Search Results (24,942)

Electromyographic (EMG) sensors are essential tools for analyzing muscle activity, but traditional designs often face challenges such as motion artifacts, signal variability, and limited wearability. This study introduces a novel EMG sensor fabricated using Aerosol Jet Printing (AJP) technology that addresses these limitations with a focus on precision, flexibility, and stability. The innovative sensor design minimizes air interposition at the skin–electrode interface, thereby reducing variability and improving signal quality. AJP enables the precise deposition of conductive materials onto flexible substrates, achieving a thinner and more conformable sensor that enhances user comfort and wearability. Performance testing compared the novel sensor to commercially available alternatives, highlighting its superior impedance stability across frequencies, even under mechanical stress. Physiological validation on a human participant confirmed the sensor’s ability to accurately capture muscle activity during rest and voluntary contractions, with clear differentiation between low and high activity states. The findings highlight the sensor’s potential for diverse applications, such as clinical diagnostics, rehabilitation, and sports performance monitoring. This work establishes AJP technology as a novel approach for designing wearable EMG sensors, providing a pathway for further advancements in miniaturization, strain-insensitive designs, and real-world deployment. Future research will explore optimization for broader applications and larger populations. Full article

The ability of probiotics, comprising live microbiota, to modulate the composition of intestinal microbiomes has been connected to modulation of the central nervous system (Gut–Brain axis), neuroendocrine system (Gut–Skin axis), and immune response (Gut–Immune axis). Less information is known regarding the ability of postbiotics (cell wall components and secreted metabolites derived from live organisms) to regulate host immunity. In the present study, we tested postbiotics comprising single strains of bacteria and yeast (Lactobacillus acidophilus 16axg, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 18fx, Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii 16mxg) as well as combinations of multiple strains for their ability to stimulate cytokine production by human CD14⁺ monocytes. We quantified cytokine gene and protein expression levels in monocytes following stimulation with postbiotics. Both heat-killed L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus stimulated naïve monocytes without significant differences between them. Heat-killed S. boulardii stimulated less cytokine production compared to postbiotic bacteria at the same concentration. Interestingly, the addition of heat-killed yeast to heat-killed L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus resulted in an enhancement of immune stimulation. Thus, heat-killed postbiotics have immune-modulating potential, particularly when bacteria and yeast are combined. This approach may hold promise for developing targeted interventions that can be fine-tuned to modulate host immune response with beneficial health impact. Full article

The interplay between nutrition and skin health provides a crucial lens for understanding, diagnosing, and managing eating disorders (EDs) such as anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge-eating disorder (BED). This review explores the dermatological manifestations resulting from the nutritional deficiencies commonly associated with EDs, including conditions like hair loss, xerosis, and brittle nails. These changes in the skin and its appendages often reflect deeper systemic dysfunctions, such as deficiencies in essential micronutrients (zinc, iron, and vitamins A and C), hormonal imbalances, and electrolyte disturbances. Recognizing these dermatological signs as diagnostic tools is vital for the early identification and intervention of EDs. By integrating dermatological observations with psychiatric and nutritional care, a holistic, multidisciplinary approach can be developed to address both the physical and psychological complexities of EDs. This review highlights the critical role of these skin-related markers in promoting timely diagnosis and effective treatment. To examine the relationship between specific nutrients and dermatological manifestations in EDs, a systematic review of three electronic databases—PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate—was conducted. The findings underline the importance of early recognition of these skin symptoms for effective management. Collaborative care involving dermatologists, psychiatrists, and nutritionists is essential for diagnosing and treating EDs. Such integrated efforts ensure a comprehensive approach to these multifaceted conditions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and enhancing overall care. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by immune dysregulation, skin barrier dysfunction, and a significant patient burden. Recent studies have highlighted the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as a promising therapeutic target for AD management because of its pivotal role in modulating immune responses and maintaining skin barrier integrity. The dysfunction of the AhR pathway has been linked to AD pathogenesis, emphasizing the need for therapies that can restore its regulatory functions. Natural products have emerged as potential modulators of the AhR and are effective and safe alternatives to conventional treatments. Compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, and microbial metabolites have demonstrated the ability to activate AhR, reduce inflammation, and promote skin barrier function. These natural agents have fewer side effects and enhance patient compliance compared with conventional therapies, making them attractive candidates for long-term AD management. The integration of natural products targeting the AhR pathway provides a multifaceted approach that alleviates symptoms, addresses underlying disease mechanisms, and promotes sustainable improvements in skin health. This review highlights the therapeutic potential of natural AhR modulators and their potential roles in enhancing patient outcomes through novel integrative treatment strategies. Full article

A seven-year-old spayed female dog presented with multiple, small oval-shaped masses on the abdominal skin. The excised tissue was submitted for histopathological evaluation. Routine histology revealed basaloid nodules with stippled chromatin and pleomorphic nuclei. Morphologically, the tumor resembled a solid papillary carcinoma of the breast or an endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma (EMPSGC). EMPSGC is a rare neuroendocrine-differentiated neoplasm. This study aimed to compare different immunohistochemical markers for distinguishing between canine sweat gland carcinoma (SGC) and mammary gland carcinoma (MGC). CK19 and Sox9 were useful in identifying SGC. Additionally, the tumor was positive for CK5, AE1/AE3+CK8/18, p63, vimentin, E-cadherin, and synaptophysin, while estrogen receptor staining was negative. The final diagnosis of canine EMPSGC was based on the tumor’s morphological and neuroendocrine immunohistopathological features. Our report provides the first detailed description of a canine EMPSGC, an exceedingly rare tumor in dogs. Full article

This study investigates the flexural behavior of three sandwich panels composed of an agglomerated cork core and skins made up of cross-ply [0,90]₂ flax or glass layers with areal densities of 100 and 300 g/m². They are designated by SF100, SF300, and SG300, where S, F, and G stand for sandwich material, flax fiber, and glass fiber, respectively. The three sandwich materials were fabricated in a single step using vacuum infusion with the liquid thermoplastic resin Elium^®. Specimens of these sandwich materials were subjected to three-point bending tests at five span lengths (80, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mm). Each specimen was equipped with two piezoelectric sensors to record acoustic activity during the bending, facilitating the identification of the main damage mechanisms leading to flexural failure. The acoustic signals were analyzed to first track the initiation and propagation of damage and, second, to correlate these signals with the mechanical behavior of the sandwich materials. The obtained results indicate that SF300 exhibits 60% and 49% higher flexural and shear stiffness, respectively, than SG300. Moreover, a comparison of the specific mechanical properties reveals that SF300 offers the best compromise in terms of the flexural properties. Moreover, the acoustic emission (AE) analysis allowed the identification of the main damage mechanisms, including matrix cracking, fiber failure, fiber/matrix, and core/skin debonding, as well as their chronology during the flexural tests. Three-dimensional micro-tomography reconstructions and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations were performed to confirm the identified damage mechanisms. Finally, a correlation between these observations and the AE signals is proposed to classify the damage mechanisms according to their corresponding amplitude ranges. Full article

Background: The Apple Watch provides promising health data that could aid in increasing exercise adherence; regular exercise can help individuals manage and prevent diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. However, the impact of skin pigmentation on the accuracy of the Apple Watch Series 9 for measures of energy expenditure (EE) and heart rate (HR) is unknown. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of the Apple Watch Series 9 on various skin pigmentations for measures of EE and HR. Methods: Thirty young, healthy individuals were assigned to one of three groups based on their scores on the Fitzpatrick skin survey. Participants completed a 10 min treadmill protocol with varying speeds and inclines while wearing an Apple Watch Series 9, a two-way non-rebreathing mouthpiece connected to a Parvo Medics metabolic cart, and a Polar H7 chest strap to measure EE and HR. Results: Overall, EE was found to be inconsistent for all skin pigmentation groups. However, for HR, the Apple Watch Series 9 was more variable (i.e., less accurate) for darker skin pigmentations compared to lighter skin pigmentations. Conclusions: The Apple Watch Series 9 was found to vary in both EE and HR measures from criterion across intensity and skin pigmentation, with greater discrepancies for individuals in Group 3 for measures of HR. Further investigation might aim to study the impact of skin pigmentations and wrist subcutaneous fat on the accuracy of the latest Apple Watch Series 9 for measures of EE and HR. Full article

Tyrosinase is a key enzyme responsible for the formation of melanin (a natural skin pigment with ultraviolet-protection properties). However, some people experience melanin overproduction, so new, safe, and biocompatible enzyme inhibitors are sought. New tripeptide tyrosinase inhibitors were developed using molecular modeling. A combinatorial library of tripeptides was prepared and docked to the mushroom tyrosinase crystal structure and investigated with molecular dynamics. Based on the results of calculations and expert knowledge, the three potentially most active peptides (CSF, CSN, CVL) were selected. Their in vitro properties were examined, and they achieved half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 136.04, 177.74, and 261.79 µM, respectively. These compounds attach to the binding pocket of tyrosinase mainly through hydrogen bonds and salt bridges. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated the stability of the peptid–tyrosinase complexes and highlighted the persistence of key interactions throughout the simulation period. The ability of these peptides to complex copper ions was also confirmed. The CSF peptide showed the highest chelating activity with copper. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay confirmed that none of the test tripeptides showed cytotoxicity toward the reconstructed human epidermis. Our results indicated that the developed tripeptides were non-toxic and effective tyrosinase inhibitors. They could be applied as raw materials in skin-brightening or anti-aging cosmetic products. Full article

Background/Objectives: A prior placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study demonstrated the superiority of a topical combination of heparin and levomenol over the control and single active constituents. The effect on pruritus and the total SCORAD index were used to evaluate efficacy, but not the effect on the individual SCORAD items. This analysis investigates the overall efficacy of the treatment and the relative contributions of heparin and levomenol to symptom relief in atopic dermatitis, including the effects on the affected body area and its implications for sleeplessness. Methods: The ITT group (combination group A: n = 79; levomenol group B: n = 80; heparin group C: n = 78; placebo group D: n = 41) of the previously published study was re-analysed. Results: The combination significantly improved symptoms such as erythema, edema/papulation, excoriations, and skin dryness compared to the control after eight weeks of treatment. No significant differences were observed for oozing/crust and lichenification among the active groups. Levomenol and heparin exhibited significant advantages over the control for erythema and excoriations, while heparin improved edema/papulation significantly. The inflamed body area significantly decreased using the combination or single active constituents, and sleeplessness significantly improved with the combination or with heparin alone compared to the control. Conclusions: These findings highlight the efficacy of the combination and individual active constituents in addressing specific symptoms of atopic dermatitis, providing insights into their therapeutic effects. The combination’s advantage over the control is most evident in improving excoriations, skin dryness, inflamed skin area, and sleeplessness, justifying its documented use as an intervention in the early stages of atopic dermatitis episodes. Full article

Melanogenesis, the biological process responsible for melanin synthesis, plays a crucial role in determining skin and hair color, photoprotection, and serving as a biomarker in various diseases. While various factors regulate melanogenesis, the role of fatty acids in this process remains underexplored. This study investigated the anti-melanogenic properties of 10(E)-pentadecenoic acid (10E-PDA) through both in silico and in vitro analyses. SwissSimilarity was utilized to predict the functional properties of 10E-PDA by comparing it with structurally similar lipids known to exhibit anti-melanogenic effects. Subsequent in vitro experiments demonstrated that 10E-PDA significantly reduced melanin production and intracellular tyrosinase activity in α-MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone)-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells without exhibiting significant cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 15 μM. Further mechanistic studies revealed that 10E-PDA inhibited the nuclear translocation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), consistent with the decrease observed in p-MITF protein levels. It also decreased the mRNA levels of tyrosinase-related proteins (TRP-1, TRP-2) and tyrosinase, while reducing the protein levels of TRP-1 and tyrosinase, but not TRP-2. These findings suggest that 10E-PDA exerts its anti-melanogenic effects by modulating the MITF/tyrosinase axis, presenting potential therapeutic implications for skin pigmentation disorders. Full article

Prolonged sun exposure disrupts the skin’s structural, mechanical, and functional properties, accelerating aging and contributing to skin disorders. To counteract these effects, we developed a formulation containing potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and reparative ingredients to protect and repair sun-damaged skin. The efficacy of the formulation was evaluated through in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies. Results demonstrated that the formulation reduced oxidative stress and suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) secretion, in a photodamaged skin model, nearly reaching levels observed in undamaged skin. It also restored collagen levels, improving structural integrity. In vivo, no adverse reactions were observed when used for 28 or 56 days. The formulation improved skin hydration by up to 46%, reduced transepidermal water loss by 20%, increased luminosity by 70%, and reduced hyperpigmented spots by 14%. It also enhanced skin firmness and elasticity by 30% and reduced wrinkle volume and density by up to 53% and 19%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the formulation’s active ingredients effectively target the pathways altered by UV exposure, offering considerable potential for preventing and reversing sun-induced skin damage while improving both the appearance and functionality of the skin. Full article

Among the complex and diverse triggering and aggravating factors for sensitive skin syndrome, potential defects in skin barrier function are considered one of the most important ones. Previously, we have reported improvements in skin barrier function thanks to autophagy-activating peptide derivatives. Further investigation revealed that the activation of autophagy signaling in skin cells also attenuated inflammatory responses induced by UV irradiation or exposure to pollution. In this study, in vitro and ex vivo human skin explant models were used to evaluate the potential benefits of the autophagy-activating peptide, pentasodium tetracarboxymethyl palmitoyl didpeptide-12 (PTPD-12), on sensitive skin-related parameters. Clinical efficacy testing was also performed to confirm the skin barrier-improving and skin-soothing activities of the autophagy-activating peptide. As a result, significant reductions in inflammatory cytokine (IL-8 and TNF-α) and enzyme activity (PDE4) were observed in the in vitro system. Increased expression of barrier marker proteins by PTPD-12 in UV-irradiated human skin tissue was observed ex vivo. In a clinical study, delayed response to topical capsaicin-induced vascular activation, which represents enhanced epidermal permeability barrier function, was observed after 4 weeks of application of PTPD-12 in healthy volunteers. In another clinical study with sensitive skin carriers identified via a lactic acid stinging test, a significant reduction in trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin erythema index was observed after 4 weeks of PTPD-12 usage. These results suggest that the activation of autophagy can be a potential treatment regimen for sensitive skin syndrome, specifically in terms of skin barrier function enhancement and skin soothing. Full article

The occurrence of anterior abdominal wall ulcer at the site of the peritoneal catheter (PC) is one of the rarest complications of peritoneal dialysis (PD). When present, it is mainly caused by staphylococci which respond well to vancomycin therapy. Despite well-conducted therapy, there is a tendency to relapse and induce peritonitis, which makes it necessary to remove the PC and change the dialysis model of treatment and/or re-insert the catheter at another place to preserve PD as a treatment method. In the present study, we discuss a case of a 53-year-old patient with end-stage kidney disease treated with PD and with decubitus changes at the PC exit site; the change occurred due to migration of the catheter middle part by protruding from the abdominal cavity to the skin, thus allowing ulcer appearance. Although the PC site was treated with antibiotics, as advised by the surgeon, the patient was finally transferred to hemodialysis as the repositioning of the catheter was not performed. This leads to the conclusion that the antibiotic treatment and catheter repositioning are mandatory to preserve peritoneal dialysis as an end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) treatment model. Full article

Background/Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder affecting over 60 million people worldwide, with both physical and psychological impacts due to the visible lesions and associated somatic symptoms. This study aimed to assess disease acceptance among psoriasis patients and to explore its correlation with disease severity, itch intensity, and quality of life (QoL) Methods: The study included 166 psoriasis patients, comprising 101 men and 65 women, all with a disease duration of at least one year. Clinical and psychological aspects of psoriasis were comprehensively assessed using various standardized tools, along with a demographic questionnaire. Results: The study found that psoriasis patients had a mean illness acceptance score of 25.1 points, with most respondents (44%) exhibiting a moderate level of acceptance. A high level of acceptance was observed in 28% of participants, while an equal proportion of patients (28%) demonstrating low acceptance, with no significant gender-based differences. Acceptance was negatively correlated with disease severity (PASI score), quality of life impairment (DLQI), and itch intensity (NRS), indicating that lower acceptance was linked to more severe symptoms. Additionally, a slight negative correlation was observed between acceptance and disease duration, while acceptance levels were unaffected by factors such as education, relationship status, or age of disease onset. Conclusions: A comprehensive approach to psoriasis treatment should address not only the physical aspects but also the psychological challenges faced by patients, with a particular focus on improving disease acceptance as a coping strategy. Reducing itch intensity may contribute to better disease acceptance. Full article

Localized heating systems are an effective approach to improve thermal comfort while reducing energy consumption in a cold indoor environment. Furthermore, localized heating devices have found widespread application in the hot-summer and cold-winter zones of China. This study investigates the heating characteristics of the local heating device in a low-temperature environment, as well as its effects on subjective perception and physiological responses, and develops a personalized control system for the device based on the experimental findings. We conducted experimental tests and questionnaires in a test room with air temperature set at 12 °C and 14 °C and a relative humidity of 55%. A total of six experimental conditions were designed using five types of heating equipment (heating wrist straps, heating insoles, heating leg straps, warm air blower, electric radiant heater), each employing different heat transfer methods. The results demonstrate that the head, hands, legs, and feet are susceptible to feeling cold in a low-temperature environment, and the use of a warm air blower and electric radiant heater can significantly enhance the thermal sensation of these parts, improve thermal acceptability, and raise local skin temperature. The electrocardiogram data indicate that heart rate variability can be utilized to assess thermal sensation in a cold environment with localized heating. Additionally, the relationship between thermal response and skin temperature was investigated, leading to the development of a control strategy for the local heating device in a low-temperature conditions. Full article