Generation and characterization of BAC transgenic mouse lines expressing a fluorescent protein in trigeminal and dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Genetic tools to identify and isolate specific cell types are required to study different model systems in an organism. Such tools to study sensory neurons in trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia are insufficient, making research progress in somatosensation difficult. Our study aimed to distinctly visualize and identify these peripheral sensory neurons in the mouse somatosensory system.

diAcCA, a Pro-Drug for Carnosic Acid That Activates the Nrf2 Transcriptional Pathway, Shows Efficacy in the 5xFAD Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

The antioxidant/anti-inflammatory compound carnosic acid (CA) is a phenolic diterpene found in the herbs rosemary and sage. Upon activation, CA manifests electrophilic properties to stimulate the Nrf2 transcriptional pathway via reaction with Keap1. However, purified CA is readily oxidized and thus highly unstable.

Phytochemical analysis of mite-infested tea leaves of Darjeeling Hills, India.

Introduction: Darjeeling tea of India is one of the most famous beverages globally. However, a large amount of tea crop is damaged every year by the attack of mites.

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the changes in different pigments and biochemical components of tea leaves due to mite infestation.

Allergic contact dermatitis in atopic individuals: Results of a 30-year retrospective study.

Background: The association between atopic dermatitis (AD) and contact allergy, remains unclear, with studies to date showing conflicting results.

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of contact allergy in AD individuals compared to those without AD.

Methods: Results of 46 250 patients patch tested in a single centre over a span of 30 years were reviewed, comparing those with AD with those without AD.

Non-oxidative hair dye products on the European market: What do they contain?

Background: Hair dyeing is very common and may cause allergic contact dermatitis. Oxidative (often termed permanent or semi-permanent) hair dye products have constituted the focus of market surveys and toxicological risk assessments, while non-oxidative (semi-permanent, temporary or direct) products have not been assessed.

Objectives: To identify the hair dye substances presently used in non-oxidative hair dye products in Europe.

Isothiazolinones are still widely used in paints purchased in five European countries: a follow-up study.

Background: An increasing incidence of contact allergy to methylisothiazolinone (MI) has been seen, caused, in particular, by cosmetic products and paints. A study from 2015 showed that 93.0% of paints bought in five European countries contained MI.

Methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone are widely used in paint: a multicentre study of paints from five European countries.

Background: In view of the current epidemic of contact allergy to methylisothiazolinone (MI), it is important to clarify the extent of use of MI and related isothiazolinones in paints currently available for the consumer and worker in Europe.

Objectives: To elucidate the use and concentrations of MI, methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and benzisothiazolinone (BIT) in paints on the European retail market.

Methods: Wall paints (n = 71) were randomly purchased in retail outlets in five European countries.

Positive relationship-intensity of response to p-phenylenediamine on patch testing and cross-reactions with related allergens.

Background: Hair dye exposure is the most common cause of sensitization to p-phenylenediamine (PPD). Cross-reactions with structurally related allergens occur.

Objectives: It is suggested that a stronger patch test reaction (3+ rather than 1+) to PPD (usually tested as 1% petrolatum) is associated with an increased propensity for cross-reactions.

Baseline series fragrance markers fail to predict contact allergy.

Background: Negative patch test results with fragrance allergy markers in the European baseline series do not always predict a negative reaction to individual fragrance substances.

Objectives: To determine the frequencies of positive test reactions to the 26 fragrance substances for which labelling is mandatory in the EU, and how effectively reactions to fragrance markers in the baseline series predict positive reactions to the fragrance substances that are labelled.

Methods: The records of 1951 eczema patients, routinely tested with the labelled fragrance substances and with an extended European baseline series in 2011 and 2012, were retrospectively reviewed.