Quantitative analysis of fragrance allergens in various matrixes of cosmetics by liquid-liquid extraction and GC-MS.

Fragrances are the most common chemicals in cosmetics to which people expose every day. However, the unwanted allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis caused by direct contact with fragrances may happen. In Directive 2003/15/EC of the EU, cosmetic product containing one or more of 26 fragrance allergens must be declared on the package label. In addition, commission regulation (EU) 2017/1410 amending Annexes II and III of cosmetic regulation 1223/2009 restricted fragrance chemical of methyl eugenol, and prohibited Lyral, atranol, chloroatranol to be used in cosmetic. In this study, an efficient and sensitive GC-MS method for 3 banned fragrances, 26 fragrance allergens along with restricted methyl eugenol in cosmetics was established. Sample preparation by liquid-liquid extraction was developed by testing various solvent systems to simplify traditional complex extraction methodologies. Validation of the proposed method showed good linearities in a wide concentration ranges of 0.1-10 µg/mL. The intra-day and inter-day recoveries were between 84.4 and 119% with coefficient of variation (CV) below 13.5%. The limit of quantifications (LOQs) of 27 fragrance allergens were in the range of 2-20 µg/g. A surveillance study consisted with 82 cosmetics was conducted, among which 31 products claimed fragrance-free. The results showed some fragrance-free claims were false. In the other hand, there were seven cosmetics labeled containing Lyral, but only four were detected. The top fragrance allergens detected in the samples were linalool, limonene, and geraniol. The analysis of fragrance allergens in cosmetics indicated that potential contact allergy related to these products should be considered, even though some fragrance allergens were from natural extracts, such as oak moss absolute.

Xenograft of Human Umbilical Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Wharton's Jelly Differentiating into Osteocytes and Reducing Osteoclast Activity Reverses Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats.

We examined the effects of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) in Wharton's jelly on ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis by using in vitro and in vivo experiments. Two months after OVX, the rats gained weight and had a decreased serum estradiol level . Both micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histochemical analyses revealed a marked decrease in the bone volume (BV) and collagen content within the head, neck, and distal condyle of the femur, indicating that the osteoporosis animal model was successfully established 2 mo after bilateral OVX. Subsequently, 2.5 × 106 HUMSCs were injected into the bone marrow cavity of the left femurs 2 mo after OVX. The rats were divided into the following groups: normal + phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), normal + HUMSCs, OVX + PBS, and OVX + HUMSCs. Two months after transplantation, both micro-CT imaging and histochemical staining revealed that the normal + HUMSCs group had higher BV and collagen content in the epiphysis and metaphysis than did the normal + PBS group. In the OVX + HUMSCs group, a substantial increase in the rod-shaped trabecular bone and the abundant accumulation of collagen were observed around the site of HUMSC transplantation. Plenty of transplanted HUMSCs remained viable and differentiated into osteoblasts. In addition, HUMSC transplantation reduced the number of osteoclasts. Compared with HUMSCs cultured alone, HUMSCs cocultured with osteoblasts showed that the percentage of cells differentiating into osteoblasts significantly increased. Furthermore, osteoclasts cocultured with HUMSCs had significantly decreased cellular activity and differentiation capability. HUMSC transplantation into the distal femur of OVX rats could locally stimulate osteocalcin synthesis, increase the trabecular bone, and inhibit osteoclast activity.

Corroboration of Zn(ii)-Mg(ii)-tertiary structure interplays essential for the optimal catalysis of a phosphorothiolate thiolesterase ribozyme.

The TW17 ribozyme, a catalytic RNA selected from a pool of artificial RNA, is specific for the Zn2+-dependent hydrolysis of a phosphorothiolate thiolester bond. Here, we describe the organic synthesis of both guanosine α-thio-monophosphate and the substrates required for selecting and characterizing the TW17 ribozyme, and for deciphering the catalytic mechanism of the ribozyme. By successively substituting the substrate originally conjugated to the RNA pool with structurally modified substrates, we demonstrated that the TW17 ribozyme specifically catalyzes phosphorothiolate thiolester hydrolysis. Metal titration studies of TW17 ribozyme catalysis in the presence of Zn2+ alone, Zn2+ and Mg2+, and Zn2+ and [Co(NH3)6]3+ supported our findings that Zn2+ is absolutely required for ribozyme catalysis, and indicated that optimal ribozyme catalysis involves the presence of outer-sphere and one inner-sphere Mg2+. A survey of the TW17 ribozyme activity at various pHs revealed that the activity of the ribozyme critically depends on the alkaline conditions. Moreover, a GNRA tetraloop-containing ribozyme constructed with active catalysis in trans provided catalysis and multiple substrate turnover efficiencies significantly higher than ribozymes lacking a GNRA tetraloop. This research supports the essential roles of Zn2+, Mg2+, and a GNRA tetraloop in modulating the TW17 ribozyme structure for optimal ribozyme catalysis, leading also to the formulation of a proposed reaction mechanism for TW17 ribozyme catalysis.

Decellularization and recellularization technologies in tissue engineering.

Decellularization is the process by which cells are discharged from tissues/organs, but all of the essential cues for cell preservation and homeostasis are retained in a three-dimensional structure of the organ and its extracellular matrix components. During tissue decellularization, maintenance of the native ultrastructure and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is extremely acceptable. For recellularization, the scaffold/matrix is seeded with cells, the final goal being to form a practical organ. In this review, we focus on the biological properties of the ECM that remains when a variety of decellularization methods are used, comparing recellularization technologies, including bioreactor expansion for perfusion-based bioartificial organs, and we discuss cell sources. In the future, decellularization-recellularization procedures may solve the problem of organ assembly on demand.

Acetylcorynoline attenuates dopaminergic neuron degeneration and α-synuclein aggregation in animal models of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disease, impairs motor skills and cognitive function. To date, the drugs used for PD treatment provide only symptomatic relief. The identification of new drugs that show benefit in slowing the decline seen in PD patients is the focus of much current research. Acetylcorynoline is the major alkaloid component derived from Corydalis bungeana, a traditional Chinese medical herb. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, but no studies have yet described the effects of acetylcorynoline on PD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for acetylcorynoline to improve PD in Caenorhabditis elegans models. In the present study, we used a pharmacological strain (BZ555) that expresses green fluorescent protein specifically in dopaminergic neurons, and a transgenic strain (OW13) that expresses human α-synuclein in muscle cells to study the antiparkinsonian effects of acetylcorynoline. Our experimental data showed that treatment with up to 10 mM acetylcorynoline does not cause toxicity in animals. Acetylcorynoline significantly decreases dopaminergic neuron degeneration induced by 6-hydroxydopamine in BZ555 strain; prevents α-synuclein aggregation; recovers lipid content in OW13 strain; restores food-sensing behavior, and dopamine levels; and prolongs life-span in 6-hydroxydopamine-treated N2 strain, thus showing its potential as a possible antiparkinsonian drug. Acetylcorynoline may exert its effects by decreasing egl-1 expression to suppress apoptosis pathways and by increasing rpn5 expression to enhance the activity of proteasomes.

Positive attitudes and self-harming behavior of adolescents in a juvenile detention house in Taiwan.

This study aimed to evaluate the less stigmatizing positivity construct screening measurement and its association with recent self-harming behaviors among adolescents. Participants were 193 detained Taiwanese adolescents. Questionnaires consisted of a deliberate self-harm inventory, a positivity construct measurement, a depression scale, data concerning risky health behaviors and demographics. The prevalence rate of recent self-harming behavior among adolescents in the detention house was 43.5%. The logistic model showed that age, gender and level of positivity demonstrated significant odds ratios for self-harm behavior. Results showed that younger age and female gender increased self-harming behavior. In addition, low score on positivity construct screening measurement increased the probability of self-harming behavior. Furthermore, these adolescents also engaged in risky health behaviors and were more depressed. Parental and school awareness for these risky behaviors should be enhanced and appropriate early interventions implemented to prevent negative health outcomes.

Permeation of protein from porous poly(epsilon-caprolactone) films.

The objective of this study was designed to extend the application of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) in delivery of macromolecular proteins. The strategy applied here is to create a porous structure in PCL films in order to control the diffusion rate of protein. Various amounts of both high-molecular-weight and low-molecular-weight poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were used as pore-forming agents. The porous films were prepared by a solvent-casting-leaching method. The thicknesses of the prepared films were controlled to be in the range of 75.3 +/- 0.6 similar 81.7 +/- 0.6 mum. The pore fraction of films was determined to be 27.7 +/- 1.0% similar 52.5 +/- 0.8% for PEG(10000) and 26.6 +/- 1.8% similar 48.8 +/- 1.4% for PEG(4000). The pore fraction initially increased with increasing amounts of PEG, independent of the molecular weight of PEG. In the permeation study, lysozyme was used as a model diffuser. The permeation rate of protein increased as the pore fraction of films increased, especially when 30 similar 40% of PEG was added initially, and this phenomenon was more prominent when low-molecular-weight PEG was used. This result was probably due to the highly porous structure creating interconnected channels in the films, further enhancing protein diffusion. In addition, the size of micropores formed by PEG(4000) was observed to be larger than by PEG(10000), which also accounted for faster permeation rate of lysozyme through PCL-PEG(4000) porous films.