Short-term Stability Research Articles

Multi-cycle charging information guided state of health estimation for lithium-ion batteries based on pre-trained large language model

Continuous, stable, and accurate state of health (SOH) estimation is essential for the sustainable and reliable operation of lithium-ion batteries. However, conventional definitions and mainstream estimation methods encounter challenges in efficient implementation subject to rigorous feature engineering and complex engineering conditions. In this work, we explore feature combinations from multi-cycle charging information and employ a pre-trained large language model (PLM), which is prominent in natural language processing, for state estimation. Firstly, voltage-charge capacity curves are constructed by directly measurable data to identify candidate features across various fragmented charging processes. Posteriorly, considering the short-term stability of SOH, this paper proposes feature combinations from multi-cycle charging information to enhance the flexibility of feature engineering. Thereafter, we fine-tune the PLM to adapt to specific regression tasks, balancing prior knowledge and training efficiency. Compared to old-fashioned degradation features, the integrated multi-cycle feature combination does not require stringent prerequisites and exhibits exceptional correlation. Supplemented with GridSearch and large datasets, the proposed estimation method presents superior performance compared to other algorithms, achieving an optimal RMSE of only 0.0054. This work highlights the potential of fine-tuning the PLM for battery state estimation, leveraging innovative feature engineering technology.

Short term stability of the sputum microbiota in bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis

Short term stability of the sputum microbiota in bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis

Evaluation of Short-Term Stability of Different Nitazenes Psychoactive Opioids in Dried Blood Spots by Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

Nitazenes represent a new synthetic opioids sub-class belonging to new psychoactive substances (NPSs). Their high pharmacological potency has led to numerous intoxications and fatalities, even at minimum doses. The aim of this study was to assess the stability of four nitazenes (etazene, flunitazene, isotonitazene and protonitazene) in dried blood spot (DBS) samples at different storage temperatures (room temperature and 4 °C) and determine the optimal storage conditions. Moreover, we developed and validated a new and fast liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry method by the optimization of chromatographic conditions with the use of a different chromatographic column and mobile phases. Two concentrations, 1 and 5 ng/mL, were chosen based on the available data on nitazenes-related intoxications and their stability was evaluated at days 0 (control), 1, 7 and 30. The results showed that all analytes at 1 ng/mL were not detectable after 30 days at room temperature; a similar pattern was observed for 1 ng/mL etazene and isotonitazene samples when stored at 4 °C, whereas flunitazene and protonitazene decreased to a mean of 66% and 69% initial concentrations, respectively, at day 30. Differently, all analytes at 5 ng/mL were quantified above 44% and 41% initial concentrations at room temperature and 4 °C, respectively, showing a higher stability. The study of nitazenes stability in DBSs represents an important tool to determine the optimal sample storage conditions, such as temperature and time between sample collection and analysis. In contrast to another study, our study showed distinct stability behaviors for every investigated analyte, which also depended on the concentration. Therefore, it is difficult to define an optimal storage condition acceptable for all nitazenes. Room temperature proved to be the best medium- and long-term storage conditions for the highest concentrations, but the stability of low levels of flunitazene and protonitazene improved at 4 °C.

Combined approach of nanoemulgel and microneedle pre-treatment as a topical anticellulite therapy

Background and purpose: Cellulite is caused by changes in the metabolism of the fatty tissue beneath the skin. Methylxanthines and retinoids are commonly added to the different anticellulite products. However, their topical permeation into the dermis is limited. Thus, the objective of this research is to formulate a nanoemulgel (NEG) containing a triple therapy of caffeine, aminophylline, and tretinoin as a topical anticellulite product to improve their skin permeation. Furthermore, the influence of microneedles (MNs) as skin pre-treatment on the permeation of the NEG was investigated. Experimental approach: Various nanoemulsion (NE) formulations were prepared using high-energy ultrasonication with different compositions and sonication amplitudes. Several characterisation tests were employed to select the optimum NE formulation. Then, the optimised NE formulation was incorporated with hyaluronic acid to prepare the NEG, which was, in turn, subjected to various evaluations. An ex vivo permeation study using human skin was performed for the NEG compared to a control preparation of plain gel. Additionally, a microneedling pen was applied as a skin pre-treatment at varying lengths prior to NEG application to examine its impact on the NEG’s permeation. Key results: The selected NEG has a homogenous and consistent texture with no coarse particles, a droplet size of 175.8 nm and polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.19, an optimum pH value of 5.28, high drug content of caffeine, aminophylline, and tretinoin (99.35, 98.48 and 98.05 %, respectively), high drug release values of approximately 100 % within 6 hours, appro-priate viscosity, minimum skin irritation, and adequate short-term stability. The ex vivo permeation study showed that caffeine, aminophylline, and tretinoin permeated more and deposited in the skin with higher percentages from the NEG than plain gel. This skin deposition within the dermis was increased by applying the microneedling pen at varying lengths of 0.5, 1, and 2 mm as a skin pre-treatment. Conclusion: This combined approach of NEG formulation containing a triple therapy of caffeine, aminophylline, and tretinoin, along with MNs application, has the potential to serve as a topical anticellulite product, reducing cellulite formation and improving skin appearance.

Research on Distributed Autonomous Timekeeping Algorithm for Low-Earth-Orbit Constellation

The time of a satellite navigation system is primarily generated by the main control station of the ground system. Consequently, when ground stations fail, there is a risk to the continuous provision of time services to the equipment and users. Furthermore, the anticipated launch of additional satellites will further strain the satellite–ground link. Next-generation satellite navigation systems will rely on time deviation measurements from inter-satellite links to independently establish and maintain a space-based time reference, enhancing the system’s reliability and robustness. The increasing number of low-Earth-orbit satellite navigation constellations provides ample resources for establishing a space-based time reference. However, this also introduces challenges, including extensive time scale computations, increased link noise, and low clock resource utilization. To address these issues, this paper proposes a Distributed Kalman Plus Weight (D-KPW) algorithm, which combines the benefits of Kalman filtering and the weighted average algorithm, balancing the performance with computational resources. Furthermore, an adaptive clock control algorithm, D-KPW (Control), is developed to account for both the short-term and long-term frequency stability of the time reference. The experimental results demonstrate that the frequency stability of the time reference established by the D-KPW (Control) algorithm reaches 7.40×10−15 and 2.30×10−15 for sampling intervals of 1000 s and 1,000,000 s, respectively, outperforming traditional algorithms such as ALGOS. The 20-day prediction error of the time reference is 1.55 ns. Compared to traditional algorithms such as AT1, ALGOS, Kalman, and D-KPW, the accuracy improves by 65%, 65%, 66%, and 67%, respectively.

Rydberg electromagnetically induced transparency based laser lock to Zeeman sublevels with 0.6GHz scanning range.

We propose a technique for frequency locking a laser to the Zeeman sublevel transitions between the 5P3/2 intermediate and 32D5/2 Rydberg states in 87Rb. This method allows for continuous frequency tuning over 0.6GHz by varying an applied external magnetic field. In the presence of the applied field, the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) spectrum of an atomic vapor splits via the Zeeman effect according to the strength of the magnetic field and the polarization of the pump and probe lasers. We show that the 480nm pump laser, responsible for transitions between the Zeeman sublevels of the intermediate state and the Rydberg state, can be locked to the Zeeman-split EIT peaks. The short-term frequency stability of the laser lock is 0.15MHz, and the long-term stability is within 0.5MHz. The linewidth of the laser lock is ∼0.8 and ∼1.8MHz in the presence and absence of the external magnetic field, respectively. In addition, we show that in the absence of an applied magnetic field and adequate shielding, the frequency shift of the lock point has a peak-to-peak variation of 1.6MHz depending on the polarization of the pump field, while when locked to Zeeman sublevels, this variation is reduced to 0.6MHz. The proposed technique is useful for research involving Rydberg atoms, where large continuous tuning of the laser frequency with stable locking is required.

Preparation and electrochemical performance of alkaline earth metal-doped Nd2Ce2O7 proton conductor hydrogen separation membranes

Nd2Ce2O7 is a rare earth oxide with a fluorite structure and exhibits proton conductivity. Alkaline earth metals (Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) doped Nd2Ce2O7 powders were synthesized using the citrate sol-gel method. The doped samples retain the fluorite structure, and enhanced oxygen vacancy concentration. Notably, Nd1.85Mg0.15Ce2O7-δ exhibited the highest oxygen vacancy concentration, reaching an electrical conductivity of 2.91 × 10−2 S cm−1 in a humid atmosphere of 20%H2 and 80%N2 at 900 °C. Hydrogen separation membranes were fabricated using alkaline earth metal-doped Nd2Ce2O7 as the proton-conducting phase and Pt as the electron-conducting phase. The results indicated that Pt-Nd1.85Mg0.15Ce2O7-δ had the optimal hydrogen permeation flux, reaching 8.35 × 10−9 mol cm−2•s−1 at 900 °C. It demonstrated short-term stability in environments containing CO2 and H2O, and an increase in temperature and hydrogen partial pressure on the feed side enhanced hydrogen permeation, highlighting its potential as a hydrogen separation membrane material.

Assessing Drug Product Shelf Life Using the Accelerated Stability Assessment Program: A Case Study of a GLPG4399 Capsule Formulation.

Objective: To evaluate and project the shelf life of GLPG4399, an early-phase clinical drug formulation by applying the Accelerated Stability Assessment Program (ASAP) approach. Methods: Forced degradation conditions were implemented to identify the stability-limiting degradation product. The drug and its degradation products were separated using a validated liquid chromatography method. Then, the selected clinical capsule formulation was placed in a glass vial and exposed to accelerated short-term conditions of combinations of high- and low-level heat and humidity in an open state for 5 weeks. The liquid chromatography results were evaluated using the ASAP, which is based on the moisture-modified Arrhenius principle. The resulting data were fitted using a suitable diffusion kinetics method. Results: The developed model was applied to predict the shelf life of the drug product when using clinically appropriate primary packaging (high-density polyethylene container). The derived stability parameters of the moisture-modified Arrhenius equation were the Arrhenius collision frequency, activation energy, and humidity sensitivity constant. The goodness of fit parameters R2 (>0.95) and goodness of prediction Q2 (>0.80) parameters for the selected model were acceptable. The results of the accelerated, short-term stability study were verified against real-time, long-term 12-month data. Conclusions: We demonstrated the application of the ASAP approach to evaluate the shelf life of a GLPG4399 solid capsule formulation. The studied ASAP approach can be extended to evaluate the stability and shelf-life estimations of other early-phase clinical formulations.

Harnessing the potential of deep eutectic solvents in biocatalysis: design strategies using CO2 to formate reduction as a case study.

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as green solvents with versatile applications, demonstrating significant potential in biocatalysis. They often increase the solubility of poorly water-soluble substrates, serve as smart co-substrates, modulate enzyme stereoselectivity, and potentially improve enzyme activity and stability. Despite these advantages, screening for an optimal DES and determining the appropriate water content for a given biocatalytic reaction remains a complex and time-consuming process, posing a significant challenge. This paper discusses the rational design of DES tailored to a given biocatalytic system through a combination of experimental screening and computational tools, guided by performance targets defined by solvent properties and process constraints. The efficacy of this approach is demonstrated by the reduction of CO2 to formate catalyzed by NADH-dependent formate dehydrogenase (FDH). By systematically analyzing FDH activity and stability, NADH stability (both long-term and short-term stability after solvent saturation with CO2), and CO2 solubility in initially selected glycerol-based DESs, we were able to skillfully guide the DES screening process. Considering trade-offs between experimentally determined performance metrics of DESs, 20% solution of choline chloride:glycerol in phosphate buffer (ChCl:Gly80%B) was identified as the most promising solvent system for a given reaction. Using ChCl:Gly as a co-solvent resulted in an almost 15-fold increase in FDH half-life compared to the reference buffer and stabilized the coenzyme after the addition of CO2. Moreover, the 20% addition of ChCl:Gly to the buffer improved the volumetric productivity of FDH-catalyzed CO2 reduction in a batch system compared to the reference buffer. The exceptional stability of the enzyme in this co-solvent system shows great potential for application in continuous operation, which can significantly improve process productivity. Additionally, based on easily measurable physicochemical solvent properties and molecular descriptors derived from COSMO-RS, QSAR models were developed, which successfully predicted enzyme activity and stability, as well as coenzyme stability in selected solvent systems with DESs.

Carrier Phase Common-View Single-Differenced Time Transfer via BDS Penta-Frequency Signals

The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3) has officially provided services worldwide since July 2020. BDS-3 has added new signals for B1C, B2a and B2b based on old BDS-2 B1I and B3I signals, which brings opportunities for achieving high-precision time transfer. In this research, the BDS-3/BDS-2 combined penta-frequency common-view (CV) single-differenced (SD) precise time transfer model is established with B1I, B3I, B2I, B1C, B2a and B2b signals, including dual-, triple-, quad- and penta-frequency (abbreviated as DF, TF, QF and PF) ionosphere-free (IF) combination CV SD models. Taking four long baseline time links (from 637.6 km to 1331.6 km) as examples, the accuracy and frequency stability of the BDS-3/BDS-2 combined DF, TF, QF and PF SD time transfer models were evaluated. The experimental results show that the frequency stability of the TF, QF and PF SD models were improved by 2.5%, 5.3% and 8.5%, on average, over the DF SD model. Compared with the traditional DF (B1I/B3I IF combination) SD model, the standard deviation (STD) of the multi-frequency SD model was reduced by 5.9%, on average, and the frequency stability was improved by 4.0% on average, which had the most apparent effect on the improvement of short-term frequency stability. Specifically, the DF1 (B1C and B2a DF IF combination), TF1 (B1C, B2a and B2b TF IF combination), QF1 (B1C, B1I, B2a and B2b QF IF combination) and PF4 (B1C, B1I, B2a, B2b and B3I PF IF combination) SD models had better performance in timing, and the PF4 SD model had the best performance. Considering that the PF4 (one PF signal IF combination) SD model does not require an estimated inter-frequency bias and that its noise factor is minor compared with the PF1 (four DF signal IF combination), PF2 (three TF signal IF combination) and PF3 (two QF signal IF combination) SD models, we recommend the PF4 SD model for multi-frequency time transfer and the use of the PF2, PF2 or PF3 SD model to supplement the PF4 SD model in cases of penta-frequency observation loss.

Operation Analysis of Power Systems with HVDC Interconnections Using a Transient Stability Aware OPF Method

High-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems are widely used today due to their several advantages over high-voltage alternative current (HVAC) systems. They are primarily utilized in connecting different large grids or smaller independent networks, especially in submarine interconnections. Many studies have been conducted globally on the optimal planning, operation, and control of these power systems. Understanding the transient stability of these systems during significant disturbances is also of great importance. This paper specifically focuses on power systems with HVDC connections and high penetration of renewable energy sources. Analytical models were developed for power system components like HVDC converters, DC lines, and full converter wind generators. A simulation of a test-case power system was conducted, including various significant disturbances such as HVDC line trips, short circuits, power unit failures, and major changes in load. The voltage and frequency stability of the system under specific operational scenarios was also examined. The results obtained indicate technical limitations and operating guidelines to avoid undesirable conditions and system failure. In conclusion, adopting short-term stability tests the optimal operation point of the system, and the limitations in the penetration by RES units can be decided.

LEO satellite clock modeling and its benefits for real-time LEO PPP timing

In the kinematic Precise Orbit Determination (POD) process for low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, a significant correlation exists between the orbital and clock parameters. Here, a LEO satellite clock model is proposed to enhance the Precise Point positioning (PPP) timing and time synchronization during the LEO orbit/clock determination. The GRACE-FO satellite was utilized to achieve PPP timing and time transfer for LEO satellites with the real-time (RT) products provided by three analysis centers, namely Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES), GMV Aerospace and Defense (GMV), and Wuhan Technical University (WHU). For the frequency stability of the PPP timing for LEO satellites, the short-term stability (1280 s) is about 10−13 level, and the long-term stability (10,240 s) is about 10−14 level. Compared with the traditional PPP method (Scheme1), the LEO satellite clock model (Scheme2) is capable of significantly reducing the noise, regardless of whether it is PPP timing or PPP time synchronization. The frequency stability of Scheme 1 shows an improvement in short-term stability (1280 s) by about 8 %-72 % and the max improvement of the long-term stability (10240 s) by approximately 39 %, the result also shows a better improvement in LEO time synchronization.

Statistical Analysis for Quality Control of Monodispersed Polystyrene Particles Certified Reference Materials

Monodispersed polystyrene latex (PSL) particles serve as certified reference materials (CRMs) for ensuring quality, method validation, and calibration of particle size measuring instruments. They were produced in compliance with ISO 17034:2016 standards. However, limitations arise in the quality control of CRM characteristics due to challenges in synthesizing particles of consistent size across multiple batches. It is widely recognized that variations in particle size homogeneity between batches can occur in the particle manufacturing process even when conducted under identical conditions and ingredients. This paper aims to explain and demonstrate statistical analyses conforming to ISO Guide 35:2017 used for quality control and certifying reference values for monodispersed polystyrene particles. The procedure can be divided into three steps: 1) preliminary check by using dynamic light scattering (DLS), 2) preliminary check by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and 3) final homogeneity testing, along with short-term and long-term stability assessment and characterization. The described protocol can control the quality of particles from multiple batch productions by establishing criteria at each step to ensure particle size consistency. The certified value of a 100 nm diameter monodispersed polystyrene particle produced by the National Institute of Metrology, Thailand (NIMT) is 105.5 ± 4.6 nm, acceptable for measurement traceability for testing and calibration services. Keywords: Quality control, polystyrene particles, certified reference materials

Fluconazole-loaded Hyaluronic Acid-modified Transfersomal Hydrogels Containing D-panthenol for Ocular Delivery in Fungal Keratitis Management.

Fungal keratitis (mycotic keratitis) is an eye infection in which the cornea is infected by fungi and such fungal keratitis management can be effectively possible by ocular administration of antifungal drugs. The main objectives of the present research were to develop and evaluate fluconazoleloaded transfersomal hydrogels for ocular delivery in the effective management of fungal keratitis. A 23 factorial design-based approach was used for statistical optimization, where (A) the ratio of lipid to edge activators, (B) the amount of hyaluronic acid (% HA), and (C) the ratio of edge activators (sodium deoxycholate to Span 80) were taken as three factors. The average vesicle diameter (Z, nm) of transfersomes was taken as a response. Further, fluconazole-loaded transfersomes (FTO) were incorporated into 1% Carbopol 940-based hydrogel (OF1) and 2% HMPC K4M-based hydrogel (OF2) containing D-panthenol (5% w/w). The optimal variable setting for the optimized formulations of FTO was (A) = 9.15, (B) = 0.30%, and (C) = 3.00. FTO exhibited 66.39 nm Z, 0.247 polydispersity index, - 33.10 mV zeta potential, and 65.38 ± 1.77 % DEE, and desirable elasticity. TEM image of FTO demonstrated a unilamellar vesicular structure. The ex vivo ocular permeation of fluconazole from transfersomal hydrogels was sustained over 24 h. All the transfersomal hydrogels showed good bioadhesion and excellent antifungal activity with respect to the zone of inhibition against Candida albicans than Aspergillus fumigates, in vitro. HET-CAM study results demonstrated that both the hydrogels were nonirritant and safe for ocular. Short-term physical stability study suggested the stability of the developed formulation. The current research demonstrated a new way to enhance the ocular penetration of fluconazole via transfersomal hydrogel formulations for ocular delivery in the effective management of fungal keratitis.

Facile synthesis of silver and copper modified graphitic carbon nitride for volatile organic compounds sensing

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pose significant health risks when inhaled or ingested in large quantities. Metal oxide-based solid-state gas sensors are commonly utilized for VOCs detection, including methanol, however their high operating temperature and selectivity are both biggest challenges. In this context, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has emerged as a promising alternative for VOCs sensing due to its superior sensing properties. In this work, Cu and Ag doped g-C3N4 was synthesized via the polycondensation method for VOCs sensing applications. All the samples showed a selective response to methanol at room temperature. Notably, the Ag/g-C3N4 sensor exhibited a significantly enhanced response (~27.5) compared to both undoped g-C3N4 (~3.58) and Cu/g-C3N4 (~9.82) sensors towards 200 ppm methanol. The Ag/C3N4 based sensor showed rapid response (21 s) and recovery (17 s) times, along with excellent short-term and long-term stability. It was found that Ag/C3N4 sensor exhibited a good response to humidity levels ranging from 9 % to 93 % RH, without any significant variation observed when deposited on the ceramic and flexible polyimide substrates. Further, considering its practical applicability, the Ag/C3N4 sensor showed successful detection of alcohol in human breath, highlighting its potential for real-world applications.

ERM strategies for navigating financial stress: Lessons from US commercial banks

This study explores the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) strategies employed by U.S. commercial banks during times of financial stress, with a focus on the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. It investigates how ERM frameworks enable banks to make risk-adjusted decisions and effectively manage credit risk, ensuring both operational resilience and long-term value preservation. The research highlights the critical role of ERM in guiding banks through periods of market volatility, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to risk identification, assessment, and mitigation. Through a detailed analysis, the study examines how commercial banks have adjusted their risk appetite and governance structures in response to economic disruptions, balancing short-term stability with long-term growth objectives. Key ERM components such as capital adequacy, liquidity management, and stress testing are reviewed to demonstrate their effectiveness in safeguarding financial institutions. Additionally, the research discusses the importance of leadership and governance in enhancing risk oversight and fostering a culture of risk awareness across banking operations. The findings offer valuable lessons for financial institutions on how to navigate future financial stresses by leveraging robust ERM frameworks. By examining these strategies, the paper provides insights into the adaptability and resilience of U.S. commercial banks in maintaining financial stability and shareholder value in the face of uncertainty.. Keywords: Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Financial Stress, Credit Risk Management, Operational Resilience, U.S. Commercial Banks, Governance Structures.

Affordable and Reliable RP-HPLC Method for Verapamil Hydrochloride Quantification in Rabbit Plasma for Pharmacokinetics

Background: Existing bioanalytical methods for verapamil hydrochloride (VH) are often complex, requiring advanced instrumentation and specialized expertise, which limits their use in resource-constrained laboratories. Aim: The goal of this study is to fill this gap by developing a simplified, robust RP-HPLC-UV approach for the estimation of verapamil hydrochloride in rabbit plasma. Designed to enhance accuracy and precision while minimizing sample preparation challenges, this method addresses existing limitations by providing an affordable and reliable alternative for laboratories lacking sophisticated instrumentation. Methods: The bioanalytical method was implemented on C-18 stationary phase (5 μ, 250 × 4.6 mm) using acetonitrile/0.1% tetrahydrofuran (THF) in water (80:20, in volume) as the liquid system at a 1 mL/min flow speed, employing carvedilol as an internal standard. Results: The reported retention times of verapamil hydrochloride and carvedilol were ~7.64 and 4.69 min, respectively, at sufficiently high system suitability standards. The linearity of the bioanalytical approach can be seen between 0.025 and 5.0 µg/mL (r2 = 0.9991). The findings indicated that there was no matrix influence in terms of accuracy (≥98.96 ± 2.68%), intra- and inter-day precision (≤3.68%), recovery (101.98 ± 2.76%), and procedure efficiency (100.65 ± 1.82%). Benchtop, long-term, and short-term stability investigations all revealed that the verapamil hydrochloride in the bio-samples was stable. The pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax—3.47 µg/mL; Tmax—1.59 h) were studied from time-dependent plasma concentrations of verapamil hydrochloride estimated after 40 mg oral dosing in New Zealand white rabbits. Conclusions: The developed bioanalytical method provided easier quantitative analysis of verapamil hydrochloride from rabbit plasma and was effectively used in a pharmacokinetic investigation of an oral bolus. The reliable performance of this method under practical conditions positions it as a crucial tool for advancing pharmacokinetic studies across various research environments.

Miniscrew-assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion Before Orthognathic Surgery for a Patient With Laterognathia

In this case report, a 19-year-old male patient with maxillary transverse deficiency, concave profile, and facial asymmetry is presented. In the case of transversal insufficiency, nonsurgical maxillary expansion was performed with the miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) appliance to reduce the number of surgeries and provide both dentoalveolar and skeletal expansion. The periodontal soundness and short-term stability of the maxillary expansion were confirmed both clinically and radiologically. Mandibular prognathism was later corrected with orthognathic surgery. MARPE is an effective approach to the treatment of maxillary transverse deficiencies in adult patients.

Preparation and evaluation the effects of retinoic acid loaded proliposomal nanofibers on microbial biofilm inhibition

The electrospinning method involves the production of different drug delivery systems using various polymers. The production of proliposomes with electrospinning provides the hybridization of two novel drug delivery systems. Retinoic acid, also known as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), is a common and effective drug for acne therapy. This study aimed to prepare ATRA-loaded proliposomal nanofibers and evaluate their effectiveness on microbial biofilm inhibition. Blank and ATRA-loaded proliposomal nanofiber formulations were fabricated in various polyvinylpyrrolidone, phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol ratios. TEM images verified the rapid formation of the liposomes after the hydration of nanofibers. The vesicle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential values of self-assembled liposomes were measured. The vesicle size values were found to be 321.9–363.8 nm with PDI values varying between 0.332 and 0.511 and zeta potential values of (−16.8) to (−20.5)mV. ATRA-loaded proliposomal nanofibers provided higher bioadhesion (0.25 mJ/cm2) than the commercial cream (0.07 mJ/cm2). The short-term stability results showed that the initial characteristics remained for three months at 4 °C. The proposed ATRA-loaded self-assembled proliposomal system provided antibacterial, fungistatic or fungicidal effects superior to retinoic acid itself and inhibited biofilm formation in lower concentrations. This approach can combine the stability advantage of nanofibers in the dry state with the high effectiveness of liposomes in acne treatment presenting antibacterial and anti-biofilm-forming activity against Candida albicans and Cutibacterium acnes.

Acoustic resonance technology and quality by design approach facilitate the development of the robust tetrandrine nano-delivery system

The aim of this study was to develop a sufficiently robust tetrandrine (Tet) nano-delivery system using acoustic resonance (AR) technology and freeze-drying technology. This system can effectively improve the solubility and dissolution properties of Tet, along with high stability and scale-up adaptability. Firstly, 54 stabilizers were screened simultaneously in a high-throughput manner with the help of AR technology to fully explore the optimal prescription space of tetrandrine nanosuspension (Tet-NS). The Plackett-Burman design was used to screen for critical variables severely affecting the quality of Tet-NS. The Box-Behnken design was used to investigate and optimize critical variables to obtain optimal nanosuspensions. The optimal prescription was successfully scaled up by 100 times, which was the initial exploration of its commercial scale production. Solidification studies have shown that formulations with 2.44% fructose as the cryoprotectant have excellent redispersibility. Compared with pure Tet, Tet in Tet-NS showed a significant increase in solubility and dissolution rate in water. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) demonstrated that no significant interactions occurred between the drug and excipients in Tet-NS. Powder x-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD) indicated that some of the Tet transformed into amorphous state during the preparation process. In short-term stability study, Tet-NS successfully maintained its physical stability. In summary, under the guidance of the QbD concept, this study rapidly developed Tet-NS using acoustic resonance technology, which can effectively improve the solubility and dissolution properties of Tet. During the development of Tet-NS, AR technology has demonstrated high particle size reduction capability, the ability to process multiple sets of formulations in parallel, and excellent scale-up capability. Meanwhile, the method and concept of this study are not limited to Tet, but also applicable to other poorly water-soluble drugs.