The disruption of the Synechocystis open reading frame v vslr0090 encoding a gene with high homology to plant genes encoding 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase results in an impairment of tocopherol biosynthesis without a¡ecting levels of plastoquinone, carotenoids and chlorophyll as well as cell growth and photosynthesis. Our results indicate that in Synechocystis in contrast to the situation in higher plants the 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase is not required for the synthesis of plastoquinone. ß

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(2017) A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora, Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 28:2, 173-180, DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2016 Purpose: Two randomized, intra-individual comparison studies were performed in healthy subjects to evaluate the skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential of a new topical panthenol-containing emollient (NTP-CE) (Study 1), and its effect on skin microflora (Study 2). Methods: In Study 1 (N ¼ 23), two skin areas, one challenged with 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution and one unchallenged, were treated with NTP-CE for 3 weeks. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae (ICLL) organization were measured at regular intervals during the study. In Study 2 (N ¼ 20), quantitative bacterial cultures were obtained over 6 h from a skin area undergoing wash stress with 10% SDS with subsequent single application of NTP-CE. Results: In Study 1, mean AUC for TEWL reduction from baseline was more pronounced with NTP-CE compared with control (À168.36 vs. À123.38 g/m 2 /h, p ¼ 0.023). NTP-CE use was also associated with statistically significant improvements in stratum corneum hydration and an increase in mean ICLL length from baseline (day 22: 120.61 vs. 35.85 nm/1000 nm 2 , p < 0.001). In Study 2, NTP-CE use had no negative impact on bacterial viability. Conclusions: NTP-CE use has favorable and lasting effects on barrier function and repair as well as skin hydration without negatively influencing bacterial viability. ARTICLE HISTORY

In summary, topical application of a pH 4.0 product containing plant oils improves epidermal barrier formation and SC lipid ordering and ratio in aged dry skin.