Contact dermatitis: etiologies of the allergic and irritant type.

The term contact dermatitis describes an inflammatory process of the skin that occurs in response to contact with exogenous substances and involves pruritic and erythematous patches. Approximately 80% of all contact dermatitis is primary irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), whereas allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) makes up only 20% of contact dermatitis cases, the estimated prevalence of contact dermatitis in the United States being 1.4%.

Plasma sublimation for the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum.

Introduction: Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is a common xanthomatous lesion of the eyelid and periorbital skin. Several methods of treatment have been reported in the literature, each having its own indications and risks. We present a new treatment method for removing XP using a plasma exeresis device (Plexr®, GMV, Italy).

Hailey-Hailey disease: a diagnostic challenge.

Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD) is an autosomal-dominant genodermatosis characterized by crusted macerated erosions, as well as velvety, dry, fissured plaques in the intertriginous areas. No predilection for sex or ethnic group has been reported. The typical age of onset is in the third decade of life.

Milker's nodule: an occupational infection and threat to the immunocompromised.

Milker's nodule virus, also called paravaccinia virus, is a DNA virus of the parapoxvirus genus transmitted from infected cows to humans. It results from contact with cattle, cattle by-products or fomites. Classified as an occupational disorder, those at risk of exposure include farmers, butchers and agricultural tourists.

Long-term efficacy and tolerability of tacrolimus 0.03% ointment in infants:* a two-year open-label study.

Background: Tacrolimus ointment is effective for treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in children aged ≥2 years (Br J Dermatol, 2004; 150: 554). Here, efficacy and tolerability of tacrolimus 0.03% ointment were evaluated in 50 infants aged <2 years at start of treatment.

The pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus after first and repeated dosing with 0.03% ointment in infants with atopic dermatitis.

Background: In adults and children aged > 2 years, systemic absorption of tacrolimus from tacrolimus ointment is very low. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus 0.03% ointment were investigated in infants aged 3-24 months.

Significance of S-T segment elevations in acute myocardial ischemia. Evaluation with intracoronary electrode technique.

A method is described for measuring intracoronary S-T segment elevations in the closed chest, a technique that appears to provide more reliable measurements of myocardial ischemia. Electrodes were inserted through intracoronary balloon catheters that were placed within a coronary artery and its adjoining vein both proximal and at several points distal to a coronary occlusion. Intracoronary arterial and adjacent venous electrocardiograms produced equivalent tracings.

Consequences of coronary arterial occlusion on remote myocardium: effects of occlusion and reperfusion.

Focal necrosis (microinfarcts) and regional lactate derangements were observed in closed chest dogs in the nonoccluded (remote) posterior segments of the left and right ventricles after acute occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery. Focal infarcts in the remote areas were observed in five of the six dogs with 7 days of occlusion of the left anterior descending artery and in six of seven dogs with 7 days of reperfusion after 3 hours of occlusion. There was a good correlation between the finding of microinfarcts and myocardial lactate derangements in the corresponding remote myocardium.

Revascularization after 3 hours of coronary arterial occlusion: effects on regional cardiac metabolic function and infarct size.

Two experimental series of closed chest dogs were compared: Group A (five dogs with 7 days of continuous occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery); and Group B (six dogs with 7 days of reperfusion after 3 hours of acute occlusion of the same artery). Hemodynamic measurements, ventricular wall motion, coronary sinus blood flow and regional metabolism in both coronary occluded and nonoccluded segments of the left ventricle were measured sequentially. The infarct size was characterized by detailed histopathologic analysis.

Regional myocardial metabolism following acute coronary artery occlusion.

Regional measurements of the consequences of coronary artery occlusions indicate myocardial derangements in both the coronary occluded and nonoccluded myocardium. The proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was acutely occluded in 34 closed-chest anesthetized dogs through inflation of an intracoronary balloon. Temporary seperation of venous compartments was achieved by means of a balloon catheter placed within the great cardiac vein, and simultaneous blood sampling from both occluded and nonoccluded segments was carried out.