Tetrahydrofolate levels influence 2-aminoacrylate stress in Salmonella enterica.

In Salmonella enterica, the absence of the RidA deaminase results in the accumulation of the reactive enamine 2-aminoacrylate (2AA). The resulting 2AA stress impacts metabolism and prevents growth in some conditions by inactivating a specific target pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme(s). The detrimental effects of 2AA stress can be overcome by changing the sensitivity of a critical target enzyme or modifying flux in one or more nodes in the metabolic network. The catabolic L-alanine racemase DadX is a target of 2AA, which explains the inability of an alr ridA strain to use L-alanine as the sole nitrogen source. Spontaneous mutations that suppressed the growth defect of the alr ridA strain were identified as lesions in folE, which encodes GTP cyclohydrolase and catalyzes the first step of tetrahydrofolate (THF) synthesis. The data here show that THF limitation resulting from a folE lesion, or inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase (FolA) by trimethoprim, decreases the 2AA generated from endogenous serine. The data are consistent with an increased level of threonine, resulting from low folate levels, decreasing 2AA stress.IMPORTANCERidA is an enamine deaminase that has been characterized as preventing the 2-aminoacrylate (2AA) stress. In the absence of RidA, 2AA accumulates and damages various cellular enzymes. Much of the work describing the 2AA stress system has depended on the exogenous addition of serine to increase the production of the enamine stressor. The work herein focuses on understanding the effect of 2AA stress generated from endogenous serine pools. As such, this work describes the consequences of a subtle level of stress that nonetheless compromises growth in at least two conditions. Describing mechanisms that alter the physiological consequences of 2AA stress increases our understanding of endogenous metabolic stress and how the robustness of the metabolic network allows perturbations to be modulated.

Intratracheal administration of cross-linked water-soluble acrylic acid polymer is associated with inducible bronchi-related lymphoid tissue formation and allergic inflammation.

In a Japanese chemical factory, lung diseases such as pneumoconiosis have been reported among workers handling cross-linked water-soluble acrylic acid polymers (CWAAP). Our previous study reported that a single intratracheal administration of CWAAP induces acute inflammation and fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of multiple intratracheal administrations of CWAAP on inflammatory responses and pulmonary fibrosis along with inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissues (iBALT) formation, which is involved in allergic inflammation. Male F344 rats (190-200 g) received single or multiple intratracheal administrations of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or CWAAP. To assess inflammatory responses and pulmonary fibrosis, immunohistochemical and histological staining was performed. CD68, CD163, CD169, TGF-ß, and collagen I positive cells/areas in the lungs of the CWAAP-group rats were significantly increased than those in the PBS group. Furthermore, the number of iBALT structures, CD4 + T cells, along with CD19, PAX5, IL-4, GATA-3, T-bet, and IgE-positive cells in the terminal bronchioles and blood vessels of the lungs were significantly increased in the CWAAP group. Moreover, pulmonary fibrosis, iBALT formation, and levels of specific IgG were significantly increased in rats who received multiple intratracheal administrations of CWAAP compared to those with single intratracheal administration. Multiple intratracheal administrations of CWAAP potentiated the classical fibrotic pathway (M2 macrophage-TGF-ß-collagen I) more potently than single intratracheal administration. Furthermore, it was possible that iBALT was formed around terminal bronchioles and blood vessels and the number of immune cells was increased, resulting in enhanced allergic inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis.

Spatial control of nucleoporin condensation by fragile X-related proteins.

Nucleoporins (Nups) build highly organized nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) at the nuclear envelope (NE). Several Nups assemble into a sieve-like hydrogel within the central channel of the NPCs. In the cytoplasm, the soluble Nups exist, but how their assembly is restricted to the NE is currently unknown. Here, we show that fragile X-related protein 1 (FXR1) can interact with several Nups and facilitate their localization to the NE during interphase through a microtubule-dependent mechanism. Downregulation of FXR1 or closely related orthologs FXR2 and fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) leads to the accumulation of cytoplasmic Nup condensates. Likewise, models of fragile X syndrome (FXS), characterized by a loss of FMRP, accumulate Nup granules. The Nup granule-containing cells show defects in protein export, nuclear morphology and cell cycle progression. Our results reveal an unexpected role for the FXR protein family in the spatial regulation of nucleoporin condensation.

The mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) complex mediates one of three pyruvate-supplying pathways that sustain Arabidopsis respiratory metabolism.

Malate oxidation by plant mitochondria enables the generation of both oxaloacetate and pyruvate for tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle function, potentially eliminating the need for pyruvate transport into mitochondria in plants. Here, we show that the absence of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 1 (MPC1) causes the co-commitment loss of its putative orthologs, MPC3/MPC4, and eliminates pyruvate transport into Arabidopsis thaliana mitochondria, proving it is essential for MPC complex function. While the loss of either MPC or mitochondrial pyruvate-generating NAD-malic enzyme (NAD-ME) did not cause vegetative phenotypes, the lack of both reduced plant growth and caused an increase in cellular pyruvate levels, indicating a block in respiratory metabolism, and elevated the levels of branched-chain amino acids at night, a sign of alterative substrate provision for respiration. 13C-pyruvate feeding of leaves lacking MPC showed metabolic homeostasis was largely maintained except for alanine and glutamate, indicating that transamination contributes to the restoration of the metabolic network to an operating equilibrium by delivering pyruvate independently of MPC into the matrix. Inhibition of alanine aminotransferases when MPC1 is absent resulted in extremely retarded phenotypes in Arabidopsis, suggesting all pyruvate-supplying enzymes work synergistically to support the TCA cycle for sustained plant growth.

Overcoming Challenges of Incorporation of Biobased Dibutyl Itaconate in (Meth)acrylic Waterborne Polymers.

Polymeric derivatives of itaconic acid are gaining interest as biobased alternatives to petroleum-based monomers due to their versatility, renewable nature, commercial availability, and cost-effectiveness. Itaconate ester monomer's challenges incorporating in (meth)acrylic waterborne polymers are the low propagation rate, unfavorable reactivity ratios, and the depropagation process. To overcome these challenges, the seeded semibatch emulsion polymerization of 100% biobased dibutyl itaconate, methyl methacrylate, and butyl acrylate was investigated at different temperatures. Consequently, 30 wt % DBI was successfully incorporated within waterborne (meth)acrylates in short reaction times (4 h), obtaining high DBI incorporation (>90%). The results demonstrate that DBI incorporation influences the instantaneous monomer conversion, polymer's microstructure, and mechanical properties. By incorporating a biobased itaconate cross-linker, kinetics and mechanical characteristics of the polymers were improved. This combined approach can be implemented without altering industrial processes, resolving the commercialization dilemma for itaconate monomers to synthesize high-performance biobased polymers for adhesive and coating industries.

One-Component Nanocomposites Made from Diblock Copolymer Grafted Cellulose Nanocrystals.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are bio-based, rod-like, high-aspect-ratio nanoparticles with high stiffness and strength and are widely used as a reinforcing nanofiller in polymer nanocomposites. However, due to hydrogen-bond formation between the large number of hydroxyl groups on their surface, CNCs are prone to aggregate, especially in nonpolar polymer matrices. One possibility to overcome this problem is to graft polymers from the CNCs' surfaces and to process the resulting "hairy nanoparticles" (HNPs) into one-component nanocomposites (OCNs) in which the polymer matrix and CNC filler are covalently connected. Here, we report OCNs based on HNPs that were synthesized by grafting gradient diblock copolymers onto CNCs via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. The inner block (toward the CNCs) is composed of poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA), and the outer block comprises a gradient copolymer rich in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The OCNs based on such HNPs microphase separate into a rubbery poly(methyl acrylate) phase that dissipates mechanical energy and imparts toughness, a glassy PMMA phase that provides strength and stiffness, and well-dispersed CNCs that further reinforce the materials. This design afforded OCNs that display a considerably higher stiffness and strength than reference diblock copolymers without the CNCs. At the same time, the extensibility remains high and the toughness is increased up to 5-fold relative to the reference materials.

Multiple physical crosslinked highly adhesive and conductive hydrogels for human motion and electrophysiological signal monitoring.

Hydrogel-based flexible electronic devices serve as a next-generation bridge for human-machine interaction and find extensive applications in clinical therapy, military equipment, and wearable devices. However, the mechanical mismatch between hydrogels and human tissues, coupled with the failure of conformal interfaces, hinders the transmission of information between living organisms and flexible devices, which resulted in the instability and low fidelity of signals, especially in the acquisition of electromyographic (EMG) and electrocardiographic (ECG) signals. In this study, we designed an ion-conductive hydrogel (ICHgel) utilizing multiple physical interactions, successfully applied for human motion monitoring and the collection of epidermal physiological signals. By incorporating fumed silica (F-SiO2) nanoparticles and calcium chloride into an interpenetrating network (IPN) composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyacrylamide (AAm)/acrylic acid (AA) chains, the ICHgel exhibited exceptional tunable stretchability (>1450% strain) and conductivity (10.58 ± 0.85 S m-1). Additionally, the outstanding adhesion of the ICHgel proved to be a critical factor for effective communication between epidermal tissues and flexible devices. Demonstrating its capability to acquire stable electromechanical signals, the ICHgel was attached to different parts of the human body. More importantly, as a flexible electrode, the ICHgel outperformed commercial Ag/AgCl electrodes in the collection of ECG and EMG signals. In summary, the synthesized ICHgel with its outstanding conformal interface capabilities and mechanical adaptability paves the way for enhanced human-machine interaction, fostering the development of flexible electronic devices.

Effect of Novel Compound Redox Initiators on Polymerization Mechanism and Mechanical Properties of Acrylic Resin.

Aiming at the problems of long reaction time and the risk of explosion polymerization of acrylate resin, a small amount of ferrocene (Fc) is added to the existing dibenzoyl peroxide (BPO)/N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA) initiators, and the compound redox initiators (BPO/DMA/ (Fc)) are proposed for acrylate resin polymerization at room temperature. The effect of the content of Fc in the resin on the reaction efficiency and the molding quality of products is researched, and the initiation mechanism of the compound redox initiators is analyzed. It is found that with the addition of Fc, the reaction time of the resin can be shortened by 68% at maximum, the heat release temperature of the resin can be reduced by 40% at maximum, the molecular weight of the reaction products can be increased by 74% at maximum, the tensile and bending properties of the resin castings are increased by 23% and 35% at maximum, respectively, and the bending strength and bending modulus are increased by 57% and 27% at maximum, respectively. The compound redox initiators proposed in this paper can improve the molding efficiency and quality of the product, lay a foundation for the application of acrylic resin in the field of pultrusion molding, perfusion molding, and other in situ molding of thermoplastic composites.

Designing a New Class of Mechanophoric Polymer Based on Epoxy-Functionalized Rhodamine Derivative.

Mechanophoric polymers are an interesting class of smart polymers which contains a special force-sensitive molecular motif that can lead to a chemical change within the polymer network in response to mechanical force. This investigation reports the design of a mechanophoric polymer based on epoxy-functionalized rhodamine via a monomeric approach. In this case, rhodamine (Rh) is modified with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) through an epoxy-amine reaction to design a vinyl-functionalized multi-armed macromonomer (Rh-GMA), which is reacted with butyl acrylate (BA) to prepare the crosslinked polymeric film. The crosslinked polymeric film demonstrates mechanophoric properties under UV and stretching conditions.

Block Copolymers of Polyolefins with Polyacrylates: Analyzing and Improving the Blocking Efficiencies Using MILRad/ATRP Approach.

Despite their industrial ubiquity, polyolefin-polyacrylate block copolymers are challenging to synthesize due to the distinct polymerization pathways necessary for respective blocks. This study utilizes MILRad, metal-organic insertion light-initiated radical polymerization, to synthesize polyolefin-b-poly(methyl acrylate) copolymer by combining palladium-catalyzed insertion-coordination polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Brookhart-type Pd complexes used for the living polymerization of olefins are homolytically cleaved by blue-light irradiation, generating polyolefin-based macroradicals, which are trapped with functional nitroxide derivatives forming ATRP macroinitiators. ATRP in the presence of Cu(0), that is, supplemental activators and reducing agents , is used to polymerize methyl acrylate. An increase in the functionalization efficiency of up to 71% is demonstrated in this study by modifying the light source and optimizing the radical trapping condition. Regardless of the radical trapping efficiency, essentially quantitative chain extension of polyolefin-Br macroinitiator with acrylates is consistently demonstrated, indicating successful second block formation.

Contact Allergy to Allergens in the Swedish Baseline Series Overrepresented in Diabetes Patients with Skin Reactions to Medical Devices - A Retrospective Study from Southern Sweden.

Allergic contact dermatitis is reported among individuals using continuous glucose monitoring systems and insulin pumps. The aim of this study was to describe contact allergy patterns for allergens in the Swedish baseline series and medical device-related allergens among users. Contact allergy to baseline series allergens and isobornyl acrylate was compared between diabetes patients and dermatitis patients patch-tested at the Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology during 2017 to 2020. Fifty- four diabetes patients and 2,567 dermatitis patients were included. The prevalence of contact allergy to fragrance mix II and sesquiterpene lactone mix was significantly higher in diabetes patients compared with dermatitis patients. Of the diabetes patients 13.0% and of the dermatitis patients 0.5% tested positive to sesquiterpene lactone mix (p < 0.001). Of the diabetes patients 7.4% and of the dermatitis patients 2.3% tested positive to fragrance mix II (p = 0.041). Of the diabetes patients 70.4% tested positive to medical device-related allergens. Of the diabetes patients 63.0% and of the dermatitis patients 0.2% were allergic to isobornyl acrylate (p < 0.001). In conclusion, not only medical device-related contact allergies, but also contact allergy to baseline series allergens (fragrance mix II and sesquiterpene lactone mix), is overrepresented in diabetes patients who use medical devices.

Acrylate Reductase of an Anaerobic Electron Transport Chain of the Marine Bacterium Shewanella woodyi.

Many microorganisms are capable of anaerobic respiration in the absence of oxygen, by using different organic compounds as terminal acceptors in electron transport chain. We identify here an anaerobic respiratory chain protein responsible for acrylate reduction in the marine bacterium Shewanella woodyi. When the periplasmic proteins of S. woodyi were separated by ion exchange chromatography, acrylate reductase activity copurified with an ArdA protein (Swoo_0275). Heterologous expression of S. woodyi ardA gene (swoo_0275) in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 cells did not result in the appearance in them of periplasmic acrylate reductase activity, but such activity was detected when the ardA gene was co-expressed with an ardB gene (swoo_0276). Together, these genes encode flavocytochrome c ArdAB, which is thus responsible for acrylate reduction in S. woodyi cells. ArdAB was highly specific for acrylate as substrate and reduced only methacrylate (at a 22-fold lower rate) among a series of other tested 2-enoates. In line with these findings, acrylate and methacrylate induced ardA gene expression in S. woodyi under anaerobic conditions, which was accompanied by the appearance of periplasmic acrylate reductase activity. ArdAB-linked acrylate reduction supports dimethylsulfoniopropionate-dependent anaerobic respiration in S. woodyi and, possibly, other marine bacteria.

In vitro safety evaluation of (6-methoxy-9-oxo-9H-xanthen-2-yl)methyl (E)-3-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)acrylate (K-116) - the novel potential UV filter designed by means of a double chromophore strategy.

The use of topical photoprotection is necessary to reduce adverse effects caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Despite the high standards set for UV filters, many of them may contribute to the occurrence of adverse effects. The newly synthesised compound K-116, the (E)-cinnamoyl xanthone derivative, could be an alternative. We conducted extended in vitro safety evaluation of compound K-116. The research included assessment of irritation potential on skin tissue, evaluation of penetration through the epidermis, and assessment of phototoxicity, and mutagenicity. Additionally, the eco-safety of compound K-116 was evaluated, including an examination of its degradation pathway in the Cunninghamella echinulata model, as well as in silico simulation of the toxicity of both the parent compound and its degradation products. The research showed that compound K-116 tested in future application conditions is deprived of skin irritant potential additionally it does not penetrate through the epidermis. Results showed that K-116 concentrate is not phototoxic and not mutagenic. The eco-safety studies showed that it undergoes biodegradation in 27% in Cunninghamella echinulata model. The parent compound and formed metabolite are less toxic than reference UV filters (octinoxate and octocrylene).

Derivation of no significant risk levels for three lower acrylates: Conclusions and recommendations from an expert panel.

A panel of toxicology, mode of action (MOA), and cancer risk assessment experts was engaged to derive no-significant-risk-levels (NSRLs) for three lower acrylates: methyl acrylate (MA), ethyl acrylate (EA), and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2EHA) using the best available science, data, and methods. The review was structured as a five-round, modified Delphi format, a systematic process for collecting independent and deliberative input from panel members, and it included several procedural elements to reduce potential sources of bias and groupthink. Input from the panel for key decisions in the dose-response assessments resulted in NSRL values of 530 µg/day (330-800 µg/day), 640 µg/day (280-670 µg/day), and 1700 µg/day (1300-2700 µg/day) for MA, EA, and 2EHA, respectively. Novel to this approach were the use of nonneoplastic lesions reported at point of contact where tumors have been reported in laboratory rodents, along with nonlinear extrapolation to low doses (uncertainty factor approach) based upon panel recommendations. Confidence in these values is considered medium to high for exposures applied to the routes of exposure tested (inhalation for MA and EA, dermal for 2EHA), but confidence is considered lower when applied to other routes of exposure.

Presence of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and other (meth)acrylates in nail cosmetics, and compliance with EU legislation: An online market survey.

BACKGROUND: During the last 15-20 years, allergic contact dermatitis from acrylates-containing nail cosmetics (acrylic nails, gel nails, gel nail polish) has been increasingly reported. 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is considered to be the major allergenic culprit; few data on its presence in nail cosmetics are available. OBJECTIVES: To investigate (1) the frequency in which HEMA and di-HEMA trimethylhexyl dicarbamate are present in nail cosmetics; (2) whether nail cosmetics comply with EU regulations; (3) which other (meth)acrylates are present in nail cosmetics and how often. METHODS: One-line market survey. RESULTS: HEMA was present in nearly 60% of 394 cosmetic nail products and di-HEMA trimethylhexyl dicarbamate in 34%. Mandatory warnings on the packages of products containing HEMA were absent in 35% ('For professional use only') resp. 55% ('Can cause an allergic reaction'). Forty-five other (meth)acrylates were identified, of which the most frequent were hydroxypropyl methacrylate (25%), isobornyl methacrylate (16%) and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (12%). Some ingredient lists mentioned non-INCI names or non-specific names. CONCLUSIONS: HEMA was by far the most common ingredient of nail cosmetics, being present in nearly 60% of the products. Violations of EU legislation occurred in >30% (mandatory warnings missing) resp. 10% (mislabelling) of nail cosmetics.

Acrylates in artificial nails-Results of product analyses and glove penetration studies.

BACKGROUND: Artificial nail materials are mixtures that are prone to contain several sensitizing (meth)acrylates. It is not known whether the listing of (meth)acrylates is correct in these products' packages. Protective gloves suited for nail work are needed. OBJECTIVES: To analyse (meth)acrylates in gel nail and acrylic nail products chemically and to compare the results with the information in the product labels, and to study penetration of artificial nail materials through selected disposable gloves. METHODS: We analysed 31 gel nail products and 6 acrylic nail products for their (meth)acrylate content by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We tested the penetration of two nail products through three disposable gloves: nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). RESULTS: Altogether 32/37 products contained (meth)acrylates. In all of them, there was discrepancy between the listed (meth)acrylates and those discovered in the analysis. The commonest (meth)acrylates were hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA, 20/37 samples) and hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA, 9/37 samples), but many of the product packages failed to declare them. Isobornyl acrylate (IBA) was discovered in nine gel nail products. The neoprene glove could withstand nail gel for 20 min and thin nitrile glove and PVC glove for 5 min. Acrylic nail liquid penetrated through disposable gloves quickly. CONCLUSIONS: Labelling of artificial nail products was notably incorrect on most products. Requirements for product labelling must be updated so that the risk of sensitization associated with artificial nail products is clearly indicated. Disposable gloves can probably be used short-term in gel nail work, whereas disposable gloves do not protect the user from acrylic nail liquids.

2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA) sensitization, a global epidemic at its peak in Spain?

BACKGROUND: A global epidemic of allergic contact dermatitis to (meth)acrylates has been described in relation to the widespread use of manicure products. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency of sensitization to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA) among consecutively patch tested patients with eczema in Spain; the percentage of current relevance; the MOAHLFA index; and, the potential sources of exposure to (meth)acrylates. METHODS: From January 2019 to December 2022, 2-HEMA 2% pet. was prospectively patch tested in 24 REIDAC (Spanish Allergic Contact Dermatitis Registry) centres. RESULTS: Six thousand one hundred thirty-four patients were consecutively patch tested with 2-HEMA 2% pet. 265/6134 (4.3%) were positive. Positive reactions of current relevance were identified to involve 184/265 (69%). The efficiency (number of patch tests needed to detect relevant positive patch test reactions) was 34 (6134/184). The variable 'occupational' was found to be significantly associated with a higher risk for relevant positive reactions to 2-HEMA (OR: 10.9; 95% CI: 8.1-14.9). CONCLUSION: (Meth)acrylate sensitization is a prevalent health issue in Spain. 2-HEMA 2% pet. has been identified to be a highly effective (meth)acrylate allergy marker in the GEIDAC baseline series. The responsible authorities should implement policies guaranteeing accurate labelling of industrial, medical, and consumer materials while ensuring the enforcement of said labelling through appropriate legal means.

Allergic contact dermatitis due to 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate in ostomy patients.

BACKGROUND: Many people live with ostomies after life-saving surgery. Ostomy patients often suffer from peristomal dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) has been reported, mostly due to contact allergy (CA) to topical agents. OBJECTIVES: We present three patients with therapy resistant peristomal dermatitis, suggesting ACD caused by different stoma products. METHODS: Patch testing was performed with baseline series, additional series, and selected allergens. They were also tested with their own ostomy products as is and separate extracts of the products. Extracts were analysed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS: In all three patients we diagnosed CA to 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA), +++ in case (C) 1 and 3, ++ in C 2. HDDA was detected in C 2's ostomy pouch adhesive and in C 1's and 3's flange extenders used to improve the adhesion of the ostomy pouches. CONCLUSION: Therapy resistant peristomal dermatitis should always be suspected of ACD and patch testing, especially with the patient's own products, should be performed.

Contact allergy caused by acrylates in nail cosmetics: A pilot study from Greece.

BACKGROUND: The growing popularity of nail techniques based on acrylates has led to a higher frequency of sensitization in both nail technicians and users. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by acrylates in individuals with occupational or non-occupational exposure to nail techniques. METHODS: A preliminary study was conducted on 30 patients with ACD caused by acrylates in nail techniques, who were patch tested from September 2022 to March 2023 at the First Department of Dermatology and Venereology of Andreas Syggros Hospital, Athens, Greece. RESULTS: Thirty female patients with ACD to acrylates were documented (15 users and 15 nail technicians and users). The most common allergens were: 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), which tested positive in all 30 patients (100.0%). Twenty patients (66.7%) had been exposed to dental procedures involving acrylates, before the onset of ACD. Nail technicians exhibited extensive skin lesions, 40.0% experienced ACD within the first year of work and 13.3% during their professional practice. Three of them (20.0%) had to discontinue their work. CONCLUSION: Acrylates have been identified as potent allergens, necessitating the implementation of safety measures for the use of these chemicals in nail techniques.

Artificial nail modelling systems in healthcare workers: An emerging risk of contact sensitization to a well-known occupational allergen in an alternative way.

BACKGROUND: Artificial nail modelling systems (ANMS) pose a significant risk for nail stylists and their clients regarding acrylate sensitization, which might jeopardize the use of acrylate-containing medical devices. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency of artificial nail practices among female healthcare workers (HCWs) compared with controls and assess ANMS-related side effects. METHODS: In this comparative, cross-sectional, single-centre study, a face-to-face interview with 200 female HCWs and 200 age-matched female dermatology patients (controls) was conducted regarding the use of ANMS between March and November 2023. RESULTS: Among 400 participants (median age: 25), 85 (21.3%) have applied ANMS at least once. The prevalence of ANMS application was significantly higher in HCWs (n = 54/200, 27%) compared with controls (n = 31/200, 15.5%) (p < 0.05). Long-lasting nail polish was the most commonly preferred technique (n = 82/85, 96.5%). ANMS were mainly performed in nail studios by nail stylists (n = 79/85, 92.9%), while three participants were using home kits. Nail brittleness was the most frequently reported side effect (n = 19/85, 22.4%). No case of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) was detected. CONCLUSIONS: The popularity of ANMS among young female HCWs is growing. This striking trend might further put these individuals not only at risk of medical device-related adverse events but also occupational ACD.