UV-induced skin changes due to regular use of commercial sunbeds.

Background/aim: Increased pigmentation and thickening of the epidermis are the most important photoprotective skin reactions induced by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The present study was designed to find out what changes are induced by regular use of commercial sunbeds twice weekly over a period of 6 weeks.

Methods: The parameters analysed were skin pigmentation measured by chromametry, minimal erythema dose (MED) as a parameter of light sensitivity, epidermal thickening as determined by histology, induction of keratinocyte apoptosis as determined by TUNEL staining and antioxidant metabolism as measured by changes of cis- and trans-urocanic acid (UCA) content of the skin.

Surgical excision of pilomatrixoma of the head and neck: a retrospective review of 26 cases.

The objective of this article is to describe our experiences in treating patients for head and neck pilomatrixoma at our institution during a 5-year period and to compare our findings with previously published results. To that end, we conducted a 5-year retrospective chart review to identify those patients who had a confirmed histopathologic diagnosis of pilomatrixoma involving the head and neck area. We reviewed medical records for presenting signs and symptoms, lesion characteristics, treatment rendered, and outcomes.

Effect of the Palmaz balloon-expandable metallic stent in the trachea of pigs.

Endoscopically placed airway stents offer a viable option in primary or adjunctive treatment of severe pediatric tracheobronchial stenoses. Optimistic clinical reports substantiate the need for experimental studies to more effectively evaluate their clinical role. Development of an animal model comparable with the pediatric airway, amenable to endoscopic instrumentation, and capable of assessing effect on growth was the purpose of this pilot project.

Combined rigid and flexible endoscopic removal of a BB foreign body from a peripheral bronchus.

Aspirated foreign bodies (FB) in the peripheral tracheobronchial tree may present challenging management problems for the bronchoscopist. Critical to successful removal is maintaining airway control while minimizing endoscopy time. An innovative approach utilizing rigid and flexible bronchoscopy in removal of a distal impacted airway is presented.

Regulatory effects of transforming growth factor-beta on IL-2- and IL-4-dependent T cell-cycle progression.

Previous studies suggested that the potent immunosuppressive activities of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) were mediated in part through the inhibition of IL-2-dependent S-phase progression and mitosis of activated T cells. To further investigate the mechanism of T cell growth inhibition by TGF-beta, two constitutively activated murine T cell clones were employed as defined model systems for the growth factor-dependent phase of T cell proliferation. The Th cell line, HT-2, proliferated in response to either IL-2 or IL-4, whereas the cytotoxic T cell line, CT6, exhibited strict dependence on IL-2 for growth stimulation.