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The article presents a case study of 14 patients with allergic and/or photoallergic contact dermatitis caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) etofenamate. The patients had been referred to patch testing with to NSAID series. The study reveals seven cases of allergic contact dermatitis, five for photoallergic contact dermatitis, and two for combined allergic and photoallergic. Information on the uses of etofenamate is also offered.

The article focuses on consort photocontact dermatitis from piketoprofen. The case of a 30-year-old man presenting with an episode of vesiculobullos and intensely itchy lesions localized on the palmar area of his hands and fingers which developed some days after applying an anti-inflammatory gel is presented. The paper also discusses the treatment and management of the disease.

The article presents a case study on the photoallergic contact dermatitis experienced by a 63-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman due to Voltaren emulgel with diclofenac. It discloses that the patients undergo the patch test with Grupo de Español de Investigación de Dermatitis de Contacto (GEIDC) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It asserts on performing photopatch test with aceclofenac to eliminate the possibility of cross-reactivity among patients.

The article reports on the characteristics of Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) and Thymus vulgaris (thyme) that cause allergic contact dermatitis. A case report of a 45-year-old man with an acute, cutaneous, eczematous and severe itching lesion on the right thigh from an application of herbs poultice is presented. Oil of rosemary and thyme were found to moderately irritate skin and eyes.

Presents the case of the patients suffering from contact dermatitis after being treated with an anti-inflammatory drugs in Spain. Assessment on the response of the immune system from the treatment; Description on the physical condition of the patients; Factors affecting the quality of life.

The pathogenetic mechanism of fixed drug eruption (FDE) is still unknown. One of the most common causes of FDE is the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Oxicams are in the NSAID group and piroxicam is one of the most used of these drugs. FDE caused by piroxicam is rare but a few cases have been reported. Patch tests are useful for diagnosing some cases of FDE; they give variable results on previously affected skin while no reaction appears on unaffected skin. Some cases of cross-sensitivity among piroxicam and other substances have been reported. We report two new cases of FDE due to piroxicam with negative patch test on normal skin and positive results on affected skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a case study of an aged patient diagnosed with a certain disease and treated with flutamide. Usefulness of photopatch testing in the investigation of photosentivity due to flutamide; Side effects of flutamide; Criteria for the basis of considering the case to be a photosensitivty reaction induced by flutamide.

Describes the case of a 27-year-old woman diagnosed with photocontact dermatitis due to dexketoprofen. Presenting signs and symptoms; Past medical history; Diagnostic procedures; Treatment; Outcome.

Benzydamine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug from which contact dermatitis from topical application and photodermatitis from both topical and systemic administration have been described. A 58-year-old man developed eczema after the application of Tantum fuerte cream, containing 5% benzydamine hydrocloride without preceding sun exposure. Patch tests gave strong positive reaction to benzydamine hydrochloride and to an essential oil Aurea Crematest. This is the 1st case of allergic contact dermatitic from benzydamine in which a positive patch test to indomethacin has also been described.

Focuses on the incidence of photoallergic contact dermatitis to a woman treated with aceclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Verification of the patch tests of aceclofenac; Indication of contact dermatitis in the photopatch testing; Negation of the cross-activity between aceclofenac and diclofenac.

This article presents a case report of a 49-year-old man, who started applying a 12% ammonium lactate solution two times a day for xerosis on the anterior left leg. Five days later, he developed a very pruriginous erythema, which then became eczematous, in the affected area. After discontinuing application of the lotion and with the administration of topical corticosteroids, the process remitted in a few days. Patch tests were then done with the components of the lotion in various concentrations and vehicles: ammonium lactate, arlacel 165, dragophos S, dragoxat EH, cetyl alcohol, cutina GMS, sorbitol.

The component of a composite prosthesis, which makes contact with the visceral peritoneum, can be reabsorbable or non-reabsorbable, and laminar or reticular. This study was designed to determine whether the composition of this second, barrier component could improve its behavior at this interface. Abdominal wall defects in rabbits were repaired using a polypropylene prosthesis (PP), or the composites Sepramesh (PP + h) or Vicryl (PP + v). Fourteen days after surgery, the implants were evaluated by light and scanning electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. Prosthetic areas occupied by adhesions (PP: 71.08 +/- 5.09, PP + h: 18.55 +/- 4.96, P + v: 69.69 +/- 16.81%), neoperitoneal thickness (PP: 256.17 +/- 21.68, PP + h: 83.11 +/- 19.63, PP + v:213.72 +/- 35.90 microm) and macrophage counts (PP: 8.73 +/- 1.16, PP + h: 27.33 +/- 4.13, PP + v: 31.24 +/- 3.08%) showed significant differences (P < 0.05). The tested biomaterials induced an optimal recipient tissue infiltration. Least adhesion formation was observed on the PP + h implants. This suggests that the second component, although reabsorbable, should be smooth in structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro and in vivo studies described the myokine IL‐15 and its receptor IL‐15Rα as anabolic/anti‐atrophy agents, however, the protein expression of IL‐15Rα has not been measured in human skeletal muscle and data regarding IL‐15 expression remain inconclusive. The purpose of the study was to determine serum and skeletal muscle IL‐15 and IL‐15Rα responses to resistance exercise session and to analyze their association with myofibrillar protein synthesis (MPS). Fourteen participants performed a bilateral leg resistance exercise composed of four sets of leg press and four sets of knee extension at 75% 1RM to task failure. Muscle biopsies were obtained at rest, 0, 4 and 24 hours post‐exercise and blood samples at rest, mid‐exercise, 0, 0.3, 1, 2, 4 and 24 hours post‐exercise. Serum IL‐15 was increased by ~5.3‐fold immediately post‐exercise, while serum IL‐15Rα decreased ~75% over 1 hour post‐exercise (P<.001). Skeletal muscle IL‐15Rα mRNA and protein expression were increased at 4 hours post‐exercise by ~2‐fold (P<.001) and ~1.3‐fold above rest (P=.020), respectively. At 24 hours post‐exercise, IL‐15 (P=.003) and IL‐15Rα mRNAs increased by ~2‐fold (P=.002). Myofibrillar fractional synthetic rate between 0‐4 hours was associated with IL‐15Rα mRNA at rest (r=.662, P=.019), 4 hours (r=.612, P=.029), and 24 hours post‐exercise (r=.627, P=.029). Finally, the muscle IL‐15Rα protein up‐regulation was related to Leg press 1RM (r=.688, P=.003) and total weight lifted (r=.628, P=.009). In conclusion, IL‐15/IL‐15Rα signaling pathway is activated in skeletal muscle in response to a session of resistance exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence increase of infections in patients with hip or knee implants with resistant pathogens (mainly some S. coagulase-negative and gram positive bacteria) demands advanced antibiotic loaded formulations. In this paper, we report the design of new biantibiotic acrylic bone cements for in situ delivery. They include a last generation antibiotic (daptomycin or linezolid) in combination with vancomycin and are performed based on a novel modification of the Palacos R ® acrylic bone cement, which is based on two components, a liquid (methyl methacrylate) and a solid (polymeric phase). Hence, the solid component of the experimental formulations include 45 wt% of microparticles of poly( D,L -lactic- co -glycolic) acid, 55 wt% of poly(methyl methacrylate) beads and supplements (10 wt-% each) of antibiotics. These formulations provide a selective and excellent control of the local release of antibiotics during a long time period (up to 2 months), avoiding systemic dissemination. The antimicrobial activity of the advanced spacers tested against S. aureus shows that single doses would be enough for the control of the infection. In vitro biocompatibility of cements on human osteoblasts is ensured. This paper is mainly focused on the preparation and characterization of cements and the studies of elution kinetics and bactericidal effects. Developed formulations are proposed as spacers for the treatment of infected arthroplasties, but also, they could be applied in other antibiotic devices to treat relevant bone-related infection diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extracellular matrix deposition is the main factor inducing stenotic lesions in arterial grafts. Lysyl oxidases (LOX) play a key role in stabilizing collagen and elastin. Objective: To examine the repair response to arterial allografts in terms of LOX expression and collagen/elastin deposition using LOX inhibitors. Methods: Lewis/Fisher-344 rats were used as donors/recipients. Donor segments were grafted to the right iliac artery of recipients and retrieved 14/30 (short-term) or 90/180 days (long-term) after surgery. One group of animals was injected with a potent irreversible LOX inhibitor daily for 30 days. Results: Intimal hyperplasia increased in thickness until 90/180 days postsurgery. Elastin showed great expression in the neointima at 14/30 days and in the media at 90/180 days. LOX/LOXL1 were similarly expressed in the arterial wall during the first month. In the long term, their overexpression was confined to neointimal layers. At 14 days, collagen types I/III were identified in the grafts. The neointima acquired collagen I over time. In the group of animal treated with the LOX inhibitor, intimal hyperplasia was significantly inhibited. Conclusion: LOX were overexpressed in late stages of intimal hyperplasia in the allografts. LOX inhibitors prevented the development of the neointimal layer, such that their modulation could reduce the excessive extracellular matrix deposition that leads to stenosis. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aetiology of inguinal hernia involves changes in collagen turnover and metalloproteinase expression; yet it is not known whether the elastic fibre system could also be affected. This study was designed to compare the expression of tropoelastin (TE), lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL-1) and elastase in the transversalis fascia of patients with and without inguinal hernia. Material and methods Transversalis fascia (TF) specimens were obtained from patients undergoing surgery for direct or indirect inguinal hernia ( n = 20 each) and from multi-organ donors during organ procurement (controls, n = 16). The specimens were divided according to age (20–40/41–60 years). Tissues were immunohistochemically labelled using anti-tropoelastin, anti-LOXL-1 and anti-elastase antibodies and subjected to Western blot analysis. Relative amounts of LOXL-1 and TE mRNA were determined by real time RT-PCR in cultured cells obtained from the TF of patients and controls. Results Significantly lower TE and LOXL-1 levels were observed in patients with direct inguinal hernia compared with controls or those with indirect hernia. In contrast, patients with direct inguinal hernia showed significantly higher elastase expression. In fibroblasts isolated from the TF, relative amounts of tropoelastin mRNA were lower for the hernia groups but differences were not significant. LOXL-1 mRNA levels were significantly lower in the direct hernia group compared to controls. Conclusions Our findings suggest that impaired elastic fibre function in the transversalis fascia of patients with direct inguinal hernia, reflected by diminished elastin synthesis and its enhanced enzyme degradation, contributes to the development of this type of hernia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aetiology of inguinal hernia includes changes in collagen turnover and metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, and direct hernia has been linked to increased MMP-2 expression. Since transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) plays a role in tissue remodelling, this growth factor could directly affect metalloproteinase secretion and thus the proteolytic activity of these enzymes. We hypothesized that TGFβ1 expression could also be altered in direct inguinal hernias. Materials and methods Tissue specimens were obtained from the transversalis fascia (TF) of organ donors (controls; n = 10) and patients with inguinal hernia (indirect; n = 20/direct; n = 20), who were also divided into two groups according to age (20–40/41–60 years). Tissue sections were immunohistochemically labelled using anti-LAP TGFβ1 (latent form) and anti-TGFβ1 (active form) antibodies, and fragments of tissue were subjected to Western blot analysis. Results No significant differences in LAP-TGFβ1 expression were detected between specimens from control and hernia patients. However, significantly higher levels of active TGFβ1 were detected in the TF of patients with direct hernia ( P < 0·05). Age affected the expression of the growth factor in its active form, and significant differences emerged between direct hernias and controls/indirect hernias only in the younger age groups. Conclusions Our findings indicate overexpression of the active form of TGFβ1 in the TF of young patients with direct hernia. This overexpression reflects an attempt to counterbalance the enhanced matrix degradation process observed in these patients, identifying a subset of patients requiring the use of a prosthetic material for primary hernia repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: This study was designed to evaluate the extent of adhesion formation to prostheses fixed with spiral tacks and to establish whether the use of Ringer’s lactate or icodextrin could prevent these adhesions. Methods:24New Zealand white rabbits weighing around 3,000 g were implanted with a 7 × 5 cm patch of ePTFE (DualMesh®) through amidline laparotomy. The prosthesis was fixed to the intact peritoneum using spiral tacks. Three study groups were established according to whether the animals were: implanted with ePTFE fixed with spiral tacks or implanted with ePTFE fixed with spiral tacks and simultaneously administered Ringer’s lactate or 4% icodextrin in the peritoneal cavity. Adhesion formation and prosthetic behavior at the prosthesis/peritoneal interface were evaluated and quantified by sequential laparoscopy performed at 3, 7 and 14 days. Results: Adhesions generally formed on the tacks and were classified as the fully integrated type. No significant differences were observed in terms of the extent of adhesions or of neoperitoneal thickness between control animals and those receiving Ringer’s lactate or icodextrin. Conclusions: (a)Prosthesis-fixing tacks induced adhesions; (b) the use of substances such as icodextrin or Ringer’s lactate does not seem to diminish adhesion formation, and (c) the use of icodextrin offered no benefits over that of Ringer’s lactate solution. Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the patency and structural changes that occur in the short- and mid-term when cryopreserved syngenic arterial grafts are implanted in an experimental animal model. Material and methods: Segments of iliac artery from the Spraque-Dawley rat were cryopreserved in a biological freezer according a controlled, computerized freezing protocol whereby the specimens are cooled at a rate of 1°C/min. After storage at −145°C in liquid N2 vapor for 30 days, the cryografts were slowly thawed. These vessels were grafted to the common iliac artery in syngenic animals. The following study groups were established: group I (GI), non-implanted cryografts; group II (GII), autografts; and group III (GIII), cryoisografts. The control group (CG) was comprised of fresh iliac arteries. The animals were sacrificed 14, 30, or 90 days post-surgery. At each of these follow-up times, graft specimens were morphologically evaluated by light and scanning and transmission electron microscopy and immunolabeling of endothelial cells (vWf). Cell damage attributed to the cryopreservation or grafting process was also determined. Results: At the time of sacrifice, graft patency was 100% for the autografts, while 26.6% of the cryoisografts showed fully occlusive thrombosis. Among other complications, two pseudoaneurysms were detected. After cryopreservation, the grafts (GI) showed patches of endothelial denudation and good cellularity of the medial layer. The intimal hyperplasia observed in autografts implanted for 14 days (GII) was significantly delayed until day 30 when the graft was cryopreserved (GIII). Cryoisografts showed general thinning of the arterial wall and degeneration accompanied by medial layer cell loss. These grafts showed most cell damage at 90 days post-implant. Expression of the vWf in all specimens showing intimal hyperplasia was confined to the outermost graft layer. Conclusions: Cryopreservation modified the reparative response of the grafts. Owing to faster degeneration of the medial layer and a delay in the appearance of intimal hyperplasia, arterial wall thickness was reduced relative to that of the non-cryopreserved autografts. This thinning, at least in the short-term (90 days), does not seem to give rise to aneurysms owing to the generation of a neointima that stabilizes the vessel wall. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Compares the behavior of two biomaterials contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis, used to repair abdominal wall defects. Defects created in the anterior abdominal wall of 60 white New Zealand rabbits; Repair of the defects using polypropylene or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene prostheses; Indication that integration within host tissue was affected in the setting of S. aureus infection but the tensile strength of contaminated prostheses was not significantly reduced; Unaltered biomechanical strength of the contaminated implants.

The use of biomaterials as vehicles for pharmacological agents, hormones, and growth factors is at times the best treatment for controlled local administration. Our study was designed to evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility and potential clinical use of a new polymer, hydroxyethyl methacrylate–vinyl pirrolidone. Human fibroblasts were incubated in the presence of the polymer and/or growth hormone, and evaluation was made of both the rate of polymer and hormone degradation and the proliferative effect on the fibroblast population. Results indicate that this polymer is biodegradable and lacks toxicity toward these cells. The hormone was slowly released, as suggested by enhanced cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]