What is in? What is out? Updating the British Society for Cutaneous Allergy facial series.

BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to cosmetics is widely reported. To ensure we are accurately diagnosing ACD, patch test series should be continually reviewed to identify relevant and emerging allergens and highlight those that are outdated. The current British Society for Cutaneous Allergy (BSCA) facial series recommends 26 allergens and was last modified in 2012. OBJECTIVES: To review and update the BSCA facial series. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the results from 12 UK and Ireland patch test centres' facial series from January 2016 to December 2017. We recorded the number of allergens tested in each centre and the detection rate for each allergen. Using a 0·3% positive rate as the inclusion threshold, we established which allergens in the BSCA facial series had positive patch test rates < 0·3% and > 0·3%. Allergens not in the BSCA facial series that had a positive patch test rate > 0·3% were identified. RESULTS: Overall, 4224 patients were patch tested to the facial series. The number of allergens included in individual centres' facial series ranged from 24 to 66, with a total of 103 allergens tested across all centres. Twelve of the 26 allergens in the BSCA facial series had a positive patch test rate < 0·3% and 14 had a rate > 0·3%. Twenty-five allergens not recommended in the BSCA facial series had a positive patch test rate > 0·3%. CONCLUSIONS: This audit has highlighted the significant variation in practice that exists among patch test centres, despite a recommended facial series. The BSCA facial series has been updated and now contains 24 allergens. Fifteen allergens remain, 11 allergens have been dropped and nine new allergens have been added.

European S1 guidelines on the management of lichen planus: a cooperation of the European Dermatology Forum with the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory and immune-mediated disease that affects the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes. Although there is a broad clinical spectrum of lichen planus manifestations, the skin and oral cavity remain the major sites of involvement. A group of European dermatologists with a long-standing interest and expertise in lichen planus has sought to define therapeutic guidelines for the management of patients with LP. The clinical features, diagnosis and possible medications that clinicians can use, in order to control the disease, will be reviewed in this manuscript. The revised final version of the lichen planus guideline was passed on to the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) for a final consensus with the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV).

European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA): results with the European baseline series, 2013/14.

BACKGROUND: Contact allergy is a common condition and can severely interfere with daily life or professional activities. Due to changes in exposures, such as introduction of new substances, new products or formulations and regulatory intervention, the spectrum of contact sensitization changes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current spectrum of contact allergy to allergens present in the European baseline series (EBS) across Europe. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data collected by the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA, www.essca-dc.org) in consecutively patch-tested patients, 2013/14, in 46 departments in 12 European countries. RESULTS: Altogether, 31 689 patients were included in the analysis. Compared to a similar analysis in 2004, the prevalence of contact allergy to methylisothiazolinone went up to around 20% in several departments. In comparison, contact allergy to the metals nickel, cobalt and chromium remained largely stable, at 18.1%, 5.9% and 3.2%, respectively, similar to mostly unchanged prevalence with fragrance mix I, II and Myroxylon pereirae (balsam of Peru) at 7.3%, 3.8% and 5.3%, respectively. In the subgroup of departments diagnosing (mainly) patients with occupational contact dermatitis, the prevalence of work-related contact allergies such as epoxy resin or rubber additives was found to be increased, compared to general dermatology departments. CONCLUSION: Continuous surveillance of contact allergy based on network data offers the identification of time trends or persisting problems, and thus enables focussing in-depth research (subgroup analyses, exposure analysis) on areas where it is needed.

Recommendation to test limonene hydroperoxides 0·3% and linalool hydroperoxides 1·0% in the British baseline patch test series.

BACKGROUND: There is a significant rate of sensitization worldwide to the oxidized fragrance terpenes limonene and linalool. Patch testing to oxidized terpenes is not routinely carried out; the ideal patch test concentration is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine the best test concentrations for limonene and linalool hydroperoxides, added to the British baseline patch test series, to optimize detection of true allergy and to minimize irritant reactions. METHODS: During 2013-2014, 4563 consecutive patients in 12 U.K. centres were tested to hydroperoxides of limonene in petrolatum (pet.) 0·3%, 0·2% and 0·1%, and hydroperoxides of linalool 1·0%, 0·5% and 0·25% pet. Irritant reactions were recorded separately from doubtful reactions. Concomitant reactions to other fragrance markers and clinical relevance were documented. RESULTS: Limonene hydroperoxide 0·3% gave positive reactions in 241 (5·3%) patients, irritant reactions in 93 (2·0%) and doubtful reactions in 110 (2·4%). Linalool hydroperoxide 1·0% gave positive reactions in 352 (7·7%), irritant reactions in 178 (3·9%) and doubtful reactions in 132 (2·9%). A total of 119 patients with crescendo reactions to 0·3% limonene would have been missed if only tested with 0·1% and 131 patients with crescendo reactions to 1·0% linalool would have been missed if only tested with 0·25%. In almost two-thirds of patients with positive patch tests to limonene and linalool the reaction was clinically relevant. The majority of patients did not react to any fragrance marker in the baseline series. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that limonene hydroperoxides be tested at 0·3% and linalool hydroperoxides at 1·0% in the British baseline patch test series.

Should an increase in cerebral neurochemicals following head kicks in full contact karate influence return to play?

BACKGROUND: Cerebral neurochemicals are markers of traumatic brain injury (TBI). OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine whether kicks to the head (KTH) in full contact karate significantly increased serum concentrations of protein S-100B, and neurone specific enolase (NSE). Kicks to the body (KTB) were also quantified to asses muscle tissue injury. Muscle damage was assessed by analysis of serum total creatine kinase (CK). METHODS: Twenty-four full contact karate practitioners were observed and filmed during actual competition and divided into two main groups post event: (1) Kicks to the head and body group (KTH): n = 12; mean ± SD; age, 30.4 ± 6.7 years; height, 1.74 ± 0.1 m; weight, 79.1 ± 2.1 kg; and (2): Kicks to the body group (KTB): n = 12; mean ± SD; age, 28.2 ± 6.5 years; height, 1.75 ± 0.1 m; weight, 79.2 ± 1.7 kg. The KTH group received direct kicks to the head, while group KTB received kicks and punches to the body. Blood samples were taken before and immediately post-combat for analysis of serum S-100B, NSE, CK and cardiac troponin. RESULTS: Significant increases in serum concentrations of S-100B (0.12 ± 0.17 vs. 0.37 ± 0.26, µg.L(-1)) and NSE (11.8 ± 4.1 vs. 20.2 ± 9.1 ng.mL(-1)) were encountered after combat in the KTH group and CK (123 ± 53 vs. 184 ± 103 U.L(-1)) in the KTB group (all P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Head kicks in full contact karate cause elevation of neurochemical markers associated with damaged brain tissue. The severity of injury is related to the early post-traumatic release of protein S-100B and NSE. The early kinetics and appearance post injury can reflect intracranial pathology, and suggest S-100B and NSE are extremely sensitive prognostic markers of TBI.

Three difficult cases: the challenge of autoimmunity, immunodeficiency and recurrent infections in patients with Good syndrome.

Good syndrome (GS) is a rare, adult-acquired primary combined immunodeficiency syndrome arising in the context of previous or current thymoma. Patients with GS frequently develop recurrent sinopulmonary infections and are also at high risk of autoimmune manifestations, including skin conditions such as lichen planus. We report three middle-aged patients with GS complicated by multiple autoimmune and infectious manifestations. The combination of immunodeficiency, autoimmunity and recurrent infections seen in patients with GS continues to present a management challenge, particularly in patients with oral mucosal disease and recurrent candidiasis. Clinicians should be prompted to investigate an underlying immunodeficiency in patients with multiple autoimmune conditions and recurrent sinopulmonary infections.

Treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus with topical corticosteroids in children: a study of 72 children.

Treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) in children by topical corticosteroids gives control of symptoms and some resolution of physical signs, but large studies are limited. We report the largest study of 72 prepubertal girls with VLS, 62 of whom were prospectively treated with daily application of an ultrapotent topical corticosteroid (UPTC), clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment, for 3 months, with a follow-up period of 4-8 years [the remaining 10 patients responded to mild to moderate potency topical corticosteroids (MPTCs)]. The results were compared with a retrospective study of 31 prepubertal girls with VLS treated with MPTCs. MPTCs led to symptom clearance in 32.2% of patients, whereas UPTC led to symptom clearance in 72.6% of patients. Improvement in clinical signs following UPTC occurred in 90.3% of children at 3 months, with total resolution of clinical signs occurring in 29.2% at the 4-year follow-up or at puberty. No serious adverse effects occurred with UPTC treatment. In children with VLS, UPTCs relieve symptoms, resolve signs and possibly prevent scarring. UPTCs should therefore be the treatment of choice for VLS in children.

Allergy to oxidized limonene and linalool is frequent in the U.K.

BACKGROUND: The oxidized forms of the fragrance terpenes limonene and linalool are known to cause allergic contact dermatitis. Significant rates of contact allergy to these fragrances have been reported in European studies and in a recent worldwide study. Patch testing to oxidized terpenes is not routinely carried out either in the U.K. or in other centres internationally. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of contact allergy to oxidized limonene and linalool in the U.K. METHODS: Between 1 August 2011 and 31 December 2012, 4731 consecutive patients in 13 U.K. dermatology departments were tested for hydroperoxides of limonene 0·3% pet., hydroperoxides of linalool 1·0% pet., stabilized limonene 10·0% pet. and stabilized linalool 10·0% pet. Doubtful (?+) and equivocal (±) reactions were grouped together as irritant reactions. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-seven patients (5·0%) had a positive patch test reaction to hydroperoxides of limonene 0·3% pet. and 281 (5·9%) to hydroperoxides of linalool 1·0% pet. Irritant reactions to one or both oxidized terpenes were found in 242 patients (7·3%). Eleven patients (0·2%) had a positive patch test reaction to the stabilized terpenes alone. CONCLUSIONS: This large, multicentre U.K. audit shows a significant rate of allergy to the hydroperoxides of limonene and linalool plus a high rate of irritant reactions. Testing to the oxidized forms alone captures the majority (97·0%; 411 of 422) of positive reactions; testing to nonoxidized terpenes appears to be less useful. We recommend that the hydroperoxides of limonene and linalool be added to an extended baseline patch test series.

Collagen fibril orientation and tear strength across ovine skins.

Variability of physical properties across hides and skins requires careful consideration when manufacturing goods from leather. Therefore, an understanding of the extent of this variation and its nanostructural basis is useful. Tear strength tests were performed on ovine leather from a grid of 81 positions on skins. Synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering measurements were made from three positions on the skin, from 26 skins. The X-ray structural measurements are compared with tear strengths of the samples. It is found that the thickness normalized tear strength does not vary greatly between different positions on the skin, in contrast to bovine hides. There is more variation between different skins than within the same skin. The collagen fibril orientation and orientation index, which has previously been shown to be correlated with tear strength, do not vary significantly between the different sampling positions in ovine skins. The collagen fibril orientation varies through the thickness of the skin in a consistent way. The consistency of collagen orientation in ovine leather between different positions on the skin is in marked contrast to bovine hides and informs the use of ovine leather for manufacturing applications.

Strength and body composition changes in recreationally strength-trained individuals: comparison of one versus three sets resistance-training programmes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of increasing the volume of weight-training from one to three sets upon body composition and muscular strength. METHODS: Sixteen male weight-trainers volunteered to act as subjects and were randomly assigned to one of two training groups. Supervised weight-training targeting the upper body was conducted three times per week for eight weeks using one set (n = 8) or three sets (n = 8) of six repetitions to fatigue. Subjects were measured before and after the training intervention for (1) strength performance (N and kg) and (2) adiposity (sum of seven skinfold thicknesses in mm). RESULTS: Both training groups improved significantly (20.7%) in terms of muscular strength (P < 0.05) with no differences being observed between the one set (21.98% increase) and three set group (20.71% increase) after the training interventions (P > 0.05). Significant decreases were also observed for skinfold measures in the one set group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: One set of high intensity resistance training was as effective as three sets for increasing the strength of muscle groups in the upper body. The one set protocol also produced significantly greater decreases in adiposity.

Real-life experience of managing vulval erosive lichen planus: a case-based review and U.K. multicentre case note audit.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of published evidence for treatment and outcome measures for vulval erosive lichen planus (ELPV). OBJECTIVES: To conduct a multicentre case note review to examine real-life management of ELPV comparing current U.K. practice against an agreed audit standard. METHODS: Criteria for standards of care for which to evaluate current service provision were set following communication with experts from the British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease. Participants from 10 U.K. centres included nine dermatologists and one gynaecologist who run specialist vulval clinics. Standards examined the documentation of disease severity/impact measures, the use of diagnostic biopsies, treatments used and assessment of treatment response. RESULTS: Audit data were collected from 172 patients. Documentation of symptoms/clinical findings was excellent (99%, 170/172). A schematic diagram was present in the notes of 87% (150/172). Patient-related disease impact measures including Dermatology Life Quality Index (3%, 6/172) or visual analogue scales (1%, 2/172) were less well documented. Biopsies were performed in 78% (135/172); 71% (96/135) showed histological features consistent with erosive lichen planus. Squamous cell carcinoma developed in four patients (two vulval, two oral) and vulval intraepithelial neoplasia in two further patients. Recommended first-line treatment with a very potent topical steroid was used in 75% (129/172) with improvement in 66% (85/129). Significant variation in second-line therapy was seen. CONCLUSIONS: Wide variation in U.K. practice demonstrates the absence of standardized guidance for treating ELPV and the need for vulval-specific outcomes. This audit should act as a framework towards improving ELPV management and to plan future research in this area.

ACTN3 genotypes of Rugby Union players: distribution, power output and body composition.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To identify the distribution and explore the relationship between ACTN3 genotypes and power and body composition phenotypes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Case control and association studies were employed using a homogeneous group of players (n = 102) and a control group (n = 110). Power-related phenotypes were measured using the counter movement jump (CMJ) and body composition phenotypes by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Statistics used were Pearson's chi-square, ANCOVA, coefficients of correlation and independent t-tests. Genotyping was carried out using polymerase chain reaction followed by enzymatic Ddel digestion. RESULTS: Genotype proportions of players were compared with controls (p = 0.07). No significant genotype differences occurred between forwards or backs (p = 0.822) or within-forwards (p = 0.882) or within-backs (p = 0.07). Relative force and velocity were significantly larger in backs, power significantly greater in forwards; in body composition, all phenotypes were significantly greater in forwards than backs. Correlations between phenotypes were greater for the RX genotype (p = 0.05-0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Relationships between ACTN3 genotypes and power or body composition-related phenotypes were not significant. As fat increased, power-related phenotypes decreased. As body composition increased, power-related phenotypes increased.

Direct hits to the head during amateur boxing is associated with a rise in serum biomarkers for brain injury.

Boxing exposes participants to the physiological response to high intensity exercise and also to direct body and brain trauma. Amateur boxing is increasing and females have also been included in the Olympics. The aim of this study is to assess the stress response and possible brain injury incurred during a match by measuring serum biomarkers associated with stress and cellular brain injury before and after combat. Sixteen male amateur boxers were studied retrospectively. The study population was divided into two groups: (a) a group that received predominantly punches to the head (PTH) and (b) a group that received predominantly punches to the body (PTB). Blood samples were taken before and five minutes after each contest. They were analysed for S-100B, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), creatine kinase (CK) and cortisol. The PTH group received direct contacts to the head (not blocked, parried or avoided) and to the body (n=8, age: 17.6 ± 5.3, years; height: 1.68 ± 0.13, meters; mass: 65.4 ± 20.3, kg). The PTB group received punches to the body including blocked and parried punches, but received no direct punches to the head, (n=8, mean ± SD, age: 19.1 ± 3.2 years; height: 1.70 ± 0.75, meters; mass: 68.5 ± 15 kg). Significant increases (P<0.05) were observed between pre- and post-combat serum concentrations in serum concentrations in PTH of S-100B (0.35 ± 0.61 vs. 0.54 ± 0.73, µg.L-1) NSE (19.7 ± 14 vs.31.1 ± 26.6, ng.ml-1) and cortisol (373 ± 202 vs. 756 ± 93, nmol.L-1). Significant increases (P<0.05) of creatine kinase were recorded in both groups. This study demonstrates significant elevations in neurochemical biomarkers in boxers who received direct blows to the head. However, further work is required to quantify this volumetric brain damage and long term clinical sequelae.

Physical activity interventions: effects of duration and intensity.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercising at different intensities over 7 weeks on components of physical fitness and CVD risk factors. Forty-seven boys and 10 girls, (16.4±0.7 years of age) were divided into a moderate, high intensity, or a control group. All participants had indices of obesity and blood pressure recorded in addition to four physical performance measures pre- and post-intervention. In addition, the intervention groups repeated the physical performance measures at the 4th week phase of the intervention. Following the intervention, significant improvements (P<0.05) in the high-intensity group were found in the 20 MSFT, agility, CMJ and 10 m sprint post-intervention. Participants in the moderate intensity group displayed significant improvements (P<0.05) in both the CMJ and 20 MSFT post-intervention. Body fat % significantly improved (P<0.01) in the moderate group only post-intervention. Interestingly, Systolic blood pressure significantly improved post-intervention (112±10 vs 106±11 mmHg) (P=0.017) in the high intensity group. In conclusion, high-intensity exercise over 7 weeks is a very time efficient means of improving important components of physical fitness in adolescents.