A new medium-throughput screening design approach for the development of hydroxymethylnitrofurazone (NFOH) nanostructured lipid carrier for treating leishmaniasis.

Hydroxymethilnitrofurazone (NFOH) is a nitrofurazone derivative and has potential use in treating leishmaniasis. However, due to low water solubility and bioavailability, NFOH has failed in in vivo tests. Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) is an alternative to overcome these limitations by improving pharmacokinetics and modifying drug delivery. This work is focused on developing a novel NFOH-loaded NLC (NLC-NFOH) using a D-optimal mixture statistical design and high-pressure homogenization, for oral administration to treat leishmaniasis. The optimized NLC-NFOH consisted of Mygliol® 840, Gelucire® 50/13, and Precirol® ATO 5 as lipids. These lipids were selected using a rapid methodology Technobis Crystal 16 T M, microscopy, and DSC. Different tools for selecting lipids provided relevant scientific knowledge for the development of the NLC. NLC-NFOH presented a z-average of 198.6 ±â€¯5.4 nm, PDI of 0.11 ±â€¯0.01, and zeta potential of -13.7 ±â€¯0.7 mV. A preliminary in vivo assay was performed by oral administration of NLC-NFOH (2.8 mg/kg) in one healthy male Wistar rat (341 g) by gavage. Blood from the carotid vein was collected, and the sample was analyzed by HPLC. The plasma concentration of NFOH after 5 h of oral administration was 0.22 µg/mL. This same concentration was previously found using free NFOH in the DMSO solution (200 mg/kg), which is an almost 100-fold higher dose. This study allowed a design space development approach of the first NLC-NFOH with the potential to treat leishmaniasis orally.

Sulfur spring dermatitis.

Thermal sulfur baths are a form of balneotherapy promoted in many cultures for improvement of skin conditions; however, certain uncommon skin problems may occur after bathing in hot sulfur springs. We report the case of a 65-year-old man who presented with multiple confluent, punched-out, round ulcers with peripheral erythema on the thighs and shins after bathing in a hot sulfur spring. Histopathologic examination revealed homogeneous coagulation necrosis of the epidermis and papillary dermis. Tissue cultures showed no evidence of a microbial infection. The histopathologic findings and clinical course were consistent with a superficial second-degree burn. When patients present with these findings, sulfur spring dermatitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Moreover, the patient's clinical history is crucial for correct diagnosis.

The beneficial effects of Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) on wound healing of rabbit skin.

Momordica charantia (MC; bitter gourd) is a traditional herbal commonly used for its antidiabetic, antioxidant, contraceptive and antibacterial properties. In the current study, the authors aim to observe the topical effect of MC cream on the wound-healing process in rabbits. Moreover, they compare the healing potential with conventional creams used therapeutically. Towards this aim, 28 New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups and excision wounds (7 cm²) were made on their backs. Open wound dressing was carried out daily for 28 days among the experimental groups with the application of dekspanthenol (Bepanthen®; BP group, n = 7), nitrofurazon (Furacin®; FR group, n = 7) and olive oil extract of MC (MC group, n = 7). No application was made to the control group. At the end of day 28, areas of the skin with initial wound area were en bloc dissected and prepared for histopathological and stereological analysis. Inflammatory cells were abundant in the control group and cream application led to a decrease in the number of these cells, especially in the MC group. The highest number of fibroblasts was detected in the MC group. Furthermore, the MC group displayed the highest fractions of epidermis to papillary dermis, fibroblasts to reticular dermis and collagen fibres to reticular dermis. The MC group also presented a high density of blood vessels, moderate density of collagen fibres and mature fibroblasts. The BP group showed better epithelialisation compared with the FR group, but the latter provided more effective reorganisation of the dermis. Different cream supplements caused healthy and fast wound healing according to untreated controls and the results show that administration of the MC extract improves and accelerates the process of wound healing in rabbits in comparison with the BP and FR extracts.

Histopathological and clinical evaluation of Kombucha tea and Nitrofurazone on cutaneous full-thickness wounds healing in rats: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Kombucha, a fermented tea (KT) is claimed to possess many beneficial properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and histopathological alterations of Kombucha tea and Nitrofurazone on cutaneous full-thickness wounds healing in rat. METHODS: In present study 24 Wister -albino rats weighing 150-200 g were selected and divided to two treatment groups as Nitrofurazone ointment (0.2%) and Kombucha tea. Subsequently, the anesthesia was exerted by Ketamin hydrochloride 10% (40 mg/kg) and Xylasine (2 mg/kg) through intra muscular (IM) route. Furthermore, upon preparation of dorsal region of the animal for surgery, a piece of full-thickness skin removed (2 × 2 cm). In order to comparing wounds healing clinically and histologically, once every four days from the commencement, the wounds were photographed and the healed surface was measured by Scion image software. RESULT: The clinical findings indicated that the Kombucha fungus resulted in precipitating healing than Nitrofurazone; however, it was not significant (p > 0.05). In order to pathological comparing of wound healing process, several wound biopsies were taken on 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20th days. Additionally, the histopathological results demonstrated that there was inflammation in Nitrofurazone group through twelveth day, somehow the epithelium was formed and abundant vessels were visible. Although on 16th day and the previous days the healing condition of Kombucha fungus was considered as minimal rate, revealing it is similar to Nitrofurazone group on 20th day. CONCLUSIONS: To wrap up. These observations suggest that the Kombucha fungus healing quality was rapid from 12th day to the end of the research, whereas no significant difference was observed. VIRTUAL SLIDE: The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1107407136102196.

An investigation into the potential use of nanoparticles as adjuvants for the production of polyclonal antibodies to low molecular weight compounds.

Two nanoparticle based adjuvants were assessed for their ability to produce polyclonal antibodies in rabbits to low molecular weight target analytes, i.e. veterinary drugs banned from use in food producing animals. The nanoparticles, Montanide IMS 251 and amphiphilic poly (γ-glutamic acid) were compared against a mineral oil adjuvant, Montanide ISA 50, which had previously been shown to be successful in producing antibodies to haptens whilst being safe to use with respect to the welfare of the host animals. The adjuvants were assessed for their tendency to cause adverse effects to the host animals and by the quality of the antibodies generated in terms of assay sensitivity. None of the three adjuvants employed in the trial generated any measurable adverse effects in the host animals. While the mineral oil adjuvant produced higher titres of antibodies the nanoparticle adjuvants were found to produce antibodies of statistically comparable sensitivity. Based on IC(50) values, six antisera displayed potential to detect the required level of the target compounds; five of these were produced by rabbits immunised with the two different nanoparticle adjuvants. As antibody sensitivity is the main performance criteria of an analytical immunoassay, it can be concluded that the nanoparticle adjuvants under evaluation are fit for the purpose described in this study.

Histological evaluation of the healing properties of Dead Sea black mud on full-thickness excision cutaneous wounds in BALB/c mice.

Dead Sea (DS) mud and salts are known for their therapeutic and cosmetic properties. Previous studies confirmed their efficacy in treating the more frequent skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the wound healing potential of natural and compounded skin-care product (facial mask) of DS black mud in BALB/c mice. Two full-thickness excision round wounds were created on the dorsum region of mouse. Each wound of mice test group were treated topically with 50 microL of 0.1% natural or compounded DS black mud or 50 microL of 0.2% nitrofurazone once a day for 2 consecutive days and the mice control group were left untreated. Healing was assessed by measuring the granulation tissue weight and percentage of wound contraction at day 3, 7, 14 and 21 after wounding. In addition to period of epithelialization and histological evaluation of the regenerated wound area at day 7 and 14 after wounding. Results revealed that DS black mud accelerate wound healing process by enhancing granulation, wound contraction, epithelialization, angiogenesis and collagen deposition. This may be due to high content of minerals and trace elements that possibly act as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant with enhancement effect on cell proliferation, migration and fibroblast cellular activity. However, the healing property of DS black mud compounded in skin-care product was greater than that of natural black mud, when compared to reference drug, nitrofurazone.

In vivo wound healing activity of the methanolic extract and its isolated constituent, gulonic acid gamma-lactone, obtained from Grewia tiliaefolia.

Grewia tiliaefolia is a subtropical tree, its stem bark is widely used in traditional Indian medicines to heal chronic wounds, gastric ulcers, burning sensation, itching and other allergic ailments. Bioassay-directed fractionation and chromatography of the methanolic extract of G. tiliaefolia stem bark has resulted in the isolation of gulonic acid gamma-lactone. The methanolic extract and the isolated constituent were studied for their potency on three different cutaneous wound models, VIZ., excision, incision and dead space wounds in Wistar rats. In the excision wound model, healing was assessed by the rate of wound contraction and period of epithelisation. In the incision wound model, the degree of healing was analysed by determining the skin breaking strength. In the dead space wound model, the parameters used to confirm the healing process were weight of granulation tissue, its tensile strength, hydroxyproline content and histological studies. The extract as well as the constituent demonstrated wound healing activity. Topical application of gulonic acid gamma-lactone (0.2% w/w ointment) caused faster epithelialisation with 94.02% wound contraction on day 16 post-wounding, while in control animals the duration of healing was extended up to 22 days with 79.53% wound contraction. The tensile strength of the incision wound was significantly increased (561.12 +/- 5.18 g) compared to the control (327.63 +/- 6.37 g). In the dead space wound model, a significant increase in weight, tensile strength and hydroxyproline content of the granuloma tissue was observed following oral administration of gulonic acid gamma-lactone (60 mg/kg). Histology of the granuloma tissue showed increased collagenation and the absence of monocytes. The wound healing effect was compared with that of the standard skin ointment nitrofurazone. The results of this investigation provide supportive scientific evidence for the medicinal use of G. tiliaefolia for healing of cutaneous wound.

Cura de ampollas por fricción. A propósito del camino de Santiago / The treatment of blisters caused by friction while hiking the road to Santiago

Se recoge una experiencia práctica de tratamiento de ampollas por fricción en los pies de peregrinos del Camino de Santiago. En el diseño del plan de tratamiento se consideraron las peculiaridades de una marcha que se prolonga durante días: criterios de comodidad, seguridad y prevención de complicaciones. Los sujetos de estudio son peregrinos, compañeros de viaje de los autores. Como principales características diferenciales del método propuesto se destacan el desbridamiento precoz de la piel de la ampolla, la utilización de una cura húmeda con nitrofurazona y la fijación con un vendaje. Siguiendo este método se atendieron 16 lesiones, realizándose un total de 112 curas, registrando una evolución favorable en seis días y sin diferencias significativas en la mejoría de la lesión

this article deals with a practical experience treating blisters caused by friction on feet of pilgrims who hiked the Road to Santiago. To design this treatment plan, the authors considered the peculiarities a hike which lasts to over many days has: comfort criteria, security and prevention of complications. The study subjects were pilgrims, traveling companions of teh authors. these stand out as main differentiating characteristics of this proposed treatment, the precocious debridement of the skin of the blister, the use of a wer cure which has nitrofurazone in it and the application of a banage. following this procedure, the authors of this study tended to 16 lesions, carrying out a total of 112 cures which showed a favourable evolution within six days and no significant differences in the improvement of the lesion

Evaluation of wound healing activity of some herbal formulations.

The wound healing activity of two herbal formulations (Himax ointment and lotion) containing Indradaru extract, i.e. Arjuna bark (Terminalia arjuna, Family-Combretaceae), extract was evaluated for its wound healing potential in two types of wound models in rats (i) excision wound model and (ii) incision wound model. Both the formulations responded significantly in both the wound models tested. The results were also comparable to that of the standard drug nitrofurazone used as a standard drug for comparison in this present investigation. The results were also comparable in terms of wound contracting ability, epithelization period, tensile strength and regeneration of tissues at the wound area. Thus, this investigation con fi rms the use of the Himax ointment and lotion containing Terminalia arjuna extract as a wound-healing agent as known from folklore medicine.

In vivo measurement of human skin absorption of topically applied substances by a photoacoustic technique.

A photoacoustic technique is used for studying topically applied substance absorption in human skin. The proposed method utilizes a double-chamber PA cell. The absorption determination was obtained through the measurement of the thermal effusivity of the binary system substance-skin. The theoretical model assumes that the effective thermal effusivity of the binary system corresponds to that of a two-phase system. Experimental applications of the method employed different substances of topical application in different parts of the body of a volunteer. The method is demonstrated to be an easily used non-invasive technique for dermatology research. The relative concentrations as a function of time of substances such as ketoconazol and sunscreen were determined by fitting a sigmoidal function to the data, while an exponential function corresponds to the best fit for the set of data for nitrofurazona, vaseline and vaporub. The time constants associated with the rates of absorption, were found to vary in the range between 10 and 58 min, depending on the substance and the part of the body.

Wound healing activity of Leucas lavandulaefolia Rees.

Leucas lavandulaefolia Rees (Labiatae), commonly known as Halkusha, is a well-known plant in Indian traditional medicine. On the basis of its traditional use and literature references, this plant was selected for evaluation of its wound healing potential. A methanol extract of L. lavandulaefolia was examined for its wound healing activity both in the form of an ointment as well as an injection in two types of wound model in rats: (i) the excision wound model and (ii) the incision wound model. Both the injection and the ointment of the methanol extract of the plant material produced a significant response in both of the wound types tested. The results were also comparable to those of a standard drug, nitrofurazone, in terms of wound contracting ability, wound closure time, tensile strength and regeneration of tissues at the wound site.

Nitrofurazone: reproductive assessment by continuous breeding in Swiss mice.

Nitrofurazone (NTFZ), a nitrofuran antibiotic, was evaluated for reproductive toxicity in Swiss CD-1 mice using the Reproductive Assessment by Continuous Breeding protocol. Male and female mice were cohabited for 15 weeks and exposed to NTFZ in feed at concentrations of 0, 100, 375, and 750 ppm (14-102 mg/kg/day). Fzero 750-ppm breeding pairs had significantly reduced fertility after 7 days of exposure to NTFZ (17% fertile compared to 98% for control pairs) and were infertile after the second litter. Fzero mid-dose pairs had progressively decreasing fertility (47% by the fifth litter), reduced litter size, and reduced proportion of pups born alive. Crossover breeding of control and high-dose Fzero animals confirmed infertility in high-dose males and reduced litter size and pup weight in high-dose females when compared to the control x control group. At necropsy, there were no effects on body weight, but Fzero males had reduced testis weight at the high dose and reduced epididymal sperm concentration and abnormal sperm morphology at all doses of NTFZ. Increased liver as well as kidney and adrenal weights (combined) were observed at 375 and 750 ppm; hepatic hypertrophy was noted microscopically at 750 ppm. Fzero females had reduced body weight, hepatic hypertrophy, and altered estrous cycles at 750 ppm and reduced ovarian weight at all doses. In the second generation, F1 mice at 375 ppm had reduced postnatal survival and body weight and produced smaller F2 litters compared to control mice. At necropsy, F1 males had reduced testes weight and epididymal sperm concentration, abnormal sperm morphology, hepatic hypertrophy at 375 ppm, and borderline nephropathy at 100 and 375 ppm. F1 females had decreased body, liver, and ovarian weight at 375 ppm and altered estrous cycles at 100 and 375 ppm. Thus, NTFZ at > or = 100 ppm (> or = 14 mg/kg/day) caused adverse reproductive effects in Fzero male and female and F1 female mice in the presence of relatively mild systemic toxicity.

[Furacilin compound cream for profound frostbite].

Furacilin compound cream in the treatment of profound frostbite was studied. The results of animal experiment showed that furacilin cream might greatly reduce vascular permeability of frostbite. The average survival rate of frostbite tissue increased from 12.0 +/- 1.2% in the control group to 62.0 +/- 3.7% in the treated group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Five patients with profound frostbite were clinically treated with the cream with satisfactory results.