Poly-D,L-lactic acid (PDLLA) is increasingly used as a collagen-stimulating injectable with a favorable safety profile. However, reports of nodules associated with PDLLA remain limited, particularly in anatomically sensitive areas such as the neck. We report a case of early, asymptomatic cervical nodules occurring after PDLLA injection, characterized clinically and by high-resolution ultrasound. The case is discussed in the context of injection technique, anatomical considerations, and real-world procedural factors that may predispose to product accumulation. This report highlights that early nodules following PDLLA injection may reflect technical deposition rather than inflammatory or granulomatous reactions. Awareness of neck anatomy, careful handling of PDLLA suspensions, and the use of ultrasound can aid in accurate diagnosis and prevention of similar events.
EU regulation requires that cosmetic products be safe and that claims not mislead consumers. It does not require that claims be compositionally grounded. A product marketed as "barrier-restoring" need not contain barrier lipids at any particular concentration. Practitioners who want to check whether formulation composition supports a declared function have no standardised procedure for doing so from the label alone. To develop a structured, label-based methodology - the Multi-Vector Functional Mapping (MVFM) - for analysing cosmetic formulations from their INCI composition without laboratory data or proprietary tools. The MVFM locates the first regulated preservative or fragrance marker in the INCI list and uses its position as a segmentation boundary. Ingredients above that boundary are scored on three functional vectors - Hydration (H), Lipid (L), Structural (S) - on a 0–3 scale. Three commercial products with different declared functions were used as a test case. Segmentation worked without ambiguity in all three products. Products A and C returned vector profiles consistent with their label claims. Product B - marketed as anti-aging - scored H=4, L=7, S=6: a lipid-dominant profile more consistent with a texture-focused cream than with a bioactive-driven anti-aging formula. Two fragrance allergens regulated under Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 were identified in the functional zone of Product B. The MVFM converts the INCI list into a reproducible functional profile. Three products tested by one evaluator show it functions as designed. Larger-scale validation and inter-rater reliability testing remain to be done.
This pilot study aimed to evaluate hygienic–sanitary conditions and microbiological contamination in indoor environments of primary schools in Albania. Fifty primary schools enrolling 9-year-old students were randomly selected from six districts in Albania. Hygienic–sanitary and infrastructural conditions were assessed using five standardized survey instruments. Air and surface samples were collected and analyzed for bacterial, fungal, and yeast contamination. Environmental parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, and ventilation efficiency, were systematically monitored. A substantial proportion of schools did not comply with recommended hygiene and ventilation standards, particularly in restrooms and common indoor areas. Potentially pathogenic microorganisms were predominantly detected in environments with elevated humidity and inadequate cleaning practices. The study reveals significant deficiencies in indoor environmental quality in Albanian primary schools and highlights the need for infrastructural improvements and the implementation of sustainable hygiene and environmental monitoring protocols to reduce microbiological risks and protect children’s health.
Products with CBD are gaining ground in the cosmetic and massage cream market. However, the growing trend towards natural and effective pain relief and CBD-containing creams underscores the importance of making a well-informed product choice. By examining the organoleptic properties of these creams, we can obtain valuable insights into their performance and acceptance, contributing to a more informed market. To investigate the sensory profile of Physiorelax® CBD compared to three other CBD-infused topical massage creams, all aimed at providing natural relief for muscle and joint pain. An initial group of 20 panellists trained in sensory panel methodology since 2018 was convened to evaluate the four products. The presentation of the creams was randomised and blinded. Organoleptic characteristics were assessed using quantitative scores. The four creams exhibited a comparable sensory profile overall, with Physiorelax® CBD standing out in certain aspects related to appearance and pick-up characteristics. Physiorelax® CBD showed higher scores compared to Fisiocrem® Cannabis in integrity of shape (*P=0.006; *P=0.003 after 10 seconds), firmness (*P=0.006), and stickiness (*P=0.033). It also differs in initial glossiness (in terms of visible shine observed in the cream before application) compared to Cannaben® (*P=0.005), Alivium® CBD (*P<0.005), and Fisiocrem® Cannabis (*P=0.02), with a median of 70 (Alivium® CBD median of 50; Cannaben® and Fisiocrem® Cannabis median of 75). Physiorelax® CBD excels in some sensory characteristics of application compared to the other topical products tested. With a 1% CBD concentration and a blend of anti-inflammatory and analgesic natural ingredients, Physiorelax® CBD stands out as a strong option from a sensory and formulation perspective, showing properties that may be of interest for topical musculoskeletal products. However, no conclusions on clinical effectiveness can be inferred from this study.
Scars following mastectomy can lead to chronic pain, restricted mobility, and psychological distress. Intralesional injections with non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) may offer a minimally invasive solution to improve scar quality and function. A 56-year-old woman presented with a painful, retractile scar after right mastectomy with intraoperative radiotherapy. She experienced movement limitation and was considered a candidate for lipofilling. Two intralesional treatments were performed with Neauvia Hydro Deluxe (non-crosslinked HA + 0.01% CaHA). The patient reported improved tissue pliability, reduced pain, and enhanced mobility. Objective findings included improvements in the POSAS and reductions in pigmentation, vascularity, and scar thickness. The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) rated the result as “very much improved.” This case highlights the potential of non-crosslinked HA for improving scar quality and reducing pain post-mastectomy, providing an alternative or adjunct to surgical revision.
