A double‐blind,randomized assessment of the irritant potential of sunscreen chemical dilutions used in photopatch testing*

Background: The maximum concentration of organic sunscreen filters in current usage that does not lead to irritant reactions when performing photopatch testing is not known. Such irritant reactions can be misinterpreted as positive photoallergic contact dermatitis reactions. Objective: To determine the frequency of irritant reactions to 19 organic sunscreen filters in current use. Patients/Methods: Ninety‐four healthy volunteers were photopatch tested using the European consensus methodology to three different concentrations (2%, 5%, and 10%) of 19 organic sunscreen filters at the Photobiology Unit in Dundee, UK. Results: Of the 94 subjects recruited, 80 were analysed after withdrawals and exclusions. Of the 19 organic sunscreen filters studied, only 2 compounds led to irritant reactions in ≥5% subjects. Five per cent and 10% benzophenone‐4 led to irritant reactions in four and six subjects, respectively. Five per cent methylene bis‐benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol led to irritant reactions in six subjects, but unlike benzophenone‐4, this was not in a dose‐dependent fashion. Conclusions: When performing photopatch testing according to the European consensus methodology with these 19 organic sunscreen filters, a 10% concentration is suitable for all filters, except benzophenone‐4, which should be tested at a concentration of 2%.     

Detectability of fifteen aquatic micro/mesocosms

Zooplankton abundance and species richness in 15 untreated 12,000 L outdoor microcosms (n = 15) were monitored over the course of 1 year to document the inherent variability and statistical detectability between replicates. Statistical power analysis were applied to derive the statistically minimal detectable difference (MDD) between replicates with default values set at; α = 0.1 and β = 0.2. Copepod abundance and species richness generally demonstrated the best detectability at 0.31 and 0.16, respectively, (n = 15); 0.59 and 0.33 (n = 3). Total zooplankton abundance and species richness had the lowest detectabilities at 0.19 and 0.14, respectively, (n = 15); 0.35 and 0.3 (n = 3). Rotifers, due to their opportunistic and rapid life traits, had the lowest single-species abundance detectabilities at 0.54 (n = 15); 0.8 (n = 3), whereas macroinvertebrate species richness had the lowest detectability at 0.43 (n = 15); 0.7 (n = 3) over 1 year. We recommend a priori calibration of the study design relative to relevant MDDs. Moreover, it is suggested to consider alternatives to statistical null hypothesis testing.     

Enhancement of in vivo and in vitro immune functions by a conformationally biased,response-selective agonist of human C5a: Implications for a novel adjuvant in vaccine design

A conformationally biased, agonist of human C5a_65–74 (EP67) was assessed for its adjuvant activities in vitro and in vivo. EP67 induced the release of the inflammatory (Th1) type cytokines from C5a receptor (CD88)-bearing antigen presenting cells (APC). EP67 did not induce the release of these cytokines from splenic APCs obtained from C5a receptor knockouts (CD88^−/−). Serum from mice immunized with EP67–ovalbumin (OVA) contained high OVA-specific antibody (Ab) titers [IgG1, IgG2a (IGg2c), IgG2b]. Mice receiving OVA alone produced only IgG1 Abs, indicating the ability of EP67 to induce a Th1-like Ab class switch. Spleen cell cultures from wild type mice but not CD88^−/− mice showed an enhanced OVA-specific proliferative response in vitro. These results indicate the ability of EP67 to drive a Th1-mediated immune response and its potential use as a unique adjuvant.     

Human health risk assessment of long chain alcohols

Representative chemicals from the long chain alcohols category have been extensively tested to define their toxicological hazard properties. These chemicals show low acute and repeat dose toxicity with high-dose effects (if any) related to minimal liver toxicity. These chemicals do not show evidence of activity in genetic toxicity tests or to the reproductive system or the developing organism. These chemicals also are not sensitizers. Irritation is dependant on chain length; generally, alcohols in the range C_6–C₁₁ are considered as irritant, intermediate chain lengths (C_12–C₁₆) alcohols are considered to be mild irritants and chain lengths of C₁₈ and above are considered non-irritants. These chemicals are broadly used across the consumer products industry with highest per person consumer exposures resulting from use in personal care products. Margins of exposure adequate for the protection of human health are documented for the uses of these chemicals.     

Chronic graft-versus-host disease in 52 patients: adverse natural course and successful treatment with combination immunosuppression

Fifty-two of 175 (30%) survivors of allogeneic marrow transplantation developed chronic graft-versus-hose diseases (GVHD). Five with limited chronic GVHD had an indolent clinical course with involvement of only the skin and liver. Forty-seven with extensive chronic GVHD had an unfavorable multiorgan disorder that resembled several autoimmune diseases. Thirteen patients with extensive disease (group I) were not treated and only 2 survive with Karnofsky scores >- 70%. Mortality resulted from infections and morbidity from sica syndrome, pulmonary and hepatic insufficiency, scleroderma-like skin disease, and contractures. Another 13 (group II) received a median of 8 mo prednisone and/or a brief course of antithymocyte globulin, and 3 survive without disability. The other 21 (group III) were treated with a combination of prednisone (1.0 mg/kg/q.o.d.) and either cyclophosphamide, procarbazine, or azathioprine (all 1.5 mg/kg/day) for a median of 13 mo. Combination therapy was well tolerated with only modest myelotoxicity. Fifteen in group III had a good and 4 a fair response to treatment while 2 with no response died. Azathioprine and prednisone was the most effective regimen. All therapy has been discontinued in 12 group III patients: GVHD returned in 5 (including 2 who died in spite of retreatment) while 7 remain free of GVHD for a median of 11 (range 6-30) mo observation. Only I group III survivor is disabled and 16 of the original 21 are alive 2-4 yr after transplant with Karnofsky scores of 70%-100%. Thus, combination immmunosuppression appears to favorably affect and, in some cases, premanently arrest the adverse natural course of extensive chronic GVHD.     

Retrobulbar hydatid cyst: Assessment of two cases

A 54-year-old man with a unilocular hydatid cyst within the infero-posterior angle of the orbit and a 6-year-old male child with a unilocular hydatid cyst within the supero-medial angle of the orbit are presented. The retrobulbar cysts were diagnosed with computed tomography and ultrasonography and were treated after serologic confirmation.