Assessment of exercise-induced dehydration in underhydrated athletes: Which method shows the most promise?

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Athletes are commonly exposed to exercise-induced dehydration. However, the best method to detect dehydration under this circumstance is not clear. This study aimed to analyze pre- and post-dehydration measurements of biomarkers, including saliva osmolality (SOsm), urine osmolality (UOsm), urine-specific gravity (USG), urine color (Ucolor), serum osmolality (SeOsm), serum arginine vasopressin (AVP), serum sodium (Na+), and thirst sensation in underhydrated athletes, using the body mass loss (BML) as the reference method. METHODS: In this clinical trial (NCT05380089), a total of 38 athletes (17 females) with a regular low water intake (<35 mL/kg/day) were submitted to exercise-induced dehydration with a heat index of 29.8 ± 3.1 °C and an individualized running intensity (80-90% of first ventilatory threshold). RESULTS: ROC curve analysis revealed significant discriminative abilities of SOsm, with AUC values of 0.76 at 1.5% BML, 0.75 at 1.75% BML, and 0.87 at 2% BML, while Na+ and SeOsm showed the highest AUC of 0.87 and 0.91 at 2% BML, respectively. SOsm showed high sensitivity at 1.5% of BML, while SeOsm and Na+ demonstrated high sensitivity at 2% of BML. CONCLUSION: This study highlights SOsm as a potential indicator of hydration status across different levels of BML. Additionally, Na+ and SeOsm emerged as accurate dehydration predictors at 1.75% and 2% of BML. Notably, the accuracy of urinary indices and thirst sensation for detecting hydration may be limited.

Association between hydration status and the risk and all-cause mortality of diabetic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: This cohort study aimed to explore the relationship between hydration status and the risk of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) as well as all-cause death in DKD patients. METHODS: Weighted univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore the association between hydration status and DKD risk in diabetic population while weighted univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were used to identify the association between hydration status and all-cause mortality in DKD patients. Kaplan-Meier curve was plotted to present the survival probability of patients with different hydration status. Estimates were presented as odds ratio (OR), and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 79.74 (±1.89) months. There were 2041 participants with DKD, and 2889 participants without. At the end of the follow-up, 965 participants were alive. The risk of DKD was increased as the increase of osmolarity level (OR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.05-1.08). The elevated risk of DKD was observed in patients with impending dehydration (OR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.19-1.85) or current dehydration (OR = 2.69, 95%CI: 2.09-3.46). The association between increased osmolarty level and elevated risk of all-cause mortality in DKD patients was statistically different (HR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.01-1.03). Current dehydration was correlated with increased all-cause mortality risk in DKD patients (HR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.01-1.61). Compared to DKD patients with normal hydration, the survival probability of DKD patients with current dehydration was significant lower (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Increased osmolarity level was associated with increased risk of DKD and elevated risk of all-cause mortality in DKD patients.

The low-entropy hydration shell mediated ice-binding mechanism of antifreeze proteins.

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) can inhibit ice crystal growth. The ice-binding mechanism of AFPs remains unclear, yet the hydration shells of AFPs are thought to play an important role in modulating the binding of AFPs and ice. Here, we performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of an AFP from Choristoneura fumiferana (CfAFP) at four different temperatures, with a focus on analysis at 240 and 300 K, to investigate the dynamic and thermodynamic characteristics of hydration shells around ice-binding surfaces (IBS) and non-ice-binding surfaces (NIBS). Our results revealed that the dynamics of CfAFP hydration shells were highly heterogeneous, with its IBS favoring a less dense and more tetrahedral solvation shell, and NIBS hydration shells having opposite features to those of the IBS. The IBS of nine typical hyperactive AFPs were found to be in pure low-entropy hydration shell region, indicating that low-entropy hydration shell region of IBS and the tetrahedral arrangements of water molecules around them mediate the ice-binding mechanism of AFPs. It is because the entropy increase of the low-entropy hydration shell around IBS, while the higher entropy water molecules at NIBS most likely prevent ice crystal growth. These findings provide new mechanistic insights into the ice-binding of AFPs.

Ingesting carbonated water post-exercise in the heat transiently ameliorates hypotension and enhances mood state.

The objective was to assess if post-exercise ingestion of carbonated water in a hot environment ameliorates hypotension, enhances cerebral blood flow and heat loss responses, and positively modulates perceptions and mood states. Twelve healthy, habitually active young adults (five women) performed 60 min of cycling at 45% peak oxygen uptake in a hot climate (35°C). Subsequently, participants consumed 4°C carbonated or non-carbonated (control) water (150 and 100 mL for males and females regardless of drink type) at 20 and 40 min into post-exercise periods. Mean arterial pressure decreased post-exercise at 20 min only (P = 0.032) compared to the pre-exercise baseline. Both beverages transiently (∼1 min) increased mean arterial pressure and middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity (cerebral blood flow index) regardless of post-exercise periods (all P ≤ 0.015). Notably, carbonated water ingestion led to greater increases in mean arterial pressure (2.3 ± 2.8 mmHg vs. 6.6 ± 4.4 mmHg, P < 0.001) and middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity (1.6 ± 2.5 cm/s vs. 3.8 ± 4.1 cm/s, P = 0.046) at 20 min post-exercise period compared to non-carbonated water ingestion. Both beverages increased mouth exhilaration and reduced sleepiness regardless of post-exercise periods, but these responses were more pronounced with carbonated water ingestion at 40 min post-exercise (mouth exhilaration: 3.1 ± 1.4 vs. 4.7 ± 1.7, P = 0.001; sleepiness: -0.7 ± 0.91 vs. -1.9 ± 1.6, P = 0.014). Heat loss responses and other perceptions were similar between the two conditions throughout (all P ≥ 0.054). We show that carbonated water ingestion temporarily ameliorates hypotension and increases the cerebral blood flow index during the early post-exercise phase in a hot environment, whereas it enhances mouth exhilaration and reduces sleepiness during the late post-exercise phase.

Less Aggressive Hydration May Be More in Acute Pancreatitis?

Consider a more conservative approach to fluid resuscitation in mild acute pancreatitis to avoid fluid overload without sacrificing patient-oriented clinical outcomes.

Multi-Step Procedure for Predicting Early-Age Thermal Cracking Risk in Mass Concrete Structures.

Early-age cracking in mass concrete structures resulting from thermal stress is a well-documented phenomenon that impacts their functionality, durability, and integrity. The primary cause of these cracks is the uneven temperature rise within the structure due to the exothermic nature of cement hydration. Assessing the likelihood of cracking involves comparing the tensile strength or strain capacity of the concrete with the stresses or strains experienced by the structure. Challenges in evaluating the risk of thermal cracking in mass concrete structures stem from various material and technological factors that influence the magnitude and progression of hydration heat-induced temperature and thermal stress. These complexities can be addressed through numerical analysis, particularly finite element analysis (FEA), which offers comprehensive modeling of early-age effects by considering all pertinent material and technological variables. However, employing FEA poses challenges such as the requirement for numerous input parameters, which may be challenging to define, and the need for specialized software not commonly available to structural engineers. Consequently, the necessity for such advanced modeling, which demands significant time investment, may not always be warranted and should be initially assessed through simpler methods. This is primarily because the definition of massive structures-those susceptible to adverse effects such as cracking due to temperature rise from hydration heat-is not precise. To address these challenges, the authors propose a three-step method for evaluating structures in this regard. The first step involves a simplified method for the classification of massive structures. The second step entails estimating hardening temperatures and levels of thermal stress using straightforward analytical techniques. The third step, reserved for structures identified as having a potential risk of early thermal cracks, involves numerical modeling. The outlined procedure is illustrated with an example application, demonstrating its practicality in analyzing a massive concrete wall constructed on the foundation.

Electrochemical Investigation of the Stability of Poly-Phosphocholinated Liposomes.

Poly[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine] liposomes (pMPC liposomes) gained attention during the last few years because of their potential use in treating osteoarthritis. pMPC liposomes that serve as boundary lubricants are intended to restore the natural lubrication properties of articular cartilage. For this purpose, it is important that the liposomes remain intact and do not fuse and spread as a lipid film on the cartilage surface. Here, we investigate the stability of the liposomes and their interaction with two types of solid surfaces, gold and carbon, by using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). With the aid of a hydrophilic species used as an electroactive probe in the solution, the charge transfer characteristics of the electrode surfaces are obtained. Additionally, from EIS, the capacitance characteristics of the surfaces are derived. No decrease of the peak currents and no displacement of the peak potentials to greater overpotentials are observed in the CV experiments. No decrease in the apparent capacitance and increase in the charge transfer resistance is observed in the EIS experiments. On the contrary, all parameters in both CV and EIS do change in the opposite direction. The obtained results confirm that there is only physical adsorption without fusion and spreading of the pMPC liposomes and without the formation of lipid films on the surfaces of both gold and carbon electrodes.

The Salt-Induced Diffusiophoresis of Nonionic Micelles-Does the Salt-Induced Growth of Micelles Influence Diffusiophoresis?

Salt-induced diffusiophoresis is the migration of a colloidal particle in water due to a directional salt concentration gradient. An important example of colloidal particles is represented by micelles, generated by surfactant self-assembly in water. For non-ionic surfactants containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) groups, PEG preferential hydration at the micelle-water interface is expected to drive micelle diffusiophoresis from high to low salt concentration. However, micelles are reversible supramolecular assemblies, with salts being able to promote a significant change in micelle size. This phenomenon complicates the description of diffusiophoresis. Specifically, it is not clear to what extent the salt-induced growth of micelles affects micelle diffusiophoresis. In this paper, a multiple-equilibrium model is developed for assessing the contribution of the micelle growth and preferential hydration mechanisms to the diffusiophoresis of non-ionic micelles. The available experimental data characterizing the effect of NaCl on Triton X-100 aggregation number are combined with data on diffusiophoresis and the preferential hydration of PEG chains to show that the contribution of the micelle growth mechanism to overall diffusiophoresis is small compared to that of preferential hydration.

Influence of collagen peptide supplementation on visible signs of skin and nail health and -aging in an East Asian population: A double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: A healthy skin provides protection against intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Skin aging is characterized by structural and morphological alterations affecting skin health, integrity, and functionality, resulting in visible aging signs. AIM: The primary objective of this study was to assess the effect of a collagen peptide dietary supplement on skin aging in the East Asian population. METHODS: Eighty-five healthy women, aged from 43 to 65 years old, were randomly assigned to the collagen supplement (CP, 5 g) or placebo (maltodextrin, 5 g) group. To standardize daily skin care, the volunteers in both groups used a specific face cream for 28 days prior to and throughout the supplementation period, creating an equal baseline for the assessment of the efficacy of CP on several skin parameters. At baseline, day 28 and day 84, the following hallmarks of skin and nail aging were assessed: dermis density, skin moisture and elasticity, wrinkle visibility, beauty perception, and nail color. RESULTS: After 84 days, a significant improvement of dermis density and skin moisture was observed in the collagen peptides group compared to the placebo group. Positive effects on skin elasticity, wrinkle visibility, nail color, and overall beauty perception were already observed within 28 days of supplementation in the CP group, while the same effects in the placebo group were only observed after 84 days. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results show that, in addition to a standardized skin care, daily supplementation with 5 g of collagen peptides positively affects visible signs of skin and nail aging in the East Asian population.

Relationship Between Cryoprotectant Potential and Protein Hydration in Aqueous Zwitterionic Solutions.

The cryoprotectant potential of 3-(1-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl)imidazol-3-io)butane-1-carboxylate (OE2imC3C) for proteins necessitates assessment to elucidate its relationship with protein hydration. To reveal this relationship, we assessed the protein stability (pre-freezing and post-thawing) and melting behavior in dilute aqueous protein-OE2imC3C solutions containing varying mole fractions (x) of OE2imC3C (x = 0, 7.7 × 10-3, and 1.7 × 10-2) using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and near-UV circular dichroism (near-UV CD) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. Following freezing/thawing using a deep freezer, protein stability in aqueous OE2imC3C solutions (x = 1.7 × 10-2) preserved the folded state owing to the protein-OE2imC3C interaction, whereas stability at x = 7.7 × 10-3 was reduced. These results indicate that the protein cryoprotectant potential in aqueous OE2imC3C solutions at x = 1.7 × 10-2 is higher than that at x = 7.7 × 10-3, owing to the preferential binding of OE2imC3C with proteins.

Unraveling Complexities: Rhabdomyolysis, Acute Renal Injury, and Compartment Syndrome Following a Wasp's Sting.

This study delves into the rare occurrence of rhabdomyolysis induced by wasp stings, emphasizing its toxic systemic repercussions. Drawing parallels with documented instances of insect bites worldwide, including those by honey bees and Africanized bees, the research explores the correlation between multiple wasp stings and acute renal failure associated with rhabdomyolysis. The venom's active components, such as amines, kinins, and histamine-releasing peptides, underpin toxic systemic reactions, leading to hemolysis, coagulopathy, and severe cytotoxicity-induced acute renal failure. Noteworthy is the emergence of blackish necroses at the sting site, suggesting intense cytotoxicity. The study also highlights skin necrosis as a prognostic indicator for toxic systemic reactions. The presented case manifests an anaphylaxis-like reaction, revealing insights into toxic responses devoid of IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Timely intervention, encompassing hydration, transfusion, and dialytic support, proves imperative in scenarios involving multiple wasp stings, offering successful outcomes documented through plasma exchange in severe cases. This research prompts considerations beyond anaphylaxis, urging exploration of severe toxic systemic reactions in the context of multiple wasp stings.

Comparison between the Baltic Sea and Irish Sea level of Cs-137 contamination on benthic, demersal and pelagic fish species.

The Irish Sea and the Baltic Sea are nowadays still the two most Cs-137 contaminated Seas worldwide. However, the origins of this contaminations are completely different. While the Baltic Sea was unintentionally contaminated due to global fallout after the accident in the Chernobyl nuclear powerplant in 1986, the Irish sea was intentionally used for low level liquid radioactive waste discharges from the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing facility (called Windscale until 1981) between the 1950s and 1990s. Nowadays, more than 30 years later, it is still possible to detect these contaminations in fish, water and sediments of both seas. Since fish are an important part of the human diet, monitoring Cs-137 levels in fish is essential for assessing the potential radiation exposure to humans. In 2019 and 2020 two surveys were dedicated to study the current levels of radioactive contamination in fish species from both Seas. During both surveys, fish samples were collected and analysed by gamma spectrometry later on. The results show that the average Cs-137 activity in benthic, demersal and pelagic fish species from the Baltic Sea are 2.7, 4.6 and 4.2, respectively, times higher than the corresponding values of the Irish Sea. Based on this and two other comparisons, it is concluded that the Baltic Sea is the most contaminated with Cs-137.

What defines dry skin? Correlating a range of skin hydration parameters with In Vivo Confocal Raman Spectroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: While there are a wide range of approaches for the assessment of skin hydration, it is not always clear how data from them relate to one another or to the skin itself. With the development of in vivo Confocal Raman Spectroscopy (ICRS), it has become possible to measure water concentration as a function of protein/depth within the stratum corneum (SC). This article reports a comparison between electrical skin hydration measures/visual/optical grading and water concentration profiles measured using ICRS, to better understand the relationship between these approaches. METHODS: SC hydration of lower-leg skin with varying degrees of dryness was assessed using visual grading (live and from digital images), Corneometer®, Visioscan and ICRS. In addition, a custom fingerprint sensor was used to image surface capacitance (as a surrogate of SC hydration), and SC barrier function was assessed using evaporimetry (to measure trans-epidermal water loss; TEWL). RESULTS: Significant correlations were observed between a number of different skin grading/measurement approaches and ICRS data. ICRS hydration profiles also revealed a region near the SC surface with a relatively flat water profile in dry skin subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The advent of quantitative in vivo analytical techniques such as ICRS, which can be used in a clinical setting, has enabled greater insight into more conventional approaches for assessing skin dryness. While traditional skin grading and biophysical methods for measuring skin hydration have varying degrees of correlation with one another, they also provide comparatively unique information about different regions within the SC. This should enable a more informed approach to product development in the future.

OBJECTIF: Bien qu'il existe un large éventail d'approches pour évaluer l'hydratation de la peau, la façon dont les données qui en résultent sont liées les unes aux autres ou à la peau elle­même n'est pas toujours claire. Avec le développement de la spectroscopie Raman confocale in vivo (ICRS), il est devenu possible de mesurer la concentration en eau en fonction du rapport protéine/profondeur au sein de la couche cornée (stratum corneum, SC). Cet article rapporte une comparaison entre les mesures électriques ou la classification visuelle/optique de l'hydratation de la peau et les profils de concentration en eau mesurés à l'aide de l'ICRS, afin de mieux comprendre la relation entre ces approches. MÉTHODES: L'hydratation du SC de la peau de la partie inférieure de la jambe avec différents degrés de sécheresse a été évaluée à l'aide d'une classification visuelle (en direct et à partir d'images numériques), du Corneometer®, du Visioscan et de l'ICRS. En outre, un capteur d'empreintes digitales personnalisé a été utilisé pour visualiser la capacité de surface (en tant que substitut de l'hydratation du SC) et la fonction de barrière du SC a été évaluée par évaporimétrie (pour mesurer la perte d'eau transépidermique ; trans­epidermal water loss, TEWL). RÉSULTATS: Des corrélations significatives ont été observées entre un certain nombre d'approches différentes de classification/mesure de la peau et les données ICRS. Les profils d'hydratation de l'ICRS ont également révélé une région près de la surface du SC ayant un profil d'eau relativement plat chez les sujets atteints de sécheresse cutanée. CONCLUSIONS: L'avènement de techniques d'analyse in vivo quantitatives telles que l'ICRS, qui peut être utilisée dans un contexte clinique, a permis de mieux comprendre les approches plus conventionnelles d'évaluation de la sécheresse cutanée. Bien que les méthodes traditionnelles de classification de la peau et les méthodes biophysiques de mesure de l'hydratation de la peau présentent des degrés de corrélation variables entre elles, elles fournissent également des informations comparativement uniques sur différentes régions au sein du SC. Cela devrait permettre une approche plus éclairée du développement de produits à l'avenir.

Ion-Ion Selectivity of Synthetic Membranes with Confined Nanostructures.

Synthetic membranes featuring confined nanostructures have emerged as a prominent category of leading materials that can selectively separate target ions from complex water matrices. Further advancements in these membranes will pressingly rely on the ability to elucidate the inherent connection between transmembrane ion permeation behaviors and the ion-selective nanostructures. In this review, we first abstract state-of-the-art nanostructures with a diversity of spatial confinements in current synthetic membranes. Next, the underlying mechanisms that govern ion permeation under the spatial nanoconfinement are analyzed. We then proceed to assess ion-selective membrane materials with a focus on their structural merits that allow ultrahigh selectivity for a wide range of monovalent and divalent ions. We also highlight recent advancements in experimental methodologies for measuring ionic permeability, hydration numbers, and energy barriers to transport. We conclude by putting forth the future research prospects and challenges in the realm of high-performance ion-selective membranes.

BIOPHYSICAL AND PERMEABILITY CHARACTERIZATION OF LYOPHILIZED (FREEZE-DRIED) HUMAN CADAVER SKIN.

The in vitro permeation testing (IVPT) of topical products is performed across the human cadaver skin, which is stored frozen for a prolonged duration. The cryo-preservation technique is not economical and is a cumbersome process. Moreover, prolonged skin preservation in a frozen state and frequent freeze-thawing are known to affect the integrity of the skin barrier. Therefore, lyophilization was explored as an alternative to protect the skin tissue from microbial contamination and degeneration. Notably, the project's objective was to investigate the impact of the freeze-drying process on the skin's barrier properties. The morphometrics of the lyophilized skin were measured. Histological studies did not reveal any notable changes in the organization and intactness of the layers due to the freeze-drying process. The biophysical attributes of the skin, such as transepidermal water evaporation rate and transepidermal electrical resistivity (TEER), were not significantly different between the control skin (not subjected to the freeze-drying process) and the freeze-dried skin (FDS). The permeability of caffeine, a hydrophilic model permeant, and nicotine, a lipophilic model permeant, were consistent across the control and the FDS. It is evident from the studies that the lyophilization process did not significantly impact the barrier properties and permeability of the skin.

Hydration- and Temperature-Dependent Fluorescence Spectra of Laurdan Conformers in a DPPC Membrane.

The widely used Laurdan probe has two conformers, resulting in different optical properties when embedded in a lipid bilayer membrane, as demonstrated by our previous simulations. Up to now, the two conformers' optical responses have, however, not been investigated when the temperature and the phase of the membrane change. Since Laurdan is known to be both a molecular rotor and a solvatochromic probe, it is subject to a profound interaction with both neighboring lipids and water molecules. In the current study, molecular dynamics simulations and hybrid Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics calculations are performed for a DPPC membrane at eight temperatures between 270K and 320K, while the position, orientation, fluorescence lifetime and fluorescence anisotropy of the embedded probes are monitored. The importance of both conformers is proven through a stringent comparison with experiments, which corroborates the theoretical findings. It is seen that for Conf-I, the excited state lifetime is longer than the relaxation of the environment, while for Conf-II, the surroundings are not yet adapted when the probe returns to the ground state. Throughout the temperature range, the lifetime and anisotropy decay curves can be used to identify the different membrane phases. The current work might, therefore, be of importance for biomedical studies on diseases, which are associated with cell membrane transformations.

In vitro, ex vivo, instrumental and clinical evaluation of a topical cream on the signs of periorbital ageing.

OBJECTIVE: Periorbital skin ageing signs are multidimensional, highly visible and a concern for many. We evaluated the potential efficacy of an eye cream to diminish these signs. METHODS: Biological markers associated with ageing, barrier function and homeostasis were analysed in vitro to determine the effects of topically applied eye cream, compared to those of a placebo using human skin tissue models and/or explants. Collagen IV, elastin and bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4) expression was investigated by immunohistochemical labelling, while filaggrin, kallikrein 7 (KLK7) and HB-EGF were evaluated by RT-qPCR. IL-1α and melanin levels in darkly pigmented skin models were also quantified. The protective effect of the cream on glycation was assessed by a non-enzymatic assay. Finally, the benefits of twice-daily applications of the eye cream for 56 days were instrumentally and clinically evaluated on 33 women. RESULTS: Only the eye cream, not the placebo, stimulated collagen IV and BMP4 protein expression, as well as increased elastin fibre length. It also led to higher HB-EGF, filaggrin and KLK7 mRNA levels. The placebo and the eye cream did not induce changes in IL-1α and melanin levels, but both reduced non-enzymatic glycation. When assessing the in vivo effects of the cream, short-term results indicated skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin profilometry improvement within 15 min. Instrumental evaluations of wrinkles showed a reduction after 7 days, which was clinically perceivable after 28 or 56 days. The eye-opening angle and eyelid sagging also improved after seven and 28 days, respectively. Finally, dark circles became lighter within 7 days (instrumental measurement) or 28 days (clinical assessment). CONCLUSION: The instrumental and clinical evaluations revealed that the eye cream reduced all periorbital ageing signs evaluated. Its effects are supported by the in vitro and ex vivo analyses of molecular markers.

OBJECTIF: Les signes de vieillissement de la peau périorbitaire sont nombreux, très visibles et préoccupent de nombreuses personnes. Nous avons évalué l'efficacité potentielle d'une crème pour les yeux pour atténuer ces signes. MÉTHODES: Les marqueurs biologiques associés au vieillissement, à la fonction barrière et à l'homéostasie de la peau ont été analysés in vitro pour évaluer l'efficacité d'une crème pour les yeux appliquée localement. Ces effets ont été comparés à ceux d'un placebo, sur des modèles et/ou des explants de tissus cutanés humains. L'expression du collagène IV, de l'élastine et de la protéine morphogénique osseuse 4 (BMP4) a été étudiée par marquage immunohistochimique. Celle de la filaggrine, de la kallikréine 7 (KLK7), et du HB­EGF par RT­qPCR. Les niveaux d'IL­1α et de mélanine dans un modèle de peau pigmentée ont également été quantifiés. L'effet protecteur de la crème sur la glycation a été évalué par un test non enzymatique. Enfin, les bénéfices d'une application biquotidienne de la crème pour les yeux ont été évalués instrumentalement et cliniquement sur 33 femmes pendant 56 jours. RÉSULTATS: Seule la crème pour les yeux a stimulé l'expression du collagène IV et de BMP4 en comparaison avec le placebo. La crème est aussi la seule à augmenter la longueur des fibres d'élastine. Elle a également entraîné une augmentation des niveaux d'ARNm de HB­EGF, de la filaggrine et de KLK7. Le placebo et la crème pour les yeux n'ont pas modifié les niveaux d'IL­1α et de la mélanine, mais ont tous deux réduit la glycation non enzymatique. Lors de l'évaluation des effets in vivo, les résultats à court terme ont montré une amélioration de l'hydratation de la peau, de la Perte Insensible en Eau (PIE) et du profil de la peau en 15 min. Les évaluations instrumentales de la profondeur des rides ont indiqué une réduction après 7 jours d'application, réduction cliniquement perceptible après 28 ou 56 jours. La crème périorbitale induit également une amélioration de l'angle d'ouverture des yeux et de l'affaissement des paupières respectivement après 7 et 28 jours. Enfin, les cernes sont devenus plus clairs après 7 jours (mesure instrumentale) ou 28 jours (évaluation clinique). CONCLUSION: Les évaluations instrumentales et cliniques ont révélé que la crème pour les yeux réduisait tous les signes de vieillissement périorbitaires évalués. Ses effets sont confirmés par les analyses in vitro et ex vivo des marqueurs moléculaires.

A wide scope, pan-comparative, systematic meta-analysis of the efficacy of prophylactic strategies for cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the most common complication of cardiac surgery. Cardiac surgery-associated AKI (CSA-AKI) is caused by systemic and renal hemodynamic impairment and parenchymal injury. Prophylaxis of CSA-AKI remains an unmet priority, for which preventive strategies based on drug therapies, hydration procedures, and remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) have been tested in pre-clinical and clinical studies, with variable success. Contradicting reports and scarce or insufficiently pondered information have blurred conclusions. Therefore, with an aim to contribute to consolidating the available information, we carried out a wide scope, pan-comparative meta-analysis including the accessible information about the most relevant nephroprotective approaches assayed. After a thorough examination of 1892 documents retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science, 150 studies were used for the meta-analysis. Individual odds ratios of efficacy at reducing AKI incidence, need for dialysis, and plasma creatinine elevation were obtained for each alleged protectant. Also, the combined class effect of drug families and protective strategies was also meta-analyzed. Our results show that no drug family or procedure affords substantial protection against CSA-AKI. Only, a mild but significant reduction in the incidence of CSA-AKI by preemptive treatment with dopaminergic and adrenergic drugs, vasodilators, and the RIPC technique. The integrated analysis suggests that single-drug approaches are unlikely to cope with the variety of individual pathophysiological scenarios potentially underlying CSA-AKI. Accordingly, a theragnostic approach involving the etiopathological diagnosis of kidney frailty is necessary to guide research towards the development of pharmacological combinations concomitantly and effectively addressing the key mechanisms of CSA-AKI.

Hydration behavior and kinetic studies of paddy cultivars: optimization of process variables for improved physical, milling and textural properties.

The optimization of hydration temperature and duration were determined in six basmati and non-basmati paddy cultivars varying in grain size, shape, and amylose content based on kinetic parameters and effect of hydration temperature on physical, milling, textural and color attributes. Based on higher R2, lower Chi square and RMSE values, Peleg model fitted more suitably compared to Singh and Kulshrestha model. Hydration process significantly altered geometric, gravimetric and mechanical properties as evident by regression analysis. Physical properties except length and L/B ratio positively correlated with increasing hydration temperature. Head rice yield significantly improved in the hydrated treatments and showed a linear increase with the increase in hydration temperature. Head rice yield significantly correlated with hardness of grain (r = 0.684, p ≤ 0.01). Variable physico-chemical properties of cultivars led to establishment of cultivar specific optimum hydration temperature. Based on improvement in hardness, milling efficiency, head rice yield, color and textural attributes, the optimized temperature emerged as 75 °C for long slender grained cultivars (PB1509, PB1718, PS17) and 80 °C for medium grained cultivars (PD18, KJ, AL). The results revealed that optimum hydration temperature should be cultivar specific to get better output of parboiling process. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-024-05925-1.

First-Generation OTC Antihistamine Use and Voice Function in Individuals with Allergic Rhinitis: A Preliminary Report of Clinically Impactful Findings.

PURPOSE: The primary goal of this investigation was to characterize the effect of the first-generation, over-the-counter antihistamine Chlor-Trimeton on laryngeal structure and function in a previously unstudied population - individuals diagnosed with allergic rhinitis who routinely take over-the-counter antihistamines and deny the experience or diagnosis of voice disorder. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective within-participant multimodality repeated measures design. METHODS: Eight consented participants (seven females, one male) previously diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and without history of voice disorder who routinely took over-the-counter antihistamines completed the study. Volunteers completed the following measures before and 2hours after antihistamine administration: perceptual vocal function measures, phonation threshold pressure (PTP), acoustic measures, and laryngeal imaging. All pre- and post-administration data were descriptively analyzed for clinically significant change. RESULTS: No clinically significant differences were identified for any acoustic or aerodynamic measures taken. Analyses of laryngeal imaging data indicated that all participants had evidence of mucosal changes in one or more of the following parameters: increased vascularity, mucus in the anterior commissure, and vocal fold color changes, all of which are consistent with prior descriptions of allergy larynx. CONCLUSIONS: Empirical study of laryngeal appearance in individuals diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, affirmed clinical observations of laryngeal tissue changes consistent with allergy larynx. Stable PTP suggests potential vocal fold cover adaptations from routine use of over-the-counter antihistamines that may buffer the typical desiccating effect on voice function observed in prior studies of healthy individuals.