Pump Spray Research Articles

Importance of cloud motion and two-way momentum coupling in the transport of pharmaceutical nasal sprays

Nasal sprays, which produce relatively large pharmaceutical droplets with sizes mostly higher than 10 μm, are primarily used to deliver locally acting drugs to the nasal mucosa. Due to the large spray droplet size and high spray velocity, these droplets carry significant momentum, which can influence the surrounding gas field (i.e., two-way coupling) and strongly influence the droplet transport mechanics and droplet deposition profile. The objective of this study was to determine if two-way momentum coupling leading to cloud motion is an important factor in simulating pharmaceutical nasal sprays, and if so, to develop a computationally efficient method to capture this effect. The effect of two-way momentum exchange between the nasal spray droplets and the surrounding air was analyzed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations of sprays from two pharmaceutical nasal spray pumps. The computational spray transport was modeled using different modeling approaches including one-way coupled and two-way coupled Euler-Lagrange and Euler-Euler frameworks. Detailed comparisons of the computational simulation results with in vitro spray transport measurements were performed to establish which modeling approach is more accurate for predicting the nasal spray transport. The simulation results indicated that the coupling effect of the spray momentum exchange with the air molecules created an air-jet velocity profile, which in turn led to a cloud-like motion of the smaller droplets. The airflow created by the cloud of droplets as a whole imparts significant momentum on the smaller droplets and transports them further into the flow field. The comparison study of simulation results and the in vitro measurements demonstrated that the two-way coupled Euler-Lagrange approach was more effective in accurately capturing the nasal spray transport. The spray modeling results indicated that the effect of two-way momentum exchange between the nasal spray droplets and the surrounding air was significant and influenced the spray droplet transport. Calculating the two-way coupling effects was computational resource intensive and time-consuming. Hence, reduced-time and resource modeling approaches including a quasi two-way coupled approach and momentum transfer approach were introduced to simplify the calculation.

Implementation of rover tank firefighting robot for closed areas based on arduino microcontroller

<span>Recently, communication via the wireless systems become promising, since the wireless communication system provides several benefits such as the disposal of the wire usage, provides long-distances communication, and the disposal of periodic maintenance of data transmission lines. In robotic science, the wireless system unit is the main part of the mobile robot. Whereas, only wireless communication module responsible for transmitting commands from the transmitter (e.g. mobile or PC) to the receiver (i.e. robot brain) and vice versa. With the increase in population growth and the construction of the urban, fires have become widely spread. It is worth mentioning here that the lives of firefighters are in permanent danger where they may be exposed to the combustion or inhalation of toxic gasses associated with the combustion process. Therefore, become necessary to find effective ways to reduce these risks. In this paper, a rover tank robot is implemented for fire extinguishing in closed areas based on the Arduino microcontroller, flame sensor, and motion sensor. The robot has a small water pump installed on a servo motor to pump water, the first flame sensor placed on the right of the robot's front and the second to the left of the robot's front. When a fire is explored through a flame sensor, the water pump sprays water to the location of the fire. The robot is driven wirelessly utilising the Bluetooth HC-06 module and the Wi-Fi camera utilised for driving purposes. Besides, a passive infrared (PIR) sensor is used to detect the presence of any living organism inside the fire site to alert the robot driver that an organism requires a rescue.</span>

Physicochemical characteristics of colloidal nanomaterial suspensions and aerosolized particulates from nano‐enabled consumer spray products

Physicochemical properties between colloidal engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) and aerosols released from consumer spray products were characterized. A dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) were used to evaluate the suspended ENMs in the products. Direct-reading instruments, TEM, and ICP-MS were used to characterize the properties of aerosolized ENMs. The aerosolized organic compounds with ENMs were assumed to be vaporized for a short time after spraying. The median diameter of ENMs in product solutions measured by DLS was about 200-350nm, while individual particle was confirmed from 3 to 50nm by TEM. The size of aerosolized ENMs was ranged from 7 to 44nm, and their aggregates were about 100-1000nm in near distance. Some inorganic substances including raw nanomaterials were also found in the aerosol. The particles released from the propellant sprays were identified in far distance, while they were not found in far distance when pump sprays were used. The number concentration from the propellant sprays increased up to 6000 particles/cm3 /g at near distance and dispersed to far distance, while the most of droplets emitted from pump sprays were settled down near sprayer's location. We found other metals besides labeled ENMs are included in each product and the characteristics of the particles are different when they are sprayed.

Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients

A prior pilot study demonstrated the systemic absorption of 4 sunscreen active ingredients; additional studies are needed to determine the systemic absorption of additional active ingredients and how quickly systemic exposure exceeds 0.5 ng/mL as recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To assess the systemic absorption and pharmacokinetics of the 6 active ingredients (avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, and octinoxate) in 4 sunscreen products under single- and maximal-use conditions. Randomized clinical trial at a clinical pharmacology unit (West Bend, Wisconsin) was conducted in 48 healthy participants. The study was conducted between January and February 2019. Participants were randomized to 1 of 4 sunscreen products, formulated as lotion (n = 12), aerosol spray (n = 12), nonaerosol spray (n = 12), and pump spray (n = 12). Sunscreen product was applied at 2 mg/cm2 to 75% of body surface area at 0 hours on day 1 and 4 times on day 2 through day 4 at 2-hour intervals, and 34 blood samples were collected over 21 days from each participant. The primary outcome was the maximum plasma concentration of avobenzone over days 1 through 21. Secondary outcomes were the maximum plasma concentrations of oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, and octinoxate over days 1 through 21. Among 48 randomized participants (mean [SD] age, 38.7 [13.2] years; 24 women [50%]; 23 white [48%], 23 African American [48%], 1 Asian [2%], and 1 of unknown race/ethnicity [2%]), 44 (92%) completed the trial. Geometric mean maximum plasma concentrations of all 6 active ingredients were greater than 0.5 ng/mL, and this threshold was surpassed on day 1 after a single application for all active ingredients. For avobenzone, the overall maximum plasma concentrations were 7.1 ng/mL (coefficient of variation [CV], 73.9%) for lotion, 3.5 ng/mL (CV, 70.9%) for aerosol spray, 3.5 ng/mL (CV, 73.0%) for nonaerosol spray, and 3.3 ng/mL (CV, 47.8%) for pump spray. For oxybenzone, the concentrations were 258.1 ng/mL (CV, 53.0%) for lotion and 180.1 ng/mL (CV, 57.3%) for aerosol spray. For octocrylene, the concentrations were 7.8 ng/mL (CV, 87.1%) for lotion, 6.6 ng/mL (CV, 78.1%) for aerosol spray, and 6.6 ng/mL (CV, 103.9%) for nonaerosol spray. For homosalate, concentrations were 23.1 ng/mL (CV, 68.0%) for aerosol spray, 17.9 ng/mL (CV, 61.7%) for nonaerosol spray, and 13.9 ng/mL (CV, 70.2%) for pump spray. For octisalate, concentrations were 5.1 ng/mL (CV, 81.6%) for aerosol spray, 5.8 ng/mL (CV, 77.4%) for nonaerosol spray, and 4.6 ng/mL (CV, 97.6%) for pump spray. For octinoxate, concentrations were 7.9 ng/mL (CV, 86.5%) for nonaerosol spray and 5.2 ng/mL (CV, 68.2%) for pump spray. The most common adverse event was rash, which developed in 14 participants. In this study conducted in a clinical pharmacology unit and examining sunscreen application among healthy participants, all 6 of the tested active ingredients administered in 4 different sunscreen formulations were systemically absorbed and had plasma concentrations that surpassed the FDA threshold for potentially waiving some of the additional safety studies for sunscreens. These findings do not indicate that individuals should refrain from the use of sunscreen. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03582215.

A study on socio-economic profile of kashi gomti samyut gramin bank beneficiaries in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh

Use of agrochemicals in India is increasing at the rate of two to five per cent per annum and is about three per cent of total pesticides used in the world. Heavy reliance of agriculture on synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides is having critical effects on public health and environment. Consumer buying behaviour is a process of selecting, purchasing and disposing of goods and services according to the needs and wants of the consumers. The study explored the buying behavior of the farmers and practices followed regarding agrochemicals used on rice crop in Punjab. A total of 100 rice farmers were randomly selected from Ludhiana district. Most of the respondents were seeking information from their peer group, nearly 48 per cent were consulting the private dealers for getting the information about agrochemicals whereas 16 per cent of the respondents were going to extension specialists. Most of the rice farmers were purchasing the fertilizers from cooperative societies whereas for purchasing pesticides most of them preferred private dealers. Brand of the product was most important factor considered while purchasing agrochemicals followed by peer group advice, prior experience and product features whereas price of the product was given least importance. The farmers using recommended practices regarding use of agrochemicals were very few in number. Only five percent respondents in rice crop were observing the ETL of various pests before using the control measures. Most of the respondents were cleaning their spray pumps using detergent or soda.

Impact of drying technologies on tomato flavor composition and sensory quality

The impact of different drying technologies (heat pump drying-HPD, freeze drying-FD, spray drying-SPD and refractance window drying-RWD) on tomato flavor was investigated using non-volatile parameters (pH, Brix, titratable acidity, glucose, fructose, and citric acid) and odor-active volatiles. Additionally, sensory differences were characterized between the pure tomato powders and as a flavor on potato chips. Relationship between volatiles and sensory attributes was elucidated by partial least squares regression and principal component analyses. Non-volatile components, except sugars showed significant difference (p < 0.05) between low temperature drying processes (FD, HPD) and commercial samples (SPD, RWD). HPD samples had the highest levels of fresh aroma volatiles compared to commercial samples: 1-penten-3-one (~1.65 mg/kg dry wt.), hexanal (2.50), geranial (2.30) and β-ionone (0.19) and were positively associated with higher fresh tomato flavor and sour taste. Thermally-induced volatiles; dimethyl sulphide (5.99), 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde (0.22), 2-acetylfuran (0.23) and 3-methylbutanal (0.33) were present at higher concentrations in the SPD samples and were positively associated with tinned tomato flavor and bitter taste. The volatile compound methyl 2-methylbutanoate was associated (r = 0.61) with sweet taste. HPD was demonstrated to be a mild drying technology suitable for retaining fresh aroma volatiles and flavors of tomato and comparable to FD.

Lidocaine spray as a local analgesic for intravenous cannulation: a randomized clinical trial.

Lidocaine spray is an effective analgesic of mucous membranes. Lidocaine spray is also used during intravenous (i.v.) cannulation, especially in children. However, the analgesic effect of lidocaine spray during i.v. cannulation has not been studied. We aimed to assess the analgesic effectiveness of lidocaine spray during i.v. cannulation. We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in seventeen healthy adults who received an i.v. cannulation in the right and left elbow, respectively, where the order of application of 60 mg lidocaine spray (Xylocaine 10% pump spray) or placebo spray (chlorhexidine gluconate 0.5% in 70% alcohol base) before i.v. cannulation was randomized. Thus, each participant had an i.v. cannulation in both arms: one with lidocaine spray and the other with placebo spray. The primary outcome was pain intensity assessed by a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale. The secondary outcomes were adverse events, success rate of i.v. cannulation and the degree of difficulty of i.v. cannulation as estimated by the nurse performing the i.v cannulation. The pain score (Visual Analogue Scale) during i.v. cannulation was 18.0 mm (interquartile range: 5.0-34.5 mm) after lidocaine application and 21.0 mm (interquartile range: 11.0-30.5) after placebo application. These scores were not significantly different (95% confidence interval: -9.0-11.0, P=0.698). No adverse events occurred and all i.v. cannulations were successful at first attempt. Local administration of lidocaine is not effective in reducing pain during i.v. cannulation.

An immune cell spray (ICS) formulation allows for the delivery of functional monocyte/macrophages

Macrophages are key cells of the innate immune system and act as tissue resident macrophages (TRMs) in the homeostasis of various tissues. Given their unique functions and therapeutic use as well as the feasibility to derive macrophages in vitro from hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) sources, we propose an “easy-to-use” immune cell spray (ICS) formulation to effectively deliver HSC-derived macrophages. To achieve this aim, we used classical pump spray devices to spray either the human myeloid cell line U937 or primary murine HSC-derived macrophages. For both cell types used, one puff could deliver cells with maintained morphology and functionality. Of note, cells tolerated the spraying process very well with a recovery of more than 90%. In addition, we used osmotic preconditioning to reduce the overall cell size of macrophages. While a 800 mosm hyperosmolar sucrose solution was able to reduce the cell size by 27%, we identified 600 mosm to be effective to reduce the cell size by 15% while maintaining macrophage morphology and functionality. Using an isolated perfused rat lung preparation, the combinatorial use of the ICS with preconditioned and genetically labeled U937 cells allowed the intra-pulmonary delivery of cells, thus paving the way for a new cell delivery platform.

Prediction of the density and viscosity of biodiesel and the influence of biodiesel properties on a diesel engine fuel supply system

Biodiesel has been considering as promising fuel in the situation of ever-depleting fossil fuels and serious environment pollution. Beside clearly known advantages, high viscosity and density, and high surface tension are the acute disadvantages that need to be improved to use directly for an unmodified diesel engine. In this work, 24 samples of biodiesel–diesel fuel blends created by mixing respectively 5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 75% and 100% of fractions of Coconut oil biodiesel (COB), Jatropha oil biodiesel (JOB), Waste oil biodiesel (WOB) in diesel fuel were used for experimental purposes. In the first stage, the effects of biodiesel fractions and temperature on kinematic viscosity and density were developed. In the second stage, the effects of kinematic viscosity and density on fuel supply system, fuel pump network, fuel filters, and spray characteristics (including penetration length (Lb ) and Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD)) were investigated. Obtained results of this study based on experimental correlation and mathematical equation showed over 95% of the confident level from a regression correlation equation regarding kinematic viscosity and density.

State-space thermodynamic modeling of vanilla ethanolic extract spray drying with heat pump and [formula omitted

State-space thermodynamic modeling of vanilla ethanolic extracts spray drying with heat pump and N2 was developed. Thermodynamic modeling considers activity coefficients for Raoult law deviations of ethanol vapor pressure, water vapor pressure, ethanol evaporation latent heat and water evaporation latent heat in a N2-ethanol-water-vanilla solids system. State space considers 12 ordinary differential equations (ODEs) for ethanol and water concentrations in solid, N2 and condensed liquid; temperatures and condensed liquid rate. The model was validated with 32 treatments of vanilla ethanolic extract experimentally spray dried with heat pump and N2. The mathematical model reproduced the experimental gas outlet temperature with 4% of averaged error. An additional two parameters fit reached 11.4% of averaged error with respect to product outlet moisture and gas outlet temperature simultaneously. Proposed model demonstrated that heat pump spray drying can reach a 58% of thermal efficiency and a conventional spray drying can reach only 30%.

Xylocaine® 10% Pump Spray as topical anaesthetic for venepuncture pain

Background: Cutaneous analgesia for venepuncture pain can be achieved using various topically applied local anaesthetic formulations. Xylocaine® 10% Pump Spray containing lignocaine hydrochloride a...

Effect of 8% lidocaine spray on the sensory and pain thresholds of the skin of the face and hands evaluated by quantitative sensory testing.

BackgroundRecently, we examined the effects of 2% lidocaine gel on the tactile sensory and pain thresholds of the face, tongue and hands of symptom-free individuals using quantitative sensory testing (QST); its effect was less on the skin of the face and hands than on the tongue. Consequently, instead of 2% lidocaine gel, we examined the effect of 8% lidocaine spray on the tactile sensory and pain thresholds of the skin of the face and hands of healthy volunteers.MethodsUsing Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, QST of the skin of the cheek and palm (thenar skin) was performed in 20 healthy volunteers. In each participant, two topical sprays were applied. On one side, 0.2 mL of 8% lidocaine pump spray was applied, and on the other side, 0.2 mL of saline pump spray was applied as control. In each participant, QST was performed before and 15 min after each application. Pain intensity was measured using a numeric rating scale (NRS).ResultsBoth the tactile detection threshold and filament-prick pain detection threshold of the cheek and thenar skin increased significantly after lidocaine application. A significant difference between the effect of lidocaine and saline applications was found on the filament-prick pain detection threshold only. NRS of the cheek skin and thenar skin decreased after application of lidocaine, and not after application of saline.ConclusionThe significant effect of applying an 8% lidocaine spray on the sensory and pain thresholds of the skin of the face and hands can be objectively scored using QST.

Analysis of glycols, glycol ethers, and other volatile organic compounds present in household water-based hand pump sprays

ABSTRACTThe aim of this investigation is to clarify the types and concentrations of VOCs present in various commercial household water-based hand pump spray products used in Japan, and to estimate their average concentrations in indoor air when the spray product is used. We selected glycol and glycol ethers as the main target compounds, as these chemicals were detected at high frequencies and concentrations in a national survey of Japanese indoor air pollution. The extraction of these chemicals using graphite carbon cartridges was examined, with good recoveries and reproducibilities being obtained. Eighteen chemicals were analyzed in 54 commercial products and 8 chemicals were detected. More specifically, dipropylene glycol (DPG) was present in 44 samples (1.1 × 101–1.8 × 104 μg/mL); propylene glycol (PG) was present in 22 samples (1.5 × 101–2.9 × 104 μg/mL); diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DGMEE) was found in 15 samples (trace amount–1.9 × 103 μg/mL); diethylene glycol (DEG) was present in 9 samples (1.0 × 101–2.4 × 103 μg/mL); 1,3-butandiol (13BG) was found in 5 samples (trace amount–7.4 × 103 μg/mL); 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (2E1H) was detected in 5 samples (3.2 × 10−1–4.4 × 101 μg/mL); diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (DGMBE) was present in 4 samples (2.1 × 101–7.1 × 101 μg/mL); and 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol (MMB) was found in 2 samples (2.4 × 101–4.7 × 102 μg/mL). In addition, the average concentrations of these chemicals in indoor air were estimated using their maximum concentrations observed in the spray product. The estimated average concentrations of the chemicals in indoor air were determined to range between 1.0 × 10−2 and 1.0 mg/m3, with the exception of 2E1H and DGMBE. Furthermore, the estimated average concentrations of PG, 13BG, and DGMEE in indoor air were comparable to or higher than those reported in a national survey of Japanese indoor air pollution. It therefore appeared that household water-based hand pump sprays may contribute to the presence of these chemicals in indoor air. In contrast, estimated average concentrations of 2E1H in indoor air were low, its concentrations observed in a national survey of Japanese indoor air pollution are likely due to the use of plasticizers and paints.

Spatial-Temporal Dispersion of Aerosolized Nanoparticles During the Use of Consumer Spray Products and Estimates of Inhalation Exposure.

We evaluated the spatial-temporal dispersion of airborne nanomaterials during the use of spray consumer products and estimated the level of consumer inhalation exposure. A total of eight spray products including five propellant and three pump types were selected to evaluate the dispersion of airborne nanoparticles across time and space in a cleanroom which could control the background particles. Four products were advertised to contain silver and one contained titanium nanoparticles, while three products were specified no ENM but as being manufactured through the use of nanotechnology. We used direct-reading instruments with a thermodesorber unit to measure the particles (number, mass, surface area), as well as filter sampling to examine physicochemical characteristics. Sampling was conducted simultaneously at each location (1 m, near-field; 2, 3 m, far-field) by distance from the source. We estimated the inhaled doses at the breathing zone, and the doses deposited in each part of the respiratory tract using the experimental data and mathematical models. Nanoparticles released from the propellant sprays persisted in the air and dispersed over a large distance due to their small size (1466-5565 particles/cm3). Conversely, the pump sprays produced larger droplets that settled out of the air relatively close to the source, so the concentration was similar to background level (<200 particles/cm3). The estimates of inhalation exposure also suggested that exposure to nanoparticles was greater with propellant sprays (1.2 × 108 ± 4.0 × 107 particles/kgbw/day) than pump sprays (2.7 × 107 ± 6.5 × 106 particles/kgbw/day). We concluded that the propellant sprays create a higher risk of exposure than the pump sprays.

Investigation of Efficacy of Lidocaine Spray for Sedated Esophagogastroduodenoscopy in Children.

PurposeOur aim in this study is to investigate efficacy of topical lidocaine spray for sedated esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in children.MethodsThe endoscopy of children aged between 3-18 years who underwent EGD in our endoscopy unit. Intravenous (IV) midazolam and ketamine were used for sedation. Prior to sedation, endoscopy nurse applied topical lidocaine 10% with pump spray at 1 mg/kg dose in group 1, and distilled water via identically scaled pump spray in group 2, in a double blinded fashion.ResultsSedation was not applied in 24.1% of the cases in topical lidocaine spray group (LS group) and in 5.7% of the cases in distilled water spray group (DS group). Gag reflex was observed in 6.5% of cases in LS group and 33.3% of cases in DS group (p=0.024), increased oral secretion was observed in 9.3% of cases in LS group and 51.7% of cases in DS group (p=0.038), sore throat was observed in 3.7% of cases in LS group and 35.6% of cases in DS group (p=0.019) and the difference was statistically significant.ConclusionThe study showed that topical pharyngeal lidocaine reduces both requirement and amount of IV sedation before EGD in children and sore throat, gag reflex and decreased oral secretion increase.

In vivo performance of nasal spray pumps in human volunteers by SPECT-CT imaging

In vivo performance of nasal spray pumps in human volunteers by SPECT-CT imaging

Attenuation of pressor response following intubation: Efficacy of nitro-glycerine lingual spray.

Background and Aims:The role of nitro-glycerine (NTG) lingual spray for attenuation of the hemodynamic response associated with intubation is not much investigated. We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy of NTG lingual pump or pen spray in attenuation of intubation induced hemodynamic responses and to elucidate the optimum dose.Material and Methods:In a prospective randomized controlled trial, 90 adult patients of ASA I, II, 18-60 year posted for elective general surgery under general anesthesia with intubation were randomly allocated to three groups as Group C (control) - receiving no NTG spray, Group N1 – receiving 1 NTG spray and Group N2 – receiving 2 NTG spray one minute before intubation. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate were recorded at baseline, just before intubation (i.e., 60 s just after induction and NTG spray), immediately after intubation, at 1, 2, 5 and 10 min after intubation.Results:Incidence of hypertension was significantly higher in Group C (60%, n = 18) as compared to Group N1 and N2 (10%, n = 3 each), P < 0.01. Mean value of SBP, DBP and MAP showed a significant rise as compared to baseline, following intubation in control group (15.31% in SBP, 12.12% in DBP, 17.77% in MAP) that persisted till 5 min, while no significant rise was observed in Group N1 and N2. There was a trend toward fall in blood pressure in Group N2 (4.95% fall in SBP, 4.72% fall in MAP) 1-min following spray, which was clinically insignificant. Mean value of SBP, DBP and MAP was significantly higher in Group C than in Group N1, which was in turn greater than Group N2 (Group C > N1> N2), P < 0.05. However, incidence of tachycardia was comparable in three groups (70% in group C, 63.33% in Group N1 and 67.77% in Group N2, P > 0.05).Conclusions:We concluded that the NTG lingual spray in dose of 0.4 mg (1 spray) or 0.8 mg (2 sprays) was effective in attenuation of intubation induced hemodynamic response, in terms of preventing significant rise in SBP, DBP and MAP compared to control group.

Online characterization of nano-aerosols released by commercial spray products using SMPS–ICPMS coupling

Nanoparticle-containing sprays are a critical class of consumer products, since human exposure may occur by inhalation of nanoparticles (NP) in the generated aerosols. In this work, the suspension and the released aerosol of six different commercially available consumer spray products were analyzed. Next to a broad spectrum of analytical methods for the characterization of the suspension, a standardized setup for the analysis of aerosol has been used. In addition, a new online coupling technique (SMPS–ICPMS) for the simultaneous analysis of particle size and elemental composition of aerosol particles has been applied. Results obtained with this new method were confirmed by other well-established techniques. Comparison of particles in the original suspensions and in the generated aerosol showed that during spraying single particles of size less than 20 nm had been formed, even though in none of the suspensions particles of size less than 280 nm were present (Aerosol size range scanned: 7–300 nm). Both pump sprays and propellant gas sprays were analyzed and both released particles in the nm size range. Also, both water-based and organic solvent-based sprays released NP. However, a trend was observed that spraying an aqueous suspension contained in a pump spray dispenser after drying resulted in bigger agglomerates than spraying organic suspensions in propellant gas dispensers.

Knowledge of Farmers about Privatization of Agricultural Extension Services and the factors influencing it

The present study was carried out in five districts of Haryana during 2011–12. All the 200 farmers selected for the study had heard about privatization of agricultural extension services(PAES), gathered information regarding PAES, knew name and location of PAES and utilized PAES for agricultural purposes. They also knew that PAES provided different kinds of inputs like HYV, seedlings, fertilizers, crop protection, spray pumps, infrastructure facilities and value addition to crop produce. More than three-fourth (82.50%) of farmers had high level of knowledge towards PAES. Extension contact (0.198) and education (0.179) were highly significant and positively associated with the knowledge of farmers towards privatization of agricultural extension services. While other important variables like age, family type, occupation, land holding, cropping intensity, irrigation facilities, social participation, socio-economic status, mass media participation, economic motivation, risk preferenceand scientific orientation were positively associated but found non significant.

Drug delivery to paranasal sinuses using pulsating aerosols.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is the major disorder of the upper airways, affecting about 10-15% of the total population. Topical treatment regimens show only modest efficacy, because drug delivery to the posterior nose and paranasal sinuses is still a challenge. Therefore, there is a high rate of functional endoscopic sinus surgery in CRS patients. Most nasally administered aerosolized drugs, like nasal pump sprays, are efficiently filtered by the nasal valve and do not reach the posterior nasal cavity and the sinuses, which are poorly ventilated. However, as highlighted in this review, sinus ventilation and paranasal aerosol delivery can be achieved by using pulsating airflow, offering new topical treatment options for nasal disorders. Radioaerosol inhalation and imaging studies in nasal casts and in healthy volunteers have shown 4-6% of the nasally administered dose within the sinuses. In CRS patients, significant aerosol deposition in the sinus cavities was reported before sinus surgery. After surgery, deposition increased to the amount observed in healthy volunteers. In addition, compared with nasal pump sprays, retention kinetics of the radiolabel deposited in the nasal cavity was prolonged, both in healthy volunteers and in CRS patients. These efficiencies may be sufficient for topical aerosol therapies of sinus disorders and, due to the prolonged retention kinetics, may reduce application modes, but have to be proven in future clinical trials. Pulsating aerosols may offer additional new topical treatment options of nasal and sinus disorders before as well as after surgery.