A New TGF-β Mimetic, XEP™-716 Miniprotein™, Exhibiting Regenerative Properties Objectivized by Instrumental Evaluation.

Introduction: Skin aging, which results from intrinsic and extrinsic factors, is characterized by a rough, uneven and wrinkled appearance of the skin at the macroscopic level. At the microscopic level, aging shows lowered keratinocyte turnover, flattened dermal-epidermal junction and reduced collagen fiber density; however, use of skin biopsies to evaluate characteristic properties of these microscopic changes is too limiting for panelists and rarely used. The development of non-invasive techniques is an opportunity to be considered for such evaluations.

Clinical benefit and tolerance profile of a keratolytic and hydrating shampoo in subjects with mild to moderate psoriasis. Results from a double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled study.

Introduction: Scalp psoriasis frequently goes with other disease location and may lead to a significant burden and impairment of quality of life (QoL). Adherence to local treatments is a frequent problem. A keratolytic and hydrating shampoo containing 2% salicylic acid, 5% urea, and 1% glycerin (active shampoo) has been developed for psoriasis-prone scalp.

Effects of Starch Incorporation on the Physicochemical Properties and Release Kinetics of Alginate-Based 3D Hydrogel Patches for Topical Delivery.

The development of printable hydrogel inks for extrusion-based 3D printing is opening new possibilities to the production of new and/or improved pharmaceutical forms, specifically for topical application. Alginate and starch are natural polysaccharides that have been extensively exploited due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, viscosity properties, low toxicity, and relatively low cost. This research work aimed to study the physicochemical and release kinetic effects of starch incorporation in alginate-based 3D hydrogel patches for topical delivery using a quality by design approach.

Autologous pure platelet-rich plasma injections for facial skin rejuvenation: Biometric instrumental evaluations and patient-reported outcomes to support antiaging effects.

Background: During skin aging, a degeneration of connective tissue and decrease in hyaluronic acid polymers occur. Since platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors and various cytokines, it was hypothesized that it could play a role in fibroblast activation and type I collagen expression in human fibroblasts.

Objectives: This study was performed to assess the efficacy of autologous PRP injections for facial skin rejuvenation, measured by biometric instrumental evaluations and patient-reported outcomes.

In vivo assessment of peripheral vascular function by tcpO₂ and skin blood flow modelling.

There are multiple techniques and methods to assess peripheral vascular function in vivo but not without limitations. More discriminative, sensitive and also practical evaluation strategies are needed to fully characterize the peripheral vascular function. In the present work, a new quantitative descriptor, the 'elimination half-life time' was developed from flow-related variables as a non-invasive microcirculatory rate parameter to describe vascular dynamics.

An experimental in vivo model to characterize "heavy legs" symptom in topical formulations.

The "Heavy legs" symptom is regarded as an early expression of chronic venous failure, estimated to affect 40% of the population in developing countries. A new methodology is proposed to approach the "tired or heavy legs" symptom. Seven females with this complaint applied a standard topical formulation during 28 days in one leg randomly chosen.

Exploring the influence of skin perfusion on transepidermal water loss.

Background: Eventual relationships between the vascular function and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), in vivo,have not been entirely explored. By promoting local perfusion alterations through a well-known challenge test, the'tourniquet-cuff occlusion' manoeuvre, the present study searches for other dynamical factors influencing the cutaneous barrier, further exploring the applicability of these flow-related variables in dermatological research.

Methods: By applying the tourniquet-cuff manoeuvre to a group of healthy volunteers (n= 20), transcutaneous (tc)gases (pO2-pCO2), LDF (laser doppler flowmetry) and TEWL were considered as representing the dynamical aspects under study and measured non-invasively.

Quantitative description of human skin water dynamics by a disposition-decomposition analysis (DDA) of trans-epidermal water loss and epidermal capacitance.

Background: In vivo water assessment would greatly benefit from a dynamical approach since the evaluation of common related variables such as trans-epidermal water loss or "capacitance" measurements is always limited to instantaneous data. Mathematical modelling is still an attractive alternative already attempted with bi-exponential empirical models. A classical two-compartment interpretation of such models raises a number of questions about the underlying fundamentals, which can hardly be experimentally confirmed.