Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis

Accurate intraoperative margin assessment and reliable detection of metastatic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) remain critical challenges in breast cancer surgery. We developed sa-FCA, a novel XIAP-targeting near-infrared fluorescent probe that achieves enhanced tumor specificity and sensitivity, along with a prolonged imaging window, via tumor-selective cascade activation and in situ self-assembled nanostructures. In a mouse model of breast cancer, sa-FCA demonstrated precise tumor localization, sensitive detection of metastatic SLNs, and identification of spontaneous pulmonary metastases. Clinical evaluation using human specimens showed excellent discrimination between tumor and benign tissues such as fibroadenoma (n = 252 patients, 99.59% sensitivity and 97.37% specificity), with clear lesion delineation. Furthermore, it accurately distinguished between metastatic and non-metastatic SLNs, with a sensitivity of 98.18% and a specificity of 92.31% (n = 69). By significantly improving metastatic SLN detection, sa-FCA overcomes the intraoperative diagnostic delays inherent in conventional pathology and facilitates immediate surgical decision-making. The ability of sa-FCA to precisely target tumors, differentiate fibroadenoma, and identify metastatic nodes allows for complete tumor resection with maximal normal tissue preservation, thereby enhancing both oncological safety and cosmetic outcomes. These findings establish a new paradigm for image-guided breast cancer surgery and promote the clinical translation of fluorescence-guided interventions.

Retinoids, including retinal, retinol (vitamin A), and retinoic acid, comprise vitamin A and its biologically active metabolites, which are widely used in pharmaceutical, healthcare, and cosmetic applications. Among these, retinal has attracted increasing attention in skincare applications because of its favorable combination of high biological efficacy with low skin irritation, and its potent antibacterial activity. However, microbial production of retinal generally yields mixtures with other retinoids and requires expensive nutrient media. Here, we report the production of pure retinal from agricultural byproducts using metabolically engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum. A lycopene producer, serving as a retinal precursor, was constructed by blocking the downstream pathway and enhancing carotenoid biosynthesis. Two genes converting lycopene to retinal via β-carotene were introduced to construct a retinal producer. Since retinal is fat-soluble and easily oxidized, a two-phase cultivation system using n-dodecane and butylated hydroxytoluene was employed for in-situ extraction and stabilization. The optimal temperature for retinal production was identified as 21 °C, yielding a 2.6-fold higher volumetric production rate than that at the optimal growth temperature, 30 °C. Using molasses as a carbon and vitamin source, shake-flask cultivation yielded 30.7 mg/L retinal, calculated based on the volume of the aqueous phase, without the formation of other retinoids. Scale-up cultivation in a 2.5-L jar fermenter produced 104.9 mg/L retinal (2,099 mg/L in n-dodecane phase) from molasses, again without forming other retinoids. This study demonstrates a cost-effective and sustainable bio-based strategy for producing pure retinal from renewable resources, paving the way for its industrial bio-based manufacture.

BACKGROUND: Capsular Contracture (CC) is a key downstream complication of breast implant surgery captured by breast implant registries worldwide. A number of factors have a been linked to CC development including smooth implants and bacterial contamination. The purpose of this study was to analyze prospectively captured data from the Australian Breast Device Registry to investigate the risk of capsular contracture with respect to patient demographics, the use of contamination minimization measures (CMM), implant characteristics and variations in surgical technique. METHODS: These data were extracted from the Australian Breast Device Registry including 91 537 implants and analyzed against patient demographics, CMMs, implant characteristics and variations in surgical technique to determine which factors were associated with reducing capsular contracture risk. RESULTS: A variety of factors including use of nipple shields, antiseptic rinse, changing gloves for insertion and anatomic implant shape were associated with significantly reduced rates of capsular contracture. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that the change of gloves, the use of antiseptic rinse and the use of nipple shields significantly reduce the risk of CC following cosmetic breast augmentation. These findings further support the importance of minimizing bacterial contamination at the time of implant placement and the need for clinicians to be appropriately trained, vigilant and aim for the highest standards of infection control and sterile technique when using breast implants for any indication.