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PubMed2006

Preventive effects of various types of footwear and cleaning methods on dermatophyte adhesion.

Tinea pedis is contagious and typically spreads from infected to non-infected persons. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of footwear in preventing tinea pedis adhesion. Using the stamp culture method, we investigated the effectiveness of preventing dermatophyte passage by the wearing of stockings made of nylon, socks made of cotton and tabi (Japanese socks), as well as the effect of removing dermatophytes from these items by washing with soap, cold water and cold water after turning inside-out. For sandals, sneakers and boots, we also investigated the effect of dermatophyte removal by pouring cold water into the footwear, wiping with a wet towel, and pouring boiling water into the footwear. The wearing of socks or tabi was effective in preventing passage of dermatophytes. The stocking material proved to be too thin to prevent passage. On the inner side of socks (the side of the sole), all treatments were effective at removing dermatophytes, but on the outer side of socks (the side touching the surface of the sandals), the treatment of washing in cold water after turning inside-out resulted in significantly more dermatophytes as compared with the other treatments. Pouring cold water, wiping with a wet towel and pouring boiling water were all effective for removing dermatophytes from sandals and sneakers. However, for boots, the treatment of pouring cold water was less effective. To prevent the adhesion of dermatophytes to sandals, wearing socks or tabi was effective, and the treatments of washing socks in cold water after turning inside-out and of pouring cold water into the boots were less effective than the others.

Adult↗

PubMed1979

Perioral dermatitis.

Forty-three patients with perioral dermatitis are described. In seven patients, this eruption was associated with the use of hydrocortisone butyrate (Locoid) alone, and this topical steroid can no longer be recommended unreservedly for use on the face. In fifteen other patients, medication was undertaken without medical advice. The time may have come to print on tubes of potent local steroids warnings about the hazards of long-term use on the face without medical advice. Drug companies and pharmacists could also help by asking patients to discard any partially-used tubes of ointment and an expiry date stamped prominently on the tubes rather than on the cardboard container may help. Continuing medical education is obviously still required to prevent a minority of family doctors prescribing wrongly for their patients.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2004

Artificial disruption of skin barrier prior to irritant patch testing does not improve test design.

BACKGROUND: Irritant patch testing is often performed as a 24- or 48-h occlusive patch test with low concentrations of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate potential ways to shorten this test procedure and obtain precise test results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six healthy volunteers underwent irritant patch testing with different pretreatments (PT) of the test fields. Occlusive test chambers were applied on the upper back with SLS 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 5% in large Finn Chambers(R). The patches were removed after 4 and 24 h, respectively, depending on the concentration used. Test fields were pretreated as follows: PT 0, field without any PT (control); PT 1, prick with lancet; PT 2, prick with test stamp; PT 3, scratch with lancet; PT 4, incision with standardized incision instrument (0.1-0.2 mm depth). Skin reactions were evaluated by transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin erythema and skin hydration and as well by a visual score (VS) at 4, 24 and 72 h. RESULTS: Our data show an obvious distinction between PT 0-2 and PT 3-4 at all measurement methods. The average TEWL values with PT 3-4 were higher than those with PT 0-2, especially on the 4-h course. This distinction may derive from the shape and size of the skin impairment achieved by PT 3-4, leading to a mechanical barrier disruption. However, SLS may infiltrate directly into deeper skin layers supported by capillarity. Consequently, no or little penetration through the epidermis and interaction with its structures occurs, which is responsible for irritant skin reactions. The SLS dose in the upper skin layers is therefore lower at these PTs. The lower remaining dose of SLS also explains this distinction, especially for the VS. Additionally, there are presumed reactions in deeper layers of the epidermis and dermis at PT 3-4. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, all data suggest a different reaction pattern from the classical irritant response. Therefore, application without any PT seems to be best suited for irritancy skin testing, especially for visual assessment. PTs prior to irritant patch testing have been shown to be unjustifiable.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Ultraviolet exposure patterns of Irish and Danish gardeners during work and leisure.

BACKGROUND: Skin cancer, caused by solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is a growing problem in Europe. Reliable data on occupational exposure of outdoor workers are needed to develop protective strategies. OBJECTIVES: To compare UV radiation exposure patterns between outdoor workers in two European populations. METHODS: Fifty-three gardeners, 31 Irish and 22 Danish (age range 24-69 years) wore personal UV dosimeters, measuring time-stamped UV doses continuously during a 4-month summer period. The current and historical sun exposure pattern was recorded by means of a diary and questionnaire. Assessment of pigmentation, naevi, freckles and solar lentigines was performed. The relationship between UV dose and sun exposure pattern was analysed. RESULTS: Regarding work days, the Irish had a significantly lower percentage of ambient UV exposure than the Danes, 4.5% vs. 8.1%; a lower UV dose per day, 0.97 standard erythema dose (SED) vs. 1.6 SED; a lower UV dose between 12.00 and 15.00 h, 0.43 SED vs. 0.75 SED; and fewer hours with positive dosimeter measurements, 3.2 h vs. 4.8 h (all values are medians, P < 0.01). Regarding days off work, the same patterns emerged for both UV doses and exposure hours. The Irish had significantly fewer days off than the Danes, median 21 days vs. 49 days, and fewer days with risk behaviour (sunbathing/exposing upper body), median 0 days vs. 8 days (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The lower UV exposure received by the Irish gardeners may have been due to indoor breaks during peak ambient UV. Other contributing factors may include differences in natural shade between the parks. Our data suggest that consideration of such factors in scheduling of outdoor work can significantly reduce the occupational UV exposure.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

CSF circulation disorders: measuring progress in patients through quality of life and hope.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid circulation disorders are complex and multifaceted conditions making reliable assessment of progress problematic. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: It is the aim of this paper to explore how efficient measures of quality of life and hope might be used to assess clinical progress for patients with disorders of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. It will be argued that a single-item 10-point quality of life scale and the Herth Hope Index are as effective at measuring progress as the more widely used, but considerably more complex, Short-Form 36. DESIGN: Patients attending a cerebrospinal fluid clinic were sent a questionnaire containing the three measures of progress. Questionnaires were returned in a stamp-addressed envelope to allow initial analysis before the clinic appointment and to enable discussion of results during the clinic appointment. Patients were also assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination during the clinic appointment. METHODS: The relationship between the three measures of progress was calculated using Spearman's rank order correlation. Correlations of 0.40-0.70 are considered modest and correlations of 0.70 are considered strong; 5% levels of significance are considered significant and 1% levels are highly significant. Internal consistency of the Short-Form 36 was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Reliability was considered acceptable for dimension comparisons when alpha > 0.70. RESULTS: All patients were diagnosed with benign intracranial hypertension (n = 74), congenital hydrocephalus (n = 35) or normal pressure hydrocephalus (n = 171). There was a modest to strong correlation between the quality of life-10 and all eight dimensions of the Short-Form 36 for benign intracranial hypertension and congenital hydrocephalus patients. A slightly weaker correlation was demonstrated in seven of the eight Short-Form 36 dimensions for normal pressure hydrocephalus patients. Normal pressure hydrocephalus patients scored significantly lower on the Mini-Mental State Examination, which may contribute to explaining the weaker correlation between the three measures and the weaker internal consistency between the dimensions with the Short-Form 36. Conclusions. This paper demonstrates that efficient indicators of progress (quality of life-10 and Herth Hope Index) can be as effective at assessing clinical progress as more complex indicators (Short-Form 36) in patients who do not demonstrate cognitive deficit. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: For clinical application, the Short-Form 36 is too long, difficult to complete, score and analyse for these patient groups. Quality of life-10 and Herth Hope Index could provide efficient and effective measures of clinical progress but this requires further psychometric examination.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1987

Effect of host behaviour on host preference in Stomoxys calcitrans.

Field observations suggest that, in the U.K., cattle are the preferred host of Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), followed by horses. Differences were observed in the numbers of flies feeding on individual animals both in the field and under controlled conditions. Analysis of the behaviour of four Friesian calves under attack from S. calcitrans in controlled conditions revealed that the differences in the levels of attack between individual hosts are dependent on the reactions of the host when under attack. Those hosts which respond vigorously by tail flicks, foot stamps and head-swings suffer less from attack by S. calcitrans than their more placid contemporaries.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Genetic landmarks through philately--epilepsy and clinical genetic issues.

Epilepsy is a common neurologic disorder. Major advances in the understanding of the etiology and treatment have occurred. Although most cases of epilepsy do not follow a simple pattern of inheritance, recently single gene epilepsy disorders have been identified. We present some postage stamps to illustrate issues and advances in knowledge about epilepsy, as well as famous people with this disorder.

Epilepsy↗

PubMed2006

Stem cell research: cloning, therapy and scientific fraud.

Stem cell research has generated intense excitement, awareness, and debate. Events in the 2005-2006 saw the rise and fall of a South Korean scientist who had claimed to be the first to clone a human embryonic stem cell line. From celebration of the potential use of stem cells in the treatment of human disease to disciplinary action taken against the disgraced scientists, the drama has unfolded throughout the world media. Prompted by an image of therapeutic cloning presented on a South Korean stamp, a brief review of stem cell research and the events of the Woo-suk Hwang scandal are discussed.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Influence of zinc oxide on Aspergillus species: a possible cause of local, non-invasive aspergillosis of the maxillary sinus.

Recently the appearance of radiopaque 'concrements' in the maxillary sinus was reported. These radiodense objects could be identified as root-filling material for teeth of the upper jaw containing zinc oxide. This suggested that excess root-filling material containing zinc oxide in the maxillary sinus could favour the formation of a local, non-invasive aspergillosis. To verify this hypothesis in vitro, we tested the influence of zinc oxide on Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. terreus, A. nidulans, A. niger and A. niveus. A geometric series of zinc oxide diluted in 0.1 N H2SO4 was used. Czapek-Dox agar was inoculated with the six Aspergillus species. Circular cavities stamped into the centre of each agar plate were filled with an equal amount of the dilutions and all plates were then incubated for 7 days at 37 degrees C. Readings were taken on days 3, 5 and 7. Soluble zinc oxide promoted the growth of all the tested Aspergillus species, the effect diminishing with decreasing concentration. This effect could be observed on all days of measurement. Only with A. niger was stimulation of growth minimal, probably because this species already exhibits a high growth rate on Czapek-Dox agar. Therefore, overfilling of maxillary teeth with a zinc oxide-containing root-filling material may favour the formation of local aspergillosis.

Aspergillosis↗

PubMed1996

[Effect of zinc oxide on Aspergillus species: a possible cause of local noninvasive aspergillosis of the maxillary sinus].

During the last years the appearance of radiopaque concrements in the maxillary sinus was reported. These could be identified as root-filling material for teeth of the upper jaw containing zinc oxide. This suggested that excess root-filling material containing zinc oxide in the maxillary sinus could favour the development of a local, non-invasive aspergillosis. Therefore, we tested Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. terreus, A. nidulans and A. niveus for the influence of zinc oxide. Cza-pek-Dox agar was inoculated with the six different Aspergillus strains. Circular cavities stamped into the agar's center of each plate were filled with aliquots of the dilutions of a geometric series of zinc oxide dissolved in 0,1n H2SO4. All plates were then incubated for seven days at 37 degrees C. Readings were taken on the 3rd, the 5th and the 7th day. It became obvious that solved zinc oxide promotes the growth of all the tested Aspergillus species. This influence diminished with decreasing concentration. This effect could be observed on all days of measurement. Only A. niger showed an attenuated dependence, probably due to the a priori high growth rate of this species on Czapek-Dox agar. It is concluded that overfilling of maxillary teeth with a zinc oxide containing root filling material favours the development of local aspergillosis.

Aspergillosis↗

PubMed2007

Microarrays.

Microarrays are revolutionizing genetics by making it possible to genotype hundreds of thousands of DNA markers and to assess the expression (RNA transcripts) of all of the genes in the genome. Microarrays are slides the size of a postage stamp that contain millions of DNA sequences to which single-stranded DNA or RNA can hybridize. This miniaturization requires little DNA or RNA and makes the method fast and inexpensive; multiple assays of each target make the method highly accurate. DNA microarrays with hundreds of thousands of DNA markers have made it possible to conduct systematic scans of the entire genome to identify genetic associations with complex disorders or dimensions likely to be influenced by many genes of small effect size. RNA microarrays can provide snapshots of gene expression across all of the genes in the genome at any time in any tissue, which has far-reaching applications such as structural and functional 'genetic neuroimaging' and providing a biological basis for understanding environmental influence.

DNA↗

PubMed1990

Old syndromes and new cytogenetics.

This annotation has been confined to well-established clinical syndromes with recently discovered chromosomal etiologies. It deliberately omits retinoblastoma, the oft-cited paradigm of a contiguous gene syndrome, since it is usually inherited as a Mendelian single gene disorder. However, it was recognition of both the deletion of band q14 of chromosome 13 in mentally retarded children with retinoblastoma, and the linkage of retinoblastoma with the genetic marker esterase D, which resulted in the eventual cloning of the gene. Also omitted are microdeletions of the X chromosome. These disorders are seen primarily in males, who manifest the phenotypic effects of the deletion of the loci of various combinations of adjacent genes: Duchenne muscular dystrophy, glycerol kinase deficiency, adrenal hypoplasia, optic albinism, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia (Kallman syndrome), chondrodysplasia punctata and ichthyosis. Many are also mentally retarded. The third group omitted are Mendelian disorders occurring with atypical mental retardation (not usually part of the disorder), the presumption being that they include small deletions. It is expected that other contiguous gene syndromes will be recognized eventually; Rubinstein-Taybi and Cornelia de Lange syndromes are prime candidates. Why do deletions have such dramatic consequences when a normal homologue of the region is present? If their effects were due to the uncovering of recessive genes, we would expect to see greater variations in phenotype among carriers, including normal individuals whose deletions were masked by the protective effects of dominant alleles in the homologous regions. Imprinting--the 'stamping' of a gene as it passes through the germ line--provides a more satisfactory explanation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

PubMed1989

Analysis of a progressive addition lens population.

Analysis of 98 progressive addition lens (PAL) wearers was undertaken using both mailed questionnaires and by assessing patient records. Statistical analysis was undertaken to investigate the nature and dependent variables of a PAL population. The PAL patients were from the Aston University undergraduate optometric clinic. Social survey techniques, such as the use of personalized mail, first-class stamps, and follow-up letters, were employed to produce a high return rate for the questionnaire. The number of returned questionnaires reached 89.9% of those originally sent which may be considered to be highly representative. The clinical survey showed the success rate for the undergraduate clinic to be either 85.7% or 80.6% depending upon the criterion for successful wear.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2004

Factors associated with physician interventions to address adolescent smoking.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the percent of adolescent Medicaid patients with medical record documentation about tobacco use status and cessation assistance; and factors associated with providers documenting and intervening with adolescent smokers. DATA SOURCE: Secondary analysis of data collected in 1999 from medical records of Wisconsin Medicaid health maintenance organization (HMO) recipients 11 to 21 years old. STUDY DESIGN: Random reviews and data collection were related to visits from January 1997 to January 1999. Data collected included patient demographics, provider type, number of visits, and whether smoking status and cessation interventions were documented. DATA EXTRACTION METHODS: Medical charts were reviewed and a database was created using a data abstraction tool developed and approved by a committee to address tobacco use in Medicaid managed care participants. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Among adolescents seen by a physician from 1997 to 1999, tobacco use status was documented in 55 percent of patient charts. Most often tobacco use status was documented on history and physical or prenatal forms. Of identified adolescent smokers, 50 percent were advised to quit, 42 percent assisted, and 16 percent followed for smoking cessation. Pregnant patients were more likely to have tobacco use documented than nonpregnant patients (OR=10.8, 95 percent CI=4.9 to 24). The odds of documentation increased 21 percent for every one-year increase in patient age. CONCLUSIONS: Providers miss opportunities to intervene with adolescents who may be using tobacco. Medical record prompts, similar to the tobacco use question on prenatal forms and the tobacco use vital sign stamp, are essential for reminding providers to consistently document and address tobacco use among adolescents.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1978

Treatment of extensive avulsions of skin and subcutaneous tissues.

This article deals with the treatment of extensive avulsion injuries. Five out of twenty-eight cases of extensive avulsion injuries are presented and illustrated. All of these injuries were caused by machinery or automobile accidents and were encountered in the three-year period from 1972 to 1975. Etiology, pathology, and treatment with mechanical and chemical debridement, porcine skin grafts, fasciotomy, delayed primary closure, stamp or mesh skin grafts, and skin flaps are detailed and discussed.

Accidents, Occupational↗

PubMed1981

Augmentation of muscular wasting in the hand from leprosy.

One of the stigmata of leprosy in the hand is muscular wasting between the metacarpals of the thumb and index finger. Such a deformity, which may rarely arise for other neuropathic reasons, may pass unnoticed in places where leprosy is not endemic, but is obvious to all in places where leprosy is still common, and undesirably stamps afflicted persons as lepers even if the disease is arrested. A surgical technique is described in which a buried dermal graft is used for augmentation of the depression of that muscular wasting between thumb and index finger.

Hand↗

PubMed1994

The impact of home visits on enrollment patterns in pregnancy-related services among low-income women.

Medicaid now reimburses for care-coordination services for pregnant women in about half of the states. This care-coordination project targeted low-income pregnant women in two Indianapolis neighborhoods that historically have had high black-infant mortality rates. The service provided home visits by teams of workers including registered nurses, social workers, and indigenous community health workers. This retrospective descriptive study evaluated the impact of the home visits on enrollment in pregnancy-related services. Data were collected from the care-coordination records of 381 participants who delivered infants between July 1, 1990, and January 1, 1992. The proportion of participants enrolled in prenatal care, the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Medicaid, and Food Stamps increased significantly following admission to care coordination. The majority of participants who enrolled in prenatal care and WIC, after admission to care coordination, did so within one month of admission. Home visits were effective in stimulating enrollment in pregnancy-related services. Further studies need to be done to evaluate the impact of home visits on pregnancy outcomes as well as their cost-effectiveness.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1991

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Minnesota nursing homes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the experience of Minnesota nursing homes with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the policies and procedures used for its control. DESIGN: A 12-question survey, with primarily categorical responses, was mailed to the Directors of Nursing of all Minnesota long-term-care facilities. A follow-up mailing was sent to non-responders 5 weeks later. The mailing included a cover letter, a description of the study and its purposes, and a stamped return envelope. Four weeks after the second mailing, all non-responding institutions were contacted by telephone and invited to participated by mail or by completing the survey by telephone. SETTING: All long-term-care facilities in Minnesota licensed for skilled and intermediate care. PARTICIPANTS: The survey was directed to the Directors of Nursing of the long-term-care facilities with the request that, if another individual was better able to complete it, the survey be forwarded to them. RESULTS: Completed responses were obtained from 88% (395/445) of all long-term-care facilities in Minnesota. Forty-eight institutions (12%) had residents colonized or infected with MRSA. Only four (8%) of these facilities stated that MRSA was a problem; however, 33 (69%) of facilities with MRSA had sought outside help or consultation from a variety of sources for its control. Few facilities (7%) had cultured residents specifically for MRSA. Policies regarding the admission of colonized or infected persons were reported by 14% and 21% of facilities, respectively, and over 40% of these policies stated that persons with MRSA would not be accepted. Policies regarding the care of MRSA-colonized or -infected persons were not uniform. Both metropolitan and non-metropolitan facilities had residents with MRSA. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that MRSA in long-term-care facilities may be a widespread and underrecognized problem. There is a need to develop uniform policies for the control of MRSA in nursing homes. These policies should consider the sources and objectives of long-term-care facilities.

Cross Infection↗