Utilization of light-emitting diodes for skin therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study investigates the dermatological as well as the esthetic potential of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis. From the electronic databases, 554 articles were assessed; however, only 31 studies were selected after manually screening and eliminating unnecessary studies. The potential effectiveness of LEDs for skin therapies was assessed by evaluating the standardized mean differences (SMDs) and funnel plots of this meta-analysis. It was discovered that both red and blue LED lights play an important role in the treatment of acne vulgaris with an overall statistically significant SMD of -2.42 [-2.64, -2.15] and I2  = 17% < 50%. Additionally, other LEDs (e.g., yellow LEDs and near-infrared devices) showed outstanding levels of effectiveness, not only in reducing the lesions of herpes simplex and psoriasis but also in improved skin rejuvenation with highly consistent analytical results (I2  = 0% and 33%, respectively). However, the analysis of LED-based skin wound healing and atopic dermatitis treatments exhibited heterogeneity (I2  = 85% and 90%) due to the lack of unpublished articles. In conclusion, it is suggested that LEDs are useful for dermatology and could be potential candidates for future cosmetic applications.

Antioxidants for improved skin appearance: Intracellular mechanism, challenges and future strategies.

Recent advances in molecular and biochemical processes relevant to the skincare field have led to the development of novel ingredients based on antioxidants that can improve skin health and youthfulness. Considering the plethora of such antioxidants and the many implications for the skin's appearance, this review focuses on describing the critical aspects of antioxidants, including cosmetic functions, intracellular mechanisms and challenges. In particular, specialized substances are suggested for the treatment of each skin condition, such as skin ageing, skin dehydration and skin hyperpigmentation, which treatments can maximize effectiveness and avoid side effects during skin care processes. In addition, this review proposes advanced strategies that either already exists in the cosmetic market or should be developed to improve and optimize cosmetic' beneficial effects.

Les progrès récents des processus moléculaires et biochimiques pertinents pour le domaine des soins de la peau ont conduit au développement de nouveaux ingrédients à base d'antioxydants qui peuvent améliorer la santé et la jeunesse de la peau. Compte tenu de la pléthore de ces antioxydants et des nombreuses implications pour l'apparence de la peau, cette revue se concentre sur la description des aspects critiques des antioxydants, pour le domaine de la cosmétique, pour les mécanismes intracellulaires et les défis à surmonter. En particulier, des substances spécialisées sont suggérées pour le traitement de chaque affection cutanée, comme le vieillissement cutané, la déshydratation cutanée et l'hyperpigmentation cutanée, lesquels traitements peuvent maximiser l'efficacité et éviter les effets secondaires pendant les processus de soins de la peau. De plus, cette revue propose des stratégies avancées qui existent déjà sur le marché des cosmétiques ou qui devraient être développées pour améliorer et optimiser les effets bénéfiques des cosmétiques.

In-Vitro Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Stress Induced by Cerium Aminoclay and Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles in Human Skin Keratinocyte Cells.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) contain a number of properties suitable for biomedical, environmental and cosmetic applications, and in fact, they are well-known as inorganic sunscreen agents. Recently, cerium aminoclay (CeAC) has been considered as a hybrid material for sunscreen application, however, the basic information on the toxicity and oxidative stress induced by CeAC and CeO2 NPs on cell lines remains scanty. Therefore, the present study performed an MTT assay and ROS measurement to assess the cell viability and oxidative stress on HaCaT cells. The results showed that CeAC and CeO2 NPs exhibited low toxicities (IC50 values of 88.74/86.95 µg/mL and 84.13/83.13 µg/mL for 24 and 48 h, respectively). In particular, CeAC showed less toxicity than that did CeO2, due to its larger size, resulting in less penetration into the cell membrane, which fact reduced the level of toxicity. Notably, the coexistence of Ce3+ and Ce4+ oxidation states has been shown to promote the antioxidant activity of Ce nanomaterials, playing a major role in enhancing radical scavenging as well as reducing the intracellular ROS level on HaCaT cells. According to this estimates, CeAC and CeO2 NPs can be considered to be promising candidates for future cosmetic applications, especially sunscreens.

Current Trends in RNA Virus Detection via Nucleic Acid Isothermal Amplification-Based Platforms.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses are one of the major classes of pathogens that cause human diseases. The conventional method to detect RNA viruses is real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), but it has some limitations. It is expensive and time-consuming, with infrastructure and trained personnel requirements. Its high throughput requires sophisticated automation and large-scale infrastructure. Isothermal amplification methods have been explored as an alternative to address these challenges. These methods are rapid, user-friendly, low-cost, can be performed in less specialized settings, and are highly accurate for detecting RNA viruses. Microfluidic technology provides an ideal platform for performing virus diagnostic tests, including sample preparation, immunoassays, and nucleic acid-based assays. Among these techniques, nucleic acid isothermal amplification methods have been widely integrated with microfluidic platforms for RNA virus detection owing to their simplicity, sensitivity, selectivity, and short analysis time. This review summarizes some common isothermal amplification methods for RNA viruses. It also describes commercialized devices and kits that use isothermal amplification techniques for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Furthermore, the most recent applications of isothermal amplification-based microfluidic platforms for RNA virus detection are discussed in this article.

Beneficial Effects of Opuntia humifusa (Korean Cheonnyuncho) on Human Health Based on Antioxidant Properties: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis are conducted to evaluate the medical applications of Opuntia humifusa (OH). A total of 171 articles are peer-reviewed; however, only 15 individual studies were included after the manual screening to eliminate unnecessary studies. A comparative standardized means difference (SMD) between the OH and control groups is used as a parameter to demonstrate the beneficial effects of OH for skin aging, cancer, and diabetes treatments based on its antioxidant activities. The OH treatment exhibits positive results in improving collagen synthesis and demonstrates that it is nontoxic to normal human cells without analytical heterogeneity (SMD = 1.18 [0.11, 2.26] and I2 = 0%). Moreover, the results confirm the effectiveness of OH treatment on downregulatory cancers in terms of decreased cancer cell proliferation and tumor weight and increased numbers of cancer cells in the apoptosis phase (pooled SMD = -1.17 [-1.72, -0.62]). However, this comparison does not yield a statistically significant result (I2 = 69%). Additionally, the OH treatment is found to reduce the symptoms of diabetes in diabetic rats, particularly by lowering glucose and triglyceride levels and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. This study suggests that OH extracts are helpful for the prevention of human diseases and might be potential candidates for future medicines.

Plant Extract-Derived Carbon Dots as Cosmetic Ingredients.

Plant extract-derived carbon dots (C-dots) have emerged as promising components for sustainability and natural inspiration to meet consumer demands. This review comprehensively explores the potential applications of C-dots derived from plant extracts in cosmetics. This paper discusses the synthesis methodologies for the generation of C-dots from plant precursors, including pyrolysis carbonization, chemical oxidation, hydrothermal, microwave-assisted, and ultrasonic methods. Plant extract-derived C-dots offer distinct advantages over conventional synthetic materials by taking advantage of the inherent properties of plants, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and UV protective properties. These outstanding properties are critical for novel cosmetic applications such as for controlling skin aging, the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, and sunscreen. In conclusion, plant extract-derived C-dots combine cutting-edge nanotechnology and sustainable cosmetic innovation, presenting an opportunity to revolutionize the industry by offering enhanced properties while embracing eco-friendly practices.

Human Health Impacts of Residential Radon Exposure: Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies.

This study investigated the impact of residential radon exposure on human cancers (i.e., lung cancer and childhood leukemia) through a systematic review and meta-analysis of case−control studies. A total of 9724 articles obtained from electronic databases were assessed; however, only 55 case−control studies were eligible after manually screening and eliminating unnecessary studies. The causal associations were addressed by determining the meta-analysis's estimated size effects (i.e., ORs/RRs) of the meta-analysis. Residential radon was revealed to significantly increase the incidence of lung cancer and childhood leukemia with pooled ORs of 1.38 [1.19; 1.60] (I2 = 90%; p < 0.00001) and 1.43 [1.19; 1.72] (I2 = 0% and p = 0.51), respectively. In addition, subgroup analyses were performed to reduce the heterogeneity of the initial meta-analyses. The results provided strong evidence that inhaling radon in the indoor environments is closely associated with the development of lung cancer and childhood leukemia in patients living in Europe and areas with high radon levels (≥100 Bq/m3).

Efficacy and Safety of COVID-19 Treatment Using Convalescent Plasma Transfusion: Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This study investigated the efficacy and safety of convalescent plasma (CP) transfusion against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) via a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A total of 5467 articles obtained from electronic databases were assessed; however, only 34 RCTs were eligible after manually screening and eliminating unnecessary studies. The beneficial effect was addressed by assessing the risk ratio (RR) and standardized mean differences (SMDs) of the meta-analysis. It was demonstrated that CP therapy is not effective in improving clinical outcomes, including reducing mortality with an RR of 0.88 [0.76; 1.03] (I2 = 68% and p = 0.10) and length of hospitalization with SMD of -0.47 [-0.95; 0.00] (I2 = 99% and p = 0.05). Subgroup analysis provided strong evidence that CP transfusion does not significantly reduce all-cause mortality compared to standard of care (SOC) with an RR of 1.01 [0.99; 1.03] (I2 = 70% and p = 0.33). In addition, CP was found to be safe for and well-tolerated by COVID-19 patients as was the SOC in healthcare settings. Overall, the results suggest that CP should not be applied outside of randomized trials because of less benefit in improving clinical outcomes for COVID-19 treatment.

Effects of Microwave-Assisted Opuntia Humifusa Extract in Inhibiting the Impacts of Particulate Matter on Human Keratinocyte Skin Cell.

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the most important factors causing serious skin diseases, due to its generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) over the course of long-term exposure. As a source of natural antioxidants, Opuntia humifusa (O. humifusa) is a potential candidate for the design of advanced formulations to prevent PM's harmful effects. Unfortunately, its high viscosity does not allow it to be utilized in these formulations. In this present study, a new approach to the extract of O. humifusa using high-power microwave treatment, namely microwave-assisted O. humifusa extract (MA-OHE), was investigated. The results indicated that MA-OHE not only is a reasonable viscosity extract, but also enhances O. humifusa's antioxidant properties. Additionally, this study also found that MA-OHE exhibited outstanding antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in eliminating PM's effects, due to suppression of AhR degradation, ROS production, and COX-2 and MMP-9 expression in HaCaT keratinocytes. It is believed that MA-OHE is a potential cosmeceutical ingredient that could be utilized to prevent PM-induced skin oxidative stress and inflammation.

Correlation of α/γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with the toxicity of particulate matter originating from subway tunnels in Seoul stations, Korea.

According to the increasing concern about particulate matter (PM) pollution at subway systems, particularly its potentially severe effects on human health, this study investigated the constituents, characteristics, and toxicity of PM collected at underground subway stations in Seoul, Korea. It was found that α/γ-Fe2O3 NPs, which are considered as thermal products derived from the brake-wheel-rail interface, were the main components of PM (57.6% and 48% of PM10 and PM2.5, respectively). In addition, hydrothermally synthesized α/γ-Fe2O3 NPs, proposing to possess similar properties to those of Fe2O3 contained in PM, were used to investigate the correlation of these oxides with PM toxicity. In particular, the synthesized γ-Fe2O3 NPs induced a negligibly toxic, while the synthesized α-Fe2O3 NPs and PM showed remarkably toxic effects on HeLa cells and zebrafish embryos, specifically in reducing cell proliferation to 85% and 72% survival, causing high apoptosis of 29.8% and 29.3%, and inhibiting the development of embryos up to 60% and 8% after prolonged exposure, respectively. It is considered that α-Fe2O3 NPs were primarily responsible for the harmful effects of PM, resulting in significant damage to DNA due to their capacity of producing high reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, thus, deleterious effects on the human body.

Particulate Matter Exposure of Passengers at Bus Stations: A Review.

This review clarifies particulate matter (PM) pollution, including its levels, the factors affecting its distribution, and its health effects on passengers waiting at bus stations. The usual factors affecting the characteristics and composition of PM include industrial emissions and meteorological factors (temperature, humidity, wind speed, rain volume) as well as bus-station-related factors such as fuel combustion in vehicles, wear of vehicle components, cigarette smoking, and vehicle flow. Several studies have proven that bus stops can accumulate high PM levels, thereby elevating passengers' exposure to PM while waiting at bus stations, and leading to dire health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), respiratory effects, and diabetes. In order to accurately predict PM pollution, an artificial neural network (ANN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) have been developed. ANN is a data modeling method of proven effectiveness in solving complex problems in the fields of alignment, prediction, and classification, while the ANFIS model has several advantages including non-requirement of a mathematical model, simulation of human thinking, and simple interpretation of results compared with other predictive methods.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Skin Diseases Due to Particulate Matter.

This study investigated the effects of particulate matter (PM) on human skin diseases by conducting a systematic review of existing literature and performing a meta-analysis. It considered articles reporting an original effect of PM on human skin. From among 918 articles identified, 13 articles were included for further consideration after manual screening of the articles resulted in the exclusion of articles that did not contain data, review articles, editorials, and also articles in languages other than English. Random-effects models and forest plots were used to estimate the effect of PM on the skin by Meta-Disc analysis. According to people's reports of exposure and negative skin effects (atopic dermatitis (AD), eczema, and skin aging, etc.) due to air pollution, the summary relative risk (odds ratio) of PM10 was determined to be 0.99 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89-1.11) whereas PM2.5 was determined to be 1.04 (95% CI 0.96-1.12). Simultaneously, there was a different extent of impact between PM10 and PM2.5 on atopic dermatitis (AD) for those of young age: the odds ratio of PM10 and PM2.5 were 0.96 (95% CI 0.83-1.11; I² = 62.7%) and 1.05 (95% CI 0.95-1.16; I² = 46%), respectively. Furthermore, the results suggest an estimated increase of disease incidence per 10 µg/m³ PM of 1.01% (0.08-2.05) due to PM10 and 1.60% (0.45-2.82) due to PM2.5. Following the results, PM10 and PM2.5 are associated with increased risks of human skin diseases, especially AD, whose risk is higher in infants and school children. With its smaller size and a high concentration of metals, PM2.5 is more closely related to AD in younger people, compared to PM10.