Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis

BACKGROUND: Parabens are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are widely used as preservatives in the form of methyl (MP)-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butyl-paraben in cosmetics, personal care products, food, and pharmaceuticals. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the presence of four parabens in 268 human milk samples and 189 placental samples collected from pregnant women in Taiwan and calculated the estimated daily intake (EDI) of total parabens among breastfed infants at one and three months of age. METHODS: Parabens were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We also explored the dietary and PCP factors associated with parabens exposure. Monte Carlo simulation was employed to characterize uncertainty in the EDI calculation. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that MP was the most frequently detected paraben in placental, first- and third-month milk, with detection frequencies of 57%, 80%, and 45%, respectively. The Σparabens concentration ranged from below the limit of detection (LOD) to 8.2 ng/g in placenta, < LOD to 35.8 ng/g in first-month milk, and < LOD to 21.6 ng/g in third-month milk. Furthermore, the 95th percentile EDI of MP was higher in third-month milk (617 ng/kg-day) compared to first-month milk (118 ng/kg-day), yet remained several orders of magnitude below the EFSA-established acceptable daily intake of 10 mg/kg-day. SIGNIFICANCE: This biomonitoring study highlights the widespread, low-level exposure of infants to parabens, especially MP, through both prenatal and postnatal pathways. These findings reinforce the need for continued surveillance of parabens exposure during the critical developmental period. IMPACT: This study is among the first large-scale biomonitoring studies to measure parabens in placenta and human milk samples from an Asian population. Methylparaben emerged as the most commonly detected parabens in both placenta and breast milk, indicating both prenatal and postnatal exposure for infants. Although the estimated daily intake levels were well below the safety thresholds, the detection of parabens in the early developmental period raises concern for potential long-term health effects. By integrating biomonitoring data with maternal dietary habits and personal care product use, this work highlights the need for continuous monitoring and regulatory measures of early-life parabens exposure.

BACKGROUND: Distal penile urethral loss with preserved intact glans penis represents an exceptionally rare clinical scenario in pediatric urology, with many experienced surgeons encountering only a handful of such cases throughout their careers. This unique anatomical presentation-characterized by a well-formed glans with viable distal pouch and proximal penile urethral discontinuity-has traditionally been managed with multi-stage procedures requiring dismantling of the existing glans architecture. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates a novel single-stage technique that preserves the intact glans while achieving tension-free anastomosis, and compares outcomes and complications with conventional multi-stage approaches. METHODS: Thirty-two pediatric patients (median age: 5 years; IQR: 3.5-8 years) with anterior urethral defects underwent reconstruction using complete mobilization of the corpus spongiosum, including both penile and bulbar urethra, through a T-shaped incision. Progressive urethral traction was applied to achieve a wide, tension-free anastomosis, covered by healthy skin without overlapping suture lines. Functional and cosmetic outcomes were assessed clinically by the operating surgeon. Successful outcomes defined by the absence of fistula, stricture, or recurrent discontinuity. Caregiver-reported satisfaction was measured using a 10-point Likert scale at follow-up visits. RESULTS: Among the 32 included patients, 26 cases (81.3%) resulted from failed hypospadias repair and 6 cases (18.7%) followed traumatic penile injury. The median urethral gap was 1.4 cm (IQR: 0.9-1.8 cm). All patients underwent successful glans preservation with no need for glans dismantling. At a median follow-up of 28 months, 27 patients (84.4%) achieved successful outcomes. Early complications included urethrocutaneous fistula (9.4%), stricture (6.3%), scrotal hematoma (12.5%), and minor wound dehiscence (6.3%). No cases of penile curvature were observed. Caregiver satisfaction was high, with a median score of 9 (IQR: 9-10). CONCLUSION: By avoiding dismantling of well-formed structures and eliminating grafting or multi-stage requirements, the technique offers a promising single-stage alternative for complex cases of penile urethral reconstruction post-hypospadias repair and penile trauma. It ensures proper alignment and tension-free anastomosis, potentially reducing the risk of complications.

BACKGROUND: Periorbital rejuvenation presents significant challenges: hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers carry risks of edema and the Tyndall effect, whereas traditional poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) may lead to nodule formation and delayed inflammatory reactions. To address these limitations, the PLLA-b-poly (ethylene glycol) (PLLA-b-PEG)/HA composite filler is designed to optimize tissue compatibility and minimize these specific adverse reactions. OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively evaluate the physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and clinical efficacy of this filler for periorbital volume deficiency. METHODS: Physicochemical validation included SEM morphology, extrusion force, osmolality, and mechanical support testing. In vivo safety and collagenogenesis were assessed via histology in a rabbit model. Additionally, a retrospective clinical study of 15 subjects with infraorbital hollowing evaluated efficacy at 1, 3, and 6 months using the Allergan Infraorbital Hollows Scale (AIHS) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). All subjects also underwent clinical safety follow-up through 12-14 months; in a subset of subjects, additional 12-14-month photographs were available for descriptive review, but these images were not included in the formal efficacy analysis. RESULTS: The filler exhibited uniform microspheres, physiological osmolality (302 mOsmol/kg), and superior mechanical support. In vivo, it showed mild inflammation with neocollagenesis. In the retrospective clinical analysis (N = 15), the median AIHS score improved significantly from 2.0 at baseline to 1.0 at 6 months (p < 0.0001). At 6 months, 93.3% of subjects achieved ≥ 1-grade improvement. GAIS improvement rates were stable (p > 0.05), with no significant difference between subject and investigator ratings. Adverse events were mild, and no delayed or late-onset adverse events, such as nodules or granulomas, were identified during the extended safety follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The PLLA-b-PEG/HA filler demonstrates unique physicochemical properties and a dual-action mechanism of immediate filling and long-term regeneration, establishing it as a promising, safe treatment for periorbital rejuvenation.