Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis

OBJECTIVES: To assess the occurrence of carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic substances (CMRs), endocrine disruptors, and skin sensitizers (i.e., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), bisphenols, isocyanates, isothiazolinones) in textiles, footwear, and clothing under in-force or proposed EU restrictions, and to evaluate exposure and risks for consumers related to bisphenols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 111 items from the Italian market or online were tested by gas or liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. RESULTS: 63% of the samples contained the investigated substances: 24% would exceed the proposed concentration limit for bisphenols under Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH); 19% could represent a significant source of exposure to phthalates and PAHs for consumers due to non-compliance with REACH; 7% contained octylisothiazolinone above the limit proposed to protect from skin sensitisation. Isocyanates and PFAS were quantified within concentration limits proposed or set by REACH and Regulation (EU) No. 2019/1021. No risks for consumers were related to the presence of bisphenols. CONCLUSIONS: Safety of clothing articles, textiles, and footwear, especially from online market, would be significantly impacted by the presence of CMRs and environmental endocrine disruptors (i.e., phthalates, PAHs, bisphenols), highlighting the need for enforcement of EU controls and reduced use of harmful chemicals by manufacturers.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) hysterectomy is gaining increasing popularity among gynaecological surgeons worldwide due to its minimally invasive nature and associated benefits. However, despite its growing adoption, it remains a relatively novel surgical technique that continues to be evaluated and refined in clinical practice. The primary objective of this study is to share and analyse our initial experiences with the implementation of vNOTES hysterectomy across six specialised gynaecological centres in Turkey. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included all women who underwent vNOTES hysterectomy, with or without salpingo-oophorectomy, for benign or malignant conditions. All procedures adhered to the standardised protocol described by Baekelandt RESULTS: A total of 685 patients underwent vNOTES procedures. Among them, 64 women (9.3%) had a history of one caesarean delivery, 38 (5.5%) had two prior caesareans, and 11 (1.6%) had three or more. Myoma, with or without accompanying metrorrhagia, was the most common surgical indication (53.0%). The mean operative time was 72.4 ± 40.2 min, and the average haemoglobin decrease was 1.3 ± 1.0 g/dL. The mean uterine weight was 204 ± 145 g. Intraoperative complications occurred in 1.7% of cases ( CONCLUSIONS: These findings support vNOTES as a safe and effective surgical approach, offering a viable alternative to traditional laparoscopic or vaginal techniques in select patient populations. Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) combines traditional vaginal surgical techniques with advanced single-port laparoscopy to treat various gynaecological conditions. Compared to conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery, vNOTES offers several key advantages, including reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery, shorter operative times, and improved cosmetic outcomes due to the absence of abdominal incisions. In a retrospective study conducted across six gynaecological centres, we evaluated the clinical outcomes of 685 hysterectomy procedures performed using vNOTES. We assessed operative time, postoperative pain scores, hospital stay duration, and complication rates. This multicentre study provides robust evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of vNOTES for hysterectomies performed for a wide range of uterine pathologies.

BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by isothiazolinones is a growing concern, particularly in consumer products. Octylisothiazolinone (OIT) is a potent sensitiser and commonly used as a preservative in rubbers, plastics and coatings, including those found in headphones. Despite increasing regulations on isothiazolinones in cosmetics, their presence in wearable devices remains under-recognised. AIMS: This investigation aims to identify OIT as a possible sensitiser in patients with presumed ACD due to over-ear headphones. METHODS: Two patients with presumed ACD due to over-ear headphones were patch tested at the Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö. Patch testing included Swedish baseline series, isothiazolinone compounds, and materials from headphones. To identify potential allergens, chemical analysis of components from headphones was conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Patch testing demonstrated strong positive reactions to OIT in both cases, with additional reactions to acetone extracts of artificial leather and blue plastic foam. OIT remained positive at dilutions as low as 0.00003%. Case 1 also showed positive reactions to MI/MCI. Chemical analysis confirmed OIT in both artificial leather (2.2 mg/g) and plastic foam (0.3 mg/g). CONCLUSIONS: These findings contribute to the understanding of ACD by identifying OIT as a potential allergen in over-ear headphones. It calls for further research into the prevalence of OIT in consumer electronics and its role in sensitisation.