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BMC Pediatrics May 2023The skin is a major route of infection in the neonatal period, especially in low birthweight (LBW) infants. Appropriate and safe neonatal skin care practices are...
BACKGROUND
The skin is a major route of infection in the neonatal period, especially in low birthweight (LBW) infants. Appropriate and safe neonatal skin care practices are required to reduce this risk. The perceptions and beliefs of mothers and other caregivers towards various neonatal skin care practices in our setting have been documented. Data from Asia suggests that the application of emollient to the skin of LBW infants can promote growth, reduce serious neonatal infections, and potentially reduce mortality. This is the first study to explore the acceptability of emollients and massage as part of neonatal skin care in a low-resource setting in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) that is representative of the majority of government health facilities in Uganda and many in SSA.
OBJECTIVE
To explore perceptions, beliefs, and current practices regarding neonatal skin care and emollient use in eastern Uganda.
METHODS
We conducted a qualitative study consisting of three focus group discussions (30 participants), eight in-depth interviews with mothers/caregivers of preterm and term neonates and 12 key informant interviews with midwives, doctors and community health workers involved in neonatal care, to explore the perceptions and practices surrounding neonatal skin care and emollient use. Data collected were transcribed and analyzed using thematic content analysis.
RESULTS
Mothers perceived that skin care began in utero. Skincare practices depended on the place of delivery; for deliveries in a health facility the skincare practices were mainly based on the health worker's advice. Vernix caseosa was often washed off due to its perceived undesirability and was attributed to sexual intercourse in the last trimester. Despite their deleterious attributes found in previous studies, petrolatum-based oils, petrolatum-based jellies and talcum baby powders were the most commonly reported items used in neonatal skin care. In our population, there was high acceptability of emollient therapy use; however, neonatal massage was treated with scepticism as mothers feared damaging the vulnerable neonate. Mothers suggested massage and emollient application be undertaken by health workers, if it becomes an intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
In eastern Uganda, the perceptions and beliefs of mothers/caregivers toward neonatal skincare influenced their practices of which some could potentially be beneficial, and others harmful. Emollient use would be easily accepted if adequate sensitisation is conducted and using the gatekeepers such as health workers.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Infant; Female; Humans; Emollients; Uganda; Skin; Skin Care; Qualitative Research; Petrolatum
PubMed: 37147698
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04040-y -
Analytica Chimica Acta Nov 2022Contamination of foods with mineral oil hydrocarbons, particularly mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), can potentially pose a health hazard to consumers. However,... (Review)
Review
Contamination of foods with mineral oil hydrocarbons, particularly mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), can potentially pose a health hazard to consumers. However, identifying toxic substances among the many thousands of compounds comprising mineral oils in food samples is a difficult analytical challenge. According to the European Food Safety Authority, there is a lack of concentration and structural data about mineral oil hydrocarbons in foods, and therefore it is not clear to what extent consumers in Europe might be exposed to toxic levels of MOAH. The current gold standard method for determination of mineral oil hydrocarbons is online high-performance liquid chromatography (LC)-gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detection, which quantifies total saturated/aromatic content, but gives no qualitative information. The objective of this review is to explore the future prospects in mineral oil hydrocarbon determination and MOAH characterization in foods. To that end, peer reviewed literature was explored, particularly from the viewpoint of a methodology for detailed characterization of the MOAH fraction that can aid toxicological assessment. The literature clearly shows that there is much to be gained from the orthogonality power of multidimensional chromatographic separations and mass spectrometric (MS) detection. Comprehensive two-dimensional GC coupled to MS, preceded by pre-fractionations of MOAH by LC is suggested to be the most promising approach for further research. In addition, the strengths and weaknesses of a number of other, alternative approaches, both for qualitative and quantitative analysis, are discussed.
Topics: Mineral Oil; Food Contamination; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Hydrocarbons, Aromatic; Hydrocarbons
PubMed: 36328715
DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.340098 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Oct 2020Petrolatum is often used to suppress water evaporation from the skin surface. However, its stickiness, shininess, and other factors make it inconvenient for continuous... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
BACKGROUND
Petrolatum is often used to suppress water evaporation from the skin surface. However, its stickiness, shininess, and other factors make it inconvenient for continuous use.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness and usability between a newly developed petrolatum-based ointment (NOV II Moisture Balm) and white petrolatum.
METHODS
Twenty-nine subjects with atopic dermatitis or xeroderma with symptoms of dry skin applied NOV II Moisture Balm on the right sides of the face and white petrolatum on the left side, respectively, for 8-12 weeks. The skin conditions (erythema, exudate/crusting, dryness, and itch) were scored, stratum corneum water content and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured, and the free amino acid and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) levels in the stratum corneum were analyzed before and end of the trial.
RESULTS
Dryness, exudate/crusting, and TEWL decreased significantly on both the white petrolatum and the NOV II Moisture Balm sides, while stratum corneum water content and the free amino acid levels in the stratum corneum increased significantly. On the NOV II Moisture Balm side, erythema and the TSLP levels decreased significantly. In a questionnaire on usability, the subjects felt NOV II Moisture Balm spread better and were less sticky and shiny than white petrolatum, and more subjects wanted to continue using NOV II Moisture Balm.
CONCLUSIONS
NOV II Moisture Balm was equivalent to white petrolatum in moisturizing and improving the physiologic functions of the skin, but had superior usability.
Topics: Dermatitis, Atopic; Epidermis; Humans; Ointments; Petrolatum; Skin
PubMed: 31990110
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13300 -
Vaccine Jan 2022Pvs48/45 is a Plasmodium vivax gametocyte surface protein involved in the parasite fertilization process. Previous studies showed that Pvs48/45 proteins expressed in...
BACKGROUND
Pvs48/45 is a Plasmodium vivax gametocyte surface protein involved in the parasite fertilization process. Previous studies showed that Pvs48/45 proteins expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were highly immunoreactive with sera from malaria-endemic areas and highly immunogenic in animal models. Here the immunogenicity in mice of three different vaccine formulations was compared.
METHODS
Recombinant (r) Pvs48/45 proteins were expressed in E. coli and CHO, purified, formulated in Alhydrogel, GLA-SE and Montanide ISA-51 adjuvants and used to immunize BALB/c mice. Animals were immunized on days 0, 20 and 40, and serum samples were collected for serological analyses of specific antibody responses using ELISA and immunofluorescence (IFAT). Additionally, ex-vivo transmission-reducing activity (TRA) of sera on P. vivax gametocyte-infected human blood fed to Anopheles albimanus in direct membrane feeding assays (DMFA) was evaluated.
RESULTS
Most immunized animals seroconverted after the first immunization, and some developed antibody peaks of 10 with all adjuvants. However, the three adjuvant formulations induced different antibody responses and TRA efficacy. While GLA-SE formulations of both proteins induced similar antibody profiles, Montanide ISA-51 formulations resulted in higher and longer-lasting antibody titers with CHO-rPvs48/45 than with the E. coli formulation. Although the CHO protein formulated in Alhydrogel generated a high initial antibody peak, antibody responses to both proteins rapidly waned. Likewise, anti-Pvs48/45 antibodies displayed differential recognition of the parasite proteins in IFAT and ex vivo blockade of parasite transmission to mosquitoes. The CHO-rPvs48/45 formulated in Montanide ISA-51 induced the most effective ex vivo parasite blockage.
CONCLUSIONS
Three out of six vaccine formulations elicited antibodies with ex vivo TRA. The CHO-rPvs48/45 Montanide ISA-51 formulation induced the most stable antibody response, recognizing the native protein and the most robust ex vivo TRA. These results encourage further testing of the vaccine potential of this protein.
Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Antibodies, Protozoan; Antigens, Protozoan; CHO Cells; Cricetinae; Cricetulus; Escherichia coli; Malaria Vaccines; Malaria, Vivax; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mineral Oil; Plasmodium vivax; Protozoan Proteins
PubMed: 34802791
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.11.036 -
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck... Jun 2020The fibula free flap donor site is associated with both short-term and long-term morbidity. Split-thickness skin graft (STSG) loss can lead to long delays in donor site...
IMPORTANCE
The fibula free flap donor site is associated with both short-term and long-term morbidity. Split-thickness skin graft (STSG) loss can lead to long delays in donor site healing and is associated with significant adverse sequelae. Patients may experience initial good STSG uptake after bolster removal but may have subsequent partial or total loss related to contact pressure or shearing.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if increased duration of bolster use is associated with increased STSG uptake rates following fibula free flap reconstruction.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This retrospective cohort study included patients 18 years and older undergoing fibula free flap reconstruction following head and neck extirpative surgery at a tertiary care academic medical center from May 2013 to March 2019. The donor sites were photographed 4 weeks postoperatively, and areas of graft uptake were measured using image processing software. The baseline demographic, comorbidity, and operative characteristics were also collected.
INTERVENTIONS
A fine mesh gauze with 3% bismuth tribromophenate and petrolatum blend bolster was sutured over leg STSGs placed on fibula free flap donor sites intraoperatively, and the ankle and lower leg were immobilized for 5 days in a plaster splint. Bolsters were either removed on postoperative day 5 or 14. Thereafter, the STSGs were covered with a petroleum and bismuth gauze and a cotton dressing.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Rates of donor site infection and STSG percentage uptake at 4 weeks.
RESULTS
Of the 42 included patients, 31 (74%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 62.1 (13.1) years. A total of 20 patients were included in the 5-day group, and 22 were included in the 14-day group. The 14-day bolster group had a higher mean percentage skin graft uptake rate compared with the 5-day bolster duration group (77.5% vs 59.9%), with an effect size of -0.632 (95% CI, -1.260 to -0.004). Patients with Adult Comorbidity Evalution-27 scores of 3 had poorer rates of STSG uptake compared with patients with Adult Comorbidity Evalution-27 scores of 0 to 2 (65.9% vs 82.9%), with an effect size of 0.599 (95% CI, -0.191 to 1.389). No donor site infections were noted in either group.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Fourteen-day bolster application to the fibula free flap donor site was associated with better STSG uptake rates than 5-day bolster application.
Topics: Aged; Bandages; Female; Fibula; Free Tissue Flaps; Graft Survival; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Ointment Bases; Petrolatum; Phenols; Postoperative Complications; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Retrospective Studies; Skin Transplantation; Splints; Time Factors; Transplant Donor Site; Wound Healing
PubMed: 32297916
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2020.0160 -
Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North... Feb 2024Carl M. Pearson was an energetic and exceptional physician-scholar-leader who founded, established, and broadened the Divisions of Rheumatology at University of... (Review)
Review
Carl M. Pearson was an energetic and exceptional physician-scholar-leader who founded, established, and broadened the Divisions of Rheumatology at University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) beginning in 1956. His studies to induce myositis by injecting muscle saturated with the heat-killed tubercle bacillus, an emulsifier, and mineral oil (Freund's adjuvant) enabled his report that polyarthritis occurred with Freund's adjuvant alone in certain strains of rat and mice. This model of adjuvant arthritis allowed the next generation of studies to assess therapies for autoimmune diseases.
Topics: Rats; Mice; Humans; Animals; Freund's Adjuvant; Arthritis, Experimental; Autoimmune Diseases; Mineral Oil; Los Angeles
PubMed: 37973289
DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2023.08.006 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Oct 2022Psoriasis, despite modern therapeutic options, is incurable and recurrent. In Unani (Greco-Arab) medicine, many medications and formulations have been prescribed by... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Psoriasis, despite modern therapeutic options, is incurable and recurrent. In Unani (Greco-Arab) medicine, many medications and formulations have been prescribed by eminent scholars for conditions clinically similar to psoriasis, though empirical evidence is sparse. Hence, the experimental formulations ItrīfalShāhtra and MarhamḤina were chosen to be compared to the standard therapies PUVAsol and petrolatum for their safety and efficacy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This open-label, randomized control clinical trial was conducted on 66 male and female participants with chronic plaque psoriasis, ranging in age from 18 to 65 years. In each group, 33 participants were block randomized to either receive Unani formulations or control drugs for 12 weeks. The Unani group received oral Itrīfal Shāhtra (a semisolid paste) and topical MarhamḤina (an ointment) twice daily, and the control group received oral 8-methoxypsoralen and topical petroleum jelly for local application. Participants of both groups were advised to get daily sunlight exposure for 5-15 min. The primary outcome measure was the change in psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) assessed at each visit. Secondary outcome measures were patient global assessment on a 100 mm VAS applied at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment and change in subjective parameters including erythema, induration, scaling, and itching, assessed on a 5-point scale at every visit. Hemogram, LFTs, RFTs, CXR, ECG, urine, and stool tests were all assessed at baseline and after treatment for the safety of the drugs.
RESULTS
The per-protocol analysis was done on 25 participants in each group. The mean ± SD of the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) significantly decreased from 27.88 ± 12.01 and 23.61 ± 9.79 at baseline to 5.01 ± 4.59 and 9.85 ± 7.16 after completion of the trial therapies in both Unani and control groups, respectively. Also, the test formulations outperformed the control drugs on clinically significant endpoints, PASI 50 and PASI 75, with all 25 participants achieving PASI 50 and 76% achieving PASI 75.
CONCLUSION
The trial formulations, ItrīfalShāhtra and MarhamḤina may be superior to control drugs PUVAsol and petrolatum in terms of safety, efficacy, and tolerability in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. Thus, the Unani formulations may further be evaluated in a well-designed multicentric superiority trial with an adequate sample size.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Ointments; Petrolatum; Psoriasis; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 35724745
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115456 -
Contact Dermatitis Aug 2019According to studies on adults, patch testing with aluminium chloride hexahydrate 2% pet. is insufficient to detect aluminium allergy, and a 10% preparation is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
According to studies on adults, patch testing with aluminium chloride hexahydrate 2% pet. is insufficient to detect aluminium allergy, and a 10% preparation is recommended. Other studies suggest that a 2% preparation is sufficient for testing children.
OBJECTIVES
To review three previously published Swedish studies on patch testing children with aluminium chloride hexahydrate 2% pet.
PATIENTS/METHODS
Altogether, 601 children with persistent itching subcutaneous nodules (granulomas) induced by aluminium-adsorbed vaccines were patch tested with aluminium chloride hexahydrate 2% pet. and metallic aluminium in (a) a pertussis vaccine trial, (b) clinical practice, and (c) a prospective study.
RESULTS
Overall, 459 children had positive reactions to the 2% pet. preparation. Another 10 reacted positively only to metallic aluminium. An extreme positive reaction (+++) was seen in 65% of children aged 1 to 2 years as compared with 22% of children aged 7 years. From 8 years onwards, extreme positive reactions were scarce.
CONCLUSIONS
Aluminium chloride hexahydrate 2% pet. is sufficient to trace aluminium allergy in children. Small children are at risk of extreme reactions. We thus suggest that aluminium chloride hexahydrate 10% pet. should not be used routinely in children before the age of 7 to 8 years.
Topics: Allergens; Aluminum Chloride; Child; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Humans; Patch Tests
PubMed: 31066081
DOI: 10.1111/cod.13303 -
Journal of Separation Science Jan 2021The occurrence of mineral oil in food is known since the early 1990s, and it was discovered by chance in one of the first applications using the hyphenated LC-GC system.... (Review)
Review
The occurrence of mineral oil in food is known since the early 1990s, and it was discovered by chance in one of the first applications using the hyphenated LC-GC system. Since then, the relationship between hyphenated techniques and mineral oil analysis has been tightly interrelated and successful. This review aims to show and explain how this mutual interaction has driven the development of the hyphenated techniques on one side and has supported the increase of knowledge on the other, supporting the complex task of mineral oil determination in food. The paper presents the background of the mineral oil problem in food (a brief history of its finding, toxicology, and occurrence), moving then toward the analytical determination. The development of different hyphenated techniques in relation to mineral oil determination is discussed, focusing mainly on 2D techniques, such as LC-GC. The necessity of additional dimensions, such as LC-LC-GC and comprehensive approaches, such as GC × GC and LC × GC, is also discussed. Finally, the role of the hyphenation with MS is presented.
Topics: Chromatography, Gas; Chromatography, Liquid; Food Analysis; Food Contamination; Food Packaging; Mineral Oil
PubMed: 33111479
DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202000901 -
Soins. Gerontologie 2022The prescription of lubricating laxatives (paraffin oil) is widespread in geriatrics because of the frequency of constipation. These molecules can cause serious adverse... (Review)
Review
The prescription of lubricating laxatives (paraffin oil) is widespread in geriatrics because of the frequency of constipation. These molecules can cause serious adverse effects such as lipoid pneumonia, especially in subjects with swallowing disorders.
Topics: Constipation; Humans; Laxatives; Lipids; Mineral Oil; Pneumonia
PubMed: 35393035
DOI: 10.1016/j.sger.2021.12.009