Growth, feed utilization and growth heterogeneity in juvenile turbot Scophthalmus maximus (Rafinesque) under different photoperiod regimesAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 3 2002M Ö Stefánsson Abstract Juvenile turbot (45 g, SE = 1.3) were reared under three photoperiods, 08L:16D, 12L:12D and 20L:04D at slightly elevated ambient temperature for Ireland. Over the 297-day experimental period, the overall growth rate of the 12L:12D (0.82% d,1) treatment was higher than for both 08L:16D (0.80% d,1) and 20L:04D (0.77% d,1). Overall relative feed intake (FI = % consumption*day,1) was higher for the 20L:04D (FI = 0.81% d,1, SE = 0.06) treatment than for the 08L:16D (0.63% d,1, 0.04) and 12L:12D (0.64% d,1 0.04) treatments, whereas feed conversion efficiency (FCE = weight gain* consumption,1) was lower in the 20L:04D (FCE = 0.67, SE = 0.08) group when compared with the 08L:16D (0.88, 0.06) and 12L:12D (0.88, 0.06) treatments. Present results show that the long-term extended fixed photoperiod may act as an irritant, inducing stress, suppressing growth and reducing feed utilization. It is hypothesized that the progression of size-dependent hierarchies over time can be divided into two distinct phases herein referred to as ,hierarchy resolution' and ,hierarchy stabilization' phases (or phases 1 and 2) characterized by increasing and decreasing growth heterogeneity respectively. Growth heterogeneity is measured as coefficient of variation of weight and rank correlation of initial weight of a phase and corresponding growth rate. [source] Flexural allergic contact dermatitis to benzalkonium chloride in antiseptic bath oilBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2007S. Hann Summary Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is an acknowledged irritant but has also been identified as a cause of allergic contact dermatitis. The antiseptic bath emollient Oilatum® Plus (Stiefel, High Wycombe, U.K.) contains a relatively high concentration of 6% BAK. We describe six patients who presented with flexural eczema, particularly involving the anogenital area, who had a history of using Oilatum® Plus. Patch testing showed all six to have a type 4 allergy to BAK as well as other allergens. Avoidance of Oilatum® Plus led to a resolution of the flexural eczema in each case. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||