Skin Irritation Research Articles

The Role of Helmet Therapy in Craniosynostosis: A Systematic Review

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the impact of helmet therapy (HT) as a treatment for craniosynostosis, with a focus on the outcomes of skull morphology, reoperation rate, complications of HT, and quality of life of patients who receive it. A systematic literature review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review utilized the PICO format: Does HT following strip craniectomy (SC) improve outcomes (outcome) compared to SC alone (comparison) in patients undergoing craniosynostosis correction (intervention)? Searches were performed from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2022, using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Ovid Medline databases. Study quality was evaluated using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) quality assessment scale. Fourteen studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. Among these, 438 patients underwent SC-HT, while 104 patients underwent SC without HT. The preoperative cephalic indices for sagittal craniosynostosis in the HT and non-HT groups were 66.8 and 67.8, respectively, which improved postoperatively to 75 and 76.2, respectively. Limited long-term follow-up hindered a definitive assessment of reoperation rates. Complication rates related to HT were low at approximately 2.9%, primarily consisting of skin irritation. Parental satisfaction was high, correlating with a strong compliance rate. Existing literature does not demonstrate a clear superiority between SC with or without HT for treating nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis. Outcomes appear comparable, but evidence is constrained by the predominance of single-center retrospective studies with limited methodological rigor. There is a pressing need for international multicenter trials to furnish more robust and generalizable findings.

THE RISK OF SKIN IRRITATION OF CLARTÉ IN EXPERIMENTAL RABBITS

CLARTÉ is an external genital hygiene product, thus assessing skin irritation is an important test before commercializing the product for the community. Objectives: The study evaluated the local irritation on healthy rabbit skin of CLARTÉ manufactured and supplied by VIHECO PHARMA., JSC. Methods: The study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Vietnam Ministry of Health, ISO 10993-10, and OECD on skin irritation assessment for topical products. Three healthy white New Zealand rabbits were shaved off the fur on the back. Animals were applied directly 0.5 mL of CLARTÉ solution on the back skin and covered the application sites with a 2,5 cm × 2,5 cm non-occlusive dressing for 4 hours. We evaluated the irritation index including erythema and edema on the skin at 1, 24, 48, and 72 hours after removing the patches. Results: Three rabbits were still healthy, and living normally. There was very slight or well-defined erythema and very slight edema on the rabbit's skin applied by CLARTÉ after the first 24-hour treatment. The irritation index of CLARTE’ was 0.44, corresponding to negligible skin irritation during 72 hours of continuous monitoring. Conclusions: CLARTÉ product applied topically caused negligible irritation on healthy rabbit skin.

EVALUATING THE SKIN IRRITATION OF CHILI PEPPER NANO GEL ON EXPERIMENTAL RABBIT SKIN

Chili is not only a popular spice in food preparation but is also used as a traditional medicine. In particular, when used topically, the active ingredient called capsaicin in chili peppers helps treat bone and joint pain. Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the local irritation on the healthy skin of rabbits of a nano gel product containing chili fruit extract provided by the Institute of Research and Application for Traditional Pharmaco-Medicine Methods: The study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Vietnam Ministry of Health, ISO 10993-10 and OECD on skin irritation assessment for topical products. Three healthy white New Zealand rabbits were used. Animals were applied gauze which was soaked in nano gel containing chili fruit extract at a dose of 0.5 grams on a healthy skin area 2.5 x 2.5 cm for 4 hours. We evaluated the irritation index including erythema and edema on the skin at 24, 48, and 72 hours after gauze removal. Results: Three rabbits were still healthy, and living normally, there were no signs of erythema and edema on the rabbit's skin, and the irritation indexes were 0 during 72 hours of continuous monitoring. Conclusions:The nano gel containing chili fruit extract applied topically does not irritate healthy rabbit skin.

1-Acetyl-β-Carboline from a Jeju Gotjawal Strain Lentzea sp. JNUCC 0626 and Its Melanogenic Stimulating Activity in B16F10 Melanoma Cells.

The genus Lentzea is a prolific source of bioactive and structurally diverse secondary metabolites. We isolated a novel strain, Lentzea sp. JNUCC 0626, from Hwasun Gotjawal on Jeju Island, Korea. Based on 16S rRNA partial gene sequence analysis, strain JNUCC 0626 is closely related to Lentzea isolaginshaensis NX62 (99.41% similarity), Lentzea pudingi DHS C021 (99.31%), and Lentzea cavernae SYSU K10001 (99.26%). From the fermentation broth of JNUCC 0626, we isolated 1-acetyl-β-carboline, whose structure was established using IR, HR-ESI-MS, and 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques. 1-acetyl-β-carboline was found to activate melanogenesis in mouse B16F10 cells without cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 50 μM. At this concentration, the compound increased melanin content by 27.44% and tyrosinase activity by 240.64% compared to the control, by upregulating key melanogenic enzymes, including tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a central regulator of melanogenesis. In addition, 1-acetyl-β-carboline significantly inhibited ERK phosphorylation, reducing it by 20.79% at a concentration of 12.5 μM and by 25.63% at 25 μM. This inhibition supports the hypothesis that 1-acetyl-β-carboline enhances melanin synthesis by upregulating MITF and melanogenic enzymes via the ERK signaling pathway. This study aimed to isolate and identify 1-acetyl-β-carboline from a novel strain of Lentzea sp. JNUCC 0626, discovered in Gotjawal, Jeju Island, and to evaluate its effect on melanin production in B16F10 melanoma cells. Skin irritation tests on 32 subjects confirmed its safety for topical use, and the findings suggest that 1-acetyl-β-carboline, which enhances melanogenesis without cytotoxicity, holds promise as a therapeutic agent for hypopigmentation-related conditions or as a cosmetic ingredient.

Analysis of Nutritional Profiles, Mineral Content, and Contaminants in Palm Oil from Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria: Assessing Quality and Safety Standards

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the nutritional profiles, chemical compositions, and potential contamination of palm oil samples from different locations in Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria, to assess their quality and safety. Study Design: An analytical investigation was conducted, using proximate analysis, mineral content determination, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to characterize the palm oil samples' composition and contamination levels. Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out in Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria, from January to October 2023. Methods: Palm oil samples were collected from three distinct locations within Yenagoa Metropolis. Proximate analysis quantified moisture, ash, protein, fat, and carbohydrate contents. Mineral content was assessed for potassium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. GC-MS was employed to identify and quantify bioactive compounds and potential contaminants in the samples. Results: Moisture content ranged from 0.00% in sample C to 3.00% in sample A. Ash content was highest in samples B and C, at 20.06%, while sample C had the highest fat content at 47.0%. Potassium (10.9%) and phosphorus (0.53%) were also highest in sample C. GC-MS analysis revealed key bioactive compounds, such as n-hexadecanoic acid and squalene, but also detected harmful contaminants especially in samples A and B. Presence of Isobutylene glycol and various oxiranes can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, with prolonged exposure leading to severe health issues. Benzene, toluene, Trimethylamine compound with Borane, Pentane 3-ethyl-2-methyl and Heptane 2-methyl are associated with respiratory problems, neurological damage, and potential long-term organ effects. Contaminants in the oil samples were attributed to inadequate refining, contaminated raw materials, improper handling, and environmental pollution. This study emphasizes the nutritional value of palm oil while highlighting the need for improved quality control measures to ensure the safety and efficacy of palm oil products.

Open-source hand prosthesis: evaluation of mechanical feasibility and additive manufacturing potential

This study delves into the risks associated with 3D-printed hand prostheses lacking mechanical feasibility studies. Such unvalidated prostheses may exhibit various issues like durability shortcomings, anatomical incompatibility, functional safety concerns, manufacturing quality deficiencies, and health risks due to inappropriate materials. These issues can lead to damage or premature failure during use, discomfort, skin irritation, injuries, inability to withstand functional loads, and health hazards from toxic or allergenic substances. Therefore, ensuring the safety, quality, and effectiveness of these prostheses is crucial. The study focuses on a mechanical feasibility study conducted through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations on an open-source hand prosthesis model. It evaluates mechanical properties, stress concentration areas, and displacement on the prosthesis surface. The methodology comprises three key steps: acquiring the virtual model, conducting computational simulations, and selecting the 3D printing material. The simulations assess the prosthesis’s ability to withstand compressive forces and identify stress concentration areas. Results from the study indicate that using PETG as the constituent material demonstrates mechanical viability and satisfactory performance under static force conditions. This finding underscores the importance of rigorous testing and adherence to standards in developing 3D-printed hand prostheses. Such studies contribute significantly to enhancing these devices’ safety and effectiveness, facilitating their broader adoption in healthcare settings. In summary, this study highlights the critical need for mechanical feasibility studies in the development of 3D-printed hand prostheses. It emphasizes the significance of following strict standards and regulations to ensure these devices’ safety, quality, and functionality. By doing so, it paves the way for the widespread use of these prostheses in healthcare, benefiting users and advancing the field of prosthetic technology.

Formulation and Evaluation of Haemocoagulase Gel for Dental Pulp- an In-vitro study.

This study aims to develop a novel hemostatic gel of hemocoagulase, a snake venom-derived serine protease enzyme, by incorporating it into the matrix of bioadhesive polymers to prevent damage due to hemorrhage. Haemocoagulase was combined with polymers Carbopol 940 and HPMC K 100, and these formulations were evaluated for physical properties, efficacy, safety and stability. Batches F3 and F6 were selected for further studies on animal models, which were found to be safe without any skin irritation effect and effective as hemostats with blood clotting times of 1.24 ± 0.007 min and 1.36 ± 0.014 min, respectively, in a rat liver incision model. From this study, it can be suggested that the combination of hemocoagulase with bioadhesive polymer can provide a novel hemostatic tool for controlling bleeding.

Development and Characterization of Oxiconazole Loaded Plga Nanogel.

The goal of the current study is to develop and improve polylactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA) loaded with oxiconazole nanogel for topical application. Oxiconazole Nanoprecipitation was used to create the nanoparticles method using PLGA and acetone. The point prediction method served as the foundation for the ideal oxiconazole nanoparticle composition using the Minitab®21 software, three levels two factors (32 ). The optimized composition of oxiconazole nanoparticle showed a particle size of 185 ± 0.5nm with an entrapment efficiency of 95.2 ± 0.09%. Using chitosan, a naturally occurring polymer, the ideal oxiconazole nanoparticle composition was further transformed into a gel formulation. The developed topical nano gel formulation underwent additional evaluations for antifungal, drug release, permeability, and nano gel characterization. The developed oxiconazole nanogel formulation had the ideal drug content, pH, viscosity, and spreadability. The results of the medication release and penetration investigation showed that Oxiconazole released slowly (74.06 ± 0.5%) with significantly enhanced permeation across Franz diffusion cell using membrane. The antifungal ex-vivo study and skin irritancy study of nanogel results would conclude higher activity of oxiconazole nano gel. According to the overall analysis of the data, oxiconazole nanogel is the best delivery method for treating fungal infections on the skin.

Inhibitory Effects of Polyphenols from Equisetum ramosissimum and Moringa peregrina Extracts on Staphylococcus aureus, Collagenase, and Tyrosinase Enzymes: In vitro Studies

Background: Skin problems caused by oxidative stress lead to the activation of collagenase and tyrosinase enzymes, contributing to skin aging, discoloration, and infections. Equisetum ramosissimum and Moringa peregrina were assessed for their potential uses in treating various skin conditions. Objective: The present research aimed to investigate the positive effects of polyphenols in Equisetum ramosissimum and Moringa peregrina extracts as potential cosmetic products for the treatment of different skin conditions. Methods: Total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidants, and anti-collagenase and anti-tyrosinase activities of plant extract mixtures (PEM) at different ratios of (M. peregrina: E. ramosissimum) were determined using standard procedures. Inhibitory effects of PEM against acne-causing Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) were evaluated using the diameter (cm) of the inhibition zone method. A cream formulation containing PEM was developed and characterized for stability and potential skin irritation in rats using standard procedures. Results: The PEM at a ratio of (2:1) showed the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content (150.15 ± 2.8 mg/g, equivalent to gallic acid, and 41.5 ± 1.2 mg/g, equivalent to quercetin, respectively). Antioxidant activities for PEM (2:1) were also optimal, as determined by the DPPH and ABTS methods (IC50 = 7.06 ± 0.12 µg/mL and 53.29 ± 3.3 µg/mL, respectively). Furthermore, PEM (2:1) exhibited superior inhibitory activities against collagenase and tyrosinase enzymes (IC50 = 32.4 ± 1.19 µg/mL and 8.4 ± 1.19 µg/mL, respectively). Antimicrobial activity of PEM (2:1) tested on S. aureus showed the largest zone of growth inhibition (2.8 cm) at a concentration of 60 mg/mL. Studies on the PEM (2:1) cream formulation revealed that it remained stable under room conditions. Skin irritation tests on rats showed no signs of oedema or erythema after treatment. Conclusion: The PEM with a ratio of (2:1) demonstrated optimal activity as an oxidative stress-neutralizing agent, inhibitor of enzymes responsible for skin aging and hyperpigmentation, and antibacterial agent. The cream formulation containing PEM exhibited physical stability and no detectable risk of skin irritation throughout the research procedures.

Molecular toxicological prediction of the ethanolic extract of the species Siparuna guianensis

The species Siparuna guianensis has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-infectious potential, but there is a lack of safety and toxicity parameters for the medicinal use of the plant. The aim of this study was to identify the phytochemical compounds and carry out the molecular toxicological prediction of the ethanolic extract of the species Siparuna guianensis. The ethanolic extract of the leaves of S. guianensis was obtained and GC-MS gas chromatography was carried out to identify the secondary metabolites, for subsequent quantification of the in silico toxicological properties in terms of carcinogenicity in rodents, Ames mutagenicity, eye irritation, skin irritation and sensitization. The molecules 2-undecanone, decanoic acid, ethyl ester of decanoic acid and 2-tetradecanone were the most satisfactory, with no risk of carcinogenicity in female mice, mutagenicity, skin sensitization or eye irritation, which suggests that the plant could be a promising and safe source for the development of future drugs with low toxicological potential.

Development of levamlodipine long-acting patches based on an ion-pair strategy: Investigation of the mechanism for reducing skin irritation

The aim of this study was to develop a long-acting transdermal patch of levamlodipine (LAM) using an ion-pair strategy to reduce the skin irritation induced by topical application of LAM and explore the mechanism underlying the improvement of skin irritation. The formulation was optimized through porcine in vitro transdermal experiments and rabbit in vivo skin irritation tests. The obtained formulation consisted of poly (2-Ethylhexyl acrylate-co-N-Vinyl-2-pyrrolidone-co-N-(2-Hydroxyethyl) acrylamide) (PENH) as the adhesive matrix, 13.00 % levamlodipine-sorbic acid ion-pair complex (LAM-SA) (w/w), and 10 % isopropyl myristate (IPM) (w/w), with a patch thickness of 70 μm, achieving an erythema index of 188 for rabbit skin and 117–187 for human skin (264 for rabbit skin and 110–260 for human skin in the absence of sorbic acid (SA)). In vivo rabbit and human skin erythema analysis and H&E staining verified that the optimized ion-pair patch effectively reduced skin irritation. Drug distribution experiments in the skin, ATR-FTIR, and molecular simulation were used to characterize the mechanism by which the ion-pair reduced skin irritation. Excessive accumulation of LAM in the epidermis induced secondary structural changes in keratin, resulting in skin barrier damage and inflammatory response. The formation of the LAM-SA ion pair altered physicochemical properties of LAM, reducing drug retention in the epidermis and, thereby, reducing skin irritation. This study demonstrated the potential of the ion-pair strategy to improve the safety of transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) and provided a means for reducing skin irritation caused by the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) itself.

Functionalization of silk with actinomycins from Streptomyces anulatus BV365 for biomedical applications.

Silk, traditionally acclaimed as the "queen of fiber," has been widely used thanks to its brilliant performance such as gentleness, smoothness and comfortableness. Owing to its mechanical characteristics and biocompatibility silk has a definitive role in biomedical applications, both as fibroin and fabric. In this work, the simultaneous dyeing and functionalization of silk fabric with pigments from Streptomyces anulatus BV365 were investigated. This strain produced high amounts of orange extracellular pigments on mannitol-soy flour agar, identified as actinomycin D, C2 and C3. The application of purified actinomycins in the dyeing of multifiber fabric was assessed. Actinomycins exhibited a high affinity towards protein fibers (silk and wool), but washing durability was maintained only with silk. Acidic condition (pH5) and high temperature (65°C) facilitated the silk dyeing. The morphologies and chemical components of the treated silk fabrics were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed the pigments bind to the silk through interaction with the carbonyl group in silk fibroin rendering the functionalized, yet surface that does not cause skin irritation. The treated silk exhibited a remarkable antibacterial effect, while the biocompatibility test performed with 3D-reconstructed human epidermis model indicated safe biological properties, paving the way for future application of this material in medicine.

Microneedle Arrays: Advancements, Applications and Future Prospects in Pharmaceutical Delivery

Microneedle arrays have emerged as a cutting-edge technology revolutionizing the field of pharmaceutical delivery. These micron-sized needles offer a minimally invasive and painless approach to administer drugs, vaccines, and various therapeutic agents through the skin, bypassing traditional routes of administration. This review article comprehensively explores the advancements, applications, and future prospects of microneedle arrays in pharmaceutical delivery. This review delves into the different types of microneedle arrays, including solid, hollow, dissolving, and coated microneedles, highlighting their unique properties and fabrication techniques. The discussion encompasses recent breakthroughs in microneedle design, such as biodegradable materials, smart responsive systems, and personalized arrays tailored to specific patient needs. Furthermore, this review addresses the challenges and safety considerations associated with microneedle usage, such as skin irritation and regulatory aspects. It analyzes ongoing research efforts aimed at optimizing design, functionality, and scalability for large-scale manufacturing. The future prospects of microneedle arrays in pharmaceutical delivery qwew also discussed. Anticipated advancements in the field, including personalized medicine, combination therapy, and disease monitoring through biosensing, offer promising avenues for transformative healthcare solutions. In conclusion, microneedle arrays represent a paradigm shift in pharmaceutical delivery, offering numerous advantages over traditional methods. As research and development continue, these micro-sized devices hold the potential to revolutionize the landscape of drug administration, leading to safer, more effective, and patient-centric healthcare practices.

Gold Nanowire Sponge Electrochemistry for Permeable Wearable Sweat Analysis Comfortably and Wirelessly.

Electrochemistry-based wearable and wireless sweat analysis is emerging as a promising noninvasive method for real-time health monitoring by tracking chemical and biological markers without the need for invasive blood sampling. It offers the potential to remotely monitor human sweat conditions in relation to metabolic health, stress, and electrolyte balance, which have implications for athletes, patients with chronic conditions, and individuals for the early detection and management of health issues. The state-of-the-art mainstream technology is dominated by the concept of a wearable microfluidic chip, typically based on elastomeric PDMS. While outstanding sensing performance can be realized, the design suffers from the poor permeability of PDMS, which could cause skin redness or irritation. Here, we introduce an omnidirectionally permeable, deformable, and wearable sweat analysis system based on gold nanowire sponges. We demonstrate the concept of all-in-one soft sponge electrochemistry, where the working, reference, and counter electrodes and electrolytes are all integrated within the sponge matrix. The intrinsic porosity of sponge in conjunction with vertically aligned gold nanowire electrodes gives rise to a high electrochemically active surface area of ∼67 cm2. Remarkably, this all-in-one sponge-based electrochemical system exhibited stable performance under a pressure of 10 kPa and 300% omnidirectional strain. The gold sponge biosensing electrodes could be sandwiched between two biocompatible sweat pads, which can serve as natural sweat collection and outflow layers. This naturally biocompatible and permeable platform can be integrated with wireless communication circuits, leading to a wireless sweat analysis system for the real-time monitoring of glucose, lactate, and pH during exercise.

Scratch-collapse test in reflex cervical-elbow syndrome

The scratch-collapse test was proposed in 2008 to detect the level of compression of the ulnar and median nerves in tunnel lesions. Further study of this phenomenon has shown that weakness of the shoulder external rotators occurs in nerve lesions at other levels as well. The scratch-collapse test was studied in 155 patients (mean age 45 years) with unilateral reflex cervical-elbow syndrome, with complaints of different localization. The scratch-collapse test was positive in all patients on the affected side. The localization of the trigger zone depended on the patient’s complaints and was established experimentally. Short-term kneading of the trapezius muscle or voluntary contraction of the forearm muscles on the side of the lesion was used to prove the reflex nature of the cervico-elbow syndrome, resulting in complete recovery of triceps or extensor strength of the first and third finger. In the course of the study, suppression of the scratch-collapse test in reflex cervico-elbow syndrome with proprioceptive stimulation was found. In confirmed carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndromes, the phenomenon of suppression of the scratch-collapse test was also observed in response to proprioceptive stimulation. The scratch-collapse test and reflex cervical-elbow syndrome have a common mechanism of occurrence, which is based on the protective reaction of the body in the form of a nociceptive shortening reflex. The scratch-collapse test at skin irritation over the site of nerve injury can be considered as a subthreshold physiologic nociceptive reflex. Based on the theory of prognostic action of the nociceptive system, cervicolumbar reflex syndrome is a pathologic nociceptive reflex. Scratchcollapse test suppression phenomenon and recovery of muscle strength in reflexive cervical-elbow syndrome after shortterm kneading of the trapezius muscle are the result of activation of the antinociceptive system in response to proprioceptive stimulation. This suppression phenomenon can be used for the treatment of reflex cervical lockjaw syndrome.

Harnessing the Heart's Magnetic Field for Advanced Diagnostic Techniques.

Heart diseases remain one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating innovative diagnostic methods for early detection and intervention. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a well-known technique for the preliminary diagnosis of heart conditions. However, it can not be used for continuous monitoring due to skin irritation. It is well known that every body organ generates a magnetic field, and the heart generates peak amplitudes of about 10 to 100 pT (measured at a distance of about 3 cm above the chest). This poses challenges to capturing such signals. This paper reviews the different techniques used to capture the heart's magnetic signals along with their limitations. In addition, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the different approaches that use the heart-generated magnetic field to diagnose several heart diseases. This research reveals two aspects. First, as a noninvasive tool, the use of the heart's magnetic field signal can lead to more sensitive advanced heart disease diagnosis tools, especially when continuous monitoring is possible and affordable. Second, its current use is limited due to the lack of accurate, affordable, and portable sensing technology.

In vivo Antifungal Efficacy and Safety of Natural Compounds for Topical Treatment of Cutaneous Candidiasis

In vivo toxicity and antifungal therapeutic evaluation of selected natural compounds for topical applications was analyzed using standard methods. The natural compounds, blue vitriol, brimstone, trona, alum, palm ash and black stone were hygienically selected and purchased at a local market in southeastern Nigeria. The test organisms were isolated from high vaginal swab specimens obtained from cases of cutaneous candidiasis. The isolates were identified based on their morphological, physiological and molecular characteristics. The toxicological screening of the test samples was done using Draize’ skin irritancy test, Murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) and necropsy. The in vivo evaluation of antifungal activity of the solutions was done using eight-week-old albino rats weighing 120g – 150g. The animals were infected with the Candida isolates percutaneously; and treated using various formulations of the natural compounds. The skin sections were carefully observed for histopathological changes, before and after treatment. The total yeast counts of the infected skin tissues were also determined. The isolates include Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. Draize’ skin test and Murine local lymph node assay showed no observable skin irritancy reaction (P>0.05). The normal skin architecture of the infected animals was restored after 5 days of treatment with the test samples; while the total yeast count decreased from 108 CFU/mL to 102 CFU/mL. The findings have revealed that natural compounds are effective as well as non-toxic topically, in treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.

Acanthus Condom Catheter: A Reusable and Adjustable Silicone Male External Catheter With Pressure-Sensitive Silicone Adhesive for Urinary Drainage.

Condom catheters are also called external urinary collection devices tocollect urine and monitor urine output in hospitalized and other patients with urinary incontinence. They play an important role in reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections by using invasive indwelling catheters that are placed inside the bladder.Currently, male external catheters come with or without adhesives. Major problems with current condom catheters are finding the right size to fit, excessive slippage needing to replace too many, urine leak, skin irritation, and damage. In some cases, it's a common practice to wrapadhesive tape around the catheter and penisto keep the catheter in place which can cause skin injury. The Acanthus condom catheter is an expandable silicone male external catheter designed and developed to reduce excessive catheter slippage and keep the catheter longer.It works by applying silicone adhesive to the inner catheter wall just below the catheter rim and applying gentle pressure after the placement. It can be adjusted after the placementand can be kept in place by applying gentle pressure around the catheter to prevent slippage. After laboratory testing of the catheter showed it was able to withstand 250% more pressure and 187% higher tensile forces, we have retrospectively reviewed a nursing survey of14 hospitalized patients using the Acanthus condom catheter for urinary drainage. The mean age was 89 years. A total of 55 evaluations were collected, of which 46 were day shift and nine were night shift responses for a total of 44 catheter days.Results showed that the catheter was easy to use (100%). There was no skin irritation or damage during the application or removal (100%). The catheter was able to drain urine and stayed in place most of the time (89%) except in a few instances it came out, especially during the night shift, but the nurse was able to place it back. There was one instance of urine leak (1.8%). Nurses felt that the catheter was better than existing products in 95% of responses. In conclusion, the Acanthus condom catheter was easy to use, can be reused for up to three days, and was safe on the skin; most importantly, nurses were able to adjust the catheter when they noticed it to be slipping and kept it in place using gentle finger pressure or adding few additional drops of silicone adhesive on the inner catheter wallbelow the rim and applying brief pressure around the catheter. One size (medium-large) fits most of the patients in the study due to elasticity and stretch dimensions, which eliminated the problem of finding the right size to use.

Curcumin-Loaded Organogel for The Topical Skin Disorder Based on 12 Hydroxystearic Acid

Curcumin (CUR) possesses various pharmacological properties, including antibacterial and improving injury healing. This work aimed to formulate curcumin organogel using 12 hydroxy stearic acid as gelator with tween 80 as surfactant and PEG 400 as co surfactant to improve the CUR permeation through the skin. The CUR organogels were prepared using different 12HSA concentrations with solvents sesame oil (SO), and orange oil (OO), in addition to T80 and P400 and evaluated for their saturated solubility, tabletop rheology, oil binding capacity, pH, spreadability, in vitro release, antibacterial activity, oscillatory rheology study, skin irritation, histological examination and ex- with in- vivo permeation study across rat abdominal skin. Results: The important results that distinguished organogels were the spreadability and in vitro release studies. The 4SO, 2OO, 2T80, and 10P400 organogels presented successful gelation and represented the lowest 12HSA concentration in each solvent that approached the current aim’s study by being more spreadable with higher CUR released. At the same time, the 2T80 and 10P400 gave zones of inhibition to 4 bacterial strains and good viscoelasticity by exhibiting large flow point values in the frequency sweep study compared with 4SO and 2OO. In vivo study affirmed the CUR permeation by studying the fluorescent images of 2T80 and 10P400, and the ex vivo permeation study for 10P400 proved the CUR permeation through rat’s skinOur results indicated the potential of 10P400 and 2T80 organogel to improve the topical therapeutic efficacy of CUR.

Green formulation of Menadione-loaded niosome as a skin-lightening preparation: In vitro/In vivo safety evaluation on Wistar rat

Purpose: In the present research, a green technique (an ultrasonic method) was used to synthesize menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB) niosome (Menasome) which is used to improve dermal delivery and increase anti-melanogenesis activities. Methods: Various cholesterol: surfactant (Chol: Sur) ratios were investigated to optimize the Menasomes. Photon correlation spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were employed to characterize the solid state of MSB in nanoparticle form. Additionally, the optimized formulation was used to investigate ex-vivo skin absorption, in vivo skin irritation, in vitro cell survival, and anti-melanogenesis activity. Results: The results exhibited that increasing cholesterol (Chol) declined the average size of the Menasomes from 653.766±25.171 nm to 298.133±8.823 nm and increased entrapment efficiency 30.237±3.4204% to 83.616±2.550 %. The rat skin permeation study indicated that Menasome gel administered more MSB in dermal layers (439.000±36.190μg/cm2 or 23.827±1.964%) than MSB plain gel (286.200± 22.6μg/cm2 or 15.53±1.227%). In both the in vivo skin irritation test and the in vitro cytotoxicity experiment, the extended-release behavior of the enhanced Menasome demonstrated a minimal side effect profile. Furthermore, optimum Menasome inhibited melanin formation (37.426± 1.644% at 15μM) greater than free MSB (57.383±1.654%) considerably (p <0.05). Furthermore, Menasome 7 prevented L-dopa auto-oxidation in higher levels (95.140±2.439%) than pure MSB solution (83.953±1.629%). Conclusion: According to the study's findings, the prepared Menasome could be employed as a viable nanovehicle for MSB dermal delivery, a promising solution for the management of human hyperpigmentation disorders.