Hydration Values Research Articles

Efficacy and Safety Assessment of Topical Omega Fatty Acid Product in Experimental Model of Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Randomized Controlled Trial

Contact dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disease that often requires prescription therapy and is associated with adverse reactions. Omega fatty acids have been recognized for their anti-inflammatory effect and could serve as a safer option in contact dermatitis treatment. Therefore, the aim of this randomized controlled study, conducted at the University of Split School of Medicine, was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of omega fatty acids containing topical products in an experimental model of irritant contact dermatitis. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials (NCT06189144) and is closed. The primary outcomes were levels of transepidermal water loss, skin hydration, and skin erythema, all measured using an MPA6 device in 25 healthy participants. A significant difference was observed between the hydration values of the intervention (45.7 ± 12.4) and control groups (31.6 ± 12.3) (p < 0.05) on final measurements (day 10). Moreover, higher erythema levels were observed in participants who were smokers, compared to non-smokers. No adverse drug reactions were observed during the study period. In conclusion, omega fatty acids topical product use shows promise in the treatment of irritant contact dermatitis, and further studies are needed to evaluate efficacy in a larger sample of patients.

Heatmap Evaluation of Facial Hydration Using a Novel Python Program.

Evaluating cleansers and moisturizers provides important information to guide clinicians in the recommendation of these products. This project was performed to visualize skin hydration via heatmap after the use of a gentle skin cleanser (GSC) and moisturizing lotion (ML). Half-face, intra-individual open-label study in healthy volunteers. Cleanser was administered in a single application that was then wiped off the face. Moisturizing lotion was applied at least once-daily for one week. Hydration measurements were made at 30 pre-defined points on half of the face, at baseline, and 30 minutes post-application; an additional assessment at week 1 was made for the moisturizing lotion. Heatmaps were generated using Python programming software to interpolate hydration values to colors that were then superimposed onto the volunteer's facial image.  Results: Five subjects completed the cleanser assessments, and 5 subjects completed the 30-minute evaluation for the lotion, with 4 completing the week 1 assessment. There was a visible shift in skin hydration post-GSC application from values approximately in the 12-42 AU (arbitrary unit) range to 30-60 AU at 30 minutes. Similarly, there was a shift in hydration from baseline to 30 minutes that continued to increase through week 1 of ML use. This innovative heatmap data generation showed a clear, visual change in hydration over time. There was a visible shift in hydration values from baseline to 30 minutes after application of cleanser; hydration also improved after use of moisturizing lotion at 30 minutes and increased after week 1 application.  J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(6):463-465.     doi:10.36849/JDD.8221.

Niosome gels encapsulate green mangosteen peel extract (Garcinia mangostana L.) as an anti-acne-inducing bacterial and anti-inflammatory activity

This research aims to develop a niosome gel from green mangosteen peel extract (Garcinia mangostana L.) by maceration with an ethanol solvent. The result of the yield percentage was 14.35 ± 0.90. The result of analyzing the phytochemicals by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was that tannin and xanthone were equal to 0.7483 ± 0.0825 mg per 100 mg of extract and 0.02964 ± 0.0088 mg per 100 mg of extract, respectively. The results of the determination of the effect include anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial (Cutibacterium acnes) as anti-inflammatory with nitric oxide from LPS-induced macrophage cells up to a maximum equal to 29.10 ± 4.78% as a concentration at 1 mg mL–1 as acetonide can inhibit nitric oxide equal to 33.12 ± 3.62% as a concentration at 1 mg mL–1. and anti-bacterial (Cutibacterium acnes) by broth microdilution and drop plate methods, it was found that clindamycin has a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 0.08 μg mL–1 and 0.31 μg mL–1, respectively. The development of niosomes consisting of cholesterol, tween 60, and mangosteen peel extract at 1% w w–1 and 2% w w–1 in every formula showed good stability. The reduction of particle size in the formula by an ultrasonic bath at 30 minutes and measurement of particle size with a transmission electron microscope (TEM) were found to be equal to 1,265 and 123 – 219 nm, respectively. The polydispersity index (PDI) was in the range of 0.1 – 0.2, and the zeta potential value was in the range of –26.15 to –28.61 mV. The result of hydration and trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) was found to be that after 4 weeks of use, the formula containing the niosomes of mangosteen peel extract concentrated at 2% w w–1 maximizes skin moisture. It has a value of 346 ± 39.27 and has the least surface water loss. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT HIGHLIGHTS The green mangosteen peel extract (Garcinia mangostana L.) can inhibiting nitric oxide production from LPS-induced macrophage cells up to 29.10 ± 4.78% at a concentration of 1 mg ml-1, the lowest inhibitory (MIC) and kill (MBC) concentration of C. acnes bacteria less than 0.24 mg ml-1. The particle size of niosomes encapsulate extracts before reducing particle size equal to 1,265 nm. and after reducing particle size in the range of 123 - 219 nm. The skin hydration value after using product for 4 weeks as niosome gel encapsulate extract 2%w w-1 of extract was maximum moisture and minimal water loss.

Ctrl-X, Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V in Veterinary Dermatology: Skin microbiota transplantation as a promising approach for dogs with cutaneous adverse food reactions

The probability of influencing the skin microbiome for addressing skin disorders opens a novel aisle of therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of skin microbiota transplantation (sMt) for cutaneous adverse food reactions (caFr) in dogs. Ten client-owned dogs with caFr were included in the study. Unenriched heterologous sMt was performed using Nivea Skin Refining Clear-Up Strips (N-cUs). The bacterial microbiota of skin samples was analysed by next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Other relevant biomarkers were involved in VAS (visual analogue scale of pruritus score), CADESI-04 (canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index) and epidermal corneometric analysis. Increased Faecalibacterium (0 to 1.9 %), Peptoclostridium (5.49 % to 9.11 %) and Collinsella (0.65 % to 8.91 %), and decreased Fusobacterium (19.16 % to 9.06 %), Porphyromona (8.75 % to 0.13 %), Streptococcus (1.63 % to 0.14 %) and Staphylococcus (1.09 % to 0.49 %) was evidenced before and after sMt, respectively. Treatment with sMt effectively controlled clinical signs and drastically reduced median VAS pruritus (6.5 vs. 2) and CADESI-04 scores (74.50±22.62 to 19.30±11.30) (p<0,001). In addition, skin pH and hydration values were improved (p<0,001) after sMt. The heterologous and unenriched sMt with N-cUs could be responsible for the clinical recovery observed in this study.

The effectiveness of ceramide moisturizing cream in pruritic papular eruption treatment of HIV/AIDS patients

Background: Pruritic papular eruption (PPE) is one of the most common skin manifestations in HIV/AIDS patients. Pruritic papular eruptions are due to immune dysregulation, causing dominance of interleukin-4, which causes a decrease in ceramide synthesis (CER) and impaired skin barrier function. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of CER over non-CER moisturizing cream in HIV/AIDS patients with PPE. Methods: Double-blind experimental design. The research subjects are PPE patients at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital. CER and non-CER moisturizing cream are applied for three weeks, respectively. Analysis of the trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, and itching were analyzed using an unpaired T-test or the Mann-Whitney test with a significance of p<0.05. Results: Ceramide synthesis moisturizing cream decreased the TEWL value by 3.56 ± 2.38 g/m2/hour; increased the value of skin hydration by 16.39±7.19 a.u.; decreased skin lesions by 0.79 ± 4.95; reduced itching by 1.54 ± 0.78 and without causing side effects. Non-CER moisturizing cream decreased the TEWL value by 1.57 ± 2.00 g/m2/hour; increased the value of skin hydration by 12.03 ± 6.88 a.u.; decreased skin lesions by 1.42 ± 3.00; reduced itching by 1.17 ± 0.70 and also without causing side effects. Conclusion: Ceramide cream is more effective than non-CER moisturizing cream in reducing TEWL and increasing skin hydration. Ceramide and non-CER moisturizing creams have the same effectiveness in reducing the number of lesions and reducing itching. Ceramide and non-CER moisturizing creams do not cause side effects.

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНАЯ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА АНТРОПОМЕТРИЧЕСКИХ И БИОИМПЕДАНСОМЕТРИЧЕСКИХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ РОССИЙСКИХ И ИНОСТРАННЫХ СТУДЕНТОВ СЕВЕРО-ВОСТОЧНОГО ФЕДЕРАЛЬНОГО УНИВЕРСИТЕТА

To study the adaptation processes of foreign students, the most accessible and informative is to determine their morphofunctional status. The purpose of the study was to conduct a comparative characterization of anthropometric and bioimpedance indicators of yakut and arab students. Materials and methods: 166 young men of yakut nationality and 43 arab boys, natives of Egypt, whose average age was 19,9±0,25 years, were examined. All the examined were 1st year students of the Medical Institute of the North-Eastern Federal University. Anthropometric and bioimpedance measurements were carried out, and an index assessment of physical development was given. The methods of parametric and nonparametric statistics are used. Results and conclusion: Significantly high indices of body weight, chest circumference, buttock girth and antero-posterior chest diameter were established in arab boys. Yakuts have significantly higher shoulder diameter values. Arab boys are more likely to register persons with increased body density according to the Yarho-Kaupe index, high physical development according to the Rohrer index, persons with increased body weight and obesity according to the body mass index. The indices of active and reactive tissue resistance were significantly higher in yakut boys. Significantly high values of total hydration, musculoskeletal mass and lean mass were recorded in arab boys. Among the yakut boys, a significantly large proportion of persons with a high value and the absence of persons with a low value of the phase angle were identified. The obtained results of bioimpedance analysis indicate the best condition of the body's cells, the level of overall performance and metabolic intensity in yakut boys.

Mapping the genetic architecture of low-temperature stress tolerance in citron watermelon.

Sweet-fleshed watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is an important vegetable crop of the tropical origin. It is widely grown and consumed around the world for its hydration and nutritional quality values. Low-temperature stress can affect early planting, seedling establishment, and expansion of crop production to new areas. A collection of 122 citron watermelon (Citrullus amarus) accessions were obtained from the USDA's National Plant Germplasm Repository System gene bank in Griffin, GA. The accessions were genotyped using whole genome resequencing to generate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) molecular markers and screened under cold-stressed and non-stressed control conditions. Four low-temperature stress tolerance related traits including shoot biomass, vine length, maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II, and chlorophyll content were measured under cold-stressed and non-stressed control treatment conditions. Correlation analysis revealed the presence of positive relationships among traits. Broad-sense heritability for all traits ranged from 0.35 to 0.73, implying the presence of genetic contributions to the observed phenotypic variation. Genomic regions underlying these traits across several citron watermelon chromosomes were identified. Four low-temperature stress tolerance related putative candidate genes co-located with the peak SNPs from genome-wide association study. These genomic regions and marker information could potentially be used in molecular breeding to accelerate genetic improvements for low-temperature stress tolerance in watermelon.

Influence of Iodine Merz–Singh–Kollman Radius on the Calculated Charges and Hydration Free Energies of Iodinated Molecules

Empirical force field methods typically rely on point charges to describe the electrostatic interactions, which is problematic when anisotropy needs to be considered, as in the case of the electrostatic potential of covalently bound halogens that possess a positive site, termed [Formula: see text]-hole, surrounded by a large negative belt. To address this, an off-center point charge (extra point, EP) is usually placed at a given distance from the halogen to emulate the [Formula: see text]-hole and commonly used implementations are based on the restrained electrostatic potential (RESP) procedure to fit atomic charges, being one of the most used charge models. In this context, no specific Merz–Singh–Kollman (MK) radius for iodine is available in the literature, which is an essential parameter in the RESP fitting procedure. In this work, we explored the impact of the iodine MK radius on the obtained RESP charges for a set of 12 iodinated molecules. We verified that the relative root mean square (RRMS) values obtained with and without an EP kept decreasing with increasing radii for most compounds, thus impairing optimization using such a procedure. Nevertheless, the use of an iodine MK radius lower than 2 Å is not advisable since the RRMS kept decreasing considerably until this value was reached. Moreover, the performance of three iodine MK radii was studied with the estimation of the free energy of hydration ([Formula: see text] values using alchemical free energy calculations, which are particularly sensitive to the charges used. Despite the usage of different radii not leading to remarkable differences, our results indicate that using a value of 2.70 Å leads to lower mean absolute errors (MAE) and root mean squared error (RMSE) values when comparing the calculated with the experimental [Formula: see text] values.

Management of Primary Hyperhidrosis With <i>Patolakaturohinyadi Kashayam</i> and <i>Shireeshadi Choornam</i> (<i>Avachoornana</i>) – A Case Report

ABSTRACT Primary focal hyperhidrosis (primary hyperhidrosis) is a pathological disorder characterised by excessive sweating in the local sites such as the palmar surface of the hands, axillae, soles and face to a degree that interferes with daily life in affected persons. This case report brings into light an innovative management of Primary Hyperhidrosis. Ayurvedic formulations such as Patolakaturohinyadi Kashayam for internal use and Shireeshadi Choornam as Avachoornana for external use were administered for this condition. After 35 days, the patient was re-examined and there was a significant change in Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL hydration values and Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) and Hyperhidrosis Quality of Life (HidroQOL) scores.

The Influence of the Addition of Cement and Zeolite on the Increase in the Efficiency of Sewage Sludge Dewatering in the Pressure Filtration Process

The process of removing water from sewage sludge is particularly important due to its high content in the raw sludge. This translates into problems with the transport and storage of sediments. Additionally, high water content reduces the calorific value of the sludge. The methods for selecting the appropriate parameters for sewage sludge conditioning and filtration, based on the experimental data presented in this work, may allow for the optimization of sludge dewatering lines in small and large sewage treatment plants. The optimization of the dewatering process has a significant impact on the environmental and economic benefits, which consequently results in a decrease in the power costs of the devices used, flocculants, and sludge processing, and, above all, it contributes to the reduction in the negative impact on the environment. The use of mineral substances in the preparation of sewage sludge improves the effects of its dewatering in the pressure filtration process, as expressed in the obtained values of the final hydration and process efficiency. The use of polyelectrolytes alone significantly improves the effects of sewage sludge dewatering. In this work, the polyelectrolytes were supported by the addition of cement or zeolite. The conditioning of sewage sludge in combined methods using C-494 polyelectrolyte and minerals made it possible to reduce the compressibility coefficient to the range of 0.24–0.47 and, at the same time, to achieve the best results of sludge dewatering in the filtration process. The lowest hydration of 74.9% was achieved when polyelectrolyte and cement were added to the sludge, and this hydration was 6.5 percentage points lower compared to that of the non-filtered sludge.

Skin Hydration Measurement: Comparison Between Devices and Clinical Evaluations.

The need for an objective method for measuring skin hydration levels is becoming increasingly important. Various devices with different measuring principles for assessing skin hydration have been developed and are widely used. This study aimed to investigate the reproducibility and correlation between clinical evaluation and skin hydration measurement devices that are the most widely used in the field. A prospective comparative clinical trial was conducted on 184 healthy volunteers. Skin hydration levels were measured using the Corneometer (CM820) and hydration probe (HP: DermaLab Combo) at 3 points: the ventral forearm, the dorsal forearm, and the shin. We used the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to evaluate the reproducibility and Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC) to evaluate the correlation of each measurement. Simple linear regression was used to analyze the Corneometer and HP skin hydration value changes according to changes in xerosis severity scale (XSS) values, which were evaluated by clinicians. Both the Corneometer and HP showed significant, excellent reproducibility (ICC for Corneometer: 0.954-0.971, ICC for HP: 0.980-0.986) and significant high positive correlations (PCC: 0.708-0.737) regardless of the measurement site. Both devices showed negative regression coefficients in all measurement sites in XSS analysis, but this was not statistically significant. The Corneometer and HP were both accurate and objective skin hydration measuring devices, regardless of the measurement site. Using reliable and objective devices such as the Corneometer or HP can aid in understanding an individual's skin condition and making more informed decisions for skin care. Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0005146.

A preliminary study of cutaneous wound healing on the upper eyelid in a small Brazilian population using Rhizophora mangle-based cream.

Plants used in traditional medicine offer an affordable new alternative in tissue repair therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the 5% Rhizophora mangle cream compared to the 5% dexpanthenol cream in healing open surgical wounds on the upper eyelid. A total of 18 patients were submitted to the experiment and divided into 2 groups with 9 patients each who used topically and daily 5% dexpanthenol cream (control group) or 5% R.mangle cream (intervention group) for 7 days. Clinical, morphometric and histomorphometric analyses of wounds and surgical procedures for skin removal were performed. In the morphometric analysis, all wounds treated with R.mangle and dexpanthenol creams showed complete macroscopic scars, without inflammatory signs and infection free. The skin hydration values in pre and post application periods of the cream were 43.82 ± 43.93 and 62.12 ± 67.40 respectively. The histomorphometric study showed lower values of epithelium distance in R. mangle group and higher in dexpanthenol group with significant difference between groups (p < 0.05). The R.mangle 5% cream proved to be effective in healing wounds of human upper eyelid skin with a significant improvement in epithelization compared to dexpanthenol 5% cream.

Studies on effect of seed hydration value of various soybean varieties with respect to soil types and moisture regimes

Studies on effect of seed hydration value of various soybean varieties with respect to soil types and moisture regimes

Analysis of the correlation between skin barrier function and age in rosacea patients in Qinghai region.

This study aims at investigating the difference in facial skin barrier function between rosacea patients and the healthy population of different ages in the Qinghai region and its correlation with age, providing a basis for clinical nursing and treatment. The data of 216 rosacea patients were collected, and 211 healthy testers were selected as the control group. The skin barrier characteristics of rosacea patients of different ages were evaluated by comparing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), sebum content (SC), and pH values between the two groups. Then, the correlation between skin barrier function and age in rosacea patients and the healthy population was analyzed. In all four age groups, the TEWL of the rosacea group was higher than that of the healthy control group, and the epidermal hydration was lower than the healthy control group. In the population aged over 40, the sebum content in rosacea was lower than that in the healthy control group. In the age group of 40-59, the pH value of the rosacea group was higher than the healthy control group. In both the rosacea and the control groups, TEWL was positively correlated with age, and epidermal hydration was negatively correlated with age. The sebum content in rosacea group was negatively correlated with age (p < 0.05). As age increases, the facial epidermal function of both rosacea patients and the healthy population declines. Therefore, with increasing age, attention should be paid to enhance the epidermal function to slow down the skin aging process.

Evaluation of Scalp Hydration and pH Values in Hijab-Wearing and Non-Hijab-Wearing Women

Evaluation of Scalp Hydration and pH Values in Hijab-Wearing and Non-Hijab-Wearing Women

Advances in MRI: Peptide and peptidomimetic-based contrast agents.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a common medical imaging technique that provides three-dimensional body images. MRI contrast agents improve image contrast by raising the rate of water proton relaxation in specific tissues. Peptides and peptidomimetics act as scaffolds for MRI imaging agents because of their increased size and offer the possibility to engine a higher hydration value within the design. The design of a new Gd-based contrast agent must take into account high stability constants to avoid free Gd(III), with the subsequent nephrotoxicity, and high relaxivity values. This review analyzes various synthetic approaches, reports studies of relaxometric parameters, and focuses on the description and application of Gd(III)-chelates based on peptide and peptidomimetic scaffolds. In addition, the X-ray molecular structures of three DOTA complexes will be reported to emphasize the necessity of using the X-ray diffraction analysis to identify the coordination sphere of the metals and the mechanism of action of the compounds.

Sustainable Superheated Steam Drying of Unripe Banana (Musa acuminata cv. Hom Thong): Effects on Resistant Starch and Physicochemical–Functional Properties

AbstractUtilizing unripe banana flour (UBF) has gained considerable interest recently due to its functional components, particularly its resistant starch (RS), which could control obesity and diabetes. This study explores the novel approach of superheated steam drying (SSD) to produce UBF. Banana slices with 1, 2, or 3 mm thicknesses are dried using SSD at 75, 85, 95, or 105 °C. The resulting UBFs are analyzed for starch content and physicochemical–functional properties and compared with conventional hot‐air drying (HAD) at 55 or 75 °C. Replacing HAD with SSD saves 75% of the drying time and increases the whiteness index. SSD‐produced UBF has a high RS content, excellent resistance to enzyme digestion, and potential beneficial health effects. At the same time, scanning electron microscopy shows that the SSD‐ and HAD‐dried samples have similar morphological characteristics. The swelling power, water solubility index, and water holding capacity of the UBF increases rapidly above 70 °C. The peak viscosity, breakdown, and setback of SSD‐dried UBF are greater than those of HAD at the same temperature. Technological properties (high hydration value and peak viscosity) and reduced processing time make SSD‐dried UBF a potential natural thickening ingredient for the food industry.

Clinical and hardware evaluation of moisturizing properties and tolerability of a emollient cream with filagrinol (“Admera”) in atopic dermatitis in children

Objective. Evaluate the possibility of using a cream with 5 % filagrinol ("Admera") in children (0-18 years old) as an emollient in atopic dermatitis (AtD) and receive hardware measurements of skin hydration.Materials and methods. Open interventional study in parallel groups of children with AtD 0-18 years old (n = 72, median age 6 [3.75; 7.0] years). 2 equal groups: group 1 received methylprednisolone cream 1 time daily on lesions for 14 days + Admera emollient on the other skin; group 2 received the same treatment + cream with filagrinol 5 % applied from day 5 on the lesions.Results. Standard therapy with topical steroids and emollients was effective. The severity indices during steroid + emollient treatment decreased significantly: EASI 11.5 [6.0; 17.0] vs 2 [1; 3.8] scores, p &lt; 0.001; skin lesion area from 17.5 % [10.0; 26.8 %] to 3.5 % [1.25; 6.0 %], p &lt; 0.001; IGA score — 2 [2; 3] vs 1 [1; 2], p &lt; 0.01.The total itching score for AtD (max 10) became significantly lower with therapy: nocturnal itching decreased from 3 [1; 7] to 1 [1; 3] and daytime itching from 4 [3; 7] to 2.5 [1; 4] points, p &lt; 0.01.The mean values of hardware-measured skin hydration outside the lesion areas were 8 [6.0; 12.0] units at baseline. After 14 days of emollient, hydration of dry clear skin increased to 10 [8.0; 15.0] units (p = 0,017). The hydration of the skin on the affected areas increased significantly from 8 [6; 10] to 12.0 [8; 15] units (p = 0.001).The patients' organoleptic evaluation of the cream was 4.48 (max 5). No serious or moderate adverse events (AEs) were reported in this study. In 11.3 % of cases, the skin itching was detected, but resolved rapidly without treatment.Conclusion. The cream with 5 % filagrinol (“Admera”) significantly improved skin hydration, as measured instrumentally, in the area of dermatitis and dry skin without ones. The cream caused no significant adverse reactions and could be used together with topical steroids.

The B isotopic signature of serpentine from obducted ophiolites: Mixing of fluids and tectonic implications

Obducted ophiolites expose oceanic lithosphere slivers in suture zones. The few previous studies focusing specifically on the serpentinization of the ultramafic part of ophiolites mostly concluded that serpentinization was driven by seawater. Recent developments in B isotope geochemistry have enabled the tracking of fluid source(s) in serpentinites, suggesting δ11B values above +10‰ mostly reflect seawater hydration and δ11B values below +10‰ mostly reflect hydration by subducted crust-derived metamorphic fluids. In this study, we further investigate the fluid sources recorded by ophiolitic serpentinites by presenting B isotopic geochemistry for seventeen samples from well-characterized ophiolites in Guatemala, Iran, and Brazil. The samples from Guatemala and Iran are from fossil Supra Subduction Zones (SSZ), while samples from Brazil represent a fossil Ocean-Continent Transition (OCT). Most of the samples display the pseudomorphic mesh matrix and bastite microtexture typical of serpentinites. Nine of the samples are either totally (both microtextures) or partially (one microtexture only) out of isotopic equilibrium, with δ11B variations of up to 18‰ within individual samples/textures. Among the samples with a narrow δ11B range (i.e., at isotopic equilibrium), those from a fossil OCT ophiolite have δ11B ranging from +3.8 to +23.2‰, which is broadly consistent with serpentinization by seawater. In contrast, serpentinites from fossil SSZ ophiolite have δ11B straddling 0‰, ranging from −7.7 to +13.5‰. These data indicate that seawater alone cannot be responsible for serpentinization of these ultramafic rocks, but rather either subducted crust-derived metamorphic fluids, or a mixture of seawater and subducted crust-derived metamorphic fluids. This interpretation agrees with the recent suggestions that SSZ ophiolites possibly represent fossil forearc lithosphere.

Vacuum and electromagnetic field in synergy for skin rejuvenation: A retrospective study on 217 patients.

There are many aesthetic treatments aimed at combating aging. In the most common and frequently used ones there are often side effects, albeit minor ones. However, sometimes it is necessary to use medications before or after treatments. To evaluate the anti-aging efficacy and application safety of a therapy based on the combination of vacuum and electromagnetic fields (EMFs). A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the aesthetic effects of the treatment on 217 subjects. Before treatment (T0) and after the last session (T1), skin hydration levels, the amount of sebum present and the pH were measured. The presence of discomfort during the sessions and side effects at T1 was verified. At T1, the levels of satisfaction of the patients and of the doctors who performed the treatment were assessed. At 3 and 6 months of follow-up the aesthetic results were re-evaluated. For all treated subjects, an evident qualitative improvement was observed in the quality of the skin of the neck and face, with an increase in tone and a reduction in wrinkles. The instrumental tests highlighted a normalization of skin hydration, pH, and sebum values. High levels of satisfaction at T0 and good stability of results up to 6 months of follow-up were reported. No discomfort was referred during the treatment sessions, nor any side effects after the entire treatment. The treatment that exploits the synergy between vacuum and EMFs is very promising given the effectiveness and safety of the technique.