Allergy Skin Research Articles

A Qualitative Account of the Perceptions and Market Determinants of Indigenous Cow Milk Sector in India

The conventional milk market in India has evolved in India over the last five decades post the ‘Operations Flood Milk Revolution’. During the 1950s and 60s indigenous cows were cross-pollinated with foreign breeds to fulfil the shortfall in the local demand for milk. The cross-pollination of exotic with Indian breeds contaminated the purity of the lineage of Indian cow breeds which had a rich nutritive pedigree. Over the last six years, there has been a fresh stream of indigenous milk market that is slowly emerging alongside the conventional market (cross-breed milk) under the name of ‘Desi Cow Milk’. This milk is marketed as an extract of pure Indian indigenous cows like Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparker, Khilar etc. The market is niche; but is available at varying price points from 90 I. a litre to 240 I. a litre. Consumers have mixed opinions about this market while others know little of this market. Ayurvedic doctors are prescribing this desi milk as a cure for several chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, skin allergies, autism etc. Word-of-mouth publicity is a strong promotion channel and business is governed more by trust. This paper is an attempt to demystify the perceptions about the Desi cow milk market and identifies the determinants that govern its growth if it were to become a full-fledged market in future. The paper is qualitative and explores a sample size of 30 using an open-ended questionnaire.

Bronchiectasis with Chronic Rhinosinusitis Is Associated with Eosinophilic Airway Inflammation and Is Distinct from Asthma.

Rationale: Bronchiectasis is an airway inflammatory disease that is frequently associated with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). An eosinophilic endotype of bronchiectasis has recently been described, but detailed testing to differentiate eosinophilic bronchiectasis from asthma has not been performed. Objectives: This prospective observational study aimed to test the hypotheses that bronchiectasis with CRS is enriched for the eosinophilic phenotype in comparison with bronchiectasis alone and that the eosinophilic bronchiectasis phenotype exists as a separate entity from bronchiectasis associated with asthma. Methods: People with idiopathic or postinfectious bronchiectasis were assessed for concomitant CRS. We excluded people with asthma or primary ciliary dyskinesia and smokers. We assessed sputum and blood cell counts, nasal NO and fractional excreted NO, methacholine reactivity, skin allergy testing and total and specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, cytokines in the sputum and serum, and the microbiome in the sputum and nasopharynx. Results: A total of 22 people with CRS (BE + CRS) and 17 without CRS (BE - CRS) were included. Sex, age, Reiff score, and bronchiectasis severity were similar. Median sputum eosinophil percentages were 0% (IQR, 0-1.5%) in BE - CRS and 3% (1-12%) in BE + CRS (P = 0.012). Blood eosinophil counts were predictive of sputum eosinophilia (counts ⩾3%; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.85). Inclusion of CRS improved the prediction of sputum eosinophilia by blood eosinophil counts (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.94). Methacholine tests were negative in 85.7% of patients in the BE - CRS group and 85.2% of patients in the BE + CRS group (P > 0.99). Specific IgE and skin testing were similar between the groups, but total IgE levels were increased in people with increased sputum eosinophils. Microbiome analysis demonstrated distinct microbiota in nasopharyngeal and airway samples in the BE + CRS and BE - CRS groups, without significant differences between groups. However, interactome analysis revealed altered interactomes in individuals with high sputum eosinophil counts and CRS. Conclusions: Bronchiectasis with CRS is associated with an eosinophilic airway inflammation that is distinct from asthma.

Knowledge, perceptions, and consumption behaviour of cosmetics among undergraduates of Sri Lanka: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Despite the increasing usage of personal care products among young adolescents in Sri Lanka, limited studies have been conducted to understand the behaviour of cosmetic users and associated health complications. Therefore, the current study was conducted to evaluate the cosmetic consumption related behaviour of the undergraduate community in Sri Lanka and to identify the driving factors behind the incidences of cosmetic related adverse health effects. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted by recruiting 421 undergraduates from five state universities in Sri Lanka through stratified random sampling, as the study population. Information on socio-demographic factors and cosmetic consumption behaviour of the participants were acquired through a self-administrated structured questionnaire, along with Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) relevant for cosmetic usage. The Binary Logistic Regression model was used to determine the significant socio-demographic driving factors on cosmetic usage among the undergraduate community in Sri Lanka at a confidence level of 95%. Around 96.4% of the study population used one or more cosmetic products (77%) out of which, 75.3% experienced cosmetic related adverse health effects. Skin dryness (24%), acne (21%), allergies (20.5%) and rashes (19.8%), were identified as the most dominant adverse health effects, related to cosmetic usage. Perfumes (65.6%), face cream (63.2%) and body lotion/hand cream (60.6%), were the mostly used cosmetic products. Even though half of the study population exhibited higher levels of good practices during purchase (54.9%) and application (52%) of cosmetics, around 47.5% were characterized with a low level of knowledge on cosmetics. Gender, academic year, knowledge on cosmetics, monthly expenditure on cosmetics, source of recommendation for cosmetics, practices related to purchase and consumption of cosmetics and preference to receive medical care in case of cosmetic related emergency were recognized as significant risk factors (p < 0.05) associated with the incidence of cosmetic related adverse health effects among undergraduate students. Given the high prevalence of cosmetic related adverse health effects, the health authorities of Sri Lanka should pay more attention towards the wellbeing and responsible cosmetic usage among undergraduates. Designing of effective tools and regulations to monitor the cosmetic market and improving the knowledge on cosmetics are recommended to ensure safe cosmetic usage within the country in general and of adolescent users in particular.

Evaluation of the adsorption performance and thermal treatment-associated regeneration of adsorbents for formaldehyde removal

ABSTRACT Indoor air pollution remains a major concern, with formaldehyde (HCHO) a primary contributor due to its long emission period and associated health risks, including skin allergies, coughing, and bronchitis. This study evaluated the adsorption performance and economic efficiency of various adsorbents (biochar, activated carbon, zeolites A, X, and Y) selected for HCHO removal. The impact of thermal treatment on adsorbent regeneration was also assessed. The experimental apparatus featured an adsorption column and HCHO concentration meter with an electrochemical sensor designed for adsorption analysis. Zeolite X exhibited the highest adsorption performance, followed by zeolite A, zeolite Y, activated carbon, and biochar. All adsorbents displayed increased HCHO removal rates with an extended length/diameter (L/D) ratio of the adsorption column. Zeolite A demonstrated the highest economic efficiency, followed by zeolite X, activated carbon, zeolite Y, and biochar. Higher L/D ratios improved economic efficiency and prolonged the replacement cycle (the optimal timing for adsorbent replacement to maintain high adsorption performance). Sensitivity analysis of adsorbent regeneration under varying thermal treatment conditions (150, 120, and 80°C) and durations (60, 45, and 30 min) revealed minimal changes in adsorption efficiency (±3%). The results indicated the potential of adsorbent regeneration under energy-efficient thermal treatment conditions (80°C, 30 min). In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of a comprehensive assessment, considering factors such as adsorption performance, replacement cycle, economic efficiency, and regeneration performance for the selection of optimal adsorbents for HCHO adsorption and removal. Implications: This study underscores the importance of adsorption technology for the removal of formaldehyde and similar volatile organic compounds (VOCs), highlighting the potential of alternative adsorbents, such as environmentally friendly biochar, in addition to traditional strategies, such as activated carbon and zeolites. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of adsorbent regeneration under energy-efficient thermal treatment conditions. These results hold promise for improving indoor air quality, reducing environmental pollutants, and enhancing responses to air contaminants like fine dust and VOCs.

The relationship between food and skin allergy in children and adolescents and atmospheric air pollution in Bielsko-Biala

The relationship between food and skin allergy in children and adolescents and atmospheric air pollution in Bielsko-Biala

Rationale for the topical use of a combination of diphenhydramine hydrochloride and lidocaine hydrochloride in the symptomatic treatment of histamine-dependent allergic and inflammatory skin reactions, accompanied by pruritus.

Allergic reactions caused by external factors are treated with medicinal products containing antihistamines, therefore their action is delayed in time. Combination of antihistamines and fast-acting analgesics may help to reduce discomfort associated with cutaneous reactions. To evaluate efficacy and safety of the combination topical gel containing diphenhydramine hydrochloride 20 mg/g and lidocaine hydrochloride 10 mg/g over placebo in the treatment of local skin inflammatory and allergic reactions. A study was a single-centre, single-dose, randomized, double-blind, two-treatment, two-period, two-sequence cross-over clinical trial (n = 44) in healthy subjects. Local skin inflammatory and allergic lesions were induced by the provocative test with histamine in healthy subjects. For all parameters recorded with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated and the peak itch intensity was noted for every subject in response to the skin prick test. The primary endpoint of the study was the difference in AUC calculated from the intensity of itch for test product A (diphenhydramine hydrochloride 20 mg/g and lidocaine hydrochloride 10 mg/g, gel) and placebo product B. The results revealed that itching intensity AUC was significantly greater for product B than for product A, on average by 2.05 points. A decrease in itching intensity was observed from the second minute after application of the test product. The study provided evidence for differences in efficacy between the product tested and placebo.

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus proteins and their role in the diagnostics and management of house dust mite allergy: exploring allergenic components.

Component-resolved diagnostics enables the detection of allergen-specific immunoglobulins E (asIgE) to house dust mite (HDM) proteins, which may help clinicians to face the difficulties in diagnostics of HDM allergy. Currently, almost 40 proteins of Dermatophagoides species, that are able to bind asIgE, have been identified, and this number will certainly increase. The association between sensitisation to particular molecules and allergy symptoms is extensively studied. This investigation enables us to identify HDM molecules that promote respiratory, skin, or food allergies, and it could help us predict the possible course of allergic diseases. The individual repertoire of asIgE improves our understanding of immunological response, which underlies allergy symptoms, and helps to form individual therapeutic regimens. This review provides clinicians with information on Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus proteins available in commercial arrays, and their role in the diagnostics and management of HDM allergy.

Diagnostics of IgE-mediated occupational allergies: Between reality, requirements, and opportunities.

Occupational skin and respiratory allergies are among the most common occupational diseases in Germany. The identification of the allergy trigger is essential for the recognition of an occupational allergy as well as for effective individual prevention. However, occupational type I allergens are among the "rare" allergens and the possibilities of guideline-compliant diagnosis using quality-tested skin test solutions is becoming increasingly difficult due to the reduction in commercially available test allergens. In order to guarantee meaningful diagnostic workup for all affected insured persons with suspected occupational type I allergies and to ensure this in the future, a durable optimization, standardization, and availability of allergy tests for occupational allergic diseases is urgently required. The need for action has been recognized by the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), and steps to eliminate the diagnostic gaps have been initiated by a joint research project at the Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the DGUV (IPA) and the Paul Ehrlich Institut (PEI). The evaluation of alternative methods for the production of standardized test allergen solutions can also be used for newly emerging allergens in the workplace. New allergen sources at workplaces and thus also sensitization and allergies among employees can be expected as a result of changes in work processes and the introduction of new technologies and/or working materials, which are also introduced in connection with climate change and the concept of sustainability.

Allergic Reaction to Aminophylline in a Case of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection with Measles: A Rare Case Report

Measles is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the measles virus. It leads to respiratory involvement with manifestations such as pneumonia, laryngobronchitis, pneumonitis, etc. It can also cause secondary bacterial and fungal infections. Aminophylline is a methylxanthine bronchodilator composed of theophylline and ethylenediamine. Airway blockage is reversed by bronchial smooth muscle relaxation, increased myosin light chain kinase activity, and decreased intracellular calcium concentration. It relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchial airways and pulmonary blood vessels, reducing airway responsiveness to histamine, methacholine, adenosine, and allergens. Allergic skin reactions secondary to aminophylline administration have been rarely seen. Aminophylline can be given orally as well as intravenously. A seven-month-old male infant presented with a lower respiratory tract infection and a maculopapular rash involving the face and trunk. A history of contact with measles was present. Intravenous aminophylline was administered for persistent wheezing. The infant developed a generalised erythematous papular rash with a more widespread distribution than before within one hour of administration. The child was treated with antihistamines for the same. After a detailed physical examination, looking at the pattern of the rash and excluding other causes like environmental factors and drug history, the diagnosis of an allergic reaction to aminophylline was made. Early identification of allergic reactions is paramount, as prompt cessation of the offending agent and initiation of appropriate medical interventions can significantly mitigate the severity of the reaction and prevent potential life-threatening complications.

Effect of 5% lidocaine-medicated plaster in preventing chronic postsurgical pain after knee replacement: protocol for a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

With an aging population, knee arthroplasty is increasingly common; however, chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) affects up to 30% of patients. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of 5% lidocaine-medicated plaster (LP5) in preventing CPSP among patients undergoing knee arthroplasty. This is a dual-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 128 adult patients scheduled for knee arthroplasty. Participants will be randomly assigned, stratified by center, to either the LP5 group or the placebo group (n = 64 per group). The LP5 or placebo group will apply the patch 1day before surgery and on postoperative days 1-3, with multimodal analgesia administered postoperatively. Multimodal analgesia will include intraoperative flurbiprofen axetil and postoperative patient-controlled sufentanil. The primary outcome is the pain subscale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at 3 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes will include WOMAC stiffness, function, and total scales; Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) Pain Scale; 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36); postoperative pain scores; Visual Analog Scale (VAS) sleep scores; postoperative sufentanil consumption; need for rescue analgesia; length of Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) stay; length of hospital stay; and 90-day mortality. Safety outcomes will include assessments of hypotension, hypertension, bradycardia, tachycardia, arrhythmia, interventions for haemodynamic events, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, local skin allergy, wound infection, and toxic reaction. Data will be analyzed following a modified intention-to-treat approach. This study aims to provide high-quality evidence for the efficacy and safety of LP5 in preventing CPSP in patients undergoing knee arthroplasty.

Microneedle Array Electrodes Fabricated With 3D Printing Technology for High-Quality Electrophysiological Acquisition.

Electrophysiological recordings are vital in assessing biological functions, diagnosing diseases, and facilitating biofeedback and rehabilitation. The applications of conventional wet (gel) electrodes often come with some limitations. Microneedle array electrodes (MAEs) present a possible solution for high-quality electrophysiological acquisition, while the prior technologies for MAE fabrication have been either complex, expensive, or incapable of producing microneedles with uniform dimensions. This work employed a projection stereolithography (P μ SL) 3D printing technology to fabricate MAEs with micrometer-level precision. The MAEs were compared with gel and flat electrodes on electrode-skin interface impedance (EII) and performances of EMG and ECG acquisition. The experimental results indicate that the P μ SL 3D printing technology contributed to an easy-to-perform and low-cost fabrication approach for MAEs. The developed MAEs exhibited promising EII and enabled a stable EMG and ECG acquisition in different conditions without inducing skin allergies, inflammation, or injuries. This research lies in the development of a type of customizable MAE with considerable biomedical application potentials for ultra-minimally invasive or non-invasive electrophysiological acquisition.

Эозинофильный эзофагит: что мы знаем и что мы можем?

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the esophagus. It is characterized by severe eosinophilic inflammation of the esophageal mucosa and the develop-ment of submucosal fibrosis. Clinically, it is manifested by swallowing disorders. The pathogen-esis is based on genetically determined disorder of immune response and barrier function of the esophageal mucosa. The diagnosis of esophageal eosinophilic infiltration is established by clinical manifestations and morphology, after excluding diseases that cause esophageal eosinophilia. The criterion for diagnosis is intraepithelial eosinophilic infiltration with 15 or more eosinophils per field of view at magnification ×400 (or ≥60 eosinophils per 1 mm2). Secondary tests, such as measuring serum total immunoglobulin E levels, assessing peripheral blood eosinophilia, and skin allergy tests, are of lesser importance. The primary treatment for this condition is proton pump inhibitors. If the effect is insufficient, topical steroids and dietary restrictions may also be prescribed. Treatment effectiveness is evaluated 6–12 weeks after initiation by analyzing symp-toms and performing esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy. Endoscopic dilatation is rec-ommended as a treatment option for patients experiencing severe dysphagia caused by esopha-geal narrowing. Biologic agents may also be considered as a possible treatment option. KEYWORDS: eosinophilic esophagitis, esophageal dysfunction, intraepithelial eosinophilic infiltration, proton pump inhibitors, topical steroids, diet, endoscopic dilatation, biologic agents. FOR CITATION: Belan E.B., Tibir'kova E.V. Eosinophilic esophagitis: current knowledge and management options? Russian Medical Inquiry. 2024;8(3):150–154 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2024-8-3-5.

Grzyby pleśniowe w środowisku człowieka – lekceważone niebezpieczeństwo

IntroductionAccording to Dz. U. nr 75 of 15 June 2002, building law does not allow visible signs of mold fungi in rooms used by people and imposes immediate renovation because of exposure to spores. Which being absorbed via airway and skin may be main sources of three forms: infection, allergy and toxicity. Mycotoxins get to the organism via digestive tract or airway with dust particles or food.Caused illnessesDry eye syndrome, eye socket necrosis, acute, persistent poisoning, impaired immunity, sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, air and skin allergy, headache, muscle aches, artralgia. Constant irritability, fatigue, insomnia, reduce concentration, memory disorder, even depression. In the digestive tract disturb metabolism, in extreme cases causing cirrhosis, even cancer; disorder pancreas, ovaries, prostate, and lead to sterility, kidney dysfunctions. Growth of fungi is connected with insufficient heating and ventilation. It is derivative socio-economic factors, hygiene level and health care.PurposeIs presentation of the resulting threat from fungal spores and toxins exposure which are inside our houses, schools, hospitals, even our food based on available medical literatureConclusionsMold Fungal toxins have an effect teratogenic, mutagenic and genotoxic inducing damaging many organs in experimental animals. Illnesses and deterioration of health are not connected with spores and toxins exposures. It may lead to wrong diagnosis and not eliminate fungi from the environment, what cause exacerbating symptoms. Fungal infection may be similar to other illneses as: tuberculosis, molluscum contagiosum, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis what can delay proper diagnosis and significantlyreduce chances of survival. Species: &lt;i&gt;Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Penicillium&lt;/i&gt; were found in high concentrations ta astmatic patients houses. It was connected with asthma symptoms deterioration in 36% to 48% cases.

Epinastine Cream: A Novel Once-Daily Therapeutic Agent for Allergic Conjunctivitis.

Purpose: To investigate the in vivo efficacy of epinastine cream in type I allergic models. Methods: The dose, timing, and antiallergic effect of epinastine cream on the conjunctiva were evaluated postapplication to the eyelid skin of guinea pigs with histamine- or ovalbumin-induced allergic conjunctivitis. Additionally, we assessed its antiallergic effects on the skin postapplication to the dorsal skin of guinea pigs with ovalbumin-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. Efficacy was estimated by determining the amount of dye that leaked from conjunctival or dorsal skin tissue vessels as a measure of vascular permeability, scoring the severity of allergic symptoms, and observing the scratching behaviors using clinical parameters. Results: In the histamine-induced conjunctivitis model, epinastine cream strongly inhibited conjunctival vascular permeability in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of 0.5% epinastine cream 24 h postapplication was significantly higher than that of 0.1% epinastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 8 h postadministration. Additionally, the 0.5% epinastine cream inhibited conjunctival vascular permeability 15 min postapplication, and the effect was sustained over 24 h. Furthermore, the 0.5% epinastine cream effectively suppressed clinical symptom scores and exhibited ameliorated scratching bouts in conjunctival allergic reactions in the experimental allergic conjunctivitis model. Additionally, it significantly inhibited vascular permeability in skin allergic reactions in the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis model. Conclusions: The results suggest that epinastine cream is a strong, long-lasting, and skin-penetrating inhibitor of type I allergic reactions. The 0.5% epinastine cream applied once daily could be a promising, potent, and long-acting therapeutic agent for allergic conjunctivitis.

Yellow-emitting carbon dots as fluorescent sensors for the rapid determination of curcumin

The non-standard use of curcumin could cause some adverse drug reactions, such as diarrhea, nausea and skin allergies. Thus, the curcumin determination was fundamental to disease treatment and prevention. Herein, a facile and efficient fluorescent probe was developed based on carbon dots, which was prepared through hydrothermal method (o-phenylenediamine and N-isopropylacrylamide as the reaction raw materials). Characteristics of the as-fabricated carbon dots (NCDs) were studied through some analysis techniques, such as UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared instrument, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and fluorescence spectrophotometer. Fluorescence quenching phenomenon could be observed after addition of curcumin. This as-prepared fluorescent probe displayed a significant response for the determination of curcumin with a satisfactorily lower detection limit of 0.017 μM and a considerable linear range of 0.5–50 μM compared to reported literatures. Because of the preeminent repeatability and anti-jamming capability, the as-developed CDs suggested mighty potentiality for actual applications of curcumin detection in real samples and temperature sensing.

In-silico investigations of novel tacrine derivatives potency against Alzheimer's disease

Tacrine was originally used as a palliative treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). But early applications soon revealed a number of its side effects on human health. That's why we decided to examine the effectiveness of novel tacrine derivatives known for their potent inhibition of GluN2B-NMDA receptors, to discover the leading candidates for treating AD in terms of safety and molecular stability towards NMDA receptors. As a result, CoMFA and CoMSIA models were generated using 3-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships (3D-QSARs) study, indicating that Electrostatic, Hydrophobic, and Steric fields have a vital function in the NMDAR-antagonizing activities. The predictive exactitude of the generated CoMFA model (Q2cv = 0.699, R2 training = 0.980, R2 test = 0.737) and the top model of CoMSIA (Q2cv = 0.646, R2 training = 0.867, R2 test = 0.761) has been successfully tested in both internal and external validations. The pharmacokinetics properties of in-silico ADME-Toxicity confirm the safety of C24 and C27 compounds, which were discovered to be free from any skin allergy toxicity and hepatotoxic effects, and would be able to passively break through the blood-brain barrier and ultimately penetrate the central nervous system with a very good level of absorption (HIA exceeding 95 %). The molecular docking results indicate that non-toxic inhibitors interact specifically with Gln110, Ser132, and Tyr109 amino acid residues as the main active sites of the transport protein encoded as 5EWJ.pdb. At last, the intermolecular mechanisms detected by the examined ligands labeled C24, and C27, revealed excellent levels of molecular stability towards the targeted protein along one hundred nano-seconds of molecular dynamics time.Therefore, C24 and C27 chemical compounds are strongly recommended to treat AD, due to their considerable similarity to drug candidates and high levels of molecular stability.

Screening Allergenic Potencies of Skin-Contact Products Using the Human-Derived THP-1 Cell Activation Test.

With the prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from the usage of skin-contact products, like wearable, skin care, and hair care products, screening their skin sensitizing potential is necessary, for the sake of alleviating the consequent public health impact. In the present study, a total of 77 skin-contact products classified by four categories, watch bands (WBs), skin care products (SCPs), hair care products (HCPs), and rubber gloves (RGs), were investigated, using an optimized in vitro assay of human cell line activation test (h-CLAT). Extracting the products using neutral artificial sweat simulated well the practical usage scenarios, and testing the extracts showed that 26 of them were allergy test positive, including nine WBs, six SCPs, two HCPs, and nine RGs. The allergenic response was mainly characterized by the induction of CD54 expression, and diverse paradigms of CD54 and CD86 levels were observed by analyzing dose-response curves, which could also be influenced by the compromised viability of the THP-1 cells. The data implicated the intricate regulation by different contributors to suspicious ingredients in the test samples. Altogether, a promising methodology for testing skin allergy potential was well established for commonly used commodities by neutral artificial sweat extraction coupled with h-CLAT screening. The findings would be of great help in tracing the potential allergens in practical products and improving their qualities.

Essential oil from Senecio rudbeckiifolius Meyen &amp; Walp.: Chemical analysis, antioxidant assessment, and literature review of Senecio essential oils

Species of the genus Senecio have the largest medicinal value for the Andes communities, and studies on the biological activities attributed to them are scarce. Among them, Senecio rudbeckiifolius Meyen &amp; Walp. is used in decoction for rheumatic affection and skin allergies. The chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the leaf essential oil from plants grown in the Peruvian Andes were studied. Eighty compounds were identified in the essential oil. Monoterpene hydrocarbons had the major percentage (91.4%), followed by oxygenated monoterpenes (4.2%). The most abundant compounds were myrcene (23.4%), b-phellandrene (17.1%), sabinene (15.1%) and limonene (11.7%). In addition, the possible applicability of volatile metabolites for revealing taxonomic/evolutionary relationships among Senecio species was explored. Antioxidant activity were examined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. The essential oil had a moderate scavenging effect and it showed ferric reducing activity.

Novel roles of bovine milk-derived exosomes in skin antiaging.

Exosomes are small vesicles released from cells and are found in various mammalian biological fluids, such as bovine milk, which has been employed in skincare for many years, apart from its dairy applications. In addition, exosomes have been recognized as vehicles for intercellular communication. In this study, we aimed to investigate the novel effects of bovine milk-derived exosomes (MK-Exo) on antiaging in human skin. Initially, MK-Exo were co-cultured with keratinocytes and fibroblasts; subsequent analysis involved qPCR and western blotting to assess induced gene expression. Subsequently, MK-Exo were topically applied to the facial skin of 31 female volunteers twice daily for 28 days. The functions were evaluated after conducting safety assessments invivo. Purified MK-Exo demonstrated the ability to be taken up directly by keratinocytes and fibroblasts invitro, resulting in the upregulation of natural factors associated with skin moisturization, including filaggrin (FLG), aquaporin 3 (AQP3), and CD44 in keratinocytes, as well as hyaluronidase (HAS2) in fibroblasts. Concurrently, MK-Exo promoted fibroblast cell migration and restored the expression of type I and III collagen (Col I and Col III) following exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Furthermore, phototoxicity, photoallergy, repeated skin irritation, skin allergy, and patch tests confirmed the safety of MK-Exo for skin application. Finally, we elucidated the roles of MK-Exo in preserving moisture and reducing wrinkles in humans. Our findings unveil the novel contributions of MK-Exo to human skin aging, presenting a new avenue in the field of skincare.

No difference in patient reported outcome and inflammatory response after coated and uncoated total knee arthroplasty – a randomized controlled study

BackgroundAllergies against implant materials are still not fully understood. Despite controversies about its relevance, some patients need treatment with hypoallergenic implants. This study compared coated and standard total knee arthroplasty (TKA) regarding inflammatory response and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).Methods76 patients without self-reported allergies against implant materials were included in a RCT and received a coated or standard TKA of the same cemented posterior-stabilized knee system. 73 patients completed the 3-year follow-up. Two patients died and there was one revision surgery. Serum levels of cytokines with a possible role in implant allergy were measured in patient`s serum (IL-1beta, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN γ, TNF α) prior to, one and three years after surgery. Furthermore, PROMs including knee function (Oxford Knee Score, Knee Society Score) and health-related quality of life (QoL, EuroQuol questionnaire) were assessed. Additionally, 8 patients with patch-test proven skin allergy against implant materials who received the coated implant were assessed similarly and compared to a matched-pair group receiving the same implant.ResultsThere were no differences in function and QoL between the assessed groups at any follow-up. The majority of patients demonstrated no elevation of the measured blood cytokines. Cytokine patterns showed no differences between study groups at any follow-up. The allergy patients demonstrated slower functional improvement and minor differences in cytokine pattern. Yet these results were not significant. There were no differences in the matched-pair analysis.ConclusionWe observed no relevant increase in serum cytokine levels in any group. The inflammatory response measured seems limited, even in allergy patients. Furthermore, there were no differences between coated and standard TKA in non-allergy patients in the 3-year Follow-Up period.Trial registrationThe study protocol was registered in the US National Institutes of Health’s database (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov) registry under NCT03424174 on 03/17/2016.