Int J Cosmet Sci. 2025 Jan 22. doi: 10.1111/ics.13043. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Micrococcus luteus is a commensal bacterial member of the human skin and is essential in keeping the balance among the various microbial flora of the skin. M. luteus strain Q24 or BLIS Q24™ was isolated from the skin of a healthy human adult and is known to produce a unique antimicrobial spectrum that is inhibitory towards pathogens associated with skin diseases. It has been developed as a probiotic with potential applications in improving overall skin health. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the perceived changes in skin quality following topical application of a formulation containing skin commensal probiotic BLIS Q24™. METHODS: A 28-day study involving 96 participants with self-reported normal skin with occasional blemishes or breakouts, topically applied a serum formulation containing BLIS Q24™ to the face. Participants quantitatively evaluated the probiotic serum effect on their skin at baseline Day 0 and then again on Day 10, 20 and 28 of the application. In addition, participants maintained a photo diary to record the perceived changes to their skin. RESULTS: A total of 96 participants completed this research. In comparison to the baseline (Day 0), within 10 days, a significant reduction in blackheads (48%), oiliness (48%), blemishes (57%), dry areas (23%), redness/rosacea (45%) and flaky and rough skin (38%) were reported. The probiotic serum was also effective in a significant reduction in fine lines and wrinkles (38%), whiteheads (41%), pimples (55%), age spots (29%), and acne (21%) by the end of 28 days of probiotic application. Overall, there's agreement that probiotic serum delivers or exceeds consumer expectations from the concept and performs just as well, or better, than their regular moisturizer. CONCLUSION: An approach of delivering a live probiotic packaged in an innovative formula to improve several skin conditions in otherwise healthy individuals was found to be successful. This study highlights that a serum formulation containing BLIS Q24™ has a positive impact on skin health. It is effective topically in reducing the appearance of skin blemishes, oiliness, wrinkles, redness, and dryness. BLIS Q24™ offers the potential for preventing skin health-related issues and routine maintenance of skin microbiome for healthy skin. PMID:39840452 | DOI:10.1111/ics.13043 {url} = URL to article

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Jan 22:e16623. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16623. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: NCTF135HA, a versatile polyrevitalizing solution, is a potent agent for enhancing skin quality, radiance, moisture, vitality, and diminishing fine wrinkles caused by aging factors. Data demonstrate a divergence in its application from skin quality enhancement to treatment of vitiligo lesions. To know more precisely about the protocol of use among providers, alone or in combination with other procedures, we performed an international survey. METHOD: A Steering Committee of dermatologists, aesthetic surgeons, and physicians developed a 32-question questionnaire based on a literature review. Hosted online from January to March 2024, it targeted healthcare professionals experienced in polyrevitalization. Responses were analyzed anonymously and reported descriptively. RESULTS: Practitioners adopt a balanced approach: half of their patients receiving classic Polyrevitalization (NCTF135HA alone) and the other half undergoing combination therapy (NCTF135HA with another aesthetic procedure). Most administer NCTF135HA across multiple sessions, typically three (39.7%). In combination therapy, 55.5% of practitioners use NCTF135HA for medical purposes, targeting Melasma (53.1%) and Rosacea (45.0%) for instance. Aesthetic use is prevalent, with 94.2% employing NCTF135HA for skin wrinkles (79.9%), and refreshment, rejuvenation, and hydration (73.4%). Combining NCTF135HA with hyaluronic acid (71.2%) and botulinum toxin (49.1%) is common, alongside microneedling (50.2%), peelings (32.4%), and fractional radiofrequency (25.6%). LIMITATIONS AND CONCLUSION: Our survey showed a homogenous distribution of NCTF135HA utilization, indicating a consensus on its application across diverse demographics. This consistency highlights its widespread acknowledgment and efficacy in various aesthetic and clinical settings. Limitations include a large respondent group from Mexico and many respondents with less than 10 years of experience. PMID:39840703 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.16623 {url} = URL to article

Biomedica. 2024 Dec 23;44(Sp. 2):22-30. doi: 10.7705/biomedica.7521. ABSTRACT STAT1 is a cytoplasmic transcription factor associated with cell growth regulation, differentiation, proliferation, metabolism, and apoptosis. IFN-mediated JAK/STAT signaling pathway is involved in eliminating intracellular pathogens and viruses. However, pathogenic variants in STAT1 can result in impaired or increased function. Increased activity or function in STAT1 was described in 2011 and is characterized by excessive phosphorylation of the transcription factor. Carriers can develop autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and are susceptible to fungal, viral, and bacterial infections. The early and common manifestation is chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. Here, we report a clinical case of a patient with increased STAT1 activity or gain of function, which started in the first year of his life. He is currently 27 years old and has presented bacillus Calmette-Guérin and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, tinea capitis, and facial and ocular rosacea. HIV infection was ruled out. Given the clinical manifestations, an inborn error of immunity was suspected, specifically STAT1 with gain of function. The diagnosis was corroborated by the sequencing of multiple genes associated with inborn errors of immunity. The pathogenic variant c.961A>G (p.Arg321Gly) in the STAT1 gene, previously reported as a gain of function mutation, was found in the patient. Finally, this case illustrates that mutations in immune-associated genes can contribute to producing severe and recurrent infections, even in adult patients. Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis should raise suspicion of gain of function in STAT1. PMID:39836847 | DOI:10.7705/biomedica.7521 {url} = URL to article

Surv Ophthalmol. 2025 Jan 17:S0039-6257(25)00009-8. doi: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2025.01.006. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT Pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (PBKC) is a chronic and recurrent ocular surface inflammatory disorder affecting children in early life. It is frequently under- or late- diagnosed, representing a potential cause of severe visual morbidity worldwide. An expert panel consensus recently agreed on its definition and proposed diagnostic criteria for suspected and definitive PBKC to reduce confusion and avoid varied terminology previously used in the literature, improving early and precise diagnosis. Previous evidence has pointed to the role of the adaptive immune system in recognizing and handling antigenic eyelid bacterial products, particularly from the cell wall, and the direct toxic and inflammatory effects of their cytolytic exotoxins on the ocular surface. PBKC is a frequent referral in pediatric and cornea clinics characterized by a history of recurrent chalazia, blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, conjunctival hyperemia, phlyctenules formation, and corneal infiltrates with vascularization and scarring. The latter is a major cause of significant visual loss and amblyopia. Current treatment strategies aim to control inflammation on the ocular surface, halt disease progression, and avoid corneal involvement. Further research on pathogenic mechanisms will shed light on novel potential therapeutic strategies. Awareness of PBKC should enhance early diagnosis, prompt adequate treatment, and improve outcomes. We compile current evidence on epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical spectrum of disease, diagnostic criteria, and management strategies for PBKC. PMID:39828005 | DOI:10.1016/j.survophthal.2025.01.006 {url} = URL to article

Arch Dermatol Res. 2025 Jan 16;317(1):257. doi: 10.1007/s00403-024-03777-5. NO ABSTRACT PMID:39821660 | DOI:10.1007/s00403-024-03777-5 {url} = URL to article