PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

G E Pierard

Publications and source records attributed to G E Pierard.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Responsive corneosurfametry following in vivo skin preconditioning.

Skin is subjected to many environmental threats, some of which altering the structure and function of the stratum corneum. Among them, surfactants are recognized factors that may influence irritant contact dermatitis. The present study was conducted to compare the variations in skin capacitance and corneosurfametry (CSM) reactivity before and after skin exposure to repeated subclinical injuries by 2 hand dishwashing liquids. A forearm immersion test was performed on 30 healthy volunteers. 2 daily soak sessions were performed for 5 days. At inclusion and the day following the last soak session, skin capacitance was measured and cyanoacrylate skin-surface strippings were harvested. The latter specimens were used for the ex vivo microwave CSM. Both types of assessments clearly differentiated the 2 hand dishwashing liquids. The forearm immersion test allowed the discriminant sensitivity of CSM to increase. Intact skin capacitance did not predict CSM data. By contrast, a significant correlation was found between the post-test conductance and the corresponding CSM data. In conclusion, a forearm immersion test under realistic conditions can discriminate the irritation potential between surfactant-based products by measuring skin conductance and performing CSM. In vivo skin preconditioning by surfactants increases CSM sensitivity to the same surfactants.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Anterior lenticonus: diagnostic aid in Alport syndrome].

Anterior lenticonus is a rare condition in which the lens presents a conical protrusion of its anterior cortex. Sometimes isolated, it may be an ocular manifestation of Alport syndrome, a hereditary nephritis accompanied by deafness and other ocular signs such as flecked retinopathy or posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy. All these manifestations are a result of a genetic defect in type IV collagen, a major component of basal membranes in the human body. The clinical aspects and therapy of anterior lenticonus and Alport syndrome are described, as well as the exploration that must begin when anterior lenticonus is discovered. This exploration is essential so that this diagnosis can be made as soon as possible.

Humans↗
PubMed2001

Hand and forearm skin: comparison of their respective responsiveness to surfactants.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Skin compatibility of detergent products is usually evaluated using predictive tests where products are applied on the back or the forearm of the volunteers, even if those products come more readily into contact with consumers' hands. The current study aimed at comparing the skin responsiveness of hands and volar and dorsal forearms to a surfactant solution. METHOD: Volunteers soaked simultaneously their forearms and hands in a solution of anionic surfactants, at 40 degrees C for 20 min, thrice a day and for 2 consecutive days. Skin condition on the hands, and the volar and dorsal forearms was evaluated by clinical examination and instrumental measurements. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed at baseline for various skin parameters, especially those related to skin dryness. After repetitive contacts with the surfactant solution, a parallel evolution of most skin parameters was observed--i.e., an absence of change in instrumentally measured erythema and transepidermal water loss, a similar decrease in corneometry values, and a similar increase in staining of the stratum corneum strippings and in clinical dryness. However, an opposite effect of the soakings on the cohesiveness between corneocytes harvested by tape strippings from hand and forearm was observed. CONCLUSION: For most parameters, skin responsiveness to surfactants appears to be quite similar on the hands and forearms. It is inferred that forearms can be conveniently used to predict interaction of surfactants with hands.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome caused by a mutation in type I collagen.

Classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is characterized by skin hyperelasticity, joint hypermobility, increased tendency to bruise, and abnormal scarring. Mutations in type V collagen, a regulator of type I collagen fibrillogenesis, have been shown to underlie this type of EDS. However, to date, mutations have been found in only a limited number of patients, which suggests genetic heterogeneity. In this article, we report two unrelated patients with typical features of classical EDS, including excessive skin fragility, in whom we found an identical arginine-->cysteine substitution in type I collagen, localized at position 134 of the alpha1(I) collagen chain. The arginine residue is highly conserved and localized in the X position of the Gly-X-Y triplet. As a consequence, intermolecular disulfide bridges are formed, resulting in type I collagen aggregates, which are retained in the cells. Whereas substitutions of glycine residues in type I collagen invariably result in osteogenesis imperfecta, substitutions of nonglycine residues in type I collagen have not yet been associated with a human disease. In contrast, arginine-->cysteine substitutions in type II collagen have been identified in a variety of chondrodysplasias. Our findings show that mutations in other fibrillar collagens can be causally involved in classical EDS and point to genetic heterogeneity of this disorder.

Amino Acid Motifs↗
PubMed2000

The boosted antifungal topical treatment (BATT) for onychomycosis.

Despite promising pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles, modern antifungals exhibit limited efficacy in the treatment of onychomycoses. The clinical and mycological data are far from reaching a complete cure even after long-course treatments extending over many months. After reviewing the histological presentation of onychomycoses, one of the main reasons for treatment failure and disease recurrence appears to be the presence of dormant chlamydospores and arthroconidia inside the infected nail plate. Accordingly, we present a novel concept in onychomycosis treatment. It consists of the combination of an antifungal with a device boosting germination of fungal propagules in order to render these cells more responsive to treatment. Preliminary results of a pilot study support such a concept.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2000

Corneocyte desquamation.

Corneocyte desquamation at the skin surface is a complex biologic event which is normally regulated for providing an inconspicuous shedding of single corneocytes. When altered, the process gives rise to xerotic and ichthyotic conditions. The present review focusses on important biologic and molecular aspects responsible for normal and altered corneocyte desquamation. There is a complex relationship between epidermal cell production, maturation and desquamative loss. Corneocyte hydration, stratum corneum barrier function and enzymatic corneodesmolysis are involved in a dynamic interrelationship. Many physiological and environmental factors acting in a different time frame influence desquamation.

Cell Adhesion↗
PubMed2000

Breast cancer metastatic to the eyelids.

Metastases to the eyelids are rare. They may appear as diffuse swellings, nodules or ulcerations. Most often they correspond to the dissemination of a breast adenocarcinoma. An 83 year old woman is reported with mammary adenocarcinoma metastasizing to the eyelids.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2000

Clinical course and predictive factors for cyclosporin-induced autologous graft-versus-host disease after autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The administration of cyclosporin A (CyA) after autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) induces a systemic autoimmune syndrome mimicking graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD). This syndrome, termed autologous GVHD has notable anti-tumour activity in animal studies. We intended to induce autologous GVHD with CyA in patients undergoing an autologous HSCT. We prospectively studied 118 patients with miscellaneous malignancies undergoing an autologous HSCT with low-dose CyA to characterize the clinical syndrome, its frequency and clinical course, and to determine the factors affecting its incidence. Patients received CyA from d -1 through to d 28, first starting at 2 mg/kg intravenously and then orally as soon as feasible. The dose was adjusted to achieve pre-dose blood levels around 100 ng/ml. A skin biopsy was performed when a skin rash was observed. Thirty-three percent of the patients developed clinical GVHD: clinical stage 1 in 21 patients, stage 2 in seven patients, and stage 3 in three patients. Although total body irradiation (TBI) or high-dose cyclophosphamide were previously thought to be needed, autologous GVHD occurred in five out of 12 patients (42%) after a preparative regimen with high-dose melphalan alone. Autologous GVHD was significantly more frequent in patients older than 33 years, in patients who had received high doses of granulocyte-macrophage colony forming units (CFU-GM) and in those with a diagnosis of myeloid malignancy, compared with those with lymphoid malignancies or solid tumours. A significant negative association was also found with HLA-DR6. In lymphoma patients, GVHD occurred more frequently in advanced disease than in first or second complete remission (CR1-2) patients. All other factors studied were not predictive for GVHD. In conclusion, CyA-induced GVHD is reproducibly and safely induced with doses of CyA adapted to achieve blood levels around 100 ng/ml. In retrospective analysis, there was no survival advantage for patients with GVHD. Phase III trials with this approach are needed to evaluate its anti-tumoral effect.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

Chronic verrucous varicella zoster virus skin lesions: clinical, histological, molecular and therapeutic aspects.

The outbreak of HIV infection introduced a new phenomenon in varicella zoster virus (VZV) pathology, namely the long-standing wart-like skin lesions that are frequently associated with resistance to thymidine kinase (TK)-dependent antiviral agents. This paper reviews the clinical, histological, and molecular aspects and the therapeutic management of these verrucous lesions. The majority of lesions are characterized by chronically evolving, unique or multiple wart-like cutaneous lesions. The main histopathological features include hyperkeratosis, verruciform acanthosis and VZV-induced cytopathic changes with scant or absent cytolysis of infected keratinocytes. The mechanism that establishes the chronic nature of the lesions appears to be associated with a particular pattern of VZV gene expression exhibiting reduced or nondetectable gE and gB synthesis. Drug resistance to TK-dependent antiviral agents is a result of nonfunctional or deficient viral TK. This necessitates alternative therapeutic management using antiviral agents that target the viral DNA polymerase.

Acyclovir↗
PubMed1997

Adult groin hernias: new insight into their biomechanical characteristics.

The biomechanical properties of the transversalis fascia and rectus abdominis aponeurosis were assessed in adult groin hernias, using a computerized-suction device (Cutometer) equipped with a 2-mm probe. Evaluations were made ex vivo on fresh samples collected from 63 patients with unilateral or bilateral hernias and 30 control subjects without hernias. Under 50 and 200 mbar suctions, there was no statistical difference between the overall mechanical properties of control and patient aponeuroses. For both 50 and 200 mbar suctions, the maximum distension (MD) and the biological elasticity (BE) of fasciae from direct hernias were significantly increased, compared with control fasciae. In the same comparison, the MD-50 and -200 and the BE-50 of patient fasciae from the non-herniated sides were also significantly increased. It is concluded that the presently reported biomechanical alterations seem to be the cause and not the consequence of the hernias. These data suggest that a functional connective tissue pathology probably plays a role in the genesis of groin hernias.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Mechanical properties of skin and liposuction.

BACKGROUND: Liposuction removes fat, setting the skin under tension, and could therefore alter the overall viscoelastic properties of the teguments. OBJECTIVE: To measure in vivo the mechanical properties of skin at the site of liposuction and to compare the viscoelastic values with those of the inner aspect of the forearms. METHODS: The Cutometer SEM 474 equipped with a 8-mm probe was used. RESULTS: Data show that cutaneous laxity, which is characteristic for an aging aspect, is not higher at the liposuction sites than on the reference area. CONCLUSION: Liposuction does not increase the clinical aspects of skin aging.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Mechanical properties of the diabetic waxy skin.

BACKGROUND: In some diabetic patients, the skin of the hands has a waxy appearance. OBJECTIVE: To study subclinical skin stiffening in diabetic patients using a noninvasive, in vivo suction device measuring skin extensibility and elasticity. Skin thickness was also measured by high-resolution ultrasonography. METHODS: Evaluations were made on the dorsum of the hands and on the volar aspect of the forearms. RESULTS: In type 1 diabetic patients, the extensibility of skin was decreased while values of thickness and elasticity were increased. These alterations were most prominent on the hands. Similar modifications, although less pronounced, were also found in type 2 diabetic subjects. CONCLUSION: The reported biomechanical changes indicate the presence of subclinical skin stiffening in many patients with diabetes mellitus. Such noninvasive biometrological evaluations could be used for monitoring, rating and correlating some diabetes-associated disorders.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Pierced ears].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Beauty Culture↗
PubMed1995

Paradoxical response to itraconazole treatment in a patient with onychomycosis caused by Microsporum gypseum.

A Columbian patient presented with a rare type of onychomycosis caused by Microsporum gypseum. Oral treatment with itraconazole formulation (Funazol) available in Columbia failed to improve the nail alteration. The fungitoxic effect of itraconazole was assessed on the M. gypseum strain cultured from the nail of the patient by using the method of culture of fungi on cyanoacrylate skin surface strippings (CSSS). In addition, a comparative evaluation of the oral bioavailability of itraconazole was made in volunteers after intake of Funazol and Sporanox. In the ex vivo bioassay on CSSS, topical itraconazole proved to be highly active against M. gypseum. After oral intake, however, the itraconazole bioavailability of Funazol relative to Sporanox averaged only 3.5%. Antifungal pulse therapy with Sporanox, 400 mg daily for 1 week per month for 4 months, cured the patient. This study shows that itraconazole is hardly or not absorbed from the oral formulation Funazol. Both the oral bioavailability and consequently therapeutic efficacy of the genuine drug (Sporanox) are highly superior.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1994

Acquired nail beading in patients receiving itraconazole--an indicator of faster nail growth? A study using optical profilometry.

Nail surfaces of toe-nail fragments were analysed by optical profilometry in patients treated with two different dosages of itraconazole: 200 mg continuous dosing for 12 weeks, or a pulse-dose regimen of 1 week per month of 400 mg itraconazole daily for 3-4 months. The use of the latter regimen seemed clinically to increase nail growth, which was accompanied in several patients by the occurrence of nail surface irregularities. This aspect was studied by computerized optical profilometry. Nail beading was characterized by a higher number of peaks and a larger mean roughness value (Ra). Such findings are reminiscent of other nail alterations resulting from a faster matrix turnover. A substantially greater number of peaks and larger Ra were found in the patients receiving the pulse treatment than in those receiving the continuous-dose regimen. Pulse therapy with itraconazole therefore appears to modify the structure of the nail plate, probably as a result of, or in association with, an increased rate of growth.

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug↗
PubMed1994

Dansyl chloride labelling of stratum corneum: its rapid extraction from skin can predict skin irritation due to surfactants and cleansing products.

The irritation potential of surfactants and body cleansing products was determined by evaluating the removal of dansyl chloride from the skin. Dilute solutions (2% active ingredient, w/v) of surfactants and soap extract fluorescence from the skin within 30 min. This is probably a physicochemical effect as it is too rapid to be due to a modification of epidermal cell turnover rate. Such an extraction of the fluorescent dye occurs without any clinical sign of irritation. However, it may represent an early phase of the skin irritation process, because it is related to the ranking of irritant products as determined by other assessment methods.

Betaine↗