Reduced Skin Elasticity Research Articles

TRATAMENTO DE GORDURA INFRAORBITAL COM ULTRASSOM MICROFOCADO

Aging is a physiological process determined by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors, being a normal and inevitable process. The periorbital region is one of the first to show signs. This aging in the periorbital region is manifested by several anatomical changes that result in dark circles, wrinkles and sagging skin. These changes are influenced by factors such as the loss of adipose tissue volume and reduced collagen production, in addition to the projection of orbital fat and reduced skin elasticity. Given the significant aesthetic impact of these changes, effective treatment of dark circles has become a priority in aesthetic procedures. This study aimed to present and describe a treatment technique and its results in infraorbital pockets, using the non-invasive method of microfocused ultrasound. Through a case report involving a 50-year-old male patient with complaints of persistent dark circles, a treatment protocol was carried out with microfocused ultrasound using 60 shots per infraorbital region in two sessions, with an interval of 3 months. The evaluation of the results included photographic documentation and facial scanning, which showed a significant improvement in skin firmness and a reduction in infraorbital bags. The work concludes that microfocused ultrasound proved to be effective in treating localized fat and repositioning tissues in the dark circles region, promoting facial rejuvenation and representing a less invasive alternative to blepharoplasty. Results may vary depending on age, skin condition and technique used, in which case additional sessions may be necessary.

ANTI-AGING COSMETIC PROCEDURES: BENEFITS AND RISKS

The rising demand for aesthetic interventions reflects a broader cultural trend toward enhancing physical appearance and rejuvenation, fueled by technological advancements and increased accessibility of invasive and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Skin aging, driven by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, results in visible changes such as wrinkles and reduced skin elasticity. The growing availability of cosmetic procedures, including botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, and surgical options like rhinoplasty and liposuction, underscores a shift in public attitudes toward cosmetic enhancement and concealing of visible signs of aging. Social media platforms play a crucial role in influencing treatment decisions, changing perceptions and practices of cosmetic procedures. However, uncontrolled expansion of these procedures is associated with risks, including psychological distress and physical complications. Technological innovations, such as ultrasound-guided injections and 3D facial modelling, are improving procedural accuracy, patient safety, and satisfaction. This review examines the driving factors behind the surge in cosmetic procedures, addresses some issues in the field, and evaluates how emerging advanced technologies are enhancing outcomes and safety.

Downregulation of carnitine acetyltransferase by promoter hypermethylation regulates ultraviolet-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression in human dermal fibroblasts

BackgroundOverexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation accelerates skin aging, resulting in wrinkle formation, reduced skin elasticity, and hyperpigmentation. UV irradiation induces increased matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade collagen in the extracellular matrix. Skin aging is also accompanied by epigenetic alterations such as promoter methylation by DNA methyltransferases, leading to the activation or suppression of gene expression. Although carnitine acetyltransferase (CRAT) is implicated in aging, the effect of UV on the expression of CRAT and regulatory mechanisms of UV-induced MMP-1 expression remain unknown. ObjectiveWe investigated changes in CRAT expression upon UV irradiation and its effect on MMP-1 expression. MethodsPrimary human dermal fibroblasts were UV irradiated with either control or 5-AZA-dC. CRAT knockdown or overexpression was performed to investigate its effect on MMP-1 expression. The mRNA level was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR, and protein level by western blotting. ResultsThe expression of CRAT was decreased in UV-irradiated human skin in vivo and in human dermal fibroblasts in vitro. CRAT was downregulated upon UV irradiation by hypermethylation, and treatment with 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, reversed UV-induced downregulation of CRAT. CRAT knockdown activated the JNK, ERK, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, which increased MMP-1 expression. Stable overexpression of CRAT alleviated UV-induced MMP-1 induction. ConclusionCRAT downregulation caused by promoter hypermethylation may play an important role in UV-induced skin aging via upregulation of MMP-1 expression.

#1973 Factors conditioning cisplatin nephrotoxicity

Abstract Background and Aims Cisplatin is an antitumor drug whose use is significantly limited by its nephrotoxicity. Knowledge of the factors that determine or condition the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced AKI will help to prevent or reduce nephrotoxic outcomes and improve safety during cisplatin treatment. Specifically, we aimed to study the impact of different factors (dehydration, hypertension, age and combinations of the former) on a pre-clinical model of AKI induced by a low dose of cisplatin. Method Young Wistar rats, young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and aged Wistar rats were divided into two experimental groups: Blood and 24-hour urine samples were collected, and renal function (plasma creatinine, plasma urea and urine protein levels) and dehydration parameters (weight loss, skin elasticity, haematocrit, plasma osmolality, urine flow and urine concentration) were monitored for each animal at three different timepoints: basal time (B), at the end of the dehydration period (D0), and 4 days after cisplatin administration (D4, day of maximum kidney damage). Results After 48 h water deprivation, dehydration was evinced by loss of weight, reduced skin elasticity, increases in plasma osmolality and haematocrit, urine flow reduction and highly concentrated urine (with elevated density and osmolality). A single, low dose of cisplatin induced minimal loss of renal function in young normohydrated Wistar rats that was not worsened by previous acute dehydration resulting from 48 h water deprivation. Interestingly, although renal function was fully preserved when cisplatin was administered to hypertensive rats under normohydrated conditions, a cisplatin-induced AKI (with significant increases in plasma creatinine, plasma urea and proteinuria) was developed in hypertensive rats when animals were previously forced to dehydration. Aged Wistar rats with free access to drinking water showed an important loss of renal function after cisplatin administration (as supported by increases in plasma creatinine and urea concentration). This effect was significantly amplified when aged animals were dehydrated at the time of cisplatin administration. Conclusion Our results suggest that age is an important factor conditioning cisplatin nephrotoxicity. Hypertension or dehydration in fully competent young rats are not in itself significant risk factors for AKI. However, when dehydration is combined with other comorbidity (age or hypertension) the risk of cisplatin-induced AKI is significantly increased. In perspective, our animal models reproducing conditions of increased vulnerability to cisplatin-induced AKI provide useful tools not only for the identification of predictive biomarkers pre-emptively detecting individuals at high risk, but also to assess preventive strategies potentially useful for vulnerable individuals. This study was supported by Project PI21/01226, funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) and co-funded by the European Union, and a grant from the Consejería de Educación, Junta de Castilla y León (IES160P20), Spain, co-funded by FEDER funds. Noelia Diaz-Morales is recipient of a Juan de la Cierva-Formación postdoctoral contract (FJC2020-043205-I) funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and European Union “NextGenerationEU/PRTR”.

Intra-Individual Paired Mass Spectrometry Dataset for Decoding Solar-Induced Proteomic Changes in Facial Skin

Photoaging is the premature aging of the skin caused by prolonged exposure to solar radiation. The visual alterations manifest as wrinkles, reduced skin elasticity, uneven skin tone, as well as other signs that surpass the expected outcomes of natural aging. Beyond these surface changes, there is a complex interplay of molecular alterations, encompassing shifts in cellular function, DNA damage, and protein composition disruptions. This data descriptor introduces a unique dataset derived from ten individuals, each with a minimum of 18 years of professional experience as a driver, who are asymmetrically and chronically exposed to solar radiation due to their driving orientation. Skin samples were independently collected from each side of the face using a microdermabrasion-like procedure and analyzed on an Exploris 240 mass spectrometer. Our adapted proteomic statistical framework leverages the sample pairing to provide robust insights. This dataset delves into the molecular differences in exposed skin and serves as a foundational resource for interdisciplinary research in photodermatology, targeted skincare treatments, and computational modelling of skin health.

Optimizing Perioperative Experience in Upper Blepharoplasty: The Impact of Premedication on Anxiety, Pain, and Patient Satisfaction.

Background The periorbital area undergoes transformative changes with age, influencing both aesthetic appearance and functional aspects of the eyelids. Age-related alterations involve volume loss, shifts in eyelid crease position, drooping eyebrows, reduced skin elasticity, and the presence of dermatochalasis. Dermatochalasis, characterized by redundant upper eyelid skin folds, poses aesthetic and functional challenges, impacting visual acuity and eyelid elevation efficiency. Upper blepharoplasty addresses these age-related changes. Despite the elective nature of upper blepharoplasty, the procedure can evoke preoperative anxiety and discomfort. Various premedication strategies, including benzodiazepines, aim to alleviate anxiety and enhance the overall patient experience. However, ongoing debates persist regarding the optimal strategy for implementation. The study aims to contribute insights into the effectiveness of different premedication approaches in optimizing patient comfort during and after upper blepharoplasty. Methods The research design involves 182 patients divided into three groups: control group (CG) (n =45) receiving no premedication, Group 1 (n = 98) receiving oral midazolam (a benzodiazepine), and Group 2 (n = 39) receiving a combination of midazolam, eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) eyelid ointment, and oralparacetamol with codeine phosphate hemihydrate. The study assesses anxiety levels, pain perception during local anesthetic injection, surgery, and postoperatively, as well as the use of painkillers and adverse effects. Ethical approval was obtained for the study. Results Significant differences were noted among the groups during local anesthetic injection (p < 0.0001), surgery (p < 0.0001), and post surgery (p < 0.0197). CG patients experienced higher pain levels during local anesthetic injection and surgery compared to Groups 1 and 2. Group 1 reported more pain during surgery than Group 2. Substantial differences were observed in preoperative (p < 0.0001), during-surgery (p < 0.0001), and after-surgery (p < 0.0001) anxiety levels. The CG exhibited higher preoperative anxiety compared to Group 1, while Group 1 had lower anxiety during surgery compared to the CG. Group 1 also reported lower anxiety after surgery than both the CG and Group 2. A significant difference was found in post-surgery painkiller usage among the groups (p = 0.0003). Group 2 showed significantly lower usage compared to Group 1 (p = 0.0004) and the CG (p = 0.0006). A significant difference was observed in the duration of painkiller use after surgery (p < 0.0014). The CG had a longer duration than Group 1 (p = 0.0049) and Group 2 (p = 0.0495). Conclusions Midazolam alone as premedication effectively reduced anxiety before, during, and after surgery. EMLA administration for injection pain did not produce superior results, likely due to its delayed onset. Paracetamol with codeine phosphate hemihydrate effectively reduced surgical pain and postoperative pain durationand decreased the need for painkillers.

Protective role of melatonin in ultraviolet radiation- induced oxidative stress in human skin photoaging

The ultraviolet radiation of the sun that reaches the earth is made up of ultraviolet A (95%) and ultraviolet B (5%). Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the main factor in photoaging. Chronic exposure to sunlight acts as an environmental stressor, leading to oxidative damage or stress. Oxidative damage stimulates the accumulation of free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that are responsible for premature skin aging. Photoaged skin is characterized externally by irregular pigmentation, wrinkles, and reduced skin elasticity, and internally by the breakdown of dermal collagen and elastin. Free radicals can be scavenged and the skin can be protected from further oxidative damage by antioxidants. Melatonin is a hormone produced mainly by the pineal gland, as well as many other organs, including the skin. One of the functions of melatonin is exerted by the antioxidative melatoninergic system to prevent ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin photoaging. The aim of this review was to study the protective effect of melatonin on skin photoaging resulting from UVR exposure. The references were tracked using various databases, such as Google Scholar and PubMed with regard to publications in English for the last 5 years (2019-2023). Melatonin inhibits UVR-induced aging in multiple ways, such as protecting skin cells, binding free radicals, accelerating the activity of antioxidant enzymes, preventing increased mitochondrial membrane permeability, and assisting electron transport efficiency in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Exogenous application of melatonin is usually by the oral route, but for localized effects on the skin, topical administration is recommended, with consideration of preparations with a better half-life and bioavailability. Understanding the protective antioxidant function of melatonin in UV-induced skin photoaging helps to optimize its application. The protective properties of melatonin against UVR-oxidative stress-induced photoaging will be further explored in this review.

High-resolution musculoskeletal ultrasonography and elastography for eosinophilic fasciitis diagnosis and follow-up: a case-based review.

Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) remains a rare condition without precise diagnostic criteria due to common symptoms with other autoimmune diseases requiring broad differential diagnosis. This paper describes the use of high-resolution musculoskeletal ultrasonography and elastography in the diagnosis and follow-up of eosinophilic fasciitis through the case of a 56-year-old male patient. In addition to laboratory data, instrumental data, and biopsy, musculoskeletal ultrasonography (US) was used both in the diagnostic process and in the follow-up period for an objective assessment of the changes in the patient's condition and response to treatment. The US showed disorganization of the myofibrils adjacent to the superficial fascia, edema, and thickening of the fascia and subcutaneous edema. In addition, the use of shear-wave elastography (SWE) demonstrated significantly reduced skin elasticity. High-frequency musculoskeletal ultrasound in combination with SWE is an effective method both for the diagnosis of EF and for the follow-up of the changes occurring after therapy. Based on the fact that it can easily differentiate the substrate of involvement, such as skin, subcutaneous tissue, or muscle fascia, ultrasound can be used to distinguish EF from other skin and muscle diseases.

Exploring the Skin Brain Link: Biomarkers in the Skin with Implications for Aging Research and Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostics.

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), are challenging to diagnose. Currently the field must rely on imperfect diagnostic modalities. A recent study identified differences in several key bio-mechano-physiological parameters of the skin between AD patients and healthy controls. Here, we visually align these differences with the relevant histological, aging, and embryological paradigms to raise awareness for these potential biomarkers. In a study conducted by Wu et al., a series of n = 41 patients (n = 29 with AD and n = 12 healthy controls) were evaluated, demonstrating that AD patients exhibit a less acidic skin pH, increased skin hydration, and reduced skin elasticity compared to healthy controls. We constructed a visual overview and explored the relevant paradigms. We present a visual comparison of these factors, highlighting four paradigms: (1) the findings emphasize a shared ectodermal origin of the brain and the skin; (2) functional systems such as micro-vascularization, innervation, eccrine excretory functions, and the extracellular matrix undergo distinct changes in patients with AD; (3) the human skin mirrors the alterations in brain stiffness observed in aging studies; (4) assessment of physiological features of the skin is cost-effective, accessible, and easily amenable for monitoring and integration with cognitive assessment studies. Understanding the relationship between aging skin and aging brain is an exciting frontier, holding great promise for improved diagnostics. Further prospective and larger-scale investigations are needed to solidify the brain-skin link and determine the extent to which this relationship can be leveraged for diagnostic applications.

An observational field study of porcine post-weaning diarrhea: clinical and microbiological findings, and fecal pH-measurements as a potential diagnostic tool

BackgroundRecently, in-feed medicinal zinc has been phased out in pig production in the European Union. This makes updated knowledge about porcine post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) crucial. The objectives of the present study were to investigate (i) the clinical presentation of PWD in pigs housed in Danish herds that did not use medicinal zinc, specifically the prevalence of diarrhea and whether PWD was associated to clinical signs of dehydration or altered body temperature; (ii) which microorganism are associated to PWD; and iii) whether measurements of the fecal pH have a potential to be used diagnostically to differentiate between infectious etiologies in cases of PWD.ResultsThe prevalence of diarrhea varied considerably between the outbreaks in the nine studied herds (median = 0.58, range = 0.10; 0.94). In a cross-sectional design (n = 923), diarrhea was associated with reduced rectal temperature and alkaline feces. Diarrhea was also associated with observably reduced skin elasticity, possibly indicating dehydration. In both diarrheic case pigs (n = 87) and control pigs (n = 86), the presence of Brachyspira pilosicoli, Clostridium perfringens, Cryptosporidium spp., Cystoisopora suis, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Lawsonia intracellularis, porcine circovirus types 2 and 3, rotavirus A, B, C, and H, Samonella enterica spp. enterica, and Trichuris suis was described. PWD was associated with high levels of enterotoxigenic E. coli shedding (odds ratio versus no E. coli detection = 4.79 [CI 1.14; 12.62]). Diarrhea was associated with high levels of rotavirus A shedding (odds ratio versus no/low rotavirus A = 3.80 [CI 1.33; 7.97]). The association between microbiological findings in diarrheic pigs and fecal pH was negligible.ConclusionsEnterotoxigenic E. coli was confirmed to be a cause of PWD; however, cases of PWD where enterotoxigenic E. coli was not detected in high levels occurred commonly, and this adds to the increasing evidence suggesting that PWD is not necessarily a result of enteric colibacillosis. Rotaviral enteritis might be a differential diagnosis of PWD. pH-measurements cannot be used to differentiate between differential diagnoses for PWD.

Effects of Natural Polyphenols Against Skin Aging

Aging is a natural process in humans that causes changes in the immune response, increasedfrailty and malignancy, and reduced skin elasticity. The ever-increasing global average age significantlyaffects the economic structure of countries by increasing expenditures on health and other social activitiesto ensure individual welfare. Therefore, it is important to determine the mechanisms of action ofenvironmental factors that cause health problems that have negative effects on quality of life at themolecular level in order to determine effective treatment and prevention strategies. Interest in the use ofnatural products in the battle against age-related neurological and dermatological asthma has recentlyincreased. Polyphenols are natural products that show many beneficial biological activities when taken intothe body in appropriate amounts. Regular intake of polyphenols from food and beverages showsantioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, antitumor, antiobesogenic, antimicrobial, neuroprotective,and cardioprotective effects. At the same time, polyphenols have a high potential for the prevention of agerelated dermatological problems, and therefore further studies on dietary polyphenols are important to betterunderstand these protective effects.

Ethylene glycol intoxication in a pregnant cat and a tomcat

Clinical cases of two cats, poisoned with ethylene glycol: one tomcat and a pregnant female in the last quarter of gestation, are presented. Cats were reared outdoor. The history included a sudden weakness, inappetence, lethargy and repeated vomiting in both animals. Physical examination showed reduced skin elasticity, hypothermia (37.3 С° and 37.8 С°), hyporeflexia, pale mucous coats. Blood biochemical changes comprised hyperglycaemia (7.74 and 10.1 mmol/L), hyperphosphataemia (6.3 and 5.67 mmol/L), increased urea (66.6 and 68.2 mmol/L) and creatinine concentrations (1408 and 918 µmol/L). Ultrasound examination showed severely increased corticomedullary echogenicity of kidneys, including foetal kidneys. Blood sample obtained post mortem from foetuses was characterised with dramatically increased phosphate (11.3 mmol/L), urea (66.2 mmol/L) and creatinine concentrations (642 µmol/L). Foetal urine had abundant calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals. Such crystals were present also in histological preparations from kidneys of both adult cats and foetuses.

Low humidity altered the gene expression profile of keratinocytes in a three-dimensional skin model.

The skin is constantly exposed to various external stimuli including humidity variations. Low humidity affects skin properties such as decreased water content of the stratum corneum, reduced skin elasticity, and itching. However, the effects of humidity on the skin cells are not completely understood. This study aimed to investigatehow low humidity affects keratinocytes of the skin. In the present study, the effects of dry environment on the gene expression profile of epidermal keratinocytes were demonstrated using a three-dimensional skin model (3D-skin), composed of keratinocytes. Exposure of 3D-skin to low humidity (relative humidity ~ 10%) increased the expression levels of various genes, including those related to signal transduction and immune system. Accordingly, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in keratinocytes of the 3D-skin was activated in response to low humidity for 30min. Additionally, several chemokines, such as chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) and Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 (CCL20), were up regulated after 3h of exposure to low humidity. We hypothesize that increased chemokine production may affect the immune system of the whole skin through chemoattractants. Our findings imply that keratinocytes sense low humidity and resultant activation of some cell-signaling pathways leads to variations in gene expression profiles including various chemokines. We provide evidence that keratinocytes adapt to external humidity variations.

Acquired Cutis Laxa on the Upper Eyelids and Earlobes: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Acquired cutis laxa is a rare disease. Owing to few reports on the condition, no statistical data have been produced. Cutis laxa is characterized by drooping skin, caused by decreased levels of dermal elastin, leading to reduced skin elasticity. The disease usually emerges on the neck or trunk and spreads throughout the body; however, it rarely involves the extremities. 2 Moreover, cases localized to the face are rare. The objective of this clinical case report was to highlight this unusual disease in a 24-year-old female, with localization on the face and neck. The patient underwent surgery for treatment of bilateral ear lobe and eyelid skin laxity.

Clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings in 38 calves with type-4 abomasal ulcer

BackgroundType-4 abomasal ulcers (U4) are perforated ulcers causing diffuse peritonitis. This retrospective study describes the clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings in 38 calves with U4. The medical records of 38 calves aged three days to 20 weeks with U4 were scrutinised.ResultsThe most common clinical findings were poor general health (95%), reduced skin elasticity (95%), rumen atony (91%), abdominal guarding (76%) and positive percussion auscultation and/or swinging auscultation on the right side of the abdomen (75%). The most frequent laboratory findings were increased numbers of segmented neutrophils (87%), eosinopenia (87%), acidosis (84%), azotaemia (79%) and hyponatraemia (79%). The most frequent abdominal ultrasonographic findings were intestinal atony (68%), fluid (67%) and fibrin deposits (58%) in the abdomen. Thirty-five calves were euthanased and three calves died spontaneously. All calves underwent pathological examination. Diffuse peritonitis caused by a transmural abomasal ulcer was the principal diagnosis in all calves.ConclusionsPerforated abomasal ulcers cause severe illness, and a thorough clinical examination combined with ultrasonographic abdominal examination should lead to a tentative diagnosis.

Evaluation of a Food Supplement with Collagen Hydrolysate and Micronutrients on Skin Appearance and Beauty Effects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, PlaceboControlled Clinical Study with Healthy Subjects

Objective: Skin health, skin appearance and skin beauty are influenced by collagen composition of the dermis. Natural aging affects the structural integrity of the collagen network, resulting in drier skin, wrinkle formation and reduced skin elasticity. Orally ingested hydrolyzed collagen reaches the skin tissue and exerts beneficial effects on human skin from within. However, not only collagen peptides, but also micronutrients can beneficially affect skin appearance. Thus, dietary supplements for cosmetic and beauty effects containing combinations of collagen peptides and selected micronutrients are in demand. Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a food supplement with collagen hydrolysate and micronutrients on skin beauty. The test product was assessed for its capability to reduce wrinkles and to improve skin hydration and collagen structure.

Cannula versus needle in medical rhinoplasty: the nose knows.

The use of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers has become a popular alternative for nose remodeling, although poor understanding of the nasal anatomy has resulted in adverse events and generated some controversy. Among them, is the question of where and when to use cannulas vs needles. Through multiple cadaver dissections, clinical experience and the review of medical literature the authors conclude the use of needle over cannula is preferred, assuring a correct injection plane lying fully against the bone or cartilage. Although blunt in nature, cannulas may lead to difficulty in determining with precision the exact depth of product placement and contribute to more dissection of adjacent structures. Thorough knowledge of the highly variable nasal anatomy, including vessel depth location is of outmost importance in avoiding adverse events. Good patient selection is critical where most noses for augmentation rhinoplasty and some reduction rhinoplasty candidates where the goal is to camouflage the dorsal hump are amenable to medical rhinoplasty, unless there is reduced skin elasticity of nasal soft tissues or distortion of anatomy from surgery or trauma. Appropriate product selection is important for effective results. The authors suggest fillers with low cohesivity and high lifting capacity. Finally, we suggest a technique referred as Rhinosculpting base in the use the use of three conceptual elements: facial analysis, light reflection, and use of HA gel as a cartilage graft, in combination with the detailed injection technique presented in this article, which ensures a safer and satisfying treatment outcome.

Physiological and Pathological Alterations in the Mammary Gland of Holstein Cows during Transition Period

Background: Physiological and immunological adaptations occurred in peripartum period may be responsible for susceptibility to intramammary infections during colostrogenesis. Increase in blood flow and hormones cause physiological edema by accumulation of lymphatic fluid in interstitial space. Specific composition of mammary secretion increases the susceptibility to mastitis. So, the study of physical, cellular and microbiological changes in the mammary gland in this period are fundamental for understanding, diagnosing and adopting prophylactic measures for bovine mastitis. This study aimed to characterize physiological and pathological changes that occur in the mammary gland during transition period.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Thirteen cows, in second to fourth lactation were followed from 3 weeks pre-calving to 3 weeks post-calving. Cows were submitted weekly to physical examination of mammary gland, strip cup test, California Mastitis Test (CMT), Microscopic Somatic Cell Count (MSCC), and bacteriological examination of mammary secretion. Mammary quarters were divided into two groups: BAC-: samples that did not present bacteriological growth throughout transition period; BAC+: samples that presented bacteriological growth in at least two isolates of the same bacterial genus. Regarding physical examination of mammary gland, the parameters localized or generalized alteration in volume, asymmetry, reddish color, reduced skin elasticity, increased temperature, and swollen consistency presented higher frequencies in the BAC- group. On the other hand, infection in mammary quarters of cows from BAC+ group promoted a decrease in frequencies of increased volume, decreased elasticity, and elevated temperature in the mammary gland, in addition to a higher positivity to CMT and higher cellularity. Overall rate of intramammary infection was 25.82%, with non-aureus Staphylococci (NAS) being the predominant agent (69.2%). Maximum peak of bacterial isolates occurred immediately after calving (33.3%). Differences were observed between groups (P = 0.021) for CMT, showing a higher frequency of positive tests in BAC+ group (36.5%) compared to BAC- group (18%). MSCC varied between weeks (P = 0.001), groups (P = 0.001), and between the interaction of the two variables (P = 0.019). Highest median value of MSCC was observed at calving (1.5 × 106 cells/mL), being different (P = 0.001) from the +1, +2, and +3 weeks and the lowest median value of MSCC (0.08×106 cells/mL) was observed in +3 compared to previous weeks (P &lt; 0.05).Discussion: NAS was predominantly isolated in mammary secretions of cows during peripartum, it is commonly found in the skin and canal of the teat and are associated with subclinical mastitis. Peak of mammary infection was observed on calving, probably by the cortisol peak resulting in a stress leucogram and decrease in the functional activity of immune cells. Changes observed in the physical examination of mammary gland of cows from BAC- group are compatible with physiological edema caused by circulatory changes that occurs with the proximity of calving, increasing blood flow necessary for production of colostrum. Alterations in the mammary quarters of cows from BAC+ group may be associated with functional loss of mammary parenchyma or persistent infectious process, characterizing clinical findings of pathological changes during transition period. Mammary quarters of the BAC+ group presented higher percentages of positive reactions to CMT in weeks +1 and +2, and higher MSCC values and are associated with infection of the mammary gland.

Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) May Be a Striking Link Between Modern Diet and Health.

The Maillard reaction is a simple but ubiquitous reaction that occurs both in vivo and ex vivo during the cooking or processing of foods under high-temperature conditions, such as baking, frying, or grilling. Glycation of proteins is a post-translational modification that forms temporary adducts, which, on further crosslinking and rearrangement, form permanent residues known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Cooking at high temperature results in various food products having high levels of AGEs. This review underlines the basis of AGE formation and their corresponding deleterious effects on the body. Glycated Maillard products have a direct association with the pathophysiology of some metabolic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2), acute renal failure (ARF), Alzheimer’s disease, dental health, allergies, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The most glycated and structurally abundant protein is collagen, which acts as a marker for diabetes and aging, where decreased levels indicate reduced skin elasticity. In diabetes, high levels of AGEs are associated with carotid thickening, ischemic heart disease, uremic cardiomyopathy, and kidney failure. AGEs also mimic hormones or regulate/modify their receptor mechanisms at the DNA level. In women, a high AGE diet directly correlates with high levels of androgens, anti-Müllerian hormone, insulin, and androstenedione, promoting ovarian dysfunction and/or infertility. Vitamin D3 is well-associated with the pathogenesis of PCOS and modulates steroidogenesis. It also exhibits a protective mechanism against the harmful effects of AGEs. This review elucidates and summarizes the processing of infant formula milk and the associated health hazards. Formulated according to the nutritional requirements of the newborn as a substitute for mother’s milk, formula milk is a rich source of primary adducts, such as carboxy-methyl lysine, which render an infant prone to inflammation, dementia, food allergies, and other diseases. We therefore recommend that understanding this post-translational modification is the key to unlocking the mechanisms and physiology of various metabolic syndromes.

Analysis of relation between skin elasticity and the entropy of skin image using near-infrared and visible light sources.

Skin elasticity has been regarded as one of the main indicators of skin condition. Current measurement devices for skin elasticity are mostly expensive for home-use and should contact the skin surface. As a first step to develop improved methods, we focus on the relation between skin elasticity and the entropy of skin images. Reduced skin elasticity causes wrinkles. It spreads frequency components and increases their randomness in the frequency domain. The randomness is quantified as entropy, which is a measure of the disorder of a system in physics. Therefore, skin elasticity is expected to have a negative relation with entropy. This tendency can be improved by applying penetration depth characteristics according to the wavelength of light. From cheeks and forehead of 12 Korean adults, skin images are acquired with three different light sources (470 nm, 870 nm and broadband light) and skin elasticity is measured. The root mean square error between the measured data and the fitted model is "0.27" (870 nm), "0.49" (broadband light) and "1.42" (470 nm). Furthermore, the results are analyzed by classifying by sex, age and measurement area. This study demonstrates the possibility of developing noncontact home-use devices to measure skin elasticity in the future.