People smoke for nicotine, but lose sexual and reproductive health for tar: a narrative review on the effect of cigarette smoking on male sexuality and reproduction.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the impact of smoking habits on cardiovascular (CV) as well as on male sexual and reproductive function and to provide updated evidence on the role of electronic cigarettes (e-Cig) on the same topics. METHODS: A comprehensive Medline, Embase, and Cochrane search was performed including the following words: smoking, CV system, CV risk, erectile dysfunction (ED), and male fertility. Publications from January 1, 1969 up to February 29, 2020 were included. RESULTS: Smoking has a tremendous negative impact on CV mortality and morbidity. Current smoking behavior is also negatively associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) and impaired sperm parameters. E-Cig can release significantly lower concentrations of harmful substances when compared to regular combustible cigarettes. Whether or not the latter can result in positive CV, sexual, and fertility outcomes is still under study. Preliminary studies showed that exposure to e-Cig leads to lower vascular damage when compared to the traditional cigarette use. However, data on the long-term effects of e-Cig are lacking. Similarly, preliminary data, obtained in animal models, have suggested a milder effect of e-Cig on erectile function and sperm parameters. CONCLUSION: Available evidence showed that e-Cig are much less dangerous when compared to the traditional tobacco use. However, it should be recognized that the risk related to e-Cig is still higher when compared to that observed in non-smoking patients. Hence, e-Cig should be considered as a potential tool, in the logic of harm reduction, to reduce the CV, sexual and fertility risk in patients refractory to the fundamental, healthy choice to definitively quit smoking.

Serum Level of Antibodies (IgG, IgM) Against Benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide-DNA Adducts in Children Dermatologically Exposed to Coal Tar.

Crude coal tar (CCT) contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is metabolized into a highly reactive metabolite benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE) that is able to bind to DNA and creates BPDE-DNA adducts. Adducted DNA becomes immunogenic and induces immune response by production of antibodies against BPDE-DNA adducts (Ab-BPDE-DNA). Circulating Ab-BPDE-DNA was proposed as potential biomarker of genotoxic exposure to BaP (PAHs). Goeckerman therapy (GT) of psoriasis uses dermal application of CCT ointment (PAHs). In presented study (children with psoriasis treated by GT; n = 19) the therapy significantly increased the level of Ab-BPDE-DNA (EI = 0.29/0.19-0.34 vs. 0.31/0.25-0.40; median/lower-upper quartile; p < 0.01). The results support the idea of Ab-BPDE-DNA level as a possible tentative indicator of exposure, effects and susceptibility of the organism to the exposure of BaP (PAHs).

[Research of relationship between occupational exposure to coal tar pitch workers and cytogenetic damage].

Objective: To investigate the effect of coal tar pitch occupational exposure on the cytogenetic damage. Methods: In July 2015, 691 workers exposed to coal tar pitch were selected as contact group. The administrative and the support crew 201 cases were selected as control group. Detect the tail DNA% and tail moment in peripheral blood lymphocyte as DNA damage degree by single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) . Detect the concentration of the metabolic product in urine by HPLC/MC as exposure levels. Results: The contact group were significantly higher than the control group in tail DNA% (contact group14.44%, control group 11.17%) and olive tail moment (contact group 2.85 µm, control group 1.95 µm) . The smoking one (contact group18.51%, control group13.43%) were significantly higher than the group not smoking (contact group12.69%, control group 11.71%) in tail DNA%. The coal tar pitch content in the air of workplace have correlation with worker, stail DNA% (r(s)=0.10) and olive tail moment (r(s)=0.11) . Conclusion: Occupational exposure to coal tar pitch and smoking can cause cytogenetic damage to workers.

[A association of genetic polymorphisms of XRCC1 and damage levels in workers exposed to coal tar pitch].

Objective: To study the relationship between XRCC1 gene polymorphism and DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of workers exposed to coal tar pitch. Methods: 203 coal tar asphalt device operation area workers (exposure group) and 76 logistics management personnel (control group) as the research ob-ject, determination of 1-hydroxypyrene concentrations in the urine as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons expo-sure dose, using the alkaline comet assay evaluation a peripheral blood lymphocyte DNA damage degree, using TaqMan MGB real time PCR method to detect XRCC1 gene 3 loci (XRCC1-194, XRCC1-280 and XRCC1-399) single nucleotide polymorphism. Results: No significant differences was observed in age, sex, smoking and alco-hol consumption between the two groups (P>0.05). The level of 1-OHP in the exposed group was significantly higher than that in the control group (1.27±0.93 µg/g creatinine) (P<0.05). The comet Olive tail moment level (3.21±0.93) in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of the exposed group was significantly higher than that in the control group (0.94 ± 0.39) (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in genotype distribution of XRCC1-194, XRCC1-280 and XRCC1-399 between the two groups (P>0.05). There was a significant correlation be-tween the XRCC1-280 locus gene polymorphism and comet Olive tail moment in the exposure group (P<0.05) af-ter adjustment for sex, age, smoking rate, drinking rate, length of service and urinary 1-OHP concentration. The comet Olive tail moment level of GG individuals carrying wild homozygous genotype was significantly lower than that of individuals carrying heterozygous genotype GA and carrying mutant homozygous genotype AA (P< 0.05) , and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) The comet Olive tail moment level of heterozy-gous genotype GA was significantly lower than that of genotype AA with mutational homozygous genotype AA (P<0.05) , and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Arg280His locus polymor-phism of XRCC1 gene may influence the DNA damage level of peripheral blood lymphocytes induced by occupational exposure to coal tar pitch.

Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) product for the topical treatment of psoriasis: a Hungarian/Czech and Slovak study.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory T cell-mediated skin disease, affecting about 2% of Hungarian population. Genetic predisposition as well as environmental triggering factors, and innate immune processes play a role in its etiology. Treatment of psoriasis during the initial stages and first years of disease tend to be conservative and frequently based on topical agents. The aim of this study was to investigate and to describe the efficacy and safety of Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) skin-care products for the topical treatment of stable chronic plaque psoriasis in a Hungarian population. Two-hundred-and-eight-six (120 female/166 male) patients, aged 10-80 years old (mean age 43 years) with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis had participated in the study. The products, including cleansing gel containing a coal tar solution, herbal oils and emulsifiers, were used twice daily and in the same manner for all the skin lesions. The study period was eight weeks. Assessment, using the Psoriasis Activity Severity Index (PASI) scores and photographic analysis, was done 2 weeks before treatment, at time 0, and after 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks. Patient’s improvement was determined by the percentage reduction of the PASI scores. Side effects and tolerability were also evaluated. After 8 weeks treatment course, 46 patients had a moderate improvement, with the regression of 25-50% of skin lesions; 77 patients showed a good improvement, with the resolution of 51-75% of lesions. Another 115 patients had an outstanding improvement, with the regression of 76-98.9% of lesions. Only 13 patients did not achieve an improvement of psoriasis. Fifteen patients experienced folliculitis, which resolved after cessation of treatment. Seven patients worsened and discontinued treatment. Thirteen patients dropped out because of non-compliance. Our investigation demonstrates that Dr Michaels® (Soratinex®) products, an Australian treatment, can be used successfully in the treatment of stable chronic plaque psoriasis.

[DNA methylation and telomere damage in occupational people exposed to coal tar pitch].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the promoter methylation of p16, FHIT and RASSF1A gene and telomere damage in the workers exposed to coal tar pitch, and to explore the effective biomarker of occupational exposure to coal tar pitch. METHODS: 180 cases of workers exposed to coal tar pitch in a certain carbon plant named as exposure group, and 145 healthy cases with a medical examination in the first affiliated hospital of Zhengzhou University were selected as control group. Relative telomere length in peripheral blood DNA was detected using real-time quantitative PCR, and the promoter methylation rate of p16, RASSF1A and FHIT gene in peripheral blood DNA were determined by real-time quantitative methylation specific PCR. The relative telomere length and gene promoter methylation in two groups were compared, and influencing factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Relative telomere length in exposed group was lower than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (Z = -5.395, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the promoter methylation rate of p16, FHIT and RASSF1A gene between the two groups (P > 0.05). Stratification analysis by gender, age, and smoking, we found that when the age was less than or equal to 40, the promoter methylation rate of p16 in exposed group was more than that in control group, and the difference was statistically significant (Z = -1.914, P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to coal tar pitch may induce leukocyte DNA telomere length of human peripheral blood shortened, and may not change the promoter methylation rates of p16, FHIT and RASSF1A gene.

Topical therapies for the treatment of plaque psoriasis: systematic review and network meta-analyses.

The majority of people with psoriasis have localized disease, where topical therapy forms the cornerstone of treatment. We set out to summarize evidence on the relative efficacy, safety and tolerability of different topical treatments used in plaque psoriasis. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized trial data of U.K.-licensed topical therapies. The primary outcome was clear or nearly clear status stratified for (i) trunk and limbs; and (ii) scalp. Network meta-analyses allowed ranking of treatment efficacy. In total, 48 studies were available for trunk and limb psoriasis, and 17 for scalp psoriasis (22,028 patients in total); the majority included people with at least moderate severity psoriasis. Strategies containing potent corticosteroids (alone or in combination with a vitamin D analogue) or very potent corticosteroids dominated the treatment hierarchy at both sites (trunk and limbs, scalp); coal tar and retinoids were no better than placebo. No significant differences in achievement of clear or nearly clear status were observed between twice- and once-daily application of the same intervention or between any of the following: combined vitamin D analogue and potent corticosteroid (applied separately or in a single product), very potent corticosteroids, or potent corticosteroids (applied twice daily). Investigator and patient assessment of response differed significantly for some interventions (response rates to very potent corticosteroids: 78% and 39%, respectively). No significant differences were noted for tolerability or steroid atrophy, but data were limited. In conclusion, corticosteroids are highly effective in psoriasis when used continuously for up to 8 weeks and intermittently for up to 52 weeks. Coal tar and retinoids are of limited benefit. There is a lack of long-term efficacy and safety data available on topical interventions used for psoriasis.

Cancer risk from incidental ingestion exposures to PAHs associated with coal-tar-sealed pavement.

Recent (2009-10) studies documented significantly higher concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in settled house dust in living spaces and soil adjacent to parking lots sealed with coal-tar-based products. To date, no studies have examined the potential human health effects of PAHs from these products in dust and soil. Here we present the results of an analysis of potential cancer risk associated with incidental ingestion exposures to PAHs in settings near coal-tar-sealed pavement. Exposures to benzo[a]pyrene equivalents were characterized across five scenarios. The central tendency estimate of excess cancer risk resulting from lifetime exposures to soil and dust from nondietary ingestion in these settings exceeded 1 × 10(-4), as determined using deterministic and probabilistic methods. Soil was the primary driver of risk, but according to probabilistic calculations, reasonable maximum exposure to affected house dust in the first 6 years of life was sufficient to generate an estimated excess lifetime cancer risk of 6 × 10(-5). Our results indicate that the presence of coal-tar-based pavement sealants is associated with significant increases in estimated excess lifetime cancer risk for nearby residents. Much of this calculated excess risk arises from exposures to PAHs in early childhood (i.e., 0-6 years of age).

Comparative evaluation of topical calcipotriol versus coal tar and salicylic acid ointment in chronic plaque psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Calcipotriol is a newer topical treatment option available for plaque psoriasis and coal tar being one of the oldest treatment and still in use. AIMS: To evaluate and compare the differences in terms of efficacy, safety and relapse with Calcipotriol 0.005% (50 mcg/gm) and 6% coal tar and 3% salicylic ointment in patients with Plaque psoriasis. SETTING and DESIGNS: Study conducted on 60 patients of plaque psoriasis, who attended the skin OPD in our hospital. METHODS: The patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis were selected. 60 patients were enrolled for the study after obtaining informed consent. Subjects were asked to apply Calcipotriol 0.005% (50 mcg/gm) (Heximar Win care) twice a day on the right side plaques and on left side plaques, Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) in the morning and 6% coal tar and 3% salicylic ointment (Protar® Percos) at nighttime. PASI score was used to assess the reponse to therapy at 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th week. After treatment subjects were observed for 6 weeks for any relapse. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: It was done by paired t-test and independent sample t-test. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that statistically significant difference was seen in the mean percentage reduction of PASI score between both the groups, at all the assessment visits, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, the mean percentage reduction at 2 weeks for calcipotriol being 21±12.06 and for coal tar being 13.44±11.19 (P=0.000), at 4 weeks for calcipotriol was 40±16.71 and for coal tar 25±99 (P=0.000), at 6 weeks for calcipotriol was 53.99+-22.43 and for coal tar 41±21.23 (P=0.002), at 8 weeks for calcipotriol was 62.73±24.04 and for coal tar was 51.53±23.27 (P=0.11). Relapse was seen in 5/60 (8.3%) of patients on calcipotriol treated side and 9/60 (15%) of patients with coal tar treated side. Thus it can be concluded that calcipotriol cream is more efficacious when compared with coal tar and does have a quick response. It is well tolerated and acceptable cosmetically.

[Coal tar pitch smoke extract-induced pyroptosis in human bronchial epithelial cells].

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether coal tar pitch smoke extract (CTP) induced pyroptosis in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). METHODS: BEAS-2B cells were treated with different concentrations of CTP (1, 3 µg/ml) for 8h and 24 h, respectively. Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) levels in the supernatants of cell culture media were measured with LDH activity or human IL-1ß ELISA kit, respectively. The activity of Caspase-1 was measured with Caspase-1 colorimetric assay kit. RESULTS: The activity of caspase-1 in 1 and 3 µg/ml CTP groups were (9.29 ± 0.30) and (8.67 ± 0.59) µmol/ml respectively which were both significantly increased compared to that (7.42 ± 0.59) µmol/ml in the control group (P < 0.05) after 8 h exposure, but there was no significant difference in the activity of LDH and levels of IL-1ß in the cell culture media among the CTP and control groups. 24 h after exposure, the activity of LDH in the CTP (1, 3 µg/ml) groups were (1323.03 ± 28.53) and (1148.45 ± 16.42) U/dl respectively which were significantly higher than that (1091.93 ± 26.64) U/dl in the control group (P < 0.05), and the levels of IL-1ß in the CTP (1 and 3 µg/ml) groups were (125.37 ± 25.00) pg/ml and (92.04 ± 19.09) pg/ml respectively which were significantly higher than that (46.20 ± 14.43) pg/ml in the control group (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the activity of Caspase-1 among CTP and control groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CTP treatment induced early increase in caspase-1 activity followed by the increase in LDH activity and IL-1 levels, indicative of pyroptosis in human bronchial epithelial cells.

Updated view of tars for psoriasis: what have we learned over the last decade?

Tars are one of the most effective, unknown, and oldest therapies for psoriasis. They include coal tar (CT) and biomass-derived products. These treatments, particularly the CT, have proven to be cost-effective with long remission times compared to other systemic or topical treatments. However, they have hardly evolved in recent years, as they are not well-embraced by clinicians or patients because of concerns regarding cosmesis and safety. This review summarizes current knowledge about the chemical characterization, mechanism of action, toxicity, and clinical studies supporting the use of tars for psoriasis over the last decade. Trends within these above aspects are reviewed, and avenues of research are identified. CT is rich in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, whereas biomass-derived tars are rich in phenols. While the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor is involved in the antipsoriatic effect of CT, the mechanism of action of biomass-derived products remains to be elucidated. No conclusive evidence exists about the risk of cancer in psoriasis patients under CT treatment. Large, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials are necessary to promote the inclusion of tars as part of modern therapies for psoriasis.

Management of Psoriasis With Topicals: Applying the 2020 AAD-NPF Guidelines of Care to Clinical Practice.

Topical medications have high utility in the treatment of psoriasis because of their localized effect and ability to be used as both monotherapy and adjunctive therapy. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) published guidelines in 2020 regarding the management of psoriasis with topical therapies. These guidelines are a framework that assist clinicians treating psoriasis patients with topical agents including steroids, calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), vitamin D analogues, retinoids (tazarotene), emollients, keratolytics (salicylic acid), anthracenes (anthralin), and keratoplastics (coal tar). This review presents these evidence-based recommendations in a form that dermatologists can readily apply to their clinical practice. The selection of an appropriate topical therapy, effective combination therapies, duration of use, and adverse events are addressed.

Chronic and acute effects of coal tar pitch exposure and cardiopulmonary mortality among aluminum smelter workers.

Air pollution causes several adverse cardiovascular and respiratory effects. In occupational studies, where levels of particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are higher, the evidence is inconsistent. The effects of acute and chronic PAH exposure on cardiopulmonary mortality were examined within a Kitimat, Canada, aluminum smelter cohort (n = 7,026) linked to a national mortality database (1957-1999). No standardized mortality ratio was significantly elevated compared with the province's population. Smoking-adjusted internal comparisons were conducted using Cox regression for male subjects (n = 6,423). Ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality (n = 281) was associated with cumulative benzo[a]pyrene (B(a)P) exposure (hazard ratio = 1.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.06, 2.46) in the highest category. A monotonic but nonsignificant trend was observed with chronic B(a)P exposure and acute myocardial infarction (n = 184). When follow-up was restricted to active employment, the hazard ratio for IHD was 2.39 (95% confidence interval: 0.95, 6.05) in the highest cumulative B(a)P category. The stronger associations observed during employment suggest that risk may not persist after exposure cessation. No associations with recent or current exposure were observed. IHD was associated with chronic (but not current) PAH exposure in a high-exposure occupational setting. Given the widespread workplace exposure to PAHs and heart disease's high prevalence, even modest associations produce a high burden.

Occupation and cancer in Britain.

BACKGROUND: Prioritising control measures for occupationally related cancers should be evidence based. We estimated the current burden of cancer in Britain attributable to past occupational exposures for International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) group 1 (established) and 2A (probable) carcinogens. METHODS: We calculated attributable fractions and numbers for cancer mortality and incidence using risk estimates from the literature and national data sources to estimate proportions exposed. RESULTS: 5.3% (8019) cancer deaths were attributable to occupation in 2005 (men, 8.2% (6362); women, 2.3% (1657)). Attributable incidence estimates are 13 679 (4.0%) cancer registrations (men, 10 063 (5.7%); women, 3616 (2.2%)). Occupational attributable fractions are over 2% for mesothelioma, sinonasal, lung, nasopharynx, breast, non-melanoma skin cancer, bladder, oesophagus, soft tissue sarcoma, larynx and stomach cancers. Asbestos, shift work, mineral oils, solar radiation, silica, diesel engine exhaust, coal tars and pitches, occupation as a painter or welder, dioxins, environmental tobacco smoke, radon, tetrachloroethylene, arsenic and strong inorganic mists each contribute 100 or more registrations. Industries and occupations with high cancer registrations include construction, metal working, personal and household services, mining, land transport, printing/publishing, retail/hotels/restaurants, public administration/defence, farming and several manufacturing sectors. 56% of cancer registrations in men are attributable to work in the construction industry (mainly mesotheliomas, lung, stomach, bladder and non-melanoma skin cancers) and 54% of cancer registrations in women are attributable to shift work (breast cancer). CONCLUSION: This project is the first to quantify in detail the burden of cancer and mortality due to occupation specifically for Britain. It highlights the impact of occupational exposures, together with the occupational circumstances and industrial areas where exposures to carcinogenic agents occurred in the past, on population cancer morbidity and mortality; this can be compared with the impact of other causes of cancer. Risk reduction strategies should focus on those workplaces where such exposures are still occurring.

Efficacy and tolerability of a cosmetically acceptable coal tar solution in the treatment of moderate plaque psoriasis: a controlled comparison with calcipotriene (calcipotriol) cream.

BACKGROUND: Topical coal tar is a well known and effective treatment for psoriasis, but the messiness, staining, odor, and inconvenience associated with its use make patient satisfaction and compliance a challenge. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy, patient tolerability, and cosmetic acceptability of a new topical liquor carbonis distillate (LCD) 15% solution compared with calcipotriene (calcipotriol) cream in patients with moderate, chronic plaque psoriasis. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, single-blind, active-controlled, parallel-group, clinical trial consisting of a 12-week treatment phase and a 6-week post-treatment follow-up phase. SETTING: Outpatient dermatology research unit in an academic hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty adults with moderate, chronic plaque psoriasis (3-15% body surface area affected) not receiving other psoriasis therapies. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomized to apply either an LCD 15% solution (Psorent) or a commercially available calcipotriene 0.005% cream (Dovonex) to their psoriasis areas (excluding the head) twice daily at home for 12 weeks. ASSESSMENTS: A blinded investigator evaluated the patients' psoriasis using a modified Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) that excluded the head, and a Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) scale at weeks 0 (baseline), 2, 4, 8, and 12 (end of treatment), and 18 (6 weeks after treatment was withdrawn). Patients assessed their psoriasis symptoms and quality of life and completed a cosmetic acceptability survey about their medication. OUTCOME MEASURES: The changes in the baseline PASI scores after 12 weeks of treatment were compared between LCD and calcipotriene groups. Additional comparisons were performed for success rates during treatment (PASI 75 and PASI 50), changes in PGA scores, patient-reported psoriasis symptom scores, patients' quality-of-life scores, and recurrence rates during post-treatment follow-up. RESULTS: Both treatment groups showed improvement in psoriasis severity and quality of life. However, the LCD group had greater mean reductions in PASI scores: 58% vs 37% in the calcipotriene group (p < 0.05) at week 12. Additionally, the LCD group had more patients (14/27) with absent or minimal psoriasis on the PGA scale than the calcipotriene group (6/28) by the end of treatment (p < 0.05). LCD-treated patients also maintained their improvement better than calcipotriene-treated patients through week 18 after treatment was withdrawn for 6 weeks. Both treatments were well tolerated and cosmetically acceptable to patients. CONCLUSION: The newly formulated LCD solution, applied twice daily at home for 12 weeks, was more effective and as well tolerated and cosmetically acceptable as the calcipotriene cream over 12 weeks of treatment and 6 weeks of follow-up. The LCD solution is a patient-accepted and effective corticosteroid-sparing treatment alternative for psoriasis patients.

Tolerability and cosmetic acceptability of liquor carbonis distillate (coal tar) solution 15% as topical therapy for plaque psoriasis.

Although generally recognized as an effective therapy for psoriasis, coal tar therapy lost appeal in modern clinical practice due to poor patient acceptability of its aesthetic properties. A new liquor carbonis distillate (LCD) solution 15% (equivalent to coal tar 2.3%) that uses an evaporative and transparent vehicle, fragrance, and a dab-on applicator was developed. Cosmetic acceptability of the LCD solution was compared to calcipotriene cream 0.005% during a randomized, active-controlled, investigator-blinded clinical trial. Participants with moderate plaque psoriasis applied LCD solution or calcipotriene cream twice daily to body lesions for 12 weeks and then were followed for 6 additional weeks without treatment. Participants completed a cosmetic acceptability survey about their medications after starting therapy. Mean ratings for aesthetic and product performance attributes were high in both groups; however, more participants treated with LCD solution versus calcipotriene cream rated their product as more convenient and beneficial compared to prior psoriasis therapies. Ratings of the scent, staining, drying time, and dab-on applicator for the LCD solution were favorable. Participant experience with LCD solution in this study suggests that it is a cosmetically acceptable psoriasis treatment that is comparable to calcipotriene cream.

Phototoxic keratoconjunctivitis from coal-tar pitch volatiles.

Roofers working with coal-tar pitch develop burning eyes and conjunctivitis which they subjectively associate with sun exposure. A coal-tar pitch distillate instilled in the conjunctivae of rabbits produced minimal or mild irritation in the absence of ultraviolet radiation, but irradiation with long-ultraviolet produced marked photophobia and severe keratoconjunctivitis.