Sensory neuron activation from topical treatments modulates the sensorial perception of human skin.

Neural signaling of skin sensory perception from topical treatments is often reported in subjective terms such as a sensation of skin "tightness" after using a cleanser or "softness" after applying a moisturizer. However, the mechanism whereby cutaneous mechanoreceptors and corresponding sensory neurons are activated giving rise to these perceptions has not been established. Here, we provide a quantitative approach that couples in vitro biomechanical testing and detailed computational neural stimulation modeling along with a comprehensive in vivo self-assessment survey to demonstrate how cutaneous biomechanical changes in response to treatments are involved in the sensorial perception of the human skin.

From decoding the perception of tightness to a clinical proof of soothing effects derived from natural ingredients in a moisturizer.

Objective: To decode the feeling of skin tightness after application of a cosmetic product and how to soothe this discomfort. To pursue this aim, we considered the ingredient's effect on stratum corneum (SC) biomechanics to differentiate between consumers prone to tightness from those that are not and correlate these effects with mechanoreceptor activation.

Methods: In vivo clinical trials were used to assess the tightness perception dichotomy between groups of Caucasian women; in vitro experiments were used to measure the mechanical stresses induced in the SC after cleanser and moisturizer application; and in silico simulations were used to illustrate how the measured mechanical stresses in the SC result in the development of strains at the depth of cutaneous mechanoreceptors, triggering tightness perceptual responses.

Are college campuses superspreaders? A data-driven modeling study.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present enormous challenges for colleges and universities and strategies for save reopening remain a topic of ongoing debate. Many institutions that reopened cautiously in the fall experienced a massive wave of infections and colleges were soon declared as the new hotspots of the pandemic. However, the precise effects of college outbreaks on their immediate neighborhood remain largely unknown.

Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of an Integrative Pain Management Program in a Primary Care Safety-Net Clinic.

Objective: To design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive Integrative Pain Management Program (IPMP) for patients with chronic pain in a safety-net primary care clinic.

Design: We used a quality improvement "Plan Do Study Act" (PDSA) framework to design, refine, and evaluate an integrative chronic pain program.

Setting: An urban federally qualified health center located in a community with high rates of chronic pain, substance use, and opioid overdose.

Acne - a potential skin marker of internal disease.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder in adult women. Hyperandrogenism is the crux of the pathogenesis of both acne and hirsutism, the most frequent clinical presentations of the syndrome. The chronic anovulation that may occur, often but not always associated with enlarged cystic ovaries, has long been recognized as an important feature of PCOS.

Psoriasis triggered by mefloquine.

A 46-year-old Caucasian man living on the central Mediterranean island of Gozo (Malta) was started on mefloquine 250 mg once weekly before a trip to lower Egypt. He took his medication 1 week before starting his holiday and was advised to continue it for 4 weeks after returning. He did not take any other medication and enjoyed the holiday, which he initially intended to repeat in the near future.

Characteristics of superficial mycoses in Malta.

Background: A study was conducted to determine the chief agents of superficial mycoses in Malta. Data were collected over a 5-year period from mycologic investigations carried out on all dermatologic specimens sent to the Mycology Laboratory at St. Luke's Hospital in Malta.

HIV-seropositive individuals' optimistic beliefs about prognosis and relation to medication and safe sex adherence.

Objective: The study objective was to characterize respondents' prognostic perceptions of HIV infection and to explore how perceptions might affect medication and safe sex nonadherence.

Methods: Surveys were mailed to 295 clients of an HIV-specific case management organization. Participants were asked to describe experience with HIV/AIDS right after serostatus knowledge and currently, using provided word lists, after which they were asked to assess current life expectancy.