Harmicine is a β-carboline alkaloid isolated and identified as a major active compound present in many plant species and marine invertebrates. This alkaloid exhibits a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, including antispasmodic, antipyretic, and anticancer properties. This report described the antinociceptive properties of harmicine by means of chemical experimental models ...

Using exposure to morphine- and saline-paired sides alternatively as the extinction training procedure, we find that post-retrieval extinction training enhances or hinders the extinction of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) dependent on the retrieval-extinction training intervals. Here, we examine the influence of post-retrieval extinction training with repeated paired testing on ...

To understand the pattern of use of opioid-substitution therapy (OST) and opioid abuse among patients on buprenorphine maintenance using urinalysis. The study was conducted at a tertiary care de-addiction center. We reviewed the laboratory record of all consecutive urine samples sent for drug analysis over a period of 1 year. ...

We present a combination of database screening, synthesis and in vitro testing to identify novel histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibitors. The National Cancer Institute compound collection (NCI) and several commercial databases were filtered by similarity-based virtual screening to find new HAT inhibitors. Employing the recombinant HAT p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF) and two ...

In Lithuania, data on patch testing are lacking and the applicability of the European baseline series needs to be evaluated. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of contact allergy to the European baseline series in the population of patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis in Lithuania. ...

The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, crossover, in situ study was to evaluate the efficacy of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) dentifrices on caries remineralization and demineralization inhibition. Three demineralized enamel blocks (A,B,C) and one healthy block (D), cut from each of 30 molars, were exposed respectively to dentifrices of A) 5% nHAP, ...

Fragrance mix II (FM II) is a relatively new screening marker for fragrance contact allergy. It was introduced in the patch test baseline series in Denmark in 2005 and contains six different fragrance chemicals commonly present in cosmetic products and which are known allergens. To investigate the diagnostic contribution of ...

Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the use of topical traditional Chinese medicine (TTCM). The most common adverse event seen in the use of TTCM is contact dermatitis. This retrospective study was designed to determine the types of commonly used TTCM in Singapore causing contact dermatitis. ...

Background: Peach-induced contact urticaria is frequent in peach-allergic subjects. Objective: It was the aim of this study to detect whether contact urticaria is associated with a specific peach allergen. Methods: Ninety-two peach-allergic subjects were studied. Patients were diagnosed as being sensitized to lipid transfer protein (LTP; Pru p 3) or ...

A recent Danish study showed a significant increase in the prevalence of chromate contact allergy after the mid-1990s, probably as a result of exposure to leather products. To reproduce the results by analysing data from the period 1992-2009 at Odense University Hospital, Denmark. The temporal development in the occurrence of ...

Airborne allergic contact dermatitis caused by gold is rare, often not even suspected and hence not investigated. Our purpose was to elucidate the clinical relevance of gold-induced airborne contact dermatitis. We analyzed and discussed the occupational dermatitis of two women working as restorers. Both patients' test results showed positive reactions ...

Objective: The authors aimed to retrospectively identify associations between allergen sensitization frequencies and specific comorbidities in a patient population in Miami, Florida, tested between November 2004 and July 2006 with a pediatric standard series and to compare their findings to recent pediatric and adult patch testing data published by other ...

Cosmetics are the causative agents in 8-15% of patients suspected of having allergic contact dermatitis. Patch testing with standard series identifies 70-80% of the responsible allergens in all contact dermatitis; however, many important cosmetic-related allergens may be missed by using standard series alone. The aim of this study was to ...

Context: The fragrance material farnesol is cited as an infrequent but important cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). It is included in the fragrance mix II patch series and requires labeling in the European Union if it is used in a consumer product. Objective: To review the existing literature to ...

Background  Seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic skin disease, requiring long-term treatment, which might promote sensitization. Malassezia furfur (Mf) plays an important role in seborrhoeic dermatitis. Objectives  The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of contact sensitivity in SD patients. Patients and methods  A total of 100 ...

Plastics are a common cause of occupational skin disorders such as irritant or allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). We report a case of occupational ACD due to a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic table cover used as a mouse pad for which we performed patch tests and obtained positive patch tests for ...

INTRODUCTION: Nickel allergy is prevalent as assessed by epidemiological studies. OBJECTIVES: In an attempt to further identify and characterize sources that may result in nickel allergy and dermatitis, we analysed items identified by nickel-allergic dermatitis patients as causative of nickel dermatitis by using the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ...

BACKGROUND: Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) has been one of the most frequent sensitizers since the 1980s. In 2005, the use of MI alone was approved for the preservation of cosmetic and household products in the EU. Before that, MI was used in industrial products, and the first cases of isolated MI contact ...

BACKGROUND: Rubber gloves are one of the most frequent causes of occupational allergic contact dermatitis, especially in health care workers. OBSERVATIONS: We describe 23 patients with allergic contact dermatitis due to rubber accelerators in rubber gloves, some with disseminated dermatitis, treated during a 2-year period. Three had IgE-mediated latex allergies. ...

BACKGROUND: Patch testing is essential to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis. Dermatologists in many countries use a baseline (standard) series covering the major allergens responsible for allergic contact dermatitis in their population, with the addition of relevant allergens for the individual patient. However, a baseline series has not yet been developed ...

Contact sensitization to fragrances is common both in clinical and in population samples. The spectrum of allergens is broad and diverse, and to some extent covered by a set of screening agents. To examine the current frequency of contact sensitization to fragrance allergens in patients routinely patch tested for suspected ...

The epidermal part of the skin is the major interface between the internal body and the external environment. The skin has a specific physiology and is to different degrees adapted for protection against multiple exogenous stress factors. Clothing is the material with the longest and most intensive contact to human ...

BACKGROUND: Vitamin E, of which the most biologically active form is alpha-tocopherol, has become widely known for its antioxidant effects. It has been ingested or applied topically for purported anti-aging effects and for cosmetic enhancement. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the incidence of allergic contact dermatitis from vitamin E has increased ...

BACKGROUND: A few cases on primary sensitization by, and occupational contact dermatitis from, methylisothiazolinone in paints and glues have been published. In cosmetics, methylisothiazoline (MI) is permitted in a concentration of 100 p.p.m., while 15 p.p.m. for the mixture of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazoline (MCI/MI). OBJECTIVES: To present cases of sensitization ...

The exposure of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients to aeroallergens or food allergens can exacerbate or maintain the disease. Atopy patch tests (APTs) are able to identify these triggering factors and consist of the epicutaneous application of allergens for 48 hours, with an evaluation of the eczematous lesions induced after 48 ...

BACKGROUND: Thiourea derivatives in rubber products may induce contact sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis. Sensitization is most often from neoprene rubber, but the multitude of possible sensitizing products has remained poorly characterized. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to collect information on the occurrence of thiourea-related contact allergy and ...

BACKGROUND: Octocrylene is a new emerging photoallergen. We report and discuss 50 cases of photoallergic contact dermatitis from octocrylene use and/or positive photopatch test reactions to this UV filter and draw attention to the unexpected association in adults with a history of photoallergic contact dermatitis from ketoprofen. OBSERVATIONS: Patients were ...

BACKGROUND: Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasers are widely used in consumer products and may often cause contact allergy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of concomitant contact allergy to formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasers in dermatitis patients, and to determine the sources of formaldehyde exposure based on personal and occupational products obtained from dermatitis patients. ...

Ever since its inception a couple of centuries ago, hand dermatitis/eczema has been in the reckoning. Idiosyncrasies continued to loom large thereafter, till it acquired its appropriate position. Dermatitis/eczema are synonymous, often used to indicate a polymorphic pattern of the inflammation of the skin, characterized by pruritus, erythema and vesiculation. ...

BACKGROUND: Benzydamine, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in use for more than four decades, has been reported to cause photosensitivity. OBJECTIVES: To study the results of photopatch testing to benzydamine and the clinical features of the dermatitis during a 3-year period (2006-2008). PATIENTS AND METHODS: During this period, 74 patients ...

BACKGROUND: It is often difficult to establish clinical relevance of metal exposure in cobalt-allergic patients. Dermatologists and patients may incorrectly assume that many metallic items release cobalt at levels that may cause cobalt dermatitis. Cobalt-allergic patients may be unaware that they are exposed to cobalt from handling work items, causing ...

BACKGROUND: Fragrance chemicals are the second most frequent cause of contact allergy. The mandatory labelling of 26 fragrance chemicals when present in cosmetics has facilitated management of patients allergic to fragrances. OBJECTIVES: The study was aimed to define the characteristics of the population allergic to perfumes detected in our hospital ...

PURPOSE: To identify frequency and pattern of contact sensitization among patients with periorbital dermatitis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional retrospective investigation of 1247 patients referred for patch testing over a 17-year period. METHODS: Data were collected for patients undergoing patch testing to the standard and customized trays between January 1990 and December 2006 ...

BACKGROUND: Although German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) is considered a weak sensitizer, recent studies have shown several possible non-sesquiterpene lactone allergens in tea (infusions) from the plant. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report the results of patch testing with herniarin (7-methoxycoumarin), which is one of the possible coumarin ...

BACKGROUND: Previously, contact allergy to formaldehyde and quaternium-15 was found to be more prevalent in the United States than in Europe. No such data have been assessed for other contact allergens. OBJECTIVE: Determine any differences in frequencies of sensitization to contact allergens in the United States and Europe. METHODS: Literature ...

BACKGROUND: Photocontact dermatitis to Ficus carica is induced by furocoumarins present in sap. These substances are generally considered to cause phototoxic reactions. OBJECTIVES: We conducted a patch test and histopathological study of patients with phytophoto contact dermatitis from the fig tree to evaluate the mechanism underlying the photoreaction. PATIENTS AND ...

BACKGROUND: Patch testing is performed to evaluate suspected allergic contact dermatitis. Common wisdom suggests that various allergens cross-react but only a few larger studies have published confirmations of this. The purpose of our study was to identify significant correlations between positive test reactions in a screening series. METHODS: A total ...

For some animals (e.g. the night-active wandering spider) the encounters with the habitat that result in place learning are predominantly mechanical. We asked whether place learning limited to mechanical contact, like place learning in general, entails vectors tied to individual landmarks and relations between landmarks. We constructed minimal environments for ...

A 62-year-old man, with a 20-year history of seborrhoeic dermatitis, presented with a worsening of his dermatitis. He had previously been demonstrated to be allergic to various topical corticosteroids, so he had been using an emollient cream (Sebclair), containing piroctone olamine and various anti-inflammatory substances, for 6 months, with good ...

This is one of a series of review articles on formaldehyde-releasers and their relationship to formaldehyde contact allergy and in this paper formaldehyde-releasers used as durable press chemical finishes (DPCF) in textiles are discussed. The literature on allergy to DPCF since 1980 is presented in two parts. Part 1 (this ...

The high frequency of contact allergy to gold in patients with dermatitis was established after exhaustive skin testing, determining the right test agent, the best concentration, and repeated test readings. Metallic gold in contact with skin is slowly ionized, permitting absorption and haptenisation. Contact allergy to gold is statistically correlated ...

BACKGROUND: Photoallergic contact dermatitis (PACD) presents in patients after certain exogenous agents come into contact with the skin in the presence of ultraviolet and/or visible light. The best method currently available for investigating PACD is photopatch testing. However, photopatch testing as an investigation is under-used by clinicians, and therefore PACD ...

BACKGROUND: Patch testing is an important part of diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis although there is much variability in methodology among practitioners. OBJECTIVE: We surveyed members of the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS) to quantify time spent with patients with contact dermatitis; to characterize patch testing practices, including the Thin-Layer Rapid ...

Carvone has occasionally been reported as an allergen, usually in flavorings. Isomers of carvone have been either a mint or a rye flavor and aroma. We report a woman with positive patch-test reactions to carvone (newly added to the North American Contact Dermatitis Group standard series) and dermatitis on the ...

Occupational Dermatosis is described as any alteration in the skin, mucosa or annexes that is directly or indirectly caused, conditioned, maintained or aggravated by agents present in the occupational activity or work environment. The authors of the present study describe the importance of the topic and the epidemiology and etiopathogeny ...

The etiology of cheilitis is often not readily apparent. We present a case series of four patients with allergic contact cheilitis (ACC) secondary to exposure to peppermint oil contained in a lip balm product. These patients developed eczematous dermatitis involving their lips and perioral skin. They were tested with the ...

BACKGROUND: The market release of new domestic and industrial chemical and metal products requires certain safety certification, including testing for skin sensitisation. Although various official guidelines have described how such testing is to be done, the validity of the available test models are in part dubious, for which reason regulatory ...

Common ivy (Hedera helix subsp. helix) is a well-known native and ornamental plant in Europe. Reports on contact dermatitis from ivy have regularly appeared since 1899. Recently, it has been suggested that allergic contact dermatitis from the plant may be under-diagnosed, partly due to lack of commercial patch test allergens. ...

This is the second part of a review article on formaldehyde-releasers used as durable press chemical finishes (DPCF) in textiles. The early finishes contained large amounts of free formaldehyde, which led to many cases of allergic contact dermatitis to clothes in the 1950s and 1960s. Currently, most finishes are based ...

Medical device biocompatibility testing usually includes a cytotoxicity component. Assay selection and protocol design often depend on a specific testing standard rather than on the characteristics of the medical device. To better understand the impact of assay selection on study outcome of unstructured medical devices, we evaluated contact lens multi-purpose ...