Search Results (762)

Background/Objectives: WenTong HuoXue Cream (WTHXC) plays a significant role in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). However, the material basis and quality control methods for this formulation remain largely unexplored. Methods: In this study, UPLC-HRMS/MS combined with standard reference substances was employed to comprehensively identify and confirm the chemical constituents of WTHXC. Furthermore, a rapid and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method based on multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of the marker components. Results: Nine compounds were unambiguous characterized, including Di-hydrocapsaicin (DHC), Oxypeucedanin hydrate (OPH), Imperatorin (IMP), Isoimperatorin (IIMP), Xanthotoxin (XAN), Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), Chlorogenic acid (CGA), Ferulic Acid (FA) and Ligustilide (LIG). The results of method validation denotes that all the analytes showed good linearity between concentration and peak area in the tested ranges, with correlation coefficients (r) not less than 0.9990. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of precision was in the range of 0.57–7.11%. The accuracy of the method, verified by recovery experiments at three concentration levels, ranged from 96.51% to 101.04% for all analytes. Transdermal behavior determination results demonstrate that OPH, HYSA, CGA, FA and LIG exhibited favorable skin permeability and may serve as the key active components of WTHXC. Conclusions: This study elucidates the material basis of WTHXC, providing a scientific foundation for the development of quality control methods and facilitating its broader clinical application. Full article

To investigate the resin infusion molding process for novel dry fiber-reinforced epoxy composite wing skin, dry fiber preforms were fabricated via an automated fiber placement (AFP) system, and the out-of-plane permeability of the preforms at different lay-up speeds was measured using the ultrasonic transmission method to determine the optimal lay-up parameters. A scaled-down composite wing skin structure was modeled and meshed via numerical simulation, and different resin infusion schemes were simulated and analyzed using PAM-RTM software. The optimal infusion scheme was determined by comparing the infusion time, infusion pressure and defect formation during resin flow for different schemes, and the wing skin component was fabricated through the vacuum-assisted resin infusion (VARI) process. Results indicate that the infusion time predicted by PAM-RTM simulation is 3883 s, while the actual measured value in the VARI process is 3611 s with an error of approximately 7% within a reasonable range. Both simulation and actual wing skin fabrication exhibited no significant defects, validating the accuracy of the three-dimensional permeability measurement of dry fiber preforms as well as the reliability of the simulation results. Full article

Background/Objective: The introduction of Ketoconazole (KZ, Nizoral^®) in 1977 by Janssen Pharmaceutica marked a significant milestone in medical mycology as the first broad-spectrum oral antifungal agent. However, KZ is a highly lipophilic compound, presenting significant challenges in the development of efficient topical formulations. Moreover, oral KZ has undergone labeling revisions and market withdrawal due to serious hepatic side effects. This study aimed to design, optimize, and evaluate KZ-loaded nanoemulsions (NEs; KZ-NEs) as a delivery platform that could improve skin bioavailability and antifungal activity. Methods: Optimized KZ-NEs were converted to a mucoadhesive formulation (KZ-NEC) by the addition of Carbopol^® 940 NF to enhance the adherence of the formulations to the skin surface. NEs were evaluated concerning physical appearance, globule size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, pH, viscosity, and drug content. Optimized KZ-NE and lead KZ-NEC formulations were further evaluated for in vitro release, ex vivo skin permeation and deposition, skin irritation, and in vivo studies. Results: In vitro release studies revealed that nanocarrier systems provided a sustained release of KZ over 24 h. The ex vivo permeability coefficients of KZ from the optimized KZ-NE and lead KZ-NEC formulations were approximately four- and three-fold greater than that achieved with the marketed cream formulation, respectively. In addition, the C_max of the lead KZ-NEC formulation (14.4 ± 1.1 μg/mL) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with the marketed cream formulation (10.5 ± 0.5 μg/mL). Moreover, in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing showed that KZ demonstrated improved antifungal efficacy when incorporated into the KZ-NE and KZ-NEC formulations. Neither of the NE-based formulations caused any alterations in skin color or morphology during the 24 h visual observation period. Both NE-based formulations were stable for 90 days (the last time-point tested) at three different storage conditions. Conclusions: NE-based formulation could serve as an effective topical delivery platform for KZ and could improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with topical fungal infections. Full article

Hybrid stepper (HB) motors are widely used in precision actuation systems such as cryogenic refrigerator robotic arms. Under cryogenic working conditions, the core loss characteristics of magnetic materials change significantly, while conventional core loss models calibrated at room temperature can hardly provide reliable prediction accuracy. In this work, the electromagnetic properties of 35SW1900 non-oriented silicon steel were measured from 25 °C − 100 °C using a BROCKHAUS Epstein frame system. Variations in permeability, core loss and coercivity with magnetic flux density, temperature and frequency were obtained. An improved core loss model was developed by introducing a flux-dependent exponent and dual temperature correction coefficients for hysteresis and eddy current losses. Experiments place the prediction error of the proposed model within 4% under cryogenic conditions. Compared with the classical Bertotti model, the proposed model effectively reduces high-frequency deviation caused by the temperature-dependent material properties and skin effect. The core loss of silicon steel increases by 15–30% at −100 °C compared with room temperature, which is mainly attributed to the decrease in resistivity and the strengthening of domain wall pinning. This paper provides an accurate loss prediction method and design references for HB motors applied in ultralow temperature working conditions. Full article

Significance: This study addresses critical industrial and biomedical applications including glass blowing (thermal management of shrinking sheets), polymer sheet extrusion (controlled cooling), magnetic drug delivery (nanoparticle targeting), and nuclear reactor cooling (enhanced heat transfer). Aim: We present a novel nonlinear analysis of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) boundary layer flow of a Jeffery Al₂O₃ nanofluid over a shrinking permeable plate with convective boundary conditions, uniquely integrating mixed convection, Ohmic dissipation, heat generation, Brownian motion, and thermophoresis within a non-Newtonian nanofluid framework. Methodology: The governing partial differential equations are transformed using similarity transformations and solved via the Adomian decomposition method (ADM). Comprehensive validation against RK4, RK45, and bvp4c demonstrates excellent agreement with maximum relative errors below $5\times {10}^{-4}$. Key Contribution: (i) Normal velocity decreases by 15–25% as the Biot number increases from $Bi=0.4$ to $0.6$; (ii) tangential velocity decreases by 20–30% as the magnetic parameter increases from $M=5$ to 15; (iii) temperature increases by 30–40% as the Eckert number increases from $Ec=0.5$ to $2.5$; (iv) ADM converges within 12–15 terms with $L_2$ errors $<{10}^{-5}$; (v) skin friction coefficient increases from $C_f=3.02713$ to $3.90082$ as $Q_0$ increases from 1 to 4; (vi) Nusselt number values: $Nu/\sqrt{Re}=0.4621$ at $Pr=0.7$, $0.8954$ at $Pr=2$, $3.2890$ at $Pr=20$. These quantitative findings provide design guidelines for engineers in thermal management and biomedical applications. Full article

The intense low-frequency magnetic field generated by the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) during operation poses a serious EMI threat to electronic equipment within carrier-based aircraft nacelles. To address this, a three-dimensional transient finite element model of a long-primary double-sided linear induction motor is established. Using a quasi-static equivalent method, the 118 Hz magnetic field distribution inside and outside a typical engine nacelle is characterized. Results indicate that due to the skin depth significantly exceeding material thickness, the eddy-current shielding of the aluminum alloy nacelle is inadequate, producing internal field intensities that far exceed standard limits and directly threaten sensitive onboard electronics. Based on the magnetic shunting principle, a composite shielding strategy is proposed: applying a flexible high-permeability coating on the nacelle surface to attenuate the overall field, supplemented by local permalloy shields for core equipment. Simulation verification demonstrates that this approach reduces the internal field to safe levels. It achieves effective shielding performance while balancing engineering feasibility with lightweight requirements, providing a viable pathway for ensuring the reliable protection of carrier-based aircraft in intense electromagnetic environments. Full article

The aerodynamic behaviour of buildings equipped with porous outer envelopes is governed by the interaction between millimetre-scale geometric features and building-scale flow structures. Explicitly resolving these scales in numerical simulations is computationally prohibitive, making homogenised porous-medium formulations a practical alternative. Among them, the Darcy–Forchheimer (D–F) model is widely adopted; however, the reliability of building-scale predictions critically depends on how its resistance coefficients are identified and validated. This study proposes and assesses a consistent procedure for the determination and application of D–F coefficients for porous screens used in double-skin façade systems. Porous elements are first characterised at the element scale through an analytical derivation based on aerodynamic force coefficients, from fully resolved CFD simulations of representative periodic modules. The resulting D–F coefficients are cross-compared and validated against available wind tunnel data at local Reynolds numbers $R{e}_H>3000$. Secondly, the calibrated homogenised model is applied to a building-scale double-skin façade configuration. The porous layer is represented as a finite-thickness porous region governed by the identified D–F parameters and analysed through unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations. The model’s capability to reproduce global aerodynamic loads, local pressure distributions, and wake characteristics is evaluated against experimental data. The results demonstrate that a properly calibrated D–F formulation provides an accurate and computationally efficient representation of porous façade systems, bridging element-scale characterisation and structural-scale aerodynamic performance. Full article

Background: UVA-induced photoaging is driven by a self-reinforcing cycle of persistent oxidative stress, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Quercetin (Que) offers potent photoprotective potential, yet its clinical utility is hindered by poor aqueous solubility and low skin permeability. Objective: To develop a stable quercetin delivery system and evaluate its protective efficacy against UVA-induced photoaging via the NRF2/NF-κB signaling axis. Methods: Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified potential targets. An oil-in-water (O/W) nano-emulsion was formulated and characterized. Its effects were evaluated in UVA-irradiated human skin fibroblasts (HSFs; 1.2 J/cm²/day for 5 days) and a BALB/c mouse model (20 J/cm²/day for 8 weeks). Results: Network pharmacology identified 85 shared targets between Quercetin and photoaging. Molecular docking confirmed high affinities (binding energies < −7.0 kcal/mol) for NRF2, NF-κB p65, SOD2, and MMP-1. The optimized O/W nano-emulsion (144–154 nm, Zeta potential −38 to −43 mV) enhanced Quercetin solubility by 175-fold and followed Higuchi release kinetics. In HSFs, 30 μm Quercetin reduced SA-β-Gal positivity from 45.8% to 12.5% (73% inhibition), decreased ROS by 66%, and restored Type I collagen intensity to 82 ± 3 a.u. In vivo, topical 0.3% Que emulsion significantly attenuated skin-fold thickening (reducing thickness from 3135 μm to 2170 μm; 30.6% reduction) and achieved a 91% collagen retention rate. Mechanistically, Quercetin treatment significantly upregulated NRF2 and SOD2 expression while suppressing the NF-κB p65/MMP-1/3 inflammatory axis at both mRNA and protein levels (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Topical Quercetin emulsion effectively facilitates dermal delivery and alleviates UVA-induced photoaging by rebalancing the NRF2/NF-κB axis, thereby enhancing antioxidant defenses and preserving ECM integrity. This formulation represents a robust strategy for skin photoprotection and functional cosmetic intervention. Full article

Background/Objectives: Psoriasis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are chronic immune-mediated disorders affecting distinct target organs but sharing overlapping pathogenic mechanisms, including gut dysbiosis, impaired intestinal barrier function, and systemic immune dysregulation. Growing evidence highlights the gut–skin and gut–thyroid axes as important interfaces linking microbial alterations to immune-mediated inflammation. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on gut microbiota alterations in psoriasis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, with particular emphasis on intestinal permeability, immune pathways, and microbiome-derived metabolites. Methods: A narrative review of experimental and human observational studies was conducted to evaluate evidence on gut microbiota composition, intestinal barrier integrity, immune regulation, bile acid metabolism, and dietary influences in psoriasis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The relevant literature examining mechanistic pathways and clinical associations was included. Results: Both conditions are associated with altered gut microbial composition, including reduced abundance of short-chain fatty acid–producing taxa, which may impair epithelial barrier integrity and promote systemic immune activation. Increased intestinal permeability and enhanced Th17-driven inflammatory responses are reported in both diseases. Recent studies suggest that dysregulated bile acid metabolism may influence intestinal permeability and immune balance along the gut–skin–thyroid axis, although direct clinical data remain limited. Dietary patterns, particularly anti-inflammatory and Mediterranean diets, are consistently associated with increased microbial diversity, improved metabolic profiles, and reduced systemic inflammation. However, most human evidence is observational. Conclusions: The gut microbiome represents a potential mechanistic link connecting diet, intestinal barrier function, immune regulation, and organ-specific autoimmunity in psoriasis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. While microbiome-targeted interventions show biological plausibility, well-designed, mechanistically informed randomized controlled trials are required to establish causality and clinical relevance. Full article

Every day, more and more electrical devices are produced, such as electric motors and actuators, which tend to operate according to their intended purpose with minimal maintenance. This is possible if they are assembled with the right input material, which needs to be tested at various stages of production. The presented approach proposes using the existing measuring equipment, combined with the finite element method and an optimization method, to determine the relative permeability and conductivity—in a contactless manner—from electrical measurements for magnetic steel materials. A comparison was made among three models: a whole 3D model, a 1/8 symmetrical 3D model, and a 2D axisymmetric model. During the research, the importance of using a skin-depth mesh was emphasized to obtain the correct results. A novel approach is used to analyze and optimize both the permeability and conductivity using a single model, optimization, and measurements. The optimized Finite Element Model shows very strong model conditioning, as tested with reference data, yielding great results with the measured data. Full article

Background: Terahertz (THz) waves exhibit both photon-like and electron-like properties, showing emerging potential in biomedical applications. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is one of the most common skin tumors. Studies have reported that THz waves can induce apoptosis in cancer cells or ablate tumor tissues. Our previous studies also confirmed that 0.1 THz radiation could significantly promote apoptosis in cutaneous melanoma cells, while it had no apparent effect on fibroblast viability, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. However, the effects of 0.1 THz radiation on CSCC cells have not yet been explored. Furthermore, there remains a lack of investigation into the structural and functional effects on fibroblasts. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a systematic study to evaluate the influence of 0.1 THz radiation on both CSCC cells and fibroblasts in order to better understand its potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of skin cancer. Purpose: This study aims to explore the biological effects of 0.1 THz radiation on SCC-7 cells and to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying THz-induced apoptosis, as well as its potential effect on L-929 cells. Methods: Cell viability was evaluated through the CCK-8 assay, while cell cycle distribution was analyzed with the DNA content detection kit. Wound healing assays were performed to assess cell migration, and Annexin V-FITC staining was used to detect apoptosis. Caspase-3 activity was measured using the caspase-3 activity assay kit. Cell morphology was observed using the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Alterations in membrane potential were detected with the M09 membrane potential probe kit, and intracellular Ca²⁺ levels were quantified using the Fluo-8 AM fluorescent probe. Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening was assessed with the MPTP detection kit, mitochondrial membrane potential changes were measured using the JC-1 probe kit, and cellular ATP levels were measured with the enhanced ATP assay kit. Subsequently, proteomic analysis was performed. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were quantified with the ROS detection kit, and cytochrome c (Cyt c) release was quantified using the mouse Cyt c ELISA kit. Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) expression was analyzed at both mRNA and protein levels by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blot. AIF expression in CSCC tissues was further evaluated based on the GSE42677 and GSE45164 databases. Finally, cyclosporin A (CsA) was used to inhibit mPTP, and in combination with the iMAC inhibitor, the Aifm1 expression and Cyt c release were examined. Results: Our results showed that THz waves significantly disrupted the membrane integrity of SCC-7 cells and induced mitochondrial structural and functional damage. This resulted in a significant increase in ROS levels and the activation of mPTP and the mitochondrial apoptosis channel (MAC). THz radiation promoted the release of Cyt c and AIF from mitochondria, triggering a noncanonical caspase-3-dependent apoptosis pathway. Notably, L-929 cells did not show significant phenotypic or apoptotic changes under the same irradiation conditions. Bioinformatics analysis of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database revealed that AIF expression was significantly altered in CSCC tissues compared to normal skin tissues. Conclusions: These findings indicated that 0.1 THz radiation effectively induced apoptosis in SCC-7 cells by triggering mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS generation, which led to the release of AIF. Furthermore, the dysregulation of AIF in CSCC tissues suggested its potential as a promising biomarker. These results provided important molecular insights into the therapeutic potential of THz radiation, particularly for the treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Full article

Background: Apremilast (APM) is a selective phosphodiestrase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor currently administered orally for the treatment of psoriasis. However, gastrointestinal irritation, frequent dosage regimens, and patient noncompliance limit its oral administration. Additionally, the poor permeability and solubility of APM make dermal administration challenging. Objective: The current study aims to formulate an optimized APM-loaded nanoemulsion formulation (APM-NE) to enhance drug delivery to deep psoriatic skin layers, thereby increasing dermal drug concentration for the effective treatment of psoriasis. Method: Using the phase titration method, the nanoemulsion (NE) was made with Capryol 90, Tween 20, and Labrasol as oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant, respectively. Results: The optimized formulation (F5) exhibited favorable physicochemical properties: mean droplet size of 147.4 ± 2.4 nm, and an entrapment efficiency (EE) reaching 86.30 ± 2.54%. TEM confirmed spherical, uniformly distributed droplets. In vitro release (86.1 ± 0.24%) followed zero-order kinetics. To enhance skin retention, F5 was incorporated into 2% Carbopol 980 gel, yielding F5G with pseudoplastic flow. Ex vivo permeation showed significantly higher drug delivery for F5 (1266.50 ± 5.6 µg/cm²) and F5G (1057.7 ± 6.76 µg/cm²) compared to crude APM gel (CR-APMG). In vivo, the inhibition of edema in rat paws was highest with F5G (66.83 ± 0.23%). RAW 264.7 cell studies showed 92.37% nitric oxide inhibition, and histopathology confirmed reduced inflammation. Conclusions: These results support APM-NE gel as a promising topical strategy for psoriasis therapy. Full article

Squalene and squalane are widely used cosmetic ingredients valued for their emollient properties and excellent skin compatibility, yet sustainable sourcing remains a challenge. This study presents an integrated and eco-friendly strategy for valorizing wine lees as a renewable source of squalene and converting it into stable, high-performance squalane. Squalene was efficiently recovered from yeast-rich winery waste through optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction, followed by chromatographic purification. Green catalytic hydrogenation using palladium supported on natural clay minerals enabled the selective conversion of squalene into squalane under mild conditions. The functional evaluation via in vitro transport studies across an artificial membrane, using quercetin as a poorly permeable model antioxidant, demonstrated enhanced permeation compared with conventional vehicles, while accelerated aging experiments further confirmed the superior oxidative stability of squalane relative to native squalene. Overall, this work provides a proof of concept for upcycling winery by-products into multifunctional cosmetic ingredients that combine sustainability, stability, and functional performance, supporting circular economy principles and the growing demand for ethically sourced raw materials in the cosmetic industry. Full article

Personalized transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) represent a transformative approach in precision medicine by enabling patient-specific, non-invasive, and controlled therapeutic administration. Conventional transdermal patches are limited by fixed dosing, passive diffusion, and interindividual variability in skin permeability and metabolism, often leading to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. Recent advances in materials science, nanotechnology, microneedle engineering, and digital health have enabled the development of next-generation personalized TDDS capable of programmable, adaptive, and feedback-controlled drug release. Smart wearable patches integrating biosensors, microfluidics, microneedles, and wireless connectivity allow real-time monitoring of physiological and biochemical parameters, enabling closed-loop drug delivery tailored to individual metabolic profiles. Nanocarriers such as lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and stimuli-responsive hydrogels further enhance drug stability, penetration, and controlled release, while 3D-printing technologies facilitate patient-specific customization of patch geometry, drug loading, and release kinetics. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools are increasingly being employed to predict drug permeation behavior, optimize enhancer combinations, and personalize dosing regimens based on pharmacogenomic and pharmacokinetic data. Despite these advances, regulatory complexity, manufacturing standardization, long-term biocompatibility, and cybersecurity considerations remain critical challenges for clinical translation. This review highlights recent innovations in personalized TDDS, discusses their clinical potential, and examines regulatory and technological barriers. Collectively, these emerging smart transdermal platforms offer a promising pathway toward adaptive, patient-centered therapeutics that can significantly improve treatment efficacy, safety, and compliance. Future research should focus on integrating multimodal biosensing, advanced biomaterials, scalable manufacturing strategies, and robust regulatory frameworks to enable clinically validated, fully autonomous transdermal systems that can dynamically adapt to real-time patient needs in diverse therapeutic settings. Full article

The development of effective topical drug delivery systems remains a key challenge in wound management, particularly for bioactive compounds with limited skin permeability. In this study, a nanostructured bigel system incorporating sodium humate-loaded ultra-deformable vesicles (UDVs) was developed and evaluated for wound healing applications. Sodium humate-loaded UDVs were prepared using a thin-layer hydration method, and the influence of key technological parameters (phospholipid/glycerol concentrations, sonication time) on vesicle size and encapsulation efficiency was investigated. An optimized UDV formulation characterized by small particle size, high stability, and high drug encapsulation efficiency was selected and incorporated into a bigel composed of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose hydrogel and andiroba oil oleogel. The developed bigels were characterized in terms of microstructure, physical stability, pH, spreadability, and rheological behavior, demonstrating suitable properties for dermal application. In vivo wound healing evaluation in rat wound models revealed that bigels containing sodium humate-loaded UDVs significantly enhanced wound closure and tissue regeneration compared to control and reference treatments. Histopathological analysis confirmed improved granulation tissue formation and complete epithelialization. Overall, the results demonstrate that the proposed UDV-loaded hybrid bigel represents a promising nanostructured platform for enhanced dermal delivery and wound healing therapy. Full article