Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis
A within-patient randomized trial found that cryo-laser cryo-sclerotherapy (CLaCS) yields lower pigmentation intensity than polidocanol foam for reticular leg veins at 60 days. A multicenter retrospective study suggests transarterial embolization (TAE) outperforms radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodules exceeding 100 mL in volume, with better volume reduction and fewer complications. Mechanistic formulation work shows rice protein–inositol hexaphosphate complexes markedly improv
Summary
A within-patient randomized trial found that cryo-laser cryo-sclerotherapy (CLaCS) yields lower pigmentation intensity than polidocanol foam for reticular leg veins at 60 days. A multicenter retrospective study suggests transarterial embolization (TAE) outperforms radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodules exceeding 100 mL in volume, with better volume reduction and fewer complications. Mechanistic formulation work shows rice protein–inositol hexaphosphate complexes markedly improve stability and anthocyanin retention in double emulsions, informing cosmetic and cosmeceutical delivery design.
Research Themes
- Cosmetic outcomes after venous sclerotherapy
- Minimally invasive treatment strategies for large benign thyroid nodules
- Plant-protein complexes to stabilize bioactives in cosmetic/cosmeceutical emulsions
Selected Articles
1. Pigmentation after foam or cryo-laser cryo-sclerotherapy for lower limb reticular veins: A within-patient randomized trial.
In a within-patient randomized comparison, CLaCS achieved significantly lower pigmentation intensity at 60 days than 0.5% polidocanol foam, with no difference in vein diameter reduction. Both treatments improved patient satisfaction, and no major adverse events occurred; CLaCS also showed fewer microthrombi, less bruising, and required less sclerosant.
Impact: Provides randomized, patient-centered evidence on a key cosmetic outcome (post-sclerotherapy pigmentation), directly informing technique selection for aesthetic vein treatment.
Clinical Implications: For patients prioritizing cosmetic outcomes, CLaCS may be preferred over foam to reduce pigmentation intensity without compromising efficacy. Counseling can incorporate the lower bruising and sclerosant volume with CLaCS.
Key Findings
- Pigmentation occurrence did not differ between limbs by photo (7 vs 5; P=.8906) and colorimetry (9 vs 13; P=.1445).
- Pigmentation intensity was lower with CLaCS (mean ΔE 1.30) than foam (ΔE 1.44; P=.02735).
- No difference in vein diameter reduction; both groups reported substantial aesthetic satisfaction improvement.
- CLaCS showed fewer microthrombi, less bruising, and required less sclerosant; no major adverse events in either group.
Methodological Strengths
- Within-patient randomized design with blinded outcome assessors and objective colorimetry.
- Prospective protocol with standardized bilateral comparison reducing inter-individual confounding.
Limitations
- Small sample size (23 patients) and short follow-up (60 days).
- Open-label intervention may introduce performance bias despite blinded evaluation.
Future Directions: Larger multicenter RCTs with longer follow-up to assess persistent pigmentation, recurrence, cost-effectiveness, and patient-reported outcomes; stratify by skin phototype and vein characteristics.
OBJECTIVE: Skin hyperpigmentation is a common complication after leg vein sclerotherapy and a primary concern for patients with cosmetic complaints. The aim of this study was to determine if cryo-laser cryo-sclerotherapy technique (CLaCS) presents a lower incidence and intensity pigmentation after procedure compared with 0.5% polidocanol foam sclerotherapy, 60 days after a single treatment of reticular veins. METHODS: This was an open-label, prospective, within-patient, randomized, active controlled, safety trial with blind evaluators. Interventions took place from August through September 2021, with a 2-month follow-up. Interventions were performed in a private clinic. Eligible patients were volunteers over 18 years old, with aesthetic discomfort related to bilateral lower limb reticular veins, similar length and distribution, with veins' internal diameter up to 2.2 mm in B-mode ultrasound. Patients underwent consecutive CLaCS treatment in one limb and 0.5% polidocanol foam in the contralateral limb on the same day. The primary outcome was the presence of post-procedure pigmentation in treated areas 60 days after a single treatment, determined through photo evaluation and objective measurement of skin color dissimilarity between the treated area and the adjacent skin, using a precision colorimeter. Patients' aesthetic satisfaction improvement, vein diameter reduction, and minor/major adverse events were also assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-three women (46 limbs) were treated, and two were lost to follow-up. No significant statistical difference in the number of limbs that developed posttreatment pigmentation was found for both photo (7 CLaCS vs 5 foam; P = .8906) and colorimetric (9 CLaCS vs 13 foam; P = .1445) evaluations. The CLaCS group had significantly lower intensity of pigmentation in colorimetry (mean ΔE of 1.30 for CLaCS vs 1.44 for foam; P = .02735). No significant difference in veins' diameter reduction was found. Both groups presented substantial improvement in patients' satisfaction with their leg appearance. CONCLUSIONS: Although no statistical difference was found regarding the number of limbs that developed hypercromia after treatment of the reticular veins, CLaCS resulted in a lower intensity of skin color dissimilarity, less microthrombi formation and drainage, less bruising and lower volume of sclerosant needed, without difference in diameter reduction rates, compared with polidocanol foam sclerotherapy. No major adverse events were reported.
2. Stabilization of double emulsions with anthocyanins using a plant protein-inositol hexaphosphate complex.
Rice protein–IP6 complexes produced the highest anthocyanin retention (94.4%) in double emulsions and enhanced interfacial integrity, whereas pea protein systems showed more leakage due to β‑sheet/random coil dominance. Higher wall-to-emulsion ratios yielded smaller, more uniform microcapsules but reduced retention, informing trade-offs in cosmetic encapsulation design.
Impact: Reveals how protein secondary structure and IP6 complexation govern microcapsule integrity and bioactive retention, offering a mechanistic basis for more stable cosmetic and cosmeceutical emulsions.
Clinical Implications: While preclinical, the formulation principles can guide dermal/cosmeceutical delivery systems to improve colorant/antioxidant stability and controlled release under processing stresses like spray drying.
Key Findings
- Rice protein (RP) at 1:1 protein:IP6 and 2:1 wall:emulsion achieved the highest anthocyanin retention (94.4%); RP-2:1-4:1 had the lowest (30.6%).
- Increasing wall-to-emulsion ratios produced smaller, more uniform microcapsules but decreased retention efficiency.
- FTIR indicated higher α-helix content in RP systems correlating with better film cohesiveness and interfacial integrity; pea protein systems, rich in β-sheet/random coils, leaked more anthocyanin.
- Pea protein capsules retained more moisture and had higher tapped density; rice protein capsules were lighter in color.
Methodological Strengths
- Systematic factorial design across protein types, protein:IP6 ratios, and wall:emulsion ratios.
- Multimodal characterization (SEM, FTIR, physical metrics) linking structure to function and release behavior.
Limitations
- Preclinical in vitro study without in vivo/clinical validation or skin penetration testing.
- Single bioactive class (anthocyanins) and specific processing conditions may limit generalizability.
Future Directions: Validate with other bioactives (retinoids, vitamins), assess stability under cosmetic-relevant stressors (UV, pH, salts), and perform dermal delivery/skin retention and safety studies.
BACKGROUND: Double emulsions (water-in-oil-in-water - W/O/W) offer a promising strategy for encapsulating sensitive bioactive compounds like anthocyanins. Their performance depends on the choice of stabilizing agents and the structural integrity of the interfacial layer, particularly under processing conditions such as spray drying. This study combined plant-based proteins (pea and rice) with inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) to investigate their coacervation behavior and effectiveness in stabilizing anthocyanin-loaded double emulsions. RESULTS: Eight formulations were evaluated, varying in protein type (pea - PP or rice - RP), protein-to-IP6 ratios (1:1 or 2:1), and wall-to-emulsion ratios (2:1 or 4:1). The highest anthocyanin retention (94.4%) was observed in RP-1:1-2:1, and the lowest (30.6%) occurred in RP-2:1-4:1. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that higher wall-to-emulsion ratios led to smaller and more uniform microcapsules but retention efficiency decreased. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis showed that rice protein systems exhibited higher α-helix content and α-helix:β-sheet ratios, correlating with better film cohesiveness, interfacial integrity, and controlled release. In contrast, pea protein systems were dominated by β-sheet and random coil structures, leading to more disordered matrices, greater surface irregularities, and increased anthocyanin leakage. These structural differences reflect protein-specific interactions with IP6 and are consistent with literature reporting superior mechanical and barrier properties for α-helical structures. Physical characterization showed that pea protein capsules retained more moisture and had higher tapped density, whereas rice protein capsules were lighter in color. CONCLUSION: The use of protein-IP6 complexes is a viable strategy for stabilizing anthocyanin-rich double emulsions. Rice protein, due to its α-helical-rich structure, contributes to greater stability and encapsulation efficiency, whereas pea protein provides flexibility and moisture retention but lower structural cohesion. These findings highlight the importance of protein secondary structure in designing efficient plant-based encapsulation systems for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
3. Transarterial embolization outperforms radiofrequency ablation for thyroid goiters exceeding 100 mL: a study on efficacy and safety.
In 70 patients with large benign thyroid nodules, TAE achieved higher 6‑month volume reduction rates than RFA, particularly for nodules >100 mL (63.34% vs 49.71%), and had fewer complications. Both modalities improved symptom and cosmetic scores, indicating TAE as a minimally invasive alternative for very large nodules.
Impact: Addresses a clinical gap for very large nodules where guidelines are sparse, showing TAE can outperform RFA on efficacy and safety while improving cosmetic outcomes.
Clinical Implications: For benign nodules >100 mL, TAE should be considered when aiming for maximal volume reduction with fewer risks, particularly in patients seeking surgery-sparing, cosmetically favorable options.
Key Findings
- TAE had a higher mean 6-month VRR than RFA (p=0.007).
- For nodules >100 mL, VRR was 63.34% with TAE vs 49.71% with RFA (p=0.035).
- Complication rate was lower with TAE (5.26%) vs RFA (14.03%); hoarseness and hematoma were common in RFA.
- Both treatments significantly improved symptom and cosmetic scores (p<0.001), with greater gains for TAE in larger nodules.
Methodological Strengths
- Multicenter dataset with predefined volumetric and patient-centered cosmetic/symptom outcomes.
- Stratification by nodule volume and diameter enabling size-specific effect estimation.
Limitations
- Retrospective design with potential selection bias and unmeasured confounding.
- Unequal group sizes (RFA 53 vs TAE 17) and limited 6‑month follow-up.
Future Directions: Prospective randomized trials comparing TAE and RFA in very large nodules with longer follow-up, standardized cosmetic scoring, voice function assessment, and cost-effectiveness.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and transarterial embolization (TAE) in managing large benign thyroid nodules (BTNs), particularly those exceeding 100 mL, where established guidelines are limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study, conducted from January 2018 to May 2022, included 70 patients with a total of 76 large BTNs. Of these, 53 underwent RFA and 17 underwent TAE. Nodules were categorized by initial volume (< 50 mL, 50-100 mL, > 100 mL) and diameter (< 6 cm, 6-9 cm, > 9 cm). Treatment efficacy was evaluated using the volume reduction rate (VRR) at 6 months. Complications, as well as improvements in symptoms and cosmetic scores, were documented and analyzed. RESULTS: At 6 months, TAE demonstrated a significantly higher mean VRR than RFA (p = 0.007), especially for nodules larger than 100 mL (TAE: 63.34% vs. RFA: 49.71%; p = 0.035). The complication rate in the TAE group (5.26%) was lower than that in the RFA group (14.03%), where transient hoarseness and hematoma were common complications. Both treatments resulted in significant improvements in symptom and cosmetic scores (p < 0.001), with TAE providing greater improvements in larger nodules. CONCLUSION: TAE is more effective and has fewer complications than RFA for the treatment of large BTNs exceeding 100 mL. These findings suggest that TAE may serve as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for patients with large thyroid nodules. KEY POINTS: Question What are the optimal minimally invasive treatment strategies for large benign thyroid nodules considering efficacy and safety? Findings Transarterial embolization (TAE) achieved a higher volume reduction rate with fewer complications compared to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for large thyroid nodules exceeding 100 mL. Clinical relevance TAE offers a safer and more effective minimally invasive alternative to RFA for large thyroid nodules, improving patient outcomes with fewer risks.