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International Journal of Pharmaceutics Jun 2024Free amino acids (FAAs) constitute the largest component (∼40 %) of the so-called natural moisturizing factors of the skin. Their level declines in dry skin...
Free amino acids (FAAs) constitute the largest component (∼40 %) of the so-called natural moisturizing factors of the skin. Their level declines in dry skin conditions and one strategy to overcome this problem may involve the topical delivery of FAAs through appropriate strategy. The objective of the present study was therefore to identify alternative skin models and study the corneocyte-water partition coefficients (K) and permeation coefficient (K) of 18 FAAs. The K was studied using standard protocols and the permeation studies were conducted using Franz diffusion cell. The results indicate that the FAAs have high partitioning behavior to the corneocytes. The K values of the human COR and that of pig ear skin were better correlated with each other than that of keratin isolated from chicken feathers. The presence of lipid in the stratum corneum (SC), initial concentration of the FAAs, and permeation enhancers affect the K. The FAAs have low permeation into the SC which suggests the need for permeation enhancers in designing dosage form containing these compounds. Even though the investigated mathematical models show good prediction of the Kp values, better prediction could be obtained by considering factors such as the possible entrapment of the FAAs by the CORs.
PubMed: 38909923
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124372 -
World Journal of Clinical Cases Jun 2024In addition to the non-specific symptomatology of ocular rosacea, currently, there are no reliable diagnostic tests for the disease, which may lead to its misdiagnosis....
BACKGROUND
In addition to the non-specific symptomatology of ocular rosacea, currently, there are no reliable diagnostic tests for the disease, which may lead to its misdiagnosis. Here, we report a case of ocular rosacea presenting with multiple recurrent chalazion on both eyelids.
CASE SUMMARY
A 63-year-old female patient presented with multiple chalazion and dry eyes in both eyes, with no facial erythema. Initial management done were application of steroid eye ointment on both eyelids, hot compresses, and eyelid margin cleaning; noting that there was no relief of symptoms. Surgical excision of the chalazion was done on both eyes, however, bilateral recurrence occurred post-operatively. The pathological studies showed infiltration of a small amount of fibrous tissue with many chronic inflammatory cells. Immunohistochemistry studies were positive for LL-37. Resolution of the chalazion occurred after oral administration of doxycycline and azithromycin.
CONCLUSION
Our findings show that ophthalmologists should recognize the ocular manifestations of skin diseases.
PubMed: 38898849
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i17.3253 -
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of... Jun 2024Currently, the use of autografts is the gold standard for the replacement of many damaged biological tissues. However, this practice presents disadvantages that can be...
Machine learning to mechanically assess 2D and 3D biomimetic electrospun scaffolds for tissue engineering applications: Between the predictability and the interpretability.
Currently, the use of autografts is the gold standard for the replacement of many damaged biological tissues. However, this practice presents disadvantages that can be mitigated through tissue-engineered implants. The aim of this study is to explore how machine learning can mechanically evaluate 2D and 3D polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun scaffolds (one twisted filament, 3 twisted filament and 3 twisted/braided filament scaffolds) for their use in different tissue engineering applications. Crosslinked and non-crosslinked scaffolds were fabricated and mechanically characterised, in dry/wet conditions and under longitudinal/transverse loading, using tensile testing. 28 machine learning models (ML) were used to predict the mechanical properties of the scaffolds. 4 exogenous variables (structure, environmental condition, crosslinking and direction of the load) were used to predict 2 endogenous variables (Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strength). ML models were able to identify 6 structures and testing conditions with comparable Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strength to ligamentous tissue, skin tissue, oral and nasal tissue, and renal tissue. This novel study proved that Classification and Regression Trees (CART) models were an innovative and easy to interpret tool to identify biomimetic electrospun structures; however, Cubist and Support Vector Machine (SVM) models were the most accurate, with R of 0.93 and 0.8, to predict the ultimate tensile strength and Young's modulus, respectively. This approach can be implemented to optimise the manufacturing process in different applications.
PubMed: 38896922
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106630 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024Previous studies have shown that the gene is differentially expressed in Hu sheep lamb skin of different pattern types, and its expression level is significantly...
Previous studies have shown that the gene is differentially expressed in Hu sheep lamb skin of different pattern types, and its expression level is significantly correlated with hair follicle indices of different pattern types, but the molecular mechanism of the differential expression of the gene remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of DNA methylation on the transcriptional expression of . Firstly, we found that the mRNA expression of the BMP7 gene and the activity of the core promoter of the BMP7 gene were upregulated after 5-Aza-Deoxycytidine-induced demethylation treatment using qRT-PCR and double luciferase reporter assay. Then, we found that the proliferation of Hu sheep DPCs in vitro was promoted after 5-Aza-Deoxycytidine-induced demethylation treatment through qRT-PCR, CCK-8, and EdU assay, and that the overexpression of DNMT1 in DPCs induced the opposite effect. In addition, the results of the cell cycle assay reveal that the percentage of cells in the S phase was increased after 5-Aza-Deoxycytidine-induced demethylation treatment, and that the percentage of cells in the S phase was decreased after overexpression of DNMT1 in DPCs. This study indicated that the differential expression of the gene in different patterns of Hu sheep lamb skin may be regulated by DNA methylation modification. In addition, DNA methylation can regulate the proliferation and cell cycle of DPCs in Hu sheep.
PubMed: 38891747
DOI: 10.3390/ani14111699 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024During ripening, 'Hass' avocado skin changes from green to purple/black. Low-temperature storage with a controlled atmosphere (CA) is the most widely used method for...
During ripening, 'Hass' avocado skin changes from green to purple/black. Low-temperature storage with a controlled atmosphere (CA) is the most widely used method for avocado storage; however, few studies have simulated this technology and considered the days of regular air (RA) storage prior to CA storage. Herein, the effect of delaying the storage of 'Hass' avocado (>30% dry matter) in a CA was examined. Long-term storage conditions (5 °C for 50 days) corresponded to (i) regular air storage (RA), (ii) CA (4 kPa O and 6 kPa CO) and (iii) 10 days in RA + 40 days in a CA and (iv) 20 days in RA + 30 days in a CA. Evaluations were performed during storage and at the ready-to-eat (RTE) stage. Skin color remained unchanged during storage, but at the RTE stage, more color development was observed for fruits stored under CA conditions, as these fruits were purple/black (>50%). At the RTE stage, the anthocyanin content increased, and compared to fruit under RA, fruit under a CA contained a five-fold greater content. A 20-day delay between harvest and CA storage increased the fruit softening rate and skin color development after cold storage, reducing the effectiveness of CA as a postharvest technology for extending storage life.
PubMed: 38891264
DOI: 10.3390/plants13111455 -
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual... Jun 2024The current study evaluated the lid margin microbiome of keratinized lid margins of patients with chronic Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and compared it with healthy...
PURPOSE
The current study evaluated the lid margin microbiome of keratinized lid margins of patients with chronic Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and compared it with healthy controls and historically reported lid margin microbiome of patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
METHODS
Eyelid margin swabs of 20 asymptomatic adults (mean age = 29 ± 12 years) and 10 patients with chronic SJS (mean age = 31.2 ± 14 years) with lid margin keratinization were sequenced using next generation of 16S rDNA V3 to V4 variable region. Within SJS, the keratinized lid margin microbiome was compared with adjacent eyelid skin.
RESULTS
All patients had obstructive MGD, and mean Schirmer I value was 2.8 ± 1.9 mm. The phyla were similar in two groups, whereas at the genera level, an increase in the relative abundance of Corynebacterium, Haemophilus, Azotobacter, and Afipia and a decrease of Acinetobacter was noted in SJS compared to healthy lid margins. SJS-associated microbiota displayed lesser diversity and more heterogeneity than healthy controls. The Principal Components Analysis (PCA) plot revealed wide separation in the SJS and the control groups. Correlational network analysis revealed Corynebacterium and Sphingomonas forming a major hub of negative interactions with other bacterial genera in the SJS group. Significant differences exist in the prevalent genera between keratinized lid margins and historically reported meibum microbiome of patients with MGD. In addition, the eyelid skin of patients with SJS had predominant Staphylococcus, whereas Corynebacterium and Pseudomonas were more in the keratinized lid margins compared to the eyelid skin microbiome.
CONCLUSIONS
Lid margin microbiome is significantly altered in the keratinized lid margins of patients with SJS compared to the eyelid skin of patients with SJS, normal lid margins, and patients with MGD.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adult; Microbiota; Dry Eye Syndromes; Eyelids; Stevens-Johnson Syndrome; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Bacteria; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; DNA, Bacterial; Adolescent; Meibomian Glands; Meibomian Gland Dysfunction; Keratins
PubMed: 38888283
DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.6.28 -
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences Apr 2024Fordyce granules, sometimes referred to as Fordyce dots, are aberrant sebaceous glands that present as diminutive, non-painful, elevated lesions exhibiting a yellowish...
BACKGROUND
Fordyce granules, sometimes referred to as Fordyce dots, are aberrant sebaceous glands that present as diminutive, non-painful, elevated lesions exhibiting a yellowish or whitish hue, measuring 1 to 3 mm in diameter, and manifesting inside the oral cavity. Likewise, these particles may also be seen in the vaginal region and inside the oral cavity.
AIM
The primary objective of the current study is to evaluate the potential association between Fordyce granules and the skin type of individuals who seek dental care at the Dental Clinics of Qassim University.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The current cross-sectional research was undertaken at the Dental Clinics of Qassim University, with a sample of 87 patients diagnosed with Fordyce's granules. The research consisted of a heterogeneous sample of participants, including individuals of all genders, ranging in age from 18 to 85 years. The study included a comprehensive evaluation of several anatomical regions to identify the existence of Fordyce's granules. This examination was conducted by a single examiner who had undergone calibration. Additionally, the participants' skin types were established using the Baumann Skin Typing System questionnaire. The data that was gathered was afterward analyzed utilizing statistical methods via the use of SPSS software. A pre-set significance level was established at < 0.05.
RESULTS
The distribution of skin types among the study participants with Fordyce's granules were found to be oily skin (51.3%), dry skin (47.9%), sensitive skin (49.3%), and resistant skin (56.3%). The results of the research showed that there was no statistically significant correlation between the two variables, i.e. skin type and the presence of Fordyce's granules. This conclusion is supported by the increased values of 0.941 for those with oily skin and 0.785 for individuals with dry skin.
CONCLUSION
No relation between skin type and Fordyce's granules in the current study.
PubMed: 38882851
DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1170_23 -
Archives of Dermatological Research Jun 2024Vitiligo is considered an autoimmune disease, and its treatment is challenging. We assessed and compared the effect of fractional erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG)... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Vitiligo is considered an autoimmune disease, and its treatment is challenging. We assessed and compared the effect of fractional erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser-assisted delivery of platelet-rich plasma versus microneedling (Mn) with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in enhancing skin repigmentation in localized stable vitiligo patients. In total, 40 patients with localized stable vitiligo were selected in a random manner into two similar groups (20 each). Group (A) was subjected to fractional Er:YAG laser combined with platelet-rich plasma and Group (B) was subjected to microneedling combined with platelet-rich plasma. The procedure was repeated every 2 weeks for up to 6 months. Each individual was assessed clinically utilizing Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI). Fractional Er:YAG + PRP group achieved better pigmentation100% (excellent 30%, very good 15%, good 30% and satisfactory 25%) which is comparable to Mn + PRP where 80% of cases demonstrate repigmentation (20% very good, 10% good and 50% mild). When comparing the VASI scores for both groups after therapy to the baseline VASI, there was a statistically significant decrease [p = 0.001 for group(A) and 0.003 for group(B)]. Regarding the treatment side effects, there was significantly (p = 0.048) side effects among cases treated with microneedling group(B) (25%) than those fractional Er:Yag laser therapy group(A) (5%). Both forms of therapy demonstrated induction of repigmentation of vitiligo, but fractional Er:YAG laser efficacy is greater when combined with platelet-rich plasma.Clinical trials.gov identifier: NCT05511493.
Topics: Humans; Vitiligo; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Lasers, Solid-State; Female; Male; Adult; Treatment Outcome; Skin Pigmentation; Needles; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Dry Needling; Combined Modality Therapy; Percutaneous Collagen Induction
PubMed: 38878236
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-03035-8 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024Garlic skin (GAS) has been proven to improve the growth performance of fattening sheep. However, the mechanism by which GAS affects fattening sheep is not yet clear. The...
OBJECTIVE
Garlic skin (GAS) has been proven to improve the growth performance of fattening sheep. However, the mechanism by which GAS affects fattening sheep is not yet clear. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of adding GAS to feed on the growth performance, rumen and fecal microbiota, serum and urine metabolism, and transcriptomics of rumen epithelial cells in fattening sheep.
METHODS
GAS with 80 g/kg dry matter (DM) was added to the diet of fattening sheep to study the effects of GAS on gut microbiota, serum and urine metabolism, and transcriptome of rumen epithelial tissue in fattening sheep. Twelve Hu sheep (body weights; BW, 23.0 ± 2.3 kg and ages 120 ± 3.5 d) were randomly divided into two groups. The CON group was the basal diet, while the GAS group was supplemented with GAS in the basal diet. The trial period was 10 weeks, with the first 2 weeks being the pre-trial period.
RESULTS
The daily average weight gain of fattening sheep in the GAS group was significantly higher than that in the CON group ( < 0.05), and the serum GSH-Px of the GAS group fattening sheep was significantly increased, while MDA was significantly reduced ( < 0.05). Based on the genus classification level, the addition of garlic peel in the diet changed the intestinal microbial composition, and the relative abundance was significantly upregulated by ( < 0.05), while significantly downregulated by , , and ( < 0.05). Metabolomics analysis found that there were 166 significantly different metabolites in serum and 68 significantly different metabolites in urine between the GAS and CON groups ( < 0.05). GAS had an impact on amino acid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, methane metabolism, riboflavin metabolism, and unsaturated fatty acid synthesis pathways ( < 0.05). Transcriptome sequencing showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in immune regulatory function, improving the health of fattening sheep.
CONCLUSION
Adding GAS can improve the energy metabolism and immune function of fattening sheep by altering gut microbiota, metabolome, and transcriptome, thereby improving the growth performance of fattening sheep.
PubMed: 38872796
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1409518 -
Journal of Applied Physiology... Jun 2024The purpose of this study was to investigate which climate/heat indices perform best in predicting heat-induced loss of physical work capacity (PWC-loss). Integrating...
The purpose of this study was to investigate which climate/heat indices perform best in predicting heat-induced loss of physical work capacity (PWC-loss). Integrating data from earlier studies, data from 982 exposures (75 conditions) exercising at a fixed cardiovascular load of 130b.min, in varying temperatures (15-50°C), humidities (20-80%), solar radiation (0-800W.m), wind (0.2-3.5m.s) and two clothing levels, were used to model the predictive power of ambient temperature, Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), Modified Equivalent Temperature (mPET), Heat Index, Apparent Temperature (AT), and Wet Bulb Temperature () for the calculation of PWC-loss, skin temperature () and core-to-skin temperature gradient, and Thermal perception( TSV) in the heat. R, RMSD and Akaike stats were used indicating model performance. Indices not including wind/radiation in their calculation (, Heat Index, AT, ) struggled to provide consistent predictions across variables. For PWC-loss and TSV, UTCI and WBGT had the highest predictive power. For , and core-to-skin temperature gradient, the physiological models UTCI and mPET worked best in semi-nude conditions, but clothed, AT, WBGT and UTCI worked best. For all index predictions, , vapor pressure and were shown to be the worst heat strain predictors. While UTCI and WBGT had similar model performance using the full dataset, WBGT did not work appropriately in windy, hot-dry, conditions where WBGT predicted lower strain due to wind, whereas the empirical data, UTCI and mPET indicated that wind in fact increased the overall level of thermal strain. The findings of the current study highlight the advantages of using a physiological model-based index like UTCI when evaluating heat stress in dynamic thermal environments.
PubMed: 38867664
DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00613.2023