The Role of Probiotics in Skin Health and Related Gut-Skin Axis: A Review.

Aging skin, wrinkles, pigmentation, and dryness are problems that plague people, and researchers are working to solve them. Recent studies have shown that intestinal microbiota homeostasis can influence skin health, demonstrating the existence of a gut-skin axis. Recently, improving skin health through probiotic interventions has been proposed, and micro-ecological skin care is becoming a popular concept. By regulating skin health and gut-skin axis interactions, probiotics can be used as potential management tools to suppress and improve skin diseases in multiple ways, including decreasing oxidative stress, suppressing inflammatory responses, and keeping immune effects. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the application and mechanisms of probiotic-mediated gut microbiota homeostasis in skin care and to offer a theoretical basis for the application of probiotics in skin care.

Characteristics and management of tumor treating fields-related dermatological complications in patients with glioblastoma.

Tumor treating fields (TTFields) is a novel approved modality for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) exhibiting a satisfactory effect. Although TTFields has shown considerable safety for the normal brain, dermatological adverse events (DAEs) often occur during therapy. However, studies focused on the identification and management of DAEs are rare. The clinical data and photos of skin lesions from 9 patients with GBM were retrospectively analyzed, and the types and grades of individual scalp dermatitis were evaluated based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0 (CTCAE v 5.0). Adherence and safety were also evaluated on the basis of the device monitoring data. Eight patients (88.9%) exhibited grade 1 or grade 2 CTCAE DAEs, all of whom were cured after interventions. The adherence was >90%, with no relevant safety events reported. Finally, a guideline for preventing DAEs in patients with GBM was proposed. The identification and management of TTFields-related DAEs is necessary and urgent in patients with GBM. Timely interventions of DAEs will help to improve the adherence and quality of life of patients, which ultimately improves prognosis. The proposed guideline for preventing DAEs in patients with GBM assists in the management of healthcare providers and may avoid dermatologic complications.

Teledermatological Follow-Up Consultations in Individual Prevention of Occupational Dermatoses: A Monocentric Feasibility Study on Quality and Satisfaction by Patients and Physicians.

Teledermatology has become very popular, and not only due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Patients with occupational skin diseases (OSDs) could also benefit from teledermatology services as part of their follow-up care, but the opportunities and challenges for patients and dermatologists, especially regarding quality and satisfaction, need exploration. In this single-center feasibility study, 215 patients taking part in a tertiary prevention program for OSD were invited to participate. After obtaining consent, a follow-up video consultation appointment with the center's dermatologists was made. Quality and satisfaction with the consultations were evaluated by fully standardized online questionnaires filled in by the patients and dermatologists. A total of 68 teledermatological follow-up consultations were conducted by 10 dermatologists on 42 patients. Half of the dermatologists (50.0%) and 87.6% of the patients were satisfied with the video consultations. However, the lack of physical examination seems to be a problem, especially from the physicians' point of view (75.8%). A total of 66.1% of the dermatologists and 87.5% of the patients saw video consultations as useful supplements to face-to-face consultations. The results of our feasibility study indicate general satisfaction of patients and physicians with teledermatological sessions in occupational dermatology, especially as a useful supplement to face-to-face consultation.

Flavonoids as Promising Natural Compounds in the Prevention and Treatment of Selected Skin Diseases.

Phytochemicals represent a large and diverse group of naturally occurring compounds, bioactive nutrients, or phytonutrients produced by plants, widely found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains products, legumes, beans, herbs, seeds, nuts, tea, and dark chocolate. They are classified according to their chemical structures and functional properties. Flavonoids belong to the phenolic class of phytochemicals with potential solid pharmacological effects as modulators of multiple signal transduction pathways. Their beneficial effect on the human body is associated with their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic properties. Flavonoids are also widely used in various nutritional, pharmaceutical, medical, and cosmetic applications. In our review, we discuss the positive effect of flavonoids on chronic skin diseases such as vitiligo, psoriasis, acne, and atopic dermatitis.

Photoprotection for people with skin of colour: needs and strategies.

Skin of colour or pigmented skin has unique characteristics: it has a higher eumelanin-to-pheomelanin ratio, more mature melanosomes, an increased amount of melanin distributed in the upper layers of the epidermis, and more efficient DNA repair compared with lighter skin. However, individuals with skin of colour are at a significant risk of skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, including the development of photodermatoses and photoageing changes such as uneven skin tone, and are predisposed to pigmentary disorders. In fact, one of the most common conditions leading to dermatology consultations by patients with skin of colour is photoexacerbated pigmentary disorders. Unfortunately, individuals with skin of colour may be less prone to engage in photoprotective measures, including the use of sunscreens. Physicians are also less likely to prescribe sunscreens for them. There is thus a clear need for better education on photodamage and for more efficient and suitable photoprotection in populations with skin of colour. However, this need has thus far only partially been met, and the development of sunscreen products designed to provide optimal photoprotection for people with skin of colour remains a challenge. Targeted sunscreens for individuals with skin of colour require optimal cosmetic appeal (leaving no white residue and not disrupting skin tone). They should include broad-spectrum [ultraviolet (UV)B/UVA] protection with high sun protection factor, as well as protection against long-wave UVA (UVA1) and visible light, as these wavelengths are capable of inducing or augmenting pigmentary disorders. They may also contain depigmenting agents for patients with pigmentary disorders.

An ostomy baseplate with a skin-protection technology reduces peristomal skin complications: a randomized controlled trial (the ATTRACT study).

BACKGROUND: Peristomal skin complications (PSCs) are the predominant complication for people living with a stoma, negatively affecting their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). PSCs may also have an impact on healthcare costs for society with more visits to healthcare professionals and increased consumption of products and treatment strategies, which amplifies the need for new strategies to reduce or prevent PSCs. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of an ostomy baseplate with a skin-protection technology. The target group comprised people living with a stoma with liquid faecal effluent, who struggled with PSCs. METHODS: A randomized, controlled, open-labelled, cross-over trial was conducted from September 2021 to February 2022 in five different countries. Each participant tested the investigational product against a comparator product (SenSura® Mio). The Ostomy Skin Tool 2.0 was used to evaluate the peristomal skin and HRQoL was measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. Data were analysed in mixed repeated-measures models. RESULTS: A total of 79 adult participants (mean age 54.5 years, female 45.6%) were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. A significant reduction in PSCs (P = 0.015) and HRQoL (P = 0.035) was found for the investigational product when compared with the comparator product. Also, significantly more study participants preferred the investigational product when compared with the comparator product (P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: The investigational product, an ostomy baseplate with a skin-protective technology, reduced PSCs and improved the HRQoL of people living with a stoma with liquid faecal effluent. Consequently, the investigational product was the preferred ostomy appliance of the participants. Thus, the product investigated in this study may be a new solution to be included in everyday clinical practice to overcome leakage-induced PSCs for people living with a stoma.

Management of cutaneous toxicities under amivantamab (anti MET and anti EGFR bispecific antibody) in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer harboring EGFR Exon20ins: towards a proactive, multidisciplinary approach.

CONTEXTE: The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is mutated in 10-15% of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. At metastatic stage EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used front line for patients harboring targetable mutations. Novel anti-EGFR therapies are being developed. Amivantamab is a bispecific anti-EGFR and anti-MET antibody with expected skin toxicities. OBJECTIVE: We developed here guidelines for prevention and treatment of cutaneous toxicities under amivantamab according to our experience at Institut Curie. MATERIEL & METHOD: The first patients with metastatic lung cancer harboring EGFR Exon20ins mutation, included in the phase 1 CHRYSALIS trial and cured at Institute Curie from November 1st 2019 until December 31st 2021 were selected for this work. Retrospectively, all cutaneous adverse events were registered and classified according to the CTCAE 6.0 classification, and actions we implemented to minimize and treat these adverse events were collected. We then developed guidelines based on these datas. RESULTS: A total of seven patients started amivantamab as monotherapy. The two most frequent dermatological adverse events were: acneiform rash and paronychia (100 % of patients). Other adverse events presented by the patients were reported: modification of hair growth with hypertrichosis in 50 % of men (n = 1/2) and hirsutism in 80 % of women (n = 4/5); skin abrasion of the scalp in 71 % (n = 5/7); and skin fissure in 57 % (n = 4/7). We recommend first a rigorous inspection of the skin and teguments to determine the risk rate to have dryer skin under treatment; second a prevention of paronychia/acneiform rash/and skin fissures with prophylactic tetracycline, skin moisturizing, and hygienic measures starting at least 14 days before treatment initiation; third a particular attention to the psychological impact of skin toxicities with access to psychological support. CONCLUSION: We propose here guidelines for the management of dermatological toxicities under amivantamab with a multidisciplinary approach for the proactive management of cutaneous toxicities with a focus on preventive actions.

The Ostomy Skin Tool 2.0: a new instrument for assessing peristomal skin changes.

BACKGROUND: Peristomal skin complications (PSCs) are frequently reported postoperative complications. PSCs can present visibly or as symptoms such as pain, itching or burning sensations. AIM: To develop a new tool that can capture a range of sensation symptoms together with visible complications and an objective assessment of discolouration in the peristomal area. METHOD: Consensus from qualitative interviews with health professionals and people with an ostomy, and input from expert panels, formed the basis of a patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaire. A decision tree model was used to define a combined score including PRO and objectively assessed discolouration area. FINDINGS: Six elements were included in the PRO questionnaire and four health states representing different severity levels of the peristomal skin were defined. CONCLUSION: The Ostomy Skin Tool 2.0 is a sensitive tool that can be used to follow changes in the peristomal skin on a regular basis and thereby help prevent severe PSCs.

Natural and Synthetic Bioactives for Skin Health, Disease and Management.

The skin is the largest organ of the integumentary system, strategically located at the interface of the body's internal and external environment. [...].

SACS Evolution: a peristomal health tool for the prevention of peristomal skin disorders.

BACKGROUND: The ostomy patient's quality of life also depends on their peristomal health and thus first and foremost on keeping healthy peristomal skin. This is by no means an easy task, given that the incidence of peristomal skin disorders can be a factor in up to 80% of cases. Over the past 15 years, several tools have been developed to classify peristomal skin lesions to facilitate the management of the problem. These tools, however, meet the needs of healthcare professionals and those of patients. Hence the decision to work on an advanced version of the SACS©, currently the most widely used tool, with the setting up of the SACS Evolution Consensus Group. METHODS: By applying the simplified Delphi method, the SACS Evolution Consensus Group critically re-read what had been garnered from the literature in the light of their personal clinical experience, identified the key issues to be addressed, and processed and refined the relevant statements. This made it possible to achieve the challenging objective of creating a peristomal health tool to help prevent peristomal skin lesions. RESULTS: SACS Evolution is, indeed, a promising tool for preventing peristomal lesions. It is structured on two different levels, one for the patient and one for the healthcare professional, each characterized by specific language and based on an innovative concept of healthy peristomal skin, which is essential for those who work on peristomal health. CONCLUSIONS: The SACS Evolution Consensus Group thus aims to validate this peristomal health tool and has already started a validation process so that the tool can be used in clinical practice.

Occupational Skin Diseases among Building Construction Workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Background: Amongst established growing industries worldwide, the construction industry contributes about 7.5% of the world labor force and 16.4% of global occupational diseases and accidents. A variety of activities are practiced in construction work, such as masonry, painting, welding, carpentry, plastering, concrete and cement mixing. These may eventually lead to exposures that can subject the workers to risks of developing occupational skin diseases. Most studies done on the construction industry in Tanzania have focused on effects such as injuries, respiratory problems and ergonomics; very little research has been done on skin diseases. Objectives: The study aimed at assessing the prevalence of occupational skin diseases, associated factors and preventive measures among building construction workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods: Construction sites and participants were selected using simple random sampling. The Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ) was adapted and used for assessing the development of skin diseases among constructions workers. Analysis of categorical variables, associated factors and skin preventive measures was done using Chi-square tests. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio for factors indicating an influence on the occurrence of skin diseases. Findings: The study consisted of 420 building construction workers from different sites with a mean age of 32.7 years. The participants were masons, assistant masons and carpenters. The mean work duration was 6 years. Occupational Skin diseases were prevalent in 228 (54%) workers. Carpenters had a higher prevalence of skin diseases 12(67%), followed by assistant masons 43 (64%). Timely provision of safety trainings and of PPE utility, training and guidance lowered the occurrence of skin diseases. Conclusion: A high number of construction workers experienced skin diseases, especially those who have worked for more than 4 years. Workers who received safety training before the work shift had lesser prevalence of skin diseases compared to those who did not. Receiving proper information on PPE usage and proper wearing of gloves had a protective effect.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin alleviates vandetanib-induced cutaneous toxicity in vivo and in vitro through autophagy activation.

High incidence of cutaneous toxicity ranging from 29.2% to 71.2% has been reported during clinical use of vandetanib, which is a multi-target kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of unresectable medullary thyroid carcinoma. The cutaneous toxicity of vandetanib has limited its clinical benefits, but the underlying mechanisms and protective strategies are not well studied. Hence, we firstly established an in vivo model by continuously administrating vandetanib at 55 mg/kg/day to C57BL/6 for 21 days and verified that vandetanib could induce skin rash in vivo, which was consistent with the clinical study. We further cultured HaCaT and NHEK cells, the immortalized or primary human keratinocyte line, and investigated vandetanib (0-10 µM, 0-24 h)-caused alteration in cellular survival and death processes. The western blot showed that the expression level of apoptotic-related protein, c-PARP, c-Caspase 3 and Bax were increased, while the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 and MCL1 level were decreased. Meanwhile, vandetanib downregulated mitochondrial membrane potential which in turn caused the release of Cytochrome C, excessive production of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage. Furthermore, we found that 5 µM bisdemethoxycurcumin partially rescued vandetanib-induced mitochondria pathway-dependent keratinocyte apoptosis via activation of autophagy in vivo and in vitro, thereby ameliorated cutaneous toxicity. Conclusively, our study revealed the mechanisms of vandetanib-induced apoptosis in keratinocytes during the occurrence of cutaneous toxicity, and suggested bisdemethoxycurcumin as a potential protective drug. This work provided a potentially promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of vandetanib-induced cutaneous toxicity.

GHRH expression plasmid improves osteoporosis and skin damage in aged mice.

The hormone secretion of GHRH-GH-IGF-1 axis in animals was decreased as aging. These hormones play an important role in maintaining bone mass and bone structure, and also affect the normal structure and function of the skin. We used plasmid-based technology to deliver growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) to elderly mice. In the current study, 80 and 120 µg/kg pVAX-GHRH plasmid expression plasmid were injected into old mice, the serum GHRH and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) content were increased within three weeks (P < 0.05). In the groups of 80 and 120 µg/kg plasmid, the content of procollagen type I N-terminal pro-peptide (PINP) in the serum was increased(P < 0.05), and the content of C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX-1) in the serum was reduced significantly (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteocalcin (OCN) in the femur also was increased(P < 0.05). The bone mineral density(BMD)、trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) and trabecular number(Tb.N) of mouse femur were increased significantly (P < 0.05) and trabecular separation(Tb.Sp) was decreased(P < 0.05). There were more trabecular bones in the bone marrow cavity and the trabecular bones are thicker in the groups of 80 and 120 µg/kg plasmid relative to control. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) content in the skin was increased(P < 0.05), and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was reduced significantly (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the skin moisture content also increased significantly(P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3(MMP3) and matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9) was decreased in the skin(P < 0.05). The thickness of the dermis and epidermis of the skin had increased significantly(P < 0.05). Skin structure is more dense and complete in the two groups. These results indicate that 80 and 120 µg/kg plasmid-mediated GHRH supplementation can improve osteoporosis and skin aging in aged mice.

Flavonoids and saponins from Passiflora edulis f. edulis leaves (purple passion fruit) and its potential anti-inflammatory activity.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this work was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract, fractions and major compounds, which are isolated and identified from Passiflora edulis f. edulis (purple passion fruit) leaves extract. METHODS: For the isolation of the major compounds, reversed-phase chromatography and normal phase countercurrent chromatography were used. The separation was followed by thin layer chromatography and HPLC-DAD-ELSD. One-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR and ESI-TOF-MS/MS were used for structural elucidation. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated on a TPA multiple dose model of skin chronic inflammation in mice. Additionally, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity assays were performed as possible mechanisms of action studies. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: The study of the butanolic fraction mainly showed the presence of saponins and flavonoids. Three minor flavonoids were detected; and three known saponins, cyclopassiflosides IX, XI and III were isolated and identified. This is the first unequivocal report of the presence of these compounds in P. edulis f. edulis leaves. The most favourable results of anti-inflammatory activity were obtained for the flavonoid-rich fraction. All the fractions and isolated compounds evaluated, presented high percentages of inhibition of nitric oxide synthase activity.

Preventing medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI).

Medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI) is an overlooked and underestimated problem. While awareness of this issue is growing, it is not fully understood by health professionals in a variety of clinical settings. Medical adhesive products are often applied and removed incorrectly, which, albeit unintentionally, causes skin damage. In many cases, MARSI should be considered a preventable injury. Organisations should have processes in place to educate health professionals in acute and community facilities in preventing MARSI; these processes should include the use of products that help to prevent these injuries, including medical adhesive removers. This article will explore this topic and relate it to the most recent consensus document.

A numerical analysis of skin-PPE interaction to prevent facial tissue injury.

The use of close-fitting PPE is essential to prevent exposure to dispersed airborne matter, including the COVID-19 virus. The current pandemic has increased pressure on healthcare systems around the world, leading to medical professionals using high-grade PPE for prolonged durations, resulting in device-induced skin injuries. This study focuses on computationally improving the interaction between skin and PPE to reduce the likelihood of discomfort and tissue damage. A finite element model is developed to simulate the movement of PPE against the face during day-to-day tasks. Due to limited available data on skin characteristics and how these vary interpersonally between sexes, races and ages, the main objective of this study was to establish the effects and trends that mask modifications have on the resulting subsurface strain energy density distribution in the skin. These modifications include the material, geometric and interfacial properties. Overall, the results show that skin injury can be reduced by using softer mask materials, whilst friction against the skin should be minimised, e.g. through use of micro-textures, humidity control and topical creams. Furthermore, the contact area between the mask and skin should be maximised, whilst the use of soft materials with incompressible behaviour (e.g. many elastomers) should be avoided.

The Role of Plant-Based Protein Functional Food in Preventing Acute Respiratory Disease: A Case Study.

The Kaliningrad region is known for its specific climate, which can negatively affect the adaptive potential of the body. This manifests in an increased incidence of respiratory diseases and skin conditions. To prevent high morbidity, a plant protein product was included in the diet of first-year university students. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of this food intervention in preventing the most common diseases among Kaliningrad students. Two groups of university students took part in the food trial. In the control group, catabolic processes prevailed in nutrient metabolism. Disadaptation manifested itself in the metabolism of proteins, vitamins, minerals, hematopoiesis and humoral immunity. Inflammation was indicated by α1- and α2-globulins, a weak immune response, and IgM and IgG. High oxidative stress and low antioxidative ability of blood serum were observed. The plant-based protein product (FP) helped preserve testosterone level and prevent an increase in catabolic reactions. Moreover, it had a positive effect on both red blood cell hematopoiesis (a smaller increase in the average volume of erythrocytes, the same average concentration and content of hemoglobin, an increased relative red cell distribution width (RDW) and white blood cell hematopoiesis (a beneficial effect for the immune system: lymphocytes, the relative content of neutrophils, monocytes, basophils and eosinophils). The stimulation of humoral immunity was evidenced by beta- and gamma-globulins, an active immune response, the level of IgM and IgG, antioxidant protection, reduction of peroxides and an increase in antioxidant activity of blood serum. The 34-week observation showed a 1.7-fold decrease in the incidence of respiratory illnesses and a 5.7-fold decrease in skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases. Acute respiratory infections were reduced 1.8-fold. There were no cases of community-acquired pneumonia in the treatment group, compared with 55.1‰ in the control group. The incidence of respiratory diseases was 3.3-10.6 times lower in the treatment group than in the control group in weeks 6-19. The findings testify to the prophylactic effect of functional food during social adaptation and acclimatization of students.