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Biomedical subjects

G H Findlay

Publications and source records attributed to G H Findlay.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Keratolytic winter erythema or 'oudtshoorn skin': a newly recognized inherited dermatosis prevalent in South Africa.

A hitherto undescribed inherited dermatosis, traceable to certain 19th-century inhabitants of Oudtshoorn, CP, has been transmitted as an autosomal dominant to a large number of their present-day descendants. The disease consists of intermittent and recurrent centrifugal peeling, with redness, of the palms and soles in particular. In more severe cases similar patches are found extending up the limbs to the buttocks and the trunk generally. The inconvenience is usually moderate, but it may be incapacitating. Some temporary relief, but so far nothing permanent, can be offered through treatment.

Adolescent↗

The topology of hair streams and whorls in man, with an observation on their relationship to epidermal ridge patterns.

Hair slope, whorl, cross and field formation is expressible in a topological form. The mathematical description required suggests an origin for the patterns in a growth process occurring in the upper dermis which determines the patterns of the hair slope. The formulae proposed by Euler, Poincaré and Ludwig are adopted as a descriptive method for the analysis of hair patterning resulting from hair slope. A unitary theory for hair streams and fingerprint patterns is suggested by the discovery, on one remarkable human foetus, of sites where epidermal ridges and convergent hair whorls were combined. Placement of the parietal scalp whorl in man is linked to hominid brain and skull development, and its associated hair field is noted to be bipartite, as revealed through patterns of differential hair loss.

Dermatoglyphics↗

Black grain mycetoma. Atomic absorption and spark source mass spectrophotometry of the tissue grain in Madurella mycetomi infection.

The tissue grain of Madurella mycetomi infection shows a spread of mineral constituents which is somewhat higher than the known values for the dermis, but differs little in relative concentrations. The unique physical resistance of the grain cannot be related to departures in concentration of calcium or of trace elements. Our earlier hypothesis of a tanned protein structure for the grain therefore still holds (Findlay & Vismer, 1974).

Humans↗

The ultrastructure of the human epidermis following ultracentrifugation.

Ultracentrifugation of the human epidermis was undertaken to uncover the forces responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the supranuclear melanin cap in basal cells. The wide spacing and elasticity of the tonofibrils caused a selective trapping of melanosomes in this region. At the same time the experiments produced pictures resembling dedifferentiation of the plasma membrane as in the fetal state, and differentiation of the tonofibrillar mass resembling the granular and horny layers. Once the tonofibrils had retracted and massed together, the order of intracellular sedimentation was: melanosome, chromatin, mitochondrion, tonofibril and ribosome.

Cell Membrane↗

Exogenous ochronosis and pigmented colloid milium from hydroquinone bleaching creams.

An outbreak of ochronosis and colloid milium is described after the use of strong hydroquinone bleaching creams. These phenomena developed only after a few years, and took place when the melanocytes had overcome the bleaching influence. Sun-exposure and thorough inunction of the cream were required for the more advanced changes. Analogous changes have been seen when the skin is exposed to certain crude fuels in individuals working in the sun, and phenolic components in the fuels are suspected. The study presented here covers the clinical, histological, histochemical, electron microscopical and pathogenetic features as seen in thirty-five cases of hydroquinone damage to the dermis in South Africa.

Adult↗