Skin Response Research Articles

Effect of mushroom powder (Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus djamor) on skin coloration and inflammation in siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens)

ABSTRACT Skin coloration and immune status are the most valued characteristics when raising Betta splendens. We evaluated the effects of enriching a cladoceran diet with Pleurotus ostreatus or P. djamor mushroom powder on coloration, response to induced injury, and growth of B. splendens. Seventeen fish per treatment (weight 0.60 ± 0.2 g) were assigned to three diets: Cladoceran powder (CP), CP enriched with P. ostreatus mushroom powder (CP + PO), and CP enriched with P. djamor mushroom powder (CP + PD). We evaluated color intensity, responses to induced injury, growth and condition factor (K) with each diet. We found that skin coloration and response to induced injury were improved with mushroom-supplemented diets. Body length and weight were higher with CP, while K was higher with CP and CP + PD diets (K = 3.29 and 2.66, respectively) than with CP + PO (K = 1.82). Our results contribute insights into the benefits of mushroom-supplemented diets for enhancing aquaculture.

The influence of uncertainty visualization on cognitive load in a safety- and time-critical decision-making task

Decisions with spatial visualizations are often made under uncertainty and high time pressure. However, missing or improper representation of uncertainty can hamper the decision-making process. This paper investigates the impact of uncertainty visualization on cognitive load in the context of a safety-critical, time-sensitive decision-making task with a transportation system map. In a controlled experiment (n = 40) with a dual-task paradigm, we compared three different uncertainty visualization techniques and a baseline for different levels of time pressure. Cognitive load was measured using psycho-physiological metrics based on eye tracking and galvanic skin response, as well as self-reported. The results reveal significant differences in cognitive load among different visualization types, with line uncertainty representation techniques leading to lower cognitive load under both low and high-time pressure scenarios ( α < 0.05 ).

Biomarkers of Immersion in Virtual Reality Based on Features Extracted from the EEG Signals: A Machine Learning Approach

Virtual reality (VR) enables the development of virtual training frameworks suitable for various domains, especially when real-world conditions may be hazardous or impossible to replicate because of unique additional resources (e.g., equipment, infrastructure, people, locations). Although VR technology has significantly advanced in recent years, methods for evaluating immersion (i.e., the extent to which the user is engaged with the sensory information from the virtual environment or is invested in the intended task) continue to rely on self-reported questionnaires, which are often administered after using the virtual scenario. Having an objective method to measure immersion is particularly important when using VR for training, education, and applications that promote the development, fine-tuning, or maintenance of skills. The level of immersion may impact performance and the translation of knowledge and skills to the real-world. This is particularly important in tasks where motor skills are combined with complex decision making, such as surgical procedures. Efforts to better measure immersion have included the use of physiological measurements including heart rate and skin response, but so far they do not offer robust metrics that provide the sensitivity to discriminate different states (idle, easy, and hard), which is critical when using VR for training to determine how successful the training is in engaging the user’s senses and challenging their cognitive capabilities. In this study, electroencephalography (EEG) data were collected from 14 participants who completed VR jigsaw puzzles with two different levels of task difficulty. Machine learning was able to accurately classify the EEG data collected during three different states, obtaining accuracy rates of 86% and 97% for differentiating easy versus hard difficulty states and baseline vs. VR states. Building on these results may enable the identification of robust biomarkers of immersion in VR, enabling real-time recognition of the level of immersion that can be used to design more effective and translative VR-based training. This method has the potential to adjust aspects of VR related to task difficulty to ensure that participants are immersed in VR.

Identifying physiological indicators of the cognitive, thermal, and combined (cognitive-thermal) stress conditions.

Physiologically based stress detection systems have proven to be effective in identifying different stress conditions in the body to determine the source of stress and be able to counteract it. However, some stress conditions have not been widely studied, including thermal stress, cognitive stress, and combined (thermal-cognitive) stress conditions, which are frequently encountered in work or school environments. In order to develop systems to detect and differentiate these conditions, it is necessary to identify the physiological indicators that characterize each of them. The present research aims to identify which physiological indicators (heart rate, respiratory rate, galvanic skin response, and local temperature) could differentiate different stress conditions (no-stress, cognitive stress, thermal stress, and combined (thermal-cognitive) stress conditions). Thirty participants were exposed to cognitive, thermal, and combined stress sources while recording their physiological signals. The findings indicate that both mean heart rate and mean galvanic skin response identify moderate thermal and cognitive stress conditions as distinct from a no-stress condition, yet they do not differentiate between the two stress conditions. Additionally, heart rate uniquely identifies the cognitive-thermal stress condition, effectively distinguishing this combined stress condition from the singular stress conditions and the no-stress condition. Mean local temperature specifically signals thermal stress conditions, whereas mean respiratory rate accurately identifies cognitive stress conditions, with both indicators effectively separating these conditions from each other and from the no-stress condition. This is the first basis for differentiating thermal and cognitive stress conditions through physiological indicators.

TLR7-dependent eosinophil degranulation links psoriatic skin inflammation to small intestinal inflammatory changes in mice.

Recent evidence of gut microbiota dysbiosis in the context of psoriasis and the increased cooccurrence of inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis suggest a close relationship between skin and gut immune responses. Using a mouse model of psoriasis induced by the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 ligand imiquimod, we found that psoriatic dermatitis was accompanied by inflammatory changes in the small intestine associated with eosinophil degranulation, which impaired intestinal barrier integrity. Inflammatory responses in the skin and small intestine were increased in mice prone to eosinophil degranulation. Caco-2 human intestinal epithelial cells were treated with media containing eosinophil granule proteins and exhibited signs of inflammation and damage. Imiquimod-induced skin and intestinal changes were attenuated in eosinophil-deficient mice, and this attenuation was counteracted by the transfer of eosinophils. Imiquimod levels and the distribution of eosinophils were positively correlated in the intestine. TLR7-deficient mice did not exhibit intestinal eosinophil degranulation but did exhibit attenuated inflammation in the skin and small intestine following imiquimod administration. These results suggest that TLR7-dependent bidirectional skin-to-gut communication occurs in psoriatic inflammation and that inflammatory changes in the intestine can accelerate psoriasis.

Genetic Tools for Cell Lineage Tracing and Profiling Developmental Trajectories in the Skin

The epidermis is the body's first line of protection against dehydration and pathogens, continually regenerating the outermost protective skin layers throughout life. During both embryonic development and wound healing, epidermal stem and progenitor cells must respond to external stimuli and insults to build, maintain, and repair the cutaneous barrier. Recent advances in CRISPR-based methods for cell lineage tracing have remarkably expanded the potential for experiments that track stem and progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation over the course of tissue and even organismal development. Additional tools for DNA-based recording of cellular signaling cues promise to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms driving normal skin morphogenesis and response to stressors as well as the dysregulation of cell proliferation and differentiation in skin diseases and cancer. In this review, we highlight cutting-edge methods for cell lineage tracing, including in organoids and model organisms, and explore how cutaneous biology researchers might leverage these techniques to elucidate the developmental programs that support the regenerative capacity and plasticity of the skin.

Effects of Maskne Cosmetics to Inflammation Elicited by Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

Wearing a mask is still advised since COVID-19 continues to spread. However, masks may also irritate the skin and cause mask acne, often known as “maskne”, which is a type of acne mechanica caused by friction between the skin and clothing. Therefore, there is a need to develop an effective maskne cosmetic. In this study, we made the maskne cosmetics containing &lt;i&gt;Humulus lupulus&lt;/i&gt; extract and Copper tripeptide-1 and investigated its stability, safety and anti-inflammatory efficacy. The results indicated that the samples were stable after centrifugation, temperature cycling, viscosity, and pH tests. The cell viability range of maskne cosmetics was within 71%-80% at 2.5 mg/mL, which presented a weak cytotoxicity. In addition, cosmetic safety test results revealed that maskne cosmetics containing &lt;i&gt;humulus lupulus&lt;/i&gt; extract and copper tripeptide-1 did not cause any skin responses. Expression levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were lowest in HS68 cells after treatment with a lotion containing 3%&lt;i&gt;humulus lupulus&lt;/i&gt; extract and 3% Copper tripeptide-1. It was confirmed that maskne cosmetics containing &lt;i&gt;Humulus lupulus extract&lt;/i&gt; and Copper tripeptide-1 reduce the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1, and IL-6 caused by wearing a mask. These findings indicate that prepared lotion containing 3% &lt;i&gt;Humulus lupulus&lt;/i&gt; extract and 3% Copper tripeptide-1 is a promising maskne cosmetic with commercial potential.

IOT Based Remote Patient Monitoring System

Abstract: A remote monitoring technique that can accurately track human physiological indicators has applications in virtual reality, sports science, medicine, rehabilitation, and surveillance. The majority of systems now in use for tracking bodily parameters in humans need wiring that limits natural movement. In order to get over this restriction, a wearable wireless sensor network that monitors physiological human body characteristics has been built using an accelerometer, a pulse oximeter, a heart-rate sensor, a temperature sensor, and a galvanic skin response sensor. The individual is being tracked wirelessly using his own location. It would be simple to modify this system to watch athletes and young children. Unlike a tethered monitoring equipment, the wireless feature allows the human body to move freely, making the system genuinely portable, quick, and dependable. The portable and the designed sensor node's small size makes it simple to attach to the body.

Impact of public health communication for prevention and personal resilience at the time of crisis. A pilot study with psychophysiological and self-report measures.

Health communication promotes public and individual health. Psychophysiological indices can unveil the unconscious emotional variables that influence audience's representations of these communications. This study explored emotional and cognitive responses to health communications using implicit (psychophysiological) and explicit (self-report) measurements. Twelve communications (health prevention, personal health, public health, Covid-19) were shown to N = 19 participants, while psychophysiological (i.e. Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability (HRV), skin conductance level and response (SCL and SCR)) and self-report (Semantic Differential and Self-Assessment Mannikin (SAM)) data were collected. Higher arousal and physiological engagement (SCL) were observed for health prevention, public and personal health communications. Lower HRV values were found for health prevention compared to crisis communication (Covid-19 stimuli), suggesting higher emotional reactions and concern for the first topic. Self-report results confirmed psychophysiological findings. Overall, using public health communication activates objective indicators about emotional reactions that have important implications for the effectiveness of the communication itself.

Conscious and non-conscious responses to branded narrative advertising: Investigating narrativity level and device type

Narrative advertising enhances advertisement (ad) and brand evaluations from consumers. However, how the narrativity level of the ad impacts these evaluations is less clear. This study investigates affective and cognitive conscious and non-conscious responses to branded advertising in the form of two-dimensional videos that differ in narrativity level. In addition, it explores the effects of delivery modality (computer screen vs virtual reality). We collected self-reported, electroencephalography, and galvanic skin response data from participants watching real video ads with low and high narrativity levels. While self-reported data showed higher positive perceptions toward ads with a high (vs low) narrativity level, the neurophysiological metrics revealed no differences in arousal levels, cognitive load, and approach–avoidance behavior. Delivery modality had little to no effect on self-reported ad and brand metrics, but ads viewed through virtual reality evoked negatively valenced arousal. The findings suggest that narrativity level differently modulates conscious and unconscious cognitive and affective responses to video ads. JEL CLASSIFICATION: M31; M37

3D Printing Silk Fibroin/Polyacrylamide Triple-Network Composite Hydrogels with Stretchability, Conductivity, and Strain-Sensing Ability as Bionic Electronic Skins.

Electronic skins have received increasing attention due to their great application potential in wearable electronics. Meanwhile, tremendous efforts are still needed for the fabrication of multifunctional composite hydrogels with complex structures for electronic skins via simple methods. In this work, a novel three-dimensional (3D) printing composite hydrogel with stretchability, conductivity, and strain-sensing ability is produced using a one-step photocuring method to achieve a dual-signal response of the electronic skin. The composite hydrogel exhibits a triple-network structure composed of silk microfibers (SMF), regenerated silk fibroin (RSF), and polyacrylamide (PAM). The establishment of triple networks is based on the electrostatic interaction between SMF and RSF, as well as the chemically cross-linked RSF and PAM. Thanks to its specific structure and components, the composite hydrogel possesses enhanced mechanical properties (elastic modulus of 140 kPa, compressive stress of 21 MPa, and compression modulus of 600 kPa) and 3D printability while retaining stretchability and flexibility. The interaction between negatively charged SMF and cations in phosphate-buffered saline endows the composite hydrogel with good conductivity and strain-sensing ability after immersion in a low-concentration (10 mM) salt solution. Moreover, the 3D printing composite hydrogel scaffold successfully realizes real-time monitoring. Therefore, the proposed hydrogel-based ionic sensor is promising for skin tissue engineering, real-time monitoring, soft robotics, and human-machine interfaces.

The whitening efficacy of a compound formula examined using an ultraviolet-induced skin melanization model.

In Eastern culture, a fair complexion is the standard of beauty, leading to appearance-related distress among women with darker skin or facial pigmentation. Women seek whitening cosmetics to enhance their skin tone or correct their pigmentation, but their safety and effectiveness are paramount factors to consider. In this study, we evaluated the safety and whitening effects of a compound formula denoted as TEST comprising astaxanthin, nicotinamide, arbutin, and tranexamic acid. Primary skin irritation and skin-whitening efficacy were examined. Three qualified melanization areas were treated with TEST, 7% ascorbic acid, or a blank. Skin color, the individual type angle (ITA°), and the melanin index (MI) were compared among treatment areas. TEST did not induce a skin response and exhibited a significantly higher ITA° than the blank, while no significant difference was observed with that of 7% ascorbic acid. Furthermore, the MI of TEST was significantly reduced posttreatment. TEST could be integrated into spot-fading and skin-whitening cosmeceuticals or functional cosmetics.

E069 Bimekizumab maintained efficacy responses through 52 weeks in patients with psoriatic arthritis and inadequate response or intolerance to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors who were responders at week 16: results from a phase 3, randomised study

Abstract Background/Aims Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic disease affecting multiple domains; however, patients can experience loss of response with long-term therapy. Therefore, maintaining long-term treatment responses is important. Bimekizumab (BKZ), a monoclonal IgG1 antibody that selectively inhibits IL-17F in addition to IL-17A, demonstrated rapid and clinically meaningful improvements in joint and skin efficacy outcomes to Week 16, vs placebo (PBO), that were sustained to Week 52. The objective of this analysis was to report maintenance of response in joint, skin and composite efficacy outcomes to 52 weeks in BKZ-treated patients with PsA who were Week 16 responders. Methods BE COMPLETE (NCT03896581), a 16-week double-blind phase 3 study, included patients with active PsA who had inadequate response or intolerance to 1-2 TNF inhibitors (TNFi-IR). Patients were randomised 2:1 to subcutaneous BKZ 160 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) or PBO. Patients completing Week 16 were eligible to enter an open-label extension, BE VITAL (NCT04009499). Maintenance of response is reported as the percentage of BKZ-treated patients who achieved a response at Week 16 and maintained response at Week 52. ACR20/50/70, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)75/90/100, minimal/very low disease activity (MDA/VLDA) and Disease Activity Index for PsA (DAPSA) remission/low disease activity (REM+LDA; ≤14) and remission (REM; ≤4) responses are presented. Data are reported as observed case (OC) and using non-responder imputation (NRI) or multiple imputation (MI). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) to Week 52 are reported for patients who received ≥1 dose of BKZ, including those who entered BE VITAL (PBO/BKZ). Results Overall, 267 pts were randomised to BKZ 160 mg Q4W; 263 (98.5%) and 236 (88.4%) completed Weeks 16 and 52, respectively. Of BKZ-treated pts who were Week 16 responders, ≥80% maintained response across all joint and skin outcomes, as well as MDA and DAPSA REM+LDA. At Week 16, 179 (67.0%), 116 (43.4%), and 71 (26.6%) patients achieved ACR20/50/70, respectively. Over 80% of responders maintained ACR20/50/70 response at Week 52: 81.6%, 80.2%, 83.1% (NRI); 89.6%, 86.1%, 85.5% (OC). Of 176 patients with psoriasis affecting ≥3% body surface area (BSA) at baseline, 145 (82.4%), 121 (68.8%) and 103 (58.5%) achieved PASI75/90/100 at Week 16; 88.3%, 88.4%, 84.5% (NRI); 97.0%, 96.4%, 91.6% (OC) maintained a PASI 75/90/100 response at Week 52. Similar results were observed for composite measures; 118 (44.2%) patients achieved MDA at Week 16; 81.4%/87.3% (NRI/OC) maintained their response at Week 52. High proportions of Week 16 VLDA/DAPSA REM+LDA/DAPSA REM responders also maintained response at Week 52. To Week 52, 243/388 (62.6%) BKZtreated patients reported ≥1 TEAE; 23 (5.9%) reported serious TEAEs. Conclusion BKZ demonstrated robust maintenance of response at Week 52 in TNFi-IR patients with PsA who responded to BKZ treatment at Week 16. The safety profile was consistent with previous reports. Disclosure W.R. Tillett: Consultancies; AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Ovo Pharma, Pfizer and UCB Pharma. Honoraria; AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Ovo Pharma, Pfizer and UCB Pharma. Grants/research support; AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Ovo Pharma, Pfizer and UCB Pharma. Other; Speaking fees AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Ovo Pharma, Pfizer and UCB Pharma. J.F. Merola: Consultancies; AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi, Sun Pharma and UCB Pharma. Other; Investigator for AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi, Sun Pharma and UCB Pharma. Y. Tanaka: Honoraria; AbbVie, AstraZeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, GSK, Pfizer, Taiho and Taisho. Grants/research support; Chugai, Eisai, Mitsubishi-Tanabe and Taisho. Other; Speaking fees from AbbVie, AstraZeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chugai, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, GSK, Pfizer, Taiho and Taisho. E.G. Favalli: Consultancies; AbbVie, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma. Other; Speaking fees AbbVie, BMS, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma. D. McGonagle: Consultancies; AbbVie, Celgene, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma. Honoraria; AbbVie, Celgene, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma. Member of speakers’ bureau; AbbVie, Celgene, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma. Grants/research support; AbbVie, Celgene, Janssen, Merck, Novartis and Pfizer. D. Thaçi: Consultancies; AbbVie, Almirall, Amgen, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Galderma, Janssen-Cilag, Kyowa Kirin, LEO Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Samsung, Sandoz, Sanofi, Target-Solution and UCB Pharma. Grants/research support; AbbVie, LEO Pharma and Novartis. Other; Investigator for AbbVie, Almirall, Amgen, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Galderma, Janssen-Cilag, Kyowa Kirin, LEO Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Samsung, Sandoz, Sanofi, Target-Solution and UCB Pharma. J.A. Walsh: Consultancies; AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma. Grants/research support; AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma. B. Ink: Shareholder/stock ownership; AbbVie, GSK and UCB Pharma. Other; Employee of UCB Pharma. R. Bajracharya: Shareholder/stock ownership; UCB Pharma. Other; Employee of UCB Pharma. J. Coarse: Shareholder/stock ownership; UCB Pharma. Other; Employee of UCB Pharma. C.T. Ritchlin: Consultancies; AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB Pharma. Grants/research support; AbbVie.

Interleukin-1α links peripheral CaV2.2 channel activation to rapid adaptive increases in heat sensitivity in skin

Neurons have the unique capacity to adapt output in response to changes in their environment. Within seconds, sensory nerve endings can become hypersensitive to stimuli in response to potentially damaging events. The underlying behavioral response is well studied, but several of the key signaling molecules that mediate sensory hypersensitivity remain unknown. We previously discovered that peripheral voltage-gated CaV2.2 channels in nerve endings in skin are essential for the rapid, transient increase in sensitivity to heat, but not to mechanical stimuli, that accompanies intradermal capsaicin. Here we report that the cytokine interleukin-1α (IL-1α), an alarmin, is necessary and sufficient to trigger rapid heat and mechanical hypersensitivity in skin. Of 20 cytokines screened, only IL-1α was consistently detected in hind paw interstitial fluid in response to intradermal capsaicin and, similar to behavioral sensitivity to heat, IL-1α levels were also dependent on peripheral CaV2.2 channel activity. Neutralizing IL-1α in skin significantly reduced capsaicin-induced changes in hind paw sensitivity to radiant heat and mechanical stimulation. Intradermal IL-1α enhances behavioral responses to stimuli and, in culture, IL-1α enhances the responsiveness of Trpv1-expressing sensory neurons. Together, our data suggest that IL-1α is the key cytokine that underlies rapid and reversible neuroinflammatory responses in skin.

New Regenerative and Anti-Aging Medicine Approach Based on Single-Stranded Alpha-1 Collagen for Neo-Collagenesis Induction: Clinical and Instrumental Experience of a New Injective Polycomponent Formulation for Dermal Regeneration.

This study explores the efficacy of a novel polycomponent formulation (KARISMA Rh Collagen® FACE, Taumedika Srl, Rome, Italy), containing 200 mg/mL of non-crosslinked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA), 200 μg/mL of a human recombinant polypeptide of collagen-1 alpha chain, and 40 mg/mL of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a regenerative medicine for skin regeneration and rejuvenation. This formulation combines non-crosslinked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, human recombinant polypeptide of collagen-1 alpha chain, and carboxymethyl cellulose to stimulate collagen type I production and enhance skin hydration. This study involved 100 subjects with varying skin conditions, divided into three groups based on skin aging, smoking history, and facial scarring, to evaluate the product's effectiveness in skin regeneration and aesthetic improvement. The methodology included two injections of Karisma (2 mL for each injection) one month apart, with evaluations conducted using FACE-Q questionnaires, the SGAIS Questionnaire, and Antera 3D skin scanner measurements at baseline, 30 days, and 60 days post-treatment. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in skin roughness and an improvement in skin quality across all the groups, with no correlation between the outcomes and the patient's age. The subjective assessments also indicated high satisfaction with the treatment's aesthetic results. The analyzed data allow us to conclude that the single-stranded collagen with hyaluronic acid and carboxymethyl-cellulose formulation is able to stimulate the skin's regenerative response, yielding significant results both in vitro and, through our study, also in vivo. This new polycomponent formulation effectively stimulates skin regeneration, improving skin quality and texture, with significant aesthetic benefits perceived by patients, and a low incidence of adverse events, marking a promising advancement in regenerative medicine.

Wearable Ring-Shaped Biomedical Device for Physiological Monitoring through Finger-Based Acquisition of Electrocardiographic, Photoplethysmographic, and Galvanic Skin Response Signals: Design and Preliminary Measurements.

Wearable health devices (WHDs) are rapidly gaining ground in the biomedical field due to their ability to monitor the individual physiological state in everyday life scenarios, while providing a comfortable wear experience. This study introduces a novel wearable biomedical device capable of synchronously acquiring electrocardiographic (ECG), photoplethysmographic (PPG), galvanic skin response (GSR) and motion signals. The device has been specifically designed to be worn on a finger, enabling the acquisition of all biosignals directly on the fingertips, offering the significant advantage of being very comfortable and easy to be employed by the users. The simultaneous acquisition of different biosignals allows the extraction of important physiological indices, such as heart rate (HR) and its variability (HRV), pulse arrival time (PAT), GSR level, blood oxygenation level (SpO2), and respiratory rate, as well as motion detection, enabling the assessment of physiological states, together with the detection of potential physical and mental stress conditions. Preliminary measurements have been conducted on healthy subjects using a measurement protocol consisting of resting states (i.e., SUPINE and SIT) alternated with physiological stress conditions (i.e., STAND and WALK). Statistical analyses have been carried out among the distributions of the physiological indices extracted in time, frequency, and information domains, evaluated under different physiological conditions. The results of our analyses demonstrate the capability of the device to detect changes between rest and stress conditions, thereby encouraging its use for assessing individuals' physiological state. Furthermore, the possibility of performing synchronous acquisitions of PPG and ECG signals has allowed us to compare HRV and pulse rate variability (PRV) indices, so as to corroborate the reliability of PRV analysis under stationary physical conditions. Finally, the study confirms the already known limitations of wearable devices during physical activities, suggesting the use of algorithms for motion artifact correction.

Experiment and modelling of texture and sliding direction dependence on finger friction behavior

AbstractHumans rely on their fingers to sense and interact with external environment. Understanding the tribological behavior between finger skin and object surface is crucial for various fields, including tactile perception, product appearance design, and electronic skin research. Quantitatively describing finger frictional behavior is always challenging, given the complex structure of the finger. In this study, the texture and sliding direction dependence of finger skin friction was quantified based on explicit mathematic models. The proposed double-layer model of finger skin effectively described the nonlinear elastic response of skin and predicted the scaling-law of effective elastic modulus with contact radius. Additionally, the skin friction model on textured surface considering adhesion and deformation factors was established. It revealed that adhesive term dominated finger friction behavior in daily life, and suggested that object texture size mainly influenced friction-induced vibrations rather than the average friction force. Combined with digital image correlation (DIC) technique, the effect of sliding direction on finger friction was analyzed. It was found that the anisotropy in finger friction was governed by the finger’s ratchet pawl structure, which also contributes to enhanced stick-slip vibrations in the distal sliding direction. The proposed friction models can offer valuable insights into the underlying mechanism of skin friction under various operating conditions, and can provide quantitative guidance for effectively encoding friction into haptics.

Immersive Emotion Analysis in VR Environments: A Sensor-Based Approach to Prevent Distortion

As virtual reality (VR) technology advances, research has focused on enhancing VR content for a more realistic user experience. Traditional emotion analysis relies on surveys, but they suffer from delayed responses and decreased immersion, leading to distorted results. To overcome these limitations, we propose an emotion analysis method using sensor data in the VR environment. Our approach can take advantage of the user’s immediate response and not reduce immersion. Linear regression, classification analysis, and tree-based methods were applied to electrocardiogram and galvanic skin response (GSR) sensor data to measure valence and arousal values. We introduced a novel emotional dimension model by analyzing correlations between emotions and the valence and arousal values. Experimental results demonstrated the highest accuracy of 77% and 92.3% for valence and arousal prediction, respectively, using GSR sensor data. Furthermore, an accuracy of 80.25% was achieved in predicting valence and arousal using nine emotions. Our proposed model improves VR content through more accurate emotion analysis in a VR environment, which can be useful for targeting customers in various industries, such as marketing, gaming, education, and healthcare.

Sweet surrender? Changing autonomobile structures of feeling

ABSTRACT Imaginaries of smart, sustainable autonomous vehicles carrying people of all ages and abilities to relax en-route to myriad destinations, evoke a sweet surrender to the machine. But such technocratic visions clash with visions of non-anthropocentric autonomy. The urgency of mobility transformation in the face of ecological overshoot makes this a site of turbulence where new “structures of feeling” are emerging. But how to study changing structures of feeling and apply insights? In this paper we discuss an exploratory study with twelve users of autonomous vehicles, non-users, engineers, and experts in China and the UK who used galvanic skin response sensors to probe their autonomobile emotions. Extending Christian Nold’s Bio Mapping approach, we discuss fissures in values and norms about mobility and the prospect of doughnut mobilities, concluding with reflections on applied mobilities research.

Granulomatous Slack Skin With Lung and Esophagus Involvement: A Case Report and Molecular Analysis.

Granulomatous slack skin (GSS) is a rare subtype of mycosis fungoides, and few cases have been known to spread to the blood, lymph nodes, or viscera. We present a case with early dissemination to the lung. A 27-year-old woman, previously healthy, presented with scattered disseminated scaly patches, associated with vulvar and intergluteal firm swelling and groin-skin induration for 1 year. She also reported mild fatigue and breathlessness on moderate exertion. The patient underwent blood tests, skin biopsies, and computed tomography scan. The skin biopsy showed a mildly atypical T-cell lymphoid infiltrate involving the dermis/hypodermis, with focal epidermotropism, associated with a granulomatous infiltrate and elastophagocytosis. The computed tomography scan revealed bilateral ground-glass lung nodular opacities. Positron emission tomography showed an increased signal in the skin and subcutis around the buttocks, inguinal and mediastinal lymph nodes, and lungs. The lung biopsy confirmed a dense T-cell infiltrate with numerous multinucleated giant cells. Subsequently, esophageal involvement was also observed following biopsy. Molecular analyses demonstrated identical T-cell clones in the skin and lung. After 6 cycles of chemotherapy/localized external radiotherapy, the patient had a partial skin response and stable lung disease. A preferred diagnosis of GSS with systemic spread was made based on clinical/histologic/molecular findings, after considering granulomatous mycosis fungoides and peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified. This case highlights the frequent diagnostic difficulty in distinguishing GSS from an inflammatory granulomatous dermatitis. Pulmonary and esophageal involvements are rare in GSS, and the simultaneous presentation of characteristic cutaneous GSS with systemic disease poses an additional classification challenge.