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    60118 research outputs found

    Investigating the Behavior of a Natural Emulsifier in One-Pot and Standard Cosmetic Emulsions

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    The cosmetic industry is growing at an impressive rate worldwide. In the cosmetic field, natural-origin ingredients represent the new frontier in this industry. Among the main components of cosmetics, lipids, emulsifiers, rheological modifiers, preservatives, colorants, and antioxidants can be found. These compounds form emulsions, which are among the main cosmetic formulations. An important aspect in this regard is the evaluation of emulsions’ stability over time and emulsions’ production methodology. In this paper, a comparison is made between two emulsion production technologies, the Standard and the “One-Pot” methods, through the characterization of the raw material ABWAX® Revomul, a multifunctional wax for cosmetic use which consists of a low-melting structuring wax of vegetal origin (Rhus wax) and a natural emulsifier (Polyglyceril-3 Stearate). First, we evaluated the affinity between the wax raw materials and emollients of different chemical nature; then, we analyzed the impact of the production method on the emulsions to identify similarities and differences. ABWAX® Revomul demonstrated a high level of effectiveness in regard to stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions. This study suggests that from an industrial point of view, the application of the two procedures allows products with different characteristics to be obtained, consequently allowing a specific method to be chosen to obtain the desired product

    Silent enemies: can low-virulence macroparasites drive disease-mediated invasions?

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    Shared pathogens can alter the interaction between native and alien species resulting in disease-mediated invasions (DMIs). Invasive animals often harbour low-virulence macroparasites, but empirical evidence for macroparasite-driven DMIs is still limited due to their subtile pathological impacts and scarce prominence. Here, we modelled the dynamics of native red squirrels, invasive grey squirrels and their shared nematode Strongyloides robustus to assess whether macroparasites can drive DMIs and lead to native species extinction. Our simulations showed that spill-over of the alien parasite can lead to red squirrel extinction, that grey squirrels can amplify the infection in the native host and that the infection can accelerate the replacement of red squirrels compared to direct competition alone, ultimately facilitating invasion by grey squirrels. These results show that low-virulence macroparasites can potentially mediate animal invasions, suggesting that we are overlooking key drivers of native species decline

    Long-term Stability and Hyaluronic Acid Filler Selection for Forehead Contouring

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    : Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers have progressed from superficial wrinkle correction to tools for deep 3-dimensional facial remodeling. The forehead, once addressed exclusively through surgical procedures or botulinum toxin, can now be effectively reshaped using HA fillers. This retrospective study evaluates the long-term outcomes of forehead contouring in 38 patients (36 males, 2 females; mean age: 47.6 y) treated between January 2021 and January 2024 using a low G' (20 Pa), monophasic cross-linked HA filler. Injections were performed perpendicularly to the frontal bone, targeting the space just above the periosteum to correct frontal bossing and restore contour. The mean volume used was 16 mL per patient. No major or minor complications occurred, and patient satisfaction, measured through Visual Analog Scale (VAS), averaged 91 at 12 months. Follow-up up to 36 months demonstrated stable aesthetic results, with no evidence of filler resorption, nodules, or irregularities. The use of a low-cohesivity, low-elasticity filler allowed for precise molding and excellent integration without visible distortion, even in the thin tissue planes of the forehead. Despite the absence of a filler specifically designed for this region, this approach proved effective, cost-efficient, and safe. These findings suggest that deep HA filler injections may offer a reliable, reversible, and long-lasting alternative to surgical forehead contouring. Further randomized, controlled trials are needed to define the ideal rheological parameters for forehead applications

    Efficacy and Tolerability of Vortioxetine Versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for Late-Life Depression: A Post-hoc Analysis of the VESPA Study

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    Background and Objectives Usual treatment approaches for late-life depression primarily involve selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Recently, the potential role of vortioxetine has garnered attention. This study aimed to investigate whether vortioxetine is superior to SSRIs in terms of efficacy and tolerability in older people with moderate-to-severe depression. Methods The Vortioxetine in the Elderly versus SSRIs: a Pragmatic Assessment (VESPA) study was an assessor-blinded, randomized, parallel-group, superiority trial, comparing flexible doses of vortioxetine versus SSRIs in older adults with depression. This is a post-hoc analysis that excluded participants with milder symptoms of depression. The primary outcome was the change in Montgomery-& Aring;sberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores. Secondary outcomes included clinical response (MADRS total score reduction of >= 50%), remission (a MADRS score < 10), and discontinuation rates. Clinical measures were conducted at baseline and at 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month (endpoint) visits. Results In total, 302 individuals (mean age: 73.4 +/- 5.9 years; 68.9% females), comprising 152 randomized to vortioxetine and 150 to SSRIs (sertraline N = 92; paroxetine N = 19; escitalopram N = 19; citalopram N = 16; fluoxetine N = 3; fluvoxamine N = 1), were included in this post-hoc analysis. No significant differences in MADRS improvement between vortioxetine and SSRIs were observed at any follow-up visits and 6-month endpoint (-11.8 +/- 10.6 versus -14.0 +/- 11.6; p = 0.12). This was further confirmed by a subgroup analysis excluding drug discontinuers (-16.8 +/- 9.0 versus -17.6 +/- 10.3; p = 0.51). In addition, people treated with vortioxetine did not exhibit better rates of response (44.1 versus 53.0%; p = 0.11), remission (25.7 versus 34.7%; p = 0.09), and discontinuation (38.0 versus 30.2%; p = 0.17), including discontinuation owing to either side effects or inefficacy, compared with those treated with SSRIs. Conclusions Vortioxetine was not superior to SSRIs in terms of efficacy and tolerability in older adults with moderate-to-severe depression. Additional trials, possibly based on fixed doses of vortioxetine, are needed. Registration Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03779789, registered on 12 Dec 2018; EudraCT number: 2018-001444-66

    Genetic determinants of prostate cancer predisposition in Ashkenazi Jews

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    Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent cancer among men in the European Union, the USA and Israel, with heritability being a key risk factor. Endogamy and kinship are known to increase the likelihood of transmitting genetic mutations associated with various cancers, as seen in populations with high levels of consanguinity, such as Ashkenazi Jews. The Ashkenazi Jewish population, with a history of genetic bottlenecks and selective migrations, has a higher prevalence of inherited mutations that predispose individuals to various diseases including cancer. This article reviews the literature examining the potential effects of founder mutations specific to Ashkenazi Jews, in enhancing the genetic risk of prostate cancer in this population. Methods: We searched for English-language articles on DNA mutations in Ashkenazi Jewish patients of any age with prostate cancer of any grade, including various study types, using PubMed and other databases with relevant keywords, and confirmed the search was up-to-date as of January 31st, 2025. Results: While the overall burden of PCa may not be higher than in European non-Jews, certain founder mutations in Ashkenazi Jews, especially 6174delT in BRCA2, are linked to increased risk and aggressive forms of PCa. Further research is needed to ascertain unequivocally the potential predisposing role of mutations such as 185delAG in BRCA1 or 471delAAAG in RNASEL. Conclusions: Overall, genetic screening for PCa risk in Ashkenazi Jewish men, particularly within high-endogamy subgroups (Haredim), may be beneficial. Increasing awareness of familial hereditary prostate cancer among Ashkenazi men and healthcare providers is also crucial for early detection and better management of the condition. The complexity of PCa genetics in Ashkenazim, including the influence of multiple low-penetrance mutations, the possible confounding factor of phenocopies, and the need for larger, more diverse studies, underscores the challenges in identifying definitive genetic risk factors. Further studies are awaited investigating in-depth the aggressiveness and response to treatment of PC among Ashkenazi Jews

    TEVAR Versus Optimal Medical Therapy for Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection: A Systematic Review & Meta-analysis

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    Background: This meta-analysis reviewed the outcomes of patients with uncomplicated Type B aortic dissection (unTBAD) treated with either thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) plus optimal medical therapy (OMT) or OMT alone. The study evaluated both short-term and long-term outcomes to assess whether TEVAR improved overall mortality and reduced complications such as retrograde type A dissection, stroke, paraplegia, and aortic remodeling. Methods: We conducted comprehensive searches on PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) to identify studies comparing long-term outcomes of TEVAR and OMT for unTBAD. Using the Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome (PICO) framework and adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we formulated the search query. The search was limited to titles and abstracts and included thorough citation reviews. Each study was evaluated against strict inclusion and exclusion criteria for eligibility. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi (Version 2.5) from the Jamovi project (2024). Results: The total number of patients with unTBAD in our analysis was 25,650, with 21,041 receiving optimal medical therapy (OMT) and 4,609 treated with TEVAR. The OMT group had an average age of 61.7 years, with 69.7% treated in the acute phase (<15 days). Their mean maximum aortic diameter was 38.5 mm, and the false lumen (FL) diameter averaged 25.4 mm. In the TEVAR group, the average age was 59.7 years, with 76.2% treated acutely. The average maximum aortic diameter was 40.2 mm, and the FL diameter was 26.4 mm. A pooled analysis showed no significant difference in 30-day and inhospital mortality rates (log odds ratio 0.1058, P = 0.4971). However, a random-effects model indicated a log odds ratio of -1.3696, resulting in an odds ratio of 0.2542 (P < 0.0001). Survival rates were 95.4% for the OMT group and 98% for the TEVAR group. At 1 year, survival was 90.2% for the OMT group (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85.7-90.7) and 94% for the TEVAR group (95% CI: 90.6-97.5). At 2 years, OMT survival was 71.8% (95% CI: 63.4-80.1) compared to 83.7% for TEVAR (95% CI: 75.6-91.8). At 3 years, survival was 82.2% for OMT (95% CI: 77.4-87) and 89.9% for TEVAR (95% CI: 86.1-93.7). Conclusion: The role of TEVAR in managing unTBAD remains debated. While studies show improved aortic remodeling post-TEVAR, there is no definitive evidence for increased survival rates. It is essential to conduct randomized trials and develop guidelines that include high-risk features for assessing this complex patient group

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