Forum for Nordic Dermato-Venereology Nr 1, 2018 | Page 20

Marit Saunes and Eidi Christensen– Academic strength of St Olavs University Hospital in Trondheim in activated T cells. Thus, for some years continuous research has been carried out with the aim to enhance photopheresis technology using porphyrin precursors instead of the approved drug. This has provided data with promising results. Patients are now included in a phase I/II clinical trial. Venereology 3D Printable wood nanocellulose for wound dressings. Photo: Gary Chinga Carrasco, RISE PFI AS. main goal is to identify new genetic factors with obvious functional consequences that contribute to the risk of disease. In addition, we plan to study gene expression and protein levels in samples from our newly established psoriasis tissue collection. By examining synergies between DNA, RNA and proteins, we aim to reveal novel biological mechanisms that have the potential to lead to new therapeutic targets. Extracorporeal photopheresis Extracorporeal photopheresis using 8-methoxypsoralene and ultraviolet A (UVA) is an established method for treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and graft-versus-host-disease. This modality is normally given to patients over a long period of time and provides only partial response in the majority of treated cases. 8-MOP binds to both diseased and normal cells and thus kills both types of cells after UVA irradiation. However, a precursor of the potent photosensitizer protopor- phyrin IX (PpIX), has been shown to selectively induce PpIX 18 D ermato -V enereology in the N ordic C ountries Medical students are a valuable resource. Together with the student organization working with sexual health information (MSO, medisinernes seksualopplysning) and the Department of Microbiology at St Olavs University Hospital, we have or- ganized a total of 8 STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing days. Test sites have alternated between the two main NTNU campuses in Trondheim. A total of 1,600 students have been recruited and they participated in different research spin-off projects connected to these STI testing days. One result of these testing days is the implementation at our hospital of a new method for detection of macrolide resistance in patients with Mycoplasma genitalium infection. Allergy The Prevention of Allergy Among Children in Trondheim (PACT) study is a population-based intervention study focused on the impacts on childhood atopic diseases of interventions to reduce tobacco exposure, increase consumption of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and reduce indoor dampness. Since 2000, a large research database consisting of question- naire-based information on exposure and health outcomes has been established. A randomized sub-study, ProPACT, included 415 pregnant women who received fermented milk supplemented with 3 probiotic strains or pasteurized placebo fermented milk from 4 weeks before expected due date until 3 months postpartum. Numerous biological samples, includ- ing stool, blood, breast milk and bacterial swab samples, were collected and used to identify possible mediators of the preventive effect of maternal probiotic supplementation on the development of atopic dermatitis. Researchers at the Department of Public Health and Nursing are conducting PACT, and researchers at the Department of Dermatology have collaborated in the project. Forum for Nord Derm Ven 2018, Vol. 23, No. 1