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Biomedical subjects

P Elsner

Publications and source records attributed to P Elsner.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Efficacy of protective creams in a modified repeated irritation test. Methodological aspects.

The effect of 3 protective creams and petrolatum was tested in a repetitive irritation test. On 15 healthy volunteers, the irritants (sodium lauryl sulfate 10%, sodium hydroxide 0.5%, lactic acid 15%, and toluene undiluted) were applied on the paravertebral skin of the mid-back after 30 min pretreatment with the products tested. The volunteers were treated for 9 days. The irritant cutaneous reactions were quantified by erythema score, transepidermal water loss, and chromametry. The results showed a specific profile of efficacy against the 4 irritants used. For all creams a significant protective effect was obtained against irritation by sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium hydroxide and lactic acid in different degrees. Less efficacy was observed against toluene. Even an amplification of inflammation by pretreatment with 1 product could be demonstrated. The results indicate that a 1-week period of cumulative irritation might be enough to evaluate the efficacy of protective creams against most irritants.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Regulation of glycogen accumulation in L6 myotubes cultured under optimized differentiation conditions.

The differentiation of the L6 myogenic cell line was enhanced by the addition of dexamethasone, retinoic acid, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and creatine. Spontaneous contractions appeared from day 10 or 11 and persisted to day 14 or 15. Glucose transport was increased by insulin (100 nM) and IGF-I (5 nM) by approximately 60%. The highest level of glycogen was measured in myotubes differentiated under the influence of a combination of 5 nM dexamethasone, 100 nM retinoic acid, 5 nM IGF-I, and 10 mM creatine with glucose as substrate. The glycogen accumulation rate was constant from 0 to 2 h of incubation and decreased gradually to zero at 4 h. From 0 to 0.5 h of the glycogen accumulation, the glycogen synthase a (GSa) activity was 30-35% of the total activity, with a subsequent gradual decline to 2.5% after 6 h. The glycogen phosphorylase a (GPha) activity was constant at approximately 80% from 0 to 0.5 h, increasing to approximately 100% after 6 h. The activity ratio of GSa to GPha decreased about sixfold without significant change in the rate of glycogen accumulation. This indicates that factors other than phosphorylation/dephosphorylation play a decisive role in the regulation of glycogen metabolism in L6 myotubes. Intracellular glucose (glucosei) and glucose 6-phosphate (G-6-P) may be such factors. The observed values of these parameters may in fact explain an activation of GSa (G-6-P) and an inhibition of GPha (glucosei).

Biological Transport↗
PubMed1998

An unusual hypopigmentation in occupational dermatology: presentation of a case and review of the literature.

Contact dermatitis to cooling lubricants is commonly encountered in occupational dermatology, but it rarely induces pigmentary skin changes. It is sometimes difficult to differentiate between toxic leukoderma and postinflammatory hypopigmentation when examining a depigmentation. A differential diagnosis is described in the case of a 31-year-old metal worker, spending most of his time on a computer-numerically controlled machine, who presented with cumulative irritant hand dermatitis and secondary hypopigmentation. Patch tests gave negative reactions to the European standard series, the disinfection and preservative series, the base preparation and emollient series, the metal series, the mechanical worker series as well as to the cooling lubricant itself. Atopy screening was positive for a variety of pollens. Based on biopsy findings, toxic leukoderma could be diagnosed even though none of the known melanotoxic compounds could be identified in his work environment. The patient was advised to avoid further contact with the regular composed cooling lubricant and the contact eczema improved dramatically, whereas the condition of hypopigmentation got better slowly within weeks under PUVA therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Perfluoropolyethers in the prevention of irritant contact dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs) are non-reactive perfluorinated (no hydrogen atoms) liquid polymers that showed promise as ingredients of protective preparations in occupational dermatology. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate if oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions containing 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0% PFPEs (molecular weight 6,250 D) prevent epidermal barrier disruption induced by a repetitive irritation test (RIT). METHODS: PFPE-containing o/w emulsions and the emulsion base alone were evaluated against a set of 4 irritants [10% sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), 0.5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH), 15% lactic acid (LA), and undiluted toluene (TOL)] in the RIT. Ten subjects were tested on the paravertebral skin of the mid-back. Irritation was assessed by visual scoring, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and colorimetry. RESULTS: Both the emulsion base and all PFPE-containing preparations significantly suppressed irritation by SLS and NaOH. Against LA and TOL, only the 4% PFPE-containing preparation was significant as assessed by TEWL. CONCLUSION: A 4% PFPE-containing o/w emulsion significantly inhibits irritation due to a wide spectrum of hydrophilic and lipophilic irritants. o/w emulsions with lower concentrations of PFPE are also effective against SLS and NaOH, but this is also true for the cream base alone. Therefore, further studies are necessary to evaluate if a minimum of 4% PFPE in the base provides additional benefit.

Caustics↗
PubMed1998

Unusual edge effect in patch testing with silver nitrate.

Silver nitrate is a widely used substance and has been applied topically for cauterizing bleeding and healing wounds. In the past it has even been used to mark patch test sites, when no one knew that the substance itself might be a sensitizer. However, there are also toxic reactions to that substance. We report a case in which a positive "edge effect" at the periphery of the patch test site could be shown. It can be explained by the unequal distribution of patch test solutions in the different patch test systems with a concentration at the rim. Distinguishing between allergic and toxic reactions may be difficult when an edge effect occurs. Therefore, in certain rare cases a biopsy or a lymphocyte transformation test might be of help.

Allergens↗
PubMed1998

Do barrier creams and gloves prevent or provoke contact dermatitis?

Barrier creams and gloves play an important role in the prevention of contact dermatitis, and various in vivo and in vitro methods have been developed to investigate their efficacy. However, their actual benefit in the workplace is still being debated. This article reviews both the benefits and adverse effects of barrier creams and gloves.

Dermatitis, Contact↗
PubMed1998

A study of new fragrance mixtures.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of responses to four mixtures of fragrance materials in routine clinic patients undergoing patch testing for suspect allergic contact dermatitis. The validity of using fragrance mixtures alone, or in combination, was evaluated in terms of predicting allergy to fragrance judged on the basis of finding a response to at least one of the fragrance mixtures. METHODS: A total of 752 subjects were patch tested in five centers worldwide with (1) fragrance mix 8% (FM), (2) balsam of Peru 25%, (3) a mixture of seven of the eight FM 8% ingredients and other fragrance ingredients including jasmine absolute (jasmine/FM mix), and (4) a mixture of five selected natural fragrance ingredients (NM). RESULTS: Of 752 subjects, 100 (13%) had positive patch tests to at least one of the four fragrance mixtures. The age of the patients was 45.2 +/- 18.3 years (mean +/- SD). Ninety-six percent were Caucasian. Facial eruptions and hand involvement were the most common topographic sites. Of subjects exhibiting a positive response, 67% reacted to FM, 63% to the jasmine/FM mix, 47% to the NM, and 38% to balsam of Peru. Testing with FM and NM identified 84% of the perfume-allergic patients. FM 8% tested simultaneously with the jasmine/FM mix identified 86% of the perfume-allergic patients. Testing simultaneously with three test materials combining either the NM or the jasmine/FM mix with balsam of Peru and FM identified 95% of the perfume-sensitive patients. CONCLUSIONS: The simultaneous testing of NM or jasmine/FM mix, in addition to the conventional use of FM 8% and balsam of Peru, increases the sensitivity of testing for fragrance allergy from 81% to 95%.

Balsams↗
PubMed1997

[Use of skin protective agents by patients with occupational dermatoses: need for improved preventive behavior].

QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY: In high-risk workplaces, primary and secondary measures to prevent occupational dermatoses are necessary. Therefore, protective creams as useful tools in prevention have to be applied adequate. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether a protective cream is adequately applied to the hands by patients with occupational dermatoses after self-application, and to quantify what areas are covered or missed. METHODS: 50 patients of the Department of Dermatology of the University Hospital, Zurich, suffering from job-related skin diseases were recruited for a questionnaire and self-application of a cream as they would typically apply it. The cream contained 1% vitamin A acetate in order to fluoresce bright yellow when irradiated with Wood's light. RESULTS: 84% believed that their symptoms were occupationally-related. However, only 44% were occasional or regular users of protective creams and only 36% had previously been informed about skin protection at the workplace. Self-application of a fluorescent preparation resulted in many areas shown as skipped when viewed under Wood's lamp. Only 60% applied the test preparation sufficiently and the application was incomplete, especially in the dorsal aspects of the hands. CONCLUSIONS: Our results underline the necessity of educational efforts in the prevention of occupational dermatoses and present an effective approach to teaching patients the proper use of protective creams.

Dermatitis, Occupational↗
PubMed1997

[Fluorescence with Wood's light. Current applications in dermatologic diagnosis, therapy follow-up and prevention].

The invisible long-wave ultraviolet radiation (340-450 nm, max.365 nm) produced by a Wood lamp can help to diagnose dermatoses with a characteristic fluorescence (tinea capitis, erythrasma, tinea versicolor, Pseudomonas infections, porphyrians, and pigmentary alterations). It is also used in the detection of medications that are taken systemically (tetracycline) or that are applied to the skin. Recently, a fluorescence technique with Wood light has been used as a preventive measure to monitor and quantify skin protection at the workplace and to teach workers in high-risk occupations the proper use of protective creams.

Dermatitis, Occupational↗
PubMed1997

An evaluation of the relationship between 'atopic skin' and skin irritability in metalworker trainees.

Skin hyperirritability to irritants as well as atopy are considered to be predisposing factors for contact dermatitis. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether these predictive factors are independent or whether they are so closely related that one could possibly replace the other 205 metalworker trainees underwent skin examination for skin atopy, including standardized questionnaire, clinical examination of the skin and a series of skin irritability tests. These tests included measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) before and after irritation with 3 different irritants: sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The results of the linear regression analysis demonstrate that skin atopy is not associated with increased skin irritability, as assessed by the irritability testing methods presented.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Reproducibility of a non-invasive skin irritancy test in a cohort of metalworker trainees.

The identification of subjects with increased susceptibility to irritants may play an important rôle in the prevention of irritant contact dermatitis. A short and quick method of non-invasive testing for assessing irritant sensitivity was developed by Wilhelm and coworkers in 1990, based on the alkali resistance test of Burckhardt. In order to determine the reproducibility of this screening method, 204 healthy metalworker trainees were tested 2 x according to Wilhelm within an interval of 6 months. No statistically-significant correlation could be shown, indicating that the reproducibility of this screening method is low. Therefore, we propose applying not just a single test for the assessment of skin irritability, but a series of tests, in order to improve the reliability of this kind of testing.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Predictive testing of metalworking fluids: a comparison of 2 cumulative human irritation models and correlation with epidemiological data.

Metalworking fluids (MWF) have been reported as being an important cause of irritant contact dermatitis in metal workers. Our purpose was to determine whether the irritancy of different MWF assessed by 2 different types of predictive human in vivo tests could be compared with epidemiological data. 3 water-based MWF were tested in the same panel of subjects. Reactions were assessed by a visual score (VS), evaporimetry to evaluate the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and chromametry to quantify erythema. Test 1: MWF were applied with Finn Chambers on the volunteers' mid-back, removed after 1 day of exposure, and reapplied for a further 2 days. Test 2: Cumulative irritant contact dermatitis was induced using a repetitive irritation test for 2 weeks (omitting weekends) for 6 h per day. We observed an increase in VS, TEWL, and erythema for all MWF, with the same irritancy ranking in both test models. Differentiation of the substances was better in the D1/D3 test. The experimental results partially correlated with the epidemiological data. Considering the shorter application time and the better discrimination of irritancy, we prefer the D1/D3 model as a predictive test of MWF irritancy. Our results might aid development of a standardized test to reduce cumulative skin irritation in metal workers.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Skin roughness is negatively correlated to irritation with DMSO, but not with NaOH and SLS.

While many endogenous and exogenous factors have been found to influence skin irritant reactivity, the role of skin roughness in irritation has not yet been studied. In this study we measured skin roughness by visiometry and performed irritation tests on the flexural side of the forearm with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in two different concentrations in a population of 151 volunteers between 15 and 25 years of age. The results showed a significant negative correlation between most roughness parameters and DMSO irritation. The correlation between roughness parameters and irritation tests with SLS and NaOH was not significant. We conclude that smoother skin is more prone to DMSO irritation than rougher skin and that this may be due to differences in percutaneous penetration of the compound.

Adolescent↗