Nrf2 Pathway Involvement in the Beneficial Skin Effects of Moderate Ionic Osmotic Stress—The Case of The Dead Sea Water

Objectives: Exposing skin to moderate ionic osmotic stress (MIOS) triggers several biochemical responses. The objective of this work is to reveal the mechanism triggered by MIOS on the skin surface. Furthermore, this work aims to study the involvement of the Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2) pathway, activated by MIOS, and its beneficial effect in protecting skin against stress via the stimulation of phase II enzymes. Methods: HaCaT cells and human skin organ culture were exposed to Dead Sea Water (DSW) as MIOS inducers and the induction of internal ROS elevation, Nrf2 translocation, mRNA gene expressions of the phase II enzymes, heme-oxygenase 1 (HO1), and Catalase (CAT) were determined. Results: Skin exposure to MIOS increases Nrf2 translocation to the nucleus, leading to increased levels of ROS, HO1, and CAT. Furthermore, exposing skin to MIOS promotes protection against UVB-related risks. This is demonstrated by attenuation of the expression of biomarkers, related to UVB-induced damage, Caspase-3, IL-8, and IL-1β. Conclusions: Skin exposure to MIOS leads to the activation of Nrf2 skin defense pathway and, therefore, could present beneficial advantages to human skin health, as demonstrated on human skin models. The beneficial effects of MIOS, induced by DSW are significantly superior to eq. NaCl brine, suggests that MIOS protection of skin against stress is partially related to specific mineral combinations.

Apple of Sodom (<em>Calatropis procera</em>) Callus Extract, a Novel Skincare Active and Its Biological Activity in Skin Models When Combined with Dead Sea Water

Background: Calotropis procera (C. procera), is an authentic plant naturally grown in the flora of Dead Sea region. Despite its toxicity, C. procera presents healing properties. However, it has not been implemented yet in cosmetics as an active ingredient. Objective: The biological effects of C. procera callus extract on skin were elucidated solely and in combination with Dead Sea water (DSW). Methods: The capability of C. procera extract to protect against skin inflammation and irritation was tested on ex vivo human skin organ culture by LPS and SDS addition respectively. Viability and cytokine secretion were evaluated. The combination of C. procera extract with Dead Sea water was tested on full thickness skin equivalents. Gene expression and relevant biochemical markers for glycolysis, hypoxia and extracellular matrix balance were tested. Results: C. procera extract exhibits a protective biological activity against skin irritation and inflammation at the biochemical level. Furthermore, a combination of C. procera extract and DSW demonstrates a potential contribution for skin wellbeing via enhance energy production, resistance to hypoxia and extracellular matrix balance. Conclusions: Topical application of C. procera callus extract might support skin balance and wellbeing at the molecular level. Hence, it is recommended for new cosmetic formulae as standalone or in combination with Dead Sea water, in the effort to achieve anti-aging bio-activity that is working beyond skin aging symptoms, especially via skin calming effects and skin energy enhancement.

Performance of Galvanized Steel Reinforcement in Concrete in Sea and Dead Sea Water

Steel reinforcements of 8 mm diameter and 24 cm length were cut from steel and after pickling treatment of all specimens. Steel reinforcements then were galvanized by hot dipping method. The measured coating thickness by thickness gage meter of zinc coat was in the range 8 - 11 μm. Bare steel samples were also used for comparison reasons. Each steel bar was inserted in a middle of a plastic tube with 4.5 cm diameter into which concrete was cast. After proper curing, specimens were immersed into 3.5% NaCl and Dead Sea water separately. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were performed at different time intervals. Results showed that galvanized steel was corrosion resistant in sea water, and Dead Sea water over the test period.

Hydrochemistry of the Mixed Dead Sea-Red Sea Water under Different Impoundment Scenarios as a Time Dependent State

The expected water mixing process between Red/Dead Sea water during the proposed conveyance projects is the main target of this research. The project will ensue transporting Red Sea water to recover and maintain certain level of the Dead Sea, mostly will reach -395 m. It is found that, the two different water bodies with different EC values or different densities (salinities) are relatively divided by stable plane. This plane is defined as the BARZACH PLANE. In this study, the mixing process occurred between the Red Sea with the Dead Sea waters, located at 20% - 24% of the Dead Sea column depth based on the Barzach Plane level. During a laboratory experimental work, it is found that the mixed Red/Dead Sea water evaporates in a high rate until certain level where the solution attains oversaturated conditions with different dissolved solids. At this stage, a thin layer of solids suddenly formed and floated at the surface of the dense brine. The salinity of the captured water is so dense that floated salt layer cannot be dissolved. In addition, the formed floated salt layer at the surface prevents the below captured water to evaporate and at this stage, stalactites start to form until the excess dissolved solids are not oversaturated with any mineral.

Changes in quality of groundwater with seasonal fluctuations: an example from Ghor Safi area, southern Dead Sea coastal aquifers, Jordan

The demand for water resources in the area south of the Dead Sea due to continued development, especially at the Arab Potash Company （APC） for production and domestic purposes necessitates that water quality in the area be monitored and evaluated based on the local geology and hydrogeology. The objective of this paper is to monitor seasonal fluctuations of groundwater and to determine how fluctuation in the water levels will affect the groundwater quality. Groundwater levels were found to be influenced by rainfall and pumping of water from the wells for domestic and industrial use. Twenty water samples were collected from different wells and analyzed for major chemical constituents both in pre- and post-seasons to determine the quality variation. Chemical constituents are significantly increased after post-season recharge. According to the overall assessment of the area, water quality was found to be useful for drinking, irrigation and industry.

Geotechnical and Mineralogical Properties of the Recently Exposed Black Mud Deposits along the Northeastern Shore of the Dead Sea

Along the recently evacuated shores of the retreating Dead Sea black mud deposits have been exposed and hence subjected to head ward erosion resulting in landslides and land collapses threatening herewith the infrastructure in the area. The geotechnical and mineralogical characterization of the black mud show the presence of a variety of clays including smectite, kaolinite, illite, montmorollinite and muscovite with a natural water content near the liquid limit. These geotechnical and mineralogical properties indicate that the mud is prone to rapid erosion and sliding, which actually hit the area and have until now caused damages and degrading topography and geology in the area. The study also refers the origin of the black mud and its organic content to the erosion and deposition of Upper Cretaceous-Tertiary oil shale deposits formerly covering the whole surrounding areas of the Dead Sea. The study suggests engineering solutions to the geologic degradation processes in the area, before further damage to the infrastructure takes place.

一款含死海水乳液的抗衰功效评价研究

为研究死海水对人体皮肤的抗衰功效,以一款含死海水的乳液配方进行了皮肤抗衰老功效验证,以客观测试数据及主观评价结合法对皮肤各项指标进行8周试用评估。筛选30名27~57岁女性受试者作为研究对象,采用随机双盲对照实验,分别在使用产品2周,4周,8周后采集受试者两侧脸颊的皮肤角质层水分含量、经皮失水量、皮肤弹性、C-Cube皱纹3D图像以及受试者自我评价数据。结果显示,8周后使用含死海水乳液一侧面部皮肤状态得到显著改善(P<0.05),角质层水分含量增加17.77%,经皮失水量降低11.29%,皮肤弹性提升17.62%,法令纹深度降低18.23%,眼角纹降低16.71%,各项指标均优于对照组结果,结合受试者各阶段逐渐上升的自我评分结果说明死海水应用到乳液中具有良好的抗衰效果。

菌物:死海不死（英文）

东非裂谷北端的死海位于以色列和约旦之间。它代表了我们这个星球上最深的洼地,在众多的水体中,它的盐度最高,高达33%。如今,在死海南部的盐被用于工业回收。约旦河是死海的主要水源。由于农业和工业大量使用死海的水,以及自然蒸发,其水位每年减少约1 m。自古以来死海一直以其治疗的功能而闻名,近年来死海已成为一个旅游圣地(马察达,谷木兰)。"死海"的名字意味着不适宜居住和致命的地方。到目前为止,只有较低等的微生物(细菌、真菌、藻类)在死海中生存。为了找到更高级的生物,如丝状真菌,一个国际研究小组(以色列、乌克兰、德国)共同对死海中的高级真菌进行分离鉴定;在不同的水质类型、矿化度和孵化温度条件下,在琼脂培养皿中测试其生长特性、酶活性和染料的降解作用(自我清除活性的指示反应)。总之,作为假设,许多不同分类系统和生态群丝状真菌的菌株都已被鉴定,并针对其生长特性、酶活性和染料降解能力进行研究。正如题目所言:死海不死!由此,《旧约》称之为"盐海",不是"死海",所以,我们可以确信的说:"圣经毕竟是正确的"。