Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Irritation
Kinds of Irritation Terms modified by Irritation Selected Abstracts"A Certain Irritation": The White House, the State Department, and the Desire for a Naval Settlement with Great Britain, 1927,1930DIPLOMATIC HISTORY, Issue 5 2007B. j. c. Mckercher First page of article [source] Sign of Eye Irritation in Female Hospital Workers and the Indoor EnvironmentINDOOR AIR, Issue 4 2001HANS THORE SMEDBOLD First page of article [source] (Q)SARs for Predicting Skin Irritation and Corrosion: Mechanisms, Transparency and Applicability of PredictionsMOLECULAR INFORMATICS, Issue 9 2004Abstract This paper describes previously-developed (quantitative) structure-activity relationships [(Q)SARs]for predicting skin irritation and corrosion, proposes mechanisms of skin irritation and corrosion, and discusses the transparency and applicability of predictions. This paper was written to set the tone for companion papers that describe three applications of skin irritation and corrosion (Q)SARs. The first companion paper describes physicochemical property limits that can be used to develop rules for identifying chemical substances with no skin irritation or corrosion potential. The second companion paper describes structural alerts that can be used to develop rules for identifying chemical substances with skin irritation or corrosion potential. The third companion paper describes the Skin Irritation Corrosion Rules Estimation Tool (SICRET), a user-friendly tool that allows non-(Q)SAR experts to identify chemical substances with skin irritation or corrosion potential based on physicochemical property limits and structural alerts. [source] Use of Physicochemical Property Limits to Develop Rules for Identifying Chemical Substances with no Skin Irritation or Corrosion PotentialMOLECULAR INFORMATICS, Issue 9 2004Ingrid Gerner Abstract This is believed to be the first paper to promote the use of rules based on (quantitative) structure-activity relationship [(Q)SAR] models for identifying chemicals that are not likely to cause a specific adverse health effect, viz., skin irritation or corrosion. The purpose of this paper is to describe limit values for specific physicochemical properties that are appropriate for identifying chemical substances that have no skin irritation or corrosion potential. These physicochemical properties include melting point, molecular weight, octanol-water partition coefficient, surface tension, vapour pressure, aqueous solubility and lipid solubility. Based on analyses of 1833 chemicals, physicochemical properties for limits were defined to determine that when a chemical's physicochemical properties were either greater or less than these limits that these chemicals would have no skin irritation or corrosion potential. To facilitate classification and labeling, the application domains of these limits were constructed to correspond with the European Union's risk phrases for chemicals classified for skin irritation/corrosion, viz., R 34, R35 or R38. This is the second paper of four companion papers. The first paper discussed mechanisms that can lead to significant skin irritation or corrosion after acute exposures to chemicals. The third paper described the application of structural alerts to identify chemical substances with skin irritation or corrosion potential. The fourth paper described the Skin Irritation Corrosion Rules Estimation Tool (SICRET), a user-friendly tool that allows non-(Q)SAR experts to identify chemical substances with skin irritation or corrosion potential based on physicochemical property limits and structural alerts. [source] Action of a silk fabric treated with AEGISTM in children with atopic dermatitis: A 3-month trialPEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2007D. Y. Koller Irritation of the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis by contact with rough fibres of synthetic or woollen clothes is well known. Therefore, it has been recommended that patients should wear cotton clothes. However, cotton also consists of rough fibres able to irritate the skin, whereas silk is characterized by smooth fibres without irritating potential. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical effect of Dermasilk®, a special silk fabric (sericin-free silk treated with AEGIS AEM5772/5 which has antibacterial properties) , in children with atopic dermatitis. A total of 22 children with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis were recruited for a study period of 3 months. All of them received three different tube-fabrics , Dermasilk, sericin-free silk fabric without AEGIS AEM 5772/5 and cotton, covering the cubital region. Patients were advised to wear the Dermasilk fabric all day long during the whole study period on one arm, whereas the sericin-free AEGIS-free silk tube had to be used during the first 2 wk only on the other arm followed by the use of the cotton tube for the rest of the study period. Evaluation of the local SCORAD score was carried out at the beginning of the study, after 2, 4, 8 and 12 wk. A significant reduction of the local SCORAD index of the Dermasilk covered arm was observed after 4, 8 and 12 wk in comparison with the cotton-covered arm score [median (quartile 1,quartile 3)] 6.5 (5,8) vs. 8 (7,9), p < 0.002; 6 (5.25,7.75) vs. 8 (7,9), p < 0.0001; and 6 (5,6) vs. 8 (7.25,10), p < 0.0001. The use of Dermasilk has a significant beneficial effect in atopic dermatitis because of the non-irritating properties of silk as well as the antibacterial capacity of AEGIS AEM 5772/5. [source] 2162: New aspects of the Slug Mucosal Irritation (SMI) assay: Detecting ocular stinging, itching and burning sensationsACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010J LENOIR Purpose Our eyes are one of the most important senses. They are very sensitive and irritations may occur easily. A screening method for ocular discomfort would be very helpful in the development and refinement of formulations. In the past, the Slug Mucosal Irritation (SMI) assay demonstrated a relation between an increased mucus production (MP) in slugs and an elevated incidence of stinging, itching and burning (SIB) in human eyes. The aim of this study is to compare subjective ocular discomfort caused by shampoos evaluated in volunteers with results of the SIB-procedure. Methods The stinging potency of 1 artificial tear and 10 shampoos was evaluated with the SIB-procedure by placing 3 slugs per treatment group 3 times on 100 µl of the test item. After each 15 min contact period, MP was measured. Evaluation of the results is based upon the total MP during 3 repeated contact periods. Experiments were repeated 3 times. A Human Eye Irritation test with the same test items will be set up (12-period cross-over study, 24 volunteers, study approved by an independent Commission for Medical Ethics, associated with Ghent University Hospital). The participants are dripped 10 µl of a 5% or 10% shampoo dilution in water or the artificial tear in 1 eye, while in the other eye 10 µl of water is administered. The evaluation of the test substances is done both by participants and the ophthalmologist at several time points. Conclusion With the obtained results we will be able to improve the newly developed protocol and examine the predictability with reference to non- and mildly irritating formulations in humans. We hope to conclude that the SIB-procedure is a good tool to predict clinical ocular discomfort. [source] PERCEPTION OF MOUTHFEEL SENSATIONS ELICITED BY RED WINE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH SENSITIVITY TO 6-N-PROPYLTHIOURACILJOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 3 2006GARY J. PICKERING ABSTRACT This study investigated the relationship between sensitivity to the bitterness of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) , a genetically determined trait used as an index of general taste acuity , and a range of oral sensations elicited by 16 varietal red wines. Seventeen subjects were trained using descriptive analysis (DA) techniques and developed a lexicon consisting of three taste and 10 tactile attributes representing sensations experienced both in-mouth (IM) and after expectoration (AE). Analysis of variance showed that PROP super-tasters (ST) (n = 8) rated 11 of these 13 sensations differently compared to PROP nontasters (NT) (n = 8), specifically acidity, saltiness, heat/irritation, tingle/prickle, particulate IM, particulate AE, smoothness IM, smoothness AE, grippy/adhesive, mouthcoat and overall astringency. The greater sensitivity of ST to the textural components of red wine is discussed in the context of greater lingual acuity and implications for DA panels, psychophysics and wine consumer behavior. [source] Sensitive skin: closing in on a physiological causeCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2010Miranda A. Farage The phenomenon of ,sensitive skin' is a relatively recent complaint in which certain individuals report more intense and frequent adverse sensory effects than the normal population upon use of cosmetic (personal-care) products. Originally defined as a minority complaint, sensitive skin is now claimed by a majority of women in industrialized countries and nearly half of men. Sensitive skin is self-diagnosed and typically unaccompanied by any obvious physical signs of irritation, and the number of individuals who claim sensitivity has risen steadily with the number of consumer products targeted towards this supposedly uncommon group. Believed by many dermatologists, therefore, to be a ,princess and the pea' phenomenon, the problem of sensitive skin has largely avoided focussed research. Over the last few years, however, the evidence of documentable biophysical changes associated with the largely sensory symptoms of this disorder has accumulated, including some gained by improved methods of identifying subclinical signs of skin irritation. Although the understanding of the aetiology of this phenomenon is as yet incomplete, existing research now supports a biophysical origin for this disorder. Effective methods of diagnosis, intrinsic and extrinsic contributors to exaggerated neural sensitivity, and the specific mechanisms of the discomfort associated with the compliant are required, as are appropriate means of prevention and treatment. [source] Sensory, clinical and physiological factors in sensitive skin: a reviewCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 1 2006Miranda A. Farage Certain individuals experience more intense and frequent adverse sensory effects than the normal population after topical use of personal care products, a phenomenon known in popular usage as sensitive skin. Consumer reports of sensitive skin are self-diagnosed and often not verifiable by objective signs of physical irritation. Companies who manufacture cosmetic and personal care products are challenged to provide safe products to an audience with tremendous differences in skin type, culture and habits. This review examines the still incomplete understanding of this phenomenon with respect to aetiology, diagnosis, appropriate testing methods, possible contributing host factors such as, sex, ethnicity, age, anatomical site, cultural and environmental factors, and the future directions needed for research. [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] FC02.4 Meteorological factors and standard series patch test reactionsCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2004Janice Hegewald The existence of seasonal patterns to patch test reactions has been described, but with conflicting causal interpretations. The potential seasonality of patch tests may be due to irritation, changes to skin barrier or changes to immunological functions caused by meteorological fluctuations. For example, increased skin irritability due to cold winter weather and low humidity may cause an increase in irritative/doubtful and weak positive (false positive) reactions. To investigate the extent of the association between weather and patch test results, consecutive patients (N = 73691) patch tested with the standard series of the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG) at German or Austrian IVDK (http://www.ivdk.de) centres were matched with weather data collected at a nearby (30 km radius) weather station. Temperature and absolute humidity (AH) on the day of patch test application and the two preceding days were averaged to represent the environment most likely to have influenced the skin condition at the time of testing. The results of 24 standard series substances were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression. Half of the standard series substances examined, including fragrance mix, nickel sulphate, and formaldehyde, exhibited evidence of a relationship with meteorological conditions. Fragrance mix and p-Phenylene diamine exhibited the strongest evidence of an association to weather, with the odds of the reactions in all three reaction categories (ir/?, +, ++/+++) increasing during winter conditions. Due to the association between weather and patch test reactivity, the potential effect of meteorological conditions should be considered in the interpretation of patch test reactions. [source] The efficacy of a protective cream in a real-world apprentice hairdresser environmentCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2001D. Perrenoud The object of this study was to compare the protective action of a new barrier cream (Excipial Protect®, Spirig Pharma AG, Egerkingen, Switzerland) to its vehicle in the context of hand irritation of apprentice hairdressers caused by repeated shampooing and exposure to hair-care products. This was a double-blind cross-over comparing Excipial Protect® (containing aluminium chlorohydrate 5% as active ingredient) against its vehicle alone. The efficacy of the creams was evaluated taking into account: (1) clinical scores by researchers, (2) biometric measurements, (3) subjective opinions of the subjects. An analysis of variance was performed considering order of application, degree of atopy, and reported number of shampoos. We observed very little difference in efficacy between the protective cream and its vehicle. The presence, however, of aluminium chlorhydrate in the protective cream was shown to have a positive effect against work-related irritation. The cosmetic qualities of the creams seemed, to the participants, to be as important as their real protective and hydrating properties, an important factor in compliance issues. [source] Validity and ethics of the human 4-h patch test as an alternative method to assess acute skin irritation potentialCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 1 2001Michael K. Robinson For more than 50 years, the Draize rabbit skin irritation test has reigned supreme as the regulatory method of choice for the identification of skin irritant chemicals. To date no in vitro alternative test has been validated as an adequate replacement. However, one potential option, to test the endpoint of concern (skin irritation) in the species of concern (man) has been overlooked. The advent of predictive in vitro tools for the identification of substances corrosive to the skin has opened up the practical possibility of carrying out safe and ethical studies on small panels of humans. The human 4-h patch test has been developed to meet the needs of identifying chemical skin irritation potential, providing data which is inherently superior to that given by a surrogate model, such as the rabbit. This paper reviews in detail the present state of the human 4-h patch test, highlighting its advantages and noting its utility as the ,gold standard' on which to build future in vitro models. [source] Differences between the sexes with regard towork-related skin disease ,CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 2 2000Birgitta Meding Work-related skin disease is common and usually presents as hand eczema. From the Occupational Injury Information System in Sweden, as well as from registers of industrial injuries in other countries, it is evident that females report skin disease more often than males. Epidemiological studies of hand eczema also show that women are more often affected than men, in particular young women. The most common type of hand eczema is irritant contact dermatitis, which is often caused by wet work. Many female-dominated occupations involve extensive wet work, e.g., hairdressing, catering, cleaning and health-care work. These occupations are also high-risk occupations for hand eczema. Experimental studies of skin irritation have not confirmed differences between the sexes; thus, the higher prevalence of irritant contact dermatitis among females is most likely due to exposure, occupational and non-occupational. Nickel allergy is the most common contact allergy, which is most frequent in young females, and in 30,40% results over time in hand eczema. Hand eczema has an impact on quality of life and females seem to report a higher degree of discomfort than males. To achieve the optimal effect of preventive efforts regarding occupational skin disease, the focus for prevention should aim at reducing wet exposure. [source] Placebo-controlled evaluation of the irritant potential of tacalcitol (1,, 24-dihydroxyvitamin D3) in healthy volunteersCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 5 2000K. Schlotmann In the treatment of psoriasis with topical vitamin D3 analogues, lesional and perilesional irritation is the main side-effect. The aim of this study was to investigate whether local side-effects generated by tacalcitol, a vitamin D3 analogue, show concentration dependence. 3 different concentrations of tacalcitol (0.4; 4; 40 ,g/g ointment) and the vehicle were applied on normal skin of the back of 25 healthy volunteers under occlusive conditions for 5 days. Assessment of erythema, infiltration and scaling as well as measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was performed on days 1 to 5. On day 5, additional skin barrier tests (DMSO test, alkali resistance test) were performed. Erythema and slight infiltration, but no scaling, were observed in a number of subjects without significant differences. TEWL also did not show significant differences for the test formulations, though there was a tendency towards lower values in the untreated areas. In the skin barrier tests, a tendency towards higher alkali resistance in the test areas treated with 40 ,g tacalcitol/g ointment was detected. Thus, under occlusive conditions, the irritant potential of tacalcitol is very low. There is no convincing evidence of concentration dependence in irritation generated by tacalcitol when applied under occlusive conditions. [source] Decreased Tear Expression with an Abnormal Schirmer's Test Following Botulinum Toxin Type A for the Treatment of Lateral Canthal RhytidesDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 2 2002Seth L. Matarasso MD background. Inactivation of muscles of facial expression by chemodenervation with botulinum toxin remains an off-label indication. Nevertheless, it continues to be a safe and effective technique to improve dynamic rhytides and is the treatment of choice for the hypertrophic lateral fibers of the orbicularis oculi muscle that can cause the superimposed crow's feet. objective. Although infrequent and self-limiting, the complication of unexpected muscle weakness from toxin diffusion or erroneous placement is documented. methods. However, injection into the pretarsal portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle resulting in unilateral ocular irritation and diminished tear expression as evidenced by a dry eye and an abnormal Schirmer's test has rarely been reported. Direct injection into the pretarsal fibers of the muscle as opposed to diffusion of the toxin into the muscle fibers or the lacrimal gland was consistent with the onset of action of the toxin and the prolonged duration of the ocular symptoms. results. Treatment consisted of ocular lubrication until the effects of the toxin dissipated and muscle tone returned. Subsequent treatment did not result in a result in a recurrence of adverse sequelae. conclusions. Facial muscles are small, not isolated, and often have fibers that interdigitate. An important factor in the administration of botulinum toxin is the identification of the muscles responsible for the corresponding rhytide. Precise knowledge of muscular anatomy and function will aid in minimizing this and other potential complications. [source] Management of vulvar painDERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 1 2004Gayle Fischer ABSTRACT:, Vulvodynia is a frequently used medical term that literally means "vulvar pain". Therefore, vulvodynia is a symptom, not a disease. The term itself indicates a variety of unpleasant chronic vulvar sensations, including burning, rawness, soreness, irritation, sensitivity, and formication. This may or may not include dyspareunia. Primary vulvodynia occurs when these sensory disturbances occur in the absence of observable dermatologic disease or vulvovaginal infection. There are several causes for this, including neuropathy, referred pain, and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. For the purist, it is the patient in whom there is no observable reason for vulvar pain who represents the true case of vulvodynia. However, vulvodynia can also occur secondarily as a symptom of vulvar skin disease. Restricting the present paper to patients without objective signs leaves out all the important conditions which come into the differential diagnosis of vulvar pain which should be ruled out first. The first step in managing vulvodynia is making an accurate diagnosis of its cause. The present review summarizes the diagnosis and management of the chronic dermatologic diseases which may cause primary and secondary vulvodynia. The etiology of primary vulvodynia is much more poorly understood than secondary vulvodynia, and treatment of some aspects remains controversial. [source] Cleansing without compromise: the impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansingDERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 2004K. P. Ananthapadmanabhan ABSTRACT:, Cleanser technology has come a long way from merely cleansing to providing mildness and moisturizing benefits as well. It is known that harsh surfactants in cleansers can cause damage to skin proteins and lipids, leading to after-wash tightness, dryness, barrier damage, irritation, and even itch. In order for cleansers to provide skin-care benefits, they first must minimize surfactant damage to skin proteins and lipids. Secondly, they must deposit and deliver beneficial agents such as occlusives, skin lipids, and humectants under wash conditions to improve skin hydration, as well as mechanical and visual properties. While all surfactants tend to interact to some degree with lipids, their interaction with proteins can vary significantly, depending upon the nature of their functional head group. In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies have shown that surfactants that cause significant skin irritation interact strongly with skin proteins. Based on this understanding, several surfactants and surfactant mixtures have been identified as "less irritating" mild surfactants because of their diminished interactions with skin proteins. Surfactants that interact minimally with both skin lipids and proteins are especially mild. Another factor that can aggravate surfactant-induced dryness and irritation is the pH of the cleanser. The present authors' recent studies demonstrate that high pH (pH 10) solutions, even in the absence of surfactants, can increase stratum corneum (SC) swelling and alter lipid rigidity, thereby suggesting that cleansers with neutral or acidic pH, close to SC-normal pH 5.5, may be potentially less damaging to the skin. Mildness enhancers and moisturizing agents such as lipids, occlusives, and humectants minimize damaging interactions between surfactants, and skin proteins and lipids, and thereby, reduce skin damage. In addition, these agents play an ameliorative role, replenishing the skin lipids lost during the wash period. The present review discusses the benefits of such agents and their respective roles in improving the overall health of the skin barrier. [source] Inhaled insulin as adjunctive therapy in subjects with type 2 diabetes failing oral agents: a controlled proof-of-concept studyDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 5 2006M. Hausmann Aim:, This controlled proof-of-concept study investigated inhaled insulin (INH) as adjunctive therapy to existing oral antidiabetic agents in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Methods:, Twenty-four subjects with type 2 diabetes [19 men and 5 women, 56.1 ± 6.6 years, body mass index 32.7 ± 4.2 kg/m2, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 8.4 ± 0.8% (mean ± s.d.)] inadequately controlled by metformin and/or sulfonylureas were randomized to receive additional therapy with either INH administered preprandially using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), or insulin glargine (GLA) injected subcutaneously at bedtime for 4 weeks. Both inhaled and injected insulin doses were titrated to predefined blood glucose (BG) targets. Results:, INH and GLA improved metabolic control to a similar extent. Mean daily BG decreased by 2.8 mmol/l in the INH group (p < 0.001) and by 2.4 mmol/l in the GLA group (p < 0.001). Accordingly, fasting BG (,2.7 vs. ,3.6 mmol/l for INH vs. GLA), preprandial- and 2-h postprandial BG, HbA1c (,1.23 vs. ,1.05%), body weight (,1.9 vs. ,2.3 kg) and serum fructosamine were similarly and significantly reduced in both groups (p < 0.05). Triglycerides decreased significantly with INH (,1.15 ,mol/l; p < 0.001) but not with GLA [,0.52 ,mol/l; not significant (NS)]. Incidence rates of adverse events did not differ significantly, and there were no indications of respiratory tract irritation. Conclusions:, In subjects with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by oral agents, preprandial administration of INH delivered by a MDI provided a comparable metabolic control to bedtime GLA and did not show any safety concerns during a 4-week treatment. These results warrant a more extensive investigation of preprandial treatment with INH in longer term studies. [source] INTRADUCTAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY FOR THE STAGING OF BILE DUCT CARCINOMADIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2005Kiichi Tamada Intraductal ultrasonography is useful in the staging of extrahepatic bile duct cancer including tumor depth infiltration, pancreatic parenchymal invasion, portal vein invasion, and right hepatic artery invasion. However, it has limitations in assessing lymph node metastases. The assessment of longitudinal cancer extension along the bile duct is a promising aspect of this area. However, a thickening of the bile duct wall may represent either inflammatory changes that may result from mechanical irritation by a biliary drainage catheter or other factors, or the longitudinal extension of the cancer. [source] Gastroesophageal reflux disease and non-small cell lung cancer.DISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 5 2008Results of a pilot study SUMMARY., The sharp rise in the frequency of adenocarcinoma and relative decrease of squamous cell carcinoma of the respiratory and digestive systems, raises suspicion of a common element in their carcinogenetic cascade, which could result in similar trends in cell,type distribution changes of esophageal and lung cancers. The possible role of chemical irritation caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients was investigated. There was no significant difference between the adenocarcinoma and the squamous cell carcinoma groups, neither in the composite DeMeester scores nor in any of the separate parameters of the complex score investigated. However, the ratio of detected gastroesophageal reflux cases was considerably higher than in the average population. This factor may be one element of a multifactorial cancer promotion. [source] First report of saxitoxin in Finnish lakes and possible associated effects on human healthENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 3 2005Jarkko Rapala Abstract This study is the first report of saxitoxin in cyanobacterial blooms in Finland. Bloom samples (n = 50) were collected from Finnish freshwater sites during summer months of 2002 and 2003. These samples were screened for the presence of paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) using the Jellett rapid PSP screening test. Samples testing positive for PSTs (n = 7) were further analyzed with saxiphilin- and voltage-gated sodium channel [3H]-STX,binding radioreceptor assays and liquid chromatography using fluorescence and mass spectrometric analysis. The results indicated that saxitoxin (STX) was the only PST analogue in the samples and that it was present in high concentrations, as much as 1 mg L,1. Microscopic analysis revealed that 95%,100% of the phytoplankton in the positive samples consisted of Anabaena lemmermannii. The trophic status of lakes in which STX-containing blooms were found varied from oligotrophic to hypertrophic. All the lakes had high nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios. In some instances, samples had been collected from sites where swimmers had reported adverse health effects, and in three such cases, reported adverse health effects were associated with sites from which samples testing positive for STX had been received. Symptoms of fever, eye irritation, abdominal pains, and skin rash were reported in children aged 2,10 years after exposure to the water. These were not the adverse human symptoms typical of STX poisoning; rather, they represented acute effects often reported following recreational exposure to cyanobacterial blooms. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 20: 331,340, 2005 [source] Occupational exposure to methyl tertiary butyl ether in relation to key health symptom prevalence: the effect of measurement error correctionENVIRONMETRICS, Issue 6 2003Aparna P. Keshaviah Abstract In 1995, White et al. reported that methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), an oxygenate added to gasoline, was significantly associated with key health symptoms, including headaches, eye irritation, and burning of the nose and throat, among 44 people occupationally exposed to the compound and for whom serum MTBE measurements were available (odds ratio (OR),=,8.9, 95% CI,=,[1.2, 75.6]). However, these serum MTBE measurements were available for only 29 per cent of the 150 subjects enrolled. Around the same time, Mannino et al. conducted a similar study among individuals occupationally exposed to low levels of MTBE and did not find a significant association between exposure to MTBE and the presence of one or more key health symptoms among the 264 study participants (OR,=,0.60, 95% CI,=,[0.3, 1.21]). In this article, we evaluate the effect of MTBE on the prevalence of key health symptoms by applying a regression calibration method to White et al.'s and Mannino et al.'s data. Unlike White et al., who classified exposure using actual MTBE levels among a subset of the participants, and Mannino et al., who classified exposure based on job category among all participants, we use all of the available data to obtain an estimate of the effect of MTBE in units of serum concentration, adjusted for measurement error due to using job category instead of measured exposure. After adjusting for age, gender and smoking status, MTBE exposure was found to be significantly associated with a 50 per cent increase in the prevalence of one or more key health symptoms per order of magnitude increase in blood concentration on the log10 scale, using data from the 409 study participants with complete information on the covariates (95% CI,=,[1.00, 2.25]). Simulation results indicated that under conditions similar to those observed in these data, the estimator is unbiased and has a coverage probability close to the nominal value. The methodology illustrated in this article is advantageous because all of the available data were used in the analysis, obtaining a more precise estimate of exposure effect on health outcome, and the estimate is adjusted for measurement error due to using job category instead of measured exposure. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Coughing: a source of irritation?EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 3 2001M. J. HEAD No abstract is available for this article. [source] A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical evaluation of a nicotine sublingual tablet in smoking cessationADDICTION, Issue 8 2000Mats Wallström Aims. Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of a nicotine 2-mg sublingual tablet in smoking cessation. Design. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of smokers using the 2-mg tablet for 3-6 months with follow-up to 12 months. Dosing was established according to baseline nicotine dependence, scored on the Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire (FTQ): FTQ , 7, two tablets/hour (maximum 40/day); FTQ < 7, one tablet/hour (maximum 20/day). Setting. Smoking cessation programme in a department of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Participants. A total of 247 adult smokers, smoking , 10 cigarettes/day for , 3 years, of whom 123 received active and 124 placebo treatment. The study was powered to detect difference at 6 months. Measurements. Efficacy and safety were evaluated at 6 weeks and 3, 6 and 12 months. Self-reported abstinence was verified by exhaled CO < 10 p.p.m. Findings. Success rates for complete abstinence (no slips after 2 weeks) for active vs. placebo were 50% vs. 29% at 6 weeks, 42% vs. 23% at 3 months, 33% vs. 18% at 6 months and 23% vs. 15% at 12 months ( p < 0.001, 0.001, 0.005 and p = 0.14), respectively. Craving during the first 8 days was significantly reduced among highly dependent smokers on active treatment compared to placebo. Baseline mucosal lesions among abstinent subjects were reduced during the treatment period and at the non-treatment follow-up. Adverse events were mild and tolerable, the most common being irritation and soreness in the mouth and throat. Conclusion. The nicotine sublingual tablet increased the smoking cessation rate compared to placebo, reduced craving in highly dependent smokers and was well tolerated. [source] CCL17 transgenic mice show an enhanced Th2-type response to both allergic and non-allergic stimuliEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 8 2006Yuichiro Tsunemi Dr. Abstract CC chemokine ligand (CCL)17 is implicated in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). To study the effect of CCL17 produced by keratinocytes (KC) during inflammation, we created transgenic (Tg) mice in which CCL17 is overexpressed in KC. Th2-type contact hypersensitivity (CHS) was enhanced and Th1-type CHS was suppressed in these mice. Increased numbers of CC chemokine receptor (CCR)4+ cells and mast cells infiltrated in Tg mice. Levels of IL-4 mRNA were higher and those of IFN-, mRNA were lower in both acute and chronic CHS. Higher levels of serum IgE were observed after CHS. Numbers of CCR4+ cells among PBMC were increased in Tg mice challenged acutely on the trunk. Chronic irritation with croton oil induced dermatitis and an elevation of serum IgE levels. Tg mice showed enhanced ear swelling after tape stripping. CCL17 was thought to modify the inflammation caused by sensitizing reagents as well as irritant reagents by attracting CCR4+ cells into the lesional skin and creating a Th2-dominant condition. AD-like conditions such as increased number of mast cells and elevated levels of serum IgE were observed. Thus, CCL17 may participate in the pathogenesis of skin diseases such as AD by regulating both allergic and irritant inflammation. [source] Phenomenological diversity of spinal reflexes in brain deathEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 3 2000J. F. Spittler In brain death, spinal reflexes and automatisms are observed which may cause irritation and even doubt in the diagnosis. In the literature there are no dedicated descriptions of the diversity and of neuroanatomical considerations. In 278 examinations of 235 patients for the determination of brain death, on 42 occasions obvious spinal reflexes and/or spinal automatisms were observed in 27 brain dead bodies. Because they were not systematically searched for, minute forms have probably been missed. The reflexes (R) and automatisms (A) are described according to the time of observation in relation to the development of brain death, the presumable spinal localization and the possible phylogenetical interpretation. Especially disquieting examples are discussed in more detail, e.g. monophasic EndotrachealSuction,ThoracicContraction-R supposedly switched in segments C2,6 or TrapeziusPinch,ShoulderProtrusion-R conveyed by the accessory nerve (terminology according to the scheme: for the reflexes, Trigger-Response-R: for the automatisms, Movement-A). After these experiences a more thorough examination showed frequent observations of rather minute forms of spinal reflexes, as well as automatisms and even the Lazarus sign (in possibly more than two thirds of the examinations). An estimation of the factual frequency would necessitate special attention to those much more frequent but less obvious minute spinal reflexes and automatisms. [source] Botulinum Toxin Type-A (BOTOX®) in the Treatment of Occipital Neuralgia: A Pilot StudyHEADACHE, Issue 10 2008Martin Taylor DO Objective., To determine the efficacy of occipital nerve blocks using reconstituted botulinum toxin type-A (BTX-A) in providing significant and prolonged pain relief in chronic occipital neuralgia. Background., Occipital neuralgia is a unilateral or bilateral radiating pain with paresthesias commonly manifesting as paroxysmal episodes and involving the occipital and parietal regions. Common causes of occipital neuralgia include irritation or injury to the divisions of the occipital nerve, myofascial spasm, and focal entrapment of the occipital nerve. Treatment options include medication therapy, occipital nerve blocks, and surgical techniques. BTX-A, which has shown promise in relief of other headache types, may prove a viable therapeutic option for occipital neuralgia pain. Methods., Botulinum toxin type-A (reconstituted in 3 cc of saline) was injected into regions traversed by the greater and lesser occipital nerve in 6 subjects diagnosed with occipital neuralgia. Subjects were instructed to report their daily pain level (on a visual analog pain scale), their ability to perform daily activities (on several quality of life instruments) and their daily pain medication usage (based on a self-reported log), 2 weeks prior to the injection therapy and 12 weeks following injection therapy. Data were analyzed for significant variation from baseline values. Results., The dull/aching and pin/needles types of pain reported by the subjects did not show a statistically significant improvement during the trial period. The sharp/shooting type of pain, however, showed improvement during most of the trial period except weeks 3-4 and 5-6. The quality of life measures exhibited some improvement. The headache-specific quality of life measure showed significant improvement by 6 weeks which continued through week 12. The general health- and depression-related measures showed no statistical improvement. No significant reduction in pain medication usage was demonstrated. Conclusions., Our results indicate that BTX-A improved the sharp/shooting type of pain most commonly known to be associated with occipital neuralgia. Additionally, the quality of life measures assessing burden and long-term impact of the headaches, further corroborated improvement seen in daily head pain. [source] Organic compounds as indicators of air pollutionINDOOR AIR, Issue 2003L. Mųlhave Abstract The most important indoor air pollutants have already been addressed with individual national guidelines or recommendations. However, an international set of guidelines or recommendations for indoor air quality (IAQ) is needed for these pollutants based on general and uniform rules for setting such standards. A major research need exist on the less adverse pollutants before recommendations or guidelines can be established. In the interim period a precaution principle should lead to an ALARA principle for these secondary causalities. It should be noted that volatile organic compound (VOC) as an IAQ problem still is in the end of a phase of ad hoc solutions, in the middle of a research phase and only in the beginning of a regulatory phase. Any final official regulation in this area will have to be tentative and the final regulation must await further research. Total volatile organic compound (TVOC) is an indicator for the presence of VOC indoors. The TVOC indicator can be used in relation to exposure characterization and source identification but for VOCs only, not as an indictor of other pollutants and their health effects. In risk assessment the TVOC indicator can only be used as a screening tool and only for sensory irritation. [source] The differences in human cumulative irritation responses to positive and negative irritant controls from three geographical locationsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 5 2008Mingyi W. Trimble A retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate whether studies from three geographically diverse locations have similar response profiles to the positive and negative controls in a standard 14-day cumulative irritation study. The positive irritant control (0.1% sodium lauryl sulphate) and the negative control (0.9% sodium chloride, saline) data from seventeen 14-day cumulative irritation studies were reviewed. The studies were compiled from three locations representing dry/hot, humid/hot, and dry/cold environments (Scottsdale, Arizona; St Petersburg, Florida; and Winnipeg, Manitoba, respectively). Irritation scores were generated by trained skin graders from a total of 442 subjects studied between 1999 and 2005. Cumulative irritation scores were reviewed and compared between study locations. The irritation scores for the positive and negative controls were not significantly different between locations. Temperature and relative humidity variation did not correlate significantly with overall irritation. However, the dryer climate (i.e. negative or low dew point) had a tendency to induce a higher overall irritation level for both positive and negative controls. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||