Chemical Irritants Research Articles

The association between nicotine stomatitis and waterpipe smoking.

Waterpipe smoking (WPS) is gaining popularity worldwide, especially in the Middle East, and significantly affects oral health. Nicotine stomatitis (NS) is an inflammatory response of the palate to the heat and chemical irritation caused by tobacco. The high temperatures of hot beverages have been found to have a synergistic effect. This study investigated the association of NS among waterpipe smokers and hot beverage drinkers. This cross-sectional study was conducted in several public locations in Kuwait. Demographic data, smoking habits, and hot beverage intake were recorded using questionnaires. An oral examination was performed with informed consent, and the occurrence of NS was recorded. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics version 28.0 (IBM Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Of the 211 participants, 55 subjects (26.1%) presented with NS. All the patients with NS drank hot beverages, while 37 (67.3%) patients with NS were waterpipe smokers and hot beverage drinkers. Smokers with NS smoked significantly more tobacco heads (Z= -2.606; p=0.009) and for more hours per day (Z= -2.222; p=0.026). This study explored the association between WPS and NS in Kuwait. Waterpipe smokers and males were more likely to present with NS. Also, the number of tobacco heads and the number of hours of WPS were found to correlate with the presence of lesions. Effective strategies to reduce WPS need to be implemented. Further studies are recommended to investigate the cause-andeffect relationships.

Human Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 Channel: Structure, Function, and Physiology.

The transient receptor potential ion channel TRPA1 is a Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channel widely expressed in sensory neurons, but also in many nonneuronal tissues typically possessing barrier functions, such as the skin, joint synoviocytes, cornea, and the respiratory and intestinal tracts. Here, the primary role of TRPA1 is to detect potential danger stimuli that may threaten the tissue homeostasis and the health of the organism. The ability to directly recognize signals of different modalities, including chemical irritants, extreme temperatures, or osmotic changes resides in the characteristic properties of the ion channel protein complex. Recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy have provided an important framework for understanding the molecular basis of TRPA1 function and have suggested novel directions in the search for its pharmacological regulation. This chapter summarizes the current knowledge of human TRPA1 from a structural and functional perspective and discusses the complex allosteric mechanisms of activation and modulation that play important roles under physiological or pathophysiological conditions. In this context, major challenges for future research on TRPA1 are outlined.

Non-invasive evaluation of vascular permeability in formalin-induced orofacial pain model using infrared thermography

Enhanced vascular permeability at the site of injury is a prominent feature in acute inflammatory pain models, commonly assessed through the Evans Blue test. However, this invasive test requires euthanasia, thereby precluding further investigations on the same animal. Due to these limitations, the integration of non-invasive tools such as IRT has been sought. Here, we aimed to evaluate the use of thermography in a common orofacial pain model that employs formalin as a chemical irritant to induce local orofacial inflammation. Male Hannover rats (290–300 g, N = 43) were used. In the first approach, radiometric images were taken before and after formalin administration, assessing temperature changes and extravasated Evans Blue. The second approach included capturing pre- and post-formalin test radiometric images, followed by cytokine measurements in excised vibrissae tissue. Rats were anesthetized for vibrissae tissue collection, allowing correlations between thermographic patterns, nocifensive behavior duration, and cytokine levels in this area. Our findings revealed a positive correlation between local temperature, measured via thermography, and vascular permeability in the contralateral (r2 = 0.3483) and ipsilateral (r2 = 0.4502) side, measured using spectrophotometry. The obtained data supports the notion that thermography-based temperature assessment can effectively evaluate vascular permeability in the orofacial region.

Promising Anti-Wrinkle Applications of Aromatic Extracts of Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig via Antioxidation and Collagenase Inhibition.

This study aimed to extract aromatic compounds from the rhizomes, leaf sheaths, and leaves of Hedychium coronarium and investigate their chemical compositions, cosmetic/cosmeceutical activities, and irritation potency. The chemical compositions were investigated via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activities were evaluated via spectrophotometry. The anti-skin wrinkle properties were investigated via collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase inhibition. The irritation potency was observed via a hen's egg-chorioallantoic membrane test. Eucalyptol was detected as a major component in the rhizomes and leaf sheaths, while β-caryophyllene was predominant in the leaves. The absolutes from the rhizomes were the strongest antioxidants, with ABTS scavenging properties similar to L-ascorbic acid. Interestingly, the equivalent concentration (EC1) of the absolute from the rhizome was 0.82 ± 0.01 µg FeSO4/g extract, which was significantly more potent than L-ascorbic acid (0.43 ± 0.03 µg FeSO4/g extract). The rhizome-derived absolute was the most effective against collagenase, while the concretes from the rhizomes and leaf sheaths showed promising anti-hyaluronidase activity with inhibitions of 90.5 ± 1.6% and 87.4 ± 5.1%, respectively. The irritability of the aromatic extracts was not different from that of the vehicle control, proving their safety. Therefore, the Hedychium coronarium rhizome-derived absolute was an attractive and potent antioxidant with anti-collagenase activities, indicating its potential for use in anti-aging formulations.

The effect of allyl isothiocyanate addition on consumers' saltiness perception

SummaryAllyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a chemical irritant, through cross‐modal interactions, may impact the human perception of tastes and odours. Currently, new strategies are being explored to reduce the salt content present in foods, without impacting their sensory appeal. AITC may be able to increase the saltiness perception of salt‐reduced foods. As such, the objective was to first determine the detection threshold of AITC, and then evaluate its cross‐modal interaction with saltiness in model solutions and soup. The study included ninty participants. The basic tastes and burning sensation of model solutions were evaluated using general labelled magnitude scales. The soups were evaluated using hedonic and intensity scales, as well as temporal check‐all‐that‐apply (TCATA). The group mean of the individual threshold was 0.123 mg/100 mL. The AITC increased the saltiness perception of the model solutions but also suppressed the sweetness. The AITC also increased the saltiness perception of the soup during both the static and dynamic evaluation, but it also added other flavours to the soup including metallic, bitter and sour. The AITC decreased the overall liking and liking of the soup's flavour.

Physical and Chemical Characteristic, Irritation Index and Anti-inflammatory Activity from Ointment of Syzygium aromaticum Oil by Adding an Enhancer

This research aimed to evaluate how enhancers affect the properties of Syzygium aromaticum oil in both water-soluble and hydrocarbon bases. Physical and chemical characteristic tests, irritation index evaluations, and anti-inflammatory activity assessments were carried out to analyze the Syzygium aromaticum oil ointment. The pH tests were conducted to measure the chemical characteristics and viscosity, adhesivity, spreadability tests were conducted to measure the physical characteristics of the ointment. Rabbit-based tests were used to determine the irritation index, mice induced by crotton oil were used in anti-inflammatory activity assessments. The pH tests revealed no significant differences between both of ointments. The ointment in the water-soluble base had higher viscosity and adhesivity but lower spreadability than the ointment in the hydrocarbon base. The epidermis thickness of watersoluble and hydrocarbon-based ointments was 3.81±0.40 μm and 4.22±0.15 μm, while the number of cells with COX-2 expression was 18.24±6.51 and 21.01±5.96. The addition of enhancers did not cause any irritation in either ointment. The study concluded that the formula of Syzygium aromaticum oil in a water-soluble ointment with the addition of propylene glycol and oleic acid (70:30) as enhancers provided better physical and chemical characteristics, a lower irritation index, and higher anti-inflammatory activity compared to the hydrocarbon.

In Situ Tyrosinase Monitoring by Wearable Microneedle Patch toward Clinical Melanoma Screening.

Despite the potential indicating role of tyrosinase (TYR) in cutaneous melanoma, how to capture the real changes of TYR in suspicious skin remains a major challenge. Unlike the traditional human serum test, this study reports a sensing platform that incorporates a wearable microneedle (MN) patch and trimetallic Au@Ag-Pt nanoparticles (NPs) for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and colorimetric dual-mode detecting TYR in human skin in situ toward potential melanoma screening. In the presence of TYR, catechol immobilized on MN is preferentially oxidized to benzoquinone, which competitively impedes the interaction of MN and Au@Ag-Pt NPs, triggering the SERS-colorimetric signal reciprocal switch. Using a B16F10 mouse melanoma model, our platform is capable of noninvasively piercing the skin surface and detecting TYR levels before and during anti-PD-1 antibody treatment, which would be highly informative for prognostic judgment and illness monitoring of melanoma. Through in situ sensing for capturing the metabolic changes of TYR in advance, this platform was successfully applied to discriminate the melanoma subjects from skin moles and normal ones (p < 0.001), as well as screen potential melanoma from lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-negative patients. Melanoma growth and prognosis can still be monitored through recording the continuous change of TYR levels. More importantly, the well-defined flexible and stretchable characteristics of the MN patch allow robustly adhering to the skin without inducing chemical or physical irritation. We believe this platform integrating MN-based in situ sensing, TYR responsiveness, and SERS/colorimetric dual-readout strategy will have high clinical importance in early diagnosis and monitoring of cutaneous melanoma.

STUDY OF THE ANALGESIC ACTIVITY OF(S)-1-METHYL-3-(1-(5-PHENYL ISOXAZOLE-3-CARBONYL) PIPERIDINE-2-IL) PYRIDINE-1-IUM IODIDE

Recently, the attention of specialists to medicines of natural origin has been constantly growing. The interest in the use of such drugs obtained from natural raw materials is justified by high efficiency, a wide range of pharmacological activity, as well as the possibility of using them for a long time without complications and side effects. The share and volume of production of medicinal products is increasing all over the world, through synthetic transformations of substances isolated from wild and cultivated plants. Substances of plant origin are widely used as biologically active additives, agrochemical agents. Research in the field of modern chemistry of plant substances in the Republic and abroad is devoted to a comprehensive and comprehensive study of plant raw materials, including the extraction and designation of the structure and chemical properties of plant components, the study of their biological activity, the development of effective and environmentally safe methods for complex processing of plant raw materials. The attractiveness of alkaloid derivatives to compounds is due to the versatility of their reactivity, as well as the practical use of alkaloid derivatives as medicines. Modification of the molecules of natural compounds by introducing such a substituent is one of the promising directions in the search for new biologically active compounds. Analysis of the results of analgesic activity assessment experiments showed that(s)-1-methyl-3-(1-(5-phenylisoxazole-3-carbonyl) piperidine-22 Il) pyridine-2-Il) pyridine-1-IUM iodide has the ability to reduce the severity of specific nociceptive responses in rats during chemical irritation of the peritoneum. The analgesic activity of the test sample was analyzed on diclofenac sodium.

Poultry Manure and its Contribution to Inflammation and Cancer Progression

Indiscriminate manure disposal has been highlighted as a significant cause of environmental contamination due to the presence of various biological and chemical irritants. It includes pathogens, antibiotics, and organic pollutants, all of which have the potential to harm not only the environment but also human health. Several incidents have been reported, most notably among farmers and those living near the farms, as a result of air and water pollution caused by manure losses. Acute and chronic exposure to these hazards may result in a variety of health issues, including infection, inflammation, and even cancer. Despite this, humans are constantly exposed to these risk agents due to a lack of awareness of proper disposal methods and knowledge of the risk agents’ associations with diseases. Thus, the review discusses the potential health risk or diseases linked to poultry manure and recommends future measures to minimise the hazards to farmers’ health and the environment posed by their existing practices.

Evaluation of genotoxicity, oxidative stress and immune parameters of auto-paint workers

The automotive industry is a very wide area from the manufacturing of the pieces of the engine, the body, plastics to the assembly of the car. There is a chemical risk at different stages of production because of the requirement of the use of many corrosive and irritant chemicals such as paints, adhesives, acids, and bases. The aim of the study was to determine the genotoxicity, oxidative stress and immune parameters of automotive paint workers in Ankara, Türkiye. DNA damage of workers mainly responsible from the painting of the automotives were evaluated using the alkaline comet assay and the levels of some oxidative stress and immune biomarkers were also investigated. Increased lymphocyte DNA damage and also higher 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were observed while decreased glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) levels were found in the workers compared to their controls There were no significant differences between the study groups in the levels of interleukin (IL)- 1beta, IL-17, IL-23, Clara cell secretory protein (CC16), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The results show that occupational exposure to chemicals in automotive industry may cause DNA damage in workers due to oxidative stress.

A Comprehensive Assessment of the Biocompatibility and Safety of Diamond Nanoparticles on Reconstructed Human Epidermis.

Diamond nanoparticles, also known as nanodiamonds (NDs), exhibit remarkable, awe-inspiring properties that make them suitable for various applications in the field of skin care products. However, a comprehensive assessment of their compatibility with human skin, according to the irritation criteria established by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), has not yet been conducted. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if diamond nanoparticles at a concentration of 25 μg/mL, incubated with reconstituted human epidermis (EpiDermTM) for 18 h, conform to the OECD TG439 standard used to classify chemical irritants. For this purpose, a cell viability test (MTT assay), histological assessment, and analysis of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression were performed. The results indicated that NDs had no toxic effect at the tested concentration. They also did not adversely affect tissue structure and did not lead to a simultaneous increase in protein and mRNA expression of the analyzed cytokines. These results confirm the safety and biocompatibility of NDs for application in skincare products, thereby creating a wide range of possibilities to exert an impact on the advancement of contemporary cosmetology in the future.

Health profile of batik workers in Malon Village Indonesia

Background: The making of batik in Malon Village utilized natural dyes. The process of making batik was done through 7 stages: designing pattern, tracing, outlining, coloring, fixating, masking and rinsing. Those processes were conducted with poor ergonomic working positions and were highly potential to cause injury for the batik workers. This study aimed at finding out the potential health risks that exist for the natural batik workers and the occupational health profiles of batik workers in Malon Village which is an icon for naturally dyed batik. Method: This study was descriptive quantitative research by using observational design. The data were collected from subjective complaint questionnaires, workplace observation and measurement of Vital Lung Capacity (VLC) of the batik workers. Results: The results showed that 45.5% of the working tools used poor ergonomic designs. Batik in Malon Village used four chemical irritants: wax, alum, soda ash and lime. All of them could potentially lead to health problems. The result also showed that around 61% of batik workers complained about stinging/ burning eyes, 28% watery eyes and 11% red eyes. In addition, 22% of them complained about itchy skin, 6% redness in the skin and 6% pain in the skin. The VLC showed that 50% of respondents had normal VLC, 47% mild restriction and 3% severe restriction. Conclusion: The area where the batik workers worked had high health and safety risks, but only 22% of respondents used Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and all of the worn PPE did not meet the standards.

The occurrence, progression and development of four types of gastric mucosal atrophic lesions and their histopathological characteristics

ObjectiveTo investigate the occurrence and development of gastric mucosal atrophic lesions and their histopathological characteristics.MethodsHistopathological diagnosis and immunohistochemical staining using the EnVision two-step method were conducted on 1969 gastric mucosal atrophic lesions obtained from gastroscopic biopsy specimens. A total of 48-month three-stage endoscopic biopsy follow-ups were performed.ResultsWhen the gastric mucosal epithelium was affected by infection, chemical irritation, or immune or genetic factors, the gastric mucosal epithelium glands atrophied, the mucosa became thinner, the number of glands decreased, the intestinal epithelium progressed to metaplasia and smooth muscle fibre became hyperplasia. Such changes may lead to the proliferation and dysplasia of epithelial cells of the gastric mucosa and neoplastic hyperplasia in nature; this is referred to as gastric mucosal atrophic lesions in this study. According to this definition, the present study divided gastric mucosal atrophy into four types: (1) glandular atrophy of the lamina propria; (2) compensatory proliferative atrophy; (3) intestinal metaplasia atrophy; and (4) smooth muscle proliferative atrophy. The incidence rates of the above were 40.1% (789/1969), 14.3% (281/1969), 27.8% (547/1969) and 17.9% (352/1969), respectively. One- to 4-year follow-ups found that the changes were not significant and that the percentages of patients with disease exacerbation were 85.7% (1688/1969) and 9.8% (192/1969). The percentages of patients who developed low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia were 2.8% (55/1969) and 1.1% (21/1969), respectively; 0.7% (13/1969) of patients developed intramucosal cancer.ConclusionGastric mucosal atrophic lesions and histopathological staging are based on the morphological characteristics of gastric mucosal atrophy and the hypothesis of malignant transformation of cells during the occurrence and development of mucosal atrophy. Mastering pathological staging is beneficial to clinicians for enacting precise treatment and is important for reducing the incidence of gastric cancer.

Gill disorders in fish: Lessons from poxvirus infections

AbstractGill disorders are responsible for substantial losses in the aquaculture industry. This is because gills are delicate and anatomically complex tissues, responsible for maintaining homeostasis in fish by being involved in many important physiological processes. Pathogens that infect gills, together with chemical irritants can modify the function of this organ and seriously affect fish health often leading to mass mortality. Since many fish pathogens affect not only gills, but also other organs, the impact of gill disorders alone on disruption of fish homeostasis is difficult to determine. There are, however, fish poxviruses that have a high affinity for the gills: carp edema virus (CEV), salmon gill poxvirus (SGPV) and Plecoglossus altivelis poxvirus (PaPV). These poxviruses could therefore help in defining the principal characteristics of gill disorders. Thus, the present study reviews the effects of gill disorders caused by CEV, SGPV and PaPV on fish health. CEV and SGPV infect fish species that are very important for global aquaculture: common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), and induce gill pathology that has a very negative impact on respiratory and osmoregulatory functions, nitrogenous waste excretion and energy metabolism. Furthermore, we highlight that a disruption of these metabolic processes increases stress response and results in immunosuppression, exposing fish to secondary infections. Finally, this review emphasises the importance of maintaining gill health for fish in order to perform well in aquaculture settings as well as underlining that gill health should be focused on in fish farming.

Role of virtual reality distraction technique to improve chest burns with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) following smoke inhalation in middle-aged adults – A randomized controlled study

BackgroundBurns of the chest region constitute a common burn and develops skin contractures around the thorax region. Inhalation of toxic gases and chemical irritants during the fire leads to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Breathing exercises are painful but are needed to help counteract contractures and increase lung capacity. These patients are usually in pain and extremely anxious about chest physiotherapy. Virtual reality distraction is one such technique that is gaining immense popularity when compared to other pain distraction techniques. However, studies examining the efficacy of the virtual reality distraction technique in this population are lacking. ObjectivesTo find and compare the effects of the virtual reality distraction technique as a pain alleviation tool for reducing pain during chest physiotherapy in chest burns patients with ARDS in middle-aged adults. MethodsA randomized controlled study was conducted at the physiotherapy department between 1st Sep 2020 and 30th Dec 2022. The eligible sixty subjects were randomized into two groups: The virtual reality distraction group (n = 30) received virtual reality distraction technique and the control group (n = 30) received progressive relaxation technique before chest physiotherapy as a pain distraction technique. All the participants received chest physiotherapy as a common treatment (treatment as usual). Primary (Visual Analogue Scale – VAS) and secondary (forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow (PEF), residual volume (RV), functional residual capacity (FRC), total lung capacity (TLC), RV/TLC, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide of the lungs (DLCO) outcome measures were measured at baseline, after four weeks, eight weeks and at six months follow up. The effects between the two groups were analyzed using the independent t-test and chi-square test. The intra-group effect was analyzed with a repeated measure ANOVA test. ResultsBaseline demographic characters and study variables show homogenous distribution between the groups (p > 0.05). Four weeks following two different training protocols virtual reality distraction group shows more significant changes in pain intensity, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, RV, FRC, TLC, RV/TLC, and DLCO (p = 0.001) but not in RV (p = 0.541). The similar improvements were noted in the 8 weeks and 6 months follow up. ConclusionThe reports of the study concluded that virtual reality distraction is an effective and useful technique in reducing pain and increasing lung capacity in chest burn patient with ARDS following smoke inhalation in community-dwelling middle-aged adults. In the virtual reality distraction group, the patients reported significantly less pain and clinically meaningful changes in pulmonary functions as compared to the control group (physiotherapy + relaxation).

TRPA1 channel in the airway underlies protection against airborne threats by modulating respiration and behaviour.

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), a member of the TRP superfamily of cation channels, is broadly expressed in sensory neural pathways, including the trigeminal neurons innervating the nasal cavity and vagal neurons innervating the trachea and the lung. TRPA1 acts as a detector of various irritant chemicals as well as hypoxia and hyperoxia. For the past 15years, we have characterised its role in respiratory and behavioural modulation in vivo using Trpa1 knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) littermates. Trpa1 KO mice failed to detect, wake up from sleeping, and escape from formalin vapour and a mild hypoxic (15% O2) environment. Respiratory augmentation induced by mild hypoxia was absent in either Trpa1 KO mice or WT mice treated with a TRPA1 antagonist. Irritant gas introduced into the nasal cavity inhibited respiratory responses in WT mice but not in the KO mice. The effect of TRPA1 on the olfactory system seemed minimal because olfactory bulbectomized WT mice reacted similarly to the intact mice. Immunohistological analyses using a cellar activation marker, the phosphorylated form of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, confirmed activation of trigeminal neurons in WT mice but not in Trpa1 KO mice in response to irritant chemicals and mild hypoxia. These data collectively show that TRPA1 is necessary for multiple chemical-induced protective responses in respiration and behaviour. We propose that TRPA1 channels in the airway may play a sentinel role for environmental threats and prevent incoming damage.

Synergistic effects of COVID-19 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a polymicrobial perspective.

This article discusses the connection between the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a multifaceted respiratory illness that is typically observed in individuals with chronic exposure to chemical irritants or severe lung damage caused by various pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, involving a variety of genotypes and phenotypic characteristics that result in severe co-infections and a poor prognosis if not properly managed. We focus on the role of SARS-CoV-2 infection in severe COPD exacerbations in connection to P. aeruginosa infection, covering pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapy. This review also includes a thorough structural overview of COPD and recent developments in understanding its complicated and chronic nature. While COVID-19 is clearly linked to emphysema and chronic bronchitis at different stages of the disease, our understanding of the precise interaction between microbial infections during COPD, particularly with SARS-CoV-2 in the lungs, remains inadequate. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the host-pathogen relationship from the clinician's perspective in order to effectively manage COPD. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject matter to assist clinicians in their efforts to improve the treatment and management of COPD, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comparison of the Characteristics of Three Acellular Dermal Matrices Subjected to Distinct Processing Methods Using Five Types of Histochemical Staining.

Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is treated using various devitalization and aseptic processing methods. The processing effects on ADM were evaluated by histochemical tests. From January 2014 to December 2016, 18 patients [average age, 43.0 (range, 30-54) years] who underwent breast reconstruction with an ADM and tissue expander were prospectively enrolled. During the permanent implant replacement, a biopsy of the ADM was performed. We used three different human-derived products, namely, Alloderm®, Allomend®, and Megaderm®. Hematoxylin and eosin, CD68, CD3, CD31, and smooth muscle actin were used to evaluate the collagen structure, inflammation, angiogenesis, and myofibroblast infiltration. Each ADM was semi-quantitatively analyzed. Significant differences in collagen degradation, acute inflammation, and myofibroblast infiltration were observed among the ADMs. Collagen degeneration (p<0.001) and myofibroblast infiltration (smooth muscle actin-positive, p=0.018; CD31-negative, p=0.765) were the most severe in Megaderm®. Acute inflammation, represented by CD68, was most severe in Alloderm® (p=0.024). Both radiation and freeze-drying treatment physically damaged the collagen structure. Collagen degeneration was most severe in Megaderm®, followed by Allomend® and Alloderm®. Since Alloderm® is treated using chemicals, an assessment of the chemical irritation is warranted. The biopsy results were inconclusive. Therefore, to better interpret processing, more large-scale, serial, histochemical studies of each ADM are needed. This journal requires that authors 38 assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full 39 description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, 40 please refer to the Table of Contents or the online 41 Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

41 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by occupational irritating chemicals

Objective: To analyze the case characteristics of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by occupational irritant chemicals (OI-COPD). To provide basis for revising its diagnostic criteria. Methods: From June to December 2021, we investigated the information of OI-COPD patients confirmed by Shandong Institute of Occupational Health and Prevention of Occupational Diseases, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention and Control, Qingdao Central Hospital affiliated to Qingdao University and other diagnostic institutions in the past five years, a total of 41 cases. The basic information of OI-COPD cases, occupational risk factors exposure information, medical history, smoking history and clinical symptoms were analyzed retrospectively. The measurement data were tested for normal distribution, which was described by x±s, and compared between groups by t test; Those who do not conform to the normal distribution are described by the median [M (Q(1), Q(3)) ] and analyzed by nonparametric test; The counting data were expressed in frequency and rate (% ), and the comparison between groups was tested. Results: Of the 41 cases, 33 were male and 8 were female. The age of the patient diagnosed with OI-COPD was (49.5±10.3) years old, and the minimum age was 30 years old; Among them, 8 patients had a definite long-term smoking history (more than 5 years) ; The exposure duration of occupational risk factors was (18.6±10.3) years, of which 3 patients had exposure duration of less than 5 years; The occupational risk factors leading to OI-COPD include acids and acid-forming compounds, bases, aldehydes, nitrogen oxides, chlorine and its compounds, etc. The exposure level of occupational risk factors is related to the degree of COPD airflow restriction (χ(2)=6.17, P <0.05). 18 patients with diagnosis age <50 years old were diagnosed as early-onset COPD. The incidence of respiratory symptoms in the early diagnosis COPD group was lower than that in the non-early diagnosis COPD group, and the FEV1% pred was significantly higher than that in the non-early diagnosis COPD group. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.01 ) . Conclusion: The exposure level of occupational risk factors may be the risk factor affecting the degree of COPD airflow restriction. With the increase of the exposure level of COPD patients, the proportion of respiratory symptoms will also increase accordingly.

Highly accurate multimodal monitoring of lactate and urea in sweat by soft epidermal optofluidics with single-band Raman scattering

The shifting paradigm in clinical practice to remote healthcare underscores the need to develop novel biosensing modalities to rapidly and continuously assess digital and metabolic biomarkers. Sweat is a rich, heterogeneous biofluid that provides broad insights from the underlying dynamic metabolic activity of human physiology and enables new unobtrusive ways to monitor health status continuously. However, eccrine sweat is a relatively unexplored body fluid and has scant use in clinical practices. Here, we introduce a novel, easy-to-fabricate skin-interfaced sweat collection epidermal microfluidics, which enables multimodal analysis coupled with spontaneous Raman scattering. The introduced wearable optofluidic patch is soft, fully flexible, can robustly interface with the skin without inducing chemical or physical irritation, and has minimal optical interfaces to the spectra of the analytes. The proposed detection approach by Raman scattering provides label-free chemical fingerprint information, enabling quantitative optical biosensing with high sensitivity and selectivity. As a great advantage, the proposed epidermal optofluidics and optical biosensing technique require neither plasmonic surface fabrication for surface Raman enhancement nor bulky ultrashort-pulsed lasers for coherent Raman enhancement, which are typically acquired for increasing Raman signal intensity and sensitivity of quantitative Raman analysis. Moreover, the developed system enables simultaneous sweat glucose, lactate, and urea concentration monitoring. Furthermore, we show that biomolecule concentration monitoring with only one Raman shift simplifies spectroscopies instrumentation complexities and eliminates the requirement of advanced data processing methods to analyze the entire Raman spectra. Therefore, the proposed “single-band Raman analysis” coupled with developed epidermal optofluidics (epioptofluidics) shows accurate, repeatable, and stable sweat biomolecule analysis and proposes instrument down-scale and miniaturization possibilities.