Prevalence and clinical characteristics of itch in epidemic-like scenario of dermatophytoses in India: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Itch is an integral part of clinical picture of superficial dermatophytoses which constitute a common and growing problem in India. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, intensity and clinical characteristics of itch in superficial dermatophytosis. METHODS: The data concerning disease history and clinical type of dermatophytosis were obtained. The presence and various characteristics of itch were documented. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) was utilized to assess the worst intensity of itch during the last 3 days and during the course of the disease. 4-Item Itch Questionnaire was utilized to assess itch extent, intensity, frequency and associated sleep impairment, while quality of life (QoL) impairment was assessed via Dermatology Life Quality Index. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients with direct microscopic confirmation of dermatophytosis were included in the study. In 46.5% of subjects, the coexistence of tinea corporis and tinea cruris was noted, followed by tinea cruris (25.2%) and tinea corporis (13.1%). The majority of patients reported itch in the last 3 days (99%) and complained of itch limited to skin lesions (89.9%). According to NRS, the mean intensity of worst itch in the last 3 days was 6.8 ± 1.8 points. Severe and very severe itch was reported by 74.7% of patients. Itch was an isolated sensation in 34.3% of subjects, while 46.9% reported associated burning sensation. Itch was frequently exacerbated by sweating, hot temperature and wearing tight clothes. Difficulties in falling asleep and sleep awakenings were reported by 34.3% and 54.6% of subjects, respectively. Itch negatively influenced the well-being of patients and its intensity correlated with QoL impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Itch is an important symptom in superficial dermatophytoses and is associated with negative impact on sleep and carries a significant psychosocial burden. Acknowledging its presence is necessary in a holistic approach to these patients.

Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome revisited.

Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome (SBS) is a subtype of pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma (PKS), which is associated with congenital arteriovenous malformation. It is a rare syndrome, characterized by cutaneous lesions with onset in the second decade of life. We report a case of SBS in a 33-year-old man presenting with a 15-year history of unilateral, reddish-brown, raised lesions on his right lower leg and the dorsum of his foot. Diagnosis of PKS was confirmed by histopathology and radiology. We report the clinical features, aetiopathogenesis, differential diagnosis and treatment of this rare condition.

Rapid, metal-free hydrosilanisation chemistry for porous silicon surface modification.

Here, we report a novel surface modification for porous silicon (pSi). Hydroxyl-terminated pSi surfaces are modified with a hydrosilane via Si-H activation using the Lewis acid catalyst tris(pentafluorophenyl) borane. This surface reaction is fast and efficient at room temperature, and leads to a surface stabilised against hydrolytic attack in aqueous media. The resulting surface shows promise as a substrate for surface-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry.

Fabrication of stimulus-responsive diatom biosilica microcapsules for antibiotic drug delivery.

In this report, we employed surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerisation to graft thermo-responsive copolymers of oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylates from the surface of diatom biosilica microcapsules. We demonstrate the application of the resulting composites for thermo-responsive drug delivery.

Comparison of the performance of different silicon-based SALDI substrates for illicit drug detection.

Surface-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS) is an emerging technique used for the detection of small molecules (<700 Da) such as illicit drugs. In recent times, this technique has been employed for the detection of illicit drugs in various body fluids including saliva. Three common SALDI techniques, desorption ionization on porous silicon (DIOS), nanostructure-initiator mass spectrometry (NIMS) and nanostructured laser desorption ionization (NALDI(™)) are compared for the detection of four drug classes, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, opiates and tropane alkaloids. We focus in our comparison on structural and chemical characteristics, as well as analytical performance and longevity.