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Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Phenolic compounds, especially tannins, are important for red wine quality. Wines made from cold-hardy hybrid grape cultivars have much lower tannin concentrations than...
Phenolic compounds, especially tannins, are important for red wine quality. Wines made from cold-hardy hybrid grape cultivars have much lower tannin concentrations than wines from grape cultivars. This study assessed the phenolics content of berry tissues of three red cold-hardy hybrid cultivars in comparison to cv. 'Pinot noir' throughout development and ripening. Basic chemical properties, iron-reactive phenolics content, and tannin content were evaluated in the juice, skins, and seeds of spp. cvs. 'Crimson Pearl', 'Marquette', and 'Petite Pearl' and 'Pinot noir' at six time points from one week post-fruit set to harvest in 2021 and 2022. 'Crimson Pearl' displayed similar iron-reactive phenolics and tannin contents in juice, skins (22.6-25.4 mg/g dry skin and 8.0-12.2 mg/g dry skin, respectively), and seeds (12.8-29.8 mg/g dry seed and 4.2-22.0 mg/g dry seed, respectively) as 'Petite Pearl' and 'Marquette' at harvest in 2022. The hybrid cultivars showed a similar trend of phenolic accumulation as 'Pinot noir' but resulted in overall lower content in skins and seeds. Despite differences in developmental trends, the three hybrid grape cultivars displayed similar phenolic content at harvest ripeness. This is the first study examining the phenolic content of 'Crimson Pearl' and 'Petite Pearl' throughout berry development and ripening. This study provides important information for the wine industry to make informed decisions on making wine with these cultivars.
PubMed: 38611290
DOI: 10.3390/foods13070986 -
Alternative Therapies in Health and... Apr 2024Netherton syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease, lacks effective treatment options. This article presents a novel case of successful Upadacitinib therapy...
BACKGROUND
Netherton syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease, lacks effective treatment options. This article presents a novel case of successful Upadacitinib therapy in a 14-year-old boy with Netherton syndrome.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 14-year-old male with a lifelong history of dry skin, erythema, scaling, itching, and notable body odor was evaluated. These symptoms, accompanied by irregular hair growth and delayed development, prompted an initial diagnosis of atopic dermatitis at a local hospital. Treatment with antihistamines, moisturizers, and topical corticosteroids failed to alleviate systemic manifestations of red patches and persistent itching. Seeking further evaluation, the patient was presented to our center. Upon examination, the characteristics of "bamboo hair" and "golf tee sign" were observed microscopically in the patient's hair. Whole exome sequencing identified a paternally inherited mutation in the SPINK5 gene, confirming Netherton syndrome. No mutations were found in the mother. Despite initial positive responses to Secukinumab and Dupilumab, therapeutic efficacy waned over time.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Initiation of Upadacitinib at a daily dose of 15 mg yielded significant therapeutic benefits within a short timeframe. This study marks the first documented use of Upadacitinib in pediatric Netherton syndrome treatment. This case highlights the efficacy of Upadacitinib in treating Netherton syndrome, particularly in pediatric patients. Further studies are warranted to elucidate its long-term effects and optimal dosing regimens.
PubMed: 38607195
DOI: No ID Found -
Skin Research and Technology : Official... Apr 2024It is known that heparinoid, a mucopolysaccharide polysulfate, is effective in improving rough skin and promoting blood circulation as medicines for diseased areas.... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
It is known that heparinoid, a mucopolysaccharide polysulfate, is effective in improving rough skin and promoting blood circulation as medicines for diseased areas. However, heparinoid has a molecular weight of more than 5000 and cannot penetrate healthy stratum corneum.
OBJECTIVE
We tested the efficacy of sulfated oligosaccharides with a molecular weight of less than 2000 on the human skin barrier function and moisturizing function.
METHODS
We measured the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) of a three-dimensional human epidermis model cultured for 3 days after topical application of sulfated oligosaccharides, then observed the effects on TEWL suppression. The mRNA levels of proteins involved in intercellular lipid transport and storage in the stratum corneum, and moisture retention were measured using RT-qPCR.
RESULTS
An increase in the mRNA levels of the ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 12 (ABCA12), which transports lipids into stratum granulosum, was confirmed. Increases were also observed in the mRNA levels of filaggrin (FLG), which is involved in the generation of natural moisturizing factors, and of caspase-14, calpain-1 and bleomycin hydrolase, which are involved in the degradation of FLG. Antibody staining confirmed that the application of sodium trehalose sulfate to 3D model skin resulted in more ABCA12, ceramide, transglutaminase1, and FLG than those in controls. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, participants with low stratum corneum water content applied a lotion and emulsion containing sodium trehalose sulfate to their faces for 4 weeks. Sodium trehalose sulfate decreased the TEWL and increased the stratum corneum water content.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that cosmetics containing sodium trehalose sulfate act on the epidermis by increasing barrier factors and moisturizing factors, thereby ameliorating dry skin.
Topics: Humans; Epidermis; Heparinoids; RNA, Messenger; Skin; Skin Care; Sodium; Trehalose; Water; East Asian People
PubMed: 38606717
DOI: 10.1111/srt.13666 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024As chronic inflammatory conditions driven by immune dysregulation are influenced by genetics and environment factors, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD) have... (Review)
Review
As chronic inflammatory conditions driven by immune dysregulation are influenced by genetics and environment factors, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD) have traditionally been considered to be distinct diseases characterized by different T cell responses. Psoriasis, associated with type 17 helper T (Th17)-mediated inflammation, presents as well-defined scaly plaques with minimal pruritus. AD, primarily linked to Th2-mediated inflammation, presents with poorly defined erythema, dry skin, and intense itching. However, psoriasis and AD may overlap or transition into one another spontaneously, independent of biological agent usage. Emerging evidence suggests that defects in skin barrier-related molecules interact with the polarization of T cells, which forms a skin barrier-inflammatory loop with them. This loop contributes to the chronicity of the primary disease or the transition between psoriasis and AD. This review aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying skin barrier defects in driving the overlap between psoriasis and AD. In this review, the importance of repairing the skin barrier was underscored, and the significance of tailoring biologic treatments based on individual immune status instead of solely adhering to the treatment guidelines for AD or psoriasis was emphasized.
PubMed: 38606161
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1335551 -
EFSA Journal. European Food Safety... Apr 2024Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a feed additive obtained from the dried...
Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a dry extract obtained from the leaves of L. (ginkgo extract) for horses, dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs (FEFANA asbl).
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a feed additive obtained from the dried leaves of L. (ginkgo extract) when used as a sensory additive in feed for horses, dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. Ginkgo extract contains ≥ 24% total flavonoids, ≥ 6% total terpene lactones and ≤ 1 mg/kg ginkgolic acids. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that ginkgo extract is safe for the target species at the following concentrations in complete feed: 2.8 mg/kg for horses and cats, 1.1 mg/kg for rabbits and guinea pigs, and 3.3 mg/kg for dogs. No safety concern would arise for the consumers from the use of ginkgo extract up to the highest level in feed which is considered safe for food-producing species (horses and rabbits). The additive should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. The use of the additive at the proposed level in feed for the target species is not considered to be a risk to the environment. While the available data indicate that preparations have a distinctive flavour profile, there is no evidence that the ginkgo extract would impart flavour to a food or feed matrix. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the efficacy of the additive.
PubMed: 38601873
DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8733 -
EFSA Journal. European Food Safety... Apr 2024Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the dried fruit of...
Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a tincture derived from the dried fruit of (Turcz.) Baill. (omicha tincture) for poultry, horses, dogs and cats (FEFANA asbl).
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the dried fruit of (Turcz.) Baill. (omicha tincture), when used as a sensory additive in feed for horses, cats, dogs, and in feed and in water for drinking for poultry. The product is a water/ethanol (55:45 v/v) solution, with a dry matter content of not more than 4% (w/w) and a content of 0.01%-0.15% (w/w) for the sum of schisandrin and deoxyschisandrin. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that omicha tincture is safe at the following concentrations in complete feed: 16 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 12 mg/kg for chickens for fattening and other poultry for fattening or reared for laying/reproduction, 18 mg/kg for laying hens and other laying/reproductive birds, 56 mg/kg for dogs and 47 mg/kg for horses and cats. The additive is considered safe for consumers when used up to the highest safe level in feed for poultry species and horses. Omicha tincture should be considered as irritants to skin and eyes, and as dermal and respiratory sensitisers. The use of omicha tincture as a flavour in feed for poultry species and horses was not considered to be a risk to the environment. Since it was recognised that the fruit of can influence sensory properties of feedingstuffs, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary for the tincture under assessment.
PubMed: 38601870
DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8731 -
Contact Lens & Anterior Eye : the... Jun 2024To determine the changes in keratometry measurements and refraction in patients having the thermo-mechanical periorbital skin treatment, Tixel®, to treat dry eye...
PURPOSE
To determine the changes in keratometry measurements and refraction in patients having the thermo-mechanical periorbital skin treatment, Tixel®, to treat dry eye disease (DED).
METHODS
A multi-centre, prospective, non-masked study was conducted. DED patients were recruited in 3 international centres and were evaluated in 5 visits separated by an interval of 2 weeks except for the last visit which took place after 18 weeks from visit 1. The same clinical examination was performed at all visits: OSDI questionnaire, tear stability, keratometry, best corrected visual acuity and refraction. Tixel® treatment was applied at the first 3 visits.
RESULTS
89 participants (24 males/65 females; mean age: 55.0 ± 14.2 years) were included: 20 presented moderate DED symptoms and 69 severe DED symptoms. Significant differences were found for the spherocylindrical refraction (vector analysis) between visit 1 and visits 2 and 3. Following cumulative analysis, 11.86 % and 16.94 % of participants had more than 0.5 dioptre (D) change in mean keratometry and keratometric astigmatism, respectively, at 3 months post-treatment. A total of 5.40 % had a sphere and cylinder change greater than 0.50D and 16.21 % had the axis changed more than 10 degrees (vector analysis). These changes were particularly significant in patients with severe DED symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
Keratometry readings and refraction can change following thermo-mechanical skin treatment for DED, especially in those patients with severe DED symptoms. This should be considered as potential errors in intraocular lens calculations may be induced.
Topics: Humans; Dry Eye Syndromes; Female; Middle Aged; Male; Prospective Studies; Refraction, Ocular; Visual Acuity; Aged; Cataract Extraction; Adult; Cornea
PubMed: 38594154
DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2024.102164 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024Electroencephalography (EEG) captures minute electrical signals emanating from the brain. These signals are vulnerable to interference from external noise and dynamic...
Electroencephalography (EEG) captures minute electrical signals emanating from the brain. These signals are vulnerable to interference from external noise and dynamic artifacts; hence, accurately recording such signals is challenging. Although dry electrodes are convenient, their signals are of limited quality; consequently, wet electrodes are predominantly used in EEG. Therefore, developing dry electrodes for accurately and stably recording EEG signals is crucial. In this study, we developed flexible dry electrodes using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/carbon-nanotube (CNT) composites with isotropically wrinkled surfaces that effectively combine the advantages of wet and dry electrodes. Adjusting the PDMS crosslinker ratio led to good adhesion, resulting in a highly adhesive CNT/PDMS composite with a low Young's modulus that exhibited excellent electrical and mechanical properties owing to its ability to conformally contact skin. The isotropically wrinkled surface also effectively controls dynamic artifacts during EEG signal detection and ensures accurate signal analysis. The results of this study demonstrate that dry electrodes based on flexible CNT/PDMS composites and corrugated structures can outperform wet electrodes. The introduction of such electrodes is expected to enable the accurate analysis and monitoring of EEG signals in various scenarios, including clinical trials.
PubMed: 38591516
DOI: 10.3390/ma17030668 -
Cancer Medicine Apr 2024Long-term anti-EGFR antibody treatment increases the risk of severe dermatologic toxicities. This single-arm, phase II trial aimed to investigate the strategy of...
BACKGROUND
Long-term anti-EGFR antibody treatment increases the risk of severe dermatologic toxicities. This single-arm, phase II trial aimed to investigate the strategy of switching from cetuximab to bevacizumab in combination with FOLFIRI based on early tumor shrinkage (ETS) in patients with RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
METHODS
Radiologic assessment was performed to evaluate ETS, defined as ≥20% reduction in the sum of the largest diameters of target lesions 8 weeks after the introduction of FOLFIRI plus cetuximab. ETS-negative patients switched to FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab, whereas ETS-positive patients continued FOLFIRI plus cetuximab for eight more weeks, with a switch to FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab thereafter. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival.
RESULTS
This trial was prematurely terminated due to poor accrual after a total enrollment of 30 patients. In 29 eligible patients, 7 were ETS-negative and 22 were ETS-positive. Two ETS-negative patients and 17 ETS-positive patients switched to FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab 8 weeks and 16 weeks after initial FOLFIRI plus cetuximab, respectively. Median progression-free and overall survival durations were 13.4 and 34.7 months, respectively. Six (20%) patients experienced grade ≥3 paronychia, which improved to grade ≤2 by 18 weeks. Grade ≥3 acneiform rash, dry skin, and pruritus were not observed in any patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Our novel treatment strategy delivered acceptable survival outcomes and reduced severe dermatologic toxicities.
Topics: Humans; Bevacizumab; Cetuximab; Colorectal Neoplasms; Camptothecin; Fluorouracil; Colonic Neoplasms; Rectal Neoplasms; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Leucovorin
PubMed: 38591098
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7107 -
EFSA Journal. European Food Safety... Apr 2024Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the roots of C.A.Mey....
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the roots of C.A.Mey. (ginseng tincture), when used as a sensory additive in feed for horses, dogs and cats. The product is a water/ethanol (40:60 v/v) solution, with a dry matter content of no more than 6% and a content of 0.01%-0.5% (w/w) for the sum of the two triterpene saponins ginsenoside Rb1 and ginsenoside Rg1. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the tincture is safe for horses, dogs and cats at the maximum proposed use level of 48.6, 228.7 and 162 mg/kg complete feed, respectively. The Panel also concluded that the additive is considered safe for consumers when used at the proposed conditions of use in feed for horses. Ginseng tincture should be considered as an irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. The use of the ginseng tincture as a flavour in feed for horses was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since the roots of and its preparations were recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same, no demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.
PubMed: 38591023
DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8730