CORM-2-entrapped ultradeformable liposomes ameliorate acute skin inflammation in an ear edema model

The short release half-life of carbon monoxide (CO) is a major obstacle to the effective therapeutic use of carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-2 (CORM-2). The potential of CORM-2-entrapped ultradeformable liposomes (CORM-2-UDLs) to enhance the release half-life of CO and alleviate skin inflammation was investigated in the present study. CORM-2-UDLs were prepared by using soy phosphatidylcholine to form lipid bilayers and Tween 80 as an edge activator. The deformability of CORM-2-UDLs was measured and compared with that of conventional liposomes by passing formulations through a filter device at a constant pressure. The release profile of CO from CORM-2-UDLs was evaluated by myoglobin assay.

Eruca sativa seed oil: characterization for potential beneficial properties

Eruca sativa [ES] seed oil is used in food preparation and as source of natural medication. Eruca sativa [ES] seed oil was analysed for phenolic composition using high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection [HPLC-DAD], pigment contents, quality characteristics. The oil was fed to rabbits for two weeks. Serum biochemistry, haematological and liver histological parameters were studied. Results showed that quercetin, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acids were the major phenolic compounds. Lycopene and other pigments were present in considerable amounts. Animal studies showed that the body weight of rabbits decreases with the increase of ES oil. The level of serum glucose, total cholesterols, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol decrease significantly, while an increase was observed in the HDL-cholesterol. The level of white blood cells including lymphocytes and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration increases, while a significant increase occurred in platelets count with the increase of ES seed oil dose. In the present study microscopic observations in control and the treated groups showed similar cytoarchitecture of the liver with no significant histological changes. It is concluded that Eruca sativa seed oil is a rich source of important phytochemicals with anti-obesity properties in selected animals

Effects of Oxidized Tallow on the Rabbit Serum Lipids and Antioxidant Activity of the In-vitro Lipids

This paper describes the effects of thermally oxidized tallow on the serum lipids profile and radical scavenging activity (RSA) of the lipids extracted from the different tissues of the rabbits. Tallow was thermally oxidized at 130degrees C for 9, 18, 27, 36 and 45 h respectively. Thermally oxidized tallow was fed to the local strain of Himalayan rabbits for one week. Results show that oxidation increases the formation of hydroperoxides and decrease the level of radical scavenging activity of the tallow. The rabbit serum lipids profile showed a dose dependent increase in triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. However, no statistically significant increase was observed in the HDL-cholesterol with an increase of oxidation time. Serum glucose and rabbits body weight decrease significantly (p < 0.05) and was highly correlated with the serum lipids profile. The percent RSA of the lipids extracted from the liver, brain and muscles tissues showed a significant decrease with respect to 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/body weight as well as oxidation time. Data suggests that thermal oxidation and use of thermally oxidized beef tallow is harmful and therefore an alternative way of cooking should be used.

Comparison of single versus double plate fixation in inter and supracondylar fractures of distal humerus in adults

To compare the outcome of supracondylar and intercondylar fractures of humerus treated by single and double plates. Comparative study. This study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore and Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar. Thirty patients of intercondylar and supracondylar fractures of distal humerus were divided randomly into two groups. Fifteen cases were managed by single plate and K wire and 15 cases by bicondylar plate fixation. All patients were operated through posterior transolecranon approach. Elbow exercises were started at second postoperative day. Patients were followed at two weeks and thereafter monthly, with clinical examination and x-rays. The mean age of the patients was 40.3 years. The healing time was sixteen weeks in both the groups. The final grading of the results showed better resulted with double plate fixation with excellent to good results in 13 [86.6%] and fair to poor in 2 [13.3%]. The outcome in single plate was excellent to good in 6 [40%] and fair to poor in 9 [60%]. The results of dual plate fixation is better than single plate fixation in intercondylar and supracondylar fractures of humerus

Glutathione, cysteine and mercaptans thiols interaction with antimicrobial activity of sorbic acid used in food and pharmaceutical products

Sorbic acid is used in various food and pharmaceutical products as antimicrobial additive to enhance their storage stability. However, the structure of sorbic acid is susceptible to interaction with electrophilic [amines] and nucleophiIic [thiols] ions of protein, amino acids and other thiols present in Food. The intcractions may reduce the sorbic acid function as a chemical preservative and the nutritional value of the proteins. Experiments of the reaction were conducted in model systern between sorbic acid and thiols additives such as glutathione [peptide], cysteine [amino acid], and simple mercaptans of mercaptoethanol and mercaptoacetic acid at temperature 30-80°C and ph 5.0 [acetate buffer 0.2 M]. Initial rates of the reaction were determined and were Found in second order. Activation energy of the reaction were obtained by plotting in [initial mute] vs I/T. Straight line graphs indicated that the results are consistent with the Arrhenius relationship and the slope of the line is Ea/R. The pre-exponentiaI factor was found from the intercept and the values of activation energy [Ea] of the reaction were 49.13, 46.55, 57 and 45.55 kJ mol[-1] for glutathione, cysteine, rnercaptoethanol and mercaptoacetic acid respeclively. From the results. It was found that sorbic acid stability as antimicrobial additive is decreasing in the presence of thiols of proteins, amino acids and simple mercaptans and the rates of reaction are increasing with increasing temperature

Management of comminuted fractures of the olecranon by tension band wiring

Open reduction and rigid internal fixation has become the generally accepted method of treatment for displaced fractures of the olecranon in order to allow early mobilisation and to prevent contracture of the elbow. Comminuted fractures of olecranon are unstable, therefore, bone graft and tension band wiring are supposed to give good stability. Here we give an account of our experience with this procedure. We treated ten patients with comminuted fractures of the olecranon by multiple tension-band wiring and a graft from the iliac crest between 1999 and 2002 at Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. After initial immobilization strengthening and endurance exercises were started. The patients were followed up for stability, muscle strength, active range of flexion and extension at elbow and rotation of forearm. The time to union of the fractures was 3 to 7 months. No patient reported difficulties with activities of daily living or symptoms of instability of the elbow. The median flexion was up to 135° [125° to 145°] with a median flexion contracture of 15° [range10° to 30°]. The median pronation was 70° [60° to 80°] and median supination 79° [70° to 90°]. Only three patients had mild pain and loss of strength. Five patients had excellent and 5 good results with a median Broberg and Morrey index score of 94.5 points [84 to 100]. Our results are in accordance with those reported from other centres and the technique is thought to be a practical alternative to plate fixation of olecranon fractures with extreme comminution