Search Results (103)

The skin, as the body’s largest organ, is vital for protecting against environmental stressors, regulating temperature, and preventing water loss. Here, we examined the potential of a mixture of five traditional Korean herbal extracts—Cimicifuga racemosa, Paeonia lactiflora, Phellodendron amurense, Rheum rhaponticum, and Scutellaria baicalensis—referred to as herbal medicine composite 5 (HRMC5) for enhancing skin health and managing menopausal symptoms. High-performance liquid chromatography identified 14 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthraquinones, and alkaloids. In vitro studies revealed an optimal concentration of 0.625 g/L for cell survival and UV protection, with the mixture demonstrating significant wound-healing properties comparable to epidermal growth factor. HRMC5 exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating COX2 expression and upregulating the key skin barrier proteins. A 4-week clinical trial involving 20 postmenopausal women showed significant improvements in skin redness, hemoglobin concentration, and skin moisture content. Visual analog scale assessments indicated substantial reductions in facial flushing severity and the associated sweating. The topical application of HRMC5 cream offered potential advantages over ingested phytoestrogens by reducing the systemic side effects. These findings suggest that HRMC5 is a promising non-invasive treatment for vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women and overall skin health, warranting further research on its long-term efficacy and safety in larger populations. Full article

Green soybean (Glycine max L.) seed contains a high procyanidin content and high antioxidant activity. Moreover, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has proved to be advantageous in providing high extraction efficiency. Hence, this study aimed to extract procyanidins from green soybean seeds (GSSs) using UAE. This study also evaluated the inhibitory activities of tyrosinase and the cytotoxic effects of crude procyanidin extract. The extract exhibited maximum levels of bioactive components and antioxidant capacity when subjected to a temperature of 15 °C and an extraction time of 20 min. The crude procyanidin extract at a concentration of 10 mg/mL inhibited the tyrosinase enzyme by more than 60%, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value obtained for the extract was 6.85 ± 0.81 mg/mL. This result was much greater than the IC₅₀ value obtained for kojic acid (0.089 ± 0.08 mg/mL), which was used as a positive control. For the cytotoxicity assessment, the results indicated that the crude procyanidin extract showed no cytotoxicity and actually stimulated the growth of human skin fibroblast cells. More than 80% of the bioactive compounds (total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), procyanidin content (PC)) and antioxidant activities (DPPH and FRAP) of the crude extract powder were retained at 38.68 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g, 16.07 ± 0.01 mg CAE/g, 9.24 ± 0.01 mg PC/g, 359.8 ± 0.72 μM Trolox eq/g, and 1640 ± 2.86 μM Trolox eq/g, respectively, after 12 weeks of storage at 25 °C. The crude procyanidin extract powder was then included in a facial serum formulation and tested for pH value and physical evaluation. The stability of the crude procyanidin extract facial serum was shown to be greater for bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity when stored at a temperature of 4 °C than when stored at a temperature of 25 °C. These results suggest that the GSS extracts obtained via ultrasonication show promise for use in cosmeceutical formulations for whitening skincare products. Full article

The current research is focused on the discovery and optimization of an effective cosmetic carrier of alpha-bisabolol as a first step in the development of a cosmetic product with cleansing and antimicrobial action for facial skin hygiene. A micellar solution of Poloxamer 407 was selected as a cosmetic base because of the good washing ability, easy application, and high tolerability of this polymeric surfactant. The solubilization capacity of a 5% micellar solution with respect to α-bisabolol was investigated by applying varying solubilization techniques and increasing concentrations of the oily active substance. The test samples were subjected to an accelerated physical stability test, viscosimetry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrophoretic light scattering (ELS), foamability test, and antimicrobial screening. Over the course of this research, the advantage of the film-hydration method over direct solubilization was demonstrated by the narrower size distribution and smaller hydrodynamic size of the micellar nano-carriers (ranging from 29.02 to 116.5 nm) and the respective higher physical stability of the dispersions. The optimized composition was found to be suitable for application on large skin areas in terms of viscosity in the temperature range from 20 °C to 40 °C (3.4–2.3 mPa.s). Preservation of the washing capacity of the micellar solution in the presence of solubilized α-bisabolol was established. The active composition demonstrated inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and fungicidal activity against Candida albicans. This study concludes that the optimal concentration of α-bisabolol to be solubilized in a 5% Poloxamer 407 micellar solution by the film-hydration technique is 1%, considering the desirable physical endurance and antimicrobial activity. Full article

The use of lipid nanocarriers as components of cosmetic formulations may provide an opportunity to fully exploit the beneficial properties of pentapeptide-18 and retinol while reducing the undesirable effects that occur during retinoid therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of semi-solid formulations enriched with retinol and oligopeptide-loaded lipid nanocarriers. Solid lipid nanoparticles were produced using a high-shear homogenization method. The work included physicochemical characterization of the cosmetic products, and evaluation of their stability as well as their efficacy. The resulting semi-solid preparations were determined to be stable regardless of their storage temperature. No effect of the presence of lipid nanoparticles on the shelf-life stability of the cosmetic products was observed. A temperature of 25 °C was considered the recommended storage temperature for the tested semi-solid formulations. Beneficial effects of the cosmetic products were proven (in vivo study on volunteers), i.e., a significant reduction in the level of sebum secretion (anti-acne therapy) and a decrease in the number of facial wrinkles (anti-aging therapy). In addition, the protective properties of the lipid nanoparticles themselves against the skin were confirmed, reducing the irritating effect of retinol that is usually the case with classic retinoid therapies. Full article

Transition metal oxides have been widely used in microwave-absorbing materials, but how to improve impedance matching is still an urgent problem. Therefore, we introduced urea as a polymer carbon source into a three-dimensional porous structure modified by Co₃O₄ nanoparticles and explored the influence of different heat treatment temperatures on the wave absorption properties of the composite. The nanomaterials, when calcined at a temperature of 450 °C, exhibited excellent microwave absorption capabilities. Specifically, at an optimized thickness of 9 mm, they achieved a minimum reflection loss (RL_min) of −97.3 dB, accompanied by an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 9.83 GHz that comprehensively covered both the S and Ku frequency bands. On the other hand, with a thickness of 3 mm, the RL_min was recorded as −17.9 dB, with an EAB of 5.53 GHz. This excellent performance is attributed to the multi-facial polarization and multiple reflections induced by the magnetic loss capability of Co₃O₄ nanoparticles, the electrical conductivity of C, and the unique three-dimensional structure of diatomite. For the future development of bio-based microwave absorption, this work provides a methodology and strategy. Full article

Due to the material properties of current ski face masks for adolescents, moisture in exhaled air can become trapped within the material fibers and freeze, leading to potential issues such as breathing difficulties and increased risk of facial frostbite after prolonged skiing. This paper proposes a research approach combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and ergonomics to address these issues and enhance the comfort of adolescent skiers. We developed head and face mask models based on the head dimensions of 15–17-year-old males. For enclosed cavities, ensuring the smooth expulsion of exhaled air to prevent re-inhalation is the primary challenge. Through fluid simulation of airflow characteristics within the cavity, we evaluated three different inlet configurations. The results indicate that the location of the air inlets significantly affects the airflow characteristics within the cavity. The side inlet design (type II) showed an average face temperature of 35.35 °C, a 38.5% reduction in average CO₂ concentration within the cavity, and a smaller vortex area compared to the other two inlet configurations. Although the difference in airflow velocity within the cavity among the three configurations was minimal, the average exit velocity differed by up to 0.11 m/s. Thus, we conclude that the side inlet configuration offers minimal obstruction to airflow circulation and better thermal insulation when used in the design of fully enclosed helmets. This enhances the safety and comfort of adolescent wearers during physical activities in cold environments. Through this study, we aim to further promote the development of skiing education, enhance the overall quality of adolescents’ skiing, and thus provide them with more opportunities for the future. Full article

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used in various medical and surgical specialties for its regenerative properties, including aesthetics (facial rejuvenation, hair restoration, and skin tightening) and orthopedics (treatment of tendinitis and osteoarthritis). However, the inconsistent literature on PRP’s efficacy and safety leads to critical knowledge gaps. This systematic review evaluates quality control measures in PRP preparation and application and explores the regulatory environment governing its clinical use. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, for studies published from January 2020 to April 2024. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving human participants undergoing PRP treatment for aesthetic or regenerative purposes. Key parameters such as the PRP preparation methods, platelet concentration, and quality control measures were analyzed. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024557669). Results: Out of 75 RCTs involving 5726 patients, the review identified significant variability in PRP preparation methods and application techniques, including differences in centrifugation protocols and platelet concentration levels. A new evidence-based scoring system, the William–Eqram Scoring System for PRP Quality Reporting (WESS-PQR), was proposed to address these inconsistencies. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.79) between proper temperature control during preparation and PRP efficacy. Initial platelet count assessment showed a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.57) with efficacy. Conclusions: Standardized PRP preparation protocols and robust regulatory frameworks are urgently needed to ensure the safety and efficacy of PRP treatments. The proposed WESS-PQR scoring system can serve as a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers, promoting consistency and reliability in PRP applications. Full article

A novel tridentate ligand featuring an acridine core and pyrazole rings, namely 2,7- di-tert-butyl-4,5-di(pyrazol-1-yl)acridine, L, was designed and used to create two ruthenium(II) complexes: [RuL₂](PF₆)₂ and [Ru(tpy)L](PF₆)₂. Surprisingly, the ligand adopted different coordination modes in the complexes: facial coordination for the homoleptic complex and meridional coordination for the heteroleptic complex. The electronic absorption and electrochemical properties were evaluated. Although both complexes exhibited favorable electronic properties for luminescence, neither emitted light at room temperature nor at 77 K. This study highlights the complex interplay between ligand design, coordination mode, and luminescence in ruthenium(II) complexes. Full article

Sleep quality (SQ) is a crucial aspect of overall health. Poor sleep quality may cause cognitive impairment, mood disturbances, and an increased risk of chronic diseases. Therefore, assessing sleep quality helps identify individuals at risk and develop effective interventions. SQ has been demonstrated to affect heart rate variability (HRV) and skin temperature even during wakefulness. In this perspective, using wearables and contactless technologies to continuously monitor HR and skin temperature is highly suited for assessing objective SQ. However, studies modeling the relationship linking HRV and skin temperature metrics evaluated during wakefulness to predict SQ are lacking. This study aims to develop machine learning models based on HRV and skin temperature that estimate SQ as assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). HRV was measured with a wearable sensor, and facial skin temperature was measured by infrared thermal imaging. Classification models based on unimodal and multimodal HRV and skin temperature were developed. A Support Vector Machine applied to multimodal HRV and skin temperature delivered the best classification accuracy, 83.4%. This study can pave the way for the employment of wearable and contactless technologies to monitor SQ for ergonomic applications. The proposed method significantly advances the field by achieving a higher classification accuracy than existing state-of-the-art methods. Our multimodal approach leverages the synergistic effects of HRV and skin temperature metrics, thus providing a more comprehensive assessment of SQ. Quantitative performance indicators, such as the 83.4% classification accuracy, underscore the robustness and potential of our method in accurately predicting sleep quality using non-intrusive measurements taken during wakefulness. Full article

Nowadays, metal oxide semiconductor gas sensors have diverse applications ranging from human health to smart agriculture with the development of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. However, high operating temperatures and an unsatisfactory detection capability (high sensitivity, fast response/recovery speed, etc.) hinder their integration into the IoT. Herein, a ternary heterostructure was prepared by decorating WO₃ nanoplates with Au and SnO₂ nanoparticles through a facial photochemical deposition method. This was employed as a sensing material for 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (3H-2B), a biomarker of Listeria monocytogenes. These Au/SnO₂–WO₃ nanoplate-based sensors exhibited an excellent response (R_a/R_g = 662) to 25 ppm 3H-2B, which was 24 times higher than that of pure WO₃ nanoplates at 140 °C. Moreover, the 3H-2B sensor showed an ultrafast response and recovery speed to 25 ppm 3H-2B as well as high selectivity. These excellent sensing performances could be attributed to the rich Au/SnO₂–WO₃ active interfaces and the excellent transport of carriers in nanoplates. Furthermore, a wireless portable gas sensor equipped with the Au/SnO₂–WO₃ nanoplates was assembled, which was tested using 3H-2B with known concentrations to study the possibilities of real-time gas monitoring in food quality and safety. Full article

The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of IRT measurements of selected regions of interest (ROI), i.e., the eyeball and the nose of whippet dogs, before and after coursing competitions taking place in various environmental conditions, thereby enabling the assessment of well-being and the level of heat stress. The research was carried out over two different periods with different thermal humidity indexes (THIs). In the first period, the THI was 59.27 (Run 1), while in the second period, the THI was 63.77 (Run 2). The experimental subjects comprised 111 sighthound-type dogs—whippets—that were photographed with a thermal imaging camera to determine their eye temperature (ET) and nose temperature (NT). The average minimum and maximum eye temperatures were statistically lower after running in both measurements. Increased minimum and maximum nose temperatures were also demonstrated after both runs. The nasal temperature values were statistically higher for Run 2, for which the THI was higher, compared to Run 1. Eyeball temperature may be a marker of thermoregulation ability, regardless of the ambient temperature. The value of ETmax decreased on average by 2.23 °C and 0.4 °C, while NTmax increased uniformly by 2 °C after both runs. A correlation was found between the IRT measurements and physiological indicators. Full article

There is a considerable increase in the use of substances and medical procedures aimed at changing the esthetics of the face, particularly the appearance of the lips. Permanent fillers such as polydimethylsiloxane, also called liquid silicone, are widely used, but their application for facial esthetics is currently obsolete. Silicone belongs to this polymer family; its viscosity is determined by its degree of polymerization. Liquid injectable silicone is odorless, colorless, non-volatile, and oily to the touch. The substance is not altered by storage at room temperature and is not carcinogenic or teratogenic. However, the long-term complications remain a reality, as they can occur decades after the application. Thus, the goal of this case report was to present a complication after 16 years of treatment using liquid silicone. This case report involved a 52-year-old male with a complication of bilateral permanent filler in the upper lip performed 16 years ago, its surgical removal, and histological analysis. The patient had the first appointment at the University Dental Clinic—Universidade Católica Portuguesa (Viseu, Portugal) in April 2022, dissatisfied with his upper lip’s esthetic appearance and shape. He was not a smoker or diabetic but had hypertension and hypercholesterolemia and was medicated with Losartan, Hydrochlorothiazide, and Pitavastatin. No relevant findings were observed in the extraoral examination; he had bruxism and a good periodontal condition. The patient had an asymptomatic bilateral mass, hard to palpation, located on the upper lip due to permanent lip filling performed to increase its volume in 2006 associated with non-related generalized granules of Fordyce. The treatment options presented just observation or complete material removal in two surgical steps, which was the patient’s choice. Then, the first surgical procedure was performed under local anesthesia on the right side of the lip, one carpule of Lidocaine 2% with adrenaline 1:100,000, with a chalazion clamp, a diode laser for hemorrhagic control, and a simple suture. In this procedure, three fragments were biopsied: a cuboid measuring 1 × 1 × 0.8 cm and an irregular one consisting of two fragments that at one end of the piece were in continuity with each other, one measuring 1.6 × 0.5 × 0.4 cm and the other 2.5 × 0.6 × 0.5 cm. A similar macroscopic appearance in all the material, white in color, irregular surface, elastic, white section surface, or slightly fasciculate. The patient was medicated with Tylenol 500 mg thrice a day for two days. With 20-day intervals, the sutures from the first surgery were removed, as well as the foreign body from the upper lip on the left side, following the same surgical technique and medication. Histologically, it was possible to identify a chronic inflammatory, lymphoplasmacytic, and granulomatous reaction, with foreign body giant cells’ reaction, in relation to non-polarizable exogenous material due to the reaction to silicone. The most common complications are granulomas’ appearance and material displacement. The case report shows these granulomas are characterized as chronic low-caliber inflammation around the silicone. They have an unknown etiology but are probably multifactorial, from continuous trauma, friction or irritation, iatrogenic factors, infection, immunological mechanisms, and genetic and molecular variations, and can be highly related to the impurity of the injected material. This case brings the opportunity for health professionals to increase awareness of the long-term adverse effects of the silicone material used to fill the lip in order to make its application more predictable and conscious. Full article

Elevated face temperature due to mask wearing can cause discomfort and skin irritation, making mask mandates challenging. When thermal discomfort becomes intolerable, individuals instinctively or unknowingly loosen or remove their facemasks, compromising the mask’s protective efficacy. The objective of this study was to numerically quantify the microclimate under the mask and facial thermoregulation when wearing a surgical mask with different levels of misfit. An integrated ambient–mask–face–airway computational model was developed with gaps of varying sizes and locations and was validated against complementary experiments. The low Reynolds number (LRN) k-ω turbulence model with porous media was used to simulate transient respiratory flows. Both skin convective heat transfer and tissue heat generation were considered in thermoregulation under the facemask, besides the warm air exhaled from the body and the cool air inhaled from the ambient. The results of this study showed that when wearing a surgical mask with a perfect fit under normal breathing, the temperature at the philtrum increased by 4.3 °C compared to not wearing a mask. A small gap measuring 0.51 cm² (gap A) at the nose top resulted in 5.6% leakage but reduced the warming effect by 28% compared to zero gap. Meanwhile, a gap of 4.3 cm² (R1L1) caused 42% leakage and a 62% reduction in the warming effect. Unique temporospatial temperature profiles were observed at various sampling points and for different gap sizes, which correlated reasonably with the corresponding flow dynamics, particularly close to the gaps. The temperature change rate also exhibited patterns unique to the gap site and sampling point, with distinctive peaks occurring during the inspiratory–expiratory flow transitions. These results have the significant implications that by using the temporospatial temperature profiles at several landmark points, the gap location can potentially be pinpointed, and the gap size and leakage fractions can be quantified. Full article

Stress is a factor that affects many people today and is responsible for many of the causes of poor quality of life. For this reason, it is necessary to be able to determine whether a person is stressed or not. Therefore, it is necessary to develop tools that are non-invasive, innocuous, and easy to use. This paper describes a methodology for classifying stress in humans by automatically detecting facial regions of interest in thermal images using machine learning during a short Trier Social Stress Test. Five regions of interest, namely the nose, right cheek, left cheek, forehead, and chin, are automatically detected. The temperature of each of these regions is then extracted and used as input to a classifier, specifically a Support Vector Machine, which outputs three states: baseline, stressed, and relaxed. The proposal was developed and tested on thermal images of 25 participants who were subjected to a stress-inducing protocol followed by relaxation techniques. After testing the developed methodology, an accuracy of 95.4% and an error rate of 4.5% were obtained. The methodology proposed in this study allows the automatic classification of a person’s stress state based on a thermal image of the face. This represents an innovative tool applicable to specialists. Furthermore, due to its robustness, it is also suitable for online applications. Full article

This work involves exploring non-invasive sensor technologies for data collection and preprocessing, specifically focusing on novel thermal calibration methods and assessing low-cost infrared radiation sensors for facial temperature analysis. Additionally, it investigates innovative approaches to analyzing acoustic signals for quantifying coughing episodes. The research integrates diverse data capture technologies to analyze them collectively, considering their temporal evolution and physical attributes, aiming to extract statistically significant relationships among various variables for valuable insights. The study delineates two distinct aspects: cough detection employing a microphone and a neural network, and thermal sensors employing a calibration curve to refine their output values, reducing errors within a specified temperature range. Regarding control units, the initial implementation with an ESP32 transitioned to a Raspberry Pi model 3B+ due to neural network integration issues. A comprehensive testing is conducted for both fever and cough detection, ensuring robustness and accuracy in each scenario. The subsequent work involves practical experimentation and interoperability tests, validating the proof of concept for each system component. Furthermore, this work assesses the technical specifications of the prototype developed in the preceding tasks. Real-time testing is performed for each symptom to evaluate the system’s effectiveness. This research contributes to the advancement of non-invasive sensor technologies, with implications for healthcare applications such as remote health monitoring and early disease detection. Full article