Showing papers on "Liquid paraffin published in 2012"

Simple, reversible emulsion system switched by pH on the basis of chitosan without any hydrophobic modification.

Abstract: Chitosan without hydrophobic modification is not a good emulsifier itself. However, it has a pH-tunable sol–gel transition due to free amino groups along its backbone. In the present work, a simple reversible Pickering emulsion system based on the pH-tunable sol–gel transition of chitosan was developed. At pH > 6.0, as adjusted by NaOH, chitosan was insoluble in water. Chitosan nanoparticles or micrometer-sized floccular precipitates were formed in situ. These chitosan aggregates could adsorb at the interface of oil and water to stabilize the o/w emulsions, so-called Pickering emulsions. At pH < 6.0, as adjusted by HCl, chitosan was soluble in water. Demulsification happened. Four organic solvents (liquid paraffin, n-hexane, toluene, and dichloromethane) were chosen as the oil phase. Reversible emulsions were formed for all four oils. Chitosan-based Pickering emulsions could undergo five cycles of emulsification–demulsification with only a slight increase in the emulsion droplet size. They also had good l...

Emulsion stabilized by starch nanocrystals

Abstract: The starch nanocrystals made use of in this study were prepared by sulfuric acid hydrolysis of wx maize starch. The stable oil-in-water emulsions of 50 vol% paraffin liquid were prepared by using starch nanocrystals as emulsifier when the weight percentage concentration of starch nanocrystal relative to water was above 0.02 wt%. The size of the droplets decreased with the raising of the concentration of starch nanocrystal. These emulsions were very stable to coalescence over months and the creaming of emulsions decreased with the increasing of starch nanocrystal concentration. The surface tension of starch nanocrystal dispersions was found decreased from 71.7 to 45.8 mN/m when the nanocrystal concentration grew from 0.05 to 3.0 wt%. This indicates that starch nanocrystals are surface active particles. Further tests on the emulsifying ability of supernatant of centrifuged starch nanocrystal dispersions and the emulsion stability at the melting temperature of starch nanocrystals confirmed that the emulsions were indeed stabilized by starch nanocrystals.

The effect of carbon nanotubes in enhancing the thermal transport properties of PCM during solidification

Abstract: This study is aimed to prepare a novel class of nanofluid phase change material (NFPCM) by dispersing a small amount of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in liquid paraffin, to enhance the heat transfer properties and examine the characteristics of the NFPCM during the solidification process. The stable NFPCMs are prepared by dispersing the MWCNT in liquid paraffin at 30°C with volume fractions of 0.15, 0.3, 0.45 and 0.6% without any dispersing agents. The rheology measurement illustrates the Newtonian fluid behavior in the shear stress range of 1–10 Pa. The differential scanning calorimetric results showed that there is no observable variation in the freezing/melting temperature of the NFPCM, and only a small observable change in the latent heat values. The thermal conductivity of various NFPCM is measured. The enhancement in thermal conductivity increases with the increased volume fraction of the MWCNT, and shows a weak dependence on the temperature. Further, for the NFPCM with a volume fraction of 0.6%, there is an appreciable increase in heat transfer with a reduction in the solidification time of 33.64%. The enhancement in the heat transfer performance would alleviate the major problems that have been encountered in the conventional phase change materials since several years.

Formulation and statistical optimization of multiple-unit ibuprofen-loaded buoyant system using 23-factorial design

Abstract: This present investigation deals with the development and optimization of buoyant beads containing ibuprofen by emulsion-gelation method for gastroretentive delivery. The effect of three independent process variables like amount of sodium alginate, magnesium stearate, and liquid paraffin on drug entrapment, density, and drug release of buoyant beads containing ibuprofen was optimized using 23 factorial design. The observed responses were coincided well with the predicted values, given by the optimization technique. The optimized beads showed drug entrapment efficiency of 83.07 ± 3.25%, density of 0.89 ± 0.11 g/cm3, cumulative drug release of 35.02 ± 1.24% after 8 h, and floated well over 8 h in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) with 4.50 min buoyant lag-time. The average size of all buoyant beads ranged from 1.43 ± 0.05 to 1.82 ± 0.14 mm. The buoyant beads were characterized by SEM and FTIR spectroscopy for surface morphology and excipients–drug interaction analysis, respectively. All these beads showed prolonged sustained release of ibuprofen over 8 h in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2). The ibuprofen release profile from these buoyant beads followed Korsmeyer–Peppas model over a period of 8 h with anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion mechanism for drug release.

Lavender Essential Oil in the Treatment of Migraine Headache: A Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract: Lavender essential oil has been used as an anxiolytic drug, a mood stabilizer, a sedative, spasmolytic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, analgesic agent as well as a wound healing accelerator. We have studied for the first time the efficacy of lavender essential oil inhalation for the treatment of migraine in a placebo-controlled clinical trial. Methods: Forty-seven patients with definite diagnosis of migraine headache were divided into cases and controls. Cases inhaled lavender essential oil for 15 min, whereas the control group used liquid paraffin for the same time period. Patients were asked to record their headache severity and associated symptoms in 30-min intervals for a total of 2 h. We matched the two groups for key confounding factors. Results: The mean reduction of headache severity in cases was 3.6 ± 2.8 based on Visual Analogue Scale score. The reduction was 1.6 ± 1.6 in controls. This difference between the controls and cases was statistically significant with p Conclusion: The present study suggests that inhalation of lavender essential oil may be an effective and safe treatment modality in acute management of migraine headaches.

'Green'-synthesized near-infrared PbS quantum dots with silica-PEG dual-layer coating: ultrastable and biocompatible optical probes for in vivo animal imaging.

Abstract: In this paper, PbS semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) with near-infrared (NIR) photoluminescence were synthesized in oleic acid and paraffin liquid mixture by using an easily handled and 'green' approach. Surface functionalization of the QDs was accomplished with a silica and polyethylene glycol (PEG) phospholipid dual-layer coating and the excellent chemical stability of the nanoparticles is demonstrated. We then successfully applied the ultrastable PbS QDs to in vivo sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping of mice. Histological analyses were also carried out to ensure that the intravenously injected nanoparticles did not produce any toxicity to the organism of mice. These experimental results suggested that our ultrastable NIR PbS QDs can serve as biocompatible and efficient probes for in vivo optical bioimaging and has great potentials for disease diagnosis and clinical therapies in the future.

Geraniol modulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and angiogenesis during 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

Abstract: Oral carcinogenesis, a multistep process with multifaceted etiology, arises due to accumulation of heterogeneous genetic changes in the genes involved in the basic cellular functions including cell division, differentiation, and cell death. These genetic changes in the affected cell progressively increase the cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and inhibition of apoptosis. The present study investigated the modulating effect of geraniol on the expression pattern of cell proliferative (PCNA, cyclin D1, c-fos), inflammatory (NF-κB, COX-2), apoptotic (p53, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and -9), and angiogenic (VEGF) markers in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Topical application of 0.5 % DMBA in liquid paraffin, three times a week, for 14 weeks, developed well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the buccal pouch of golden Syrian hamsters. All the hamsters treated with DMBA alone (100 %) developed oral tumors in the buccal pouch after 14 weeks. Over-expression of mutant p53, PCNA, Bcl-2, and VEGF accompanied by decreased expression of Bax were noticed in hamsters treated with DMBA alone. Increased expression of c-fos, COX-2, NF-κB, and cyclin D1 and decreased activities of caspase-3 and -9 were also noticed in hamsters treated with DMBA alone. Oral administration of geraniol at a dose of 250 mg/kg bw (body weight) not only completely prevented the formation of oral tumors but also prevented the deregulation in the expression of above mentioned molecular markers in hamsters treated with DMBA. The present results thus suggest that geraniol has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, anti-cell proliferative, and apoptosis-inducing properties in DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.

Effect of skin coatings on prolonging shelf life of kagzi lime fruits (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle)

Abstract: An experiment was conducted to assess the influence of chemical and oil coatings on storage life of kagzi lime fruits. Fruits were harvested at physiological light green mature stage and treated with different concentrations of chemicals viz., Cacl2 and KMnO4 and edible coatings viz., (coconut oil, mustard oil, sesamum oil, castor oil and liquid paraffin wax). After treatment, fruits were kept at ambient condition (25–30 °C, 60–70% RH) till 18 days and analyzed for various physical and chemical parameters like PLW, marketable fruits retained, TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid, juice content and also organoleptic values. The results revealed that edible oil emulsion coating particularly coconut oil had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) effect on reduction of the physiological loss in weight (9.67%) and maximum marketable fruits retained (70%), total soluble solids (8.43%), ascorbic acid (49.93 mg/100 ml juice), acidity (1.52%) and juice content (42.34%) of fruits. Similarly, application of this oil emulsion coating acceptable for sensory quality parameters such as appearance, flavour, taste, external colour and no incidence of moulds & their growth up to 18 days of storage.

Gastric mucosal damage in water immersion stress: mechanism and prevention with GHRP-6.

Abstract: AIM: To investigate the mechanism of gastric mucosal demage induced by water immersion restraint stress (WRS) and its prevention by growth hormone releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6). METHODS: Male Wistar rats were subjected to conscious or unconscious (anesthetized) WRS, simple restraint (SR), free swimming (FS), non-water fluid immersion, immersion without water contact, or rats were placed in a cage surrounded by sand. To explore the sensitivity structures that influence the stress reaction besides skin stimuli, a group the rats had their eyes occluded. Cervical bilateral trunk vagotomy or atropine injection was performed in some rats to assess the parasympathetic role in mucosal damage. Gastric mucosal lesions, acid output and heart rate variability were measured. Plasma renin, endothelin-1 and thromboxane B2 and gastric heat shock protein 70 were also assayed. GHRP-6 was injected [intraperitoneal (IP) or intracerebroventricular (ICV)] 2 h before the onset of stress to observe its potential prevention of the mucosal lesion. RESULTS: WRS for 6 h induced serious gastric mucosal lesion [lesion area, WRS 81.8 ± 6.4 mm2 vs normal control 0.0 ± 0.0 mm2, P < 0.01], decreased the heart rate, and increased the heart rate variability and gastric acid secretion, suggesting an increase in vagal nerve-carrying stimuli. The mucosal injury was inversely correlated with water temperature (lesion area, WRS at 35 °C 56.4 ± 5.2 mm2 vs WRS at 23 °C 81.8 ± 6.4 mm2, P < 0.01) and was consciousness-dependent. The injury could not be prevented by eye occlusion, but could be prevented by avoiding contact of the rat body with the water by dressing it in an impermeable plastic suit. When water was replaced by vegetable oil or liquid paraffin, there were gastric lesions in the same grade of water immersion. When rat were placed in a cage surrounded by sand, there were no gastric lesions. All these data point to a remarkable importance of cutenuous information transmitted to the high neural center that by vagal nerves reaching the gastric mucosa. FS alone also induced serious gastric injury, but SR could not induce gastric injury. Bilateral vagotomy or atropine prevented the WRS-induced mucosal lesion, indicating that increased outflow from the vagal center is a decisive factor in WRS-induced gastric injury. The mucosal lesions were prevented by prior injection of GHRP-6 via IP did, but not via ICV, suggesting that the protection is peripheral, although a sudden injection is not equivalent to a physiological release and uptake, which eventually may affect the vagal center. CONCLUSION: From the central nervous system, vagal nerves carry the cutaneous stimuli brought about by the immersion restraint, an experimental model for inducing acute gastric erosions. GHRP-6 prevents the occurrence of these lesions.

Protective effects of curcumin and vitamin E on carbon tetrachloride-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Abstract: The present investigation reports the protective effects of curcumin (CMN) and vitamin E against CCl4 induced oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity in rats. The toxicant CCl4 was used to induce nephrotoxicity at a dose of 1 ml/kg as 1:1(v/v) mixture with liquid paraffin twice weekly for 8 weeks. Plasma total protein, albumin, urea and creatinine concentrations were measured to assess the renal function. Antioxidant status in the kidney was estimated by determining the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as by histopathological examination. CCl4 caused elevated levels of urea and creatinine while it decreased levels of total protein and albumin in plasma. Furthermore, CCl4 treated rats showed marked depletion of renal endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Oral administration of curcumin (100 mg/kg, daily for 8 weeks) and in combination with vitamin E (three times weekly for 8 weeks) showed significantly attenuated renal dysfunction by increased activity of antioxidant enzymes in kidney. It also increased the concentrations of plasma total protein and albumin, while reducing the concentration of urea and creatinine. Kidney sections of CCl4 induced rats showed deleterious alterations in micro anatomy. However, curcumin and vitamin E treatment prevented kidney damage induced by CCl4. This study reveals that curcumin in combination with vitamin E possesses strong antioxidant and kidney protective activity compared to curcumin alone.

Preparation and Evaluation of Tribological Properties of Cu Nanoparticles Surface Modified by Tetradecyl Hydroxamic Acid

Abstract: Oil-soluble Cu nanoparticles without phosphorus and sulphur elements were prepared using in situ surface-modification technique with hydrazine hydrate as a reductant and tetradecyl hydroxamic acid (THA) as a modifier. The phase composition, microstructure, and chemical structure of as-synthesized Cu nanoparticles (coded as THA-capped Cu or THA-capped nano-Cu) were analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The thermal stability of THA-capped Cu was examined using thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis. The antiwear ability of THA-capped Cu as an additive in liquid paraffin was examined using a four-ball machine, and the morphology of worn steel balls was examined using a scanning electron microscope, an energy dispersive spectrometer and an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It has been found that THA-capped Cu can be well dispersed in some organic solvents. As-synthesized THA-capped Cu as an environmentally friendly additive in liquid paraffin shows excellent antiwear ability for the steel–steel contact. Besides, Cu nanoparticles are able to deposit and fill up micropits and grooves on steel sliding surfaces under a higher load and hence greatly reduced wear of the steel–steel pair thereat by way of self-repairing of worn surfaces of the steel–steel frictional pair, showing promising application as an environmentally acceptable lubricating oil additive.

Novel Alkylborate–Dithiocarbamate Lubricant Additives: Synthesis and Tribophysical Characterization

Abstract: Boron-based lubricant additives have recently received significant attention, because of their wear-reducing and frictional properties and low pollution. At the same time, dithiocarbamate complexes with different metals have a long history of being used as multifunctional additives to lubricants. In this study, novel, environmentally friendly additives containing alkylborate and dithiocarbamate groups with alkyl or methylbenzyl substitutes in one molecule were studied. Tribological tests were performed with the additives admixed in a mineral oil using steel-on-steel contacts in a four-ball tribometer. Borate derivatives of different dithiocarbamate ligands were synthesized by several step reactions to investigate tribochemical properties of boron, sulfur, and nitrogen combined in one selected compound. Viscous liquid products were characterized by multinuclear 1H, 13C, and 11B NMR spectroscopy. The surface morphology and the elemental composition of the tribofilms were investigated using an optical profiler and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). It was found that some of these novel compounds provide better antiwear performance and similar frictional properties compared with a commercially available ZnDTP package. Traces of sulfur in the tribofilms formed with both 0.2 and 1.0 wt% of alkylborate–dithiocarbamate compounds in a mineral oil were detected with EDS.

Changes in the Viscoelastic Mechanisms of Polyisobutylene by Plasticization

Abstract: Our dynamic mechanical measurements in the glass–rubber transition zone of polyisobutylene (PIB), expressed in terms of the relaxation spectrum H(τ) and loss tangent (tan δ), have found an additional shoulder. Following the interpretation of previous works, the shoulder is attributed to the sub-Rouse modes, which account for motions intermediate in length scale to the Rouse and local segmental modes. The fact that the sub-Rouse modes are well resolved in PIB and not in other amorphous polymers was traced to its weak intermolecular coupling, which ultimately originates from the compact and symmetrical structure of its repeat unit. We test this interpretation further by studying the change on adding liquid paraffin (LP) to PIB, which should disrupt the effective chain packing of undiluted PIB. We found on adding LP to PIB that the softening dispersion becomes narrower, and eventually the disappearance of the shoulder. The effect is due to the mobility of entropic Rouse modes enhanced significantly more than...

Proapoptotic, anti-cell proliferative, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic potential of carnosic acid during 7,12 dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.

Abstract: The present study has investigated the modulating effect of carnosic acid on the expression pattern of cell proliferative (proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) cyclin D1 and a transcription factor c-fos), apoptotic (p53, Bcl-2, Bax caspase -3 and 9), inflammatory (Nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX- 2) and angiogenic (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) markers during 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Oral tumors were developed in the hamsters buccal pouches by painting with 0.5% DMBA in liquid paraffin three times a week for 14 weeks. Hundred per cent tumour formation (well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma) accompanied by deregulation in the above mentioned molecular markers was noticed in hamsters treated with DMBA alone (tumour bearing hamsters). Oral administration of carnosic acid at dose of 10mg/kg bw to hamsters treated with DMBA not only completely prevented the tumour formation, but also corrected the abnormalities in the expression pattern of molecular markers. The present study suggests that carnosic acid might have inhibited the tumour formation by exerting anti-cell-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and apoptotic potential during DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.

Tribological Behavior of 1-Methyl-3-Hexadecylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate Ionic Liquid Crystal as a Neat Lubricant and as an Additive of Liquid Paraffin

Abstract: Ionic liquid crystal (ILC), 1-methyl-3-hexadecylimidazolium tetrafluroborate, was synthesized. The tribological behavior of ILC was evaluated using a four-ball machine at 80 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis shows that ILC takes part in tribochemical reactions to generate tribochemical products such as B2O3, FeF2, and/or FeF3, and amine which form a protective film on sliding steel surface, resulting in reduced friction and wear. Besides, ILC 1-methyl-3-hexadecylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate is completely transformed from solid state to liquid crystalline phase at 80 °C, which facilitates the ordered arrangement of its long alkyl chain on sliding steel surface and helps to improve the tribological properties. When the ILC is used as an additive of liquid paraffin (LP), it contributes to reduce friction and wear and increase the load-carrying capacity of the base stock both at room temperature and 80 °C. The reason might lie in that a small amount of F from ILC takes part in tribochemical reactions to generate tribochemical products that form a protective film on sliding steel surface, and friction-induced heat accelerates the transition of as-synthesized ILC to a mesophase and the ordered arrangement of its long alkyl chain on sliding steel surface, both resulting in improved load-carrying capacity and anti-wear ability of the ILC.

The effect of nanoparticle concentration on the rheological properties of paraffin-based Co 3 O 4 ferrofluids

Abstract: A series of ferrofluids were made using oleic acid-capped Co3O4 (cobalt oxide) nanoparticles in liquid paraffin by a high-energy milling/sonication method. The average physical size of the dry Co3O4 nanoparticles was determined to be 21 nm by measuring the peak broadening of the (311) crystal plane from X-ray diffraction data of the nanopowder. The results of measurements by an alternative gradient force magnetometer indicated that the dry nanoparticles were paramagnetic. The prepared colloids were characterized by dynamic light scattering and found to contain aggregated nanoparticles having between 51 and 835 individual particles per aggregate. The rheological properties of these ferrofluids were then studied using a standard rotating rheometer, both in the presence and absence of an externally applied magnetic field. Magnetoviscous and thixotropic effects on the ferrofluids viscosity were studied as both the nanoparticle concentration and the applied magnetic field was varied. Nanoparticle aggregation and its effect on the rheological properties of these ferrofluids is discussed (i.e. the interactions between nanoparticles and aggregates). At nanoparticle concentrations above 30 wt%, a combined thixotropic/magnetoviscous effect on the fluids viscosity was observed. The ferrofluids exhibited a thixotropic behaviour with little magnetoviscous effect at more dilute nanoparticle concentrations, 25 wt%.

Topical liquid crystalline gel containing lornoxicam/cyclodextrin complex

Abstract: Lornoxicam is a potent analgesic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that can be used topically to relieve pain and to reduce inflammation. The objectives of this study were to improve the therapeutic efficacy of lornoxicam by complexation with cyclodextrins and to formulate it in liquid crystalline gel. Lornoxicam and β-cyclodextrin (βCD) or hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) complexes were prepared using the kneaded method in 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4 drug:CD molar ratios. Inclusion complexation in aqueous solution and solid state was evaluated by the ultraviolet, phase solubility diagram, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The stoichiometry for the inclusion complex was found to be 1:2 drug:CD molar ratio as determined from Job’s plot. This result was confirmed by the in vitro dissolution studies for the prepared complexes. Among all the prepared complexes, the complex prepared with βCD in 1:2 drug:CD molar ratio showed highest improvement in drug dissolution and was chosen to be formulated in a topical preparation. For developing liquid crystalline gel, different ratios of Brij 97, glycerol and oils (liquid paraffin, isopropyl myristate and Miglyol® 812) were prepared. The formula composed of Brij 97 and glycerol in 3:1 weight ratio, 10% Miglyol® 812 and 40% water showed higher drug release compared to the other prepared gels. Moreover, this formula showed low ex vivo permeation on excised pigskin thus it could offer high topical effect with low systematic side effects. This formula showed superior anti-inflammatory activity when applied topically on rats’ skin after induction of burn compared to that of Feldene® gel.

Interventions for atrophic rhinitis.

Abstract: Background Atrophic rhinitis is a chronic nasal pathology characterised by the formation of thick dry crusts in a roomy nasal cavity, which has resulted from progressive atrophy of the nasal mucosa and underlying bone. The common symptoms may include foetor, ozaena, crusting/nasal obstruction, epistaxis, anosmia/cacosmia and secondary infection with maggot infestation. Its prevalence varies in different regions of the world and it is common in tropical countries. The condition is predominantly seen in young and middle-aged adults, especially females, with a racial preference amongst Asians, Hispanics and African-Americans. A wide variety of treatment modalities have been described in the literature, however the mainstay of treatment is conservative (for example, nasal irrigation and douches; nose drops (e.g. glucose-glycerine, liquid paraffin); antibiotics and antimicrobials; vasodilators and prostheses). Surgical treatment aims to decrease the size of the nasal cavities, promote regeneration of normal mucosa, increase lubrication of dry nasal mucosa and improve the vascularity of the nasal cavities. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of interventions for atrophic rhinitis. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; BIOSIS Previews; Cambridge Scientific Abstracts; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 28 March 2011. Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) studying any treatment or combination of treatments in patients with atrophic rhinitis. We excluded studies with follow-up of less than five months following treatment/intervention. Data collection and analysis Three review authors abstracted and assessed studies. We tabulated and then compared the responses of the review authors separately for the individual studies. Main results No studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. We identified one RCT comparing oral rifampicin plus nasal wash versus nasal submucosal placentrex injection plus nasal wash versus a control group (nasal wash) but had to exclude this study due to inadequate length of follow-up. A further RCT comparing Young’s operation with nasal lubrication for primary atropic rhinitis is underway. Authors' conclusions There is no evidence from randomised controlled trials concerning the long-term benefits or risks of different treatment modalities for atrophic rhinitis. Further high-quality research into this chronic disease, with a longer follow-up period, is therefore required to establish this conclusively.

Exogenous lipoid pneumonia - a case report of a fire-eater.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Exogenous lipoid pneumonia is an uncommon condition caused by inhalation or aspiration of a fatty substance. It usually presents as chronic respiratory illness mimicking interstitial lung diseases. Acute exogenous lipoid pneumonia is uncommon and typically is caused by an episode of aspiration of a large quantity of a petroleum-based product. Radiological findings vary and may imitate many other diseases. CASE REPORT: We present a rare case of acute exogenous lipoid pneumonia in a fire-eater who aspirated liquid paraffin during his flame-blowing show (fire-eater's lung). He was admitted to the hospital with productive cough, fever, hemoptysis, chest pain and dyspnea. Diagnosis was made on the basis of history of exposure to fatty substance, characteristic findings in CT examination and presence of lipid-laden macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. CONCLUSIONS: Acute exogenous lipoid pneumonia is a very rare disease that typically occurs in fire-eaters and is called a fire-eater's lung. The diagnosis is made on the basis of typical history and radiological, as well as histopathological findings. Language: en

Hepatoprotective Effect of Otostegia persica Boiss. Shoot Extract on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Damage in Rats

Abstract: In this study, the hepatoprotective effect of the methanol extract of aerial parts (shoot) from Otostegia persica Boiss (Golder) was investigated against the carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced acute hepatotoxicity in male rats. Liver damage was induced through the oral administration of 50% CCl 4 in liquid paraffin (2.5 mL/Kg bw, per os) 60 min after the administration of the methanol extract of O. persica shoot (in 200, 300, 400 mg/Kg bw doses) and assessed using biochemical parameters (plasma and liver tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), transaminase enzyme levels in plasma [aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT)] and liver glutathione (GSH) levels). Results show that the methanol extract of O. persica shoot is active at 300 mg/Kg (per os) and it possess remarkable antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. Additionally, histopathological studies verified the effectiveness of this dose of extract in acute liver damage prevention.

Special base fertilizer for spring corn and preparation method thereof

Abstract: The invention provides a special base fertilizer for spring corn. The special base fertilizer is prepared from the following raw materials expressed in weight parts: 10 to 20 of oil tea cakes, 5 to 6 of coated urea, 20 to 25 of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, 18 to 22 of coated potassium chloride, 20 to 30 of bentonite, 0.2 to 0.5 of ferrous sulfate, 1 to 2 of zinc sulfate, 0.1 to 0.3 of ammonium molybdate, 10 to 12 of attapulgite, 5 to 7 of brown coal, 3 to 4 of neem leaf powder, 3 to 4 of euphorbia powder, 10 to 15 of bagasse, 10 to 15 of potash feldspar, 18 to 22 of livestock and poultry manures, 3 to 4 of carboxymethyl cellulose, 15 to 20 of 30% sulfuric acid, 5 to 10 of lime, 10 to 15 of bone meal and 4 to 6 of liquid paraffin. A preparation method for the fertilizer comprises the following steps: carrying out acidolysis on hairs to produce amino acid; producing amino acid chelated micro and medium fertilizer liquid; sintering potash feldspar to prepare a fertilizer carrier; fermenting an organic fertilizer; mixing a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer with the carrier, the organic fertilizer and a botanical pesticide; spraying the amino acid chelated micro and medium fertilizer liquid; carrying out granulation; and finally carrying out coating with the liquid paraffin. The fertilizer provided by the invention can obviously improve the utilization rate of fertilizer efficiency, exerts a slow release effect, reduces a fertilizer application amount and pesticide residue and improves the output and quality of the spring corn.