International journal of clinical practice
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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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Urea is a well-known moisturiser and keratolytic topical agent. As it is widely used in dermatology, several formulations at different concentrations have been marketed: lotions, creams, foams, ointments, gels and lacquers. Availability of different vehicles and concentration may vary in different countries, but in general products at low, medium and high urea concentration are accessible worldwide. The proper formulation should be chosen according to the disorder to treat, its severity, body areas involved and patients' preference.
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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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Urea is a hygroscopic molecule that, because of its moisturising properties, is topically used for the treatment of skin dryness at concentrations ranging from 2% to 12% in different formulations. Based on existing literature, low-concentration urea-containing products are effective in the treatment and/or prevention of xerosis in some skin disorders such as ichthyosis, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, or unrelated to specific skin diseases. Generally, urea formulations at low concentration are well-tolerated and suited for the treatment of large skin areas, once or twice daily, even for a long period of time. At low concentrations stinging and burning sensation is rare and transient, whit no reported sensitisation despite its widespread use.