Nail Mineral Composition Changes Do Not Reflect Bone Mineral Changes Caused by Boron Supplementation.

Nails have been found to be a non-invasive and readily available tissue whose mineral content can change because of a change in dietary mineral intake. Thus, this study was undertaken to determine whether boron (B) supplementation would change the concentrations of some mineral elements in nails and whether these changes correlated with changes induced in bone. Female New Zealand White rabbits (aged 8 months, 2-2.5 kg weight) were fed a grain-based, high-energy diet containing 3.88 mg B/kg. The rabbits were divided into four treatment groups: controls receiving no supplemental B (N: 7; C) and three groups supplemented with 30 mg B/L in drinking water as borax decahydrate (Na2B4O7∙10H2O, N: 10; BD), borax anhydrous (Na2B4O7, N: 7; Bah), and boric acid (H3BO3, N: 7; BA). Boron, calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn) concentrations in nails were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Parametric and non-parametric multiple group comparisons and post hoc tests were performed and whether a correlation between nail and tibia and femur mineral elements concentrations were determined. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Boron was not detectable in control nails but was found in the nails of the three B supplemented groups. Boron supplementation markedly increased the Ca concentration in nails with the effect greatest in the BA and BD groups. The P and Mg concentrations also were increased by B supplementation with the effect most marked in the BA group. In contrast, B supplementation decreased the Na concentration with the effect most noticeable in the BD and Bah groups. The Zn concentration in nails was not affected by BA and BD supplementation but was decreased by Bah supplementation. Boron supplementation did not significantly affect the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mo, K, and S in nails. No meaningful significant correlations were found between nail mineral elements and tibia and femur mineral elements found previously. Nails can be an indicator of the response to boron supplementation but are not useful to indicate changes in mineral elements in bone in response to B supplementation.

Quality of Calcium Food Supplements: Evaluation Compared to Manufacturers' Declarations.

Calcium (Ca) is a macronutrient necessary for the proper functioning of an organism. In the case of insufficient consumption with diet, its deficiencies can be supplemented with food supplements (FS). These supplements are used, for example, as an auxiliary in the prevention of osteoporosis, allergies, hair loss or nail brittleness. The purpose of the study was to assess the compliance of Ca content with the manufacturers' declaration. The material consisted of 108 FS. Ca content was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). It was shown that 1.9% of the samples were characterized by a Ca content that was too low in comparison to the manufacturer's declaration, while a content that was relatively too high was found in 54.6% of FS. The quality of FS should be monitored to ensure patient safety.

Bacterial nanocellulose patches as a carrier for hydrating formulations to improve the topical treatment of nail diseases.

Bacterial nanocellulose has been widely investigated for wound healing applications, mainly due to its moisturizing capabilities and biocompatibility. Even though the topical therapy of nail diseases could benefit from these properties, this application has not yet been investigated. Therefore, actively hydrating nail patches based on bacterial nanocellulose were developed to improve the delivery of ciclopirox olamine and Boswellia serrata extract through the nail plate. The nanocellulose matrix was used to enable the application of hydration enhancing solutions based on glycerol and urea as a mechanically stable patch. While the favorable mechanical characteristics of the material remained unchanged, an increase of the incorporated glycerol concentration enhanced the transparency and wetting capacity of the patches. A biphasic drug release from the patches could be observed for drug and extract with a faster release for the hydrophilic ciclopirox olamine. High glycerol concentrations correlated with increased cumulative release and permeation through keratin films for drug and extract, demonstrating the hydration driven permeation enhancement. Patches containing ciclopirox olamine showed strong antimycotic effects against relevant pathogens for onychomycosis. The present finding proposed the combination of bacterial nanocellulose with glycerol, urea and different drug as a promising platform for the local treatment of nail diseases.

A survey-based study of physician practices regarding biotin supplementation.

Biotin is an important cofactor in several metabolic pathways in humans. Biotin deficiencies are quite uncommon and there is limited data to support recommending it to treat hair, skin, and nail conditions. A 2017 FDA safety alert warned that biotin can interfere with laboratory testing resulting in incorrect diagnoses and even death. Therefore, our study objectives were to assess biotin recommendation practices and survey physician knowledge of biotin interference in routine laboratory tests. In a national survey of 149 physicians, we found that 43.9% of physicians prescribe biotin, primarily for hair and nail disorders, and 39.5% recommended other biotin-containing supplements. Most physicians answered correctly that there are no randomized studies that biotin improves dermatological conditions, and that biotin interferes with thyroid and troponin testing. Few knew of interference with b-HCG, Hepatitis serology, HIV serology and Vitamin D levels, and 19.5% were unaware of any interference. Almost half of physicians did not ask patients to discontinue biotin prior to laboratory testing. Our study shows that physicians continue to prescribe biotin despite knowledge gaps about laboratory interference, and highlights the need for increasing physician awareness of risks and benefits of recommending biotin to treat skin, hair, and nail conditions.

Myths and media in oral collagen supplementation for the skin, nails, and hair: A review.

BACKGROUND: As a key component of the hair, skin, and nails, there is strong consumer interest in the dermatologic efficacy of oral collagen supplementation. Oral supplementation with collagen peptides has increased in popularity in recent years. AIMS: There are relatively few studies investigating the dermatologic effects of ingested collagen peptides, many of which are limited by sample size and variability of results. The question remains whether there is sufficient evidence to support companies' promises and consumers' goals. METHODS: In this review, we investigate and compare the claims surrounding collagen supplementation on Instagram and YouTube, made by collagen companies, and established in the literature. RESULTS: Although some studies have demonstrated that collagen supplementation can enhance skin qualities such as elasticity and hydration, dermatologic claims in the media surpass any evidence currently supported by the literature. CONCLUSIONS: More research is needed to establish knowledge of the effects and physiologic mechanism of collagen supplementation. Dermatologists should be aware of the unsubstantiated proclamations of collagen made by companies and in social media, as well as what evidence is established thus far, to be equipped to discuss collagen supplementation with patients.

Etiopatogenia de las uñas frágiles / Etiopathogenesis of brittle nails

Las uñas frágiles se caracterizan por ser quebradizas, de superficie áspera y descamativa, es una entidad que predomina en mujeres y afecta principalmente las uñas de las manos. En condiciones normales las uñas estás compuestas por agua, cuya concentración oscila entre 7 % al 18 %, lípidos entre 0,1 % y 5%, siendo el colesterol su principal componente, además están compuesta por células queratinizadas sin descamación, dando origen a tres capas histológicas llamadas dorsal, media y ventral. Estas también contienen trazas de elementos como hierro y zinc. La alteración y disminución de estos componentes favorecen está condición. La causa puede ser idiopática o secundaria a enfermedades sistémicas, pueden estar presentes en algunas patologías dermatológicas. Una correcta anamnesis e historia clínica son necesarias para un correcto abordaje terapéutico. Su implicación cosmética nos obliga a tener un conocimiento claro de su etiopatogenia para así poder establecer un tratamiento efectivo y oportuno(AU)

Brittle nails are characterized by being brittle, witha rough and scaly surface, it is an entity that predominates inwomen and mainly affects the fingernails. In normal conditions the nails are made up of water, whose concentration ranges from7% to 18%, lipids between 0.1% and 5%, with cholesterol beingits main component, they are also composed of keratinized cellswithout desquamation, giving rise to three histological layerscalled dorsal, middle and ventral. These also contain traces ofelements such as iron, and zinc. The alteration and decreaseof these components favor this condition. Yhe cause may beidiopathic or secondary to systemic diseases, they may be presentin some dermatological pathologies. A correct anamnesis andmedical history are necessary for a correct therapeutic approach.Its cosmetic involvement forces us to have a clear understandingof its pathogenesis in order to establish an effective and timelytreatment(AU)

Nail Psoriasis in Older Adults: Intralesional, Systemic, and Biological Therapy.

Psoriasis may affect the skin, scalp, joints, and nails and is common in older adults. Intramatrical injections with triamcinolone acetonide are safe and effective in older individuals. Conventional systemic medications are relatively effective, but side effects, including laboratory abnormalities and drug interactions, are particularly common among older adults. Biologic medications have shown excellent efficacy in treating nail psoriasis. Their safety profile is favorable, but data assessing long-term safety are lacking. Randomized controlled trials in older adults exclusively are necessary to develop evidence-based treatment guidelines in this population.

Traces under nails in clinical forensic medicine: not just DNA.

When dealing with complex crimes such as rape and assault, every trace takes on an essential role. The hands are often the only means of defence and offence for the victim as well as a frequent area of contact with the environment; fingernails of a victim are a well-known possible source of DNA of the aggressor; nevertheless, they are more rarely treated as an area of interest for non-genetic material, particularly on living victims. The hyponychium, because of its physiological protective function, lends itself ideally to retaining different kinds of traces representative of an environment or various products and substrates that could shed light on the environment and objects involved in the event. We therefore tested how far this capability of the hyponychium could go by simulating the dynamics of contamination of the nail through scratching on different substrates (brick and mortar, painted wood, ivy leaves, cotton and woollen fabric, soil) and persistence of any contaminant at different time intervals. We have thus shown how these traces may remain in the living for up to 24 h after the event using inexpensive and non-destructive techniques such as the episcopic and optical microscope.

Treatment of acetabular fractures with infra-acetabular screwing / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of infra-acetabular screwing in the treatment of acetabular fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted of the 22 patients with acetabular fracture who had been admitted to Department of Trauma and Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University from January 2016 to January 2019. They were 16 males and 6 females, aged from 19 to 65 years (mean, 45.2 years). According to Letournel-Judet classification, there were 2 anterior column fractures, 12 anterior plus posterior hemi-transverse fractures, 3 T-shaped fractures and 5 both-column fractures. All patients were treated with infra-acetabular screwing through the ilioinguinal approach. Recorded were the patients＇ operation time, intraoperative blood loss, reduction quality, fracture union time, hip function and complications.Results:Operation time for this cohort ranged from 115 to 285 min (mean, 160 min), and intraoperative blood loss from 360 to 1,600 mL (mean, 650 mL). By the Matta scoring, fracture reduction was assessed as excellent in 14 cases, as good in 5 cases and as poor in 3 cases, giving an excellent and good rate of 86.4% (19/22). Of this cohort, 21 were followed up from 12 to 45 months (mean, 28.5 months) and one was lost to the follow-up. The fracture healing time for 21 patients ranged from 1.6 to 3.0 months, averaging 2.2 months. No patient had fracture displacement. The Merle d’Aubigné & Postel hip scores at the last follow-up ranged from 8 to18 points (average, 16 points), giving 12 excellent, 6 good, 2 fair, and one poor cases and an excellent and good rate of 85.7% (18/21). Follow-ups observed injury to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in one case, deep venous thrombosis of lower limb in 2 cases, superficial wound infection in one case and traumatic arthritis in one case, yielding a total rate of compilations of 23.8% (5/21).Conclusion:Application of infra-acetabular screwing after anatomical reduction of an acetabular fracture can effectively enhance the strength of internal fixation with no risk of fracture re-displacement, conducive to early functional exercise of the patient and leading to good clinical efficacy.

Comparison of open reduction and locking plating versus closed reduction and interlocking intramedullary nailing in treatment of humeral surgical neck fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the curative efficacy in the treatment of humeral surgical neck fractures between open reduction and locking plating versus closed reduction and interlocking intramedullary nailing.Methods:From July 2018 to July 2020, 60 patients with humeral surgical neck fracture were treated at Department of Orthorpaedic Trauma, Jiangmen Wuyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. They were 24 males and 36 females, aged from 40 to 70 years and injured at the left side in 35 cases and at the right side in 25 ones. Of them, 30 underwent open reduction and locking plating (open group) and the other 30 closed reduction and interlocking intramedullary nailing (closed group). The 2 groups were compared in terms of operation time, intraoperative blood loss, surgical incision length, fracture healing time, Neer shoulder function scoring 3 months after surgery, and postoperative complications.Results:There were no statistically significant differences between the open and closed groups in preoperative general data, showing they were comparable ( P>0.05). The length of surgical incision [(5.2±1.1) cm], operation time [(34.3±12.7) min], intraoperative blood loss [(52.5±7.3) mL] and fracture healing time [(9.2±1.5) weeks] in the closed group were significantly better than those in the open group [(11.1±2.5) cm, (69.4±21.4) min, (123.5±5.2) mL and (14.2±3.4) weeks)] ( P<0.05). The excellent and good rate by Neer shoulder function scoring at 3 months after operation in the closed group (93.3%, 28/30) was significantly higher than that in the open group (66.7%, 20/30) ( P<0.05). There were no postoperative complications in either group. Conclusion:In the treatment of humeral surgical neck fractures, the curative efficacy of closed reduction and interlocking intramedullary nailing is better than that of open reduction and locking plating.

Skin, Hair and Nail Supplements: An Evidence-Based Approach

Dermatology supplements, often marketed as "skin, hair, and nail" supplements, are becoming increasingly popular. However, many consumers lack an understanding of the science of dietary supplements or the specifics of the supplement industry. While certain supplements at the right dose in the right population may prove beneficial, the evidence is sparse for many supplements. In addition, the use of some supplements has resulted in serious adverse effects. From a regulatory standpoint, the US FDA recognizes dietary supplements as foods. This distinction has multiple ramifications, including the fact that manufacturers do not need to prove efficacy, safety, or quality prior to sale. Therefore, physicians and consumers must evaluate each supplement ingredient and formulation individually. This article outlines an evidence-based approach to assess dermatology supplements. As a starting point, all supplements should be evaluated for PPIES: purity, potency, interactions, efficacy, and safety.

The Screening of Nails for Selected Essential and Toxic Elements in Normotensive and Pre-Eclamptic Women.

To compare the concentrations of 13 different elements in nail samples from pre-eclamptic and normotensive pregnant women. The study site was a regional hospital in Durban, KwaZulu Natal. Nail samples were collected from normotensive (n = 33) and pre-eclamptic (n = 33) pregnant women. Approximately 0.02 g of nail samples were digested in 70% nitric acid and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Analytes of interest were the following essential elements calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se) and Zinc (Zn) as well as toxic elements, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). The observed concentrations of bioelements (mean, µg/g), Ca: normotensive (N) 3467 ± 197 vs (PE) 2897 ± 190; Mg: (N) 736 ± 61 vs (PE) 695 ± 59, were lower in pre-eclampsia albeit not statistically significant. Similarly, the observed concentrations of bioelements (mean, µg/g), Cd: (N) 3 ± 0.3 vs (PE) 2 ± 0.4; Co: (N) 3 ± 0.3 (PE) not detected; Mn: (N) 7 ± 1 (PE) 4 ± 0.8, were significantly lower in pre-eclampsia (p = 0.004, 0.0001 and 0.022, respectively). Therefore, this study demonstrated significantly lower levels of Cd, Co and Mn in pre-eclampsia which justifies the need for further research on these elements towards the effective management or prevention of pre-eclampsia which could ultimately also aid in establishing its pathogenesis.

Arthroscopic riveting with line versus lateral retinacular release plus medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for habitual patellar dislocation / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy between arthroscopic riveting with line and lateral retinacular release plus medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in the treatment of habitual patellar dislocation.Methods A retrospective study was conducted of the 40 children with habitual patellar dislocation who had been treated at Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics,Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2016 to December 2016.They were divided evenly into an observation group and a control group according to the treatment methods (n =20).In the observation group which was treated by lateral retinacular release plus medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction,there were 14 boys and 6 girls,with an age of 14.2 ± 1.2 years and an average number of dislocations of 5.3 ± 1.1 times.In the control group which was treated by arthroscopic riveting with line,there were 13 boys and 7 girls,with an age of 13.8 ± 1.3 years and an average number of dislocations of 5.5 ± 1.2 times.The 2 groups were compared in terms of visual analogue score (VAS),Q-angle,knee motion,Lysholm score and Kujala score of the knee at the last follow-ups.Results The 2 groups were comparable due to insignificant differences in preoperative general data between them (P ＞ 0.05).The observation and control groups were followed up for 13.3 ± 1.2 months and 12.9 ± 1.2 months,respec-tively,showing no significant difference between them(P ＞ 0.05).At the last follow-ups,the observation group had a significantly lower VAS score (2.2 ± 0.8 pints),a significantly smaller Q-angle (14.5°± 1.2°),significantly larger knee motion (30.3° ± 3.8°),and significantly higher Lysholm (91.6 ± 5.3 points) and Kujala scores (93.2 ±2.8 points) than the control group (4.3 ± 1.1 points,17.8°± 1.6°,23.4°±3.4°,81.4 ±4.4 points and 82.0 ± 5.4 points,respectively) (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion In the treatment of habitual patellar dislocation,lateral retinacular release plus medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction can lead to improvements in knee function and clinical symptoms and better clinical outcomes than arthroscopic riveting with line.

Arthroscopic riveting with line versus lateral retinacular release plus medial patellofemoral ligament re-construction for habitual patellar dislocation / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective@#To compare the clinical efficacy between arthroscopic riveting with line and lateral retinacular release plus medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in the treatment of habitual patellar dislocation.@*Methods@#A retrospective study was conducted of the 40 children with habitual patellar dislocation who had been treated at Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2016 to December 2016. They were divided evenly into an observation group and a control group according to the treatment methods (n=20). In the observation group which was treated by lateral retinacular release plus medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, there were 14 boys and 6 girls, with an age of 14.2±1.2 years and an average number of dislocations of 5.3±1.1 times. In the control group which was treated by arthroscopic riveting with line, there were 13 boys and 7 girls, with an age of 13.8±1.3 years and an average number of dislocations of 5.5±1.2 times. The 2 groups were compared in terms of visual analogue score (VAS), Q-angle, knee motion, Lysholm score and Kujala score of the knee at the last follow-ups.@*Results@#The 2 groups were comparable due to insignificant differences in preoperative general data between them (P>0.05). The observation and control groups were followed up for 13.3±1.2 months and 12.9±1.2 months, respectively, showing no significant difference between them(P>0.05). At the last follow-ups, the observation group had a significantly lower VAS score (2.2±0.8 pints), a significantly smaller Q-angle (14.5°±1.2°), significantly larger knee motion (30.3°±3.8°), and significantly higher Lysholm (91.6±5.3 points) and Kujala scores (93.2±2.8 points) than the control group (4.3±1.1 points, 17.8°±1.6°, 23.4°±3.4°, 81.4±4.4 points and 82.0±5.4 points, respectively) (all P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#In the treatment of habitual patellar dislocation, lateral retinacular release plus medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction can lead to improvements in knee function and clinical symptoms and better clinical outcomes than arthroscopic riveting with line.

Feasibility of measuring zinc in human nails using portable x-ray fluorescence.

A variety of adverse health effects have been identified as resulting from zinc deficiency. Zinc supplementation may therefore be indicated for certain individuals or populations. A rapid and straightforward means of assessing zinc status in humans would be of considerable medical benefit. In this study, the feasibility of measuring zinc levels in human fingernails or toenails using a portable x-ray fluorescence technique was assessed. Whole nail models (or phantoms) were constructed from resin, and dosed with various concentrations of zinc. These different concentration "nails" were cut into small slices of 4.4 ±â€¯0.2 mm width. The combination of these various slices into different arrangements allowed the modeling of different time-dependent zinc exposure scenarios. A portable x-ray fluorescence device was tested using an "open beam" configuration having a beam diameter of ∼9 mm, and using a "weld mask" configuration with the beam width reduced to 2.9 mm. Minimum detection limits were determined to be 0.15 ±â€¯0.01 ppm for the open beam, and 1.13 ±â€¯0.08 ppm when using the weld mask. By scanning across the length of the model nails, it was demonstrated that differences in zinc levels deposited over time could be detected, and that the weld mask configuration was better suited to resolving spatial changes. The x-ray fluorescence approach was found to be highly sensitive for detecting zinc in nail, and capable of differentiating patterns of zinc uptake over time.

Correlates of toenail selenium and its cross-sectional association with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to identify independent correlates of toenail selenium levels and to examine the association between toenail selenium levels and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis was conducted using baseline data from the Trace Element Study of Korean Adults in the Yeungnam area, an ongoing cohort study of Korean adults over the age of 35 years. The baseline survey consisted of questionnaires on demographics, lifestyle characteristics and medical information. Dietary information was obtained through a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Toenail selenium levels were quantified using neutron activation analysis. Biomarkers associated with metabolic syndrome were obtained from biennial medical check-ups. RESULTS: In the multivariable-adjusted analyses, independent lifestyle and dietary correlates of higher selenium levels were alcohol drinking (4.62% higher than nondrinking) and egg intake (0.43% higher per weekly serving), whereas current smoking (5.42% lower than nonsmoking) and vegetable consumption (0.05% lower per weekly serving) were associated with lower toenail selenium levels. In the multivariable adjusted logistic regression, no significant association was observed between toenail selenium levels and metabolic syndrome (odds ratio = 1.33, 95% confidence interval = 0.58-3.05). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple lifestyle and dietary factors influenced toenail selenium levels, although no meaningful association was observed between toenail selenium levels and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults. Future prospective large-scale cohort studies are required to determine whether there is a causal relationship between selenium levels and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults.