Histopathological evaluation of caffeine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles in efficient treatment of cellulite

Context: Cellulite refers to dimpled appearance of the skin, usually located in the thighs and buttocks regions of most adult women.

Objective: The aim of this study was to formulate topically used caffeine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) for the treatment of cellulite.

Methods: SLNs were prepared by hot homogenization technique using Precirol® as lipid phase. The physical characterization and stability studies of SLNs as well as in vitro skin permeation and histological studies in rat skin were conducted.

Results: The mean particle size, encapsulation efficiency and loading efficiency percentages for optimized SLN formulation were 94?nm, 86 and 28%, respectively. In vitro drug release demonstrated that caffeine-loaded SLN incorporated into carbopol made hydrogel (caffeine-SLN-hydrogel) exhibited a sustained drug release compared to the caffeine hydrogel over 24?h. Caffeine-loaded SLNs showed a good stability during 12 months of storage at room temperature. The DSC and XRD results showed that caffeine was dispersed in SLN in an amorphous state. In vitro permeation studies illustrated higher drug accumulation in the skin with caffeine-SLN-hydrogel compared to caffeine hydrogel. The flux value of caffeine through rat skin in caffeine-SLN-hydrogel was 3.3 times less than caffeine hydrogel, representing lower systemic absorption. In contrast with caffeine hydrogel, the histological studies showed the complete lysis of adipocytes by administration of caffeine-SLN-hydrogel in the deeper skin layers.

Conclusion: Results of this study indicated that SLNs are promising carrier for improvement of caffeine efficiency in the treatment of cellulite following topical application on the skin.     

An Insight into the Silanization of Montmorillonite Nanoparticles

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of reaction conditions on the silanization of montmorillonite nanoparticles using methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (γ–MPS) and to establish relationships between the reaction conditions, the grafting percentage, and the silane arrangement on the particles. The silanization reaction was performed in the following conditions: (i) acidic ethanol-water solution with a pH of 5 and (ii) basic cyclohexane with a pH of 9. To characterize the surface of montmorillonite nanoparticles, analytical methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), CHN elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) diffraction were utilized. In addition, the dispersion stability of modified particles suspended in different solvents was investigated using a separation analyzer. The results revealed silane grafting in cyclohexane (pH?=?9) achieved higher silanization efficiency, leading to a larger basal spacing in montmorillonite nanoparticles. A parallel arrangement was also suggested for the silane molecules on the surface of the nanoparticles. The higher hydrophobicity of the modified nanoparticles and the decreased overall density of the grafted particles led to a better dispersion in ethanol and toluene.     

High temperature ablation of highly filled polymer‐layered silicate nanocomposites

At instantaneous thermal shocks and high temperature conditions, using the charring ablative heat shields is more effective than the other heat protection methods. In recent years, low‐filled layered silicate polymeric nanocomposites were introduced as new class of ablative materials. In this work, highly filled ablative polymeric nanocomposite is prepared and its thermal stability and ablation mechanism is studied under high external heat flux. The thermal degradation kinetics during pyrolysis, the variation of thermophysical properties as a result of ablation process and mathematical modeling of ablation process are performed for highly filled ablative polymeric nanocomposite samples compared with those of their composite counterparts under oxyacetylene flame test. The results show that the ablation performance of highly filled polymeric nanocomposite is higher than that of the composite, and the mathematical model is adequately confirmed by the experimental data of the thermophysical and ablation properties of highly filled nanocomposites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Optimization of Sugarcane Bagasse Hydrolysis by Microwave‐Assisted Pretreatment for Bioethanol Production

Sugarcane bagasse hydrolysis was optimized by dilute‐acid pretreatment and subsequent enzymatic treatment. The studied parameters were microwave heating temperature, residence time, and enzyme dosage as the main factors in a central composite design. The amount of released total reducing sugars, glucose, pentose, phenolic compounds, and furfural were measured after each stage. The optimum conditions with suitable concentrations of inhibitors and reducing sugars were applied for bioethanol production. As an example, ethanol was obtained from reducing sugars by Pichia stipitis without detoxification.     

In Vivo Neocortical [K]o Modulation by Targeted Stimulation of Astrocytes

A normally functioning nervous system requires normal extracellular potassium ion concentration ([K]o). Throughout the nervous system, several processes, including those of an astrocytic nature, are involved in [K]o regulation. In this study we investigated the effect of astrocytic photostimulation on [K]o. We hypothesized that in vivo photostimulation of eNpHR-expressing astrocytes leads to a decreased [K]o. Using optogenetic and electrophysiological techniques we showed that stimulation of eNpHR-expressing astrocytes resulted in a significantly decreased resting [K]o and evoked K responses. The amplitude of the concomitant spreading depolarization-like events also decreased. Our results imply that astrocytic membrane potential modification could be a potential tool for adjusting the [K]o.     

Comprehensive nonlinear seismic performance assessment of MR damper controlled systems using virtual real‐time hybrid simulation

Magnetorheological (MR) dampers have gained significant attention in seismic mitigation of structural systems due to their distinguished characteristics such as inherent stability and minimum power requirements. Their performance in control of nonlinear structural response, however, has not been widely investigated. This paper provides comprehensive nonlinear seismic performance assessment of a three‐story benchmark structure equipped with a large‐scale MR damper using virtual real‐time hybrid simulation to efficiently capture the nonlinear behavior of the damper. The framework is first verified by means of available experimental results of an actual RTHS on the same structural system. A set of 12 earthquake ground motions, each one scaled to have 12 different intensities are then utilized to perform nonlinear dynamic analyses. An energy‐based adaptive passive‐on control strategy is proposed, and its performance is compared with passive‐on, passive‐off, and uncontrolled response of the structure in terms of interstory drifts shown by fragility curves, residual drifts, MR damper control force, and the ability to maintain a uniform interstory drift along the height of the structure.     

The Optimization of Underground Gas Storage in a Partially Depleted Gas Reservoir

Abstract

Underground gas storage (UGS) is a well-known technology to supply variable demand of natural gas market. The objective of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility of UGS development in an Iranian depleted fractured gas reservoir. For this purpose, gas demand analysis was conducted based on yearly consumption, and the peak condition demand was obtained. Then, a full-field multicomponent reservoir model was constructed based on the rock and fluid data and comprehensive production history. A modified Peng-Robinson equation was used to estimate the phase behavior of the reservoir and injection fluid. The compositional model was verified through performing history matching on gas production rate.

After history matching, an injection/withdrawal (I/W) schedule was designed to meet necessary gas consumption. Production scenarios were conducted to obtain optimum operating conditions for this reservoir. It was determined that at least four new wells are required to establish successful UGS plan to meet the target withdrawal rate. Results show that the use of a horizontal well is superior to a vertical well because of less water production during storage cycles. Water cut, productivity, and injectivity indexes of individual wells were considered as prominent factors to find the optimum well pattern, using a connection transmissibility factor to compare the capacity of each well to produce. In addition to constant I/W rate, a variable I/W rate scenario was proposed whose result showed no difference compare to the results obtained in previous runs.

Results show that the reservoir under study is capable of providing peak gas consumption during the cold months in Iran.