Effect of mind and body education on quality of life among young breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

This study aim was to evaluate efficacy of the combination with cosmetic and psychosocial education program on body image, sexual function, and emotional function among young-onset breast cancer (YBC).

METHODS

An unblended, randomized, controlled trial design was conducted in patients newly diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer from 2014 to 2015. The intervention group received a structured education program including appearance management and mind control for 4 weeks. The outcome of this study shows effect on body image and sexual functioning and a distress due to altered appearance and anxiety after the intervention and 6 months after intervention.

RESULTS

Among 228 eligible patients, 109 (47.8%) agreed to participate in the present study and were randomized to intervention (n = 54) or control (n = 55) groups. After intervention, the intervention group reported significantly better body image compared to the control group (mean score of 75.0 vs. 59.3, respectively; P < 0.01). The intervention group also reported significantly lower levels of distress due to altered appearance and higher levels of sexual functioning compared to the control group after the intervention. The effects were maintained even 6 months after intervention.

CONCLUSION(S)

Body image intervention for YBC had effect on improving body image and sexual functioning and a reduction in distress due to altered appearance and anxiety. Trial registration number and date of registration: The study was registered at the Clinical Research Information Service (no. KCT0001191, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris ) on 23 July 2014.

Q-switch nanosecond laser as innovative and instant management for bruises discoloration, a case report

Bruises is one of the most common side effects of injectable cosmetic procedures, which leads to stress to clients and health care providers. Conventional treatments such as vitamin K preparation, cold compresses, and Arnica cream have been used to treat bruises, yet these treatments do not provide instant results. The purpose of this report is to present a case in which different wavelengths of Q-switch nanosecond laser was used to treat cosmetic injection-related bruises.Four different laser wavelengths were used to treat injection-related bruises. Pictures were taken before and after the treatment and analyzed using the RGB color histogram and the Image color analyzer from http://mkweb.bcgsc.ca/. Pictures showed a close to complete resolution of the bruises and discoloration. The results of this report suggest that using multiple selective wavelengths, in shorter pulse width but higher fluence would be more effective in resolving bruise-related discoloration compared to using one wavelength with longer pulse width.

15 Years of Upper Eyelid Micro-fat Graft: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

This report is the product of investigation to review the result of Micro-fat graft (MFG) for upper eyelid rejuvenation compelled by Dr. Mark Codner and discusses the variety of suboptimal outcomes and rationale for their occurrence.

METHODS

This retrospective review included 1047 patients who underwent upper eyelid rejuvenation between 2001 and 2016.

RESULTS

The follow-up ranged from 3 to 190 months. Twenty-one patients were judged to have bad outcomes, and on four patients, the results were categorized as "ugly". These undesirable outcomes are categorized and discussed.

CONCLUSION

This report documents a variety of poor outcomes and the rationale for their development over a long-term follow-up and discusses the way in which these can be minimized.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Metabolome analysis and chemical profiling of Indonesian royal jellies as the raw material for cosmetic and bio-supplement products

Royal jellies (RJs) possess moisturizing, emulsifying, and stabilizing properties, and several pharmacological activities have also been found to be present, which make them an ideal component for cosmetic and skin care products. However, despite the abundant efficacies, there is a lack of studies that explore the chemical composition of RJ using metabolome analysis. Furthermore, an evaluation of the chemical composition of Indonesian RJs collected from different regions has yet to be carried out. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify any differences in the chemical composition of such RJs. Chemical profiling was also carried out to enable more targeted utilization based on the actual compositions. Chemical profiling is also important given the rich Indonesian biodiversity and the high dependence of the RJ compositions on the botanical source. In this research, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used as part of an untargeted metabolomics approach. From the chemical profiling, >30 compounds were identified across four RJ samples. The major constituents of the samples were found to be oligosaccharides, fatty acids, and adenosine monophosphate derivatives. Meanwhile, sucrose and planteose were found to be highest in the samples from Banjarnegara and Kediri, whereas dimethyloctanoic acid was found to be unique to the sample from Banjarnegara. It was also discovered that the RJs from Demak and Tuban contained more organic fatty acids and oligosaccharides than the other samples. Although the sample from Demak demonstrated good potential for use in the cosmetic, skin care, and bio-supplement industries, the higher abundance of fatty acids and oligosaccharides in the sample from Tuban indicated that it is perhaps the most suitable RJ for use in this field.

Comparison of postoperative temporalis muscle atrophy between the muscle-preserving pterional approach and the mini-pterional approach in the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms

This study aimed to compare the muscle-preserving pterional approach (modified classic pterional approach, mCP) and the mini-pterional approach (mPA) with respect to postoperative temporalis muscle atrophy.From November 2013 to April 2020, 78 patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysm of the anterior circulation underwent surgery using mCP or mPA in our institution. Patients' background characteristics, postoperative complications, and temporalis muscle volume (MV) rates (operative side/healthy side) were retrospectively investigated. In 64 patients (n = 31, mCP group; n = 33, mPA group), excluding 14 patients with missing imaging data from 6 to 24 months after surgery, associations between the MV rate and clinical variables were assessed. A multiple regression model was used to examine the association between the MV rate and the surgical method, which is a predictor of postoperative atrophy.The mCP group had a significantly higher mean MV rate than the mPA group (0.955 ± 0.040 and 0.915 ± 0.070, respectively; p = 0.008). Based on the results of the univariate analysis, a multiple regression model was established using sex, age, follow-up period, and the presence of diabetes in addition to the surgical method. Patients who underwent mCP had a higher MV rate than those who underwent mPA (t value = 2.33, p = 0.023).The present result suggested that mCP has a preventive effect on postoperative temporalis muscle atrophy. However, further studies are needed in order to prove that mCP is also effective in terms of postoperative aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Molecular biology interventions for activity improvement and production of industrial enzymes

Metagenomics and directed evolution technology have brought a revolution in search of novel enzymes from extreme environment and improvement of existing enzymes and tuning them towards certain desired properties. Using advanced tools of molecular biology i.e. next generation sequencing, site directed mutagenesis, fusion protein, surface display, etc. now researchers can engineer enzymes for improved activity, stability, and substrate specificity to meet the industrial demand. Although many enzymatic processes have been developed up to industrial scale, still there is a need to overcome limitations of maintaining activity during the catalytic process. In this article recent developments in enzymes industrial applications and advancements in metabolic engineering approaches to improve enzymes efficacy and production are reviewed.

Risks associated with cosmetic ingredients

The media and social networks often echo fears about the potential toxicity of cosmetics and the dangers they pose to the environment. Dermatologists may be asked about these topics, but despite regulatory labelling constraints and the proliferation of specialized sites and applications, they do not always have access to reliable information. It is for this reason that we are providing the present overview of current knowledge on the subject.

Efficacy of modified face lift incision for the resection of benign parotid gland tumor located anteriorly or superiorly

OBJECTIVES

The goals of resection of benign parotid gland tumor are complete resection of lesion and preservation of the facial nerve function. Traditionally, the bayonet-shaped incision (Blair incision: BI) and the modified face lift incision (mFLI) are commonly used for parotidectomy. However, concerns exist about the adequacy of exposure and identification of the facial nerve in anterior or superior parotid lesions. The aim of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes between BI and mFLI and to evaluate the adequacy, possible indications, and limitations of mFLI for the resection of benign parotid gland tumors located anteriorly or superiorly.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 175 patients with various types of benign parotid tumor who underwent partial parotidectomy via BI (97 patients) or mFLI (78 patients). Tumors were divided into five categories depending on their location: anterior, superior, inferior, middle, and deep lobe tumors. The outcomes of operation were analyzed according to tumor location between the incision types.

RESULTS

Tumor locations were not significantly different between the two groups. Transient facial palsy occurred in 23 out of 152 patients (15.1%); permanent palsy was not observed in either group. The incidence rates of facial palsy were higher among patients with superior and deep lobe tumors; in the mFLI and BI groups, proportions of superior tumors were 22.2% and 27.2%, respectively, and those of deep lobe tumors were 35.7% and 23.5%, respectively. With regard to superior and anterior tumors, the incidence rate of postoperative facial palsy was insignificantly lower in the mFLI group (10.5%) than in the BI group (18.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no differences in the incidence rates of postoperative facial palsy between mFLI and BI for any tumor location. Use of the mFLI is feasible for the resection of most benign parotid tumors located anteriorly or superiorly.

Impact of Full-Incision Double-Eyelid Blepharoplasty on Tear Film Dynamics and Dry Eye Symptoms in Young Asian Females

BACKGROUND

Dry eye symptoms as a complication of double-eyelid blepharoplasty are controversial. This article evaluates tear film dynamics and changes in dry eye symptoms after cosmetic double-eyelid blepharoplasty in young Asian female.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty patients underwent full-incisional double-eyelid blepharoplasty. Subjective and objective parameters were documented before surgery, at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months post-surgery, which included Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire (OSDI), tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive breakup time (NIBUT), Schirmer I test, corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining scores, and palpebral fissure height. Dry eyes were defined based on the DEWS II criteria: OSDI ≥ 13 points and NIBUT < 10 s. Patients were divided into two groups, group A included patients with redundant skin, while group B included patients with absence of redundant skin.

RESULTS

The incident rate of dry eyes preoperatively, and at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months were 12.5%, 12.5%, 32.5%, and 16.67%. OSDI scores were significantly increased at 1 week (9.71 ± 10.07, P < 0.001) and 1 month (11.35 ± 12.28, P < 0.001) postoperatively. A significant increase in TMH, NIBUT and Schirmer's test I values were observed at 1 week post-surgery (P < 0.001). Patients in group A showed higher OSDI scores compared to group B at 1 week and 1 month (P = 0.051) post-surgery, and the other variables showed no difference between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Cosmetic double-eyelid blepharoplasty may temporarily affect tear film dynamics and aggravate dry eye symptoms in young females. However, these changes generally recover 3 months postoperatively.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Development of a micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography method for the determination of four naphthalenediols in cosmetics and a comparison with a HPLC method

A micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC) method with ultraviolet visible (UV) detection was used for the determination of 1,7-naphthalenediol, 2,3-naphthalenediol, 1,5-naphthalenediol, and 2,7-naphthalenediol in cosmetics. The current method for their determination in various cosmetics is high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Separation conditions affecting the MEKC method were optimized as 20 mM Na₂ B₄ O₇ -50mM SDS, pH 9.8, with 22 kV applied voltage and UV detection at 230 nm. Under optimal conditions, electrophoretic analysis was completed in less than 6 min, with limit of detection (LOD) of 0.070-0.19 μg/mL and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.23-0.63 μg/mL. A good linear relationship (r² > 0.99) was obtained at the range of 0.75-20 μg/mL. Recoveries for the four naphthalenediols in lotion, loose powder, and sun cream are between 91.2-107.2% with relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 4.04%. The method has been successfully applied to the determination of the four naphthalenediols in different kinds of cosmetics. A comparison with HPLC-UV method was also carried out according to the National Standards of the People's Republic of China. The results obtained by MEKC and HPLC methods are comparable, but the proposed MEKC method can help us obtain a much shorter detection time and low cost.

Aggregate exposure assessment using cosmetic co-use scenarios: II. Application and validation for phthalates

Aggregate exposure assessments using co-use scenarios could provide more realistic estimations than single product exposure assessment. Co-use scenarios for cosmetic products were determined from a ranking of the frequency of occurrence of co-use patterns and the number of cosmetics used. We conducted aggregate exposure assessments using the co-use scenarios and validated the new methodology by comparing the results to those of a receptor-based aggregate exposure assessment. The aggregate exposures of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) in cosmetics were estimated by co-use scenarios for cosmetics. The co-use scenario-based AED increased with the number of cosmetics in the co-use scenarios, and was higher in female and younger groups. The major contributors in females were facial cream for DEHP, nail polish for DnBP, and shower cologne or perfume for DEP. The major contributors in males were body lotion for DEHP, facial sunscreen for DnBP, and hair styling product for DEP. The distribution of the co-use scenario based AEDs displayed a similar trend to that of the receptor-based AEDs, with the 95th percentiles of the AED slightly underestimated in the co-use scenario. The applied methodology could provide reasonable aggregate exposures with relatively few resources required.

Cosmetic stature lengthening: systematic review of outcomes and complications

Aims

To systematically review the outcomes and complications of cosmetic stature lengthening.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were searched on 10 November 2019 by three reviewers independently, and all relevant studies in English published up to that date were considered based on predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. The search was done using “cosmetic lengthening” and “stature lengthening” as key terms. The Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement was used to screen the articles.

Results

A total of 11 studies including 795 patients were included. The techniques used in the majority of the patients were classic 3- or 4-ring Ilizarov fixator (267 patients; 33.6%) and lengthening over nail (LON) (253 patients; 31.8%), while implantable lengthening nail (ILN) was used in the smallest number of patients (63 patients; 7.9%). Mean end lengthening achieved was 6.7 cm (SD 0.6; 1.5 to 13.0), and the mean follow-up duration was 4.9 years (SD 2.1; 41 days to 7 years). Overall, the mean number of problems, obstacles, and complications per patient was 0.78 (SD 0.5), 0.94 (SD 1.0), and 0.15 (SD 0.2), respectively. The most common problem and obstacle was ankle equinus deformity, while the most common complications were deformation of the regenerate after end of treatment and subtalar joint stiffness/deformity.

Conclusion

Cosmetic stature lengthening provides favourable height gain, patient satisfaction, and functional outcomes, with low rate of major complications. Clear indications, contraindications, and guidelines for cosmetic stature lengthening are needed.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(7):341–350.

Identification of new arylsulfide derivatives as anti-melanogenic agents in a zebrafish model

A series of aryl sulfide derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for their anti-melanogenic activities. Several compounds, including 3e, 3i and 3q exhibited good anti-melanogenic activities. Among the derivatives, compound 3i showed good inhibitory effects against melanin synthesis and showed no toxicity in reconstituted human eye and skin tissues.

Cosmetic potential of lignin extracts from alkaline-treated sugarcane bagasse: Optimization of extraction conditions using response surface methodology

Each year, sugarcane bagasse, a low-priced by-product of the sugar industry, is generated in large quantities. The aim of this study was to optimize the alkaline hydrolysis condition for the extraction of lignin from sugarcane bagasse using response surface methodology combined with Box-Behnken design, and to evaluate functional properties of lignin extracts for cosmetic applications. Three process parameters were varied (NaOH solution concentrations (3-7% w/v), temperatures (115-135 °C), and times (30-60 min)). The second-order polynomial model developed and the subsequent ANOVA test showed that the optimal conditions providing the highest total phenolic content (69.41 ± 0.32 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract), antioxidant activity (262.30 ± 2.98 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract), and sun protection factor (8.65 ± 0.21) were as follows: NaOH solution concentration of 7% w/v, temperature of 135 °C, and time of 47.92 min. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed the functional groups present in the lignin extract that affected its activities. The extract showed both UVA and UVB-absorbing properties and tyrosinase-inhibitory properties. The results suggested that the lignin extract obtained from alkaline hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse has great potential as a bioactive multi-functional ingredient that can offer anti-ageing, sun-protection, and skin-whitening properties for sun care formulations.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in cosmetic products sold in Iran: the Monte Carlo simulation

Cosmetics can contain harmful compounds such as heavy metals. Several metals have a cumulative effect on the body, especially fatty tissues, and may have different health effects on the human body over the long term. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the health risks of heavy metals in cosmetics in Iran. Also, in this study, Monte Carlo simulation was used to investigate uncertainties. In this study, heavy metals data of cosmetics were extracted from studies carried out at intervals 2010-2018. International and Iranian databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, Springer, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Irandoc, Magiran, Scientific Information Database (SID), and Information Institute for Scientific (ISC) were searched for this purpose. In this study, the index of the Margin of Safety was calculated to determine the risk of human contact with metallic impurities in cosmetic products used by humans. In the selected period, 11 studies were conducted on the measurement of heavy metals in cosmetics in Iran. In these studies, cosmetics such as eye shadow, eye pencil, powder, cream, and lipstick were studied. The Margin of Safety (MoS) values calculated for different metals were higher than the established safe standard by WHO. The highest and lowest amount of systemic exposure dosage in all types of cosmetic investigated (lipstick, cream, eye pencil, face powder, and eye shadow) was related to Fe and Hg. The mean hazardous quotient (HQ) for Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb, and Hg was 1.05E-03, 1.03E-01, 7.95E-03, 2.59E-03, 1.05E-03, 4.98E-03, 7.22E-04, 1.85E-01, and 1.35E-05, respectively. The highest HQ (6.10E-01) was found for Pb, which was observed in the cream.

Comparative study of gasless endoscopic selective lateral neck dissection via the anterior chest approach versus conventional open surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Although there has been increasing interest in aesthetical approaches for treating patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), there have been no studies comparing the safety and effectiveness of gasless endoscopic selective lateral neck dissection (SLND) via the anterior chest approach (ACA) with that of conventional open surgery (OPEN) for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

METHODS

A total of 91 patients with PTC who underwent either gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy, central compartment neck dissection and SLND via the ACA or conventional open surgery between Nov. 2008 to Dec. 2018 were included. Primary outcomes and demographic data were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients were in the ACA group and 60 were in the OPEN group. The ACA group was younger and had a longer operative time but less intraoperative hemorrhage (P < 0.001 for all). There were no differences in other clinicopathological features. During the median follow-up of 48 months (ACA group) and 35 months (OPEN group), no recurrence on US/CT was found. The patients in the ACA group had better cosmetic results assessed postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

It appeared that gasless endoscopic selective lateral neck dissection via the anterior chest approach achieved comparable safety and effectiveness as conventional open surgery for PTC and resulted in better cosmetic results.

Cosmetic Surgery and Self-esteem in South Korea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Advances in medical technology coupled with rapid growth of web-based mass media and social networking services have considerably increased public access to cosmetic surgery. In South Korea, in particular, the number of people undergoing cosmetic surgery has been rapidly increasing, and studies related to cosmetic surgery have markedly increased. We report an integrative review of studies examining the relationship between cosmetic surgery and self-esteem in Korea. We aimed to identify relevant variables and determine their overall effect sizes.

METHODS

This study was designed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Two researchers separately performed the literature search, selected 16 papers based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and analyzed them.

RESULTS

Of the 16 papers on cosmetic surgery and self-esteem, 5 (33.3%) involved both men and women, and the remaining 11 (66.7%) involved only women. The respondents included teenagers and adults. The total number of respondents was 6296, with an average of 393.5 per paper. Most studies (n = 13, 81.3%) used the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Self-esteem was correlated with variables grouped into the following six categories: appearance management intention, cosmetic surgery intention, sociocultural attitude, body satisfaction, BMI, and stress. The effect sizes from the meta-analysis with correlation coefficients were 0.157, - 0.118, 0.023, 0.175, - 0.045, and - 0.085.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the relevant variables categorized in this study, sociocultural attitude, BMI, and stress showed weak effect sizes, and the appearance management intention, cosmetic surgery intention, and body satisfaction categories showed intermediate effect sizes. The results of this study are expected to serve as a concrete basis for the development of strategies to minimize the adverse effects of the ever-growing cosmetic surgery industry. This information can help elucidate the psychologic characteristics of individuals seeking cosmetic surgery and contribute to optimal medical outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Physical drug delivery enhancement for aged skin, UV damaged skin and skin cancer: Translation and commercialization

This review analyses physical drug delivery enhancement technologies with a focus on improving UV damaged skin, actinic keratoses and non-melanoma skin cancer treatment. In recent years, physical drug delivery enhancement has been shown to enhance cosmeceutical and skin cancer treatment efficacy, but there are pros and cons to each approach which we discuss in detail. Mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, experimental design, outcomes in academic publications, clinical trial reports and patents are explored to evaluate each technology with a critical, translation focused lens. We conclude that the commercial success of cosmeceutical applications, e.g. microneedles, will drive further innovation in this arena that will impact how actinic keratoses and non-melanoma skin cancers are clinically managed.

Overview of Immobilized Enzymes' Applications in Pharmaceutical, Chemical, and Food Industry

The use of immobilized enzymes in industry is becoming a routine process for the manufacture of many key compounds in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and food industry. Some enzymes like lipases are naturally robust and efficient, can be used for the production of many different molecules, and have found broad industrial applications. Some more specific enzymes, like transaminases, have required protein engineering to become suitable for applications in industrial manufacture. For all enzymes, the possibility to be immobilized and used in a heterogeneous form brings important industrial and environmental advantages such as simplified downstream processing or continuous process operations. Here, we present a series of large-scale applications of immobilized enzymes with benefits for the food, chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and medical device industries, some of them hardly reported before.

Prevalence of considering revision rhinoplasty in Saudi patients and its associated factors

Background

Primary rhinoplasty outcomes may not meet individual expectations. Consequently, reoperation may be advocated to improve results. This study examines the prevalence of individuals considering revision rhinoplasty, while identifying the main cosmetic and functional complaints and factors associated.

Methodology

This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia using a self-reported online questionnaire distributed through social media channels. The sample included 1370 participants who were all Saudi nationals over the age of 16 who had undergone primary rhinoplasty at least 1 year prior.

Results

The prevalence of individuals considering revision rhinoplasty was 44.7%. The primary reason for considering it was the desire for further esthetic improvement in an already acceptable result (50.16%). The most common cosmetic complaints subjectively reported were poorly defined nasal tip (32.35%). The most prevalent nasal function symptom was nasal obstruction (56.9%). Significant factors associated with considering revision rhinoplasty included the physician not understanding the patient’s complaints, short consultation time, low monthly income, inadequate information about the expected results, not using computer imaging to predict outcomes, lack of rapport with the surgeon, and inadequate information about the risks and complications.

Conclusions

A thorough understanding of patient concerns and expectations, as well as thoughtful consideration of risk factors, may help surgeons achieve more successful outcomes and potentially reduce the incidence of revision rhinoplasties.

Level of evidence

III

New Frontiers in Skin Rejuvenation, Including Stem Cells and Autologous Therapies

One of the greatest challenges in the progression of aesthetic medicine lies in providing treatments with long-term results that are also minimally invasive and safe. Keeping up with this demand are developments in autologous therapies such as adipose-derived stem cells, stromal vascular fraction, microfat, nanofat, and platelet therapies, which are being shown to deliver satisfactory results. Innovations in more traditional cosmetic therapies, such as botulinum toxin, fillers, and thread lifts, are even more at the forefront of the advancement in aesthetics. Combining autologous therapies with traditional noninvasive methods can ultimately provide patients with more effective rejuvenation options.

Does Body Contouring After Bariatric Weight Loss Enhance Quality of Life? A Systematic Review of QOL Studies

Massive weight loss following bariatric surgery can result in excess tissue, manifesting as large areas of redundant skin that can be managed by body contouring surgery. This study aims to quantify the effects of body contouring surgery on indicators of quality of life in post-bariatric patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature revealed on indices of quality of life in post-bariatric patients, before and after body contouring surgery. Body contouring surgery resulted in statistically significant improvements in physical functioning, psychological wellbeing and social functioning, as well as a reduction in BMI. Body contouring surgery offers a strategy to improve quality of life in patients suffering from the functional and psychosocial consequences of excess skin after bariatric surgery.

Effect of molecular structure of eco-friendly glycolipid biosurfactants on the adsorption of hair-care conditioning polymers

Pseudo-binary mixtures of different glycolipids, four different rhamnolipids (RL) and an alkyl polyglucoside (APG), with poly(diallyl-dimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) have been studied in relation to their adsorption onto negatively charged surfaces to shed light on the impact of the molecular structure of surfactants from natural sources (instead of synthetic surfactant, such as sodium laureth sulfate) on the adsorption of hair-conditioning polymers. For this purpose, the self-assembly of such mixtures in aqueous solution and their adsorption onto negatively charged surfaces mimicking the negative charge of damaged hair fibres have been studied combining experiments and self-consistent field (SCF) calculations. The results show that the specific physico-chemical properties of the surfactants (charge, number of sugar rings present in surfactant structure and length of the hydrocarbon length) play a main role in the control of the adsorption process, with the adsorption efficiency and hydration being improved in relation to conventional sulfate-based systems for mixtures of PDADMAC and glycolipids with the shortest alkyl chains. SCF calculations and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis on real hair confirmed such observations. The results allow one to assume that the characteristic of the surfactants, especially rhamnolipids, conditions positively the adsorption potential of polyelectrolytes in these model systems. This study provides important insights on the mechanisms underlying the performance of more complex but eco-friendly washing formulations.

DPPH scavenging capacity of extracts from Camellia seed dregs using polyol compounds as solvents

This study investigated the properties of extracts of Camellia oleifera Abel seed dregs, which were extracted using polyol compounds. Solvents employed to extract the Camellia seed dregs included water, methanol, ethanol, and polyol compounds. The examined properties included ultraviolet (UV) absorbance, total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging efficiency as an antioxidant ability. The results revealed that the glycerol, glycerol plus ethanol, and propylene glycol plus ethanol solvents yielded extracts with greater DPPH scavenging efficiency and total polyphenol and flavonoid content than the water, methanol, and ethanol solvents did. In addition, the polyol plus ethanol solvents yielded extracts with greater DPPH scavenging efficiency, total polyphenol and flavonoid content, and antioxidant ability than the single polyol solvents did. Furthermore, both the UV and infrared absorption spectra and color reaction test of triterpenoid glycosides revealed that polyol or polyol–ethanol solvents effectively extracted quintessential ingredients such as flavonoids and triterpenoid glycosides and other polyphenols from the Camellia seed dregs. In addition, because polyols are moisture-retaining and nontoxic solvents, the extracts can be directly added to cosmetics after simple filtration. Without the need for solvent separation, C. oleifera Abel dregs extracts exhibit excellent potential for application in products such as body washes, shampoos, hair conditioners, skin care products, cosmetics, and sunscreen lotions.

Re: Brazilian Consensus Recommendation on the Use of Polymethylmethacrylate Filler in Facial and Corporal Aesthetics by Túlio Armanini Blanco Souza, Letícia Marques Colomé, Eduardo André Bender, Gottfriede Lemperle Aesthethic Plastic Surgery 2018; 42(5): 1244-51

The self-titled study Brazilian Consensus Recommendation cannot be considered a consensus and more specifically cannot be considered a Brazilian consensus. The study does not represent the point-of-view of members of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery. The content of this paper is plenty of contradictory and questionable affirmations. Method is flaw and does not inform any consistent data. Results and discussion are in the same section, making unclear what is result and what is pure speculation. This report is not a consensus nor reflects the opinion of plastic surgeons represented by the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP). Moreover, SBCP does not approve the use of PMMA as a filler for esthetical purposes in healthy patients.Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .