Terahertz time-domain transmission spectroscopy of water and hydrogel thin films: Extraction of optical parameters and application to agarose gel characterization.

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is an emerging optical technique that has potential applications in the characterization of (bio)materials. However, the complicated extraction of optical parameters from multi-layered and optically thin samples is a barrier towards its acceptance by applied scientists. Therefore, the aim of this work is to provide a straightforward approach for the extraction of the THz absorption coefficient and index of refraction profiles of aqueous thin films in a window-sample-window configuration, which is ubiquitous in many laboratories (i.e., sample in a cuvette). A numerical approach-based methodology that accounts for multiple layers, Fabry-Pérot effect, and sample thickness is elaborated which involves an optical interference model based on a tri-layer structure and a simple thickness estimation technique. This method was validated on water samples where a good agreement was found with the THz optical parameters of water reported in the literature, while the use of a commercial software resulted in erroneous optical parameters estimates when used without due regard to its limitations. A case study was then performed to demonstrate the ability of the proposed method to characterize agarose hydrogels with varying degree of sulfation. It was demonstrated that THz-TDS can provide insight into the hydration state of the agarose hydrogels, including the relative number of the hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl moieties of water and the polysaccharide network which is perturbed by the presence of sulfate. The trend in the index of refraction profiles suggested microstructural differences between the agarose hydrogels, which were confirmed by visualizing the agarose network morphology using cryo-SEM imaging.

Towards non-invasive tissue hydration measurements with optical coherence tomography.

The attenuation coefficient ( µ OCT ) measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been used to determine tissue hydration. Previous dual-wavelength OCT systems could not attain the needed precision, which we attribute to the absence of wavelength-dependent scattering of tissue in the underlying model. Assuming that scattering can be described using two parameters, we propose a triple/quadrupole-OCT system to achieve clinically relevant precision in water volume fraction. In this study, we conduct a quantitative analysis to determine the necessary precision of µ OCT measurements and compare it with numerical simulation. Our findings emphasize that achieving a clinically relevant assessment of a 2% water fraction requires determining the attenuation coefficient with a remarkable precision of 0.01 m m - 1 . This precision threshold is influenced by the chosen wavelength for attenuation measurement and can be enhanced through the inclusion of a fourth wavelength range.

Behavior of endo-xylanases on wheat milling products in relation with variable solid loading conditions.

To investigate the incubation conditions encountered by enzymes in cereal-based product transformation processes, this study aims to provide comprehensive information on the effect of low (18 %) to high (72 %) solid loading on the behavior of bacterial and fungal xylanases towards wheat grain fractions, i.e. white flour, ground whole grain and bran. Both enzymes are effective from 30 % water content. A water content of 50 % appears as the threshold for optimal arabinoxylan solubilisation. The specificity of enzymes was influenced by low hydration conditions, particularly in wheat bran, which contains arabinoxylan with diverse structures. Especially the bacterial xylanase became more tolerant to arabinose substitution as the water content decreased. Time Domain-NMR measurements revealed four water mobility domains in all the fractions. The water populations corresponding to 7.5 nm to 15 nm pores were found to be the most restrictive for enzyme activity. These results define the water content limits for the optimal xylanase action in cereal products.

The association between hydration state and the metabolism of phospholipids and amino acids among young adults: a metabolomic analysis.

Background: Water is vital for humans' survival and general health, which is involved in various metabolic activities. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the variation in urine metabolome and associated metabolic pathways among people with different hydration states. Methods: A metabolomic analysis was conducted using 24-h urine samples collected during a cross-sectional study on fluid intake behavior from December 9 to 11, 2021, in Hebei, China. Subjects were divided into the optimal hydration (OH, ≤500 mOsm/kg, n = 21), middle hydration (500-800 mOsm/kg, n = 33), and hypohydration groups (HH, >800 mOsm/kg, n = 13) based on the 3-d average 24-h urine osmolality. Collected 24-h urine samples from 67 subjects (43 males and 34 females) were analyzed for urine metabolome using liquid chromatography-MS. Results: The untargeted metabolomic analysis yielded 1055 metabolites by peak intensities. Integrating the results of the orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis and fold change test, 115 differential metabolites between the OH and HH groups, including phospholipids (PLs) and lysophospholipids, were identified. Among the 115 metabolites identified as differential metabolites, 85 were recorded by the Human Metabolome Database and uploaded to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases for pathway analysis. Twenty-one metabolic pathways were recognized. Phenylalanine metabolism (0.50, P = 0.007), phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis (0.50, P = 0.051), glycerophospholipid metabolism (0.31, P < 0.001), sphingolipid metabolism (0.27, P = 0.029), and cysteine and methionine metabolism (0.10, P = 0.066) had the leading pathway impacts. Conclusions: We found variations in the urinary PLs and amino acids among subjects with different hydration states. Pathways associated with these differential metabolites could further impact various physiologic and pathologic functions. A more comprehensive and in-depth investigation of the physiologic and pathologic impact of the hydration state and the underlying mechanisms to elucidate and advocate optimal fluid intake habits is needed.This trial was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry as ChiCTR2100045268.

Utilization of bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) in children and adolescents without diagnosed diseases: a systematic review.

Introduction. Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) emerges as a technique that utilizes raw parameters of bioelectrical impedance analysis and assumes the use of a reference population for information analysis.Objective. To summarize the reference values, main studies objectives, approaches, pre-test recommendations and technical characteristics of the devices employed in studies utilizing BIVA among children and adolescents without diagnosed diseases.Methods. A systematic search was conducted in nine electronic databases (CINAHL, LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Science Direct, MEDLINE, and Web of Science). Studies with different designs which allowed extracting information regarding reference values of BIVA in children and adolescents without diagnosed diseases, aged 19 years or younger, were included. The systematic review followed PRISMA procedures and was registered in PROSPERO (registration: CRD42023391069).Results. After applying the eligibility criteria, 36 studies were included. Twenty studies (55.6%) analyzed body composition using BIVA, thirteen studies (36.1%) aimed to establish reference values for BIVA, and three studies (8.3%) investigated the association of physical performance with BIVA. There was heterogeneity regarding the reference populations employed by the studies. Fifteen studies used their own sample as a reference (41.6%), four studies used the adult population as a reference (11.1%), and five studies used reference values from athletes (13.9%).Conclusion. Nutricional status and body composition were the main studies objectives. References values were not always adequate or specific for the sample and population. Furthermore, there was no pattern of pre-test recommendations among the studies.

Subnanoscale spatially confined heterogeneous Fenton reaction enables mineralization of perfluorooctanoic acid.

Superoxide radical (•O2-) is capable of degrading perfluorinated compounds that are persistent in nature and cannot be removed by biological or advanced oxidation treatments, but the inherent drawback is the negligible reactivity of •O2-in aqueous phases due to the hydration effect. Here, we explored an innovative way to make use of •O2- by modulating a partial hydration state through spatial confinement control. We demonstrated this idea by conducting heterogeneous Fenton reaction with layered iron oxychloride (FeOCl) catalyst, wherein •O2-radicals produced and confined within the catalyst structure (interlayer spacing of 7.92 Å) showed defluorination effect dealing with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as model compound. The defluorination combined with advanced oxidation achieved mineralization. Mechanism study revealed that the confinement frustrated the hydration shell of •O2-with coordination number reduced from 3.3 (for bulk phase) to 1.89, and thereby changed its orbital electron properties and enhanced the nucleophilic ability. We further demonstrated a compact FeOCl membrane reactor with highly efficient degradation of PFOA (kobs up to 1.2 min-1) and cost-effective mineralization (2 × 10-6 $ per mgC), operated under ultrafiltration reaction mode. Our findings highlight the great interest of developing spatial confinement technology to modulate •O2--based reactions, as well as the feasibility of combining confinement catalyst structures with heterogeneous Fenton reaction to achieve the mineralization treatment goal.

Water mobility and microstructure of gluten network during dough mixing using TD NMR.

This work aimed to establish the relationships between flour components, dough behaviour and changes in water distribution at mixing. TD NMR was used to track water distribution in dough during mixing for different mixing times and hydration levels. Four commercial wheat flours with distinct characteristics were expressly selected to exhibit various dough behaviours at mixing. TD NMR measurements of mixed dough samples revealed four to five water mobility domains depending on the flour type and the mixing modality. A classification tree procedure was used to identify characteristic patterns of water mobility in dough, called hydration states (HS). The HS changes with experimental conditions are highly dependent on flour characteristics, and HS were assigned to physical/chemical changes in the gluten network during dough formation. This study proposes an interpretation of the water distribution in dough based on gluten network development. This will help to adapt the mixing process to the flour characteristics.

Dynamics Management of Intermediate Water Storage in an Air-Breathing Single-Cell Membrane Electrode Assembly.

In air-breathing proton exchange membrane fuel cells (Air PEM FCs), a high rate of water evaporation from the cathode might influence the resistance of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which is highly dependent on the water content of the Nafion membrane. We propose a dead-end hydrogen anode as a means of intermediate storage of water/humidity for self-humidification of the membrane. Such an inflatable bag integrated with a single lightweight MEA FC has the potential in blimp applications for anode self-humidification. A dynamic numerical water balance model, validated by experimental measurements, is derived to predict the effect of MEA configuration, and the membrane's hydration state and water transfer rate at the anode on MEA resistance and performance. The experimental setup included humidity measurements, and polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests to quantify the effect of membrane hydration on its resistance in a lightweight MEA (12 g) integrated with an inflatable dead-end hydrogen storage bag. Varying current densities (5, 10, and 15 mA/cm2) and cathode humidity levels (20, 50, and 80%) were examined and compared with the numerical results. The validated model predicts that the hydration state of the membrane and water transfer rate at the anode can be increased by using a thin membrane and thicker gas diffusion layer.

Fluorine-containing bio-inert polymers: Roles of intermediate water.

Fluorine-containing polymers are used not only in industrial processes but also in medical applications, because they exhibit excellent heat, weather, and chemical resistance. As these polymers are not easily degraded in our body, it is difficult to use them in applications that require antithrombotic properties, such as artificial blood vessels. The material used for medical applications should not only be stable in vivo, but it should also be inert to biomolecules such as proteins or cells. In this review, this property is defined as "bio-inert," and previous studies in this field are summarized. Bio-inert materials are less recognized as foreign substances by proteins or cells in the living body, and they must be covered at interfaces designed with the concept of intermediate water (IW). On the basis of this concept, we present here the current understanding of bio-inertness and unusual blood compatibility found in fluoropolymers used in biomedical applications. IW is the water that interacts with materials with moderate strength and has been quantified by a variety of analytical methods and simulations. For example, by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, IW was defined as water frozen at around -40°C. To consider the role of the IW, quantification methods of the hydration state of polymers are also summarized. These investigations have been conducted independently because of the conflict between hydrophobic fluorine and bio-inert properties that require hydrophilicity. In recent years, not many materials have been developed that incorporate the good points of both aspects, and their properties have seldom been linked to the hydration state. This has been critically performed now. Furthermore, fluorine-containing polymers in medical use are reviewed. Finally, this review also describes the molecular design of the recently reported fluorine-containing bio-inert polymers for controlling their hydration state. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A material covered with a hydration layer known as intermediate water that interacts moderately with other objects is difficult to be recognized as a foreign substance and exhibits bio-inert properties. Fluoropolymers show high durability, but conflict with bio-inert characteristics requiring hydrophilicity as these research studies have been conducted independently. On the other hand, materials that combine the advantages of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic features have been developed recently. Here, we summarize the molecular architecture and analysis methods that control intermediate water and provide a guideline for designing novel fluorine-containing bio-inert materials.

Role of interfacial water in determining the interactions of proteins and cells with hydrated materials.

Water molecules play a crucial role in biointerfacial interactions, including protein adsorption and desorption. To understand the role of water in the interaction of proteins and cells at biological interfaces, it is important to compare particular states of hydration water with various physicochemical properties of hydrated biomaterials. In this review, we discuss the fundamental concepts for determining the interactions of proteins and cells with hydrated materials along with selected examples corresponding to our recent studies, including poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA), PMEA derivatives, and other biomaterials. The states of water were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry, in situ attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy, and surface force measurements. We found that intermediate water which is loosely bound to a biomaterial, is a useful indicator of the bioinertness of material surfaces. This finding on intermediate water provides novel insights and helps develop novel experimental models for understanding protein adsorption in a wide range of materials, such as those used in biomedical applications.

Comprehensive 3D-RISM analysis of the hydration of small molecule binding sites in ligand-free protein structures.

Hydration is a critical factor in the ligand binding process. Herein, to examine the hydration states of ligand binding sites, the three-dimensional distribution function for the water oxygen site, gO (r), is computed for 3,706 ligand-free protein structures based on the corresponding small molecule-protein complexes using the 3D-RISM theory. For crystallographic waters (CWs) close to the ligand, gO (r) reveals that several CWs are stabilized by interaction networks formed between the ligand, CW, and protein. Based on the gO (r) for the crystallographic binding pose of the ligand, hydrogen bond interactions are dominant in the highly hydrated regions while weak interactions such as CH-O are dominant in the moderately hydrated regions. The polar heteroatoms of the ligand occupy the highly hydrated and moderately hydrated regions in the crystallographic (correct) and wrongly docked (incorrect) poses, respectively. Thus, the gO (r) of polar heteroatoms may be used to distinguish the correct binding poses.

The Water Content Drives the Susceptibility of the Lichen Evernia prunastri and the Moss Brachythecium sp. to High Ozone Concentrations.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of lichens (Evernia prunastri) and mosses (Brachythecium sp.) to short-term (1 h), acute (1 ppm) O3 fumigation under different hydration states (dry, <10% water content, metabolism almost inactive; wet, >200% water content, metabolism fully active). We hypothesized that stronger damage would occur following exposure under wet conditions. In addition, we checked for the effect of recovery (1 week) after the exposure. Ozone fumigation negatively affected the content of chlorophyll only in wet samples, but in the moss, such a difference was no longer evident after one week of recovery. Photosynthetic efficiency was always impaired by O3 exposure, irrespective of the dry or wet state, and also after one week of recovery, but the effect was much stronger in wet samples. The antioxidant power was increased in wet moss and in dry lichen, while a decrease was found for wet lichens after 1 week. Our results confirm that the tolerance to O3 of lichens and mosses may be determined by their low water content, which is the case during the peaks of O3 occurring during the Mediterranean summer. The role of antioxidant power as a mechanism of resistance to high O3 concentrations needs to be further investigated.

Understanding the Effect of Hydration on the Bio-inert Properties of 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate Copolymers with Small Amounts of Amino- or/and Fluorine-Containing Monomers.

Materials exhibiting "bio-inert properties" are essential for developing medical devices because they are less recognized as foreign substances by proteins and cells in the living body. We have reported that the presence of intermediate water (IW) with the water molecules loosely bound to a polymer is a useful index of the bio-inertness of materials. Here, we analyzed the hydration state and the responses to biomolecules of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) copolymers including small amounts of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) (N-series) or/and 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate (TFEMA) (F-series). The hydration structure was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the molecular mobility of the produced copolymers by temperature derivative of DSC (DDSC), and the water mobility by solid 1H pulse nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Although the homopolymers did not show bio-inert properties, the binary and ternary PHEMA copolymers with low comonomer contents showed higher bio-inert properties than those of PHEMA homopolymers. The hydration state of PHEMA was changed by introducing a small amount of comonomers. The mobility of both water molecules and hydrated polymers was changed in the N-series nonfreezing water (NFW) with the water molecules tightly bound to a polymer and was shifted to high-mobility IW and free water (FW) with the water molecules scarcely bound to a polymer. On the other hand, in the F-series, FW turned to IW and NFW. Additionally, a synergetic effect was postulated when both comonomers coexist in the copolymers of HEMA, which was expressed by widening the temperature range of cold crystallization, contributing to further improvement of the bio-inert properties.

Fluids intake, volume of urine and hydration status among male college athletics in one university of Beijing in spring / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To investigate and analyze the fluids intake, urine output and hydration status during spring among male college athletics from one university in Beijing, and to provide scientific evidence for launching targeted health education.@*Methods@#A simple random sampling method was used to select 109 male students in college with habit of exercise.Total drinking fluids was assessed by 7-day 24-hour fluid intake questionnaire. The water from food was assessed by the duplicate portion method and the weight method. The urine samples of 24-hour was collected for 3 consecutive days, and the volume, osmolality and specific gravity of urine were measured. The energy expenditure in exercise was estimated by using the exercise plan.@*Results@#The median drinking fluids intake, water from food, total fluids intake and urine volume were 1 789, 955, 2 701, 850 mL/d, respectively. 15.6% of the subjects were in proper hydration status, and 43.1% of the subjects were in dehydration. The differences between drinking fluids intake, water from food, total fluids intake and urine volume of subjects in the different BMI and BF% levels were not significant(P>0.05). The differences between drinking fluids intake and total fluids intake of subjects in the different energy expenditure in exercise levels were significant(χ2=9.20, 8.43, P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#Comparing with the normal college students, the drinking fluids intake and total fluids intake of male sports people were higher, the volume of urine was lower, and the hydration status was worse. The targeted health education about water intake was recommended.

Improve the drinking water literacy of children and adolescents and to strengthen the study of hydration state and health / 中国学校卫生

Abstract@#Water has many physiological functions and is one of the essential substances for human survival and development. It is very important to take enough water and keep adequate hydration state. When children and adolescent are in physical activity, due to the different intensity of physical activity, energy consumption and environmental temperature and humidity, the water demand is also different. The risk of insufficient water intake and dehydration is higher among people in physical activity. However, the importance of water has not been paid enough attention, and the literacy on hydration state and health among children and adolescent needs to be improved. Children and adolescents generally had insufficient water intake and were dehydrated. Existing research showed that dehydration could reduce the cognitive ability of children and adolescents, and the cognitive ability could be improved after health education or water intake intervention. Scientific water supplement or electrolyte supplement and energy drink could help to improve the ability of physical activity. It is necessary to carry out more investigation on behavior of water intake and more researches on hydration state and health impacts among children and adolescent. It is also necessary to carry out water intake related health education children’s and adolescents’, so as to improve their the literacy on hydration state and health, and to promote sufficient water intake and reasonably choose on water type, to maintain appropriate hydration state, and then to promote their health.

Contribution of different state of adsorbed water to the sub-Tg dynamics of cellulose.

The contribution of different states of adsorbed water to the sub-Tg dynamics of cellulose was investigated by means of dielectric spectroscopy in couple with LF-NMR. The distribution and hydration state of adsorbed water in cellulose were determined by LF-NMR, based on which the role that different state of adsorbed water plays in typical secondary dielectric relaxations is discussed in detail. The variation of the dynamic characteristics of these relaxations suggested that three states of bound water present in moist cellulose, including tightly bound, non-freezable loosely bound, and freezable loosely bound water. It was discovered that different state of adsorbed water has obviously different contribution to these relaxations and the role that a certain state of bound water plays in different relaxations also varies. For cellulose with very high moisture content, an additional relaxation due to the dynamics of interfacial ice-like water was also observed.

Raman characterization of human skin aging.

BACKGROUND: Skin aging is a complex biological process mixing intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as sun exposure. At the molecular level, skin aging affects in particular the extracellular matrix proteins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using Raman imaging, which is a nondestructive approach appropriate for studying biological samples, we analyzed how aging modifies the matrix proteins of the papillary and reticular dermis. Biopsies from the buttock and dorsal forearm of volunteers younger than 30 and older than 60 were analyzed in order to identify chronological and photoaging processes. Analyses were performed on skin section, and Raman spectra were acquired separately on the different dermal layers. RESULTS: We observed differences in dermal matrix structure and hydration state with skin aging. Chronological aging alters in particular the collagen of the papillary dermis, while photoaging causes a decrease in collagen stability by altering proline and hydroxyproline residues in the reticular dermis. Moreover, chronological aging alters glycosaminoglycan content in both dermal compartments. CONCLUSION: Alterations of the papillary and reticular dermal matrix structures during photo- and chronological aging were clearly depicted by Raman spectroscopy.

Raman spectroscopy detection of biomolecules in biocrusts from differing environmental conditions.

Lichens and cyanobacteria colonize inhospitable places covering a wide climate range due to their different survival strategies, such as the synthesis of protective biomolecules. The effect of ecological factors on the synthesis of biomolecules has not been widely analysed. This study aimed to assess the effects of four factors (species, microclimate, seasonality and hydration state) and their interactions on the biomolecule frequency detected by Raman Spectroscopy. We included cyanobacterial biocrusts, and the lichens Diploschistes diacapsis, Squamarina lentigera, and Lepraria isidiata; two contrasted microclimates (typical and marginal), two contrasted seasons (hot and dry vs cool and wet) and two hydration states (dry and wet). "Species" was the most influential factor in the identity and frequency of the main biomolecules. Microclimatic differences in the range of the local specific habitats only influenced the biomolecules in cyanobacteria. There was a quadruple interaction among the factors, the effects being different mainly depending on the species. At D. diacapsis, the production of their main biomolecules depended on microclimate, although it also depended on seasonality. Nevertheless, in L. isidiata and S. lentigera microclimatic differences did not significantly affect the production of biomolecules. In the lichen species, the microhabitats exposed to relatively larger incident radiation did not show significantly larger relative frequency of photoprotective biomolecules. No clear connection between higher production of oxalates and drier microhabitats was found, suggesting that the synthesis of oxalates is not related to water reserve strategy. The pros and cons of monitor biomolecules in biocrust by Raman spectrometry were also discussed.

Impact of skin temperature and hydration on plasma volume responses during exercise.

Heat stress and hydration may both alter plasma volume (PV) responses during acute exercise; potential interactions have not been fully studied. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of graded elevations in skin temperature (Tsk) on PV changes during steady-state exercise under conditions of euhydration (EU) and hypohydration (HYPO, -4% of body mass). Thirty-two men (22 ± 4 yr) were divided into four cohorts (n = 8 each) and completed EU and HYPO trials in one environment [ambient temperature (Ta) 10, 20, 30, and 40°C]. Thirty minutes of cycle ergometry (50% V̇o2peak) was performed. Core (Tre) and mean skin (Tsk) temperatures were measured; changes in PV, total circulating protein (TCP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were calculated; and skin blood flow (SkBF) was estimated. Hypohydration decreased (P < 0.05) PV by 200 ml (-5.7%) but did not alter TCP. Plasma loss was not different between EU and HYPO during exercise at any Ta. Plasma losses were greater (P < 0.05) with elevated Ta with an average -130, -174, -294, and -445 ml losses during the 10, 20, 30, and 40°C trials, respectively. Significant (P < 0.05) correlations (r = 0.50 to 0.84) were found between ΔTCP and ΔPV during exercise when Tsk was cool/warm (<33°C; Ta 10, 20, and 30°C), but not at 40°C (high Tsk). We conclude that 1) graded skin warming proportionally accentuated plasma loss; 2) plasma loss was associated with plasma protein efflux at lower Tsk and SkBF; 3) at high Tsk, additional plasma loss likely results from increased net filtration at the capillaries; and 4) HYPO did not alter vascular fluid loss during exercise in any environment.

High-frequency conductance measurement of the skin surface hydration state of dry skin using a new probe studded with needle-form electrodes (MT-8C).

BACKGROUND/AIMS: When high-frequency conductance measurements are performed on dry scaly skin such as atopic xerosis, senile xerosis or psoriasis, the values recorded with a flat surfaced ordinary probe tend to be lower, indicating a reduced hydration state, than the actual one, because the rough and firm skin surface prevents close contact with the hard and flat surface of the applied probe. METHODS: We evaluated the usefulness of an MT-8C probe (Measurement Technologies Cincinnati, USA), whose skin-attaching portion is studded with 8 needle-like electrodes instead of a flat surfaced type, for measurments on dry skin. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: The MT-8C probe yielded conductance values slightly higher than those recorded with the flat surfaced probe attached to Skicon in measuring the hydration state of moderately dry skin surface such as atopic xerosis and senile xerosis. It seems to be comparable or more sensitive than the capacitance recording with the Corneometer. The recorded values obtained with the MT-8C probe showed more variations than the latter because of its higher sensitivity and much smaller contact area, that makes it difficult to touch to the same spots repeatedly. No such a difference was observed on severely dry skin and thickly scaly psoriatic lesions.