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Organogels (ORGs) are remarkable matrices due to their versatile chemical composition and straightforward preparation. This study proposes the development of ORGs as dual drug-carrier systems, considering the application of synthetic monoketonic curcuminoid (m-CUR) and lidocaine (LDC) to treat topical inflammatory lesions. The monoketone curcuminoid (m-CUR) was synthesized by using an innovative method via a NbCl5–acid catalysis. ORGs were prepared by associating an aqueous phase composed of Pluronic F127 and LDC hydrochloride with an organic phase comprising isopropyl myristate (IPM), soy lecithin (LEC), and the synthesized m-CUR. Physicochemical characterization was performed to evaluate the influence of the organic phase on the ORGs supramolecular organization, permeation profiles, cytotoxicity, and epidermis structural characteristics. The physico-chemical properties of the ORGs were shown to be strongly dependent on the oil phase constitution. Results revealed that the incorporation of LEC and m-CUR shifted the sol-gel transition temperature, and that the addition of LDC enhanced the rheological G′/G″ ratio to higher values compared to original ORGs. Consequently, highly structured gels lead to gradual and controlled LDC permeation profiles from the ORG formulations. Porcine ear skin epidermis was treated with ORGs and evaluated by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), where the stratum corneum lipids were shown to transition from a hexagonal to a liquid crystal phase. Quantitative optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis revealed that LEC and m-CUR additives modify skin structuring. Data from this study pointed ORGs as promising formulations for skin-delivery.

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Introduction: Thoracic aortic aneurysm diameter determination is paramount for the decision-making process regarding surgical management. Studies focusing in asymptomatic patients have determined prevalence of 0.16 to 0.36% of TAAs in imaging studies. Several groups have proposed automated aortic measurement tools as propaedeutic and therapeutic instruments. In this study we developed and tested an automatic 3-dimensional (3D) segmentation method for the thoracic aorta, applicable on computed tomography angiography (CTA) acquired using low-dose and standard dose protocol, with and without contrast enhancement; and to accurately calculate the 3D diameter information of the arterial segments. Methods: a retrospective cohort of all CT scans acquired in our service between 2016 and 2021 led to the selection of 587 CT exams including low and standard-dose radiation, with and without contrast enhancement. 527 exams were used for neural network training of an algorithm capable of aptly measuring the aortic diameters, using manual measurements performed by three medical specialists as a baseline. Sixty exams were used for validation. The algorithm was developed both for use with the support of PyRadiomics and for a self-made approach. Results: Aortic measurement using the algorithm supported by PyRadiomics resulted in mean absolute error values under 2mm. For the self-made approach, mean absolute error values were under 5mm. Conclusion: This study presents an effective automated solution for thoracic aortic measurement with good results in sets of standard or low-radiation exams, as well as those acquired with or without contrast enhancement; presenting a possibility for an auxiliary tool for automation of the process of measuring the diameter of the thoracic aorta.

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