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PubMed1988

The incidence of allergy to propolis in 605 consecutive patients patch tested in Prague.

605 consecutive patients were patch tested with the standard CDRG test series and with a 10% alcoholic solution of propolis. Positive allergic reactions to propolis were observed in 25 patients (4.2%); thirteen of them exhibited a simultaneous positive patch test to balsam of Peru. In view of the relatively high incidence of allergic reactions and the appearance of pseudo-cross-sensitivity to another common allergen, balsam of Peru, propolis should not be used in topical medicaments or as a component of cosmetic preparations.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

PubMed1994

The influence of shaving method on perfume allergy.

Among men, the most frequent contact allergens are perfumes (fragrance mix and balsam of Peru). Considering that the main cause of nickel allergy is ear-piercing, shaving with a razor blade might be the cause of perfume contact allergy, by creating small wounds that increase the penetration of applied perfume substances derived from soaps, shaving foams and after-shave lotions. 19 males with contact allergy to fragrance mix and/or to balsam of Peru were interviewed about their shaving habits by letter. 17 responded (89%), of whom 12 (71%) had been using razor blades continuously for a period of at least 1 year. At our clinic, the frequency of razor blade usage was found to be 45% in patch tested men without perfume contact allergy. When comparing the frequencies of razor blade usage among patch tested men with and without perfume contact allergy, there was a statistically significant over-representation (p = 0.047) among those with perfume allergy. The risk of perfume allergy when using razor blades was found to be 2.9 (odds ratio).

Aged↗

PubMed2004

The effect of different formulations of equivalent active ingredients on the performance of two topical wound treatment products.

Product selection for the management of pressure ulcers or perineal dermatitis is typically based on consideration of active ingredients, but a growing body of evidence suggests that delivery vehicles also may influence product safety and efficacy. A 10-day, randomized, controlled experimental study was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of two prescription products used for the treatment of pressure ulcers and perineal dermatitis. Both products contain equivalent active ingredients (balsam of Peru, castor oil, and trypsin), but one product delivers these ingredients in an ointment base while the other uses an aerosol spray. Sixty healthy volunteers (> 65 years of age) underwent intentional creation of two equivalent skin wounds (approximately 6 mm in diameter) using an Erbium-YAG laser. Volunteers served as their own control. Wounds were randomized to treatment with one of the balsam of Peru products or saline. Wounds were evaluated every other day. Significant differences between treatments were observed for most outcome variables (edema, scabbing, erythema, epithelialization). Wounds managed with the ointment-based product had lower edema, scabbing, and erythema scores and higher epithelialization scores than the spray or saline managed wounds. The results of this study confirm that formulation of the vehicle base can have a significant effect on product safety and effectiveness.

Aerosols↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Increasing the effectiveness of the therapeutic action of probiotics].

The problems of the optimization of the therapeutic action of probiotics are discussed. Their use in combination with vitamin-enriched food additives is recommended. Balsams "Beryozka" and "Zolotoi koren" have been found to promote the adhesive capacity of bifidobacteria and lactobacteria. At the same time "Zolotoi koren" also enhances the functional activity of lactobacilli. The increase of the adhesive capacity and metabolic activity of automicroflora on one hand and the pronounced biostimulating effect of the balsams on the other hand may ensure a sufficiently high level of the colonization resistance of the body.

Bacterial Adhesion↗

PubMed1998

[Differentiated contact allergy lists serve in quality improvement].

Through cooperation between the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG) and the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), results of standardized patch tests performed by the participating centres are centrally recorded in Germany. For this study, data from 24 departments of dermatology (19678 patients) were evaluated retrospectively and separately for 1995 and 1996. With decreasing frequency, nickel, fragrance mix, balsam of peru, and thimerosal yielded positive reactions most often; surprisingly high numbers of positive reactions were also seen with amerchol L-101 and palladium. Differentiated lists of allergens were compiled for 1995, referring to subgroups of patients (defined by gender, age, localization of eczema, geographical region, occupation, sensitization) and particular problems. In men, percentages of positive reactions were markedly lower for nickel, fragrance mix and balsam of peru than in women. Younger patients reacted more often to thimerosal and older ones to topical medical preparations. Medical allergens were also often positive in patients with leg eczema, whereas occupational allergens were found more frequently in patients with hand eczema. A comparison of positive reactions obtained in distinct geographical regions was problematic because of differences between test populations. The spectrum of allergens found in office workers was similar to that of the whole test population. Patients with positive reactions to nickel and fragrance mix had more positive reactions to unrelated allergens than the total test population. Sex- and age-adjusted frequencies of sensitization revealed a decrease in reactions to nickel and an increase in reactions to mercury allergens from 1995 to 1996. The clinical relevance of mercury reactions was often not apparent. Differentiated lists of allergens can be used to improve the quality of diagnostic and prophylactic procedures in allergic contact dermatitis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Quantitative analysis of 2-furfural and 5-methylfurfural in different Italian vinegars by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using isotope dilution.

A new method was developed for the determination of 2-furfural (2-F) and 5-methylfurfural (5-MF), two products of Maillard reaction in vinegar, with head-space solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A divinylbenzene (DVB)/carboxen (CAR)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fibre was used and SPME conditions were optimised, studying ionic strength effect, temperature effect and adsorption time. Both analytes were determined by calibration established on 2-furfural-d4 (2-F-d4). The method showed good linearity in the range studied (from 16 to 0.12 mg/l), with a regression coefficient r2 of 0.9999. Inter-batch precision and accuracy were found between 14.9 and 6.0% and between -11.7 and 0.2%, respectively. Detection limit was 15 microg/l. The method is simple and accurate and it has been applied to a series of balsamic and non-balsamic vinegars.

Acetic Acid↗

PubMed2005

Analytical characterization of diterpenoid resins present in pictorial varnishes using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with on line trimethylsilylation.

A procedure based on the technique of the pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) has been applied, in this work, in order to determine the composition of diterpenoid resin employed in art works. The method is based on the on line derivatization of these resins using hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS). Results obtained were compared with those previously reported in literature from Venice turpentine, Strasbourg turpentine, colophony, sandarac and Manila copal using this same method and with those others from in situ thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH). Canada balsam, copper resinate and Copaiba balsam have been also analyzed extending the scope of this method in the field of the analysis of artwork materials. Several non-reported trimethylsilylated derivatives of compounds present in the diterpenoid resins have been identified. An improvement in sensitivity has been obtained by using HMDS as derivatizing reagent, together with a better resolution of the most representative peaks. Additionally, this method reduces the number of pyrolytic fragmentation, recombination, dehydration and isomerization products formed during the pyrolysis process and, in consequence, more simplified chromatograms are obtained. Finally, the reported procedure has been successfully used for characterizing two diterpenoid resin-based varnishes present in the canvas painting "The Betrothal of the Virgin" (Anonymous, 17th century) which is included in the pictorial collection of Saint Joseph Church in Taormina (Italy) and the Magdalena Tryptich (Master of Alzira, 16th century, Valencia, Spain).

Diterpenes↗

PubMed2004

Prevalence and relevance of contact dermatitis allergens: a meta-analysis of 15 years of published T.R.U.E. test data.

BACKGROUND: The patch test procedure is frequently employed to help determine or confirm the cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The T.R.U.E. Test has become a global standard and is the commercially available patch test system currently used within the United States. Although many studies report T.R.U.E. Test data, none has measured the overall prevalence and relevance of reactions to the allergens tested by the T.R.U.E. Test. Our objective is to describe the prevalence and relevance of contact dermatitis allergens as tested by the T.R.U.E. Test. METHODS: We conducted a search of the MEDLINE database from 1966 to June 2000 for all publications on the use of the T.R.U.E. Test in the clinical evaluation of ACD in human subjects. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. For each study, we identified and recorded the number of subjects tested, the number of patients with positive reactions, and the number with relevant reactions. Data were analyzed using the SAS system (Cary, NC). RESULTS: Ours is the first study to compile the entire corpus of published T.R.U.E. Test data and to examine these data using meta-analytic techniques. The meta-analysis shows that nickel (14.7% of tested patients), thimerosal (5.0%), cobalt (4.8%), fragrance mix (3.4%), and balsam of Peru (3.0%) are the most prevalent allergens. The 5 least prevalent allergens are paraben mix (0.5%), black rubber mix (0.6%), quaternium-15 (0.6%), quinoline mix (0.7%), and caine mix (0.7%). By contrast, North American Contact Dermatitis Data Group (NACDG) data show that the 5 most prevalent allergens are nickel (14.3%), fragrance mix (14%), neomycin (11.6%), balsam of Peru (10.4%), and thimerosal (10.4%). NACDG data indicate that the prevalence of allergy to cobalt is 9.2%. In order to assess the clinical importance of T.R.U.E. Test allergens, we employ the Significance-Prevalence Index Number (SPIN). Based on SPIN, the most clinically important allergens tested by the T.R.U.E. Test are nickel (SPIN=894), cobalt (266), fragrance mix (158), colophony (141), and thiuram mix (138). CONCLUSIONS: Our results identify the prevalence of common contact dermatitis allergens as tested by the T.R.U.E. Test and are in general agreement with previously published reports using other patch test methods. Over 3700 allergens have been identified as causing ACD, of which the T.R.U.E. Test tests only 23. Thus, the T.R.U.E. Test is a screening test at best. Comparison with NACDG data suggests that clinically important allergens may be missed by the T.R.U.E. Test.

Allergens↗

PubMed2006

Lignin composition in cambial tissues of poplar.

The cambial tissues of a Populus balsamifera, Balsam poplar clone were studied during a growth season. The Klason and acid-soluble lignin contents were determined as well as the carbohydrate monomer distribution and the protein content. Both the phloem and the xylem sides of the cambial region were examined. The samples were analyzed by thioacidolysis and structures of dimeric products were determined by mass spectrometry after desulphuration. Chemical analysis of samples during the growth season was combined with microscopy of embedded specimens that showed the state of cell differentiation at the time of sampling. In spring and early summer, growth is very rapid and the intention was to collect tissue in which exclusively the middle lamella/primary cell wall had begun to lignify. The Klason lignin, protein content and carbohydrate monomer distribution showed that all the specimens from the cambial tissues sampled during a growth season contained predominantly middle lamella and primary walls; except for the developing xylem sampled in August where the carbohydrate composition showed that secondary walls were present. Thioacidolysis showed that the lignin from the cambial tissues had more condensed structures than the lignin from the reference balsam poplar clone wood. More guaiacyl than syringyl units were detected and mass spectrometry showed that the cambial tissues contained more lignin structures with end-groups than the reference sample. These results suggest that lignification in the cambial layer and early developing xylem may take place predominantly in a bulk fashion during the summer.

Lignin↗

PubMed2001

Chemical characterization of fine particle emissions from fireplace combustion of woods grown in the northeastern United States.

A series of source tests was conducted to determine the chemical composition of fine particle emissions from the fireplace combustion of six species of woods grown in the northeastern United States: red maple, northern red oak, paper birch, eastern white pine, eastern hemlock, and balsam fir. Results include fine particle emission rates for total mass, organic and elemental carbon, ionic species, elemental species including potassium, and over 250 specific organic compounds. The data are intended for use in source-apportionment studies that utilize particulate organic compounds as source-specific tracers. The cellulose pyrolysis product levoglucosan was quantified in each of the wood smokes studied and is thus a good candidate as a molecular tracer for wood combustion in general. Differences in emission rates of specific substituted phenols and resin acids can be used to distinguish between the smoke produced when burning hardwoods versus softwoods. Certain organic compounds, such as betulin from paper birch combustion and juvabione and dehydrojuvabione from balsam fir combustion, are unique to those species and can potentially be utilized to trace particulate emissions back to a specific geographical region where those individual tree species are used for firewood.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed2002

Analytical study of aromatic series in sherry wines subjected to biological aging.

The odor activity values (OAVs) for 49 aroma compounds in commercial sherry pale white wines were grouped, according to the similarity of their aroma descriptors, into nine odor classes with a view to establishing the aroma profile for this type of wine. The results revealed the profile to be largely comprised of the series named "fruity" and "balsamic", mainly as a result of the 1,1-diethoxyethane content in the wines. The same series were calculated from the OAVs obtained in biological aging experiments, carried out with selected strains of the flor yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces bayanus, over a period of 9 months. Based on the aroma profiles thus obtained, after 6 months of aging the latter race yielded OAVs for the fruity and balsamic series not significantly different (p < 0.05) from those for commercial wines aged for 5 years. However, except for the series named "solvent", all others exhibited lower values in the experiments carried out with selected strains than in the commercial wines, mainly as a result of the absence of contact with wood of the former wines. Taking into account the results, the biological aging of this type of sherry wine can be shortened by subjecting it to controlled aging with selected yeast strains in a first stage and subsequently allowing it to stand in wood casks in a second stage.

Fermentation↗

PubMed2003

Chemometric studies of vinegars from different raw materials and processes of production.

The phenolic composition, aroma compounds, and organic acid content of 83 vinegars have been determined. Multivariate analysis techniques have been used to classify these vinegar samples according to raw material (white wine, red wine, apple, honey, alcohol, balsamic, and malt) and production process (with and without aging in wood). Cluster analysis grouped the samples according to production process. Only apple and balsamic vinegars were separated from wine vinegars. Alcohol, honey, and malt vinegars were grouped with no aged wine vinegars. Linear discriminate analysis allowed a 88% differentiation according to raw material and 100% according to aging in wood. Besides, from the results obtained, a major role of the volatile compounds in the differentiation of the vinegar samples according to their aging period in wood can be seen.

Acetic Acid↗

PubMed2000

Axillary pH and influence of deodorants.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In moist intertriginous regions, such as the armpit, the pH value is physiologically higher than in other skin regions. The regulation of the axillary pH-value was examined in an open study with 48 subjects in three groups with n=16 each. METHODS: In the first 10 days (run-in) the subjects received a standard treatment in the axilla with shaving, cleansing and application of a pH-neutral deodorant. This was followed by a 5 day treatment period with the three test products (pH5 Eucerin(R) Deodorant Roll-on, Deodorant Balsam Spray, Deodorant Cream). The study was concluded by a wash-out period with procedures identical to the run-in phase. The pH was measured with a calibrated pH-meter. RESULTS: A significant pH reduction was shown during the treatment period when compared to the run-in phase. The Deodorant Roll-on induced a reduction of the mean pH values from 6.1 to 5.3, the Deodorant Balsam Spray from 6.5 to 5.7 and the Deodorant Cream from 6.2 to 5.3. During the wash-out period all pH values returned to baseline. CONCLUSION: All of the deodorants tested demonstrated a significant reduction in axillary pH. There is evidence that a high skin pH promotes the growth of several microorganisms that produce malodor. Therefore, the regulation of pH may contribute to the deodorant efficacy of the test products.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Allergic contact dermatitis to tea tree oil with erythema multiforme-like id reaction.

The commercial production of tea tree oil, extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel, has considerably increased over the past 15 years in response to a strong demand for natural remedies and aromatic substances. The number of case reports that describe allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to this essential oil is also on the rise. We report an additional case of ACD to tea tree oil that presented with an extensive erythema multiforme-like reaction. A skin biopsy was performed from a targetlike lesion distant from the site of the initial dermatitis. The patient was treated with systemic and topical corticosteroids. Five months later, he was patch tested to the North American standard series, to his own tea tree oil, to a fresh batch of tea tree oil, and to some related allergens. The skin biopsy showed a spongiotic dermatitis without histological features of erythema multiforme. Patch testing elicited a 3+ reaction to old, oxidized tea tree oil, a 2+ reaction to fresh tea tree oil, a 2+ reaction to colophony, a 1+ reaction to abitol, and a 1+ reaction to balsam of Peru. We believe this is the first report of erythema multiforme-like reaction secondary to ACD from tea tree oil. Other interesting features are the stronger reaction to oxidized than to fresh tea tree oil, and concomitant reactivity to colophony, abitol, and balsam of Peru.

Allergens↗

PubMed2003

Design and evaluation of an aerial spray trial with true replicates to test the efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis insecticide in a boreal forest.

A field trial using true replicates was conducted successfully in a boreal forest in 1996 to evaluate the efficacy of two aerially applied Bacillus thuringiensis formulations, ABG 6429 and ABG 6430. A complete randomized design with four replicates per treatment was chosen. Twelve to 15 balsam fir (Abies balsamea [L.] Mill.) per plot were randomly selected as sample trees. Interplot buffer zones, > or = 200 m wide, adequately prevented cross contamination from sprays that were atomized with four rotary atomizers (volume median diameters ranging from 64.6 to 139.4 microm) and released approximately 30 m above the ground. The B. thuringiensis formulations were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from each other in reducing spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana [Clem.]) populations and protecting balsam trees from defoliation but both formulations were significantly more efficacious than the controls. The results suggest that true replicates are a feasible alternative to pseudoreplication in experimental forest aerial applications.

Abies↗

PubMed1993

Restriction map and polymorphisms of nuclear ribosomal genes of Populus balsamifera.

Balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) clones from five populations, which were collected along a transect from northern Wisconsin to the northern tree line, were evaluated for polymorphisms in nuclear ribosomal DNA. For this purpose, a restriction map was constructed using four six-cutter enzymes in single and double digests of genomic DNA. After electrophoretic separation on agarose gels and Southern transfer, blots were hybridized to non-radioactively labeled heterologous rDNA probes of soybean. Among populations, variation was detected in the length of the intergenic spacer between the tandem repeats of the coding regions and in the degree of methylation of one restriction enzyme recognition site. Based on a comparison of the derived restriction map of balsam poplar and other poplars, high homology was evident in the rDNA coding regions among species, whereas the intergenic spacer varied slightly in both length and number of restriction sites.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Allergic contact dermatitis from salicyl alcohol and salicylaldehyde in aspen bark (Populus tremula).

Salicyl alcohol or 2-methylolphenol is a well-known allergen in phenol-formaldehyde resins and a strong sensitizer in guinea pigs. There is 1 previous report of allergic contact dermatitis from salicyl alcohol in aspen bark. We describe a second case with concomitant allergy to salicylaldehyde. An elk researcher who had handled leaves from various trees presented with eczema of the hands, face, flexures, trunk and extremities. Patch testing showed sensitivity to salicyl alcohol, salicylaldehyde, balsam of Peru (Myroxylon pereirae resin), aspen wood dust and an extract prepared from the bark of aspen (Populus tremula). Weaker reactions were observed to bark extracts of rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), tea-leaved willow (Salix phylicifolia) and goat willow (Salix caprea). We analysed salicyl alcohol and salicylaldehyde in the bark extracts and found the 2 chemicals in equal amounts, about 0.9 microg/mg in aspen bark and in lower concentrations in rowan and the willows. We did not find either of the chemicals in the test substance of balsam of Peru (Myroxylon pereirae). Besides salicyl alcohol, salicylaldehyde is also recommended to be used to screen for contact allergy to aspen. Both of these chemicals should be tested in forest workers in areas where aspen is growing.

Aldehydes↗

PubMed2005

Contact sensitivity to standard series allergens in 1038 patients with contact dermatitis in Turkey.

We planned to determine the frequency of sensitivity to European standard patch test allergens in 1038 patients with contact dermatitis. From 1992 to 2004, 1038 patients with the diagnosis of contact dermatitis were patch tested with the European standard series. Seven hundred and five patients were female (67.9%) and 333 patients were male (32.1%). A total of 336 patients (32.3%) had one or more positive patch test reactions. The most common allergens were nickel (17.6%), cobalt chloride (5.3%), potassium dichromate (4.6%), neomycin (2.4%), fragrance mix (2.1%) and balsam of Peru (2.1%). Contact sensitivity to potassium dichromate and thiuram was significantly more frequent in male patients, whereas nickel and primin sensitivity was significantly more frequent in female patients. Higher sensitivity rates for potassium dichromate, neomycin, balsam of Peru, wool alcohol, fragrance mix and primin were noted in patients over 40 years of age. Sensitivity rates of the standard series allergens were all similar in atopic patients and in non-atopic patients. Metals, neomycin and fragrances are the leading allergens in Turkey. Although fragrances are among the most important sensitizers, sensitivity rates to fragrances and also to preservatives are much lower than the rates in Europe and the US.

Adolescent↗