Nail Damage (Severe Onychodystrophy) Induced by Acrylate Glue: Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Investigations

Predictive Model of Nail Consistency Using Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-Ray

Simple Summary

Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) is a useful technique to analyse elemental composition in the nail plate. The dorsal, intermediate, and ventral layers are differentiated by the levels of the elements present in each layer. The level of calcium in the dorsal layer is the main predictive variable in calculating the predictive model of consistency. This model will provide further knowledge of the factors that determine nail consistency in individuals and help health professionals to better understand nail characteristics and objectively determine nail consistency.

Abstract

The nail plate is made up of tightly packed keratin-rich cells. Factors such as the special distribution of the intermediate filaments in each layer (dorsal, intermediate, and ventral), the relative thickness of the layers, and their chemical composition define the characteristics of each nail. The main objective of this study is to determine nail consistency by calculating a predictive model based on elemental composition analysis using scanning electron microscopy. Nail consistency was determined in 57 participants (29 women and 28 men) in two age groups (young people and adults). Elemental composition was analysed in each layer using scanning SEM-EDS, and nail plate thickness was measured by image analysis. A total of 12 elements were detected in nail plates, of which carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, and calcium showed significant differences between layers (p-values ≤ 0.01). The level of calcium in the dorsal layer was the main predictive variable in calculating the predictive model of consistency, with 75.4% correctly classified cases. Elemental analysis in each layer of the nail plate by SEM-EDS can be used to develop a predictive model of nail consistency that will help health professionals to objectively determine nail consistency.

Smart Supra- and Macro-Molecular Tools for Biomedical Applications

Stimuli-responsive, “smart” polymeric materials used in the biomedical field function in a bio-mimicking manner by providing a non-linear response to triggers coming from a physiological microenvironment or other external source. They are built based on various chemical, physical, and biological tools that enable pH and/or temperature-stimulated changes in structural or physicochemical attributes, like shape, volume, solubility, supramolecular arrangement, and others. This review touches on some particular developments on the topic of stimuli-sensitive molecular tools for biomedical applications. Design and mechanistic details are provided concerning the smart synthetic instruments that are employed to prepare supra- and macro-molecular architectures with specific responses to external stimuli. Five major themes are approached: (i) temperature- and pH-responsive systems for controlled drug delivery; (ii) glycodynameric hydrogels for drug delivery; (iii) polymeric non-viral vectors for gene delivery; (iv) metallic nanoconjugates for biomedical applications; and, (v) smart organic tools for biomedical imaging.

Development of a bioaction complex for the onychodystrophy treatment

This article is devoted to the problem of onychodystrophy treatment. The purpose of the study was to develop a bioactive complex for the external treatment of onychodystrophies. We conducted a prospective cohort study to determine the emotional status and life quality of patients with onychodystrophies. The optimal composition and technology for producing a complex for the onychodystrophy treatment was determined in vitro. We made a literature review using the PubMed, eLibrary, Scopus, Web of Science search engines. The structure of onychodystrophies in patients of the study group was determined, clinical forms such as leukonychia, paronychia, onycholysis were diagnosed the most frequently. A significant decrease in life quality was found in 86.8% of patients. A new method of onychodystrophies treatment using the innovative medical complex, which includes an emulsion for external use and camouflage nail polish is proposed. The developed bioactive complex for patients with onychodystrophy will contribute to the rapid regeneration of the changed nail plate due to improved microcirculation and trophic innervation. More viscous and thick consistency physiological colour nail polish which does not require polymerization, will create a visual effect of a healthy nail plate, which will improve the life quality of patients with onychodystrophy.

Safety and Efficacy of Nail Products

Over the past several decades, the commercialization of nail cosmetics has increased. From nail polishes to artificial nails, different methods of nail beautification have become popularized. However, the impact of these products remains largely unknown. Governments have passed legislation in attempts to regulate nail cosmetics, but these regulations may not be adequate and are difficult to enforce. Knowledge of the safety and efficacy of nail products remains limited due to the relative dearth of literature published on the topic. This review serves to summarize and interpret the data available regarding common nail products and their safety and efficacy. Nail products such as nail polish, nail polish removers, and artificial nails have shown to have some adverse effects through case reports and studies. Harmful substances such as toluenesulfonamide-formaldehyde resin and methacrylates have been identified in commercial nail products, leading to several adverse effects, but in particular, allergic contact dermatitis. Exposure to substances such as acetonitrile found in removers may have more toxic and caustic effects, especially if ingested. In addition, for nail technicians there are negative effects linked with occupational exposure. Compounds used in nail products may become aerosolized and lead to asthma, eye and throat irritation, and even neurocognitive changes.