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Biomedical subjects

J Ring

Publications and source records attributed to J Ring.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

[Atopic eczema. Spectrum of provocation factors and possibilities for their effective reduction and elimination].

Atopic eczema forms together with extrinsic bronchial asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis the classical atopic triad. Genetic predisposition is the crucial pathogenetic factor. The combination of genetic disposition and provocation factors leads to the clinical appearance of skin disease. In addition to therapy adjusted to the stage of the disease, modern management should include a search for relevant trigger factors and then their avoidance to reduce or even prevent flares of the disease. The spectrum of provocation factors ranges from simple measures such as appropriate clothing up to specific measures such as indoor aeroallergen reduction measures.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Atopic patch test. Atopic eczema and allergy].

The role of IgE-mediated allergic reactions in atopic eczema remains controversial. Using the atopy patch test, aeroallergens such as house dust mites, animal dander or pollen can be identified as relevant trigger factors in a subgroup of patients with atopic eczema. The atopy patch test is an epicutaneous patch test employing allergens known to elicit IgE-mediated reactions and used to evaluate eczematous skin reactions. In a series of single- and multicenter studies, a method was developed, standardized and compared to other diagnostic techniques (specific serum-IgE, skin prick test) in atopic eczema patients. With regard to clinical history, the most specific results were obtained with the atopy patch test (allergen-dependent 69-92%), while sensitivity was higher for skin prick test (69-82%) and specific IgE (65-94%). The characterization of a patient subgroup with relevant IgE-mediated allergy may lead to more efficient avoidance and perhaps even specific immunotherapy strategies in the management of atopic eczema.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Education programs on atopic eczema. Design and first results of the German Randomized Intervention Multicenter Study].

Atopic eczema (AE) is a common, chronically relapsing, inflammatory skin disease with an early onset during infancy associated with a high loss of quality of life and socioeconomic burden. In the past few years, an Atopic Eczema Prevention Program was established to improve disease management and the quality of life of patients with atopic eczema. In Germany, the Task Force on Education Programs for Atopic Eczema (AGNES = Arbeitsgemeinschaft Neurodermitis Schulung) for children, youths, and parents was founded as well as the Task Force on Dermatological Prevention (ADP) for adults. These groups ensure structure and process quality of the prevention programs and organize train-the-trainer workshops. In a randomized prospective controlled trial (the German Randomized Intervention Multicenter Study = GRIMS), we are currently comparing the effectiveness of an atopic eczema group intervention program in (1) parents of atopic eczema children aged 0-7 years, (2) parents and children 7-12 years old, and (3) youths with AE aged between 13 and 18 years. The groups were randomized and compared with a waiting control group. The design and first results will be reported.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Improved risk-benefit ratio for topical triamcinolone acetonide in Transfersome in comparison with equipotent cream and ointment: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Transfersome is a drug delivery technology based on highly deformable, ultraflexible lipid vesicles which penetrate the skin when applied non-occlusively. OBJECTIVES: To assess the advantages of this carrier-based formulation in humans, the efficacy and the atrophogenic potential of triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) in Transfersome was compared with commercially available TAC-containing cream and ointment. METHODS: Healthy volunteers were enrolled in double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials with random study medication assignment to the test areas. RESULTS: A 10-fold lower dose of TAC in Transfersome(R) (2.5 micro g cm-2) was bioequivalent to 25 micro g cm-2 TAC in conventional formulations as measured by erythema suppression (cream: P = 0.01, ointment: P < 0.001). A skin blanching assay revealed different kinetics of the formulations, with a delayed onset of action of the Transfersome and ointment preparations. Ultrasonic measurements revealed a significantly reduced atrophogenic potential. There was a 12.1% reduction in skin thickness given by TAC in Transfersome compared with a 21.1% reduction given by a bioequivalent dose in TAC cream after a 6-week treatment period (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Transfersome may significantly improve the risk-benefit ratio of topically applied glucocorticosteroids.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2003

Intake of unsaturated fatty acids and HDL cholesterol levels are associated with manifestations of atopy in adults.

BACKGROUND: The increase in allergic diseases is still unexplained. It was hypothesized that the intake of unsaturated fatty acids is a contributing cause of this development. We investigated the relationship between serum cholesterol levels, intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and manifestations of atopy in a population-based setting. METHODS: A nested case-control study was performed within the population of the 3rd MONICA survey in Augsburg (Germany). The serum levels of total, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of 1537 adults (aged 28-78 years, response 61.4%) and the estimated intake of PUFA in a subset of 139 men were compared with the frequency of a doctor's diagnosis of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR), atopic eczema (AE) and allergic sensitization as measured by skin prick and Radio Allergo Sorbent Test. FINDINGS: In bivariate analyses, we obtained a negative linear association between total and LDL cholesterol levels and the frequency of AR and sensitization, which was no longer significant after adjustment for important confounders. In contrast, positive linear associations were found between HDL cholesterol levels and AR and AE and, furthermore, between the intake of PUFA and allergic sensitization in men (P<0.01). After adjustment, an increasing risk for atopic diseases with increasing levels of HDL cholesterol and an increasing risk for allergic sensitization with increasing intakes of PUFA remained statistically significant. INTERPRETATION: There is indication that HDL cholesterol also plays a role in the complex interaction of fat intake, metabolism and the manifestation of atopy in adults. These findings may contribute to the understanding of time trends and regional differences of allergies.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Erythema annulare centrifugum-type psoriasis: a particular variant of acute-eruptive psoriasis.

A case of erythema annulare centrifugum-type psoriasis in a 58-year-old white woman with a history of chronic plaque psoriasis is described. Initial failure of antipsoriatic treatments and an untypical histology complicated the diagnosis. After several trials acitretin at a low maintenance dose combined with oral fish oil and topical calcitriol led to sustained long-term remission. The spectrum of clinical differentiation of this rare disease, the histological characteristics and its nosological classification are discussed. It is suggested that this dermatosis represents a variant of acute psoriasis, rather than a variant of pustular psoriasis.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed2003

Linear spiradenoma with focal malignant transformation.

Malignant spiradenoma is an exceedingly rare adnexal tumour clinically characterized by rapid enlargement of a pre-existing, long-standing benign spiradenoma. Microscopic examination typically reveals a continuum between benign spiradenoma and areas of malignant transformation. Biological behaviour is unpredictable and it should be regarded as a potentially lethal neoplasm. Treatment recommendations require radical surgical excision. The reported case of a 23-year-old female illustrates the malignant transformation of a 1.5 cm nodule within a large linear spiradenoma almost covering the frontal aspect of the lower leg. In reviewing the literature, malignant transformation seems to occur slightly more often in multiple than in solitary spiradenomas. It is unclear whether excision restricted to the malignant area is an advisable treatment option in comparison to total excision of all spiradenoma nodules. In the presented case, the transformed area was excised. The patient is free of recurrence after 2 years.

Adenoma, Sweat Gland↗
PubMed2003

Mast cell-sperm interaction: evidence for tryptase and proteinase-activated receptors in the regulation of sperm motility.

BACKGROUND: The detection of significant levels of tryptase in human seminal plasma and follicular fluid and of tryptase-positive mast cells (MCs) in the wall of human Fallopian tubes lead us to hypothesize that tryptase may exert regulatory actions on human spermatozoa. METHODS AND RESULTS: Immunoelectronmicroscopy revealed proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) in the membranes of the acrosomal region and midpiece of human spermatozoa. These PAR-2 were functional, as exposure of spermatozoa from healthy men (n = 12) with regular standard semen parameters to human recombinant tryptase significantly decreased motility in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Motile spermatozoa (WHO a + b) were significantly decreased within 10 min of incubation with 1.000 ng/ml tryptase (P = 0.045). After 30 and 60 min, significant reduction of motility was also observed in the presence of lower tryptase concentrations (100 ng/ml, P = 0.037; 10 ng/ml, P = 0.046). The inhibitory effects of tryptase progressed throughout an observation period of 180 min. Furthermore, tryptase effects were reversible after washing procedures and could be inhibited by pretreatment with anti-tryptase antibody or anti-PAR-2 antiserum. CONCLUSIONS: The observations presented raise the possibility that tryptase directly interacts with human spermatozoa during their migration through the female genital tract. Genital tract MCs and their products may be as yet unrecognized factors involved in human fertility/sterility.

Acrosome↗
PubMed2003

Histopathological characteristics of small diameter melanocytic naevi.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The clinical definition of an atypical naevus ("dysplastic naevus" or "naevus with architectural disorder and cytological atypia of melanocytes") stresses size larger than 5 mm in diameter as a major diagnostic criterion. Because malignant melanomas and their precursors may arise in smaller lesions, a histological study of melanocytic lesions smaller than 4 mm in diameter was conducted to evaluate their histological appearance. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty one naevi smaller than 4 mm in diameter were collected and characterised by histological examination into benign naevi without architectural disorder and naevi with architectural disorder and mild, moderate, and severe atypical melanocytes according to criteria used on larger lesions. RESULTS: Small melanocytic naevi covered the same complex histological spectrum from benign naevi to severely atypical naevi when compared with larger lesions. A high proportion of small naevi (72%) exhibited features diagnostic for naevi with architectural disorder and cytological atypia. CONCLUSION: There is a discrepancy between histological and clinically defined atypical naevi. The same generally accepted criteria for the histological diagnosis of atypical naevi should be used for small melanocytic naevi in addition to large ones. Thus, small naevi exhibiting atypical features on histological examination should be categorised as atypical naevi, regardless of their small diameter.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Chronic mucocutaneous candidosis with severe esophageal stricture].

Since seven years, the 23-year-old woman suffered from severe dysphagia and cutaneous Candida-granulomas on the right side of the head, the nose and both hands. The therapy with different oral antimycotics was ineffective. Intravenously and orally administered high-dose fluconazole has induced healing of the mucocutaneous lesions. The esophageal stenosis, most likely caused by esophageal candidosis, was found as the origin of dysphagia. It was successfully treated by fluconazole and endoscopic dilatations.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Tinea capitis et corporis due to Microsporum canis in an immunocompromised female adults patient].

Tinea capitis as well as tinea corporis in adults may occur under conditions of immunosuppression. If suspected clinically, direct microscopy and examination by culture is indispensable. Therapeutic intervention should start without delay. A proven fungal infection of scalp hairs warrants immediate initiation of systemic treatment. Hereby prevention of disfiguring hair loss, permanent formation of scar tissue, spread of fungal organisms to other cutaneous regions as well as infection of other persons is possible.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

[Allergies].

Prevention is crucial in order to counteract the rising trend of allergies. General recommendations, as promoted also in Germany, include the avoidance of tobacco smoke. High risk children may benefit from exclusive breast feeding (alternatively hydrolyzed formulas), delayed introduction of solid food and a reduction of exposure to house dust mite. The meaning of pets is discussed controversially at the moment and new promising candidates for prevention emerge (e.g., probiotics). There is a need for a systematic development of evidence-based recommendations.

Animals↗