Three-Dimensional Analysis of Melanosomes Isolated from B16 Melanoma Cells by Using Ultra High Voltage Electron Microscopy

Melanosomes, isolated by centrifugal separation from culture broth of B16 melanoma cells derived from mouse, were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Some interesting structural features were found inside and outside of the melanosomes. By SEM observation, the melanosomes were ellipsoid shape, their surface was not smooth and was covered with rough substructure, 10 to 20 nm particles. By TEM, uneven structure and micro particles were observed in the melanosomes. Furthermore, three-dimensional analysis was tried by using the ultra-high voltage electron microscopy(UHVEM). Micrographs of the melanosomes were taken at various tilted angles by UHVEM, after preparing 500 nm thickness specimens stained with lead citrate. From the micrographs collected, the three-dimensional structures were reconstructed by using i-mode software. Melanin stained by lead and non stained parts was clearly observed in the reconstructed structure. Non stained parts were round, regular size, and distributed widely in the melanosomes.

3D Numerical Simulation of Epidermal Skin Turnover Process Using a Particle Model

Skin is the largest organ of the human body. In recent years, concern regarding the cosmetics area has increased, and research studies on anti-aging therapy or cosmetics have been rapidly conducted. Skin cells are not only changing its shape but also its physical properties during the epidermal skin turnover process. Computational simulation can be useful in further understanding the mechanisms of skin formation. We propose a particle model that can handle complex biological phenomena, including cell interactions and is a suitable method for simulating skin formation. The particle model was applied to simulate three-dimensional skin formation accompanied by proliferation and cornification of skin cells. The simulation results represented and reproduced the epidermal skin turnover phenomenon.

Particle Simulation of Skin Basal Layer Formation

There has been increasing concern regarding the cosmetic aspects of skin in recent years. Computational simulation can be useful in understanding the mechanism underlying skin formation. The bottom of the epidermis is called the basal layer and is very undulation. In this study, we focus on the basal layer formation. We created a particle model, which forms an undulation basal layer and regenerates the basal layer formation by numerical simulation. At first, two-dimensional basal layer formation without epidermal turnover was simulated. The results showed film shape changes and the stability, as a layer in the process of long-time with an increase and decrease of basal cells. Next, the model was applied to three-dimensional basal layer formation with epidermal turnover. As the structure of the basal layer was deformed, the upper structure of the epidermis comprising the cells divided from the basal layer also became irregular. The simulation results accurately represented and reproduced the three-dimensional basal layer formation and epidermis turnover process.

Human Sebaceous <i>Cis</i>-6-Hexadecenoic Acid: Possible Application of an Innate Antimicrobial Substance to Cosmetic Products for Mucous Membrane

The antimicrobial properties of cis-6-hexadecenoic acid (C16:1Δ6), a component of the innate human metabolome, were studied and its application to cosmetic products was investigated in detail. A variety of the resident and transient microbial flora of the skin, oral cavity, and intestine was applied to an investigation of the antimicrobial activity of C16:1Δ6. C16:1Δ6 showed selective antibacterial activity against human microbial pathogens such as Clostridium perfringens (one of the most common causes of food poisoning) and Streptococcus mutans (one of the tooth-decaying bacteria), as well as Staphylococcus aureus. C16:1Δ6 seemed to possess a “species-selective” antibacterial activity against bacteria belonging to the genera Staphylococcus and Clostridium. We performed a preliminary assessment of the application of C16:1Δ6 as an antimicrobial component in a liquid lip gloss by performing preservation efficacy and home-use tests. We noted that the amount of p-hydroxybenzoate was needed in an oily cosmetic, especially liquid lip gloss, could be reduced by replacing p-hydroxybenzoate with C16:1Δ6. We suggest that C16:1Δ6 may find application as a stable antimicrobial substance gentle enough for use in consumer products by its selective antimicrobial characteristics.

Efficacy Evaluation of Unique Skincare Product Containing Pseudo-Ceramide for Fine Wrinkles in Japanese Female Atopic Dermatitis Patients

Background/Objective: Dryness is considered to be an early developmental mechanism of wrinkles, and fine line formation is marked in atopic dermatitis (AD) accompanied by dry skin. To evaluate the efficacy of a skincare product with a moisturizing effect increased by lamellar formulation of pseudo-ceramide for fine lines and wrinkles, a use test was performed applying the product to non-lesional dry skin in patients with atopic dermatitis. Method: The test product was an essence containing pseudo-ceramide formulated in a lamellar structure. The study design was a nine-week single-center non-comparative study, and the evaluation items were the grade of wrinkles at the corners of the eyes judged by a dermatologist, replica analysis, and instrumental measurement (skin surface moisture and transepidermal water loss). Results: Nine-week continuous use of the test product significantly improved the score of wrinkles at the corners of the eyes judged by a dermatologist and wrinkle area ratio on replica analysis of the corners of the eyes and cheeks, compared with those at study initiation. With this improvement, the losses of skin surface moisture and transepidermal water were also significantly improved. Conclusion: It was clarified that the tested pseudo-ceramide-formulated skincare product not only improved the barrier function for atopic dermatitis, but also exhibited an effect on fine lines and wrinkles of dry skin.

Evaluation of a Barrier Repair Cream Containing Pseudo-Ceramide for Practical Use by Hairdressers with Hand Skin Disorders Due to Daily Exposure to Chemical Irritants

Hairdressers are exposed to numerous skin-damaging factors, such as wet work, skin irritants, and thermal changes. Skin protection is a very important factor for the prevention of occupational skin disorders. Therefore, we evaluated a hand cream that was specially formulated for highly stressed skin with regard to its capability to reduce dry, rough, and scaly skin. The objective of this study was to conduct a controlled use test of a barrier repair cream containing pseudo-ceramide and demonstrate its efficacy for hairdressers with dry, sensitive hands and/or occupational skin disorders. A total of 30 hairdressers (29 females and 1 male, aged 20 - 67) participated in the study. All subjects suffered from dry hands. Subjects applied the test cream on their hands for 28 days (four weeks). For each subject, the skin surface topography of the hands was measured by the Surface Evaluation of Living Skin (SELS) system at day 14 (week 2) and day 28 (week 4). Dryness, scaling, cracking, redness, and itchiness were evaluated and graded by experts at week 2 and week 4, and then compared to baselines. All 30 subjects completed the study. A comparison of the changes from baseline to endpoint revealed a statistically significant reduction in skin roughness, scaling, and volume measured according to SELS. These data were confirmed by photographic documentation. The results were further supported by the expert evaluation. For the symptoms dryness and scaling, improvement could be observed in almost all regions of the hands. In addition, according to subjective assessments of overall hand skin condition and the hand cream, subjects reported clear improvement over time (p value below 0.001) and good efficacy of the product. In this study, the test hand cream showed excellent skin compatibility. Therefore, the hand cream may be effective for hairdressers with dry, sensitive hands and/or occupational skin disorders.

3D Numerical Simulation of Hair Formation Process Using a Particle Model

Hair is very important in determining human appearance. Although there are numerous observed data and experimental recordings for hair, a detailed mechanism of hair formation has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, in this study, a simulation of the method of formative process of hair roots was done using a 3D particle model. The model contains details of the cell growth from the hair matrix cells and changes from spherical to non-spherical oval shape. Simulation results were able to exhibit the hair formation process from the base of the hair follicle. Furthermore, at the surface opening of the follicle, the hair structure was recorded. Therefore, this model can be used to clarify the mechanism of hair root formation.

Stochastic Programming Model for Discrete Lotsizing and Scheduling Problem on Parallel Machines

In recent years, it has been difficult for manufactures and suppliers to forecast demand from a market for a given product precisely. Therefore, it has become important for them to cope with fluctuations in demand. From this viewpoint, the problem of planning or scheduling in production systems can be regarded as a mathematical problem with stochastic elements. However, in many previous studies, such problems are formulated without stochastic factors, treating stochastic elements as deterministic variables or parameters. Stochastic programming incorporates such factors into the mathematical formulation. In the present paper, we consider a multi-product, discrete, lotsizing and scheduling problem on parallel machines with stochastic demands. Under certain assumptions, this problem can be formulated as a stochastic integer programming problem. We attempt to solve this problem by a scenario aggregation method proposed by Rockafellar and Wets. The results from computational experiments suggest that our approach is able to solve large-scale problems, and that, under the condition of uncertainty, incorporating stochastic elements into the model gives better results than formulating the problem as a deterministic model.

特应性皮炎患者皮肤透明质酸产生缺陷与其对金黄色葡萄球菌易感部分相关

Background and Objectives: As one of the major skin fatty acids, cis-6-hexadecenoic acid (C16:1△6) exhibits a specific antibacterial activity and might pla y a specific role in the defense mechanism against Staphylococcus aureus, in hea lthy subjects whereas S. aureus frequently colonizes the skin of patients with a topic dermatitis (AD). Methods: Fatty acid composition of sebum at the recovery level was analyzed by gas chromatography and S. aureus colonizing the skin was a ssessed by the ‘cup-scrub’method (9 patients and 10 healthy controls). To eva luate in vivo effect of C16:1△6 on colonization, C16: 1△6 was applied for 2 we eks on the upper arm skin of another group of AD patients (11 patients). Results : Analysis of sebum lipids revealed that there is a significant lower free 016:1 Δ6 content in nonlesional skin from AD patients compared with healthy controls. This lower content is also accompanied by a significantly lower level of C16:1 △6 in the total fatty acid composition of sebum (analyzed following hydrolysis) . The lower level of free C16:1△6 correlated significantly (R2=0.41,p < 0.01) w ith the numbers of S. aureus colonizing nonlesional skin. Topical application of free C16:1Δ6 on the skin of AD patients for 2 weeks abolished the markedly inc reased bacterial count in 6 out of the 8 AD patients tested. Conclusions: Free C 16:1△6 may be involved in the defense mechanism against S. aureus in healthy sk in and this deficit triggers the susceptibility of the skin to colonization by S . aureus in AD.

Development of high stability hot mix asphalt concrete with hybrid binder

Cost reduction of public works projects has been desired due to severe financial circumstances. Therefore, asphalt pavement has been requested to extend its life. Semi-flexible pavement or epoxy asphalt pavement, which has high rutting resistance and oil resistance, may be applied to the place where these performances are demanded. However, special technique is required in manufacturing and construction. In addition, these materials have also raised a problem that they cannot be recycled. Meanwhile, conventional asphalt pavement has several drawbacks. It is vulnerable to rutting caused by traffic load and damage caused by petroleum oils such as gasoline or motor oil. The materials used in asphalt mixtures were studied for improving the durability of asphalt mixture. A high stability asphalt concrete was developed which has equal or superior performance to semi-flexible pavement and epoxy asphalt pavement. In this paper, the process of selecting the substance and the characteristics evaluation of the developed mixtures are described. Furthermore, an inspection result as well as follow- up survey of the performance of the developed mixtures obtained from trial and actual construction is shown.