394 research outputs found

    Stability Study of Sunscreens with Free and Encapsulated UV Filters Contained in Plastic Packaging

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    Sunscreens play a fundamental role in skin cancer prevention and in protection against photo-aging. UV filters are often photo-unstable, especially in relation to their vehicles and, being lipophilic substances, they are able to interact with plastic packaging. Finally, UV filter stability can be significantly affected by the routine use of the product at high temperatures. This work aims to study the stability of sunscreen formulations in polyethylene packaging. Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane and octocrylene, both in a free form and as encapsulated filters were chosen as UV filters. Stability evaluations were performed both in the packaging and on the formulations. Moreover, a further two non-destructive techniques, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and a multiple light scattering technique, were also used to evaluate the stability of the formulation. Results demonstrated clearly that all of the pack underwent significant changes in its elastic/plastic behavior and in external color after solar irradiation. From the evaluation of the extractable profile of untreated and treated packaging material an absorption of 2-phenoxyethanol and octocrylene were shown. In conclusion, the results highlighted clearly that a reduction of the UV filter in the formulation packed in high-density polyethylene/low-density polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE) material can occur over time, reducing the protective effect of the product when applied to the skin

    Ultrasound and 3D Skin Imaging: Methods to Evaluate Efficacy of Striae Distensae Treatment

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    Background. Over time, the striae rubra develop into striae alba that appear white, flat, and depressed. It is very important to determine the optimum striae management. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of these therapies, objective measurement tools are necessary. Objective. The aim of this study is to evaluate if ultrasonography and PRIMOS can be used to obtain an objective assessment of stretch marks type and stage; furthermore, we aim to apply these techniques to evaluate the efficacy of a topical treatment. Methods. 20 volunteers were enrolled with a two-month study. A marketed cosmetic product was used as the active over one body area. The controlateral area with stretch marks was treated with a “placebo” formulation without active, as a control. The instrumental evaluation was carried out at the beginning of the trial (baseline values or 0), after 1 month (1), and at the end of the study (2). Results. PRIMOS was able to measure and document striae distensae maturation; furthermore, ultrasound imaging permitted to visualize and diagnose the striae. Statistical analysis of skin roughness demonstrated a statistically significant reduction of Rp value only in a treated group. In fact, the Rp value represented a maximum peak height in the area selected. These results demonstrated that after two months of treatment only the striae rubra can be treated successfully. Conclusions. This work demonstrated that the 22MHz ultrasound can diagnose stretch marks; PRIMOS device can detect and measure striae distensae type and maturation. Furthermore, the high-frequency ultrasound and the 3D image device, described in this work, can be successfully employed in order to evaluate the efficacy of a topical treatment

    Pharmacological research: where we are and what to expect

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    The chapter describes the pharmacological and the innovative approach for the tretment of pelvic floor dysfunction pain

    A preliminary study on the morphological and release properties ofhydroxyapatite–alendronate composite materials

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    Inhibition of osteoclasts by bisphosphonate is one strategy to be explored in order to avoid a revision surgery. The purpose of this preliminary work is to synthesize hydroxyapatite–alendronate (HA–ALN) composites as carrier for ALN that could improve its site specific activity. HA–ALN composites were prepared by the co-precipitation method. Process parameters such as HA:ALN w/w ratio (1:1, 5:1 and 10:1) and HA incubation times (6, 24, 48 and 72 h) were evaluated. Morphological, physical–chemical characterization and biocompatibility tests were performed. TEM and SEM analyses confirmed ALN precipitation as fine network onto HA. The results of physical–chemical characterization confirmed the presence of ALN in the composites and its interaction with HA. ALN content resulted between 60% and 80% in the HA:ALN 5:1 and 10:1 ratios composites. ALN release reached 80% from HA–ALN 10:1 composites. Biological tests revealed that complexation with HA increased ALN biocompatibility by three times. These preliminary results demonstrated that HA–ALN composites could be considered a carrier to control ALN release

    Preliminary evaluation of packaging-content interactions: mechanical and physico-chemical characterization of PLA bottles

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    Biodegradable materials as polylactide (PLA) are very interesting for cosmetic packaging application. However, these polymers, under environmental conditions or/and chemical treatments, can undergo “aging,” compromising their performances such as container. The aim of this study was the evaluation of mechanical, physicochemical, and organoleptic properties of PLA bottles present in the cosmetic market. In particular, mechanical tests and thermal analyses were applied to study the PLA container degradation under stressed physicochemical conditions. Calorimetric and morphological analyses were applied to evaluate differences between internal and external surface of containers. Results highlighted that the heating process together with chemical treatment determined a significant modification on polymer, leading to a more resistant and fragile material, whereas the only physical or chemical treatment alone showed a plasticizing effect. In conclusion, this study represents a start point to evaluate content–packaging interactions to optimize the choice of PLA polymer as cosmetic packaging

    Packaging Evaluation Approach to Improve Cosmetic Product Safety

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    In the Regulation 1223/2009, evaluation of packaging has become mandatory to assure cosmetic product safety. In fact, the safety assessment of a cosmetic product can be successfully carried out only if the hazard deriving from the use of the designed packaging for the specific product is correctly evaluated. Despite the law requirement, there is too little information about the chemical-physical characteristics of finished packaging and the possible interactions between formulation and packaging; furthermore, different from food packaging, the cosmetic packaging is not regulated and, to date, appropriate guidelines are still missing. The aim of this work was to propose a practical approach to investigate commercial polymeric containers used in cosmetic field, especially through mechanical properties’ evaluation, from a safety point of view. First of all, it is essential to obtain complete information about raw materials. Subsequently, using an appropriate full factorial experimental design, it is possible to investigate the variables, like polymeric density, treatment, or type of formulation involved in changes to packaging properties or in formulation-packaging interaction. The variation of these properties can greatly affect cosmetic safety. In particular, mechanical properties can be used as an indicator of pack performances and safety. As an example, containers made of two types of polyethylene with different density, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are investigated. Regarding the substances potentially extractable from the packaging, in this work the headspace solid-phase microextraction method (HSSPME) was used because this technique was reported in the literature as suitable to detect extractables from the polymeric material here employed

    The Author\u27s Series

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    Moderator: Daphine Priscilla Brown-Jack Guest Panelist: Carlos Wallace Guest Panelist: Rachel B-Fo

    Determination of N-acetylglucosamine in cosmetic formulations and skin test samples by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and UV detection

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    N-Acetylglucosamine is an ingredient in pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements and in cosmetics. N-Acetylglucosamine in cosmetics is expected to improve skin hydration, reparation, and to contribute as anti-wrinkle agent. This study reports on the validation and application of an HPLC method based on HILIC and UV detection for determining N-acetylglucosamine in cosmetics and in samples obtained after testing the skin exposed to cosmetics formulations. The chromatographic column used is a ZIC(®)-pHILIC (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm particle size) on which a mobile phase containing acetonitrile-aqueous KH2PO4 (70:30, v/v) 15 mM was applied in isocratic elution mode injecting 20 μl of sample at 0.5 ml/min constant flow-rate and 10±1°C column temperature. Under these conditions the total run time was 10 min and N-acetylglucosamine eluted baseline separated from all other compounds in the samples. Calibration in the range from 40 to 80 μg/ml allowed to assess the method linearity (R(2)>0.999) in a concentration range corresponding to about 50% to 120% of the expected levels of N-acetylglucosamine in the formulations. Precision expressed by RSD% was always better than 2% in intra-day and inter-day assays of authentic samples. Accuracy was in all cases within 95-105% of the expected concentration value in formulations containing N-acetylglucosamine. The sensitivity of the method was at the level of 10 μg/ml as limit of detection, and at 40 μg/ml as limit of quantitation. The application of the method to formulations containing solid lipid nanoparticles documents its usefulness in cosmetic quality control. The results witness that the method is also suitable for the determination of N-acetylglucosamine in samples obtained from skin test strips

    Priscilla Yeung : Wildflowers and Weeds

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    Frohman's descriptive analysis of Yeung's exhibition calls attention to how questions inscribed within the works are informed by the artist's everyday life experience - her physical stature, gender and race. Topics such as collection, memorabilia, temporality and the fantastic are considered in relation to the "value" and "performance" of the art object. Includes artist's statement. Brief biographical notes on artist and author. 1 bibl. ref

    Indigenous Futurism

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    Jesse and Priscilla talk with scholar and author, Grace Dillon about Indigenous Futurism, a term she coined to describe indigenous art, literature, and media expressed as science fiction with an emphasis on science
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