Cosmetic (Greece)

Microalgae display remarkable resilience to harsh environments, partly through the biosynthesis of diverse secondary metabolites. Cyanobacteria and red algae are well known to produce mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs)-low-molecular-weight, water-soluble UV-absorbing compounds with anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. By contrast, green microalgae typically lack detectable MAAs under standard conditions, and their responses under abiotic stress remain poorly characterized. Here, we investigated the freshwater green microalga Jaagichlorella luteoviridis grown under three stressors (salinity, heat, and UV) and assessed MAA induction. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed that stressed cultures accumulated multiple MAAs, whereas untreated controls showed no such accumulation. All stress treatments (UV, salinity, and heat) produced a substantial increase in peak intensity at 323-350 nm, whereas the control samples showed significantly lower absorption in this region. We also optimized an MAA extraction protocol suitable for "green" downstream applications in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical sectors and formulated an emulsion showing preliminary positive results and exhibiting an increased SPF index from 3.60 (control) to 3.78 when 0.2% MAA extract was added. Transcriptomic profiling against a reference genome revealed stress-specific differential gene expression and overexpression of specific genes of the MAA pathway, like ArioC and AroM/Aro1 SAM methyltransferases, thus identifying candidate targets for engineering enhanced MAA production. Given market demand for environmentally friendly and safe bioactives, microalgae represent a promising source of these valuable molecules.

Abstract Introduction The Sealed Vasectomy Procedure (SVP) is a new bipolar radiofrequency sealing tool for transdermal and open vasectomy in hopes of making the procedure a faster, simpler, and safer office procedure. Testing has been successful in rabbits and canine with excellent wound healing, complete vas occlusion on histology, and no sperm in post procedural semen analysis. The animal study data was presented as a video submission and subsequently won the AUA 2022’s “Best Video” of the andrology / infertility / sexual dysfunction session. Further studies in larger animals were request by the FDA in the course of a pre-submission review. FDA-approval is needed prior to its application in humans. Objective Evaluate the effectiveness of the SVP in sealing the vas deferens in Humans during a vasectomy procedure Methods The FDA directed the study design. 8 human subjects undergoing open vasectomy. The SVP was used for sealing the Vas deferens once exposed. Wound healing, semen analysis and outcomes are to be evaluated. Results 8 / 8 human vasectomies have been done thus far. The SVP worked very well in sealing the vas deferens. Wound healing appears to be good. More follow up will be done. Conclusions SVP is a potentially exciting novel vasectomy procedure that appears to provide good sealing of the vas deferens in the Human study trial. FDA-approval is still needed before use in humans. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Signati Medical Clarification: Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Signati Medical

Cannabidiol (CBD) has garnered interest in its potential antioxidant properties in skin care. This review synthesizes the current literature exploring CBD’s role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory cosmetic ingredient and its impact on skin health. CBD exhibits antioxidant effects by scavenging free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and mitigating inflammation, all of which contribute to aging and skin conditions like acne and dermatitis. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system and other cellular pathways to bolster antioxidant defenses in skin cells. The search engines were Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed. The search was performed using the main keywords “liposomal CBD and keratinocytes”, “antioxidant properties of CBD and keratinocytes”, “anti-inflammatory activity of CBD and keratinocytes”, “CBD and cosmetics”, “CBD and skin care products”, and “CBD and cosmetic products regulation” for the period 2018–2025. The period for the search of the literature was chosen based on the legalization of medical cannabis. Its non-psychoactive nature and favorable safety profile make CBD a compelling candidate for inclusion in skin care formulations seeking natural and effective antioxidant solutions. As consumer demand for botanical-based skin care rises, CBD stands out for its promising therapeutic benefits and potential applications in anti-aging and dermatological treatments. Despite its benefits, using CBD in cosmetics is not without its challenges. The varying legal status of CBD in various jurisdictions is confusing to both the cosmetic industry and consumers. Some jurisdictions allow CBD to be derived from hemp, while others may prohibit its use. The legal and regulatory status of CBD is a constantly changing matter. The purpose of the article is to review the liposomal forms of encapsulated CBD to increase its percutaneous absorption and therefore its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effect on keratinocytes. Liposomal CBD firstly bypasses the problems of insolubility of free radicals and secondly protects it from various exogenous oxidizing agents, while maintaining its activity. CBD is a valuable antioxidant agent in skin care science, suggesting avenues for further research and product development.

Botulinum toxin is a noninvasive cosmetic procedure that relaxes facial expression muscles to mitigate the development of dynamic wrinkles. It inhibits nerve signals, temporarily paralyzes muscle activity, and reduces muscle contractions, thereby smoothing the skin and minimizing wrinkles. Botox injection for wrinkle reduction has become a widely used antiaging treatment due to its rapid effects, noninvasive nature, and short recovery time. Common adverse effects include local swelling, bruising, and ptosis, while eyelid oedema occurs less frequently. This study presents a case of allergic conjunctivitis and eyelid oedema occurring several days following botulinum toxin injection for wrinkle reduction.

Microalgae offer a sustainable and versatile source of bioactive compounds. Their rapid growth, efficient CO2 utilization, and adaptability make them a promising alternative to traditional production methods. Key compounds, such as proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), polyphenols, phytosterols, pigments, and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), hold significant commercial value and are widely utilized in food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, driving innovation across multiple industries. Their antiviral and enzyme-producing capabilities further enhance industrial and medical applications. Additionally, microalgae-based biostimulants and plant elicitor peptides (PEPs) contribute to sustainable agriculture by enhancing plant growth and resilience to environmental stressors. The GRAS status of several species facilitates market integration, but challenges in scaling and cost reduction remain. Advances in biotechnology and metabolic engineering will optimize production, driving growth in the global microalgae industry. With increasing consumer demand for natural, eco-friendly products, microalgae will play a vital role in health, food security, and environmental sustainability.

Patients with diabetes, the elderly, and those who have certain inherited conditions are particularly vulnerable to atypical wound healing with lingering repercussions. Remarkably, the current remedies are insufficient since, despite the plethora of wound healing options, only limited efficacy is observed. This review is a bibliographic survey on eicosapentaenoic acid and its healing effects. It has been investigated in terms of its source of origin, structure, physico-chemical properties, and studies where healing action is demonstrated. Fatty acids, found in all layers of the skin, modify cell function and the synthesis of eicosanoids, reactive oxygen species, and cytokines, which affects skin structure and immunological condition. As a result, fatty acids influence both the inflammatory response and the wound-healing process. EPA is one of the dietary lipids that has a variety of health advantages. It functions in anti-inflammatory processes and the firmness of cell membranes and is integrated into numerous bodily parts. EPA has a crucial role in healthy fetal development and aging. It is a precursor to numerous metabolites that are powerful lipid mediators and are regarded by many researchers as being helpful in the treatment or prevention of several disorders. EPA supplement is used after surgery to lessen infections, accelerate wound healing, and speed up recovery, although, according to other researchers, the oral administration of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly the DHA and EPA combination, significantly slows down the healing of wounds and disrupts the structure of collagen through several mechanisms. The controversy in the reported literature is discussed and new technologies useful for the improvement of the wound healing process are also reported.

Arcadia, CA From Premier Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa. Received for publication July 17, 2023; accepted September 14, 2023. Disclosure statements are at the end of this article, following the correspondence information. Related digital media are available in the full-text version of the article on www.PRSJournal.com. Arthur Y. Yu, MD, PhD, Premier Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa, 59 Las Tunas Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007, [email protected], Instagram: dr.arthuryu

Abstract Introduction Perineural cysts, also known as Tarlov cysts, are cerebrospinal fluid-filled nerve root cysts predominantly located at the sacral spine. While typically asymptomatic, large Tarlov cysts may elicit discomforting symptoms. Diagnostic challenges stem from limited understanding and symptom overlap with various disorders. Objective This case report explores the presentation of a 41-year-old female patient exhibiting symptoms of vulvar pain and urinary disturbances, which were ultimately attributed to a large Tarlov cyst, highlighting the complexities of diagnosis and management associated with this condition. Methods A 41-year-old female patient with a past medical history of linear scleroderma, chronic left hip pain with leg length discrepancy, and family history of endometriosis presented to her primary care physician with vulvar pain and urinary symptoms. She had burning vulvar pain, predominantly on the left side, radiating from the vulvar vestibule to the perineum, which gradually worsened over 6 months. She also had lower back pain radiating into her legs and calves, along with increased urinary frequency, urgency, retention and burning upon micturition. Patient underwent a 11-month treatment regimen following a referral to pelvic pain specialist, including being initiated on gabapentin and vaginal suppositories, which provided significant pain relief. However, over time, her vulvar pain gradually worsened, and gabapentin was replaced with pregabalin. She underwent six weeks of pelvic floor physical therapy and received a series of peripheral nerve blocks, including multiple pudendal nerve blocks, trigger point injections and hydrodissection of connective tissue around the nerves, yielding little pain relief. Due to persistent vulvar pain, the patient was referred to our clinic. Her examination revealed tenderness upon palpation over the lumbar-sacral spine and sacroiliac joint and para-spinal muscle spasm on the left side. She had provoked vestibulodynia that was predominately on the posterior aspect of the vestibule with a Q-tip test 8/10, and about 4/10 at anterior vestibule. She also continued to have tenderness in her pelvic floor muscles. Given her history and physical exam, a spinal pathology was suspected, and lumbosacral MRI was ordered. Results The lumbosacral MRI revealed a Tarlov cyst measuring 7.7 cm x 3.9 cm x 4.2 cm, extending from the L5-S1 disc level to the S3-S4 vertebral body junction. The patient was subsequently referred to a neurosurgeon who performed a twelve-hour surgery, including a dissection of the intrasacral meningeal cyst that was causing sacral nerve root compression and subsequent wrapping of the weakened right S2-S3 nerve roots. Postoperatively, the pain, although decreased, persisted due to nerve root thinning and long-term compression of the sacral nerve roots. She is currently being managed by our clinic, pain specialists and rehabilitation. A two-year recovery period is anticipated. Conclusions This case underscores the diagnostic challenge of vulvar pain in the context of a Tarlov cyst and emphasizes the necessity for heightened clinical suspicion and comprehensive evaluation. Additionally, the case highlights the importance of considering MRI of the lumbosacral spine as an early investigation in patients presenting with otherwise unexplained chronic vulvar pain, offering a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying conditions like Tarlov cysts that might otherwise remain elusive. Disclosure No.

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the comparative diagnostic performance of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and dermoscopy in detecting cutaneous melanoma patients. An extensive search was conducted in the PubMed and Embase databases to identify available publications up to December 2023. Studies were included if they evaluated the diagnostic performance of RCM and dermoscopy in patients with cutaneous melanoma. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Performance Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. A total of 14 articles involving 2013 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The overall sensitivity of RCM was 0.94 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.87-0.98], while the overall sensitivity of dermoscopy was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.71-0.95). These results suggested that RCM has a similar level of sensitivity compared with dermoscopy ( P = 0.15). In contrast, the overall specificity of RCM was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.67-0.85), while the overall specificity of dermoscopy was 0.47 (95% CI, 0.31-0.63). The results indicated that RCM appears to have a higher specificity in comparison to dermoscopy ( P < 0.01). Our meta-analysis indicates that RCM demonstrates superior specificity and similar sensitivity to dermoscopy in detecting cutaneous melanoma patients. The high heterogeneity, however, may impact the evidence of the current study, further larger sample prospective research is required to confirm these findings.