Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis

Keloids are pathological scars characterized by excessive fibroblast proliferation, abnormal collagen deposition, and chronic inflammation, which often result in high recurrence rates and limited treatment success. Targeting BACH1 with gene therapy has shown promise in regulating fibroblast activity and reducing inflammation. However, effective delivery systems for targeted gene therapy in keloids remain a major challenge. Here, we develop a novel nanocarrier platform based on orthogonal upconversion nanoparticles (OUNCs) to achieve spatiotemporal silencing of BACH1 and combined photodynamic therapy (PDT). The OUNCs are composed of orthogonal upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), photosensitizer (Rose Bengal), ROS-sensitive diselenide bonds (SeSe), therapeutic siBACH1, and an active targeting moiety (hyaluronic acid) to specifically target keloid fibroblasts (KFs). We demonstrate that the OUNCs can effectively induce KFs apoptosis, inhibit KFs proliferation, and reduce M2 macrophages recruitment by modulating the Rap1/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Our study represents a breakthrough in precision therapy for keloids, providing a promising platform that integrates siBACH1-based gene therapy with NIR light-triggered PDT.

AIM: Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) has gained significant importance in treating cancers. The current study is a meta-analysis that aimed to assess the short-term efficacy and long-term prognostic impact of NOSES and conventional laparoscopic (CL) surgery in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). METHOD: Published reports in several medical databases up to February 2024 were searched and information pertinent to outcomes of NOSES and CL in retrospective and randomized studies to treat CRC was collected. Pooled weighted/standardized mean difference (WMD/SMD), odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a fixed-effects model or random-effects model, and meta-analysis was subsequently performed using Stata. RESULTS: Thirty-one studies with a total of 4637 patients were included in this meta-analysis. When compared with CL, NOSES had significant advantages in several indicators, such as wound infection [OR = 0.22 (95% CI 0.13-0.38); Z = 5.56, p = 0], incisional hernia [OR = 0.24 (95% CI 0.11-0.54); Z = 3.44, p = 0.001], blood loss [WMD = -10.17 (95% CI -14.75 to -5.60); Z = 4.36, p = 0], incision length [WMD = -4.94 (95% CI -5.27 to -4.60); Z = 29.10, p = 0.00], postoperative pain [WMD = -1.43 (95% CI -1.69 to -1.18); Z = 11.02, p = 0.00], use of additional analgesics [OR = 0.57 (95% CI 0.39-0.82); Z = 3.06, p = 0.002], hospital stay [WMD = -1.25 (95% CI -1.58 to -0.93); Z = 7.65, p = 0.00], gastrointestinal recovery [WMD = -13.42 (95% CI -17.77 to -9.07); Z = 6.05, p = 0.00], first flatus [WMD = -0.50 (95% CI -0.68 to -0.32); Z = 5.34, p = 0.00] and cosmetic result [WMD = 2.11 (95% CI 0.92-3.30); Z = 3.47, p = 0.001]. However, NOSES required a significantly longer duration of surgery [WMD = 14.13 (95% CI 6.70-21.56); Z = 3.73, p = 0.00]. There were no significant differences in postoperative anastomotic leakage, intra-abdominal infection, lymph node harvest, proximal and distal margins, 5-year disease-free and 5-year overall survival and pelvic floor function. CONCLUSION: NOSES is considered an efficient surgical method of treatment for CRC that allows patients to have long-term favourable oncological outcomes while recovering faster with minimal pain. However, these findings still require confirmation through studies on large population cohorts.

BACKGROUND: The rapid growth of aesthetic medicine has led to an increased demand for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the frontal region of the face. However, alongside this rise in popularity, there is a growing awareness of the potential complications associated with these procedures especially connected with fillers. The intricate vascular anatomy of the forehead, specifically the supratrochlear (STA) and supraorbital (SOA) arteries, poses significant risks if not thoroughly understood. While the morphological course of these vessels is well-documented and analysed, detailed knowledge about their depth remains vital for enhancing procedural safety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five research papers were analyzed in the meta-analysis. The analyses of STA and SOA were performed in two distinctive places bilaterally: at the level of the glabella and above the eyebrow. RESULTS: A total of 201 SOA arteries and 282 STA arteries were analysed at the following horizontal levels, respectively: at the level of the glabella and above the eyebrow. The final results were as follows: 5.68 mm, 95% CI (4.58-6.78) for SOA at the glabella, 5.53 mm, 95% CI (4.79-6.28) for SOA above the eyebrow, 4.45 mm, 95% CI (3.43-5.47) for STA at the glabella, and 3.53 mm, 95% CI (3.21-3.85) for STA above the eyebrow. CONCLUSIONS: The supratrochlear artery tends to become more superficial along its path, while the supraorbital artery remains at a consistent depth across various anatomical levels. For injections in the medial part of the forehead, it is advisable to place the needle up to 2.5 mm deep or laterally to the artery's path. In contrast, injections in the lateral part of the forehead can be administered at slightly deeper depths, up to 3.5 mm. To minimise the risk of complications, performing a high-resolution linear ultrasonography (USG) exam prior to injection is recommended, allowing for needle placement either laterally or medially to the vessels.