bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A 31P NMR study of extracted phospholipid composition of human skin: full thickness skin, dermis, epidermis and granulation tissue
Authors: Meneses Patricio , Crane Julie M. , Ennis William J. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Phospholipids are the most important component of the plasma membrane in skin cells. Until recently, skin phospholipids have only been studied by chromatography and those results need confirmation by other methods such as 31PNMR spectroscopy.Methods: Phospholipid profiles were analyzed from human skin and granulation tissue using 31PNMR spectroscopy. Skin samples were taken from lower extremity amputation specimens and from one healthy volunteer. The granulation tissue was obtained from the wound bed of venous stasis ulcers, pressure ulcers and post‐op non‐healing surgical wounds. Phospholipid extractions were performed on full thickness skin samples (excluding the subcutaneous layer), epidermis, dermis, and granulation tissue biopsies.Results: Twelve phospholipid species were detected in each of the groups studied: PA, CL, DHSM, Eplas, PE, PS, SM, LPC, PI, AAPC, and PC. Statistically significant differences were found between epidermis and full thickness skin in relation to the quantity of PA, CL, DHSM, LPC, AAPC, and PC. The phospholipid ratio [(PE+Eplas+PI+PA)/PC] was calculated for each group: the epidermis value was 1.30, the dermis value was 0.62 and full thickness skin value was 0.49.Conclusions: These phospholipid profiles present a very unique distribution, which correlates with the physiological activity of the individual layer. The study of the phospholipid profile of granulation tissue opens a new line of research, evaluating changes in these profiles during the various phases of wound healing.
Elastotic degenerative change and yellowish discolouration in photoaged skin
Authors: Nishimori Y. , Pearse A. D. , Edwards C. , Marks R. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: One clinical sign of photodamage is a sallow discolouration of the skin, and solar elastotic degenerative change in the upper dermis may cause this change. We have attempted to quantify these phenomena and relate them to each other and to age.Methods: Twenty‐seven healthy volunteers (age 18 to 61 years) were recruited. We examined the back of the hand of photodamaged individuals and the inner upper arm to demonstrate changes due to ageing. Each site was assessed for cutaneous blood flux using a laser Doppler fluxmeter (PF4000, Perimed UK), and for melanin pigmentation using a Melanin Index meter (Dermotronics Ltd, Cardiff, UK). Skin colour was measured using a diode array spectrophotometer (MCPD‐1000, Photal, Japan), which computes CIE coordinates L*, a*, b*. Biopsies from each site were obtained from 13 of the subjects and were processed and stained with Gomori's aldehyde fuchsin. The percentage area of elastic staining material in the dermis was measured using image analysis. Sections were measured in four bands of 200 micron depth, and four fields were measured per band.Results: Neither melanin content nor skin blood flux correlated with age for either skin site. Percentage area of elastosis correlated with age on the exposed site from the uppermost 600 microns of the dermis, (<200 micron depth, r=0.74, P<0.01, 200<depth<400, r=0.57, P<0.05; 400<depth<600, r=0.57, P<0.05). No correlation was found on the unexposed inner upper arm site. On the back of hand site, a linear relationship was found between a parameter derived from the L*, a*, b* coordinates of (b*‐5a*) and both age (r=0.904, P<0.001) and percentage area of elastosis of the uppermost 200 microns of dermis (r=0.74, P<0.01). This was not seen for the inner upper arm site. On exposed sites, the coefficient (b*‐5a*) correlates with solar elastosis and these both correlate with age, which is related to exposure.Conclusion: This data confirms that solar elastosis accounts for the yellowish discolouration of sun damaged skin, and suggests that the coefficient b*‐5a* could be used for the non‐invasive quantification of solar elastosis.
The plastic sing effect of moisturizers on human skin in vivo: a measure of moisturizing potency?
Authors: Jemec Gregor B. E. , Wulf Hans Christian 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Moisturisers have many different effects on the skin, but increased plasticity is an important effect of moisturising. We have studied the short‐term effects of six commonly used brands of moisturisers on the plasticity of normal and atopic skin.Methods: Measurements of skin mechanics and capacitance were made in 25 healthy volunteers and 15 patients with atopic dermatitis, before and after moisturiser application.Results: Baseline mechanical values did not differ in the two groups. Capacitance was significantly lower in atopics (P<0.001). All moisturisers increased distensibility and hysteresis of normal as well as atopic skin. Vaseline® and Locobase® caused significantly greater distensibility increases than other moisturisers tested in normal skin, and Vaseline® caused a significantly greater increase in the hysteresis of normal skin. Hysteresis was unaffected by Kerodex®and Clinique® in normal skin. No differences were seen between the effects of different moisturisers in atopic skin. Capacitance measurements fell significantly in normal skin, possibly because of residual cream on the skin surface, while an increase or a significantly smaller reduction were seen in atopic skin. This may reflect better absorption of the moisturisers in atopic skin.Conclusions: The results suggest that high lipid moisturisers cause significantly greater changes in plasticity of normal skin than low‐lipid moisturisers, and that atopic skin is influenced to a higher degree by moisturisers than normal skin.
Biomechanical properties of scalp flaps and their correlations to reconstructive and aesthetic surgery procedures
Authors: Raposio Edoardo , Nordström Rolf E. A. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: In formulating an accurate pre‐operative plan when performing plastic surgery, the biomechanical properties of the soft‐tissues involved should always be taken into account. No study has yet been carried out regarding the tensiometric peculiarities of the human scalp. The aim of the present study was to measure the load‐elongation properties of the human scalp, in an attempt to characterize it through the constants of a stress‐strain theory. This would provide plastic surgeons with information needed to test the soundness of the various surgical techniques currently adopted, as well as a way to better plan a reconstructive or aesthetic procedure on the scalp.Methods: Data were collected by stepwise loading 20 scalp flaps, obtained by a reversed‐Y scalp incision down to and through the galea aponeurotica, together with 1 ‐cm undermining, on the subgaleal layer, along both sides of the sagittal scalp incision.Results: The tissue's stress response to displacement was visualized as a three‐phase characteristic. Initially linear (load range: 0 to 500 g), the scalp's compliance gradually reduced (load range: 500 to 1500 g) and eventually demonstrated an exponential stress‐strain characteristic of rapidly increasing stiffness (load range: 1500 to 5000 g). Young's modulus E was derived from the mean‐values curve, and was found to be equal to 117.1 g/ mm.Conclusions: These data have practical implication for studying the effects of complex surgical closures on the one‐dimensional stress distribution of the scalp, while allowing the use of analytical methods to predict the consequences of closure design in various plastic surgery procedures on the scalp.
Characterization of sulfur mustard vapor‐induced cutaneous lesions on haired guinea pigs*
Authors: Braue E. H. , Nails C. R. , Way R. A. , Zallnick J. E. , Rieder R. G. , Lee R. B. , Mitcheltree L. W. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Sulfur mustard (2,2′‐dichlorodiethyl sulfide, HD) is a potent vesicating (blistering) agent. In this report, we describe the time‐course and the dose‐dependent response following cutaneous exposure to sulfur mustard (HD) in the haired guinea pig model. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the haired guinea pig as a vesicant research model.Methods: Seventy‐two animals were divided into nine groups of eight animals each. Hair on the dorsal side of each animal was removed by clipping with an electric clipper followed by application of a chemical depilating agent (MAGIC Shaving Powder). Six dorsal skin sites on each animal of a given group were exposed to saturated HD vapor (1.4 mg/l) for one of nine exposure times between 0‐8 min. Lesions were evaluated for erythema (reflectance colorimeter) and edema (ultrasound imaging) at 4, 6, 12, and 24 h postexposure. Damage at the dermal‐epidermal junction (DEJ) was evaluated by histopathology at 24 h postexposure.Results: We observed that the hair removal process was time‐consuming, produced significant initial erythema, and resulted in increased dorsal skin sensitivity to low HD exposure levels. The time‐course of exposure response to HD was observed to be dose‐dependent and similar to the hairless guinea pig model.Conclusions: The haired guinea pig is inferior to the hairless guinea pig as a vesicant model due to the complications resulting from the hair removal process. However, the haired guinea pig is a useful model for evaluating the cutaneous effects of HD vapor and can be developed into a routine screening tool for the evaluation of topical barriers against HD vapor exposure.
Image analysis of the distribution of turnover rate in the stratum corneum
Authors: Hayashi Shoji , Matsue Kohji , Takiwaki Hirotsugu 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: A common method to evaluate turnover rate in the stratum corneum is to measure the change in fluorescence intensity with time after dyeing the stratum corneum with fluorescent pigments. If these changes in fluorescence over time are carefully observed, the rate of decline in fluorescence intensity differs among different small areas on the skin surface. A possible relationship between these differences and dry skin has been reported. The purpose of this research was to develop a method for analyzing turnover rate in the stratum corneum in each small area on the surface of the skin as well as to investigate the variations in the inconsistencies of turnover rate. Methods: The stratum corneum at six body regions (forehead, cheek, forearm, opisthenar, back and lower leg) was dyed with dansyl chloride (DC), and the change in fluorescence intensity over time was imaged with a highly sensitive television camera through special filters. Then, the fluorescent distribution in the images was analyzed to measure the change in fluorescence intensity with time among the small areas. Also, the decline in fluorescence intensity observed was categorized using specific characteristics into six different types.Results: By attaching a filter to an ultraviolet (UV) light source in order to transmit light at the excitation wavelength and a filter to the camera lens to transmit light at the wavelength of DC fluorescence, we could image the low intensity fluorescent light from the DC without interference from the UV light exciting the DC. The characteristics of the variation in the decline in fluorescence intensity were categorized into six patterns. Type I: pattern showing a uniform decline in fluorescence intensity. Type II: pattern showing sporadic areas where fluorescence intensity declines quickly. Type III: pattern showing relatively large areas where fluorescence intensity declines slowly. Type IV: pattern showing sporadic areas of fluorescence intensity, matched with locations of keratotic plugs. Type V: pattern showing sporadic fluorescent areas, not matched with locations of keratotic plugs. Type VI: pattern showing a partial, drastic decline in fluorescence intensity occurring on inflamed skin after sunburn.Conclusions: By analyzing the image generated from a highly sensitive television camera equipped with special filters, we could measure turnover rate of the stratum corneum at any small area. The variations in Types IV and V were believed to be derived from keratotic plugs and closed comedo. Except for Type VI, observed on significant skin inflammation, Type II and Type III were believed to be the patterns that reflected variations in turnover rate in stratum corneum itself.
3‐D profilometer using a CCD linear image sensor: application to skin surface topography measurement
Authors: Nita D. , Mignot J. , Chuard M. , Sofa M. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Measurement of cutaneous surface topography can be made by three‐dimensional (3‐D) profilometry. Different equipment is used for this measurement. The magnitude of the vertical scale required, which can vary from several tens of micrometers (microrelief) to several millimeters (skin pathologies), depends also on the precision required and the duration of acquisition time. Over the last few years, different apparatuses have been produced, with a vertical range that is most frequently used for classical industrial applications, i.e., 0‐1000 μm.Methods: The system developed here has a wide range of about 7 mm and is accurate enough to analyse each of the different skin surfaces that fall in this range without changing magnification. An optical principle, operating without any contact with a skin replica, allows a precise measurement with a high scanning speed.Results: The profilometer has a vertical sensitivity of 4 μm within a vertical range of 7 mm. This sensitivity is lower than that of a mechanical or focusing profilometer, but the vertical range is wider.Conclusions: The system has several advantages: because of its verticale range, it can measure large surfaces with great roughness variations; the initial position of the replica beneath the profilometer must be within the 7 mm vertical range; and skin topography can be quantified, without contact, in a short time.
Basal transepidermal water loss: right/left forearm difference and motoric dominance
Authors: Rodrigues Luis , Pereira Luis Marcelo 
Published: October 2006

Background/alms: Evaporimetry and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) evaluations are among the most important means of approaching basic cutaneous physiology in terms of its epidermal barrier function. However, physiological skin complexity, together with the loose specifications currently available for analytical purposes, justify the need for further investigating and identifying eventual covariates and limiting factors with respect to both the epidermal barrier function issue and evaporimetry itself.Methods: The relevant operating procedures were investigated with respect to the anatomical and functional equivalence of contralateral sites as they are often used in TEWL determinations and topically applied substance efficacy testing. The study was conducted on human volunteers using five different sites in both forearms, using a standard evaporimetry apparatus. Special attention was put on the right/left forearm difference regarding normal daily life motoric dominance reported by each individual.Results: A consistent difference between TEWL values measured at the most active arm was detected when compared with the readings from the opposite limb. Also, those sites placed nearer the extremities of the forearm behave differently from the inner ones.Conclusions: All information thus gathered suggests that using contralateral sites in study protocols for TEWL determinations, particularly when one side is intended to act as control, requires awareness with respect to the physiological and functional differences of the sampling sites chosen. In any case, a proper randomisation and balancing of the experimental design is crucial.
Electrical conductance: a controversial parameter in the evaluation of emollients in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Ferreira Maria João , Fiadeiro Teresa , Silva Marília , Soares António Pinto 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Essential fatty acids are important in maintaining skin function and their deficiency is associated with scali‐ness and increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This can be one of the pathogenic processes implicated in atopic dermatitis (AD). Several studies have assessed the value of essential fatty acid‐enriched diets in AD but the benefits of topical γ‐lino‐lenic acid (GLA) therapy have been less well evaluated. The aims of this study were: a) to compare the effects of GLA‐con‐taining emollients and classical emollients, regarding clinical benefits, cutaneous hydration (by a conductance method) and TEWL; b) to assess the clinical relevance of these two biomet‐rical methods (conductance and TEWL).Methods: Twenty‐three AD children were randomised into four groups, to compare three emollients containing GLA in different concentrations and one classical emollient. They were evaluated in eight visits for 12 weeks, using a clinical score and measurements of TEWL with the Tewameter™ and of cutaneous hydration with the Nova™.Results: Kruskal‐Wallis statistical analysis showed significant differences in cutaneous hydration (P<0.05) between each of the three treatment groups and the control group. TEWL and clinical scores did not show statistically significant differences. During the study no children from the GLA groups developed eczematous lesions versus two children from the non‐GLA group.Conclusions: Discrepancies between conductance and TEWL measurements may represent false positive results of the former method due to electrical phenomena related to polarity of the GLA molecule or of other elements in the formulations. However, some differences in clinical evolution between the GLA and non‐GLA groups require further studies to assess the possible additional benefits of topical emollients containing GLA.
Investigation of biochemical changes in skin layers by NMR microscopy
Authors: Lee D. H. , Kim J. I. , Lee H. K. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims:Biochemical changes occurring in epidermis are hardly visible on a conventionally acquired magnetic resonance image. Objectives of the present study were to noninvasively visualize the biochemical changes in skin layers and to investigate the feasibility of dermal NMR microscopy.Methods:1H NMR microscopy was utilized to investigate histological changes and/or skin pathology between normal skin and abnormal skin. Animal skin was used for both in vivo and in vitro investigations while human skin for the in vivo study.Results:Relaxation times and diffusion information were found to be sensitive indicators of the biochemical changes arising from epidermis due to skin abnormality. Also, the swelling process of abnormal epidermis was monitored.Conclusion:Dermal NMR microscopy was found useful for the study of the biochemical changes occurring in thin skin layers.
Ultrasound assessment of skin and wound tissue: comparison with histology
Authors: Rippon M. G. , Springett K. , Walmsley R. , Patrick K. , Millson S. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Ultrasound is a valuable technique in dermatological assessment as it is non‐invasive. This is particularly attractive for monitoring and evaluating wound healing. However, there is a limited literature on the use of ultrasound in monitoring wound healing.Methods: In this study, the structures of skin (human and porcine) and healing wounds (porcine) were visualised using ultrasound (20 MHz) and compared with histology from the same site. Measurements of various features were undertaken using both ultrasound and histometric techniques and the results from each compared. Hydroxyproline levels were also measured and correlated with ultrasound measurement of granulation tissue.Results: The echogenic characteristics of tissues are described. There was excellent correlation (r=0.96, P > 0.0001) between the ultrasound measurements and histology for porcine and human cadaver measurements. Ultrasound and histology measurements of acute porcine wounds also correlated well (r=0.96,P<0.0001). Comparison of hydroxyproline analysis with ultrasound measurements of fibrous granulation tissue (r=0.82,P > 0.001) indicates that ultrasound may be used to visualise accumulation of this tissue in wounds.Conclusions: Ultrasonography has been shown to be a useful, reliable, quantifiable technique for the assessment of wound healing.
Use of Cutometer to assess dermal oedema in erysipelas of the lower legs
Authors: Dobrev H. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Inflammatory dermal oedema in erysipelas alters skin mechanics. The aims of this study were to determine the relationship between skin mechanical properties and changes in dermal water content in patients with erysipelas of the lower leg, and to assess the value of measuring skin elasticity in monitoring the effect of therapy.Methods: Twenty‐five in‐patients were studied before treatment and after 10 and 20 days. Visual scoring of oedema, measurements of limb circumference and skin elasticity with a non‐invasive suction device (Cutometer) were made on the affected and unaffected lower legs.Results: Indurated skin was characterized by raised delayed distension (Uv), final distension (Ut), resilient distension (R), viscoelastic to elastic ratio (Uv/Ue) and hysteresis (H) and lower immediate distension (Ue), immediate retraction (Ur), gross elasticity (Ua/Uf) and biological elasticity (Ur/Uf). The visual score of oedema and leg circumference significantly correlated with the increase in Uv Uv/Ue and H and the decrease in Ua/Uf and Ur/Uf. The large 8 mm diameter measuring probe produced more pronounced changes than the small 2 mm probe. As a result of treatment, a significant reduction in viscoelastic parameters (Uv, Uv/Ue, R, H) and an increase in elastic parameters (Ua/Uf, Ur/Ut) were observed.Conclusion: The non‐invasive method applied is suitable for objective assessment of dermal oedema and disease evolution in patients with erysipelas.
Corticosteroid skin atrophogenicity: assessment methods
Authors: Lee J. Y. , Maibach H. I. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Skin atrophy manifests itself as fragile and easily bruised skin, telangiectasia and striae distensae.Methods: Various methods have been used to predict the atrophogenicity potential of topical corticosteroids in man. Assay standardization, including reference corticosteroid, anatomic site, method of administration, and quantification, has not been accomplished.Results/Conclusion: This report reviews the literature and proposes a standard assay method.
Assessment of the atrophogenicity of corticosteroids to human skin using non‐invasive methods
Authors: Kolbe Ludger , Stoudemayer Tracy , Kligman Albert M. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims: Atrophy is the most common adverse effect of topical corticosteroids. The objective of this study was to determine whether atrophogenicity of a potent steroid could be demonstrated in a 3‐week period of open application using non‐invasive bioengineering methods.Methods: Volar forearms were treated twice daily for 3 weeks with clobetasol propionate cream. The following methods were used: 1) B‐scan ultrasound; 2) Silflo‐replicas for microtopogra‐phy; 3) scanning electron microscopy; 4) Cutometer for bio‐mechanical assessments; 5) colorimetry for measuring skin color; 6) evaporimetry for transepidermal water loss; 7) polarized light photos; 8) sticky slides for corneocyte sizing; 9) D'Squames for estimating scaling; and 10) biopsies for histologic evaluation of atrophyResults: After only 1 week, Silflo‐replica showed that glyphic patterns had been partially obliterated. At the same time, ultrasound scans showed dermal thinning, which increased over the 3‐week period. Extensibility by Cutometer decreased steadily during the treatment. Image analysis of ?Squames revealed an increase in scaliness. Evaporimetry showed an increase in trans‐epidermal water loss. Atrophy was confirmed by histology.Conclusion: The use of non‐invasive bioengineering techniques provides a powerful tool to monitor atrophogenicity in a short period of open applications.