Isabelle Thomas

Bio: Isabelle Thomas is an academic researcher from Rutgers University. The author has contributed to research in topics: HMB-45 & Suicidal ideation. The author has an hindex of 12, co-authored 17 publications receiving 560 citations. Previous affiliations of Isabelle Thomas include Veterans Health Administration.

Acute excisional wounds treated with a tissue-engineered skin (Apligraf).

Abstract: Background. Tissue-engineered products are usually composed of living cells and their supporting matrices that have been grown in vitro, using a combination of engineering and life sciences principles. Apligraf is a bilayered product composed of neonatal-derived dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes, and Type I bovine collagen. Objective. To evaluate in a prospective, multicentered open study, the effects of tissue therapy with a tissue-engineered skin (Apligraf) with partial or full-thickness excisional wounds. Methods. One hundred and seven patients participated in this study. The tissue-engineered skin was applied once, immediately after excisional surgery, usually for skin cancer, and patients were followed for up to one year. Results. The safety results were impressive, with no clinical or laboratory evidence of rejection. Clinically, graft persistence was good to excellent in 77 of 105 (73.3%) of patients at one week, falling to 56.6% and 53.6% at two weeks and one month respectively. Conclusion. To date, this is the largest experience with a tissue-engineered skin product in acute wounds, and this study suggests that tissue therapy may be safe and useful.

Bedbug bites: A review

Abstract: Bedbugs are reddish-brown insects that require blood meals to survive and feed on humans as well as other warm-blooded mammals and birds. 1 They usually come out to feed at night before dawn and tend to hide in the daytime. Adults are quite resistant and can survive up to a year without a meal, making it difficult to eradicate them other than by the use of insecticides. Reactions can range from localized urticaria to bullous reactions to anaphylaxis in rare cases. They are a particular concern in Africa and the tropics as they may be vectors for endemic infectious diseases such as American trypanosomiasis, also known as Chagas’ disease.

Vancomycin-induced linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD)

Abstract: We report the eleventh case of vancomycin-induced linear IgA disease. Our case is unusual because symptoms developed within minutes of administration of the drug. We discuss the pathogenesis and review the literature.

Treatment of generalized bullous pemphigoid with oral tetracycline

Abstract: Background: Although bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a benign self-limited disease, the mainstay of treatment remains systemic steroids, often in combination with immunosuppressive agents. This therapy has considerable potential toxicity, particularly in elderly patients with preexisting problems. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral tetracycline as firstchoice therapy in patients with BP. Methods: Every patient newly diagnosed with generalized BP was treated with oral tetracycline and a midpotency topical steroid. Results: In all five patients, blister formation was stopped and reepithelialization completed within 1 to 3 weeks. There was no relapse or toxicity noted; follow-up ranged from 16 to 24 months. Conclusion: Oral tetracycline was found to be rapidly efficacious in all patients and devoid of toxicity.

Piebaldism: an update.

Abstract: Piebaldism is characterized by the congenital absence of melanocytes in affected areas of the skin and hair, due to mutations of the kit proto-oncogene, which affects the differentiation and migration of melanoblasts. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and manifests as a white forelock and patches of depigmentation. Its first descriptions date back to early Egyptian, Greek and Roman writings and it has been observed throughout history in families with a distinctive, predictable congenital white forelock. 1 It is usually a benign isolated skin condition but it is permanent, may be socially disabling, and treatment is a challenge.

Collagen-Based Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering Applications

Abstract: Collagen is the most widely distributed class of proteins in the human body. The use of collagen-based biomaterials in the field of tissue engineering applications has been intensively growing over the past decades. Multiple cross-linking methods were investigated and different combinations with other biopolymers were explored in order to improve tissue function. Collagen possesses a major advantage in being biodegradable, biocompatible, easily available and highly versatile. However, since collagen is a protein, it remains difficult to sterilize without alterations to its structure. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the various applications of collagen-based biomaterials developed for tissue engineering, aimed at providing a functional material for use in regenerative medicine from the laboratory bench to the patient bedside.

Antigenicity and immunogenicity of collagen.

Abstract: Pertinent issues of collagen antigenicity and immunogenicity are concisely reviewed as they relate to the design and application of biomedical devices. A brief discussion of the fundamental concepts of collagen immunochemistry is presented, with a subsequent review of documented clinical responses to devices containing reconstituted soluble or solubilized collagen. The significance of atelocollagen, concerns regarding collagen-induced autoimmunity, and other relevant topics are also addressed in the context of current understanding of the human immune response to collagen.

A review of tissue-engineered skin bioconstructs available for skin reconstruction

Abstract: Situations where normal autografts cannot be used to replace damaged skin often lead to a greater risk of mortality, prolonged hospital stay and increased expenditure for the National Health Service. There is a substantial need for tissue-engineered skin bioconstructs and research is active in this field. Significant progress has been made over the years in the development and clinical use of bioengineered components of the various skin layers. Off-the-shelf availability of such constructs, or production of sufficient quantities of biological materials to aid rapid wound closure, are often the only means to help patients with major skin loss. The aim of this review is to describe those materials already commercially available for clinical use as well as to give a short insight to those under development. It seeks to provide skin scientists/tissue engineers with the information required to not only develop in vitro models of skin, but to move closer to achieving the ultimate goal of an off-the-shelf, complete full-thickness skin replacement.

KIT (CD117): a review on expression in normal and neoplastic tissues, and mutations and their clinicopathologic correlation.

Abstract: :CD117 (KIT) is a type III receptor tyrosine kinase operating in cell signal transduction in several cell types. Normally KIT is activated (phosphorylated) by binding of its ligand, the stem cell factor. This leads to a phosphorylation cascade ultimately activating various transcription fact