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Biomedical subjects

Kaare Weismann

Publications and source records attributed to Kaare Weismann.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

[The shadow rule and appropriate sun behavior].

INTRODUCTION: Sun lotions have not been effective in preventing the alarming increase in the incidence of melanoma, possibly, because of incorrect use, lack of protection from UVA and increased exposure times caused by reduced penetration of erythemogenic UVB. Seeking shade prevents deleterious effects from the sun's ultraviolet rays. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined the association between UV intensity and the ratio of shadow length to object height. A linear model fitted the data (R = 0.95). With an astronomical navigation equation for the calculation of altitude of the sun and substituting altitude with UV intensity we developed a model predicting the UV load from the point of observation, the time of the year (declination) and the time of day (hour angle). Accumulated UV doses can be calculated by integration. RESULTS: When the shadow to object ratio is 0.5, skin types I and II will experience erythema after a few minutes, when the ratio is 1 erythema appears after 20-30 minutes, and when the ratio is 2 erythema appears after about one hour. In the Mediterranean, accumulated UV exposure from sunrise to sunset in late summer will be 30-50 times the minimal erythema dose (skin types I + II) of which more than 60% is in the interval where the shadow is shorter than its object. DISCUSSION: The shadow rule (short shadows--seek shade) is simple and universal and children can be taught it. A rule of thumb is: when shadows are shorter than objects throwing them, avoid direct sunlight, when shadow and object are of equal length restrict sun exposure to half an hour, and when shadows are twice the length of objects an hour in the sun is permissible.

Erythema↗

[Scabies].

The aim of this review is to draw attention to the fact that scabies still causes clinical problems and gives rise to epidemics in hospitals and institutions. We describe the clinical aspects of ordinary and crusted scabies and newer diagnostic methods, such as epiluminescence microscopy and PCR. The current treatment of scabies in Denmark is mentioned, and the importance of simultaneous preventative treatment of household contacts and hygienic measures in the surroundings is emphasised. The role of ivermectin in the treatment and prevention is briefly described. A series of scabies epidemics in hospitals and institutions are discussed with emphasis on factors influencing the spread and subsequent interruption of the epidemic. It is concluded that each institution should have guidelines for the handling of such epidemics and that the local hygiene unit should be involved immediately in the case of an epidemic.

Humans↗

[Institutional scabies].

We describe an outbreak of scabies affecting 13 patients and staff members in a geriatric ward. The difficulties of diagnosis and treatment are discussed, and it is suggested that the local hygiene unit should be involved immediately if institutional scabies is suspected.

Aged↗

[Airborne contact allergy provoked by kathon in water-based plastic paint].

We describe two cases of airborne contact allergy to plastic paint containing Kathon. Two women with known kathon allergy, aged 33 and 50 years, developed severe dermatitis and systemic reactions after painting their homes with water-based plastic paint with Kathon as preservative. Both required treatment with systemic steroids. On return to their homes, the symptoms immediately recurred, and they were forced to stay away for several weeks afterwards. Patients allergic to Kathon should be informed of the risk of airborne contact allergy when exposed to paints preserved with Kathon.

Adult↗

Melanocytic proliferations associated with lichen sclerosus.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinicopathologic features of melanocytic proliferations associated with lichen sclerosus (LS) and to compare these findings with those in controls. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Academic and private practice dermatology and dermatopathology services. PATIENTS: Cases of melanocytic proliferations associated with LS and consecutive controls with persistent (recurrent) melanocytic nevi, persistent malignant melanomas, and compound melanocytic nevi. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Diagnostic criteria and disease recurrence. RESULTS: Eleven patients, all female, with a mean age of 40 years (range, 8-83 years), presented with pigmented lesions clinically suspected to be malignant melanoma or atypical melanocytic nevi affecting the vulva (7 patients), perineum (3 patients), or chest (1 patient). Lichen sclerosus was first identified in the biopsy specimen and subsequently confirmed clinically. In 10 cases, a melanocytic nevus was superimposed on LS (overlying or entrapped by sclerosis), whereas LS was found at the periphery of vulvar malignant melanoma. After complete excision, no recurrences have been reported for the melanocytic nevi in LS (mean follow-up, 29 months; range, 4-60 months). Compared with control lesions, the LS melanocytic nevi most closely resembled persistent melanocytic nevi and could be distinguished from persistent malignant melanoma histologically. Melanocytes, nevoid or malignant, proliferating contiguously with fibrotic or sclerotic collagen, contained abundant melanin, diffusely expressed HMB-45, and had a higher Ki-67 labeling index than ordinary melanocytic nevi. However, persistent malignant melanoma exhibited mitotic figures, significantly higher Ki-67 labeling index, and deep dermal HMB-45 expression compared with LS melanocytic nevi and persistent melanocytic nevi. CONCLUSIONS: Melanocytic nevi occurring in LS have features in common with persistent melanocytic nevi and can mimic malignant melanoma. An "activated" melanocytic phenotype is seen in LS melanocytic nevi, implicating a stromal-induced change.

Adolescent↗