Allergy Skin Research Articles

Allergies, asthma, and sleep problems in adults who stutter

PurposePrevious studies have suggested that allergies, asthma, and sleep problems are prevalent in those who stutter. This study analyzed similar data for a broad age group of adults who stutter (AWS). MethodData from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed. Adults from 18 to 60 + years of age reported a) to have stuttered, b) to have had any allergy, asthma, or acid reflux, c) to have had insomnia/trouble sleeping and daytime negative consequences, and d) average sleeping hours per day in the past 12 months. ResultsThe sample included 320 AWS and 33,043 controls. AWS were at greater odds of respiratory, food, and skin allergies (OR = 2.38, 2.36, and 2.09, respectively), as well as asthma and acid reflux (OR = 2.30 and 2.01, respectively) than controls. AWS were at greater odds of insomnia/trouble sleeping, oversleeping, excessive sleepiness, and fatigue than controls (OR = 2.11, 1.71, 2.67, and 1.81, respectively). The subgroup of AWS with no allergy, asthma, and acid reflux were also at greater odds of insomnia/trouble sleeping and excessive sleepiness than controls (OR = 2.13 and 3.11, respectively). Differences were found in specific age groups: younger/middle-aged AWS reported more allergies, asthma, and acid reflux than controls, while older AWS did not; younger/middle-aged AWS reported more insomnia/trouble sleeping than controls, while older AWS reported more oversleeping. ConclusionsFindings on younger and middle-aged AWS are similar to previous ones on children and adolescents who stutter. Differences regarding younger/middle-aged and older AWS could be consequence of environmental variables.

The Relationship Between Gastroenterological, Skin and Allergic Diseases: Myths, Abuses, Reality (Literature Review)

Every day, a person comes into contact with harmful factors of the external and internal environment. This creates a colossal impact on the barrier protection of our body, which is based on the skin, mucous membrane and gastrointestinal tract (GIT). They are the first to come into contact with mechanical, chemical and biological factors. Their integral and close relationship is the foundation for maintaining homeostasis in our body. Disorders of their integral protection can cause a number of diseases both on the part of the skin and mucous membrane, and GIT. In addition, it is the cause of numerous errors in the doctor’s practice, which primarily affect the physical and psychological state of the patient. The idea of writing the article came from numerous discussions of the co-authors, who are practicing gastroenterologists and scientists. Many gastroenterologists are faced with the irrational referral of a patient by a dermatologist or allergist with any skin symptoms or allergies to consult a gastroenterologist. Referrals without a prior diagnosis, or at least referring a patient to a gastroenterologist without a specific suspicion of a specific GIT disease, should be avoided. Support such as “it’s your liver”, “treat your gallbladder”, “the problem should be looked for internally, go to a gastroenterologist” is not accepted. Another mistake is the complete ignoring of such a referral by a gastroenterologist. The phrase “find another dermatologist” is also not an option. The purpose of this article is to improve the approaches among doctors of all specialties, primarily dermatologists, allergists, and gastroenterologists, in the management of patients with skin syndrome or allergies.

Effective Nano carriers used as a Targeted drug delivery in Mycosis: A Comprehensive Review

Candida infections, particularly C. albicans, infect the skin, nails, mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal tracts. Cutaneous and mucosal manifestations can be divided into clinical syndromes. The incidence of superficial and systemic fungal infections has increased due to severe diseases and immunosuppressant therapies. Obesity and diabetes mellitus are leading predisposing factors for cutaneous candidiasis. Cutaneous mycoses are a severe skin and underlying skin disease endemic in tropical countries, causingsevere medical and socioeconomic impacts on patients, communities, and health services. Fungal infections have surged in recent years, especially in humid and industrialized regions, with severity ranging from mild to life-threatening systemic infections. Certain drugs, such as polyenes, azoles, and echinocandins, are approved for treating infections, but some fungi have developed resistance to these drugs. Large-scale studies on novel targeting strategies and formulations are being conducted to counter drug resistance, gaining momentum in recent times. Conventional formulations have limitations like high doses, frequent dosing, and various side effects. The emergence of nanotechnology and its applications has been facilitated by overcoming these limiting factors. Formulation scientists can now encapsulate potential drug moieties into nanocarriers, allowing for prolonged release and improved permeation in gels or creams, for targeted effect. This review explores new targeting strategies and the use of nanocarriers for topically administered for the treatment of fungal infections like mycosis, skin allergy etc. This approach provides new opportunities for continuous and sustained research in pharmaceuticals, resulting in more effective outcomes.

Transdermal Sensing of Enzyme Biomarker Enabled by Chemo-Responsive Probe-Modified Epidermal Microneedle Patch in Human Skin Tissue.

Wearable bioelectronics represents a significant breakthrough in healthcare settings, particularly in (bio)sensing which offers an alternative way to track individual health for diagnostics and therapy. However, there has been no notable improvement in the field of cancer, particularly for skin cancer. Here, a wearable bioelectronic patch is established for transdermal sensing of the melanoma biomarker, tyrosinase (Tyr), using a microneedle array integrated with a surface-bound chemo-responsive smart probe to enable target-specific electrochemical detection of Tyr directly from human skin tissue. The results presented herein demonstrate the feasibility of a transdermal microneedle sensor for direct quantification of enzyme biomarkers in an ex vivo skin model. Initial performance analysis of the transdermal microneedle sensor proves that the designed methodology can be an alternative for fast and reliable diagnosis of melanoma and the evaluation of skin moles. The innovative approach presented here may revolutionize the landscape of skin monitoring by offering a nondisruptive means for continuous surveillance and timely intervention of skin anomalies, such as inflammatory skin diseases or allergies and can be extended to the screening of multiple responses of complementary biomarkers with simple modification in device design.

Prevalence of skin problems caused by insulin pump therapy and associated factors in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A large cross-sectional survey in China

AimsTo document the prevalence of skin problems associated with insulin pump use and identify contributing factors among children with type 1 diabetes mellitus in China. MethodsIn total, 461 children were recruited from an online community (i.e., a Wechat group) of pediatric patients with T1DM. A self-developed questionnaire was filled in by parents, collecting the information on social demographics, disease, and insulin pump therapy related characteristics and skin problems. We applied the Mann–Whitney U test, Chi square test and logistic regression analysis to identify the factors associated with skin problems. ResultsOf the 461 responders, 308 (66.8 %) children were reported to have skin problems. More specifically, 38.8 % had pigmentation changes, 22.3 % allergy/dermatitis, 20.2 % scaring, 11.5 % pain, 10.8 % infection, 10.6 % subcutaneous lipohypertrophy, and 6.1 % lipoatrophy. Logistic regression analysis showed that independent associated factors of skin problems were the caregiver’s educational level as college or above, patient having skin allergies, and using the Brand 2 insulin pump (p values < 0.05). ConclusionsThe present study documents the prevalence of skin problems and identifies associated factors, such as caregiver’s education, patients skin allergies, and using a specific brand of pump. Health education should address these factors in addition to the traditionally emphasized factors.

Safety and margin positivity rates of surgeon-performed intraoperative ultrasound-guided wire localization for breast cancer

BackgroundSurgeon-performed intraoperative ultrasound-guided wire localization (IOL) offers an improved patient experience and decreased cost compared to preoperative localization by radiology, yet literature on this technique is sparse. Here we evaluate the safety and margin positivity rate after surgeon-performed IOL for breast cancer. MethodsPatients with biopsy-proven breast malignancy and planned breast conservation who underwent IOL by a single breast surgeon between 2017–2023 and had follow-up at our institution were retrospectively identified. Patient and tumor characteristics, method of diagnosis, imaging findings, use of oncoplastic surgery, and follow-up data were analyzed. ResultsA total of 137 IOLs were performed for biopsy-proven ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive cancer. The median patient age was 69 years. Most patients had a non-palpable tumor (n = 104, 76.5%). 84.6% of patients underwent pre-operative biopsy by ultrasound guidance, 12.5% by stereotactic guidance, and 2.9% by MRI. In total, 7.3% of patients (n = 10) had positive margins, including 2 with invasive disease at the margin and 8 with DCIS at the margin. Nine patients underwent re-excision for positive or close margins, of which 8 had successful margin-negative breast conservation and 1 patient underwent mastectomy. Thirty-day postoperative complications occurred in 21 patients (15.3%). Of these, most (n = 19, 90.4%) had minor complications including seroma (n = 14), cellulitis (n = 3), and skin allergy (n = 2). At median follow-up of 20.4 months, no patients experienced recurrence. ConclusionsIn our single-surgeon series, IOL is a safe technique for localization of invasive carcinoma and DCIS with margin positivity, re-excision, and postoperative complication rates within previously published ranges. SynopsisThis study evaluates the safety of and re-excision rates after intraoperative surgeon-performed ultrasound-guided wire localization (IOL) for breast cancer. Results demonstrate margin positivity and re-excision rates equivalent to or lower than rates reported in literature utilizing preoperative localization techniques.

Acupoint application for Hashimoto's thyroiditis with liver-qi stagnation: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of acupoint application for Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) with liver-qi stagnation. One hundred and fifty patients of HT with liver-qi stagnation were randomly divided into an acupoint application group (75 cases, 11 cases were excluded, 5 cases dropped out) and a control group (75 cases, 12 cases excluded, 3 cases dropped out). Based on the health education combined with conventional western medicine treatment, the patients in the acupoint application group were treated with acupoint application, while the patients in the control group were treated with placebo acupoint application. Shenque (CV 8), bilateral Yongquan (KI 1), Yeshi, and ashi point were selected in both groups, with Yeshi treated once a week and the remaining acupoints treated every other day, for a total of 4 weeks. The serum levels of thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as the thickness of thyroid left lobe, right lobe, and isthmus, TCM symptom score, hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) score, and MOS 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Adverse reactions in both groups were observed. Compared with before treatment, in the acupoint application group, the serum levels of TgAb and TPOAb were reduced after treatment (P<0.05), and the scores of role physical (RP), body pain (BP), vitality (VT), role emotional (RE), and mental health (MH) in SF-36 were increased after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.001). The thickness of the thyroid isthmus after treatment was smaller than that before treatment (P<0.05), and the TCM symptom scores and HADS anxiety (HADS-A) scores after treatment were lower than those before treatment (P<0.001, P<0.01) in both groups. In the control group, the scores of physical function (PF), RP, BP, VT, and RE in SF-36 after treatment were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in serum FT3, FT4, and TSH levels within the groups (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the above indexes between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the acupoint application group and the control group was 20.0% (15/75) and 10.7% (8/75) respectively, with skin allergy being the main adverse reaction. Acupoint application could reduce the serum levels of TgAb and TPOAb in patients of HT with liver-qi stagnation, alleviate thyroid enlargement, improve TCM symptoms and anxiety, and improve quality of life, with safe and reliable clinical efficacy.

Evaluation of hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, skin irritation and allergy, and antimicrobial properties of active fraction from the ethanol extract of Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob

Ethnopharmacological relevanceChromolaenaodorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob, a perennial herb, has been traditionally utilized as a herbal remedy for treating leech bites, soft tissue wounds, burn wounds, skin infections, and dento-alveolitis in tropical and subtropical regions. Aim of the studyThe present study was to analyze the active fraction of C. odorata ethanol extract and investigate its hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the safety of the active fraction as an external preparation was assessed through skin irritation and allergy tests. Materials and methodsThe leaves and stems of C. odorata were initially extracted with ethanol, followed by purification through AB-8 macroporous adsorption resin column chromatography to yield different fractions. These fractions were then screened for hemostatic activity in mice and rabbits to identify the active fraction. Subsequently, the hemostatic effect of the active fraction was assessed through the bleeding time of the rabbit ear artery in vivo and the coagulant time of rabbit blood in vitro. The anti-inflammatory activity of the active fraction was tested on mice ear edema induced by xylene and rat paw edema induced by carrageenin. Furthermore, the active fraction's promotion effect on wound healing was evaluated using a rat skin injury model, and skin safety tests were conducted on rabbits and guinea pigs. Lastly, antimicrobial activities against two Gram-positive bacteria (G+, Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis) and three Gram-negative bacteria (G−, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were determined using the plate dilution method. ResultsThe ethanol extract of C. odorata leaves and stems was fractionated into 30%, 60%, and 90% ethanol eluate fractions. These fractions demonstrated hemostatic activity, with the 30% ethanol eluate fraction (30% EEF) showing the strongest effect, significantly reducing bleeding time (P < 0.05). A concentration of 1.0 g/mL of the 30% EEF accelerated cutaneous wound healing in rats on the 3rd, 6th, and 9th day post-operation, with the healing effect increasing over time. No irritation or allergy reactions were observed in rabbits and guinea pigs exposed to the 30% EEF. Additionally, the 30% EEF exhibited mild inhibitory effect on mice ear and rat paw edema, as well as antimicrobial activity against tested bacteria, with varying minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. ConclusionsThe 30% EEF demonstrated a clear hemostatic effect on rabbit bleeding time, a slight inhibitory effect on mice ear edema and rat paw edema, significant wound healing activity in rats, and no observed irritation or allergic reactions. Antibacterial activity was observed against certain clinically isolated bacteria, particularly the G− bacteria. This study lays the groundwork for the potential development and application of C. odorata in wound treatment.

A comparison of healthcare utilization and outcomes following skin vs. serum-specific IgE allergy testing

Objective To compare the cost, healthcare utilization, and outcomes between skin and serum-specific IgE (sIgE) allergy testing. Methods This retrospective cohort study used IBM® MarketScan claims data, from which commercially insured individuals who initiated allergy testing between January 1 and December 31, 2018 with at least 12 months of enrollment data before and after index testing date were included. Cost of allergy testing per patient was estimated by testing pattern: skin only, sIgE only, or both. Multivariable linear regression was used to compare healthcare utilization and outcomes, including office visits, allergy and asthma-related prescriptions, and emergency department (ED) and urgent care (UC) visits between skin and sIgE testing at 1-year post testing (α = 0.05). Results The cohort included 168,862 patients, with a mean (SD) age of 30.8 (19.5) years; 100,666 (59.7%) were female. Over half of patients (56.4%, n = 95,179) had skin only testing, followed by 57,291 patients with sIgE only testing and 16,212 patients with both testing. The average cost of allergy testing per person in the first year was $430 (95% CI $426–433) in patients with skin only testing, $187 (95% CI $183–190) in patients with sIgE only testing, and $532 (95% CI $522–542) in patients with both testing. At 1-year follow-up post testing, there were slight increases in allergy and asthma-related prescriptions, and notable decreases in ED visits by 17.0–17.4% and in UC visits by 10.9–12.6% for all groups (all p < 0.01). Patients with sIgE-only testing had 3.2 fewer allergist/immunologist visits than patients with skin-only testing at 1-year follow-up (p < 0.001). Their healthcare utilization and outcomes were otherwise comparable. Conclusions Allergy testing, regardless of the testing method used, is associated with decreases in ED and UC visits at 1-year follow-up. sIgE allergy testing is associated with lower testing cost and fewer allergist/immunologist visits, compared to skin testing.

Substituting the epoxy curing agent with a greener solution-towards sustainability

Traditionally, resins and hardeners are produced by chemical and petroleum industries. These industries make use of non-renewable energy resources like fossil fuels for manufacturing the resins and curing agents. In addition, most of the conventional curing agents used in epoxy resins are highly noxious in nature causing skin allergies and asthma. The green epoxy resin is capable of reducing these toxic effects but have few shortcomings including its cost and the mechanical performance of cured epoxy resin. On the other hand, there is a dearth of investigation in the evolution of green or sustainable curing agents known as bio-binders. This paper presents the prediction of mechanical properties by replacement of conventional curing agent with amine derivative synthesized from bio-degradable resource in a thermoset epoxy resin system. The properties are predicted by molecular dynamics simulations using Materials Studio Software.Graphical

Amber (Succinite) Extract Enhances Glucose Uptake through the Up-Regulation of ATP and Down-Regulation of ROS in Mouse C2C12 Cells.

Traditionally, amber (Succinite) has been used to alleviate all types of pain, skin allergies, and headaches. However, no studies have been conducted on its antidiabetic and antioxidant effects. In this study, differentiated skeletal muscle C2C12 cells were used to demonstrate the protective effects of amber (AMB) against H2O2-induced cell death. In addition, the effects of AMB on glucose uptake and ATP production were investigated. Our results showed that AMB at 10, 25, and 50 μg/mL suppressed the elevation of ROS production induced by H2O2 in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, AMB enhanced glucose utilization in C2C12 cells through the improvement of ATP production and an increase in PGC-1α gene expression resulting in an amelioration of mitochondrial activity. On the other hand, AMB significantly increased the gene expression of glucose transporters GLUT4 and GLUT1. Our finding suggests that AMB can be used as a natural supplement for diabetes treatment and for the promotion of skeletal muscle function.

Effect of low-intensity focused ultrasound therapy on postpartum uterine involution in puerperal women: A randomized controlled trial.

Short-term poor uterine involution manifests as uterine contraction weakness. This is one of the important causes of postpartum hemorrhage, posing a serious threat to the mother's life and safety. The study aims to investigate whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) can effectively shorten lochia duration, alleviate postpartum complications, and accelerate uterine involution compared with the sham treatment. A multicenter, concealed, randomized, blinded, and sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted across three medical centers involving 176 subjects, utilizing a parallel group design. Enrollment occurred between October 2019 and September 2020, with a 42-day follow-up period. Participants meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria based on normal prenatal examinations were randomly divided into the LIFUS group or the sham operation group via computer-generated randomization. Patients in the LIFUS group received usual care with the LIFUS protocol, wherein a LIFUS signal was transmitted to the uterine site through coupling gel, or sham treatment, where no low-intensity ultrasound signal output was emitted. The primary outcome, lochia duration, was assessed via weekly telephonic follow-ups post-discharge. The involution of the uterus, measured by uterine fundus height, served as the secondary outcome. Among the 256 subjects screened for eligibility, 176 subjects were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the LIFUS group (n = 88) or the Sham group (n = 88). Data on the height of the uterine fundus were obtained from all the patients, with 696 out of 704 measurements (99%) successfully recorded. Overall, a statistically significant difference was noted in time to lochia termination (hazard ratio: 2.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.82-3.85; P < 0.001). The decline in fundal height exhibited notable discrepancies between the two groups following the second treatment session (mean difference: -1.74; 95% CI: -1.23 to -2.25; P < 0.001) and the third treatment session (mean difference: -3.26; 95% CI: -2.74 to -3.78; P < 0.001) after delivery. None of the subjects had any adverse reactions, such as skin damage or allergies during the treatment. This study found that LIFUS treatment can promote uterine involution and abbreviate the duration of postpartum lochia. Ultrasound emerges as a safe and effective intervention, poised to address further clinical inquiries in the domain of postpartum rehabilitation.

Formulation, development, and characterization of loratadine emulgel

Background: This study was to develop loratadine (LTD) emulgels to treat localized skin allergy. Method: Initially oil-in-water emulsion was prepared by 3 different types of surfactants &amp; finally gelling agent carbopol 940 was incorporated into emulsion to produce emulgel (i.e., standard conventional method). Results: The developed formulations were characterized using various parameters including particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), polydispersity index (PDI), entrapment efficacy (EE), pH, extrusion efficacy, physical stability, in-vitro drug release studies, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PS, EE, PDI, ZP and In-vitro studies ranges between 186.25 ± 6.42 mm (LE-F4) to 395.24 ± 8.64 mm (LE-F1), 62.38 ± 0.36 % (LE-F2) to 76.48 ± 0.69 % (LE-F4), 0.276 ± 0.02 (LE-F4) to 0.652 ± 0.02 (LE-F1), 16.45 ± 2.13 mV (LE-F1) to 29.46 ± 2.78 mV (LE-F3) and 21.90 ± 0.3 % (LE-F1) to 68.30±0.9 % (LE-F4) respectively. Conclusion: Based on all physicochemical properties, LE-F4 formulation was considered to be optimized with minimum PS (186.25±6.42 nm), PDI (0.276±0.02), satisfactory positive surface charge (23.15 ± 1.89 mV) and maximum EE (76.48±0.69 %). FTIR studies were confirmed that there is no physical interaction between drug and excipients and SEM studies revealed that vesicle size was spherical with smooth texture. A significantly greater rate of drug release (i.e., 68.30 ± 0.90%) was seen in the LTD emulgels that were made with cationic surfactant (i.e., LE-F4) and found to be good spreadability and extrudability.

Skin Examination Analysis System Using Ayurvedic Interpretation

A human skin moisture measuring device having an interdigitated resistive sensor formed on a plate-like transparent Support is described, with a face designed to be placed into contact with the skin to be subjected to the moisture degree measurement. We can estimate/measure Skin Colour Index , Skin Texture Index, Skin Allergies Index , Skin Radical Index, Means for processing the signal coming from the interdigitated resistive sensor and from the image sensing means give as output a value of the measured moisture degree that is normalized with respect to the actual Surface of contact between skin and sensor. KeyWords: AI/MI,SKIN INDEX

Morphological and Anatomical Study to The Colchicum szovitsii from Colchicaceae Family in Iraq

Background: Colchicum szovitsii it is a wild perennial herbaceous plant grows in Iraq, it is medical and poisonous herb contain colchicine (alkaloid have cytotoxic effects) especially in corm and seeds. All parts are highly toxic if eaten. Handling of corms may cause skin allergy. Methods: This investigation present morphological and anatomical features of this plant for the first time in Iraq. (3) Results: The corm shape oblong to oblong-ovoid, the shape of the leaf is linear to oblong-lanceolate, undifferentiated perianth with 6 white oblanceolate tepals, the stamens epiphyllous. The anatomical study observed isolateral leaf, uniseriate epidermis and anomocytic stomata, and the mesophyll consisting many layers of irregular spongy paranchyma (chloranchyma), the type of vascular bundle is collateral. Conclusions: In this study we found that C. szovitsii distributed in Iraq have different morphological and anatomical features from the same species in Turkey and Iran like the dimension of corms, leaves, stamens, filament, anthers and capsule.

Impact of allergic rhinitis on quality of life in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of allergic rhinitis (AR) on the quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). MethodsRetrospective cross-sectional study of adult patients with CRS presenting to our clinic between August 2020 and February 2023 was performed. AR was diagnosed based on a positive skin or blood allergy test. Patients' characteristics, AR status, comorbidities, endoscopy scores, and SNOT-22 scores were collected. ResultsA total of 514 CRS patients were included, with 265 (51.6 %) patients with AR. CRS patients with AR were younger (p = 0.004), more likely to be female (p < 0.001), and more likely to have asthma (p < 0.001). Polyp status and endoscopy scores did not differ between patients with and without AR. Baseline SNOT-22 scores were slightly worse in the AR cohort (43.6 vs 38.7, p = 0.007), which was mainly secondary to rhinologic (p = 0.002), extrarhinologic (p = 0.007), and ear/facial (p = 0.007) subdomains. Worse rhinologic and extrarhinologic scores were associated with the presence of AR after adjusting for confounding variables (Coef = 1.55, p = 0.011; and Coef = 0.83, p = 0.021 respectively). ConclusionThe impact of allergic rhinitis on QoL is mainly on the nasal symptoms. Further studies should look at the role of AR on the QoL of different CRS endotypes; and at the role of AR-specific treatment, such as immunotherapy, on the QoL of patients with CRS.

Repeated-dose toxicity and toxicokinetic study of isobutylparaben in rats subcutaneously treated for 13weeks.

Parabens have historically served as antimicrobial preservatives in a range of consumables such as food, beverages, medications, and personal care products due to their broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal properties. Traditionally, these compounds were believed to exhibit low toxicity, causing minimal irritation, and possessing limited sensitization potential. However, recent evidence suggests that parabens might function as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Consequently, extensive research is underway to elucidate potential human health implications arising from exposure to these substances. Among these parabens, particular concerns have been raised regarding the potential adverse effects of iso-butylparaben (IBP). Studies have specifically highlighted its potential for inducing hormonal disruption, significant ocular damage, and allergic skin reactions. This study aimed to evaluate the prolonged systemic toxicity, semen quality, and estrus cycle in relation to endocrine disruption endpoints, alongside assessing the toxicokinetic behavior of IBP in Sprague-Dawley rats following a 13-week repeated subcutaneous administration. The rats were administered either the vehicle (4% Tween 80) or IBP at dosage levels of 2, 10, and 50mg/kg/day for 13weeks. Blood collection for toxicokinetic study was conducted on three specified days: day 1 (1st), day 30 (2nd), and day 91 (3rd). Systemic toxicity assessment and potential endocrine effects were based on various parameters including mortality rates, clinical signs, body weights, food and water consumption, ophthalmological findings, urinalysis, hematological and clinical biochemistry tests, organ weights, necropsy and histopathological findings, estrus cycle regularity, semen quality, and toxicokinetic behavior. The findings revealed that IBP induced local irritation at the injection site in males at doses ≥ 10mg/kg/day and in females at 50mg/kg/day; however, systemic toxicity was not observed. Consequently, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for IBP was determined to be 50mg/kg/day in rats of both sexes, indicating no impact on the endocrine system. The toxicokinetics of IBP exhibited dose-dependent systemic exposure, reaching a maximum dose of 50mg/kg/day, and repeated administration over 13weeks showed no signs of accumulation.

Synthesis of Cobalt Ferrite Nanocomposite Coated with Aluminum Oxide and Application in Protein Removal Process in Natural Rubber

Proteins in latex are the main cause of unwanted effects for users, such as skin allergies and unpleasant odors. Therefore, it is necessary to remove protein from rubber latex before putting it into production. The study presents a method and process for synthesizing CoFe2O4 (CFO) magnetic nanoparticles coated on the surface with an Al2O3 coating. Then, based on the surface adsorption mechanism of the Al2O3 coating, the protein in the latex is adsorbed and recovered from the solution by the magnetism of the CFO magnetic core. The CFO material synthesized by the co-precipitation method has an evenly distributed spherical shape, size 27.3 nm, from a saturation of 53.9 emu/g. The synthesized CFO@Al2O3 has an evenly distributed spherical shape, size 56.2 nm, from a saturation of 39.07 emu/g, and a surface area of 216.75 m2/g. The CFO@Al2O3 nanoparticles have the ability to separate proteins up to 96.71% and have been researched and proven by the Kjeldahl method.

Occurrence of alkyl glucosides in rinse-off cosmetics marketed as hypoallergenic or for sensitive skin.

Rinse-off cosmetic products, primarily shampoos, are frequently implicated in the onset of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by alkyl glucosides (AGs). AGs are increasingly popular surfactants and known contact allergens. Glucoside-induced ACD was most frequently observed with shampoos and skin-cleansing products in both consumer and occupational settings. Thereby, studies have shown that atopic individuals are the most susceptible to ACD. Also, several investigations have indicated that individuals with sensitive skin might be more prone to skin allergies. This is why the presence of AGs was investigated in shampoos and body cleansers marketed as hypoallergenic or for sensitive skin. For this purpose, the website of Amazon.com was surveyed. Four groups of cosmetics were obtained by using the following keywords: "hypoallergenic shampoo for adults," "sensitive skin shampoo for adults," "hypoallergenic body cleanser for adults," and "sensitive skin body cleanser for adults." The first 30 best-selling cosmetics in each group were investigated for the presence of AGs, by analyzing the product information pages. The results showed that as much as 56.7% of hypoallergenic shampoos contained AGs, as ingredients, whereas the percentage was somewhat lower for other product categories. Even though decyl and lauryl glucoside were nearly ubiquitously used AGs in cosmetics over the past decade, the most commonly present AG in our analysis was coco-glucoside. The results of this study indicated a necessity to include coco-glucoside in the baseline series of patch testing allergens. Industry, regulators, and healthcare providers should be made aware of the frequent presence of AGs in rinse-off cosmetic products marketed as hypoallergenic or for sensitive skin to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers and patients.

Risk of Trace Element Imbalance in Cases of Occupational Allergic Diseases

Introduction: The relevance of the study is attributed to the lack of knowledge of the mechanisms of development and specifics of the clinical picture of occupational allergic diseases. Objective: To establish the levels of essential trace elements in biological substrates of patients with occupational allergies. Materials and methods: In 2014–2018, we analyzed zinc and copper levels in urine, blood serum, and lymphocytes of patients with occupational allergic skin and respiratory diseases by the atomic absorption method. Relative risk was calculated using a four-field contingency table. Results: In patients with work-related allergic contact dermatitis and bronchial asthma, zinc and copper concentrations in blood serum increased while urinary excretion of these elements decreased. Quantitative patterns of the concentrations of trace elements in body fluids of the patients with skin and respiratory allergies were unidirectional compared to the reference group. Relative risk values showed that lower levels of copper in urine and zinc in blood serum and lymphocytes, as well as higher serum copper indicated the risk of trace element imbalance in the body. Conclusion: The risk of trace element imbalance due to occupational allergic diseases is associated with impaired copper and zinc balance. Our findings prove that the levels of microelements are additional factors that aggravate the course of occupational allergic disorders.