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BACKGROUND: Topical use of dexpanthenol presents well-established moisturizing properties and maintenance and repair of the skin barrier function, however, its exact action mechanisms are not completely elucidated. In this context, Confocal Raman Microspectroscopy is an optical method that enables non-invasive and non-destructive in vivo analysis with the sensitive acquisition of molecular changes in different skin layers. Herein, the aim was to evaluate the effects of topical dexpanthenol on the components and physiological parameters of the stratum corneum (SC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten healthy female subjects underwent skin evaluation by means of a Confocal Raman Spectrometer Skin Analyzer 3510. Spectral data were obtained from the skin of the anterior forearm region, before and 2 h after applying a cosmetic formulation containing or not containing 5% dexpanthenol. RESULTS: Semiquantitative analysis of the natural moisturizing factor showed a significant decrease in content after 2 h of topical dexpanthenol application, while the analysis of the lamellar organization of intercellular lipids and the secondary structure of keratin showed a significant increase in hexagonal organization of lipids at the first half of the SC and a significant increase in ß-pleated sheet conformation of keratin. CONCLUSION: Effects of topical dexpanthenol on SC suggest a contribution in increasing fluidity of both lipidic and protein components of the SC and are compatible with dexpanthenol activity in maintaining adequate physiological conditions and preventing transepidermal water loss. This study also contributes to the elucidation of action mechanisms and other concurrent biochemical processes.

Assuntos

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BACKGROUND: The growth of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a serious public health issue which is more prevalent in developing countries. The main problems related to DM are the gradual changes in the structural and functional integrity of tissues caused by hyperglycemia, which calls for early diagnosis and periodic monitoring exams. Recent studies suggest that the quality of the nail plate has great potential to assess the secondary complications of DM. Hence, this study aimed to determine the biochemical characteristics of the nails of individuals with DM2 by Raman confocal spectroscopy (CRS). METHODS: We collected fragments from the distal region of the fingernails of 30 healthy volunteers and 30 volunteers with DM2. The samples were analyzed by CRS (Xplora - Horiba) coupled to a 785 nm laser. RESULTS: Alterations in different biochemical components, such as proteins, lipids, amino acids, and final agents of advanced glycation, and alterations in the disulfide bridges, which are important in stabilizing keratin in nails were identified. CONCLUSION: The spectral signatures and new DM2 markers in nails were identified. Therefore, the possibility of acquiring biochemical information by evaluating the nails of diabetics, a simple and easily acquired material associated with the CRS technique, may allow health complications to be detected quickly.

Assuntos

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BACKGROUND: Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a traumatic lesion commonly found secondary to traumatic brain injury. Radiological findings on CT, such as hematoma thickness (HT) and structures midline shift (MLS), have an important prognostic role in this disease. The relationship between HT and MLS has been rarely studied in the literature. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prognostic accuracy of the difference between MLS and HT for acute outcomes in patients with ASDH in a low-income to middle-income country. METHODS: This was a post-hoc analysis of a prospective cohort study conducted in a university-associated tertiary-level hospital in Brazil. The TRIPOD (Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis) statement guidelines were followed. The difference values between MLS and HT (Zumkeller index, ZI) were divided into three categories (<0.00, 0.01-3, and >3). Logistic regression analyses were performed to reveal the OR of categorized ZI in predicting primary outcome measures. A Cox regression was also performed and the results were presented through HR. The discriminative ability of three multivariate models including clinical and radiological variables (ZI, Rotterdam score, and Helsinki score) was demonstrated. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients were included. Logistic regression demonstrated an OR value equal to 8.12 for the ZI >3 category (OR 8.12, 95% CI 1.16 to 40.01; p=0.01), which proved to be an independent predictor of mortality in the adjusted model for surgical intervention, age, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that this category was associated with 14-day survival (HR 2.92, 95% CI 1.38 to 6.16; p=0.005). A multivariate analysis performed for three models including age and GCS with categorized ZI or Helsinki or Rotterdam score demonstrated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.745, 0.767, and 0.808, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights the potential usefulness of the difference between MLS and HT as a prognostic variable in patients with ASDH. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, epidemiological study.