Online trace detection of mercury ions with enhanced fluorescence excitation within metal-lined hollow-core fiber.

In this Letter, we present a portable all-fiber fluorescent detection system based on metal-lined hollow-core fiber (MLHCF) for the ultra-sensitive real-time monitoring of mercury ions (Hg2+). The system employs a rhodamine derivative as the probe. The hollow core of the MLHCF serves as both the flow channel of the liquid sample and the waveguide of the optical path. The metal coating in the intermediate layer between the capillary and the polyimide (PI) coating in the MLHCF provides good light confinement, enhancing the interaction between the sample and the incident light for better fluorescence excitation and collection efficiency. Additionally, further enhancement is achieved by placing an inserted filter along the light path to reflect the excitation light back to the MLHCF. A 3-cm length of MLHCF enables simultaneous excitation of a 40-µL sample volume and collection of most of its fluorescent signal in all directions, thereby significantly contributing to its exceptional sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.3 ng/L. The all-fiber fluorescence-enhanced detection device also shows rapid response time, excellent reusability, and selectivity. This system presents an online, reproducible, and portable solution for the trace detection of Hg2+ and provides a promising way for detecting other heavy metal ions.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase is required for epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis in mice.

Nitric oxide (NO) regulates a variety of epidermal functions, including epidermal proliferation, differentiation and cutaneous wound healing. However, whether nitric oxide (NO) and its synthetic enzymes regulate epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis is not clear. In the present study, we employed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) KO mice to explore the role of iNOS in epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis. Our results showed that iNOS mice displayed a comparable levels of basal transepidermal water loss rates, stratum corneum hydration and skin surface pH to their wild-type mice, but epidermal permeability barrier recovery was significantly delayed both 2 and 4 hours after acute barrier disruption by tape stripping. In parallel, expression levels of mRNA for epidermal differentiation-related proteins and lipid synthetic enzymes were lower in iNOS KO mice versus wild-type controls. Topical applications of two structurally unrelated NO donors to iNOS KO mice improved permeability barrier recovery kinetics and upregulated expression levels of mRNA for epidermal differentiation-related proteins and lipid synthetic enzymes. Together, these results indicate that iNOS and its product regulate epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis in mice.

Role of Resveratrol in Regulating Cutaneous Functions.

Protective role of the skin is against external insults and maintenance of electrolyte homeostasis of the body. Cutaneous dysfunction can account for the development of both cutaneous and systemic disorders. Thus, improvements in cutaneous functions can benefit a number of extracutaneous and cutaneous functions. Resveratrol, a natural ingredient, displays multiple benefits for various systems/organs, including the skin. The benefits of resveratrol for cutaneous functions include stimulation of keratinocyte differentiation and antimicrobial peptide expression, inhibition of keratinocyte proliferation and cutaneous inflammation, UV protection, anticancer, antiaging, and inhibition of melanogenesis. The mechanisms of action of resveratrol include activation of sirtuin 1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Evidence suggests that topical resveratrol could be a valuable alternative not only for daily skin care, but also for the prevention and treatment of various cutaneous disorders. This review summarizes the benefits of resveratrol for cutaneous functions.

A topical heparinoid-containing product improves epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis in mice.

Because of the importance of epidermal functions, including stratum corneum hydration and maintenance of permeability barrier homeostasis, in the pathogenesis of a variety of cutaneous and systemic disorders, a wide range of products has been developed to improve epidermal functions. However, the underlying mechanisms whereby certain products, including heparinoid-containing product, are far little understood. In the present study, we assessed the impact of a heparinoid-containing product, Hirudoid® cream, on epidermal permeability barrier function and expression levels of a panel of epidermal mRNA related to the formation/maintenance of the permeability barrier in mouse skin. Our results showed that while the baseline levels of transepidermal water rates remained unchanged, treatment with Hirudoid® cream twice daily for 7 days significantly accelerated permeability barrier recovery and increased stratum corneum hydration. In parallel, expression levels of epidermal mRNA for certain differentiation marker-related proteins, lipid synthetic enzymes, keratinocyte proliferation and antimicrobial peptides also increased significantly. Together, these results provide the underlying mechanisms by which topical Hirudoid® cream improves epidermal permeability barrier and antimicrobial function. Because of its benefits for epidermal functions, heparinoid-containing product could be more useful in the management of skin conditions, characterized by abnormal permeability barrier and antimicrobial function.

Successful treatment of penile condyloma acuminata accompanied with lichen planus with photodynamic therapy.

Condyloma acuminata and lichen planus are different cutaneous diseases with disparate etiologies. Simultaneous appearance of two diseases in the same area is rare. This report aims to share the clinical and pathological features of a rare case; introduce an effective and safe therapy of it so as to broaden the therapeutic spectrum of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) indications.

Classification of facial wrinkles among Chinese women.

It is generally recognized that Caucasians and Asians have different skin aging features. The aim of this study was to develop a facial wrinkle grading scale for Chinese women. Standard photographs were taken of 242 Chinese women. Six sets of 0 to 9 wrinkle scales with reference photographs and descriptions were selected, including grading scales for resting and hyperkinetic crow's feet, frontalis lines, glabellar frown lines, and nasolabial folds. To identify the scale by objective quantitative measurement, skin surface measurements from the Visioscan® VC98 were used. To test the reliability and validity of our wrinkle scale, a multi-rater consensus method was used. A double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled 12-week study was conducted to use this clinical photo-score to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Centella triterpenes cream® in treating crow's feet. A newly developed 10-point photographic and descriptive scale emerged from this study. The final atlas of these photographs contained a total of 6 sets with 10 pictures each. From 0 to 9, surface evaluation of smoothness (SEsm) parametric measurements decreased progressively, indicating that the scale increased inversely. Weighted kappa coefficients for intra-assessor were between 0.75-0.87. The overall Kendall's coefficient is 0.86 on the first rating and 0.87 on the second rating. Thirty-six volunteers were recruited and 35 subjects completed a 12-week trial. Clinical photo-score by investigator showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between the treatment side and control side after 4 weeks. Use of these scales in clinical settings to evaluate facial wrinkles in Asians individuals is recommended.

Aminoleveulinate photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) for Bowen's disease in a SLE patient: Case report and literature review.

We reported a rare case of topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient with lower limb multiple Bowen's disease (BD). At the end of the treatment, an excellent clinical response was observed and no recurrence of rash after 2 months of treatment. The recovery time was prolonged only after the first treatment, however, no photosensitive phenomena were observed during and after the treatment. This is the first report to describe ALA-PDT for patient-confirmed photosensitivity in an Asian patient. Whether PDT is contraindicated for SLE remains to be discussed, although our findings show that PDT can be used as an alternative therapy for SLE patients with BD who cannot tolerate surgery.

Correlation of conventional and conformational anti-desmoglein antibodies with phenotypes and disease activities in patients with pemphigus vulgaris.

Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease characterised by anti-desmoglein (Dsg) antibodies in the serum of patients. The disease can be divided into pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris. Anti-Dsg1 antibody is generally related to pemphigus with cutaneous lesion, and the anti-Dsg3 antibody is related to pemphigus with mucosa lesion. Twenty-nine patients with pemphigus vulgaris were selected in the clinical study. The severity of the cutaneous and mucosa lesions of these patients was evaluated using Pemphigus disease area index (PDAI). Conventional and conformational anti-Dsg index values were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-treated ELISA. The relationship between clinical phenotypes and immunological profiles was analysed. In the correlation analysis, both the conventional and conformational anti-Dsg1 ELISA index values were correlated with the total and cutaneous PDAIs. In addition, conformational anti-Dsg3 ELISA index values exhibited a positive correlation with cutaneous PDAI in both types of pemphigus vulgaris, whereas no correlation was observed for the conventional anti-Dsg3 ELISA index values.

Analysis of 6 cases of drug-induced pemphigus.

OBJECTIVES: To study clinical and laboratory characteristics of drug-induced pemphigus. METHODS: Using direct immunofluorescence (IF), indirect IF, ELISA and immunoblotting to characterize 6 patients with drug-induced pemphigus (DIP) and compared them with 20 cases of idiopathic pemphigus. RESULTS: All the 6 cases of DIP showed obvious itching (100%) and no damage to the oral mucosa. Five out of 6 DIP cases (83.33%) presented as pemphigus folicaeus (PF) since they contained circulating Dsg1-specific IgG, were sensitive to low doses of glucocorticoid, and had good prognosis. One case was showed as pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Dsg1-specific IgA was positive in peripheral blood of 4 cases (66.67%), and the antibody disappeared after treatment. In patients with idiopathic pemphigus, only 6 cases (30%) had mild itching, and 12 cases (60%) had oral mucosal lesions. Twelve cases (60%) were PV with anti-Dsg1 and -Dsg3 antibodies, and 8 cases (40%) were PF with anti-Dsg1 antibody only. One case (5%) had anti-Dsg1 IgA. CONCLUSION: Drug factors should be considered for pemphigus as some common antibiotics can cause pemphigus.