Current trends in the production of biodegradable bioplastics: The case of polyhydroxyalkanoates.

The global pollution caused by plastics and microplastics is stimulating intense research towards more environmentally friendly materials, preserving the remarkable application characteristics of the currently available polymers. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have been hailed as the solution to replace conventional, oil-based plastics. Given their biodegradable nature and mechanical properties, their use can be envisioned in a wide range of applications reducing the environmental footprint.

Oral fish cartilage polysaccharides in the treatment of photoageing: biophysical findings.

The topically applied cosmetic products can be helpful in improving the aged skin condition. The present study shows how oral fish-cartilage food supplementation can be helpful in improving the treatment of ageing skin. A total of 30 healthy women with signs of skin ageing were studied.

Efficacy of a multifunctional plant complex in the treatment of the so-called 'cellulite': clinical and instrumental evaluation.

'Cellulite' or more correctly oedemateous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy, or local lipodystrophy, is a common aesthetic problem for many women, visually characterized by the orange peel or dimpled look of the skin, mainly on the buttocks and thighs. The cause of cellulite is still a matter of debate. It is currently considered an endocrine-metabolic microcirculatory disorder that causes interstitial matrix alterations and structural changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Glycerol accelerates recovery of barrier function in vivo.

Two studies were performed to evaluate the influence of glycerol on the recovery of damaged stratum corneum barrier function. Measurements of transepidermal water loss and capacitance were conducted in a 3-day follow-up after tape stripping (study 1) and a 7-day follow-up after a barrier damage due to a repeated washing with sodium lauryl sulphate. In study 1 a faster barrier repair (transepidermal water loss) was monitored in glycerol-treated sites.

Effects of prolonged occlusion on stratum corneum barrier function and water holding capacity.

Purpose Of The Study: We aimed to evaluate whether prolonged occlusion can induce stratum corneum barrier damage, alterations in stratum corneum hydration or water-holding capacity (WHC) lasting longer than the occlusion time.

Materials And Methods: 12 subjects were occluded on the forearm for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Two hours after occlusion removal, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration were measured and a sorption-desorption test performed.

Alpha hydroxyacids modulate stratum corneum barrier function.

Alpha hydroxyacids (AHAs) are used to enhance stratum corneum desquamation and improve skin appearance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether some AHAs improve skin barrier function and prevent skin irritation. Eleven healthy subjects (aged 28 +/- 6 years, mean +/- SD) entered the study.

Effects of site and menstrual cycle on barrier function and stratum corneum water-holding capacity.

Background/aims: Areas of the skin with similar anatomical structure may have different functional behaviour. In vivo barrier function and stratum corneum water-holding capacity during the menstrual cycle on two sites of the volar forearm (upper and lower) and on the anterior aspect of the thigh were evaluated using the plastic occlusion stress test (POST).

Methods: 13 healthy women (age 31 ± 4) with regular menses entered the study.

Effects of systemic treatment with statins on skin barrier function and stratum corneum water-holding capacity.

Background: Topical application of inhibitors of HMGCoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis, has been shown to induce impairment of barrier function.

Objective: Assessing whether oral administration of statins used for reducing blood levels of cholesterol induces functional changes in stratum corneum barrier.

Materials And Methods: 69 subjects of both sexes under-going treatment for hypercholesterolemia (mean age 48 +/- 11 years) entered the study; 43 had been treated with simvastatin and 11 with pravastatin for 6 months; 15 only on dietary regimen served as controls.

Effects of water temperature on surfactant-induced skin irritation.

Surfactant-induced irritant reactions may be elicited by several endogenous and exogenous factors. Among these, surfactant concentration, and duration and frequency of exposure play important rôles. The study focuses on the influence of water temperature in determining damage of the skin barrier.

The modulation of skin irritation.

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is a multifactorial disease, the onset and modulation of which depend on both endogenous and exogenous factors. Among the former, age, race, site, sex and history of dermatitis may all be important. Such variables can now readily be quantified by objective noninvasive techniques, such as measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Non-invasive evaluation of topical calcipotriol versus clobetasol in the treatment of psoriasis.

Topical treatment of psoriasis with calcipotriol has been proven effective. The efficacy of calcipotriol has been compared to that of topical corticoids in a number of studies using subjective visual scoring systems such as the PASI index. The purpose of this study was to compare, with objective data, the efficacy of calcipotriol and clobetasol propionate 0.