Comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a new multi-component anti-aging topical eye cream.

BACKGROUND: The delicate periorbital region is susceptible to skin dehydration, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Thus, targeted and effective anti-aging interventions are necessary for the periorbital area. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new anti-aging eye cream formulated with the active complex (Yeast/rice fermentation filtrate, N-acetylneuraminic acid, palmityl tripeptide-1, and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7). METHODS: The cell viability and expressions of key extracellular matrix (ECM) components of the active complex were evaluated using a human skin fibroblast model. In the 12-week clinical trial, skin hydration, elasticity, facial photographs, and collagen density following eye cream application were assessed using Corneometer, Cutometer, VISIA, and ultrasound device, respectively. Dermatologists and participants evaluated clinical efficacy and safety at baseline, and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. RESULTS: PCR and immunofluorescent analyses revealed that the active complex significantly stimulated fibroblast proliferation (p < 0.05) and markedly promote the synthesis of collagen and elastin. Clinical findings exhibited a substantial enhancement in skin hydration (28.12%), elasticity (18.81%), and collagen production (54.99%) following 12 weeks of eye cream application. Dermatological evaluations and participants' assessments reported a significant improvement in skin moisture, roughness, elasticity, as well as fine lines and wrinkles by week 8. CONCLUSION: The new anti-aging eye cream, enriched with the active complex, demonstrates comprehensive rejuvenating effects, effectively addressing aging concerns in the periorbital area, coupled with a high safety profile.

Genetic diversity of Haemaphysalis longicornis from China and molecular detection of Rickettsia.

The tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (Neumann) (Acari, Ixodidae) is distributed throughout China and is the most notorious blood feeding ectoparasite of livestock. Haemaphysalis longicornis can transmit a large number of pathogens that cause human infectious diseases, such as Rickettsia spp. Here, we characterized the genetic structure of H. longicornis and tested for the presence of Rickettsia spp. from five regions in China. Analysis of the two mitochondrial marker sequences (16S rRNA and COI) and the nuclear sequence (ITS2) showed that the overall level of nucleotide diversity was low and the variability did not differ among the five regions. From the five locations, the infection rates of Rickettsia species ranged from 0 to 65%. The nucleotide diversities of the high-infected group were lower than those of the low- and uninfected group. And in neutrality tests for the high-infected group based on COI sequences, the Tajima's D and Fu's FS were coincidentally < 0 and significant, whereas they were closer to zero and non-significant in low- and uninfected groups.

Involvement of Epigenetic Modifications of GABAergic Interneurons in Basolateral Amygdala in Anxiety-like Phenotype of Prenatally Stressed Mice.

Background: Prenatal stress is considered a risk factor for anxiety disorder. Downregulation in the expression of GABAergic gene, that is, glutamic acid decarboxylase 67, associated with DNA methyltransferase overexpression in GABAergic neurons has been regarded as a characteristic component of anxiety disorder. Prenatal stress has an adverse effect on the development of the basolateral amygdala, which is a key region in anxiety regulation. The aim of this study is to analyze the possibility of epigenetic alterations of GABAergic neurons in the basolateral amygdala participating in prenatal stress-induced anxiety. Methods: Behavioral tests were used to explore the prenatal stress-induced anxiety behaviors of female adult mice. Real-time RT-PCR, western blot, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and electrophysiological analysis were employed to detect epigenetic changes of GABAergic system in the basolateral amygdala. Results: Prenatal stress mice developed an anxiety-like phenotype accompanied by a significant increase of DNA methyltransferase 1 and a reduced expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 in the basolateral amygdala. Prenatal stress mice also showed the increased binding of DNA methyltransferase 1 and methyl CpG binding protein 2 to glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 promoter region. The decrease of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 transcript was paralleled by an enrichment of 5-methylcytosine in glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 promoter regions. Electrophysiological study revealed the increase of postsynaptic neuronal excitability in the cortical-basolateral amygdala synaptic transmission of prenatal stress mice. 5-Aza-deoxycytidine treatment restored the increased synaptic transmission and anxiety-like behaviors in prenatal stress mice via improving GABAergic system. Conclusion: The above results suggest that DNA epigenetic modifications of GABAergic interneurons in the basolateral amygdala participate in the etiology of anxiety-like phenotype in prenatal stress mice.

Facile approach to SiO(x)/Si/C composite anode material from bulk SiO for lithium ion batteries.

The m-SiO(x)/Si composite for lithium ion battery anode was prepared via a partial reduction reaction between ball-milled silicon monoxide and magnesium by high-energy mechanical milling. The m-SiO(x)/Si is composed of Si-suboxide and embedded Si nano-crystallites. The particles were further covered by a uniform carbon layer on the surface via a chemical vapor deposition process. The m-SiO(x)/Si/C composite shows a stable reversible capacity of ca. 1250 mA h g(-1) and excellent cycling stability with 90.9% capacity retention on the 100th cycle versus the 6th one (compared at the same current rate). In contrast, SiO pre-milled for 25 h presents a reversible capacity of only ca. 900 mA h g(-1) under the same carbon coating condition.

Clinical outcomes and 5-year follow-up results of keratosis pilaris treated by a high concentration of glycolic acid.

BACKGROUND: Keratosis pilaris is a hereditary abnormal keratosis of the hair follicle orifice. Gray-brown keratotic plugs in the pores and dark red keratotic papules at the openings of hair follicles can be seen, which contain coiled hair and are often accompanied by perifollicular erythema and pigmentation. Glycolic acid can correct the abnormalities of hair follicular duct keratosis and eliminate excessive accumulation of keratinocytes. It also promotes skin metabolism and accelerates the melanin metabolism. The therapeutic effect is related to the glycolic acid concentration. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a high concentration of glycolic acid in the treatment of keratosis pilaris, and to observe the outcomes at 5-year of follow-up. METHODS: Twenty-five participants were recruited and areas with typical keratosis pilaris were selected as testing sites. High concentrations of glycolic acid (50% or 70%) were applied to a circular area (d = 8 cm, S = 50 cm2) and repeated four times, on days 0, 20, 40 and 60. Before each treatment and 20 d after the last treatment, on days 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 and at a 5-year follow-up, The number of follicular keratotic papules were counted and the extent of perifollicular erythema and pigmentation was determined. At the same time, the participants provided subjective evaluations of treatment efficacy and safety. RESULTS: Treatment effectiveness was indicated by the percentage of keratotic papules in the test site, on days 20, 40, 60 and 80, which were 8%, 12%, 36%, and 60%, respectively. Compared with day 0, each difference was significant (P < 0.05). Compared with day 0, differences in melanin content (M) in the skin and skin lightness (L) on days 40, 60 and 80, the were statistically significant (P < 0.05); skin hemoglobin content (E) on days 60 and 80 was statistically different as compared with before treatment (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the number of keratotic papules, M, L, and E in 9 participants at the 5-year follow-up compared with before treatment (P > 0.05%). CONCLUSION: A high concentration of glycolic acid significantly improved skin roughness as well as follicular hyperpigmentation of patients with keratosis pilaris. The treatment was relatively safe, but there was no significant difference at the 5-year follow-up compared to before treatment.

Rice-shaped porous ZnMn2O4 microparticles as advanced anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

In this work, novel rice-shaped porous ZnMn2O4 microparticles made of nanoparticles were successfully prepared for the first time by the calcination of Zn0.33Mn0.67CO3 precursors synthesized using a facile triethanolamine-assisted solvothermal method. The effect of solvothermal reaction time on the crystallinity and morphology of Zn0.33Mn0.67CO3 precursors is discussed. The obtained ZnMn2O4 microparticles have lengths of ca. 1.6 µm and widths of ca. 0.9 µm, while the primary nanoparticles are in sizes of ca. 25-70 nm. As a potential anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the ZnMn2O4 microparticles give a large reversible discharge capacity of 892 mA h g-1 at 0.2 A g-1, superior cyclability (95% capacity retention after 550 cycles at 2 A g-1), and excellent rate capability (571 mA h g-1 at 5 A g-1). The outstanding electrochemical performances of the microparticle materials benefit from the suitable micro-/nanoparticle sizes, hierarchical porous structures, and strong interconnected 3D frameworks, which shorten the path lengths for ionic transport, accommodate volume expansion/contraction, and maintain the structural integrity of electrodes during the cycling process.

Exposure of Pregnant Mice to Perfluorobutanesulfonate Causes Hypothyroxinemia and Developmental Abnormalities in Female Offspring.

Perfluorobutanesulfonate (PFBS) is widely used in many industrial products. We evaluated the influence of prenatal PFBS exposure on perinatal growth and development, pubertal onset, and reproductive and thyroid endocrine system in female mice. Here, we show that when PFBS (200 and 500 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to pregnant mice (PFBS-dams) on days 1-20 of gestation; their female offspring (PFBS-offspring) exhibited decreased perinatal body weight and delayed eye opening compared with control offspring. Vaginal opening and first estrus were also significantly delayed in PFBS-offspring, and diestrus was prolonged. Ovarian and uterine size, as well as follicle and corpus luteum numbers, were reduced in adult PFBS-offspring. Furthermore, pubertal and adult PFBS-offspring exhibited decreases in serum estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels with the elevation of luteinizing hormone levels. Notably, decreases in serum total thyroxine (T4) and 3,3', 5-triiodothyronine (T3) levels were observed in fetal, pubertal, and adult PFBS-offspring in conjunction with slight increases in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone levels. In addition, PFBS-dams exhibited significant decreases in total T4 and T3 levels and free T4 levels and increases in TSH levels, but no changes in E2 and P4 levels. These results indicate that prenatal PFBS exposure (≥200 mg/kg/day) causes permanent hypothyroxinemia accompanied by deficits in perinatal growth, pubertal onset, and reproductive organ development in female mice.

Triclosan causes spontaneous abortion accompanied by decline of estrogen sulfotransferase activity in humans and mice.

Triclosan (TCS), an antibacterial agent, is identified in serum and urine of humans. Here, we show that the level of urinary TCS in 28.3% patients who had spontaneous abortion in mid-gestation were increased by 11.3-fold (high-TCS) compared with normal pregnancies. Oral administration of TCS (10 mg/kg/day) in mice (TCS mice) caused an equivalent urinary TCS level as those in the high-TCS abortion patients. The TCS-exposure from gestation day (GD) 5.5 caused dose-dependently fetal death during GD12.5-16.5 with decline of live fetal weight. GD15.5 TCS mice appeared placental thrombus and tissue necrosis with enhancement of platelet aggregation. The levels of placenta and plasma estrogen sulfotransferase (EST) mRNA and protein in TCS mice or high-TCS abortion patients were not altered, but their EST activities were significantly reduced compared to controls. Although the levels of serum estrogen (E2) in TCS mice and high-TCS abortion patients had no difference from controls, their ratio of sulfo-conjugated E2 and unconjugated E2 was reduced. The estrogen receptor antagonist ICI-182,780 prevented the enhanced platelet aggregation and placental thrombosis and attenuated the fetal death in TCS mice. The findings indicate that TCS-exposure might cause spontaneous abortion probably through inhibition of EST activity to produce placental thrombosis.

Chronic Exposure of Female Mice to an Environmental Level of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate Suppresses Estrogen Synthesis Through Reduced Histone H3K14 Acetylation of the StAR Promoter Leading to Deficits in Follicular Development and Ovulation.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) at a high dose of 10 mg/kg has been reported to affect the neuroendocrine system and exert toxic effects in rodents. The present study examined the influence of chronic exposure to a low-dose of PFOS (0.1 mg/kg/day) on female reproductive endocrine and function. Herein, we show that adult female mice exposed to PFOS by gavage for 4 months (PFOS-mice) exhibited a prolongation of diestrus without signs of toxic effects. The numbers of mature follicles and corpora luteum were significantly reduced in PFOS-mice with increase of atresic follicles. The levels of serum estrogen (E2) and progesterone at proestrus and diestrus were reduced in PFOS-mice. In comparison with controls, PFOS-mice showed a significant decrease in the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, the number of kisspeptin neurons and the level of kiss1 mRNA in anteroventral periventricular nucleus at proestrus but not at diestrus, which could be corrected with the normalization to E2. PFOS-mice did not generate an LH-surge at proestrus, which could be rescued by the application of E2 or kisspeptin-10. Notably, the level of ovarian steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) mRNA was decreased in PFOS-mice with the reduction of histone H3K14 acetylation in StAR promoter relative to control mice, whereas the P450scc expression and histone H3K14 acetylation showed no difference between the groups. The present study provides evidence that the chronic exposure to the low-dose of PFOS through selectively reducing histone acetylation of StAR suppresses the biosynthesis of E2 to impair the follicular development and ovulation.

Perinatal exposure to low-dose of bisphenol A causes anxiety-like alteration in adrenal axis regulation and behaviors of rat offspring: a potential role for metabotropic glutamate 2/3 receptors.

AIMS: The present study focuses on detecting anxiety-like behavior and associated neurochemical alterations in adolescent rats exposed perinatally to bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogen-mimicking endocrine disrupter and investigating the possible involvement of metabotropic glutamate 2/3 receptors (mGlu2/3 receptors) in BPA-induced anxiogenic effects. METHODS AND RESULTS: When female breeders were administered orally with BPA (40 µg/kg/d) during pregnancy and lactation, their pups (here named 'BPA-exposed offspring') developed an anxiety-like phenotype, characterized by the hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, impaired glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated negative feedback regulation of the HPA axis, altered hippocampal synaptic plasticity and increased anxiety-like behaviors. BPA-exposed offspring also showed a reduced expression of mGlu2/3 receptors in the hippocampus. BPA-exposed offspring further subjected to systemic administration of mGlu2/3 receptor agonist (LY379268, 0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or antagonist (LY341495, 1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) twice per day for 6 days. The results indicated that chronic LY379268 treatment corrected the anxiety-like behaviors and associated neurochemical and endocrinological alterations in BPA-exposed offspring. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate for the first time that the perinatal BPA exposure induces an anxiety-like phenotype in behaviors and -related neuroendocrinology, and suggest that the changes in mGlu2/3 receptor might lie at the core of the pathological reprogramming triggered by early-life adversity. mGlu2/3 receptor may serve as a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target for anxiety disorders associated with adverse early-life agents including perinatal BPA exposure.

Nano/micro-structured Si/CNT/C composite from nano-SiO2 for high power lithium ion batteries.

Nano/micro-structured pSi and pSi/CNT particles were synthesized from nano-SiO2 as both a template and silicon precursor via a combination of spray drying and magnesiothermic reduction, followed by a nano-layer carbon coating by chemical vapor deposition to obtain a nano/micro-structured pSi/C and pSi/CNT/C composite. In the hierarchical microstructure of the pSi/CNT/C composite, Si nanoparticles less than 20 nm in size were homogenously dispersed in an electronically conductive and porous network of multiwall carbon nanotubes, which can accommodate the volume changes in Si and improve the structural and conductive stability during repeated cycles leading to excellent electrochemical performance. The pSi/CNT/C presented reversible capacities of ca. 2100 mA h g(-1) at 1 A g(-1) and ca. 1370 mA h g(-1) at a high current rate of 5 A g(-1). Its capacity retention after 100 cycles was 95.5% at 1 A g(-1).