Water Loss Values Research Articles

Shrinkage evolution and mechanism of self-curing concrete cooperatively cured with superabsorbent polymers and waterborne epoxy coatings

Shrinkage-induced cracking is a common phenomenon in concrete structures. To reduce concrete shrinkage, herein, a novel curing approach involving the concurrent application of internal superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) and external waterborne epoxy coatings (WECs) was adopted. Subsequently, the combined effects of the SAPs and WECs on the internal temperature, water retention behavior, relative humidity, and shrinkage performance of concrete were investigated. Furthermore, their underlying shrinkage-mitigation mechanisms were clarified and verified through mercury intrusion porosimetry tests. Results revealed that increasing the WEC application rates and number of spraying turns increased the relative humidities and reduced the shrinkage strains of the concrete specimens. The combined use of SAPs and WECs led to considerable reductions in the specimens’ humidity drop, water loss, and shrinkage values. The water losses of the concrete specimens exerted more considerable impacts on their relative humidity and shrinkage compared to their cumulative temperatures. Furthermore, the combination effects of the SAPs and WECs reduced the median pore diameters and increased the fractal dimensions of gel pores, thus triggered a reduce in capillary tension, and further mitigated the development of shrinkage strains. Overall, this study underscores the critical roles of evaporation, temperature, relative humidity, and pore-structure parameters on the shrinkage behavior of concrete. Additionally, it highlights the effectiveness of the combined application of SAP-based internal curing and WEC-based external curing, offering a feasible approach and technical support for reducing shrinkage in concrete structures.

Study on percutaneous penetration of representative cosmetic ingredients in a baby wipe product in an in vitro diaper rash skin model

Studying percutaneous penetration of various cosmetic ingredients through intact and compromised skin can provide insight on quantitative exposure assessment for baby products intended for diapered skin. We developed an in vitro model (tape-stripped human skin) designed to achieve the Trans-Epidermal Water Loss values measured in babies with various degrees of diaper dermatitis. Six reference compounds showed the impact of physicochemical properties on absorption through this “diaper rash” skin model. Under simulated diaper conditions, dermal absorption of cosmetic ingredients (phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, benzyl alcohol, disodium EDTA, and propylene glycol) was different, but <100%. Additionally, the effect of diaper rash on dermal absorption of well-absorbed ingredients (phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, and benzyl alcohol) was limited (enhancement of 1.1–1.3), while the enhancement for moderately absorbed compounds (disodium EDTA and propylene glycol) was 1.8–3.3. Absorption via skin with “diaper rash” is specific to individual ingredients and exposure conditions, so a fixed uncertainty factor is not appropriate for safety assessment. The data support that the default 100% dermal absorption commonly used in first-tier risk assessments for diapered skin is conservative. This diaper rash skin model provides a practical tool of estimating absorption of various ingredients in baby products intended for diapered skin.

Polymeric Microneedles Enhance Transdermal Delivery of Therapeutics.

This research presents the efficacy of polymeric microneedles in improving the transdermal permeation of methotrexate across human skin. These microneedles were fabricated from PLGA Expansorb® 50-2A and 50-8A and subjected to comprehensive characterization via scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and mechanical analysis. We developed and assessed a methotrexate hydrogel for physicochemical and rheological properties. Dye binding, histological examinations, and assessments of skin integrity demonstrated the effective microporation of the skin by PLGA microneedles. We measured the dimensions of microchannels in the skin using scanning electron microscopy, pore uniformity analysis, and confocal microscopy. The skin permeation and disposition of methotrexate were researched in vitro. PLGA 50-8A microneedles appeared significantly longer, sharper, and more mechanically uniform than PLGA 50-2A needles. PLGA 50-8A needles generated substantially more microchannels, as well as deeper, larger, and more uniform channels in the skin than PLGA 50-2A needles. Microneedle insertion substantially reduced skin electrical resistance, accompanied by an elevation in transepidermal water loss values. PLGA 50-8A microneedle treatment provided a significantly higher cumulative delivery, flux, diffusion coefficient, permeability coefficient, and predicted steady-state plasma concentration; however, there was a shorter lag time than for PLGA 50-2A needles, base-treated, and untreated groups (p < 0.05). Conclusively, skin microporation using polymeric microneedles significantly improved the transdermal delivery of methotrexate.

Study on the relationship between structure and moisturizing performance of seamless knitted fabrics of protein fibers for autumn and winter

Abstract With dry weather and low humidity in autumn and winter, human skin is usually prone to dryness, even leading to itchy skin and other problems, so it is important to do a good job of skin moisturizing. The fabrics produced by using protein fiber have a certain moisturizing effect on human skin. Five types of yarn including collagen fiber, cheese protein fiber, silkworm pupa protein fiber, cashmere protein fiber, and viscose are chosen as veil materials, while nylon/spandex composite fiber is chosen as inner yarn material. Three fabric structures including the weft plain stitch, 1 + 1 mock rib, and 1 + 3 mock rib are selected for the study. Based on the full factorial experimental design method, 15 samples of seamless knitted fabrics are produced using a circular knitting machine. In order to investigate the effects of different veil materials and fabric structure of seamless knitted fabric on skin moisturizing performance, the skin moisture content test and the trans-epidermal water loss test were carried out before and after the fabric samples were wrapped around the skin of 20 participants. The results show that both the veil materials and the fabric structure have significant effects on the skin moisture content. The use of collagen yarn as the veil material and 1 + 1 mock rib as the fabric structure results in better moisturizing effects on human skin. In terms of the trans-epidermal water loss test, the fabric structure has significant effects on the results, while the veil material has no significant effect on it. However, the value of trans-epidermal water loss of the fabric with protein yarn is smaller than that of the fabric with ordinary viscose. Therefore, using cheese protein yarn as the veil material and 1 + 1 mock rib as the fabric structure results in a smaller trans-epidermal water loss value.

Edible coatings for enhancing osmodehydration process of pears using glucose solution: a study on mass transfer kinetics and quality assessment

SummaryThe present study aimed to evaluate the combined application of edible coatings (alginate or pectin) and the osmotic dehydration process (glucose solution at 40 °Brix and 60 °Brix, solution temperatures of 20 and 40 °C, and process times of 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h) on mass transfer kinetics and physicochemical parameters (weight reduction (WR), water loss (WL), solids gain (SG), and optical and mechanical properties) of pear cubes. The best dehydration performance was observed in the coated samples treated at 60 °Brix‐40 °C. At the end of this process, the coated samples showed higher values of WR (77.30% and 75.13%) and WL (77.39%; 74.38%) and lower values of SG (1.69% and 1.24%) than the uncoated samples (WR: 65.97%, WL: 68.38%, and SG: 4.12%). Additionally, optimal retention of optical and mechanical properties was achieved in the coated samples exposed to the 40 °Brix‐40 °C condition.

Analysis of the effect of components of chemical peels based on lactic and mandelic acid on skin parameters

Up to now, research studies have compared various peeling substances affecting the skin, without taking into account the parameters responsible for the penetration and potency of the compounds. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of lactic acid and mandelic acid on hydration, melanin, sebaceous gland activity and the stratum corneum barrier. Equal concentrations of chemical peels, similar pH of the solutions, and the base enabled comparison of results. A series of treatments with lactic acid resulted in a decrease in transepidermal water loss, an increase in hydration levels and a reduction in sebaceous gland activity, as well as a significant drop in melanin levels. Mandelic acid applied in a series of four treatments resulted in a noticeable improvement in the appearance of the epidermis. The activity of the sebaceous glands also decreased significantly. The use of both, a series and a single treatment with mandelic acid, strengthened the epidermal barrier. Comparing a series of treatments and a single procedure it was found that the value of transepidermal water loss increased. The study demonstrated that whereas many carboxylic acids exhibit similarities, they also possess notable distinctions in their topical effects and medicinal applications.

Objective Non-Invasive Bio-Parametric Evaluation of Regenerated Skin: A Comparison of Two Acellular Dermal Substitutes.

Several dermal substitutes are available on the market, but there is no precise indication that helps surgeons choose the proper one. Few studies have tried to compare different xenogeneic bioengineered products, but no objective bio-parametric comparison has been made yet. Fifteen patients who underwent skin reconstruction with Integra® or Pelnac® were retrospectively evaluated. After at least 12 months of follow-up, an objective and quantitative assessment of several skin biophysical properties, such as color, texture, elasticity, hydration, glossiness and trans-epidermal water loss, were measured with non-invasive skin measurement devices. The grafted skin showed a reduction of the superficial hydration level and a tendency to lower values of trans-epidermal water loss with both dermal substitutes. Melanic and hemoglobin pigmentation were higher in comparison to the donor site in both groups, while a melanic pigmentation increase versus the surrounding skin was seen just with Integra®. Finally, the skin was found to be more elastic when reconstructed with Integra®. The skin barrier appeared to be intact in both groups. Hence, these substitutes are valuable means of skin regeneration. Integra® seems to be more advantageous for reconstructing areas that need more skin flexibility.

Biocompatible recombinant type III collagen enhancing skin repair and anti-wrinkle effects.

Treating sunburn and other UV-induced skin damage issues remains a significant challenge in the field of dermatology. In this study, we synthesized a highly bioactive recombinant type III collagen (rCol III) to accelerate the healing of UV-damaged skin. The high-purity rCol III demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity, significantly promoting the adhesion, proliferation, and migration of HFF-1 cells. In a mouse UV-damage model, Combo evaluations demonstrated that rCol III contributed to restore transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values of UV-damaged skin to normal levels. Histological analysis further confirmed that rCol III substantially accelerated skin repair by enhancing collagen regeneration. Additionally, rCol III facilitated the regeneration of zebrafish tail fin tissue and alleviated shrinkage caused by excessive UV exposure. The biocompatible and bioactive rCol III offers a novel strategy for treating UV-induced skin damage, holding immense potential for applications in skin tissue engineering.

Evaluation of the Primary Pipe Network at Banua Anyar Booster Pump as an Effort to Reduce Water Loss in the Service area of Northern Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan

Recorded as the best PDAM in South Kalimantan in Banjarmasin City. PT. Bandarmasih Perseroda Drinking Water (PAM Bandarmasih) is still facing the problem of high water loss rates of 29.07% in 2022, which is still far above the National Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMN) target with a minimum water loss value of 20%. One of the ways PDAM can reduce water loss is by evaluating the pipe network in a District Meter Area (DMA). This research focuses on evaluating the primary pipe network in the area served by the Banua Anyar booster which serves 18 DMAs. Network evaluation using EPANET 2.0 software. The evaluation results show that the diameter of the primary pipe from the booster pump to the Banua Anyar pipe bridge has quite high unit-head loss and flow velocity values due to flow friction with the pipe surface. It is necessary to change the diameter of the primary pipe used in the Banua Anyar booster network from a diameter of 400 mm to 600 mm which can reduce the rate of water loss by 6.3%. In the future, it is hoped that the value of water loss at PDAM Banjarmasin City can be reduced and the affordability of drinking water services for the people of Banjarmasin City can increase.

A Synthetic Model of the Mucosa for Oral Penetration Studies.

The main objective of this study is the evaluation of the use of a synthetic membrane, Nuclepore, as a model for permeation studies through sublingual mucosa. The permeability of two types of membranes, porcine sublingual oral mucosa and a synthetic Nuclepore membrane, to water was compared. Moreover, the water permeability of membranes modified with waterproofing formulations was measured to study their ability to protect against the penetration of viruses, toxins, etc. A relatively high correlation (R2 0.88) was obtained between the transmucosal water loss (TMWL) values of the artificial membrane and the mucosa. These results support the possible use of this synthetic membrane in the screening of the water permeability of formulations. In addition, studies of the permeation of different actives, drugs, and biocides through the two membranes were carried out, and these results were compared with their skin permeation data. The synthetic membrane does not seem to discern between compounds in terms of permeability. However, the permeation of caffeine through intact or modified membranes incorporating waterproofing formulations presents similar permeation profiles through the synthetic membrane and mucosa. The results from these assays should lend support to the use of this synthetic membrane when screening formulations to be applied in oral penetration studies.

The effects of fucoidan-rich polysaccharides extracted from Sargassum horneri on enhancing collagen-related skin barrier function as a potential cosmetic product.

Sargassum horneri came ashore after flowing from the South China Sea to Jeju Island a few years ago. This caused a significant environmental impact on coastal areas where S. horneri has accumulated because of decomposition and the release of toxic substances, such as hydrogen sulfide. In this study, we evaluated a biological ingredient prepared from fucoidan-rich S. horneri and demonstrated its antiwrinkle effects on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced fibroblast cells. Fucoidan samples from S. horneri were prepared according to a previously published process with modifications. The compositional analysis of S. horneri fucoidan extract (SHFE) as well as its effects on antiaging were examined to determine its utility as a functional material. SHFE exhibited antioxidant properties using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Treatment of UVB-induced fibroblasts with SHFE significantly increased the synthesis of procollagen compared with adenosine treatment and inhibited MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression. In a clinical study, SHFE lotion improved skin barrier effects in forearms and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values were reduced after 3 weeks of use compared with a placebo. SHFE has utility as an additive with functional antiaging effects for a range of cosmetic products as it restores skin hydration in the epidermal barrier.

Effect of protein-restricted diet during growing period on performance and carcass quality traits of Duroc x Iberian crossbred barrows under different management conditions

This study investigated the effects of feeding protein-restricted diets during the growing period on performance and carcass quality traits of Duroc (boars) x Iberian (sows) crossbred pigs slaughtered at commercial weight for local pig production. Two trials were conducted in different management conditions, with 28 and 33 barrows, respectively. In each trial, pigs were divided into two dietary groups, one group received a control diet (CD, 16.5 % crude protein, CP) and the other one was fed a protein restricted diet (PRD_1 for Trial 1: 12.4 % CP; and PRD_2 for Trial 2: 10.0 % CP). At 100 kg of body weight (BW), five pigs per group and trial were slaughtered, while the remaining pigs were fattened on a standard finishing diet until reaching 160 kg BW before slaughter. No significant changes in growth, carcass and ham composition or backfat thickness due to decreased protein supply during the growing period were observed. However, the intramuscular fat content increased in Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and ham muscles of PDR_2 pigs. Furthermore, the backfat fatty acid (FA) profile presented higher proportion of oleic and monounsaturated FAs in pigs fed PRD diets, while polyunsaturated FA decreased in PDR_2 pigs. The PRD_1 group exhibited higher redness and thawing water loss in LTL, while PDR_2 group showed greater redness, yellowness and thawing water loss values compared to the CD group. Overall, the results indicate that feeding protein-restricted diets during growing period did not have a substantial impact on growth or meat quality. The success of implementing such diets may be influenced by factors such as the protein restriction level and the animal management conditions.

Lipidomics Reveals the Effects of Detergents on Skin Surface Lipids in Young Adults

Background: Detergent is a chemical product commonly used in people’s daily life. Contact with detergent solutions can damage the human skin barrier and cause skin diseases. Skin surface lipids (SSLs) play a decisive role in skin barrier function. This study aimed to observe the changes of SSLs in young adults after exposure to detergent solutions to explore the underlying mechanism of skin barrier function damage. Methods: A self-controlled study on youth adults was conducted in Zhengzhou, China, in November 2020. The study lasted for a total of 1 week, and skin barrier function was assessed by trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) values. The changes of SSLs before and after exposure to the detergent with subjects were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry. Results: The skin barrier function of subjects’ hands was impaired after exposure to detergent (TEWL value increased, p < 0.001). A total of 520 SSLs were detected, divided into 6 main categories. The average relative abundance of these 6 major lipids decreased after exposure. Sphingolipids (mainly ceramides), free fatty acids (mainly long-chain fatty acids), cholesterol lipids, and glycerophospholipids are the most severely damaged lipids. Conclusion: Detergent solutions can damage the skin barrier function and SSLs of young hands; interventions targeting SSLs to eliminate detergent damage to human skin may be of value.

A pilot study to evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of hydrogen-water bathing on atopic dermatitis in humans

BackgroundHydrogen molecules, which have excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, are absorbed through the skin and spread hematogenously throughout the body. Hydrogen-water bathing (HWB) is expected to be effective against atopic dermatitis (AD); however, its usefulness remains controversial in humans. ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine whether HWB has the potential to have a therapeutic effect in a pilot study conducted on six patients with AD. MethodsAD severity was assessed based on the itching intensity per the visual analog scales (VAS) and the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values of the lesions, in addition to macroscopic observations. ResultsHWB for eight weeks ameliorated the severity of rashes and increased TEWL levels in the trunk/limb areas that could be completely immersed in the bathwater, resulting in ameliorations in severe itching. The specificity of its therapeutic effect was further investigated in one patient who first underwent HWB for four weeks, discontinued it for two weeks, and resumed it for another four weeks. The rashes on the trunk/limb areas visibly improved after four weeks of HWB but worsened again after it was stopped for two weeks, only to improve again after the resumption of HWB for four weeks. The VAS and TEWL values also showed changes that reflected the skin condition. ConclusionThese results suggest that HWB may be useful in the treatment of AD. To conclude the effectiveness of HWB for AD, it needs to be supported by randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and longer study durations in the future.

Bojungikgi-tang improves skin barrier function and immune response in atopic dermatitis mice fed a low aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand diet

BackgroundThe aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system and maintaining skin barrier function. AhR signaling is pivotal in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD), and the absence of AhR ligands further contributes to the progression or worsening of AD symptoms.MethodsAD was induced with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), and Bojungikgi-tang (BJIKT) was administered orally daily for 10 weeks. Serum IgE, splenocyte IL-4, and IFN-γ levels, skin barrier genes, and AhR target gene expressions were analyzed using RNA-sequencing analysis. Spleen tissues were extracted for fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis to analyze the effect of BJIKT on immune responses. A correlation analysis was conducted to analyze the correlation between immune markers and skin barrier genes and AhR target genes.ResultsBJIKT effectively improved AD symptoms in AD mice fed a low AhR ligand diet by reducing neutrophil and eosinophil counts, lowering IgE levels in the blood, and decreasing IL-4 and IFN-γ levels in the splenocytes. Additionally, BJIKT significantly reduced epithelial skin thickness and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values and reversed the decreased expression of skin barrier genes. BJIKT also considerably altered the expression of AhR target genes, including Ahr, Ahrr, cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), and CYP1B1. Furthermore, AhR target pathway genes were negatively correlated with immune cell subtypes, including CD4 + and CD8 + T cells and macrophages (CD11b + F4/80 +) at the systemic level.ConclusionsBJIKT can regulate AhR activation and may help reduce inflammation in AD by regulating the expression of skin barrier genes and immune responses.

Combined Bipolar Radiofrequency and Non-Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Mesotherapy Protocol to Improve Skin Appearance and Epidermal Barrier Function: A Pilot Study.

Age-associated changes in epidermal hydration, pigmentation, thickness and cell renewal influence skin appearance and can lead to laxity, dryness and poor skin tone. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the synergistic effects of a new bipolar radiofrequency plus non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) mesotherapy protocol compared with radiofrequency alone on skin appearance and markers of epidermal function. This prospective, single-center, split-face pilot study recruited women aged 25-65 years with dryness and laxity of the facial skin defined by a trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) value of ≥26 g/m2/h. Subjects were treated with a bipolar radiofrequency device on both sides of the face. This was immediately followed by needle hyaluronic acid (HA) treatment on one side of the face with 2.5 mL of a non-crosslinked HA. Photographic documentation, analysis of epidermal barrier function parameters, and high frequency (HF) ultrasound analysis were performed prior to treatment and at 28 days. Twenty female subjects with a mean age of 46 (range 29 to 54) years and dry and lax facial skin were included. TEWL was reduced and skin hydration improved to a greater extent with the combined radiofrequency plus mesotherapy protocol compared with radiofrequency alone (-5.8% vs. +3.9% and +23.1% vs. +1.0%, respectively). The combined protocol was also associated with greater improvements in melanin (-7.5% vs. -1.5%) and erythema values (-7.2% vs. +3.0%), respectively. Ultrasound measures of epidermal thickness and epidermal density were greater after the combined protocol compared with radiofrequency alone (12.0% vs. 5.6% and 57.7% vs. 7.1%, respectively). Both treatments were well-tolerated. The combined bipolar radiofrequency and HA mesotherapy protocol provided greater improvements in skin hydration, firmness and tone compared with radiofrequency alone. The combination treatment was also associated with greater epidermal thickness and density and increased keratinocyte differentiation suggesting a synergistic effect of both treatments on epidermal homeostasis and barrier function. Both treatments were well-tolerated and led to improvements in facial appearance.

Modeling and optimization of osmotic dehydration of wax apple slices using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system

The effect of ultrasound on osmotic dehydration of wax apple was investigated using the Fuzzy inference system, and the process parameters of ultrasonic assisted osmotic dehydration were optimized. The effect of ultrasonication temperature (XUT; 25 - 45 °C), sonication time (XIt; 140 - 220 min), sugar concentration (XSC; 30 - 70%), and sample to solvent ratio (XSS; 1:6 - 1:14) was studied. The responses such as water loss, solid gain, and color change, were investigated by modeling the ultrasonic assisted osmotic dehydration of wax apple using an adaptive neural fuzzy interface (ANFIS). Three ANFIS models were developed for the responses with Gaussian and linear membership functions as the input and output membership functions, respectively. The developed ANFIS model had R2 value more than 0.985 and an RMSE value less than 0.04, indicating a higher predictive capability. The ANFIS output was considered as input for the genetic algorithm (GA) optimization, with the objective of achieving maximal water loss while minimizing solid gain and color change. The integrated ANFIS-GA optimized the process parameters with a fitness value of 2.8. The optimum values of ultrasonic assisted osmotic dehydration process parameters were ultrasonication temperature of 38.6 °C, sonication time of 186 min, sugar concentration of 62%, and solvent to sample ratio of 11.7 w/v. The predicted values of the response water loss, solid gain, and color change at the optimum condition were observed to be 40.698, 3.097, and 10.916, respectively.

Pre and postharvest characteristics of Dahlia pinnata var. pinnata, cav. As affected by SiO2 and CaCO3 nanoparticles under two different planting dates

Agriculture faces many challenges because of climate changes. The nutrients present in nano-sized form improve plant productivity, especially when used at the appropriate planting time. Field experiments were conducted as a factorial experiment for evaluating two planting dates (20th September and 20th October), foliar application with nanoparticles (NPs) including silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) at 1.5 and 3 mM, calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO3-NPs) at 5 and 10 mM and distilled water (control) on pre- and post-harvest characteristics of Dahlia pinnata var. pinnata Cav. The results indicate that the interactions during the late planting time (20th October) and exogenous applications of SiO2-NPs at 1.5 mM or CaCO3-NPs at 10 mM have improved plant growth including plant height, stem diameter, fresh and dry weights of plant, leaf area, inflorescence diameter, inflorescence stalk length, branches number, tuber numbers, inflorescences number on the plant, and the vase life. At the same time, insignificant differences appeared in the interaction during the planting dates and SiO2 or CaCO3 -NPs concentrations on inflorescence stalk diameter, total soluble solids, membrane stability index, maximum increase in fresh weight (FW), and Si and Ca contents. In addition, all exogenous applications of NPs at the late planting time promoted the plant growth characteristics like lignin %, cellulose %, inflorescence water content, change in FW, and total water uptake. Moreover, the controls through the two planting dates recorded the maximum change in water uptake and water loss values. In short, it can be recommended to use SiO2-NPs at 1.5 mM or CaCO3-NPs at 10 mM as a foliar application at the late planting time (20th October) for obtaining the optimum quantitative and qualitative parameters of D. pinnata.

Barrier function and ultrastructure characteristics of epidermis in patients with primary cutaneous amyloidosis.

Previous studies on primary cutaneous amyloidosis (PCA) have mainly focused on exploring genetic mutation and components of amyloid in patients with PCA. However, studies on skin barrier function in PCA patients are scarce. Here, we detected the skin barrier function in PCA patients and healthy people by using noninvasive techniques and characterized ultrastructural features of PCA lesions compared with healthy people using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of proteins related to skin barrier function was examined by immunohistochemistry staining. A total of 191 patients with clinically diagnosed PCA and 168 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Our analysis revealed that all investigated lesion areas displayed higher transepidermal water loss and pH values, and lower Sebum levels and stratum corneum hydration levels in PCA patients compared with the same site area in healthy individuals. The TEM results showed that the intercellular spaces between the basal cells were enlarged and the number of hemidesmosomes decreased in PCA lesions. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression of integrin α6 and E-cadherin in PCA patients was less than that in healthy controls, while no differences in the expression of loricrin and filaggrin were observed. Our study revealed that individuals with PCA displayed skin barrier dysfunction, which may be related to alterations in epidermal ultrastructure and a decrease in the skin barrier-related protein E-cadherin. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying skin barrier dysfunction in PCA remain to be elucidated.

Relevance of Coding Variation in FLG And DOCK8 in Finnish Pediatric Patients with Early-Onset Moderate-To-Severe Atopic Dermatitis

Early-onset, persistent atopic dermatitis (AD) is proposed as a distinct subgroup that may have specific genotypic features. FLG gene loss-of-function variants are the best known genetic factors contributing to epidermal barrier impairment and eczema severity. In a cohort of 140 Finnish children with early-onset moderate-to-severe AD, we investigated the effect of coding variation in FLG and 13 other genes with epidermal barrier or immune function through the use of targeted amplicon sequencing and genotyping. A FLG loss-of-function variant (Arg501Ter, Ser761fs, Arg2447Ter, or Ser3247Ter) was identified in 20 of 140 patients showing higher transepidermal water loss values than patients without these variants. Total FLG loss-of-function variant frequency (7.14%) was significantly higher than in the general Finnish population (2.34%). When tested separately, only Arg2447Ter showed a significant association with AD (P= 0.003104). In addition, a modest association with moderate-to-severe pediatric AD was seen for rs12730241 and rs6587667 (FLG2:Gly137Glu). Loss-of-function variants, previously reported pathogenic variants, or statistically significant enrichment of nonsynonymous coding region variants were not found in the 13 candidate genes studied by amplicon sequencing. However, higher IgE and eosinophil counts were found in carriers of potentially pathogenic DOCK8 missense variants, suggesting that the role of DOCK8 variation in AD should be further investigated in larger cohorts.