Arm Skin Research Articles

Molecular characteristics of rhesus macaque interferon-lambda receptor 1 (mmuIFNLR1): Sequence identity, distribution and alteration after simian-human immunodeficiency virus infection in the skin and buccal mucosa

Interferon-lambda receptor 1 (IFNLR1) is the key to interferon-lambda's biological activities. Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are supposedly more suitable for translational studies on interferon lambda-associated human diseases, yet little is known about their IFNLR1 (mmuIFNLR1). In this study, we cloned the coding sequence of mmuIFNLR1, examined its variants, and determined the distribution of mmuIFNLR1 mRNA and immunoreactivity in the buccal mucosa and arm skin of normal and immunodeficiency virus (SHIV/SIV) infected rhesus macaques. It was found that mmuIFNLR1 has 93.1% amino acid sequence identity to that of humans; all the amino acid residues of mmuIFNLR1 signal peptide, transmembrane region, PxxLxF motif and those essential for ligand binding are identical to that of humans; 6 variants of mmuIFNLR1, including the ones corresponding to that of humans were detected; IFNLR1 immunoreactivity was localized in primarily the epithelia of buccal mucosa and arm skin; SHIV/SIV infection could affect the levels of mmuIFNLR1 mRNA and immunoreactivity. These data expanded our knowledge on mmuIFNLR1 and provided a scientific basis for rational use of rhesus macaques in studies of IFN-λ associated human diseases like AIDS. Future studies testing IFNLR1-targeting therapeutics in rhesus macaques were warranted.

Relations between tactile sensitivity of the finger, arm, and cheek skin over the lifespan showing decline only on the finger.

Touch sensitivity generally declines with age, contributing to loss of manual dexterity and tactile function. We investigated how touch changes over the lifespan, using different tests and on three body sites. We used a classical test of force detection sensitivity, where calibrated monofilaments were applied passively to the right index finger pad, forearm, and cheek. In addition, at the index, we used an active touch spatial discrimination task, developed by our group. Spatial discrimination was estimated through participants' ability to evaluate the distance between parallel bands printed on acrylic plates. Data were collected from 96 healthy women, aged 20-75 years. Force detection and tactile spatial discrimination on the index deteriorated significantly with age; however, no change was found for tactile detection on the forearm or cheek. Tactile detection on the cheek remained remarkably highly sensitive throughout life. There was a significant positive relationship between force detection and spatial discrimination on the index. Further, force detection on the forearm was significantly associated with detection on the index and cheek. Our results suggest a decrease in touch perception with age on the index finger pad, yet a preservation of tactile sensitivity in hairy skin. This opens discussion about the impact of daily activities upon the glabrous hand skin and on the function of hairs in tactile sensitivity. We highlight the need for new methods in evaluating tactile sensitivity on hairy skin.

Students’ thermal comfort and cognitive performance in fan-assisted naturally ventilated classrooms in tropical Singapore

Fan-assisted cooling strategies are widely employed in tropical climates due to their energy-saving benefits while ensuring thermal comfort through increased air temperature and air velocity. This study conducted experiments involving secondary school students in fan-assisted naturally ventilated classrooms in tropical Singapore. A total of thirty-six students from two secondary schools participated in this study. The classroom thermal environment was measured, students' thermal comfort was surveyed, physiological responses were monitored, and students' cognitive performance was assessed in different classrooms with various fan configurations. Thermal comfort survey results indicated that students' thermal comfort can be maintained at neutral with elevated air velocity, when classroom temperature remained at or below 30 °C. Students’ wrist skin temperature, arm skin temperature, and heart rate showed significant differences under various thermal conditions and thermal sensations, suggesting the potential use of physiological parameters to predict students' thermal comfort in fan-assisted naturally ventilated classrooms. This study also observed a significant impact of classroom thermal condition on students' cognitive performance. It was found in both schools that students' cognitive performance scores decreased significantly with increased temperature and decreased air velocity. Additionally, students' cognitive performance decreased by 9.2 % and 18.1 % in slightly warm and warm sensations, respectively, compared to the neutral sensation. These findings underscore the significance of air velocity as a crucial factor in the design of classroom environments, particularly in tropical climates, to enhance students' thermal comfort and optimize their cognitive performance.

Optimization of rice bran oil nanoemulgel as anti-aging using Box–Behnken design

Background The accelerated aging caused by reactive oxygen species is a major concern to many people. Antioxidants present in natural products like rice bran oil (RBO) absorb and neutralize free radicals, improving skin appearance and slowing the aging process. However, RBO has limited use on the skin due to greasy sensation, oxidation, and low penetration. Objective This study aimed to develop a RBO nanoemulgel and evaluate its anti-aging effects on volunteer skin. Patients and methods Nanoemulsion optimized using Box–Behnken design to optimize RBO (x1), surfactant (x2), and cosurfactant (x3) factors towards transmittance response. Nanoemulsion prepared using high-pressure homogenizer and ultrasonication methods. Results and conclusion The optimal formula contained 2% oil, 14.732% tween 80, and 1.227% span 80, with characterization of 96.6% transmittance, particle size of 17.8±0.1 nm, polydispersity index of 0.51±0.00, zeta potential of −3.56±0.70, and pH of 6.19±0.05. The optimal formula was further incorporated with CMC-Na base and evaluated it anti-aging effects on upper arm skin volunteer. After 4 weeks of RBO nanoemulgel usage, there was a significant increase on oil content and elasticity parameters on skin volunteers, but not on moisture content. This study highlights the potential of the optimized nanoemulgel formula as an anti-aging solution, addressing signs of aging.

A Comparative Study Evaluating the Quality of Life and Survival Outcomes in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy Versus Oral Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor in the Third Line and Beyond Setting for Advanced NSCLC

IntroductionThe outcomes in advanced NSCLC have improved owing to the availability of more effective systemic and improved supportive care. This has increased the number of patients who seek treatment in the third line and beyond setting. We conducted this study to compare the quality of life (QoL), toxicity, and outcomes in patients receiving chemotherapy and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in this setting. MethodsIn this phase 3, randomized, open-label study, patients with stage III or IV NSCLC with disease progression on at least two prior lines of chemotherapy, with a life expectancy of at least 3 months, without prior EGFR TKI exposure, and stable brain metastases (if any) were included. Patients were randomized to receive chemotherapy (gemcitabine or docetaxel or paclitaxel or vinorelbine) or an EGFR TKI (erlotinib or gefitinib). The primary end point was the change in QoL at 8 to 10 weeks; the secondary outcomes were safety and overall survival (OS). Patients underwent clinical evaluation at every visit, and toxicity was assessed as per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.03. A radiological tumor response assessment was done every 8 to 12 weeks from the start of therapy. The QoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ C30 and LC13 questionnaires. The change in QoL scores was calculated as the difference between scores at baseline and scores at 8 to 10 weeks (Δ) for each QoL domain. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the mean difference (Δ) for each domain. OS and progression-free survival (PFS) were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional regression analysis. ResultsA total of 246 patients were enrolled in the study, with 123 in each arm. There was a male predominance with 69.1% male patients in the chemotherapy arm and 70.7% in the EGFR TKI arm. The median age of patients in the chemotherapy arm was 54 years and 55 years in the chemotherapy and EGFR TKI arms, respectively. There was no significant difference in the change in QoL at baseline and the second visit (Δ) in both arms in all domains of EORTC QLQ C30 except cognitive function (p = 0.0045) and LC13 except alopecia (0.01249). The mean Δ Global Health Status was −28 in the chemotherapy arm and −26.8 in the EGFR TKI arm; this was not statistically significant (p = 0.973). The median follow-up was 88.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 39.04–137.15). On the intention-to-treat analysis, the median PFS was 3.13 months (95% CI: 2.15–4.11) in the chemotherapy arm and 2.26 months (95% CI: 2.1–2.43) in the EGFR TKI arm, with hazard ratio at 1.074 (95% CI: 0.83–1.38) (p = 0.58). There were 120 deaths in each arm. The median OS was 7.63 months (95% CI: 5.96–9.30) in the chemotherapy arm and 7.5 months in the EGFR TKI arm (95% CI: 5.85–9.14); hazard ratio at 1.033 (95% CI: 0.80–1.33) (p = 0.805). The toxicity profile was similar in both arms except for a significantly higher incidence of fatigue (p = 0.043), peripheral neuropathy (0.000), alopecia, hypokalemia (0.037), and pedal edema (0.007) in the chemotherapy arm and dry skin (p = 0.000) and skin rash (p = 0.019) in the EGFR TKI arm. ConclusionsThere was no significant difference in most QoL scales (except cognitive function and alopecia), OS, and PFS of patients with advanced NSCLC receiving an EGFR TKI as compared with chemotherapy TKI in the third-line setting. The toxicity profile is consistent with the known toxicities of the agents.

Maternal Mid-Upper Arm Circumference as a Screening Tool to Predict Infant Birth Weight

Highlights:1. This study investigated previous research that stated there is no significant correlation between a maternal’s mid-upper arm circumference and an infant's birth weight.2. This study’s findings show that mid-upper arm circumference can be used as a screening tool to predict infant birth weight. AbstractMid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) was commonly used in assessing chronic energy deficiency in women of childbearing age. In pregnancy, the mother's MUAC was mainly used for early detection of the possibility of low birth weight babies. However, some studies showed that maternal MUAC did not have a significant correlation with birth weight. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between nutritional status of pregnant women and birth weight. This study was conducted using an analytical observation method with a cross-sectional approach with 86 samples of mothers who gave birth at Jagir Public Health Centre, Surabaya, Indonesia, from July 2019 to December 2019 who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were obtained through secondary data from the medical records of Jagir Public Health Centre. They were analysed by Spearman test with a 95% confidence interval and 5% margin of error. Mostly (86.05%) mothers had good nutritional status (MUAC  23.5 cm). Only a few (3.49%) babies were born with low birth weight (< 2,500g) and as many as 1.16% of babies were born with large birth weight (> 4,000g). Based on the research conducted, mothers with low MUAC did not give birth to babies with low birth weights and instead gave birth to babies with normal birth weights. The results of the analysis related to the relationship of MUAC of pregnant women at Jagir Health Centre in the period July 2019-December 2019 had a significant relation to the birth weight of the baby they gave birth to. MUAC described the condition of muscle tissue and fat under the skin of the mother's arm, which was the storage of the energy for the mother. However, other factors affected the birth weight of the baby, such as the nutrient intake of the mother.

Dried blood spots for erythropoietin analysis: Detection of micro-doses, EPO c.577del variant and comparison with in-competition matching urine samples.

The abuse of recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) and other erythropoietin (EPO) receptor agonists (ERAs) in sports prompted the need for sensitive detection methods of these substances. Dried blood spot (DBS) samples offer an easy solution for simultaneous collection of blood and urine during a doping control, but sensitivity issues are often presented as a challenge for routine EPO analysis from DBS. Its potential use for detecting rEPO micro-doses and the EPO gene c.577del variant thus needed further demonstration. Here, capillary blood collected from the arm skin of 111 athletes with Tasso-M20 (17.5μL/spot), collected during professional triathlon competitions, were analysed. Also, venous blood samples from healthy volunteers were used to prepare several spots of 20 μL on Mitra VAMS (from an rEPO micro-dose study) and Whatman filter paper (from an EPO gene variant study). Immunopurification of 2 spots with MAIIA EPO Purification Gel Kit and analysis with sodium N-lauroylsarcosinate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SAR-PAGE)/Western blot resulted in sensitive detection of (1) micro-doses of rEPO from Mitra VAMS, (2) endogenous EPO from Tasso-M20 in all in-competition subjects, and (3) the EPO c.577del variant from Whatman filter paper. Additionally, in-competition endogenous EPO was detected in DBS even when matching urine samples had undetectable EPO. In conclusion, this work demonstrated that DBS can be a useful complementary matrix to urine samples for EPO detection.

Effect of Eriobotrya japonica Leaf Supplements on Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms and Skin Conditions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Eriobotrya japonica (E. japonica) leaves have been used as an herbal traditional medicine in China and Japan owing to their anti-inflammatory and protective effects against skin conditions and allergy symptoms. These beneficial effects are likely mediated by the various triterpenoids present in E. japonica leaves. However, the efficacy of E. japonica leaves in the treatment of allergic rhinitis has not been evaluated in humans. Therefore, in the present study, a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial was performed on healthy adults of age >20 (n = 27) who were randomly assigned to receive either 2.5 g of placebo or E. japonica leaf supplements once daily for 4 weeks. The Japanese Allergic Rhinitis Quality of Life Standard Questionnaire (JRQLQ), dermatological allergy symptoms, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and skin condition parameters were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks. Significant differences were observed in the variability of the itchy nose, itchy eyes, and eye symptoms between the E. japonica supplementation and placebo groups after 4 weeks. Arm skin transepidermal water loss was improved only in the E. japonica supplementation group. This study suggests that E. japonica leaves can be used as a functional food ingredient to relieve allergic symptoms.

Potential of Soursop Leaf Extract Scrub as Antimicrobial

Treatment of infectious diseases caused by bacteria has been carried out using antibiotics. However, the problem is resistance and even multi-resistance in bacteria. Preventive efforts are needed to anticipate, one of which is using soursop leaf extract scrub herbal products which contain gamma oryzanol compounds, flavonoids, phenols, and tannins as antimicrobials. This research is a pure experiment with one group pretest-posttest control design and positive and negative controls. The study aims to analyse the effectiveness of soursop leaf extract scrub products as antimicrobials on the skin of the respondents' arms before and after treatment. Antimicrobial counting uses the total plate count (TPC) method, with 118 respondents in-vivo, where the scrub is applied to the respondent's arm, measuring 10cm x 10cm for 10 minutes. The results of the data normality test with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test obtained non-normally distributed data. The trial continued with a non-parametric test in the Wilcoxon test to get a significance value of 0.000 <0.05, which means that the soursop leaf extract scrub effectively reduces total bacteria count. The research may be helpful for the community in efforts to prevent skin infections caused by bacteria, and researchers need to conduct antibacterial tests for scrubs without soursop leaf extract as a comparison and conduct further tests such as safety tests, expiration periods and aesthetic tests on soursop leaf extract scrub products.

A Learning‐Based Sensor Array for Untethered Soft Prosthetic Hand Aiming at Restoring Tactile Sensation

Endowing tactile feedback for prosthetic hands is profound for upper‐limb amputees. However, existing prosthetic hands are generally not in possession of the embedded sensory feedback. Herein, a flexible tactile sensor array which can be integrated into an untethered soft prosthetic hand to achieve static and dynamic discrimination tasks is presented. The flexible piezoresistive sensory arrays with 25 sensor units which can be arranged on five fingers of the soft prosthetic hand are fabricated. According to the collected large‐scale tactile dataset (including pressure distribution and pressure magnitude) during different grasping tasks, a learning‐based classification model that can reveal the correspondences between tactile information and object attributes while interacting with touched objects is developed. To transfer tactile information extracted from tactile sensor arrays, a wearable vibrotactile feedback band with a spatial coding feedback strategy is implemented by selectively activating vibrotactile motors located on the skin of the upper arm. In a set of tests performed by an individual with transradial amputation and eight able‐bodied subjects, the soft prosthetic hand integrated with tactile sensor arrays can help the users regain finger tactile sensation, discriminate grasped objects, and achieve real‐time dynamic rolling detection.

Una neonata con la mano cadente

The diagnosis of transitory radial nerve palse was made at glance in a 7 days old newborn presenting with a drooping right hand and a red mark on the skin of the ipsilateral arm.

A Case Report of a Rare Variation of the Medial Cutaneous Nerve of Forearm

Introduction: The brachial plexus is the largest and most complex nerve network in the body, which is formed in the neck and enters the axillary cavity after passing under the clavicle. So far, many variations have been reported in the brachial network, which are clinically important. The plexus has three cords, one of which is the medial cord. The medial cutaneous nerve of the arm and the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm are the branches of the medial cord that innervate the skin of the medial surface of the arm and forearm, respectively. In this study, a rare variation was observed in the branches of the medial cord of the brachial plexus during the dissection of the upper limb of an approximately 80-year-old man in the Dissection Hall of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. Thus, in normal condition, there is no connection between the medial cutaneous nerve of the arm and the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm, and each of them innervates the skin of the medial arm and forearm separately, but in this case, these two nerves are connected. And since knowing this type of variation is very important for surgeons, more studies are needed to determine its prevalence in the population.

Cutavirus on the skin in an Asian cohort: identification of a novel geographically related genotype

BackgroundCutavirus (CuV) is the newest human parvovirus and is currently receiving increasing attention because of its possible association with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Despite the pathogenetic potential of CuV, it has been detected in normal skin; however, little is known about the prevalence, infection levels, and genetic variations of this virus in the skin of the general population.MethodsWe investigated the CuV DNA prevalence and viral loads concerning age, sampling location, and gender using 678 skin swabs collected from the normal-appearing skins of 339 Japanese participants aged 2–99 years. Phylogenetic analyses were also conducted based on the near-full-length CuV sequences identified in this study.ResultsBoth the CuV DNA prevalence and viral loads were significantly higher in the skin of elderly persons aged ≥60 years compared with those of persons aged < 60 years. CuV DNA tended to persist in the skin of elderly individuals. No significant difference in viral loads was observed between the skin of the upper arm and the skin of the forehead in CuV DNA-positive specimens. Significantly higher viral loads were evident in men vs. women, although no gender-associated differences in viral prevalence were noted. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated the existence of Japanese-specific viruses that were genetically distinct from viruses prevalent in other areas, especially Europe.ConclusionsThis large study suggests that high levels of CuV DNA are prevalent on the skin of elderly adults. Our findings also indicated the prevalence of geographically related CuV genotypes. A follow-up study of this cohort should provide helpful information on whether CuV may become pathogenic.

When should a longer needle be used for intramuscular injection in obese patients? A combined analysis of New Zealand data.

To estimate thresholds for Body Mass Index (BMI) and arm circumference above which a longer needle is needed to ensure intramuscular (IM) delivery of a vaccine in the deltoid muscle at the site recommended by New Zealand (NZ) immunization guidelines. A combined analysis of two studies, including 442 adults, with measurements of arm circumference, BMI and skin to deltoid muscle distance (SDMD) at the NZ immunization guideline-recommended IM injection site. Receiver Operator Characteristic curves identified arm circumference and BMI cut-points that gave 100% sensitivity for SDMD thresholds. These thresholds were: SDMD of 20mm, accounting for a minimal penetration of 5mm into muscle with the standard needle; and 25mm, which is the length of a standard needle for IM injection, representing the depth this can reach. Cut-point values for arm circumference, at which a longer needle would be required, were higher for males than females: 35cm versus 30cm for the 20mm cut-point, and 40cm versus 36.7cm for the 25mm cut-point respectively. The BMI cut-points were also higher for male than females: 24.6kg/m2 versus 23.7kg/m2 for the 20mm cut-point, and 38.2kg/m2 vs 31.6kg/m2 for the 25mm cut-point respectively. Arm circumference and BMI cut-points provide practical measures from which to choose a needle length that increases the chance of successful IM vaccination. Based on our data, an arm circumference of 35cm for men and 30cm for women should prompt selection of a longer needle to ensure intramuscular injection at the deltoid site. Thresholds for the different skin to deltoid sites proposed internationally should be determined to enable successful IM vaccination in clinical practice beyond NZ.

Differences in the Basal Flow and Occlusion-induced Reactive Hyperemia of the Apical and Non-apical Cutaneous Microcirculation. Effect of Botulinum Toxin

Introduction: In general, two types of skin are distinguished: apical (glabrous, A) and non-apical (hairy, NA), but less is known regarding the differences in their microcirculation. Thus we aimed to measure changes in subcutaneous microcirculation in these two skin types and its modulation by botulinum toxin (BT). Materials and Methods: Perimed 5000 Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to measure the perfusion (perfusion unit, PU) of skin in the temporal (A) and lower arm (NA) regions. The temporal artery or the upper arm was occluded for 2 min, then released, which was followed by reactive hyperemia. Also the effects of 25 IU BT injected under the forehead skin on PU were observed. Results: In the skin of temporal region PU changed from control PU: 73,01±15,4 to occlusion: 51,64±7,16, then after release to 110,76±22,56. In the skin of upper arm, PU changed from control PU: 10,4±1,2, to occlusion: 1.9±05, then after release to 48,8±25,5. In the forehead skin BT elicited a biphasic response then PU returned close to control, whereas BT inhibited reactive hyperemia; PU changed from 70,63 ±16,08 to occlusion 55,73 ± 6,75 and after release to 71,37±29,22. Conclusion: Thus there is 1) a higher level of microcirculation in the temporal region of the forehead skin than that of the forearm, 2) ischemia/reperfusion elicited greater reactive hyperemia (RH) in the forearm skin then in the temporal skin 3) BT interferes with the mechanisms eliciting reactive hyperemia.

Knowledge and Understanding of Radiation Therapy Among Patients With Breast Cancer From Culturally Diverse Backgrounds at a Safety-Net Hospital

Comprehensive understanding of oncologic treatment is essential for shared decision-making. However, comprehension of information in radiation oncology consults is poorly understood, particularly among Spanish-speaking patients at safety-net hospitals. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine post-consultation radiation oncology knowledge and health literacy among breast cancer patients from culturally diverse backgrounds. After consultation for curative breast radiotherapy (cT1-4N1-3M0), the Radiation Oncology Knowledge Assessment Survey (ROKAS) was administered to Spanish- and English-speaking patients ≥ 18 years old, from January 2021 to January 2022 at a safety-net hospital. Radiation knowledge was assessed using the ROKAS which included eight radiation-specific multiple-choice questions and two separate questions regarding short- and long-term side effects. Additional independent variables included validated questionnaires related to health literacy, health numeracy, acculturation, primary language, and sociodemographic factors. Bivariate Pearson correlations and T-test analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between the independent variables and post-consultation radiation knowledge. Fifty ROKAS were obtained from 25 English- and 25 Spanish-speaking breast cancer patients (median age 57 [IQR 49.75-62.25]). When compared to English-speaking patients, Spanish-speaking patients had lower health literacy, health numeracy, and acculturation. There was no difference in the multiple-choice ROKAS score between English- and Spanish-speakers, or correlation with the other independent factors. Higher health numeracy correlated with a higher accuracy for identifying short-term side effects. Lower accuracy of identifying long-term side effects was seen in patients with lower education levels, health literacy, health numeracy, and acculturation, with the most missed long-term side effects being arm swelling, skin toxicity, and heart toxicity. Patients with low health literacy, health numeracy, acculturation, and education levels as well as Spanish-speaking patients were associated with poor understanding of radiotherapy long-term side effects. Determining barriers to radiation knowledge is crucial to improve shared decision-making between patients and providers in a culturally diverse population.

Idiopathic hirsutism: Is it really idiopathic or is it misnomer?

Hirsutism, which is characterized by excessive growth of terminal hair in a male pattern, may result from various causes including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal or ovarian tumors or it may be idiopathic. Idiopathic hirsutism is currently defined as hirsutism associated with normal ovulatory function, normal serum androgen levels and normal ovarian morphology, however, the pathogenesis of idiopathic hirsutism is not clear. The androgens are the main hormones to stimulate growth of body hair, therefore, there should be any form of increased androgen effect irrespective of normal serum androgen levels in any patient with hirsutism. In accordance to this scientific truth, we have previously shown that, although within normal limits, patients with idiopathic hirsutism have relatively higher serum androgen levels (relative hyperandrogenemia) in comparison to healthy subjects which let as to think that is idiopathic hirsutism really idiopathic? In addition to relative hyperandrogenemia, we have previously shown that, in comparison to healthy subjects, women with idiopathic hirsutism demonstrated higher expression of steroid sulphatase and 17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mRNA both in the subumbilical region and arm skin, which contributes to local androgen metabolism. Those results support the idea that, in some patients, although the adrenals or ovaries do not secrete increased amount of androgens leading to hyperandrogenemia, pilocebaceous unit locally produce increased amount of androgens leading to hirsutism without ovulatory dysfunction. Upon the demonstration of relative hyperandrogenemia and possible increase in local androgen synthesis in patients with idiopathic hirsutism, we think that idiopathic hirsutism is not idiopathic and it may be named as "normoandrogenic hirsutism". Furthermore, it may not be a different entity but may be an early stage of hyperandrogenic disorders such as PCOS. Clinically, this can be find out by following-up patients with idiopathic hirsutism prospectively.

Presence of Gram-negative bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus on the skin of blood donors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Skin bacteria may contaminate blood products but few data are available on sub-Saharan Africa (sSA). We assessed the presence of Gram-negative bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus on blood donor skin and evaluated skin antisepsis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Among blood donors at the National Blood Transfusion Center (NBTC) and at a rural hospital, the antecubital fossa skin of the non-disinfected arm (not used for blood collection) was swabbed (25cm2 surface) and cultured for total and Gram-negative bacterial counts. Bacteria were identified with MALDI-TOF and tested for antibiotic susceptibility by disk diffusion. For evaluation of the NBTC antisepsis procedure (i.e., ethanol 70%), the culture results of the disinfected arm (used for blood collection) were compared with those of the non-disinfected arm. Median total bacterial counts on 161 studied non-disinfected arms were 1065 Colony-Forming Units (CFU) per 25 cm2 , with 43.8% (70/160) of blood donors growing Gram-negative bacteria and 3.8% (6/159) Staphylococcus aureus (2/6 methicillin-resistant). Non-fermentative Gram-negative rods predominated (74/93 isolates, majority Pseudomonas spp., Acinetobacter spp.). Enterobacterales comprised 19/93 isolates (mostly Pantoea spp. and Enterobacter spp.), 5/19 were multidrug-resistant. In only two cases (1.9%, 2/108) the NBTC antisepsis procedure met the acceptance criterion of ≤2CFU/25 cm2 . Skin bacterial counts and species among blood donors in DRC were similar to previously studied Caucasian populations, including cold-tolerating species and bacteria previously described in transfusion reactions. Prevention of contamination (e.g., antisepsis) needs further evaluation and customization to sSA.

Copper laser patterning on a flexible substrate using a cost-effective 3D printer

We studied the cost effective direct laser patterning of copper (Cu) on thin polyimide substrates (PI thickness: 12.5–50 µm) using a 405 nm laser module attached to an inexpensive 3D printer. The focal length of the laser was intentionally controlled to reduce defects on patterned Cu and surface damage of PI under predetermined process conditions. The appropriate focal length was examined at various focal distances. Focal distances of − 2.4 mm and 3 mm were found for the shorter focal length (SFL) and longer focal length (LFL), respectively, compared to the actual focal length. This resulted in clean Cu line patterns without line defects. Interestingly, the SFL case had a different Cu growth pattern to that of LFL, indicating that the small difference in the laser incident angle could affect Cu precursor sintering. Cu square patterns had a lower resistivity of 70 μΩ·cm for an LFL after three or four laser scans, while the SFL showed a resistivity below 48 μΩ·cm for a one-time laser scan. The residues of the Cu precursor on PI were easily removed with flowing water and normal surfactants. However, the resistivity of the patterns decreased after cleaning. Among the scan gaps, the Cu square pattern formed at a 70 μm scan gap had the lowest sheet resistance and the least change in resistance from around 4 to 4.4 Ω/ϒ after cleaning. This result implies that the adhesion of the patterned Cu could be improved if the coated Cu precursor was well sintered under the proper process conditions. For the application of this method to bioelectronics, including biosensors, LEDs were connected to the Cu patterns on PI attached to the arm skin and worked well, even when the substrate PI was bent during power connecting.

Gender differences in thermal sensation and skin temperature sensitivity under local cooling

Local cooling has proven to be an alternative to traditional comfort air conditioning to ensure users’ thermal comfort while conserving energy. Few studies have investigated the gender differences in the applicable cooling temperatures and the applicable cooling locations and the differences in the sensitivity of skin temperature to thermal sensation under local cooling. Based on the design of orthogonal experiment, nine chamber experiments were conducted through different combinations of ambient temperature, cooling temperature, and cooling location. The subjective questionnaires and objective measurements were obtained in each experimental case. The results showed that the ambient temperature and the cooling location significantly affect the human overall thermal sensation of both genders under local cooling, while cooling temperature and cooling location significantly affect the local thermal sensation. For female, a neutral thermal sensation can be achieved by cooling the back at 24–26 °C when the ambient temperature is 31 °C. Back cooling at 22–26 °C is effective for male when the ambient temperature is 28 °C and 31 °C, and sole cooling with a higher cooling temperature is more acceptable at 34 °C. Moreover, female skin temperature is more sensitive to thermal sensation than that of males under local cooling. The upper arm skin temperature is most sensitive to thermal sensations for female, while the forearm skin temperature is most sensitive for male.