Whole-Genome Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing Reveals Shifts in the Skin Microbiome and Bacteriophages of Psoriasis: An Extended Analysis of Published Data.

Background: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated cutaneous disease that may have shifts in the skin microbiome. Prior research on the skin microbiome in psoriasis has been limited to rRNA based approaches that lack resolution of taxonomic and functional level assessment.

Objective: To further illuminate strain and sub-strain level analysis of psoriatic lesions using the CosmosID-HUB Microbiome pipeline.

Effect of Topical Microencapsulated Benzoyl Peroxide on the Skin Microbiome in Rosacea: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover, Vehicle-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Objective: We sought to evaluate changes in microbiome biodiversity and physical properties of the skin after eight weeks of once-daily topical microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide (E-BPO) compared to vehicle cream in participants with rosacea.

Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, crossover, single-center, vehicle-controlled evaluation of E-BPO on the skin microbiome in rosacea. Participants had facial rosacea with global severity of 3 or 4 on the Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) scale.

A Prospective, Multi-Center Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of a Vegan Nutraceutical to Improve Hair Growth and Quality in Females Following a Plant-Based Diet.

Hair thinning affects upwards of 50% of women by age 50, impacting their social-emotional wellbeing. It is a condition now thought to be driven by a multi-factorial etiology, including diet and nutrition. Women following vegan, vegetarian, or other plant-based diets have specific needs for nutrients traditionally sourced from animals, which could affect hair health.

Expanding the Psoriasis Framework: Immunopathogenesis and Treatment Updates.

Psoriasis is a chronic heterogeneous condition with multiple available treatment options that have resulted in dramatic disease improvements for patients. IL-23/IL-17 signaling is the central immune signaling pathway driving psoriasis, though recent research has uncovered other key contributing signals such as IL-17C, IL-17F, IL-36, and tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2). Novel therapeutic targets inhibiting these cytokines have expanded our understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Virtual Learning Decreases the Carbon Footprint of Medical Education.

Introduction: The environmental impact of holding in-person academic conferences and continuing medical education (CME) programs can be significant. In-person conferences provide a unique social and professional platform to engage in networking and foster professional development; however, there is an opportunity for hybrid and virtual platforms to provide CME for broader audiences looking to improve their clinical skills and strengthen their knowledge base. This study seeks to describe the reduction in carbon emissions associated with a webinar hosted by an online dermatology-focused medical education platform.

Visibility of Board-Certified Dermatologists on TikTok.

Tik Tok is an emerging social media platform that provides a novel opportunity for health practitioners such as dermatologists to disseminate accurate health information.

The Gut and Skin Microbiome in Alopecia: Associations and Interventions.

Objective: This review examines the current literature on the gut-skin connection in alopecia and summarizes interventions that impact hair growth by modulation of the gut or skin microbiome.

Methods: PubMed searches were done to assess studies of the gut and skin microbiome and forms of alopecia including, alopecia areata (AA), androgenic alopecia (AGA), alopecia universalis (AU), central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) and lichen planopilaris (LPP). Filters were applied for human and animal studies.

Correlating the Gut Microbiota and Circulating Hormones with Acne Lesion Counts and Skin Biophysical Features.

Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory condition that is multi-factorial and impacted by both intrinsic and extrinsic features. Several previous studies have assessed for correlations between factors such as circulating hormones, stress, or the microbiome. However, there have not been any correlations specifically against lesion counts or differentiating correlations between inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesion counts.

A review of the use of beeswax in skincare.

Background: Beeswax is a naturally occurring product secreted from worker bees that has varied uses in modern day. In skincare, its function ranges from its role as an occlusive, helping to create a semi-occlusive skin barrier that minimizes transepidermal water loss; as a humectant, locking in hydration; and an emollient to soften and soothe the skin. As a natural substance, its use has been shown to help alleviate symptoms associated with common cutaneous conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis, and overgrowth of normal skin flora.

Prospective Evaluation of a Topical Botanical Skin Care Regimen on Mild to Moderate Facial and Truncal Acne and Mood.

Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory condition that can be associated with profound psychosocial impacts. Conventional treatment includes topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and antimicrobials, and some may cause irritation and skin dryness. In this 8-week open-label study, we examined the effects of a botanical skin care regimen (Codex Labs Shaant Balancing regimen) on mild to moderate facial and truncal acne.

Systematic Review of Psychological Interventions for Quality of Life, Mental Health, and Hair Growth in Alopecia Areata and Scarring Alopecia.

Alopecia is associated with significant psychological burden. There is limited evidence on the use of psychological interventions in conditions of hair loss. This manuscript systematically reviews the current state of literature on psychological treatments for quality of life, mental health, and hair growth in various forms of alopecia.

Parental and Provider Perceptions of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Interventions in the First 1000 Days: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Novel approaches to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption during the first 1000 days-pregnancy through age 2 years-are urgently needed.

Objective: To examine perceptions of SSB consumption and acceptability of potential intervention strategies to promote SSB avoidance in low-income families in the first 1000 days.

Methods: In this qualitative research, we performed semistructured, in-depth interviews of 25 women and 7 nutrition/health care providers.

Isotope-reinforced polyunsaturated fatty acids protect mitochondria from oxidative stress.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) peroxidation is initiated by hydrogen atom abstraction at bis-allylic sites and sets in motion a chain reaction that generates multiple toxic products associated with numerous disorders. Replacement of bis-allylic hydrogens of PUFAs with deuterium atoms (D-PUFAs), termed site-specific isotope reinforcement, inhibits PUFA peroxidation and confers cell protection against oxidative stress. We demonstrate that structurally diverse deuterated PUFAs similarly protect against oxidative stress-induced injury in both yeast and mammalian (myoblast H9C2) cells.