A New Moisturiser Improves DNCB-induced Atopic Dermatitis-like Symptoms and Restores Skin Barrier Function in BALB/c Mice.

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder with eczematous and pruritic lesions. Topical moisturisers and either topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors are usually recommended. Restoring the skin barrier function alleviates AD symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a new moisturiser compared to commercially available products in an AD murine model. METHODS: Experimental AD was induced with topical applications of 2,4-DiNitroChloroBenzene (DNCB) on the shaved back skin of BALB/c mice from Day 1 to Day 38. Mice were randomized to either Vehicle/-, DNCB/-, or DNCB/Eczekalm (test product), DNCB/Atopiclair®, or DNCB/Lipikar (reference products) groups. Once daily application of either Eczekalm or Atopiclair® or Lipikar on the AD lesion was performed from Day 32 to Day 38. The AD severity index (ADSI) and animal behaviour were monitored throughout the study. The trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured on the sacrifice day (Day 39). RESULTS: At Day39, ADSI in the DNCB/Eczekalm, DNCB/Lipikar, and DNCB/Atopiclair® groups were significantly lower by -70%, -68%, and -57%, respectively, as compared to DNCB/- (p < 0.001). No sign of erythema was observed in the DNCB/Eczekalm group. Mean scores of skin oedema, excoriation, and dryness in the DNCB/Eczekalm, DNCB/Lipikar, and DNCB/Atopiclair® groups were significantly lower than in the DNCB/-. No significant difference was observed between DNCB/Eczekalm and DNCB/Lipikar groups. Mean TEWL in DNCB/Eczekalm group was significantly lower than the ones of DNCB/Atopiclair® (-43%, p < 0.001) and DNCB/Lipikar (-15%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Eczekalm treatment significantly reduced the inflammatory effects due to AD and itching episodes and restored the skin barrier function.

Selfish personalities influencing start-up intention and motivation: a study of Vietnam.

This research explores the influences of selfish personalities of the Dark Triad on start-up intention and motives based on a sample of 400 university students in Vietnam, discovering mixed effects of narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. A high level of narcissism and Machiavellianism leads to high start-up intention. There is a negative relationship of Machiavellianism with pro-social motive and a positive association with selfish entrepreneurship. In addition, narcissism is positively associated with pro-social start-up motives. This study has found no effect of psychopathy but a positive link to selfish entrepreneurial motivation. Implications have been suggested for educators and investors.

The first community outbreak of COVID-19 in Viet Nam: description and lessons learned

@#Objective: At the time of this study, the prevention of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) relied solely on nonpharmaceutical interventions. Implementation of these interventions is not always optimal and, consequently, several cases were imported into non-epidemic areas and led to large community outbreaks. This report describes the characteristics of the first community outbreak of COVID-19 in Viet Nam and the intensive preventive measures taken in response. Methods: Cases were detected and tested for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Contact tracing and active surveillance were conducted to identify suspected cases and individuals at risk. Clinical symptoms were recorded using a standardized questionnaire. Results: In Vinh Phuc province from 20 January to 3 March 2020, there were 11 confirmed cases among 158 suspected cases and 663 contacts. Nine of the confirmed cases (81.8%) had mild symptoms at the time of detection and two (18.2%) were asymptomatic; none required admission to an intensive care unit. Five prevention and control measures were implemented, including quarantining a community of 10 645 individuals for 20 days. The outbreak was successfully contained as of 13 February 2020. Discussion: In the absence of specific interventions, the intensive use of combined preventive measures can mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The lessons learned may be useful for other communities.