Kite skier's toe: an unusual case of frostbite.

Frostbite is a well-known occurrence in outdoor winter activity and exploration. We report the first documented case of frostbite associated with kite skiing. Kite skiing is an emerging sport that uses a kite to harness wind power for recreation and to travel long distances on skis. Certain characteristics of this sport may predispose athletes to frostbite injury. The stance required to resist and redirect the force created by the wind and kite puts constant pressure and repetitive trauma on the downwind great toe. This can compromise blood flow and increase risk of cold injury. Future kite skier expeditions should focus on specific prevention methods including properly fitting boots, adequate boot insulation, and frequent rest periods to inspect and warm toes.

The effect of selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors, alone and in combination, on a murine model of allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND: The anti-inflammatory effects of the selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors cilostazol (PDE 3), RO 20-1724 (PDE 4) and sildenafil (PDE 5) were examined in a murine model of allergic asthma. These compounds were used alone and in combination to determine any potential synergism, with dexamethasone included as a positive control. METHODS: Control and ovalbumin sensitised Balb/C mice were administered orally with each of the possible combinations of drugs at a dose of 3 mg/Kg for 10 days. RESULTS: When used alone, RO 20-1724 significantly reduced eosinophil influx into lungs and lowered tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-4 and interleukin-5 levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid when compared to untreated mice. Treatment with cilostazol or sildenafil did not significantly inhibit any markers of inflammation measured. Combining any of these PDE inhibitors produced no additive or synergistic effects. Indeed, the anti-inflammatory effects of RO 20-1724 were attenuated by co-administration of either cilostazol or sildenafil. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that concurrent treatment with a PDE 3 and/or PDE 5 inhibitor will reduce the anti-inflammatory effectiveness of a PDE 4 inhibitor.