Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Radiation Dermatitis (RD) is a frequent side effect in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiotherapy, negatively affecting their quality of life. Topical treatments are used for RD management, but many lack robust evidence of efficacy. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial compared the effectiveness of Bao Yuan Gao, a traditional Chinese herbal ointment, with Calendula cream, a cortisone-free topical agent, in preventing severe acute RD in HNC patients. Fifty-five patients receiving radiotherapy (60-70 Gy) with or without concurrent chemotherapy were randomized to apply either Bao Yuan Gao or Calendula cream three times daily throughout their treatment and two weeks post-treatment. RD severity was assessed weekly using the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 4.0, and skin condition changes were monitored bi-weekly. RESULTS: Of the 55 enrolled patients, 50 completed the study. While the incidence of grade ≥ 2 dermatitis did not differ significantly between groups, Bao Yuan Gao significantly reduced erythema and improved skin moisture at week 3 (p = 0.02). Favorable trends were also observed in sensitivity, melanin deposition, pain, and reduced nutritional support needs. CONCLUSION: Bao Yuan Gao yielded measurable skin-protective effects, suggesting potential benefits beyond Calendula. These findings, aligned with its anti-inflammatory herbal properties, support further investigation in larger, dose-controlled trials.

Per-and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) are synthetic compounds used in the production of fluoropolymer coatings found in products such as non-stick pans, clothing, cosmetics, and food packaging. These highly persistent molecules are known as "forever chemicals" since they neither degrade environmentally nor break down enzymatically within biological systems. PFAS compounds readily contaminate water sources, and as a result, certain PFAS molecules have bioaccumulated in exposed species including humans. The purpose of this study was to define the effect of two PFAS molecules, the ostensibly more toxic perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and the more recent, reportedly safer chemical hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (Gen X), on the development of Lytechinus variegatus sea urchin embryos. We examined the effects of PFOA and Gen X on development and patterning using morphological analysis, immunostaining, HCR-FISH, and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The results show that both PFAS compounds are teratogenic to sea urchin embryos. PFOA and Gen X each function at different intervals during development and provoke distinct phenotypic and gene expression outcomes. Despite beliefs that Gen X would be a safer alternative, our findings indicate that Gen X has earlier and more severe effects on endomesoderm and dorsal-ventral axis specification, neural development and function, and pattern formation compared to PFOA. These results illustrate the dangerous teratogenic potential of environmentally accumulating PFAS like Gen X, underscoring the negative ecological implications that accompany continuing commercial and industrial use of PFAS in the absence of remediation strategies.

BACKGROUND: The use of dermal fillers has become increasingly popular in aesthetic medicine for facial rejuvenation and skin enhancement. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) are particularly well-known for their unique benefits. This systematic review evaluates the combinations (e.g., using two separate treatments together) and hybrid treatments of HA and CaHA (e.g., direct syringe-to-syringe mixing), focusing on their mechanisms of action, aesthetic effectiveness, patient satisfaction, and safety. METHODS: Six bibliographic databases were searched for human and non-human studies that explored the mechanistic effects of combined and hybrid HA and CaHA treatments, and their aesthetic effectiveness, skin quality, satisfaction, and safety were included. Due to high heterogeneity among included studies, a qualitative synthesis of the evidence was performed. RESULTS: The combination of HA and CaHA stimulates collagen synthesis through different molecular pathways. The combined and hybrid treatments are associated with high aesthetic effectiveness in various facial areas, as reported by both investigators and subjects. Additionally, the combinations and hybrid treatments show high satisfaction rates and have a safe profile, with minor, self-resolving adverse effects. A trend of slight decline in both aesthetic improvement and treatment satisfaction was observed after six months. CONCLUSIONS: The combinations and hybrid treatments of HA and CaHA appear to be a promising, safe, and efficacious treatment for facial rejuvenation, offering both immediate volumizing effects and longer-term benefits through collagen synthesis. Future research should employ rigorous study designs aimed at refining treatment protocols and generating strong, long-term evidence for the safety and effectiveness of this combination or hybrid therapy in aesthetic medicine. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .