Concentração de minerais no tecido queratinizado podal de equinos jovens da raça Crioula em diferentes fases de crescimento / [Mineral concentrations in the keratinized tissue on the feet of young Crioulo horses at different stages of growth]

O presente estudo avaliou o perfil mineral de Cálcio (Ca), Cobre (Cu) e Zinco (Zn) no estojo córneo pré e pós-desmame e sua associação com pigmentação, gênero e idade de potros da raça Crioula criados em pastagens nativas no Rio Grande do Sul. Foram coletadas amostras do casco de potros da raça Crioula 41 dias pré e 28 dias pós-desmame. Os teores de Ca, Cu e Zn variaram no casco fetal (571,0±39,4; 14,5±7,6 e 130,0±30,5mg/kg, respectivamente; P<0,05) e no definitivo (653,0±169,2; 33,8±11,5 e 69,3±36,8mg/kg, respectivamente; P<0,05), no pré (620,0±184; 17,2±21,2 e 103,0±75,5mg/kg, respectivamente; P<0,05) e no pós-desmame (517,5±181; 0 e 79,0±41,7mg/kg, respectivamente; P<0,05). Houve associação positiva (P<0,05) com a faixa etária no pré-desmame para Ca (r=0,5) e Cu (r=0,57), e negativa para Zn (r=-0,69; P<0,05). No pós-desmame, houve associação positiva (P<0,05) para Ca (r=0,36) e Zn (r=0,64) e negativa para Cu (r=-0,39; P<0,05). Tanto a pigmentação quanto o gênero não afetaram o perfil mineral. Conclui-se que há diferenças nas concentrações de Ca, Cu e Zn na epiderme do casco de potros da raça Crioula no pré e pós-desmame, independentemente da pigmentação e do gênero, onde as concentrações de Ca e Cu aumentam com a idade, enquanto as de Zn diminuem.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mineral profile of Ca, Cu and Zn in the hoof horny capsule at pre and post-weaning and its association with pigmentation, gender and age range of Crioulo foals raised in native pastures in RS. Samples were collected from the epidermis of the Crioulo foal's hoof at two times, 41 pre and 28 post-weaning. The contents of Ca, Cu, Zn Varied in the fetal hoof ( 571.0±139.4, 14.5±7.6 and 130.0±30.5mg/kg, respectively, P<0.05) and definitive (653.0±169.2, 33.8±11.5 and 69.3±36.8mg/kg, respectively, P<0.05), in the pre (620.0±184, 17.2±21.2 and103.0±75.5mg/kg, respectively, P<0.05) and post-weaning (517.5±181, 0.1 and 79.0±41.7mg/kg, respectively, P<0.05).There was a positive association (P<0.05) with a preweaning age for Ca (r=0.5) and Cu (r=0.57) and negative for Zn (r=-0.69, P<0.05). In the post weaning there was a positive association (P<0.05) for Ca (r=0.36) and Zn (r=0.64) and negative for Cu (r=-0.39; P<0.05). Neither pigmentation nor gender affected the mineral profile. It is concluded that there are differences in Ca, Cu, Zn concentrations in the epidermis of foals of the crioulo breed at the pre and post weaning, regardless of pigmentation and sex, where Ca and Cu concentrations increase with age, while Zn concentrations decrease.(AU)

Influence of facial threading on various physiological parameters of the skin: non-randomized trial involving adult women in Taiwan

Abstract: Background: Facial threading involves the removal of hairs to restore facial skin smoothness. However, its effectiveness has not been rigorously evaluated. Objective: To evaluate effects of facial threading on skin roughness, hydration, melanin index, and vellus hair on the face, complemented by a subjective evaluation of the tactile feel of the skin and improvement in skin color. Method: Participants who had not used exfoliators for two weeks before the experiment were included. Each participant underwent one session of facial threading every 21 days, for a total of 3 sessions. A three-dimensional skin roughness instrument and a multifunctional skin testing system were used to evaluate changes in roughness, hydration, and pigmentation on the forehead, cheeks, and corners of the mouth. A photomicrographic camera was used to record changes in vellus hair. Subjective reports of skin smoothness and color were recorded. Result: Eighteen participants completed the study. Facial threading produced a significant decrease in skin roughness on the forehead (22.42%, p = .013), right cheek (77%, p = .02), and left corner of the mouth (33.02%, p = .001). Subjective improvement in tactile feel of the skin and coloring were reported. Study Limitations: The study did not include randomization, with further limitations of a small sample size and a single site. Conclusion: Facial threading reduced skin roughness by 26.74% after three threading sessions, with improved subjective assessment of tactile feel and coloring. Future research should include a comparison with other cosmetic products with similar beautifying effects or a control group.

Perception of facial profile attractiveness of a brown subject displaying different degrees of lip projection or retrusion, in the city of Salvador/Bahia

ABSTRACT Introduction: The attractiveness and facial aesthetics are commonly defined by the media in modern society and the number of patients seeking for changes in the facial appearance is progressively increasing. Augmented face convexity is believed to be non aesthetic and among the treatments available for its correction, the extraction of premolars followed by anterior teeth retraction produces a significant effect. However, it is questionable whether the procedure is reasonable in brown and black patients, since dental protrusion is considered a common morphological feature in these groups. Methods: A photograph of a brown female subject was manipulated with image-editing program to generate a set of images with different degrees of labial retraction/protrusion. Two hundred individuals, randomly selected, were asked to rate each photograph and select which one showed the best aesthetic appearance. The survey was carried out in Salvador / Bahia (Brazil), which is a city with strong African slavery background and high proportion of brown and black population. Results: Regardless of color, sex or income, the interviewees chose primarily the straight facial profile and secondarily the slightly concave or convex as more pleasant for a brown female individual (p< 0.05). The moderate and extreme convexity had the lowest scores (p< 0.05). Conclusions: It is suggested that among the accessed population, straight and slightly convex or concave profiles were preferred for a brown subject and moderate or excessive facial protrusion were not well accepted. It is expected that these data can guide orthodontists about the need for extraction to reduce dental protrusion in brown patients.

RESUMO Introdução: a atratividade e a estética facial são comumente definidas pela mídia, na sociedade moderna, e o número de pacientes buscando mudar seu aspecto facial tem aumentado progressivamente. Acredita-se que a convexidade facial aumentada seja considerada não estética. Entre os tratamentos disponíveis para sua correção, figura, com destaque, a extração de pré-molares seguida da retração dos dentes anteriores. No entanto, é questionável se esse procedimento estaria indicado para indivíduos negros e pardos, visto que a protrusão dentária é considerada um achado morfológico comum nesses grupos. Métodos: a fotografia de um indivíduo pardo do sexo feminino foi manipulada em programa de edição de imagens, de forma a gerar um grupo de imagens com diferentes graus de protrusão ou retrusão labial. Duzentos indivíduos, selecionados aleatoriamente, avaliaram e foram solicitados a escolher a fotografia que melhor se apresentava esteticamente. Essa pesquisa foi executada em Salvador / Bahia (Brasil), que é uma cidade com marcante histórico de escravidão africana, apresentando elevada proporção de negros e pardos. Resultados: independentemente da cor, sexo ou renda, os entrevistados escolheram como mais estético, para um indivíduo pardo, o perfil reto, seguido do perfil levemente côncavo ou convexo (p< 0,05). Conclusões: dentro da amostra entrevistada, o perfil reto foi considerado mais estético para um indivíduo pardo, seguido do perfil levemente côncavo ou convexo. Os perfis moderadamente e excessivamente convexos foram considerados menos atraentes. Espera-se que esses achados possam guiar os ortodontistas no que diz respeito à necessidade de extrações dentárias, com intuito de reduzir a protrusão dentária/labial em pacientes pardos.

The role of vitamin D in melanogenesis with an emphasis on vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a common pigmentary disorder caused by the destruction of functional melanocytes. Vitamin D is an essential hormone synthesized in the skin and is responsible for skin pigmentation. Low levels of vitamin D have been observed in vitiligo patients and in patients with other autoimmune diseases. Therefore, the relationship between vitamin D and vitiligo needs to be investigated more thoroughly. We reviewed the literature to date regarding the role of vitamin D in skin pigmentation. Our review revealed that vitamin D defi ciency has been identifi ed in many conditions, including premature and dysmature birth, pigmented skin, obesity, advanced age, and malabsorption. Vitamin D increases melanogenesis and the tyrosinase content of cultured human melanocytes by its antiapoptotic effect. However, a few growth-inhibitory effects on melanocytes were also reported. Vitamin D regulates calcium and bone metabolism, controls cell proliferation and differentiation, and exerts immunoregulatory activities. Vitamin D exerts its effect via a nuclear hormone receptor for vitamin D. The topical application of vitamin D increased the number of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine-positive melanocytes. The topical application of vitamin D yields signifi cant results when used in combination with phototherapy and ultraviolet exposure to treat vitiligo in humans. Vitamin D decreases the expression of various cytokines that cause vitiligo. In conclusion, application of vitamin D might help in preventing destruction of melanocytes thus causing vitiligo and other autoimmune disorders. The association between low vitamin D levels and the occurrence of vitiligo and other forms of autoimmunity is to be further evaluated.

Case for diagnosis / Caso para diagnóstico

Pigmentary demarcation lines are physiologically abrupt transition lines from areas of deeper pigmentation to less pigmented areas. They are most often seen in African and Japanese individuals and rarely observed in Caucasians. There are eight types of pigmentary demarcation lines. The one described here, type B, is restricted to women and is associated with pregnancy in non-black patients. This type of pigmentary demarcation line occurs in the posterior aspect of the legs, extending from the perineum to the ankle. Its distribution follows the Voigt's lines, which define the distribution of peripheral nerves. Its pathogenesis remains unknown. Expectant treatment is used, and good results have been reported with the use of Q-switched Alexandrite laser.

Linhas de demarcação pigmentar são linhas fisiológicas que correspondem a transições abruptas entre áreas mais escuras e mais claras. São mais comuns em africanos e japoneses, mas raras em brancos. Há 8 tipos, sendo a aqui descrita, tipo B, restrita a mulheres e relacionada a gestação em não negras. Este tipo de linha de demarcação pigmentar ocorre na face posterior dos membros inferiores estendendo-se do períneo ao tornozelo. Estas se localizam nas linhas de Voigt que são o trajeto dos nervos periféricos. Sua fisiopatogenia é incerta. O tratamento é expectante com relato de bom resultado com Q-switchedAlexandrite laser.

Mechanisms regulating melanogenesis* / Mecanismos reguladores da melanogênese

Skin pigmentation is an important human phenotypic trait whose regulation, in spite of recent advances, has not yet been fully understood. The pigment melanin is produced in melanosomes by melanocytes in a complex process called melanogenesis. The melanocyte interacts with endocrine, immune, inflammatory and central nervous systems, and its activity is also regulated by extrinsic factors such as ultraviolet radiation and drugs. We have carried out a review of the current understanding of intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulating skin pigmentation, the melanogenesis stages and related gene defects. We focused on melanocyte-keratinocyte interaction, activation of melanocortin type 1 receptor (MC1-R) by peptides (melanocyte-stimulating hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone) resulting from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) cleavage, and mechanisms of ultraviolet-induced skin pigmentation. The identification and comprehension of the melanogenesis mechanism facilitate the understanding of the pathogenesis of pigmentation disorders and the development of potential therapeutic options.

A pigmentação da pele é um importante traço fenotípico do ser humano mas apesar dos recentes avanços a sua regulação não está ainda totalmente esclarecida. O pigmento melanina é produzido nos melanossomas pelos melanócitos, num processo complexo designado por melanogénese. O melanócito interatua com os sistemas endócrino, imunitário, inflamatório e nervoso central e a sua atividade é também regulada por fatores extrínsecos como a radiação ultravioleta e fármacos. Fizemos uma revisão do conhecimento atual sobre os fatores intrínsecos e extrínsecos reguladores da pigmentação cutânea, etapas da melanogénese e defeitos genéticos relacionados. Fizemos enfoque na interação melanócito-keratinócito, na ativação do receptor da melanocortina tipo 1 (MC1-R) pelos péptidos (hormona estimuladora do melanócito e hormona adrenocorticotrófica) resultantes da clivagem da proopiomelanocortina (POMC) e mecanismos da pigmentação induzida pela radiação ultravioleta. A identificação e compreensão dos mecanismos reguladores da pigmentação cutânea facilitam o conhecimento dos mecanismos patogénicos dos distúrbios da pigmentação e o desenvolvimento de potenciais opções terapêuticas.

Cambio estacional en la coloración dorsal de la lagartija Aspidoscelis costata costata (Squamata: Teiidae) / Seasonal changes in the dorsal coloration in the lizard Aspidoscelis costata costata (Squamata: Teiidae)

Seasonal changes in the dorsal coloration in the lizard Aspidoscelis costata costata (Squamata: Teiidae). Color and color patterns in animals are important characteristics that bring protection, by dampening the ability of predators that depend on their sight to detect their preys. In lizards, the dorsal coloration plays a key role in communication of intraspecific signals such as social cues. In this study, we evaluated the seasonal changes in the dorsal coloration of the wide foraging lizard A. costata costata, in Tonatico, State of Mexico, Mexico. The seasonal evaluation included: the rainy season from mid June to mid September (can also include the end of May to early October); and the dry season for the rest of the year. The dorsal coloration of A. costata costata and their microhabitats were evaluated by contrasting the color pattern with an identification guide and the control colors of Pantone®, during 11 samplings carried out from February-October 2007. Individual lizard analysis recorded snout-vent length, sex and stage (juveniles and adults). Besides, all animals were marked by toe-clipping, allowing to distinguish dorsal coloration between seasons, sex and stage. A total of 95 lizards were analyzed (53 and 42 for the dry and rainy seasons respectively). We found that the dorsal coloration in A. costata costata varies seasonally and with microhabitats: during the dry season individuals show a brown coloration whereas during the rainy season becomes greener, as the background dominant vegetation color. The results of the present study suggest that: 1) the variation in dorsal coloration in A. costata costata plays an important role in the survival (by cryptic camouflage) of this widely foraging species; 2) the changes in the dorsal coloration of A. costata costata are individually expressed traits, since the coloration of the same lizard is either brown or green depending on the season; and 3) the cryptic functions of the dorsal coloration in widely foraging species have been largely underestimated. We discuss the possible influence of the changes in coloration in an habitat that changes drastically between both dry and rainy seasons.

En lagartijas la coloración corporal es importanteen la comunicación así como en la protección contra los depredadores. Con el uso de una guía Pantone®, se analizó el cambio estacional en la coloración dorsal y los microhábitats de Aspidoscelis costata costata, una lagartija de amplio forrajeo que habita un ambiente (en el Estado de México, México) que cambia drásticamente de apariencia entre sequía y lluvias. Se analizó la dependencia de la coloración dorsal de acuerdo a la estación, sexo y estadio de desarrollo. Los resultados indican que la lagartija A. costata costata presenta una coloración dorsal similar al sustrato en cada estación: parda en sequía y principalmente verde en lluvias. Este estudio sugiere: 1) Que la variación en coloración dorsal con funciones crípticas, como la registrada en A. costata costata, puede resultar importante en la supervivencia de especies de amplio forrajeo; 2) Que el cambio en la coloración dorsal en A. costata costata es a nivel individual, ya que un individuo presente en ambas estaciones manifiesta una coloración dorsal parda en la estación de sequía y una coloración dorsal verde en la estación de lluvias y 3) Que la coloración dorsal, con funciones crípticas, está subestimada en especies de amplio forrajeo.

Alpha1 and alpha2 adrenoceptor mediated melanosome aggregatory responses in vitro in Oreochromis mossambica (Peters) melanophores.

Effects of specific and non-specific adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists were examined on the isolated scale melanophores of O. mossambica in physiological Ringer solution. The responses were recorded as melanophore size index. It was observed that adrenaline, nor-adrenaline, phenylpropanolamine, clonidine and phenylepherine induced melanosome aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. Denervation of the fish melanophores increased the sensitivity of the melanophores to adrenaline but not to nor-adrenaline. Phentolamine (3.55 x 10(-5) M), prazosin (2.38 x 10(-5) M) and yohimbine (2.821 x 10(-5) M) significantly inhibited the aggregatory responses of the fish melanophores to adrenaline, nor-adrenaline, clonidine and phenylepherine. The blocking effect of yohimbine was significantly higher than that of prazosin. It is concluded that the effect of adrenaline is directly mediated through the receptors and alpha2 adrenoceptors are predominantly involved in the aggregatory responses of this fish melanophores, while alpha1 adrenoceptors presence has been indicated.

A clinical study of skin changes in pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy profound immunologic, metabolic, endocrine and vascular changes occur, that are responsible for the changes of the skin and its appendages, both physiologic and pathologic. AIMS: We undertook a clinical study to find out the frequency and pattern of skin changes in pregnant women. METHODS: All consecutive pregnant women were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 607 pregnant women were included in this study. Of these, 303 (49.9%) pregnant women were primigravida and 304 (51.1%) were multigravida. Skin changes grouped into: physiological changes (all cases), specific dermatoses (22 cases) and other dermatoses affected by pregnancy (125 cases). Most common physiological changes were pigmentary alterations seen in 555 (91.4%) followed by striae seen in 484 (79.7%) cases. Of the various specific dermatoses of pregnancy, pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) was the most common disorder (14 cases) followed by pruritus gravidarum (5 cases). The most common dermatoses affected by pregnancy were candidal vaginitis (17 cases), acne vulgaris (15 cases), skin tags (15 cases), eczemas (14 cases). CONCLUSION: This study brings into focus various skin changes during pregnancy in south India.

Evaluación del factor de protección solar requerido (SPF) y el tiempo de protección natural (IPN) de la piel / Evaluation of the requered of solar protection (SPF) and the of natural protection (IPN) of skin

Las pieles se han clasificado en fototipos; de acuerdo a su mayor o menor resistencia frente a las radiaciones, que depende a su vez de la pigmentación. Así, las pieles menos pigmentadas o más blancas, se reconocen por ser más sensibles a la radiación, presentando mayor susceptibilidad a sufrir foto-daño, que va desde un eritema actínico y fotoenvejecimiento cútaneo hasta el cancer de piel que es atribuido principalmente a los rayos UV presentes en la radiación solar. La capacidad fotoprotectora de la piel se mantiene durante algún tiempo, luego del cuál pueden comenzar a presentarse alteraciones, es por ello que se recomienda usar medidas fotoprotectoras externas, como son el uso de ropas manga largas, evitar exposiciones en horas pico y utilizar protectores o pantallas solares de conocido indice de protección, indentificado por números, siendo los mayores indicativos de una mayor fotoprotección. En nuestro estudio se determinó los índices o tiempos de protección natural (IPN) y los factores de protección solar (SPF) requieridos por individuos con diferentes fototipos, específicamente el I(piel blanca, cabello rubio y tendencia a sufrir quemaduras), el II(piel ligeramente oscura, bronceado suave y tendencia a sufrir quemaduras), y el III(piel ligeramente morena, buen bronceado y raramente sufre quemaduras). Así, se realizaron mediciones en 58 sujetos voluntarios sanos, utilizando el equipo Sun Protection Diagnóstic SP37, con diferentes tiempos y diferentes intensidades solares, tomando en consideración la altitud y la presencia ó no de reflexiones que son proporcionadas por el equipo. Se obtuvieron diferencias significativas (test P<0,05) en los índices de protección natural de todos los fototipos, al utilizar diferentes intensidades solares, a su vez el fototipo I presentó menor índice de protección natural en las distintas condiciones comparado con los fototipos II y III. Se encontró (test P<0,05) que los SPFs requeridos por el fototipo I son superiores por los demás y que a medida que aumenta el tiempo de exposición también aumenta el SPF requerido por todos los fototipos, resultando P<0,05

Tratamento dermatológico das hipercromias / Dermatologic treatment of hiperchromic lesions of skin

As alteraçöes da cor da pele (discromias) säo divididas em hipocromias (manchas claras), hipercromias (manchas escuras) e leucomelanodermias (manchas claras e escuras associadas). Os autores faräo condideraçöes gerais sobre o quadro clínico e tratamento das hipercromias de ocorrências mais freqüentes.(au)

Incidência de desvio do septo nasal em recém-nascido / Incidence of deviation of nasal septum in newborn

Foram avaliados 1202 recém-nascidos com idade entre um e três dias, no periodo de 1997 a 1998, no hospital Universitário, na Maternidade Cândido Mariano e na Santa Casa. Diagnosticou-se desvio do septo nasal em 31 crianças. O peso médio dos recém-nascidos era de 3,29g, altura média de 49,25cm, sendo 18 (58 por cento) da cor branca, 13 (42 por cento) morena, 16 (51,6 por cento) do sexo masculino e 15 (49,4 por cento) feminino, 9 (29,1 por cento) nasceram de parto normal e 22 (70,9 por cento) de parto cesariana. A ordem gestacional das mäes: 10 (32,3 por cento) eram primíparas e 21 (67,7 por cento multíparas. Os estudos estatísticos mostraram näo haver relaçäo entre peso, altura, sexo, tipo de parto e ordem gestacional com a ocorrência do desvio.

Acido glicólico: agente despigmentante e rejuvenescedor / Glycolic acid: depigmenting agent and rejuvenating

A pigmentaçäo da pele, causada pela irradiaçäo da luz ultravioleta, como defesa contra a açäo carcinogênica da luz solar, pode levar ao envelhecimento precoce da pele e a uma hipercromia, cujo tratamento requer o uso de fotoprotetores, despigmentantes e rejuvenescedores. Recentemente, têm sido usadas várias substâncias para previnir e/ou tratar o envelhecimento cutâneo, bem como para diminuir a pigmentaçäo da pele. O hidroxiáxido mais comumente empregado em preparaçöes cosméticas e dermatológicas tem sido o ácido glicólico, pelas propriedades despigmentantes e rejuvenescedoras e pela eficácia que apresenta, em diferentes concentraçöes, quando incorporado a vários tipos de excipientes.