No abstract

Radiofrequency (RF) energy can be emitted into the skin, either non- or invasively, via a monopolar mode that utilizes an active electrode and a grounded electrode or via a bipolar mode that employs two active electrodes. In this experimental study of RF tissue reactions, bipolar RF energy was emitted in vivo to micropig skin at varying microneedle penetration depths, signal amplitudes, and conduction times. Immediately after RF treatment, skin samples exhibited RF-induced coagulation columns of thermal injury, separately generated around each microneedle in the dermis. In ex vivo bovine liver tissue, the thermal coagulation columns were found to be concentrated maximally around the pointed tips of each electrode. After a RF conduction time of 2 seconds, the individual areas of thermal coagulation began to converge with neighboring RF-induced coagulation columns; the convergence of coagulation columns was found to start from the tips of neighboring electrodes.

No abstract

A case of allergic contact dermatitis to mustard (Brassica nigra) in a salad maker is reported. The sources of skin contact included a commercial salad cream, a vinegrette, and various members of the mustard family, Cruciferae. The Cruciferae family includes many salad vegetables and condiments which contain allergenic isothiocyanates. The extent of skin contact among salad makers and other food handlers may be significant, and sensitization to isothiocyanates from this large family of vegetables may be an important cause of food contact allergy in these individuals.