Hydration Values Research Articles

Skin barrier damaging and repairing process: A new application field of dermoscopy.

Although more and more noninvasive detection technologies have been used in assessing skin barrier integrity and functions, more accurate, intuitive, and convenient detective methods still needed to be explored and developed. To investigate the characteristic image changes under the dermoscopy and to explore the relationship with skin physiological indexes in skin barrier damaging and repairing process. 25 healthy subjects with normal skin in forearm were included and divided into different groups according to the operated strips numbers (30, 35, and 40 times). Before tape stripping, and immediately, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after tape stripping, dermoscopic examination and skin transepidermal water loss (TEWL), surface hydration, and L*a*b* value were simultaneously tested in the same region. Immediately after different times tape stripping, the amount of cuticle cells residues and the microvascular images were different. In skin barrier repairing process, the scab forming time observed under dermoscopy was day 14, day 7, and day 3 on 30 times, 35 times, and 40 times stripped skin, respectively. A small amount of cuticle cells and blurry vessels could be identified in hydration value <40 group, while there was no cuticle cell residue, and the branching vessels were obvious in hydration value >40 group. Unique manifestations could be observed under dermoscopy in different time points of skin barrier with various degree of injury and in skin barrier repairing process. By combining dermoscopy and skin indexes assessing technologies, the skin barrier integrity and function could be observed and evaluated more accurately and precisely.

Eco-innovative possibilities for improving the quality of thawed cod fillets using high-power ultrasound

In order to improve the quality of thawed cod fillets and minimize the impact of processing, an extended hydration phase is applied in the fishery product industry in order to recover the water lost during freezing and thawing. Such long phases not only compromise productivity, but increase the chances of microbial growth in fish. Ultrasound (US) is a technology that could reduce these long hydration times, thanks to its capacity to improve mass-transfer processes, thereby limiting the development of fish microbiota.This investigation studies the effect of different US intensities (25 kHz, 29.4 W/kg to 2.9 W/kg, 113.7 to 15.3 W) on weight gain (WG) in the hydration process of cod fillets. The influence of the hydration medium's pH (from pH 8.5 to 10.5) in combination with US was likewise evaluated. Microbiological and sensory analyses were carried out at the end of the hydration process in order to evaluate its impact.The higher the applied US power, the lower was the WG. US intensities of 2.9 W/kg produced the highest increments in WG (18.6%), reducing hydration time by 33% and thereby achieving the same hydration values as in control samples. The combination of US with a controlled pH of 8.5 permitted to shorten hydration time by an additional day, and also led to improved microbial quality in comparison with control samples. Sensorial analyses indicated that after 5 d of hydration, Quality Index Method (QIM) values were better than those obtained for control samples after 5 and 7 d. Specifically, color and gaping were the sensorial attributes of cod fillets better protected with the application of US.

Apparent molal volumes and hydration numbers from viscosity studies for microemulsions with a nonionic surfactant derived from castor oil and a series of polar oils

The cloud point of a nonionic surfactant is related to the hydration of its polar shell. Viscosity data can be used to determine the total amount of water associated with micelles. The aim of this study was to apply this model to a more complex system comprising a series of oil-in-water microemulsions. These consisted of the nonionic surfactant, Kolliphor® RH 40, with and without polar oils. The oils used were isopropyl myristate (IPM), neopentyl glycol diethylhexanoate (NGDO), diisopropyl sebacate (DIS) and diisopropyl adipate (DIA) while the alcoholic solvents ethanol, 2-propanol and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DEG) were the co-surfactants. The apparent molal volumes were determined from the densities using a pycnometric method while the viscosities were measured using capillary viscometry. The partial excess volumes with IPM ranked as DEG>2-propanol>ethanol while the excess volumes varied as IPM>NGDO>DIS>DIA. These results were most likely related to the effect of the co-surfactant on the size and curvature of the micellar pseudophase and to the site of oil solubilization, respectively. The presence of oil induced increases in the intrinsic viscosities, the Huggins constants and the hydration numbers. The magnitudes of the latter two parameters were in excellent agreement with the values reported for micelles of nonionic surfactants. With DIS, the changes in the hydration numbers showed a good relationship with the excess volumes. Therefore, meaningful hydration values for microemulsions may be obtained with polar oils which are solubilized in the palisade layer rather than in the core as occurs with hydrophobic oils.

Skin characteristics associated with foot callus in people with diabetes: A cross-sectional study focused on desmocollin1 in corneocytes

AimThe purpose of this study was to investigate the degradation of desmocollin-1 (DSC1), a member of the desmosomal cadherin family in patients with diabetes, as well as the factors associated with the suppression of DSC1 degradation. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 60 cases of foot callus involving 30 patients with diabetes (DM) and 30 matched volunteers without diabetes (non-DM). DSC1 degradation in samples from debrided calluses was analysed using western blotting. Skin hydration, a factor reported to suppress DSC1 degradation, was measured using a mobile moisture device. ResultsFull-length DSC1 (approximately 100 kDa) was detected in six participants only in the DM group, and no relationship was found between the suppression of DSC1 degradation and decreased skin hydration in the DM group. There was no significant difference in skin hydration values between the DM and non-DM groups. ConclusionDSC1 degradation was suppressed in the DM group. There was no relationship between the suppression of DSC1 degradation and decreased skin hydration in the DM group. Current external force callus care would not be sufficient. This study highlights the need to develop novel callus care to enhance the degradation of DSC1.

Effects of low-dose Aloe sterol supplementation on skin moisture, collagen score and objective or subjective symptoms: 12-week, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Daily oral intake of 40 μg Aloe sterol was shown in a double‐blind clinical trial to significantly increase skin barrier function, moisture and elasticity. Ultrasonographic results also suggested that the intake of Aloe sterol increases collagen content in the dermis. Here, we evaluate the effects of a much smaller dose of Aloe sterol, approximately half that used previously, on skin functions in more detail. This is a monocentric, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, supplementation study of the effects of low‐dose Aloe sterol on skin transepidermal water loss, hydration, collagen score, evaluation of objective or subjective symptoms, and safety after 12 weeks of daily intake. We randomly administrated either Aloe sterol or placebo to 122 healthy volunteers. Transepidermal water loss was significantly reduced and collagen score was increased in the Aloe sterol group compared with the placebo group at week 12. In the Aloe sterol group, there was significant improvement of objective skin condition (face erythema and pruritus of inner and outer arms) at week 12 compared with week 0, but not in the placebo group. Subjectively, there was significant improvement of visual analog scale of skin acne, fingernail brittleness and constipation in the Aloe sterol group. According to subgroup analysis, although not planned before the study initiation, subjects with dry skin in the Aloe sterol group had significantly increased skin hydration values at week 12 compared with the placebo group. Our results confirmed that even low‐dose Aloe sterol ingestion improves skin moisture by promoting skin barrier function and dermal collagen production, which contributes to maintenance of healthy skin.

Variation of biophysical parameters of the skin with age, gender, and lifestyles.

Sweet, spicy or greasy food, staying up late, and using electronic products for a long time are common bad habits nowadays. Their role in skin diseases has been paid much attention. The aim of this study was to investigate whether unhealthy lifestyles would affect the skin sebum content, SC hydration, and pH and how do they affect. A total of 300 volunteers were enrolled, and a multifunctional skin physiology monitor measured the three skin biophysical properties on the forehead and dorsal hand. Lifestyle factors were evaluated by a self-administered questionnaire. Eating oily, sweet, spicy food, and staying up late increased the sebum content of the forehead significantly. Dorsal hand SC hydration was higher in people eating more sweet food and oily food, and forehead SC hydration was higher in people eating more sweet food and go to bed earlier. Eating sweet food could increase pH in both forehead and dorsal hand. The forehead pH decreased in using electronic products over 6hours a day or staying up late. There are significant differences in sebum, hydration, and pH value among different age groups. In males, the pH was lower than females, but the sebum was higher. Sebum content, SC hydration, and pH are affected by unhealthy lifestyles, age, and gender.

Self-recording the skin hydration and Trans-Epidermal Water Loss parameters: A pilot study.

To evaluate the reliability of data self-recorded by subjects enrolled in a study for skin surface hydration and Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL). A connected device, previously described, simultaneously records both the hydration status and the TEWL on the same skin site. The effects of a Xanthane-based gel containing low concentrations of glycerol (3% or 7%) applied on both face and forearms of Caucasian women, were self-recorded at various times for 24hours, outside of Research facility. In the first-hour post application, the skin hydration and TEWL values show a sharp increase and decrease, respectively. They progressively recover their initial values 24hours post washing, on both skin sites. A significant dose effect of glycerol (ie, 3% vs 7%) was obtained on both skin sites. The repeatability of data was found acceptable in both parameters, although more precise on arms than face, probably linked to an easier handling of the device. The use of this skin measuring connected device outside of Research facility, following a training of subjects, leads to reliable data. Such approach could be extended to other connected devices.

Towards improved understanding of the viscoelastic properties of functionalized lemon peel fibers in suspension based on microstructure, hydration value and swelling volume

Lemon peel fibers were obtained using different processing conditions (pH, addition of salts, mechanical processing and storage), they showed distinctly different viscoelastic properties when dispersed in an aqueous solution. In order to gain insight in the mechanism underlying their texturizing properties, the volume occupation in dispersion was determined through small molecule diffusion experiments and the swelling volume was measured by a conventional method. Based on the diffusion coefficient of glucose as a function of fiber concentration, the hydration value and volume occupancy of differently functionalized fibers were calculated. The diffusion based volume occupancy and the swelling volume were related with the fiber suspension microstructure and its rheological properties. High pressure homogenization (HPH) improved the viscoelastic properties, mainly due to an increase of the swelling volume. Salt addition and pH influenced the hydration value, the swelling volume and viscoelastic properties. These results show that the texturizing properties of lemon peel fibers induced by HPH, are mainly determined by the extent of swelling and network formation rather than an increased fiber hydration value.

A split-face randomized controlled trial of treatment with broadband light for enlarged facial pores

Background Broadband light (BBL) is one of the intense pulsed light. BBL treatment for nonablative, noninvasive skin tightening and rejuvenation reportedly elicits satisfactory clinical outcomes. Up until now, self-controlled case series with objective evaluation of efficacy of facial pores in response to BBL treatment have not been reported. We aimed to assess its safety and efficacy on enlarged facial pores by objective measuring technique. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of BBL on the appearance of facial pores. Methods 25 patients received five treatments with BBL at 2-week intervals. One split-face was treated by BBL, another split-face was untreated as a control. Objective measurements of the quantitative number of pores were calculated with a VISIA-CR imaging system. Skin elasticity, transepidermal water loss, skin sebum excretion, and skin surface hydration values were also evaluated by using an Elastimeter, Vapometer, Sebumscale, and Moisturemeter. Results Pretreatment, the total average number of facial pores was 835.88 and 835.68 for BBL-treated facial sides and untreated facial sides, respectively (p = .993). These values were 801.44 and 811.8, respectively, 2 months after the final treatment (p = .606). There were no long-term side effects. Conclusion BBL seems to be a safe and mildly effective approach to reduce detectable pores.

Quantitative response in ion mobility spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization in positive polarity as a function of moisture and temperature

Response of an ion mobility spectrometer at ambient pressure was quantitatively determined for fourteen chemicals from five chemical families spanning a range of proton affinities and temperature from 30 to 175 °C with moisture from 1 to 1 × 104 ppmv in purified air. Peak intensities, drift times and reduced mobility coefficients were determined for hydrated protons from a63Ni ion source and for protonated monomers and proton bound dimers of alcohols, aldehydes, acetates, ketones, and organophosphates. These measurements permitted the determination of response factors with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and the influence of moisture and temperature on APCI response with correlation to computational models of hydration values. The formation of protonated monomers and proton bound dimers was described by heats of formation for a displacement reaction of water on H+(H2O)n by an analyte vapor and favorably matched results from density functional theory (DFT) with the 6-311 + G(dp) basis set. Response factors worsened with increased moisture and decreased temperature for compounds of medium, and more so, of low proton affinities. Findings here provide a broad measure and understanding for quantitative response in ion mobility spectrometers for substances for combinations of moisture and temperature.

Skin sensitivity evaluation: What could impact the assessment results?

For the evaluation results of skin sensitivity, such as clinical parameters, stinging test records and biophysical assessments dates might be impacted by many factors, the influence factors need to be further explored, and the skin sensitivity evaluation process and methodology needed distinction and normalization. In this study, we investigated the changes of sensitive skin indexes and lactic acid stinging test results in different seasons, facial regions, skin photo-type, and living habits. Twenty-four healthy subjects had completed this study. Lactic acid stinging test was performed in different seasons. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, sebum secretion, and pH were measured in an environment-controlled room. Correlations between stinging responses, skin biophysical parameters, and sensitive skin inducements in different seasons were statistically analyzed. Skin TEWL, hydration, sebum secretion, and pH values on different facial parts were various. Two-way correlation analysis between the results of lactic acid stinging test in different seasons and the sensitivity factors showed differences between summer, autumn, and winter. The mean scores of lactic acid stinging test increased in autumn. Linear regression analysis of skin sensitivity factors in type III and type IV photobiology skin found that the frequency of sleeping time and eating spicy food in the past of week could infect the sensitive skin evaluation dates statistically (P<.05). Skin sensitivity assessment results were impacted by seasonal transformation, living habits and customs, and facial regions. These indicted that we should consider above interfering factors when evaluated the skin sensitivity for getting more precise dates.

Assessing the influence of vegetal protein source on the physicochemical properties of maize flour

There has been an increasing interest in developing protein-enriched cereal products of recent. The quality of these products will depend on interactions between proteins and starch presented in the flours. The present study aimed to study the influence of the substitution of maize flour by 25 or 50% of proteins (potato, rice, pea or hydrolyzed gluten). Hydration, pasting, thermal, rheological and textural properties of the flour and mixtures were analyzed. Hydration properties were enhanced by the presence of rice or pea proteins, being the increase more evident when higher the protein content. All flour–protein samples modified pasting profiles, decreasing overall viscosity but increasing gelatinization temperature. Among the different flour–protein samples, those with pea protein presented higher values for hydration, pasting, and rheological parameters. Mixtures with hydrolyzed gluten protein presented the lowest values for both viscoelastic moduli and hardness. Mixtures with potato protein presented the lowest values for hydration properties, but gave the highest hardness among flour–protein gels.

Anti-pollution cosmetic-based one-step formation of w/o/w multiple emulsion containing D-biotin for skin protection: fabrication and in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Continuous contact of air pollutants on human skin has produced early ageing and led to roughness, dryness, poor elasticity, increased wrinkling and irregular pigmentation of the skin. The present study was carried out to fabricate an anti-pollution cosmetic-based w/o/w multiple emulsion containing D-biotin, prepared by a one-step formation as protection for the skin against the effects of air pollutants and further used for in vitro and in vivo evaluation. A similar multiple emulsion without D-biotin was also prepared in the same way. Each of the tested multiple emulsions (CB2 and CF2) was applied to the cheeks of 15 human volunteers for a testing period of 90days. Both emulsions were assessed for skin melanin, erythema, hydration and elasticity values. The droplet sizes of CB2 and CF2 stored in the dark were 10.92 ± 0.23 and 15.4 ± 0.12μm, respectively. The size distributions of CB2 and CF2 ranged from 4.55 ± 0.1 to 26.056 ± 0.34μm and from 1.97.16 ± 1.2 to 45.13 ± 2.17μm, respectively. The rheological parameters showed non-Newtonian, pseudo-plastic and shear thinning behaviour, while pH remained within an acceptable range. No considerable physical changes were observed. The skin irritation testing indicated that CB2 and CF2 were safe after application and did not cause any skin irritation. The skin melanin, erythema, moisture and elasticity values of both the right and left cheeks of the volunteers were measured at baseline visits: 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90days of time intervals. While CB2 showed insignificant effects, therefore, it was demonstrated that CF2 decreased skin erythema content and increased skin elasticity and hydration significantly but had an insignificant effect on skin melanin content with respect to time. Good sensory attributes were also achieved. Therefore, CF2 is a promising new approach for protection of the skin from the deleterious effects of air pollutants.

Anion Exchange Membranes with Low Hydration Conditions from an Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Perspective

Regardless of the initial hydration level, a typical Anion Exchange Membranes (AEMs) fuel cell device would operate ultimately under extremely low hydration values. It is therefore vital to fully explore the hydroxide diffusion in AEMs under such conditions. In this work, we present fully atomistic ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations to obtain a molecular-level understanding of the hydroxide solvation complexes and diffusion mechanism in low hydration AEMs. By changing the polymer electrolyte cation spacing and the hydration values we create three different AEMs models. We find that under extreme low hydration conditions, the water molecules attain a non-uniform distribution. We further see that the unique water distribution results in distinct hydroxide diffusion mechanisms varies from a stationary behavior, a vehicular diffusion, and a mixture of structural and vehicular diffusion, depending on the existence of a water oxygen at the hydroxide second solvation shell. Therefore, we find the water density to be a better descriptor than hydration values when exploring AEM under low hydration condition. Furthermore, as the hydroxide transport is essentially different compared to bulk solution, we provide an idealized hydroxide diffusion mechanism for the three diffusion categories. We believe the results presented in this study enable us to define the terms required for achieving high hydroxide conductivity in high-performance AEM fuel cell devices under extremely low hydration conditions.

Preliminary Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Needle-Embedding Therapy with Acupuncture for Atopic Dermatitis Patients

Objectives Among Traditional Korean Medicine approaches, needle-embedding therapy is used in various fields and consistently studied; however, there have been no clinical studies of the treatment of adult atopic dermatitis (AD) with needle-embedding therapy. Thus, there is a need to investigate the effects of needle-embedding therapy for treatment of AD. This study was performed to identify possible effects of needle-embedding therapy at Quchi acupoint (LI11) on AD and to compare these effects with those of acupuncture therapy. Methods A total of 14 participants were enrolled in this study. Participants received acupuncture or needle-embedding treatments for 4 weeks and then were followed for an additional 2 weeks because of safety assessment. The participants were divided into 2 groups: the acupuncture group, receiving treatment at Quchi acupoint (LI11) 3 times per week, and the needle-embedding group, receiving treatment at Quchi acupoint (LI11) once per week. The groups were compared on the basis of the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index, Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL), skin hydration, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) at baseline and 1 week after treatment was completed (5th week). Results The SCORAD index, TEWL, Skin hydration, and DLQI at 1 week after treatment were significantly improved in both groups (p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the acupuncture and needle-embedding groups in any of the main evaluation indices (p>0.05). The study participants received a total of 84 acupuncture treatments or 28 needle-embedding treatments. No adverse events occurred during the study period. Conclusions Based on changes in the SCORAD index, TEWL, skin hydration, and DLQI value, we found that both needle-embedding and acupuncture treatments at the Quchi acupoint (LI11) were effective in decreasing the symptoms of AD and exhibited similar therapeutic effects, which suggests that needle-embedding treatment may be more clinically convenient than acupuncture, with longer effects and fewer treatments.

Prophylactic value of aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer′s solution during the perioperative period for post-ERCP pancreatitis: a meta-analysis

Objective To evaluate aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer′s solution for prophylaxis of post-ERCP pancreatitis(PEP) during the perioperative period. Methods CNKI, VIP, Wangfang, Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer′s solution for preventing PEP published from the setup time of databases to June 2018. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, RCTs were selected by two researchers, data were extracted and methodological quality was assessed independently. Revman 5.3 was used to perform the meta-analysis.The heterogeneity among the included RCTs was analyzed by using the Q test and the chi-square test. The funnel plots, the risk of bias graph and the risk of bias summary were used to evaluate publication bias. Results A total of 10 RCTs with 1 727 patients were included.Meta-analysis showed that 10 RCTs had no significant heterogeneity (P=0.10, I2=39%), aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer′s solution could reduce the incidence of PEP(OR=0.37, 95%CI: 0.26-0.53, P<0.000 01). Hyperamylasemia incidence was included in 6 RCTs, and the results showed that aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer′s solution could reduce the incidence of hyperamylasemia (OR=0.41, 95%CI: 0.27-0.64, P<0.000 01). A total of 4 RCTs compared the incidence of abdominal pain after ERCP between the experimental group and the control group. Meta-analysis showed that aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer′s solution could reduce the incidence of abdominal pain (OR=0.32, 95%CI: 0.15-0.68, P=0.003). Conclusion Aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer′s solution can effectively prevent PEP and other complications. Key words: Pancreatitis; Lactated Ringer′s solution; Aggressive hydration; Meta-analysis

Hydration of lignocellulosic biomass. Modelling and experimental validation

This document studies the hydration dynamics of five lignocellulosic biomasses (sorghum and wheat straws, corn stover, agave and sugarcane bagasses) commonly used as feedstock in biorefining processes. Water holding and water retention capacities are measured for different particle sizes of each lignocellulosic biomass at different hydration times under isothermal conditions. Water holding capacity exhibits a first-order dynamic behaviour fitting a Langmuir isotherm as a function of hydration time. The two isotherm constants are interpreted as the maximum water holding value of the lignocellulosic biomass (α) and the time typically required to reach it (β), fitting experimental data with high correlation factors (0.981–0.998). Equilibrium hydration values differ greatly for each biomass and particle size, demonstrating that holding and retention capacities are associated to biomass type and surface size. The relationship between hydration with pH decay and glucose release due to microbial and fungal activity during hydration dynamics was also evaluated.

Skin physiology and safety of microfocused ultrasound with visualization for improving skin laxity.

PurposeThe efficacy of microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V; Ultherapy®) has been demonstrated in clinical studies and daily practice. However, data addressing skin physiology after MFU-V treatment are lacking. This observational evaluation was aimed to assess skin physiology before and after MFU-V treatment using noninvasive biophysical measurements.Patients and methodsTwenty-two female patients with moderate-to-severe skin sagging at the jawline and submental region on the Merz Aesthetics Scale obtained a single MFU-V treatment according to protocol. Skin function measurements focused on short-term effects up to 3 days and long-term effects up to 24 weeks after treatment. Skin temperature, transepidermal water loss, skin hydration, erythema, elasticity, and skin thickness and density were evaluated under standardized conditions. Pain was assessed using a validated numeric visual analog scale.ResultsSkin temperature remained in a physiologic range and no significant increase was noted at day 3 after MFU-V treatment. Transepidermal water loss, hydration, and erythema values were fairly stable and showed no significant differences at short- and long-term measurements vs baseline. At week 4 after a single MFU-V treatment, gross and net elasticity values were significantly decreased (P=0.003 and P=0.0001, respectively), followed by significantly increased values at week 12 (P=0.015, P=0.046) and week 24 (P=0.001, P=0.049). Edema due to MFU-V treatment resolved without sequelae. For all patients, pain diminished shortly after treatment. No adverse events occurred during the 24-week follow-up period.ConclusionsMFU-V treatment is well tolerated and it does not alter the epidermal barrier function or physiology of skin. Significant increase in the elasticity of skin was observed at 12 and 24 weeks after a single treatment, which reflects improvement in dermal tissue function. These short- and long-term effects are congruous with the mode of action of MFU-V due to a proven intrinsic tissue remodeling process.

Structural and thermodynamic aspects of hydration of Gd(iii) systems.

X-ray crystal structures of Gd(iii) and Lu(iii) aqua ions as well as their complexes with polyaminopolycarboxylates (EDTA, CDTA, EGTA, DTPA, DOTA) were determined: [Gd(H2O)9](CF3SO3)3, [Gd(H2O)8]Cl3·C10H20O5, [Lu(H2O)8]Cl3·C12H24O6·4H2O, [C(NH2)3][Gd(EDTA)(H2O)3], [C(NH2)3]2[Lu(EDTA)(H2O)2]ClO4·6H2O, [C(NH2)3][Lu(CDTA)(H2O)2]·6H2O, [C(NH2)3][Gd(EGTA)(H2O)]·2H2O, [C(NH2)2(N2H4)][Gd(HDTPA)(H2O)]·2H2O, Na[Gd(DOTA)(H2O)]·4H2O, and K2[Lu(DOTA)]Cl·4.6H2O. The weighted sums of UV absorption spectra of appropriate crystals were used to reproduce the spectra of the Gd(iii) aqueous solutions in the temperature range 276-363 K. It was shown that in aqueous solution the Gd(iii)-EGTA, Gd(iii)-DTPA and Gd(iii)-DOTA complexes exist as almost pure monohydrate [GdL(H2O)]n- species, while in the case of the Gd(iii) aqua ion, Gd(iii)-EDTA and Gd(iii)-CDTA systems the equilibria between variously hydrated species were found. The derived molar fractions of these species were used to determine the ΔG, ΔH and ΔS of hydration. It was shown that these thermodynamic functions may be derived not only from the spectra of the hypersensitive transitions, but from other f-f transitions as well. Next the ΔG, ΔH and ΔS values of hydration for the other Ln(iii)-EDTA systems (where Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu) were determined. It was found that the ΔG298 values of the dehydration reaction for Ln(iii)-EDTA complexes (where Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Ho, Er) were almost linearly dependent on the number of 4f electrons in the whole series of lanthanides. Moreover, it was shown that the point, where the ratio of [LnL(H2O)n] : [LnL(H2O)n-1] is equal to 1, shifts along the lanthanide series depending on the ligand denticity - the higher the ligand denticity, the farther the point of the equimolar ratio in the lanthanide series. The presented results are the first systematic experimental study on the thermodynamic description of the hydration equilibrium of Gd(iii) compounds.

Efficacy and safety of 2% supramolecular salicylic acid compared with 5% benzoyl peroxide/0.1% adapalene in the acne treatment: a randomized, split-face, open-label, single-center study

Background Topical drugs for mild to moderate acne include adapalene (ADA) and benzoyl peroxide(BPO). Supramolecular salicylic acid (SSA), a modified SA preparation, is considered as a new effective therapeutic scheme. Objectives To compare the safety and efficacy of 2% supramolecular SA (2% SSA) with 0.01% adapalene plus 5% benzoyl peroxide (5%BPO +0.1%ADA) for treatment of facial acne. Materials and methods This was an open-label, split face, randomized and single-centre clinical trial. Subjects with mild to moderate acne were enrolled. Two percent SSA cream were randomly applied on one side of the face while 5%BPO +0.1%ADA gel was applied on the opposite side for 28 days. The numbers of acne lesions, along with side effects of the targeted area were evaluated by the investigators at day 0, day 14, and day 28. Skin water content, TEWL and skin lightening indexes were measured at the same time. Results A total of 31 of acne patients completed the trial. Dates showed that 2% SSA had similar effects to 5%BPO +0.1%ADA in reducing papules/pustules (47.9% vs. 49.8%), non-inflammatory lesions (43.1% vs. 42.7%) and total lesions (44.1% vs. 45.6%; all p > 0.05) at day 28. The skin barrier (skin hydration value and TEWL value), skin brightness (L* value) and erythema (a* values) indicators showed no statistical differences in the left and right sides of the face (p > 0.05). Conclusion This study demonstrated that 2% SSA has a similar efficacy with 5%BPO +0.1%ADA in mild to moderate acne treatment. This might be a useful pilot study that could be used to support further larger clinical trials.