This study investigates the optimality of the shape of a snake robot in relation to the obstacles in the environment around it. A certain focus is given to the challenge of finding an optimal set of contact forces based on some optimality criteria. A controller scheme for realizing these contact forces on a dynamic snake model with obstacle compliance was presented, but further development and ...

Sir, Allergic contact dermatitis caused by topically applied agents is a problem that physicians seek to avoid during the treatment of skin diseases. In this report, we present a case of allergic contact dermatitis caused by luliconazole, an imidazole anti-fungal drug. Patch testing suggested that luliconazole sensitivity might have been attributable to its dithioacetal structure and revealed t...

It is well-known that some metals/alloys are sensitizing on skin contact, but it is not so well appreciated that sensitization is dependent on the reaction of the metal/alloy with sweat. The first step in skin sensitization by metals/alloys is a corrosion process and the formation of soluble metal ions. The nature of this process has implications with respect to occurrence of metal contact derm...

A topical application of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) may induct an adverse reaction of photoallergic contact dermatitis. The occlusive usage may provoke concomitant photoallergic sensitizations to an NSAID and other ingredients. We describe a 58-year-old woman with photoallergic contact dermatitis from ketoprofen and hydrogenated rosin glycerol ester in the applied compress. O...

Wristwatches, another very frequently used item, showed alarmingly high incidences of free nickel, with around 64% of the specimens testing positive. Wristwatches are potentially more hazardous as the area of skin contact is a lot more and are normally worn daily for prolonged periods. Though not prone to as much skin contact, spectacle frames showed a surprisingly high incidence rate, with hal...

background: occupational contact dermatitis, especially in hand, is one of the most common occupational disorders. the present study aimed at evaluating patients with occupational allergic contact dermatitis (acd) caused by common allergens based on occupation type and disease history.   methods: this cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating the data of the patients with probable diagnosis of ...

BACKGROUND Occupational skin diseases, including allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), irritant contact dermatitis, and allergic contact urticaria (ACU), occur commonly among health care workers (HCWs). PURPOSE To evaluate the aetiology of the various skin diseases afflicting HCWs evaluated for suspicion of ACD and/or ACU and to identify the most common allergens among HCWs found to have ACD and...

BACKGROUND Allergic contact dermatitis from rubber chemicals is increasingly recognized. OBJECTIVE To review the results of patch testing with rubber allergens from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2007. METHODS Patients who underwent patch testing with a specialized series of rubber allergens were identified. RESULTS In total, 773 patients (64.2% female; mean age, 48.6 years) were p...

Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) are common in contact sports. There is an association between mTBIs and altered motor function. BioSway technology measures individuals' balance using the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS). Prior to incorporating BESS testing in concussion protocol, other variables that influence the BESS test require review. The objective of this study is to determine if...

BACKGROUND We identified a family with a monogenic syndrome of hypertension, brachydactyly, and neurovascular contact of the brain stem. Neurovascular contact of the ventrolateral medulla may lead to arterial hypertension by interfering with baroreflex function. METHODS AND RESULTS In 5 patients with monogenic hypertension (18 to 34 years old), we conducted detailed autonomic function tests. ...