Wax model collection of the Department of Dermatology, University of Münster

Between the 17^th century and the middle of the 20^th century, wax models were widely used for training in anatomy and other medical fields, especially dermatology. Thereafter, photographic techniques led to the replacement and subsequent dissolution of many European wax model collections. Unfortunately many wax models lose their original colors over time. Since only few mouleurs (wax artists) are still active in Europe conserving wax models, the “dying of moulages” cannot be stopped. Consequently, the existing wax models are of medical and historical interest since they reflect the development of our speciality. The Department of Dermatology in Münster is in the possession of 121 wax models, which are presented in this article.     

Bacterial flora of leg ulcers in patients admitted to Department of Dermatology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, during the 1998-2002 period

Venous leg ulcers are an important cause of morbidity in a significant percentage of the world population. The percentage of leg ulceration, either active or healed, in the European population is about 1%-2%. The aim of this study was to analyze the rate of colonization and qualitative composition of the bacterial flora isolated from leg ulcers in patients admitted to Dermatology Department, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, during the 1998-2002 period, with special reference to the infection risk factors. Bacteriological diagnosis of 175 wound swabs was performed in compliance with compulsory laboratory methods. In 173 positive results, the predominant culture composition included Staphylococcus aureus (56.57%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (37.14%), Enterococcus faecalis (22.29%), Proteus mirabilis (13.71%) and Escherichia coli (12.57%). There was a significant increase in the incidence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli, along with a decrease in the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus isolation during the study period. The rate of yeast-like fungi strains, mainly Candida albicans, recorded in culture composition showed a systematic increase. Changes in the qualitative and quantitative composition of bacterial flora, presence of multiple isolates, and concomitant diseases that may influence the characteristics of leg ulcer disease were closely monitored.     

XXIV. Tagung der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft in Düsseldorf

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Begrüßungsansprache Seiner Magnifizenz des Rektors der Medizinischen Akademie Düsseldorf: Professor Dr. Fr. Panse

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting: Washington,DC, USA, 1–5 March 2019

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology -     

Analysis of antibiotic susceptibility and resistance of leg ulcer bacterial flora in patients hospitalized at Dermatology Department, Poznań University Hospital

Effective treatment of frequently infected, poorly healing wounds such as leg ulcers due to chronic venous insufficiency poses a major clinical problem. Antibiotic resistance in dermatology patients, especially those with non-healing leg ulcers, is a widespread phenomenon. Various antibiotics, mainly broad-spectrum agents, are frequently and sometimes inappropriately prescribed, which often leads to the selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains. The aim of this study was to analyze antibiotic susceptibility and resistance of bacterial isolates cultured from leg ulcers. Wound swabs were obtained from patients admitted to Dermatology Department, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, during the 1998-2002 period. Bacteriologic diagnosis of 175 wound swabs was performed in compliance with compulsory laboratory methods. The analysis yielded 173 positive results, predominated by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli. Bacterial isolates were evaluated for resistance to commonly used antibiotics, taking into consideration the presence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. Antibiotic resistance profiles were compared between the years 1998 and 2002, with detailed account of clinical characteristics and history of leg ulcers disease. The study pointed to an increasing tendency of antibiotic resistance in the study group of patients.     

Vitamin D Regulation of Cathelicidin in the Skin: Toward a Renaissance of Vitamin D in Dermatology?

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3), the active form of vitamin D, is a major regulator of the expression of the cationic antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin, not only in monocytes but also in epidermal keratinocytes. The involvement of cathelicidin in wound healing and skin diseases as diverse as psoriasis, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis may create new opportunities for the use of vitamin D in dermatology.     

[Translated article] Mpox – Formerly Monkey Pox – in Dermatology: A Review of Epidemiologic Features,Clinical Presentation,Diagnosis, and Treatment

Mpox is an emerging zoonotic disease that has spread rapidly around the world. It has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization. This review is an update for dermatologists on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of Mpox. The primary mode of transmission in the current outbreak is close physical contact during sexual activity. Although most of the initial cases were reported in men who have sex with men, anyone who has close contact with an infected person or contaminated fomites is at risk. Classic prodromal features of Mpox include subclinical manifestations and a mild rash. Complications are common but rarely require hospitalization. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of mucocutaneous lesions is the test of choice for a definitive diagnosis. In the absence of specific treatments, management focuses on symptomatic relief.