Patterns of Allergic Contact Dermatitis in African Americans in a Major Metropolitan Area Over a 10-Year Period.

BACKGROUND: Differences in patterns of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) among underrepresented minority populations are not well studied. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate patterns of ACD in African American and White patch-tested patients in a distinct metropolitan area over a 10-year period. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 297 ACD patients patch tested from 2009 to 2019. Differences in allergen frequency, relevance, and sources of exposure were evaluated. Fisher exact test analyses were performed to examine these differences. RESULTS: Among 297 patients, 215 were White and 47 were African American. The most common sensitizers differed between the 2 groups. African American patients also reacted with statistically significant greater frequency to disperse dye blue (P = 0.019) and textile dye mix (P = 0.001). The most common source of positive patch tests for all patients was personal care products (72%). Occupational allergy was greater in African American male patients, and personal care product exposure was greater in White male patients (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the differing patterns of sensitization seen in African American and White patients. This is likely due to differences in personal care product use or occupational allergy. Additional studies with larger sample sizes are needed to expand upon these differences.

Patch testing: Uses, systems, risks/benefits, and its role in managing the patient with contact dermatitis.

Patch testing is the gold standard diagnostic tool for cell-mediated type IV hypersensitivity reactions like allergic contact dermatitis. Sensitized individuals have primed antigen-specific T lymphocytes that cause a reaction when antigens are applied to the skin owing to prior sensitization. Patch testing can be used in the adult and pediatric populations, but it is contraindicated in patients with a known history of severe allergic reactions to suspected allergens, generalized active dermatitis, or extensive eczema. Patch test systems can be a comprehensive panel (70-80 allergens), but they can also be targeted and limited to a more common allergen series (35 allergens). The decision for allergen selection should be based on an accurate patient history, physical examination, and availability of allergens. Measurement and interpretation of the test results requires training and experience, as well as consideration of relevance and clinical history. Patch testing is generally considered safe with just a few known complications: excited skin syndrome, active sensitization, and rarely anaphylaxis or other cutaneous complications. Appropriately pretesting patient education can help to mitigate some of these complications. Based on patch testing results, patients should be educated regarding proper allergen avoidance measures to resolve symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis.

Long-term use of spironolactone for acne in women: A case series of 403 patients.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data regarding the long-term outcomes of spironolactone use for women with acne and its effect on truncal acne. OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively describe outcomes of patients treated with spironolactone in routine clinical practice, including long-term outcomes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective case series of 403 adult women treated for acne with spironolactone at an academic medical center between 2008 and 2019. Rates of objective, as assessed by Comprehensive Acne Severity Scale scores, and subjective acne clearance were evaluated, as well as rates of treatment discontinuation, dosage changes, and drug survival. Logistic regression was used to assess for association between incidence of menstrual adverse effects and combined oral contraceptive use. RESULTS: As evaluated by Comprehensive Acne Severity Scale scores, at the first follow-up, 75.5%, 84.0%, and 80.2% of patients with available data had reduction or complete clearance of acne on the face, chest, and back, respectively. The mean drug survival was 470.7 days. Menstrual adverse effects were less common among those using combined oral contraception (odds ratio, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.50). LIMITATIONS: This study was conducted at a single academic medical center. CONCLUSIONS: Spironolactone improves clinical outcomes and is well tolerated for many adult women with acne using it for an extended duration.

Novel insights into the histology of jejunoileal atresia and its therapeutic implications.

AIM: To study the histology of resected specimens of jejunoileal atresia (JIA) and to explore its probable therapeutic implications. METHODS: Biopsies were taken from the resected specimens of 32 patients of JIA. Sections were taken at the atretic ends and successively at every 5 cm in resected proximal bowel. They were stained for light microscopy and immunohistochemistry for CD117 (Interstitial cell of Cajal), α smooth muscle antibody (SMA), neuron filament protein (NFP) and calretinin. Histological findings on light microscopy and immune reactivity intensity for NFP, calretinin and α-SMA were recorded. Time taken to achieve full enteral nutrition (FEN; defined as attainment of oral feeds at 100 ml/kg/day without any intravenous fluid supplementation) was recorded and correlated with CD117 count by non-parametric Spearman rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Light microscopy failed to detect any abnormality in majority (n = 27, 84%) of JIA specimens. Mucosal ulceration (7.8%), submucosal inflammatory cells (8%), focal muscle thinning (2.5%), decreased ganglion cells and nerve fibers (3.8%) were noted on light microscopy. However all of them had normal α SMA, calretinin and NFP immunoreactivity. Mean ICC counts at proximal and distal atretic segment were 6.56 ±â€¯3.79 and 8.37 ±â€¯3.21 per HPF respectively. Serial sections in proximal dilated segment did not reveal any definite or well demarcated increase in ICC counts. CD117 counts at the proximal cut end of atresia was less than 6 per high power field (hpf) in 15 patients (46.8%) while at the site of anastomosis a count of more than 6/hpf was observed in 73% patients. There was no direct correlation of ICC counts with attainment of FEN. CONCLUSION: Absence of major morphological abnormalities in the proximal dilated bowel contradicts the findings of earlier studies on histology of JIA in smaller cohorts. Our observations reiterate that bowel plication rather than massive bowel resection should be the preferred management in babies with JIA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognosis study (Level II).

PD1 inhibitor induced inverse lichenoid eruption: a case series.

The increased use of monoclonal antibodies that target the immune checkpoint T cell receptor programmed death-1 (PD1) to treat numerous solid tumors has led to several reports describing associated cutaneous adverse events. Although lichenoid reactions have been well described, we propose that PD1 inhibitor-induced inverse lichenoid eruption (PILE) is a distinct variant. We describe two patients who presented with nearly identical deeply erythematous, malodorous, eroded anogenital plaques with focal crusting. Diagnosis of PILE was established given the biopsy findings and temporal association with PD1 inhibitor therapy. Treatment with clobetasol ointment was successful without necessitating discontinuation of immunotherapy. The findings were consistent with the only other previously published case of inverse lichenoid eruption in the groin secondary to PD1 inhibitors.

Incidence of Fractures From Perioperative Blood Pressure Cuff Use, Tourniquet Use, and Patient Positioning in Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

BACKGROUND: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare connective tissue disease with varying severity. Patients with OI are highly susceptible to skeletal fractures. Optimal perioperative management of these patients is not well defined. We investigated the risks associated with intraoperative use of noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) cuffs, tourniquets, and intra-arterial catheters, and patient positioning in children with OI. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of patients younger than 21 years with OI who underwent surgery with general anesthesia from 2010 to 2016 at our tertiary care center. The primary outcome of interest was iatrogenic fracture caused by NIBP cuff use, tourniquet use, or patient positioning. The secondary outcome of interest was complications associated with intra-arterial catheter use. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (15 girls) with a mean age of 10±4.8 years underwent 96 orthopaedic procedures (lower extremity, upper extremity, and spine) and 2 nonorthopaedic procedures (myringotomy, dental rehabilitation). Blood pressure was monitored with NIBP cuffs in 81 surgeries and intra-arterial catheters in 17 surgeries. Tourniquets (all applied to the lower extremity at a pneumatic pressure of 250 mm Hg) were used to minimize bleeding in 30 surgeries. There were no iatrogenic fractures associated with NIBP cuff use. One patient had a left humerus fracture that occurred during preoperative patient positioning. There were no fractures associated with tourniquet use and no complications related to intra-arterial catheters. CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric patients with OI, intraoperative use of NIBP cuffs and tourniquets was not associated with iatrogenic fracture. There were no complications related to intra-arterial catheter use. Care should be used during the perioperative period to prevent fractures during body positioning. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Predictors of upper tract damage in pediatric neurogenic bladder.

INTRODUCTION: Upper tract damage (UTD) is a life-threatening complication of neurogenic bladder (NB). Early identification of risk factors for UTD and institution of remedial measures may probably prevent UTD. The aim was to study the predictors of UTD in children 2 years or older with NB. METHOD: This cross-sectional, observational study over 2 years included 30 children. UTD was defined as serum creatinine of >1 mg/dL or society of fetal urology grade III-IV hydronephrosis or hydroureteronephrosis on ultrasonography or renal scars on 99mtechnetium dimercaptosuccinic scan or subnormal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) for age. The evaluated clinical variables were age at presentation, gender, palpable bladder lump, and recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). Bladder wall thickness (BWT), grade and laterality of vesicoureteric reflux (VUR), status of the bladder neck, post-void residue (PVR), and level and type of intraspinal lesions were also noted. Urodynamic studies were performed for functional bladder assessment. A p-value <0.05 identified the risk factors. RESULTS: UTD was detected in 15 (50%) with serum creatinine >1 mg% (2, 6%), SFU III-IV (11, 36%), renal scars (12, 40%), and subnormal GFR in (2, 6%) patients. Clinical risk factors for UTD were delayed presentation (p = 0.034), palpable bladder lump (p ≤ 0.001; OR 38.5; CI 5.6-262.5), and recurrent UTI (p = 0.033, OR 4.125, CI 0.913-18.630). The presence of significant PVR, trabeculated bladder, spin-top urethra, and bilateral VUR were identified as radiological risk factors for UTD. Mean BWT in patients with and without UTD was 4.69 ± 1.78 mm and 2.91 ± 1.08 mm respectively. BWT predictive of UTD was 3.05 mm (Figure). The mean detrusor leak point pressure (DLPP) did not vary significantly in those with and without UTD (36.82 ± 14.74 and 29.09 ± 10.44 cmH2O, respectively), yet 75% patients with DLPP > 40 cmH2O had UTD (p = 0.038, OR 5.4, CI 0.84-34.84). DLPP <40 cmH2O was associated with UTD in 35% patients. DISCUSSION: The incidence of UTD in this series is in accordance with that reported with expectant management (40%) and is much higher than the 17% stated with proactive management. A limitation of this study is the small number of patients and heterogeneous clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Delayed presentation with palpable bladder lump, recurrent UTI, increased BWT, bilateral VUR, increased PVR, and DLPP > 40 cm H2O were identified as potential risk factors for UTD. This study highlights the significance of BWT as a predictor of UTD in NB.

Discharge Education and Caregiver Coping of Pediatric Patients with a Tracheostomy: Systematic Review.

AIM: The aim of this review was to assess and synthesize current literature evaluating caregiver education and coping after children were discharged with a tracheostomy. BACKGROUND: Tracheostomy tube placement is a transformative event for the child who receives it and the family members who care for the child. As a result, it is imperative to provide caregivers a comprehensive and effective education on how to care for the tracheostomy and how to cope with a tracheostomy. DESIGN: A systematic review of literature was conducted to explore practices associated with tracheostomy education among caregivers of pediatric patients with a tracheostomy. METHODS: A search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science revealed potential 501 articles using keywords, tracheostomy, tracheotomy, education, discharge, caregiver, and family coping. After reviewing them in a systematic fashion, 12 articles were identified that were pertinent to tracheostomy education. FINDINGS: This review of literature showed that discrepancies existed in how discharge education was provided and the lack of knowledge regarding tracheostomy care among caregivers despite formal education. Moreover, the caregivers reported variations in their coping capabilities and quality of life while caring for their children with a tracheostomy tube. CONCLUSION: Literature on discharge education regarding tracheostomy management among caregivers of children with a tracheostomy tube is limited. Studies report poor coping strategies and quality of life among caregivers of children with a tracheostomy tube. Studies have significant limitations. Further research is warranted to understand the current practices with discharge education and follow-up of these patients at home settings.

Spiking neuron computation with the time machine.

The Time Machine (TM) is a spike-based computation architecture that represents synaptic weights in time. This choice of weight representation allows the use of virtual synapses, providing an excellent tradeoff in terms of flexibility, arbitrary weight connections and hardware usage compared to dedicated synapse architectures. The TM supports an arbitrary number of synapses and is limited only by the number of simultaneously active synapses to each neuron. SpikeSim, a behavioral hardware simulator for the architecture, is described along with example algorithms for edge detection and objection recognition. The TM can implement traditional spike-based processing as well as recently developed time mode operations where step functions serve as the input and output of each neuron block. A custom hybrid digital/analog implementation and a fully digital realization of the TM are discussed. An analog chip with 32 neurons, 1024 synapses and an address event representation (AER) block has been fabricated in 0.5 µm technology. A fully digital field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based implementation of the architecture has 6,144 neurons and 100,352 simultaneously active synapses. Both implementations utilize a digital controller for routing spikes that can process up to 34 million synapses per second.

Finite element analysis of stress concentration in three popular brands of fiber posts systems used for maxillary central incisor teeth.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study the stress concentrations in endodontically treated maxillary central incisor teeth restored with 3 different fiber post systems subjected to various oblique occlusal loads. MATERIALS AND METHODS: FEM analysis was used to analyze stress concentrations generated in maxillary anterior teeth. Computer aided designing was used to create a 2-D model of an upper central incisor. Post systems analyzed were the DT Light Post (RDT, Bisco), Luscent Anchor (Dentatus) & RelyX (3M-ESPE). The entire design assembly was subjected to analysis by ANSYS for oblique loading forces of 25N, 80N & 125 N RESULTS: The resultant data showed that the RelyX generated the least amount of stress concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Minimal stress buildups contribute to the longevity of the restorations. Thus RelyX by virtue of judicious stress distribution is the better option for restoration of grossly decayed teeth.

Telemedicine security: a systematic review.

Telemedicine is a technology-based alternative to traditional health care delivery. However, poor security measures in telemedicine services can have an adverse impact on the quality of care provided, regardless of the chronic condition being studied. We undertook a systematic review of 58 journal articles pertaining to telemedicine security. These articles were selected based on a keyword search on 14 relevant journals. The articles were coded to evaluate the methodology and to identify the key areas of research in security that are being reviewed. Seventy-six percent of the articles defined the security problem they were addressing, and only 47% formulated a research question pertaining to security. Sixty-one percent proposed a solution, and 20% of these tested the security solutions that they proposed. Prior research indicates inadequate reporting of methodology in telemedicine research. We found that to be true for security research as well. We also identified other issues such as using outdated security standards.

Investigation of enhancement of solubility of norfloxacin beta-cyclodextrin in presence of acidic solubilizing additives.

The present study is aimed at improving the solubility of a poorly water-soluble drug, norfloxacin by incorporating solubilizing additives such as ascorbic acid and citric acid into the beta-cyclodextrin complexes. Norfloxacin, being amphoteric in nature, exhibits a higher solubility at pH below 4 and above 8. Addition of substances like ascorbic acid and citric acid in beta-cyclodextrin complexes reduces the pH of the immediate microenvironment of the drug below pH 4. In the present work, beta-cyclodextrin complexes of norfloxacin were prepared along with solubilizing additives such as citric acid and ascorbic acid in various proportion and the dissolution profile was performed in both HCl buffer, pH 1.2 and phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. The results have shown an enhanced dissolution rate in both media. DSC and IR spectral studies performed on the solid complexes have shown that there is no interaction of the drug with the additives and beta-cyclodextrin. Disc diffusion studies have shown larger diameters of zone of inhibition indicating a greater diffusivity of the drug into the agar medium.