bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthralin is a potent inhibitor of pityrosporum orbiculare/ovale in vitro.
Authors: Bunse T , Mahrle G
Published: July 2023

Two strains of Pityrosporum orbiculare/ovale were grown in a liquid medium and exposed to different concentrations of the imidazoles ketoconazole and clotrimazole as well as anthralin, liquor carbonis detergens and salicylic acid. With regard to growth inhibition of yeast cells, the efficacies of anthralin and the imidazoles were similar, a half-maximal inhibition being achieved with an anthralin concentration of 7 mg/l. Liquor carbonis detergens and salicylic acid also inhibited growth of Pityrosporum orbiculare/ovale, but only at much higher concentrations. The response to salicylic acid was mainly due to its acid pH.
Simple system to irradiate cultured cells with UVA light.
Authors: Sato K , Yoshikawa K
Published: July 2023

We developed a simple system for the irradiation of cultured cells with ultraviolet-A (UVA) light, and used it to study the colony-forming ability of fibroblasts in culture after UVA treatment. The system requires an ordinary clean bench, and the other materials and devices needed, such as dishes with a 35-mm diameter, plate glass, and 15-W UVA lamps, are easy to obtain and assemble. Neither stirring nor cooling of cells is required, because the fan of the clean bench acts as a cooler, and cells are irradiated from the bottom after they have settled in the dish. The UVA light incident on cells after its passage through both the plate glass and the bottom part of the dish contains so little of UVB wavelengths that cell killing by pyrimidine dimers was negligible.
Freeze/fracture electron microscopic and osmotic water permeability studies of epidermal lipid liposomes derived from stratum corneum lipids of porcine epidermis.
Authors: Mandal T K , Downing D T
Published: July 2023

Freeze/fracture electron microscopic studies revealed that the liposomal membrane morphology was intact before and after osmotic treatment. This finding suggested that water leakage from the liposomes was not due to fusion of two or more lipid vesicles, but rather to the osmotic salt effect. A stop/flow spectrophotometric study revealed that epidermal lipid liposomes derived from stratum corneum lipids of porcine skin underwent increases of the absorbances with decreases of volume of the vesicles. The initial rate at which the changes in optical density occurs is a measure of the water permeability through the liposomes. The reciprocal of the changes in the absorbance at the equilibrium at different salt osmotic shocks showed a linear dependence on the reciprocal of the osmotic pressure gradient, indicating that epidermal lipid liposomes are an ideal osmometer. The present investigation reports that lignoceric acid is a potent water barrier. Present findings suggest that the initial rate of water penetration decreased in the liposomes made from 30/45% (wt% ratio) of cholesterol and ceramides. Oleic acid as drug penetration enhancer facilitated the water diffusion of the stratum corneum lipid liposomes by a fluidizing effect on the liposomal membranes. Furthermore, ceramides are important in the water barrier properties of the skin. The permeability of water depends upon the amount (wt%) and the type of lipid of the membrane.
Leg ulcers and squamous cell carcinoma. An epidemiological study and a review of the literature.
Authors: Baldursson B , Sigurgeirsson B , Lindelöf B
Published: July 2023

There has been concern about the possible risk of malignification of venous leg ulcers. To investigate the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma in venous ulcers, data on 1,170 patients with venous leg ulcers and 511 patients with other types of non/traumatic ulcers were matched with corresponding data from the Swedish Cancer Registry to determine the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma in these patients. Mean follow/up time was 8.3 years. Seven cases of squamous cell cancer were observed, while the expected number was 10.56 (relative risk = 0.66
Reconstruction of epidermis on a chitosan cross/linked collagen/GAG lattice: effect of fibroblasts.
Authors: Saintigny G , Bonnard M , Damour O , Collombel C
Published: July 2023

Reconstruction of epidermis on a fibroblast containing chitosan cross/linked collagen/GAG lattice at the air/liquid interface gives rise to a multilayered stratified epithelium, covered with a compact stratum corneum. Immunohistological studies reveal that the markers of epidermal differentiation are essentially distributed as in normal human skin and that the major proteins of the dermal/epidermal junction are present. Reconstruction of epidermis under identical culture conditions on a dermal equivalent that does not contain fibroblasts gives rise to an epithelium consisting of disorganized cell layers where the markers of differentiation are either displaced or not at all expressed, as in the case with filaggrin. In contrast, expression of the major constituents of the dermal/epidermal junction by the keratinocytes is completely independent of the presence of fibroblasts, even though it seems that the presence of fibroblasts is essential for the organization of the basement membrane proteins, creating a tight junction between dermal equivalent and the reconstructed epidermis.
Transepidermal water loss and water content in the stratum corneum in infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Authors: Tollesson A , Frithz A
Published: July 2023

Thirty/seven patients with clinically diagnosed infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis (ISD) were studied in an attempt to establish the significance of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and water content in the stratum corneum, in active disease and after recovery. All the patients were treated daily with topically applied borage oil (containing 24% gamma/linolenic acid). With this regimen they were completely free from all skin symptoms within 3/4 weeks. Analyses of essential fatty acids in serum showed aberrations as previously described, with elevated levels of 18:1w9 and 20:2w6. TEWL and water content were recorded at the time of diagnosis and after treatment from the right forearm in skin that was free from symptoms and not treated with borage oil. Twenty/five healthy children in an age/matched group without skin disorders were used as controls. Significant differences in TEWL between patients and controls were found before treatment. After treatment no significant differences were found. There were no significant differences between controls and patients regarding water content in the stratum corneum. Gamma/linolenic acid is suggested to be of importance in maintaining normal TEWL and also in promoting recovery in patients suffering from ISD.
Two cases of vulvodynia with unusual causes.
Authors: Perniciaro C , Bustamante A S Jr , Gutierrez M M
Published: July 2023

Two women with vulvodynia are described. In one patient, severe chronic vulvodynia developed secondary to contact dermatitis. Patch/testing confirmed the offending allergens. A second patient with vulvodynia was severely dermatographic. Evaluation of patients with vulvodynia should include an appropriate medical history and diagnostic studies to exclude contact dermatitis and dermatographism. Effective treatment for these disorders may lead to dramatic relief of symptoms.
Interaction between tachykinins and CGRP in human skin.
Authors: Wallengren J , Wang Z Y
Published: July 2023

Substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and calcitonin gene/related peptide (CGRP) coexist in nerve fibres in the skin. CGRP causes erythema upon intracutaneous injection. The erythema is independent of axon reflexes and release of mast cell histamine. SP is known to produce a flare reaction that is dependent on axon reflexes and release of mast cell histamine. The flare reaction to NKA is known to depend predominantly on axon reflexes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate possible cooperation between SP and CGRP. SP was found to shorten the duration of the reddening induced by CGRP, injected concomitantly. NKA did not shorten the duration of the CGRP response. Local elimination of mast cells in the skin by treatment with compound 48/80 had the effect that SP lost its ability to shorten CGRP/evoked erythema. These observations support the suggestion that an SP/evoked release of proteolytic enzymes from mast cells could lead to accelerated degradation of CGRP.
Solid basal cell epithelioma (BCE) possibly originates from the outer root sheath of the hair follicle.
Authors: Asada M , Schaart F M , De Almeida H L Jr , Korge B , Kurokawa I , Asada Y , Orfanos C E
Published: July 2023

The presence and distribution of several cytokeratins (CKs) in 20 solid basal cell epitheliomas (BCEs) were investigated and compared with the pattern of CKs in normal epidermis, perilesional skin and in the outer root sheath (ORS) of the human hair follicle. Tissue samples were stained with monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against human CKs, using the APAAP technique. Additionally, CK profiles were assessed by gel electrophoresis and immunoblot technique. Cells of BCE and ORS were positively stained with the MoAb KL1, whereas the basal layer of normal epidermis remained negative. Six out of 20 BCEs were partially stained with the MoAb RPN1165, which also stained the lower ORS, but not the epidermal basal layer. Using SDS/PAGE and immunoblot, the CK profiles of BCE and ORS were almost identical, showing the presence of CKs 5, 6, 14, 16 and 17
Increase of endothelaemia in psoriasis.
Authors: Arenberger P , Buchtová L , Hladovec J
Published: July 2023

Changes of blood vessel endothelium in psoriasis have not been fully documented in the literature. The aim of our study was to ascertain whether in cases of such involvement an increase of endothelaemia could be identified. The counts of circulating endothelial cells were significantly increased in psoriatics compared with healthy individuals and patients with atopic eczema. The explanation of this observation may be based on the endothelial cell replacement stimulation in psoriasis.
Evaluation of phototoxic properties of some food additives: sulfites exhibit prominent phototoxicity.
Authors: Eberlein-König B , Bergner T , Diemer S , Przybilla B
Published: July 2023

Additives are used widely to enhance the quality of food products. To identify possible phototoxic properties, 13 food additives (benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, 4/hydroxybenzoic acid, 4/hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester, 4/hydroxybenzoic ethyl ester, 4/hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester, p/hydroxybenzoic acid n/butyl ester, benzyl alcohol, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, propionic acid, sodium disulfite and sodium sulfite) were evaluated in vitro by means of a photohemolysis test using suspensions of human erythrocytes. Irradiation was performed with various light sources differing with regard to their spectral irradiance. Sodium sulfite and sodium disulfite induced photohemolysis up to almost 100%, the effect depending on the concentration of the compounds and UV dose administered. Radiation rich in UVB was most effective a sunlight/simulating lamp induced photohemolysis to a lesser degree. All other substances tested did not cause significant photohemolysis. As sulfites are frequently encountered, they may contribute to UVB sensitivity. The clinical significance of these findings has to be established by further work.
The influence of water, glycerin, paraffin oil and ethanol on skin mechanics.
Authors: Overgaard Olsen L , Jemec G B
Published: July 2023

Moisturizers and emollients do not only smooth the skin but also make it more supple. To clarify this effect, the short/term influence of tap water, paraffin oil, ethanol and glycerin on skin mechanics was studied. These substances are all common ingredients in moisturizers and emollients. Significant changes were seen already after 10 min of application. The distensibility and hysteresis (creep phenomenon) showed the most pronounced changes. Water and paraffin oil application caused significant (p < 0.03) increases after 10 min of application. The changes persisted for at least 10 min following paraffin oil application, while they disappeared sooner following water application. Application of ethanol had a negative effect on distensibility (p < 0.03). Glycerin appears to have a slow onset of action, but with the changes continuing even after application was stopped. The changes induced by glycerin appear to be similar to those induced by water and paraffin oil. The study shows that some of the most common ingredients in moisturizers and emollients are capable of inducing significant changes in the mechanical properties of human skin in vivo even after a 10/min application, suggesting that the outermost layers of the epidermis play an important role in skin mechanics.
Ultrastructural localization of superoxide dismutase in human skin.
Authors: Kobayashi T , Saito N , Takemori N , Iizuka S , Suzuki K , Taniguchi N , Iizuka H
Published: July 2023

The ultrastructural localization of copper and zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn/SOD) and manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn/SOD) was investigated in normal human skin by the post/embedding immunogold staining method. Epidermal keratinocytes were positive for both Cu,Zn/SOD and Mn/SOD. The Cu,Zn/SOD was predominantly located in the cytoplasm with a slight labelling on the mitochondria. The basal cells were remarkably positive for Cu,Zn/SOD and the upper spinous or granular cells faintly positive for this enzyme. In contrast to Cu,Zn/SOD labelling, Mn/SOD labelling was mostly restricted to the mitochondria. A similar labelling pattern was observed in dermal fibroblasts, endothelial cells, melanocytes, and in various epidermal appendageal cells (i.e. outer root sheath cells, sweat ducts and eccrine sweat gland cells). Thus the subcellular localization of Cu,Zn/SOD and Mn/SOD in the skin was similar among various cell types. Although no evidence for the peroxisomal localization of Cu,Zn/SOD was obtained in the present study, this could be due to a marked fragility of peroxisome that has not been identified in epidermal keratinocytes.
Treatment of necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum by hyperbaric oxygen.
Authors: Weisz G , Ramon Y , Waisman D , Melamed Y
Published: July 2023

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum is a chronic cutaneous complication of diabetes mellitus with microangiopathy as an important pathophysiologic factor. Because of the known success of hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of chronic non/healing wounds, we used this mode of therapy to treat a diabetic patient with ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica of 7 years' duration, refractory to medical and surgical treatment. The patient received daily sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. There was considerable improvement during the course of the treatment, with complete closure of all the ulcerations after 98 sessions. The success of this treatment emphasizes the role of hypoxia in the pathogenesis of the lesion. This simple and safe treatment method may be a good solution for patients with chronic nonhealing necrobiosis lipoidica which fails to respond to other therapeutic approaches.
Infra-auricular fissures in atopic dermatitis.
Authors: Tada J , Toi Y , Akiyama H , Arata J
Published: July 2023

Retro-auricular or auricular dermatitis in atopic dermatitis (AD) is common and important for the diagnosis of AD in infancy and even in adulthood. Particularly, "infra-auricular fissures", acute eczematous changes like fissures at the adhesive junction of ear lobes, seem to be prominent features for the diagnosis of AD. Of 137 patients with AD, 81.8% showed present or past existence of infra-auricular fissures, but only one of the 30 controls. Of the 46 patients with severe AD, 98% had infra-auricular fissures, compared to 74% in those with moderate and mild AD. Our findings suggest that infra-auricular fissures are important for the diagnosis of AD and should be cited in a list of criteria for the diagnosis of AD.
TEWL measurement standardization: kinetic and topographic aspects.
Authors: Van Sam V , Passet J , Maillols H , Guillot B , Guilhou J J
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to standardize the recording technique of the SERVO MED Ep 1C to determine the rest time required for human subjects to obtain stabilized values of transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Measurements of TEWL were performed on the flexor side of the forearm in healthy volunteers. First, different sites were tested on different days to study intra- and inter-individual variations. The recordings were carried out every 5 min for 2 h. Values reached a linear state after 15 min of rest. A time-course type curve of TEWL was established.
Nickel levels in serum and urine in five different groups of eczema patients following oral ingestion of nickel.
Authors: Hindsén M , Christensen O B , Möller H
Published: July 2023

Patients with nickel allergy and different types of eczema with and without atopy were given a single oral dose of nickel sulfate. Blood levels and urinary excretion were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Urinary excretion of nickel was found to be dependent on age, decreasing with increasing age. When difference in age between the eczema groups was taken into account, the level of nickel in urine was significantly (p < 0.005) higher in the two atopy groups compared to the controls. This may indicate a higher intestinal absorption of nickel in atopic skin disease.
Changes in skin disaccharide components correlate with the severity of sclerotic skin in systemic sclerosis.
Authors: Higuchi T , Ohnishi K , Hayashi H , Ishikawa O , Miyachi Y
Published: July 2023

The disaccharide contents of chondroitinase-digestible glycosaminoglycans extracted from a 6-mm punch biopsy of the forearm skin were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography after 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrasolone labelling. In 9 patients with systemic sclerosis, the amounts of both the main disaccharide unit of dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate C increased significantly, as compared with 7 site-matched controls. Furthermore, the increase in dermatan sulfate was significantly correlated with both the clinical severity and the extent of skin sclerosis, while the main disaccharide unit of hyaluronic acid tended to decrease. These results confirm that changes in skin glycosaminoglycans are closely related to fibrotic processes and suggest that the alterations of disaccharide components may play a role in the collagen deposition in systemic sclerosis.
Phalangeal osteomyelitis due to nail biting.
Authors: Tosti A , Peluso A M , Bardazzi F , Morelli R , Bassi F
Published: July 2023

The authors report a 39-year-old man who developed a phalangeal osteomyelitis of the right thumb in consequence of nail biting. Cultures grew Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment with intravenous teicoplamine 400 mg/day for 3 weeks resulted in complete cure of infection.
Vitiligo: repigmentation with cultured melanocytes after cryostorage.
Authors: Olsson M J , Moellmann G , Lerner A B , Juhlin L
Published: July 2023

We have developed a technique through which we can multiply melanocytes in culture from a small specimen of normally pigmented buttock skin and reimplant them into depigmented sites of vitiligo. To date, 90 patients have benefited in our hands from such autologous transplantation of pigment cells. Often we have an excess of cells which we would like to store for later use in the event a patient requires further treatment. We report here on 4 cases in which we have cryostored cultured melanocytes for 6-12 months, reimplanted them into vitiliginous sites of the donor after one week of reculture, and obtained optimal repigmentation. We now routinely freeze melanocytes left over after treatment.
Reactivity to nickel sulfate at sodium lauryl sulfate pretreated skin sites is higher in atopics: an echographic evaluation by means of image analysis performed on 20 MHz B-scan recordings.
Authors: Seidenari S
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to establish an objectively assessable procedure simulating simultaneous exposure to irritants and allergens in domestic and occupational environments, in order to evaluate differences in the reactivity to the combination of these substances in atopic and non-atopic nickel-sensitized subjects. Thirty-four nickel-sensitive patients, 20 of whom were affected by atopic dermatitis, underwent four patch tests with NiSO4 0.05% aq. on two adjacent sites of both volar forearms, with a 24-h application time. Two of the test sites were treated with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) 5% for 30 min, before application of the nickel sulfate preparation. Echographic recordings were performed by a 20-MHz B-scanner and processed by an image analysis program, providing a numerical representation of the picture data, based on the attribution of fictional values to the amplitudes of the echoes. The dermal inflammatory reaction was quantified by an amplitude band, marking the hypo-reflecting part of the dermis, whereas epidermal damage was assessed by a band highlighting the entrance echo. Pre-treatment with SLS of the skin area where nickel sulfate was subsequently applied greatly enhanced the allergic response at 24 and 72 h, both in subjects with atopic dermatitis and in subjects with allergic contact dermatitis. However, in atopics, the increase in the allergic reactivity after irritation of the skin was more pronounced both by clinical and by echographic evaluation. These observations stress the importance of the concurrent action of irritants and allergens in maintaining the dermatitis in atopics.
Effects of cis- and trans-urocanic acids on the secretion of interleukin-1 beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha by human peripheral blood monocytes.
Authors: Laihia J K , Jansén C T , Uksila J , Punnonen J , Neuvonen K , Pasanen P , Ayräs P
Published: July 2023

In order to investigate the mechanism of urocanic acid (UCA)-mediated immune modulation, we studied the effect of cis- and trans-UCA on interleukin-1 beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha production by human peripheral blood monocytes, using immunospecific ELISA techniques. Trans-UCA augmented the interleukin-1 beta production and inhibited tumour necrosis factor-alpha production in a dose-dependent manner, whereas cis-UCA had no effect on the secretion of these cytokines by phorbol myristate acetate or lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocytes. This is a novel example of trans-UCA mediating a biological effect, a finding earlier reported for cyclic adenosine monophosphate up-regulation in human fibroblasts by Palaszynski and coworkers and for human natural killer cell inhibition by ourselves. Our data suggest an important role for trans-UCA as an immunomodulator in the skin.
Cutaneous reactions to drugs: a series of in-patients during a five-year period.
Authors: Stubb S , Heikkilä H , Kauppinen K
Published: July 2023

We have studied drug eruptions at a single clinic since 1956. The last 5-year series comprises in-patients with drug eruptions during the period 1986-1990. The total number of cases in this series was 135, the most common types being fixed eruption, exanthematous eruption and urticaria. The causative agent was confirmed with a provocation test in 102 cases. The most common groups of causative drugs were antimicrobial agents, anti-pyretic/anti-inflammatory analgesics and drugs acting on the central nervous system. We also present a 35-year series of 1997 cases of drug eruptions, most of them proven with oral provocation. The types of drug eruption and the drug groups causing eruptions seem to be the same throughout the 35-year period. As there are no reliable laboratory methods of examining drug eruptions, oral provocation is the only reliable method in most cases.
Vitamin A and E blood levels in erythrodermic and pustular psoriasis associated with chronic alcoholism.
Authors: Marrakchi S , Kim I , Delaporte E , Briand G , Degand P , Maibach H I , Thomas P
Published: July 2023

Vitamin A and E blood levels were determined, using a high-performance liquid chromatographic method, in 7 patients with erythrodermic psoriasis or psoriatic acral pustulosis associated or not associated with chronic alcoholism, during and after the acute episode. These vitamins were also studied in 5 patients with psoriasis vulgaris involving more than 80% of the surface body area and associated with chronic alcohol intake and in 17 patients with psoriasis vulgaris involving more than 50% of the skin but without chronic alcoholism. Vitamin A blood levels were reduced in all the patients in the group "erythrodermic psoriasis/psoriatic acral pustulosis", while vitamin E blood levels were below the normal range during the acute psoriatic episode only in the 5 patients having a history of chronic alcohol intake in this group. In the other groups--psoriasis vulgaris with chronic alcoholism and psoriasis vulgaris without heavy alcohol consumption--vitamin A and E blood levels were not reduced. The implication of vitamin E in psoriasis, probably by its antioxidant activity, and its relationship with selenium are discussed. We suggest that attention should be paid to the vitamin A deficiency in erythrodermic or pustular psoriasis and to the vitamin E deficiency when these inflammatory diseases are associated with chronic alcoholism.
Dicarboxylic acids affect the growth of dermatophytes in vitro.
Authors: Brasch J , Friege B
Published: July 2023

Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid with known antimycotic activity. In this study we have used an agar dilution technique to test the effect of six other dicarboxylic acids (sebacic, undecanedioic, dodecanedioic, tridecanedioic, tetradecanedioic and hexadecanedioic acid, 10(-4)-10(-2) mol/l, pH 5.5) on in vitro growth of Trichophyton (T.) rubrum, T. mentagrophytes and Microsporum (M.) canis. Furthermore, the fungicidal activity of 10(-2) mol/l undecanedioic and sebacic acid was tested using a T. rubrum growth assay. Undecanedioic acid proved fungistatic at 10(-2) mol/l for all species and fungicidal for T. rubrum. A minor fungistatic effect on T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes was also seen with the other acids at this concentration. M. canis was inhibited only by high concentrations of four acids, whereas low concentrations of all six agents resulted in enlarged thallus diameters. We conclude that among dicarboxylic acids fungistatic activity is not limited to azelaic acid. Undecanedioic acid appears promising for further investigations.
Helicobacter pylori in patients with systemic sclerosis: detection with the 13C-urea breath test and eradication.
Authors: Reinauer S , Goerz G , Ruzicka T , Susanto F , Humfeld S , Reinauer H
Published: July 2023

In patients with systemic sclerosis peristaltic abnormalities may delay gastric emptying, giving rise to bacterial overgrowth, including possibly Helicobacter pylori (HP). Infection with Helicobacter is an important risk factor for esophageal and gastric diseases, including esophagitis, gastritis and gastric cancer. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess gastric HP infection in patients with systemic sclerosis. In 12 patients with systemic sclerosis the newly introduced breath test with 13C-labelled urea was used for indirect detection of gastric urease activity due to HP infection. Five out of 12 patients gave Helicobacter-positive results (42%) 7 patients were negative for Helicobacter colonization (58%). Thus, the risk for gastric diseases caused by HP infection is enhanced in patients with systemic sclerosis compared with white healthy, asymptomatic persons examined in other studies. Helicobacter-positive patients were treated with 2 x 20 mg omeprazole and 4 x 500 mg amoxicillin over 14 days. Afterwards the 13C-urea breath test was repeated and showed negative results for Helicobacter in all systemic sclerosis patients treated. Dual therapy with omeprazole and amoxicillin therapy effectively eradicated HP. The 13C-urea breath test did not cause any side-effects and is therefore considered to be a non-invasive, non-toxic and safe method for the diagnosis and therapeutic control of Helicobacter-status.
Allergic and irritant contact responses to DNFB in BN and LEW rat strains with different TH1/TH2 profiles.
Authors: Peszkowski M J , Warfvinge G , Larsson A
Published: July 2023

BN and LEW rats possess different and extreme profiles of TH1/TH2 cells. The main objective of this study was to determine if this constitutively expressed property may influence the propensity to develop contact allergy to a potent contact sensitizer, 2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene (DNFB). In order to avoid overlapping reactions due to toxicity, we defined non-irritant threshold levels of DNFB histologically in ear skin, dorsal skin and oral mucosa prior to the sensitization experiments. Evaluation of the elicitation response was carried out by an invasive method (biopsy). LEW rats proved to express a more extensive challenge response to DNFB than rats of the BN strain. Further, epicutaneous sensitization with DNFB gave a better challenge response than the subcutaneous route regardless of rat strain. In ear skin, but not in oral mucosa, the response was more vigorous after five than after two exposures. Our results are discussed with respect to the possibility that the TH1 type cells may play a significant role in the development of experimental contact allergy.
The histological and immunohistochemical pattern of positive patch test reactions to gold sodium thiosulfate.
Authors: Möller H , Larsson A , Björkner B , Bruze M
Published: July 2023

Gold sodium thiosulfate, inserted in the patch test standard series, gives a surprisingly high yield of positive reactions, about 10% of tested eczema patients, but with a low degree of clinical relevance. A histopathological study on patch test reactions was carried out in patients selected because of a combined contact allergy to gold sodium thiosulfate and nickel. Biopsies were taken from macroscopically similar reactions in dilution series of each allergen. The histological picture was clearly eczematous, without irritative features. In a blind comparison, test reactions induced by the two allergens could not be differentiated from each other. Long-lasting patch test reactions to gold sodium thiosulfate were characterized by an intense lymphocytic dermal infiltrate without epidermal involvement. Immunohistochemically, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes could be detected already 4-8 h post-challenge, and "naive" as well as "memory"-type T cells were demonstrated. Apparently, our findings reflect a true contact allergy to gold sodium thiosulfate.
Interleukin-1 alpha- and beta-, interleukin-6- and tumour necrosis factor-alpha-like immunoreactivities in chronic granulomatous skin conditions.
Authors: Ahmed A A , Nordlind K , Schultzberg M , Lidén S
Published: July 2023

Paraformaldehyde-fixed tissue of chronic granulomatous skin conditions, such as cutaneous leishmaniasis, granuloma annulare, leprosy and hidroadenitis, was investigated for the presence of interleukin-1 alpha-, interleukin-1 beta-, interleukin-6- and tumour necrosis factor-alpha-like immunoreactivities among the cellular infiltrates. There was a weak to strong cytoplasmic labelling of plasma cells for interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha at the periphery of the granulomatous mass and around the skin appendages. The interleukin-6-like immunoreactivity seemed to be correlated with the coarseness of the chromatin material of the cells, being more intense with coarse chromatin. The cytoplasmic labelling for interleukin-1 alpha and interleukin-1 beta in the plasma cells was less intense. Epitheloid, Langhans' giant cells and small round cells exhibited a weak to moderate cytoplasmic labelling for interleukin-1 alpha and interleukin-1 beta, whereas the staining intensity for interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha was weak to strong. In addition, there was staining of the stroma in the centre of granuloma with antisera against interleukin-1 alpha, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. This area contained few cells, suggesting that the granuloma was in a resolution process. A contribution of interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha to the granulomatous reaction, at least during the maintenance period, is suggested by the occurrence of these cytokines in the skin conditions studied. The findings are also consistent with a suggested role of B cells in the late stages of the granulomatous reaction. In addition, they are in line with the reported declining role of interleukin-1 in the maintenance of granuloma.
Hallopeau's acrodermatitis continua of the nail apparatus: a clinical and pathological study of 20 patients.
Authors: Piraccini B M , Fanti P A , Morelli R , Tosti A
Published: July 2023

The clinical diagnosis of Hallopeau's acrodermatitis (HA) restricted to nail and digital pulp may be difficult, and even dermatologists often fail to recognize this condition. The aim of this study was to review the clinical and pathological features of 20 patients, observed over a period of 5 years (1988-1993), who were affected by HA limited to the nails. Our study shows that HA of the nail unit more commonly affects middle-aged females. In all our patients HA of the nail was restricted to one digit and not associated with other manifestations of pustular psoriasis. HA of the nail unit is characterized by a chronic course. None of our patients had a complete clearing of the dermatitis during the follow-up period. In 4 patients the acute phases of HA were treated with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent nimesulide 200 mg/day, with great improvement of inflammatory signs and subjective pain within a few days. In these patients, prolongation of treatment with nimesulide during remission phases prevented relapses of the dermatitis.
HLA-DR positive epidermal Langerhans' cells in liver cirrhosis and immunosuppressed liver transplanted patients.
Authors: Gilhar A , Enat R , Baruch Y
Published: July 2023

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the number of Langerhans' cells (LC) in immunosuppressed liver transplanted patients, compared to patients with liver cirrhosis and healthy volunteers. The detection of LC was performed in the epidermal sheet of each patient by using indirect immunoperoxidase and ATPase staining. A significant reduction in the number of LC was found in the liver transplanted patients as compared to patients with liver cirrhosis and healthy volunteers. This reduction may be related to prolonged treatment with corticosteroids and azathioprine.
IMPLIKASI PRAGMATISME DALAM KEHIDUPAN MANUSIA MASA KINI: STUDI LITERATUR
Authors: Setyono Joko wahyu
Published: July 2023

AbstrakPragmatisme merupakan salah satu bagian dari ilmu filsafat yang menyatakan bahwa kebenaran dapat diterima bila mampu memberikan manfaat secara praktis dalam kehidupan manusia. Manfaat praktis dapat diperoleh bila terdapat kemudahan dalam penggunaannya. Seiring dengan perkembangan teknologi sekarang ini memasuki revolusi industry 4.0 dimana teknologi bersanding dengan data digital berlajan sangat cepat sehingga memberikan efisiensi dan efektivitas dalam berbagai kehidupan manusia. Implikasi pragmatisme dalam kehidupan manusia masa kini adalah dengan menciptakan berbagai perlatan yang mempermudah dan mempercepat pekerjaan manusia. Selain itu implikasi pragmatisme yang lain adalah dengan adanya bisnis secara online yang menjangkau seluruh lapisan masyarakat dengan didukung perkembangan teknologi komunikasi sehingga memudahkan aktivitas jual beli secara praktis.Kata kunci: Prakmatisme, praktis, revolusi industry 4.0, bisnis online
Hermeneutika Pembebasan Farid Esack
Authors: Asnawan  , Oqik Suherlan
Published: July 2023

Sebagai gerakan pembebasan bagi kaum miskin, terpinggirkan, dan tertindas, Teologi Pembebasan lahir dan berkembang di Amerika Latin. Seruan untuk persamaan hak bagi orang-orang dari semua latar belakang, agama, etnis, dan warna kulit adalah ciri khas teologi pembebasan. Farid Esack, seorang pemikir Afrika Selatan, adalah salah seorang yang dengan antusias mengadvokasi pembebasan di kalangan Islam. Farid Esack berhasil mengubah sketsa ajaran Islam menjadi gerakan pembebasan yang berdampak signifikan bagi dunia Islam secara keseluruhan dengan berangkat dari pengalaman pribadi dan keluarganya di Afrika Selatan. Ia menegaskan bahwa semangat pembebasan bagi seluruh umat manusia dapat ditemukan dalam Alquran.
Pengembangan Metode Penelitian Kefilsafatan Kritis Konstruktif
Authors: Weda Sahadewa Ngurah , Wahyudi Imam
Published: July 2023

Meneliti memang menjadi sebuah keharusan tersendiri dalam dunia ilmiah  untuk itu penelitian tentang metode terutama metode penelitian filsafat. Selanjutnya, kekritisan penting dalam melihat metode  pada konteks ini membuka kembali ketegasan pencarian kebenaran yang mendasar dan menyeluruh sesuai dengan konstelasi penelitian kefilsafatan. Pengambilan pokok soal dalam artikel ini merupakan sebuah penelitian tersendiri yang mencakup kelengkapan yang perlu dalam menentukan suatu bentuk ketelitian dalam penggunaan metode penelitian yang para peneliti angkat dalam kesempatan ini yaitu terkait dengan kritis konstruktif. Kritis konstruktif dimaksudkan untuk menelusuri keberlanjutan dalam kekritisan sehingga kekritisan tidak berhenti bekerja melainkan dapat melanjutkan diri ke dalam kerangka metodis yang memutuskan sebuah konstruksi kemetodean yang inklusif kritis adanya.
Determination of Some Flour Characteristics
Authors: Popovska Olga
Published: July 2023

Food based on cereals especially the flour as an end product has been frequently consumed all over the world. Different types of commercially available flour (wheat, oat, corn, rye, integral rye flour) were tested for several characteristics such as magnetic, microscopic, testing of carbonates in flour with hydrochloric acid and oxalic acid, determination of gluten content, pH value, moisture content, foam capacity, flour colour analysis and FT-IR analysis. The microscopic analysis with an optical microscope showed the structural properties of each flour type. The results show that colour indexes represented with values of L*, a*, and b* showed good correlation in the evaluation of milling precision and flour grading (maximum value for wheat flour, L* was 86.921). The FT-IR analysis showed the main peaks in the region of C-H, N-H, and C-N bonds. The proposed methods are easy to be handled for rapid determination of several flour characteristics such as pH value, moisture and gluten content, parameters directly connected to storage quality. Application of available less cost methods for determination of certain parameters for safety use of flour products.
Branchless Banking: Inovasi Layanan Melalui Additive Models dan Transformasional Models Pada Bank Syariah Indonesia
Authors: Hana Kharis Fadlullah , Mustaqim Bagus Sirot
Published: July 2023

The presence of digital banks currently provides new challenges for conventional banks. Bank operations are required to adapt to technological developments. If the customer cannot follow it, the bank will be abandoned by the customer. The purpose of this study is to explore the innovations made by Indonesian Sharia Banks in dealing with digital bank attacks. Digital services through Additive models and transformational models have been carried out, but the results are not optimal. This study uses interview data sourced from managers and frontliners of Indonesian Sharia Banks. This research approach uses a qualitative method with a case study strategy. The results of this study indicate that in optimizing branchless banking, Indonesian Sharia Banks provides account opening services through mobile banking. Another finding is that Indonesian Islamic Banks use the Gardening Strategy. The recommendation from this research is to improve branchless banking services through BSI Smart.
Online Learning is a City without Police: Influence of Proficiency on Libyan EFL Learners’ Perceptions
Authors: Imani Aliakbar , Abulqasem Mohammed Elasfar Mohammed
Published: July 2023

With the spread of COVID-19 and the replacement of face-to-face classes with emergency online learning, many studies have investigated English as a Foreign Language learners’ perceptions regarding their experiences of emergency online learning. However, the influence of EFL learners’ proficiency levels on their perceptions is still a neglected area. Conducting in-depth interviews with a group of Libyan EFL learners (n=18) by employing the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique, this study investigated their metaphorical perceptions regarding emergency online learning across the three proficiency levels of Basic, Independent, and Proficient Users according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Considering the large number of EFL learners around the world and the felt literature gap, this study investigated the relationship between EFL learners’ proficiency levels and perceptions. The three main features of online learning reflected in the participants’ metaphors were (i) lack of the teacher’s physical presence, (ii) lack of peers’ physical presence and (iii) lack of nonverbal communication cues. Furthermore, this study reveals a significant relationship between the learners’ language proficiency levels and perceptions. For instance, Basic Users perceived the lack of a teacher’s presence by metaphors of ‘unsafety’ and ‘fear’, while Independent and Proficient Users respectively perceived it by metaphors of ‘freedom’ and ‘power’. Accordingly, the learners reported different class behaviors and learning strategies in response to these features
Challenges and Difficulties Faced by ESP Teachers in Teaching during COVID-19 Pandemic in Iraq
Authors: Numan Khazaal Edhah
Published: July 2023

E-teaching quickly became an essential way for educational institutions and universities during the global COVID-19 pandemic, as teaching during the breakdown has brought education to a new level. The present study aimed to investigate the challenges and difficulties faced ESP teachers in online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iraq and also clarify the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on changing the methods of teaching. The study is important to show the role of online teaching and the teachers’ barriers to online teaching. The study aims to answer the following question: Are there any challenges and difficulties faced the ESP teachers in e-teaching during the covid-19 pandemic? And what are the factors that cause these challenges and difficulties? The study is limited to ESP teachers at Al-Nahrain /College of political sciences during the academic year 2022-2023. The participants of this research are ESP teachers, who have been teaching English for specific purposes for years. Twenty ESP teachers were chosen randomly for this study. An online questionnaire and interview were designed by using Google Forms for this purpose. The data analyzed qualitatively. The results showed that there are many problems facing the ESP teachers in online teaching. These problems may be solved by acquiring training, technical skills, and the development of information and technology. The conclusion showed there are numerous challenges and difficulties face Iraqi teachers in teaching on-line.
La protección penal de los derechos afectados por los delitos contra la libre competencia a través del prisma de los derechos humanos: la importancia de un mandato de criminalización internacional en la era de las big tech
Authors: Neves Abade Denise
Published: July 2023

El uso de las vías penales es visto hoy por los tribunales internacionales de protección de los derechos humanos como defensa eficaz de los bienes jurídicos cuya violación afecta los derechos sociales. Esos derechos son violados cuando hay prácticas perjudiciales a la libre competencia, especialmente en la era de las llamadas big tech (grandes empresas de tecnología) que están siendo acusadas en varios países de formar un tipo de cártel, monopolizando los mercados y limitando la competencia. Sin embargo, la eficacia de la persecución penal, en vista de las conductas de competencia desleal, no puede verse comprometida en nombre de una supuesta eficiencia económica, pues los conceptos no son necesariamente antagónicos. La respuesta penal, como resultado de la afirmación de la “protección del mercado” y también de la protección de los derechos difusos y de los derechos humanos implicados, es una salida para la eficacia en la sanción de dichas conductas.
Karakterisasi Biomassa Ampas Tebu (Bagasse) Sebagai Bahan Produksi Gas Asap Cair Melalui Metode Pirolisis
Authors: Aziz Rois Thoriqul , Slamet Sugeng , Wibowo Rianto
Published: July 2023

Tebu merupakan salah satu tanaman yang banyak dibudidayakan pada masyarakat di Indonesia, karena tanaman tebu lebih mudah hidup di iklim tropis. Dan juga tebu lebih sering dimanfaatkan dalam proses produksi gula, seperti gula pasir atau gula tebu, namum ampas yang dihasilkan juga banyak. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu pemanfaatan limbah ampas tebu sebagai cairan bahan pengawet melalui proses pirolisis yang dapat digunakan sebagai bahan pengawet bahan.Metode yang digunakan meliputi studi literatur, metode pirolisasi, persiapan bahan baku, melakukan pengujian variabel suhu dan waktu dengan menggunakan proses destilasi serta pengolahan data. Adanya pemanfaatan ampas tebu pada penelitian ini diharapkan dapat mengurangi jumlah limbah ampas tebu serta pengolahan sebagai bahan pengawet pada kayu, makanan dan masih banyak yang lainnya.Dalam proses pengambilan cairan dari hasil pembakaran destilasi, maka dilakukan proses pengujian. Proses pengujian dilakukan terdiri dari berbagai tahap yaitu pertama dilakukan penyiapan bahan ampas tebu. Ampas tebu  sebelum dimasukan ke dalam mesin destilasi maka dilakukan pengeringan guna mengurangi air pada ampas tebu.  Selanjutnya dilakukan proses pembakaran di tangki dan uji coba dengan variable suhu dan waktu. Hasil dari penelitian ini yaitu didapatkan bahan kimia gas asap cair yang dapat digunakan sebagai bahan pengawet.
APLIKASI CANVA SEBAGAI MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN SEJARAH DI ABAD 21
Authors: Ruslan Ahmad , Sugiono Sugiono , Andi Andi , Firlana Oky , Erlangga Gery
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine related to sophisticated, imaginative and inventive digital-based learning media through recorded learning involving the Canva application in history learning so that it can create an innovative atmosphere in the learning process.The research method used is descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques using documentation techniques and literature research analysis techniques to arrive at the stage of drawing a conclusion.The results of the study show that the use of the Canva application in learning history is an interesting and creative learning medium in accordance with the development of 21st century schools, especially in all parts of the use of innovation in everyday life. Thus, the final conclusion in writing this article explains that the Canva application is very easy and practical to access in learning activities. The application of the Canva application in history learning is the right solution to assist educators in creating computerized learning media in the 21st century so that the delivery of learning materials can be more easily accepted by students.