International journal of clinical practice
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Urea is a major component of many daily skincare products which is widely used. Its role in the treatment of, for example atopic skin, atopic eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis, is undisputed. ⋯ This article shall elucidate biophysical characteristics and properties of molecular biology that explain how urea affects healthy skin and exerts efficacy in various skin diseases. Knowledge about the mode of action of urea enables physicians to better understandthe appropriate use of urea in clinical routine.
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Urea is an emollient widely used in clinical dermatology to moisturise and protect the skin. Non-invasive techniques can be useful in evaluating and quantifying the moisturising and hydrating properties of topically applied urea. Amongst these, transepidermal water loss, skin conductance and capacitance are the most widely used. ⋯ Ultrasound and mechanical properties can be used to investigate the effects on skin smoothness and tone. In conclusion, urea is a fundamental ingredient of cosmetic and dermatological formulations and can have several positive effects on skin function. These can be easily investigated and monitored using non-invasive techniques measuring the stratum corneum function.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2020
Randomized Controlled TrialA Comparative Study for the Effects of Nifedipine GITS and Amlodipine Besylate Administrated in Daytime or at Nighttime on Recovery of Blood Pressure Rhythm and Arterial Stiffness in the Young and Middle-aged Subjects with Non-dipper Hypertension (NARRAS): Design and Rationale.
Hypertensive patients with a blunted or absent nocturnal blood pressure (BP) drop (non-dipper) are associated with arterial stiffening and additional cardiovascular risk. Non-dipper hypertension is prevalent in young and middle-aged adults; but the optimal antihypertensive strategy remains unclear. There is a need to explore the effects of different antihypertensive agents and time of administration on recovery of dipper rhythm and arterial stiffness in this population. ⋯ NARRAS study is the first RCT to evaluate the effects of nifedipine GITS and amlodipine besylate on restoration of dipping rhythm and arterial elasticity, either administrated in the morning or evening, in younger non-dipper hypertensive subjects. The findings of NARRAS are likely to be potential to facilitate new therapeutic strategies for this condition.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2020
Clinical Evaluation of Plasma Coagulation Parameters in Patients with Advanced-stage Non-small cell Lung Cancer Treated with Palliative Chemotherapy in China.
Blood coagulation parameters are colossally important for clinical evaluation of palliative chemotherapy; however, this niche was not explored earlier for advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Study focuses to explore the clinical relevancy of Coagulation parameters; prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (FIB), D-dimer and international normalised ratio (INR) and their response to palliative chemotherapy in advanced-stage NSCLC. ⋯ The high range of PT, FIB and D-dimers was associated with poor prognosis of advanced-stage NSCLC. Our findings also confirmed that patients on 3-drugs regimen showed longer PFS compared with 2-drugs regimen.