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Polymers Apr 2023It is challenging to improve the water resistance, flame retardancy, mechanical performance, and balance of halogen-free flame-retardant polypropylene (PP) composites....
Simultaneously Enhancing the Flame Retardancy, Water Resistance, and Mechanical Properties of Flame-Retardant Polypropylene via a Linear Vinyl Polysiloxane-Coated Ammonium Polyphosphate.
It is challenging to improve the water resistance, flame retardancy, mechanical performance, and balance of halogen-free flame-retardant polypropylene (PP) composites. For this purpose, a linear vinyl polysiloxane (PD) was synthesized and then self-crosslinked under benzoyl peroxide to prepare surface-coated ammonium polyphosphate (APP@PD). Apparently, this linear vinyl polysiloxane self-crosslinking coating strategy was completely different from the commonly used sol-gel-coated APP with silane monomers. After coating, the water contact angles (WCA) of APP and APP@PD were 26.8° and 111.7°, respectively, showing high hydrophobicity. More importantly, PP/APP@PD/dipentaerythritol (DPER) showed a higher limiting oxygen index (LOI) and better UL-94 V-0 rate in comparison with PP/APP/DPER composites. After water immersion at 70 °C for 168 h, only PP/APP@PD/DPER kept the UL-94 V-0 rate and lowered the deterioration of the LOI, reflecting the better water-resistance property of APP@PD. Consistently, the cone calorimeter test results displayed a 26.2% and 16.7% reduction in peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total smoke production (TSP), respectively. Meanwhile, the time to peak smoke production rate (T) increased by 90.2%. The interfacial free energy (IFE) between APP@PD and PP was calculated to evaluate the interfacial interaction between PP and APP@PD. A reduction of 84.2% in the IFE between APP@PD and PP is responsible for the improvement in compatibility and the increase in flame retardancy, water resistance, and mechanical properties of the composites.
PubMed: 37177219
DOI: 10.3390/polym15092074 -
Nanoscale Advances May 2023Contaminated surfaces play a major role in disease transmission to humans. The vast majority of commercial disinfectants provide short-term protection of surfaces...
Contaminated surfaces play a major role in disease transmission to humans. The vast majority of commercial disinfectants provide short-term protection of surfaces against microbial contamination. The Covid-19 pandemic has attracted attention to the importance of long-term disinfectants as they would reduce the need for staff and save time. In this study, nanoemulsions and nanomicelles containing a combination of benzalkonium chloride (BKC; a potent disinfectant and a surfactant) and benzoyl peroxide (BPO; a stable form of peroxide that is activated upon contact with lipid/membranous material) were formulated. The prepared nanoemulsion and nanomicelle formulas were of small sizes <80 nm and high positive charge >45 mV. They showed enhanced stability and prolonged antimicrobial efficacy. The antibacterial potency was evaluated in terms of long-term disinfection on surfaces as verified by repeated bacterial inoculums. Additionally, the efficacy of killing bacteria upon contact was also investigated. A nanomicelle formula (NM-3) consisting of 0.8% BPO in acetone and 2% BKC plus 1% TX-100 in distilled water (1 : 5 volume ratio) demonstrated overall surface protection over a period of 7 weeks upon a single spray application. Furthermore, its antiviral activity was tested by the embryo chick development assay. The prepared NM-3 nanoformula spray showed strong antibacterial activities against , , and as well as antiviral activities against infectious bronchitis virus due to the dual effects of BKC and BPO. The prepared NM-3 spray shows great potential as an effective solution for prolonged surface protection against multiple pathogens.
PubMed: 37143809
DOI: 10.1039/d2na00950a -
Polymers Apr 2023In this work, a commercial SBS was functionalized with the 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin--oxyl stable radical (TEMPO) via free-radical activation initiated with benzoyl...
In this work, a commercial SBS was functionalized with the 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin--oxyl stable radical (TEMPO) via free-radical activation initiated with benzoyl peroxide (BPO). The obtained macroinitiator was used to graft both vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC) and styrene/VBC random copolymer chains from SBS to create g-VBC-x and g-VBC-x--Sty-z graft copolymers, respectively. The controlled nature of the polymerization as well as the use of a solvent allowed us to reduce the extent of the formation of the unwanted, non-grafted (co)polymer, thereby facilitating the graft copolymer's purification. The obtained graft copolymers were used to prepare films via solution casting using chloroform. The -CHCl functional groups of the VBC grafts were then quantitatively converted to -CH(CH)N quaternary ammonium groups via reaction with trimethylamine directly on the films, and the films, therefore, were investigated as anion exchange membranes (AEMs) for potential application in a water electrolyzer (WE). The membranes were extensively characterized to assess their thermal, mechanical, and ex situ electrochemical properties. They generally presented ionic conductivity comparable to or higher than that of a commercial benchmark as well as higher water uptake and hydrogen permeability. Interestingly, the styrene/VBC-grafted copolymer was found to be more mechanically resistant than the corresponding graft copolymer not containing the styrene component. For this reason, the copolymer g-VBC-5--Sty-16-Q with the best balance of mechanical, water uptake, and electrochemical properties was selected for a single-cell test in an AEM-WE.
PubMed: 37111973
DOI: 10.3390/polym15081826 -
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) 2023Antibiotic resistance is a major concern, especially in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). However, antibiotics form a cornerstone in its treatment. Topical clindamycin is... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Antibiotic resistance is a major concern, especially in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). However, antibiotics form a cornerstone in its treatment. Topical clindamycin is known to cause bacterial resistance but is still advised as monotherapy for the treatment of mild to moderate HS.
METHODS
This is a randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded, intra-patient pilot trial to compare the clinical efficacy of clindamycin-benzoyl peroxide gel with clindamycin lotion in patients with mild to moderate HS. Two contralateral body sites were randomized for treatment in each patient. The primary outcome was the difference in the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score (IHS4) between the two groups after 12 weeks. Secondary objectives were feasibility of the intra-patient design, efficacy within treatment groups, effect on HS pain, HS itch, patient satisfaction, antibiotic resistance, and the prolonged efficacy after 16 weeks.
RESULTS
Ten patients were included, resulting in two groups of 10 treated body sites. No significant differences were found between the two groups for all measurements after 12 or 16 weeks, while both therapies led to an improvement in the IHS4, pain, and itch scores. A significant decrease was observed in the IHS4 for both the clindamycin lotion (-1.5; p < 0.05) and the clindamycin-benzoyl peroxide gel (-2; p < 0.01) after 16 weeks, and the pain scores were reduced from 7 to 2.5, p < 0.01 and 6.5 to 3, p = 0.03, respectively. Using the IHS4-55, we identified 50% of patients as responders in both groups after 12 weeks. The intra-patient design, however, unexpectedly appeared to hinder the inclusion of patients.
CONCLUSION
Clindamycin-benzoyl peroxide gel showed favorable clinical efficacy results, similar to clindamycin lotion, suggesting that it could replace clindamycin lotion in the treatment of mild to moderate HS and to prevent antibiotic resistance. A larger controlled trial is needed to validate these results.
Topics: Humans; Clindamycin; Pilot Projects; Hidradenitis Suppurativa; Acne Vulgaris; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Benzoyl Peroxide; Treatment Outcome; Pain; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 37080176
DOI: 10.1159/000530758 -
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic... Apr 2023The primary aim of this study was to assess the change in acne lesions and severity within all treatment groups over the course of a six-month study.
A 6-month, Multi-center, Double-blind, Controlled Study to Evaluate the Effect of a Biofilm Disrupting Acne Cream on Mild-to-Moderate Facial Acne in Female Volunteer Subjects.
OBJECTIVES
The primary aim of this study was to assess the change in acne lesions and severity within all treatment groups over the course of a six-month study.
METHODS
This was a six-month, multisite, randomized, double-blind, controlled study in female subjects with mild-to-moderate acne to assess the clinical and psychological outcomes of treatment with biofilm disrupting acne cream 2x, biofilm disrupting acne cream 1x, biofilm disrupting acne cream without salicylic acid, 2.5% benzoyl peroxide (BPO) gel, and placebo. Subjects applied the assigned product to their face twice daily and were evaluated for clinical acne and quality of life outcomes at baseline and after six, 12, 18, and 24 weeks of treatment.
RESULTS
After 24 weeks of use, subjects treated with biofilm disrupting acne cream 2x had a significantly greater improvement in the Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), compared to those treated with 2.5% BPO gel. Based on dermatologic assessments, biofilm disrupting acne cream 2x, biofilm disrupting acne cream 1x, biofilm disrupting acne cream without salicylic acid, and placebo control were associated with less erythema and dryness, compared to 2.5% BPO gel.
LIMITATIONS
Assessments within this study had the potential for subjective differences due to variability between evaluators.
CONCLUCION
Biofilm disrupting acne cream 2x and biofilm disrupting acne cream 1x provided equivalent efficacy to 2.5% BPO gel with less of the adverse effects commonly associated with BPO, such as erythema and dryness. Both the biofilm disrupting acne cream without salicylic acid and the placebo control were associated with mild improvements to acne symptoms over the course of the 24-week study.
TRIAL REGISTRY INFORMATION
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03106766.
PubMed: 37077927
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Medicine 2023Acne vulgaris (acne) is common among young persons (YPs). Clinical practice guidelines are available for acne management to minimize their physical and psychological...
BACKGROUND
Acne vulgaris (acne) is common among young persons (YPs). Clinical practice guidelines are available for acne management to minimize their physical and psychological impact. However, evidence of adherence to these guidelines is sparse in primary care practices. The study aimed to determine the demographic profile of YPs who sought primary care consultations for acne, their related prescriptions and referrals to specialists for further management.
METHOD
A retrospective study was conducted using data from a cluster of eight public primary care clinics in Singapore. Demographic, clinical, prescription, and referral data were extracted from the electronic health records of YPs aged 10-29 years with a documented diagnosis of acne (ICD-10 classification) from 1st July 2018 to 30th June 2020. The data were reviewed, audited for eligibility criteria, and de-identified before analysis.
RESULTS
Complete data from 2,700 YPs with acne were analyzed. Male (56.1%) YPs and those of Chinese ethnicity (73.8%) had the most frequent attendances for acne. The mean and median age at presentation was 19.2 (standard deviation = 4.3) and 19 (interquartile range = 16-22) years, respectively. Only 69.7% of YPs received an acne-related medication; 33.5% received antibiotic monotherapy; 53.0% were prescribed oral doxycycline, 35.0% acne cream (combination of sulfur, salicylic acid, and resorcinol), and 28.4% benzoyl peroxide 5% gel; 54.3% of those treated with antibiotics were prescribed with a shorter duration than recommended; 51.3% were referred to a dermatologist on their first visit, and 15.8% had more than one visit.
CONCLUSION
Acne management for YPs can be enhanced with refresher training among primary care physicians for better adherence to its clinical practice guidelines.
PubMed: 37020676
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1152391 -
Gels (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2023The goal of this study was to make Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) nanoemulgel to improve its ability to kill bacteria. BPO has trouble getting into the skin, being absorbed by...
PURPOSE
The goal of this study was to make Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) nanoemulgel to improve its ability to kill bacteria. BPO has trouble getting into the skin, being absorbed by the skin, staying stable, and being spread out.
METHODS
A BPO nanoemulgel formulation was prepared by combining BPO nanoemulsion with Carbopol hydrogel. The drug was tested for solubility in various oils and surfactants in order to select the best oil and surfactant for the drug, and then the drug nanoemulsion formulation was prepared using a self-nano-emulsifying technique with Tween 80, Span 80, and lemongrass oil. The drug nanoemulgel was looked at in terms of its particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), rheological behavior, drug release, and antimicrobial activity.
RESULTS
Based on the solubility test results, lemongrass oil was the best solubilizing oil for drugs, while Tween 80 and Span 80 demonstrated the highest solubilizing ability for drugs among the surfactants. The optimum self-nano-emulsifying formulation had particle sizes of less than 200 nm and a PDI of close to zero. The results showed that incorporating the SNEDDS formulation of the drug with Carbopol at various concentrations did not cause a significant change in the particle size and PDI of the drug. The zeta potential results for drug nanoemulgel were negative, with more than 30 mV. All nanoemulgel formulations exhibited pseudo-plastic behavior, with 0.4% Carbopol exhibiting the highest release pattern. The drug nanoemulgel formulation worked better against bacteria and acne than the product on the market.
CONCLUSION
Nanoemulgel is a promising way to deliver BPO because it makes the drug more stable and increases its ability to kill bacteria.
PubMed: 36975635
DOI: 10.3390/gels9030186 -
Frontiers in Surgery 2023(), a common pathogen, contributes significantly to infections in shoulder surgery. Prevention of shoulder infection is crucial to improve postoperative functional... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
(), a common pathogen, contributes significantly to infections in shoulder surgery. Prevention of shoulder infection is crucial to improve postoperative functional recovery and reduce costs. This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of 5% benzoyl peroxide (BPO) application in the shoulder to decrease .
METHODS
Three electronic databases were searched as follows: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases. Data extraction for this study was performed by two independent reviewers, and only level I and level II studies were included. The outcome data sources of individual studies were pooled. The fixed-effect model was used to determine the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
There were five level I studies and five level II studies. The results showed that the 5% BPO group had a lower risk of positivity [OR, 0.21 (0.15, 0.30), = 24, < 0.00001]. The pooled analysis results showed that there was no significant difference in the ability of 5% BPO and 5% BPO + clindamycin to reduce . However, the lower rate of adverse events was significantly in favour of the non-BPO group compared with the 5% BPO group.
CONCLUSION
BPO can decrease in the shoulder to prevent infection. However, the combination of BPO and clindamycin does not enhance this effect further.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
II, Systematic review and meta-analysis.
PubMed: 36969754
DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1015490 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2023Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory condition that can be associated with profound psychosocial impacts. Conventional treatment includes topical retinoids, benzoyl...
Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory condition that can be associated with profound psychosocial impacts. Conventional treatment includes topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and antimicrobials, and some may cause irritation and skin dryness. In this 8-week open-label study, we examined the effects of a botanical skin care regimen (Codex Labs Shaant Balancing regimen) on mild to moderate facial and truncal acne. Twenty-four male and female subjects between the ages of 12 and 45 years were assessed for eligibility, 20 were enrolled, and 15 completed all study visits. Facial and truncal acne lesion counts, skin hydration, sebum excretion rate, and mood were assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Total facial lesion counts (inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions) decreased by 20.5% at week 4 ( = 0.06) and by 25.2% at week 8 ( < 0.05). Inflammatory lesion counts on the trunk were found to decrease at week 8 relative to baseline by 48% ( < 0.05). Forehead sebum excretion rate decreased by 40% at week 4 ( = 0.07) and 22% at week 8 ( = 0.08), and cheek skin hydration increased by 27.6% at week 4 ( = 0.14) and 65% at week 8 ( = 0.10). Participants also experienced significant improvement in components of a positive effect, such as feeling "strong" and "inspired", and a decrease in negative effects, such as feeling "irritable." Overall, the botanical skin care regimen was found to be well-tolerated. Our study suggests that a botanical skin care regimen may reduce facial and truncal acne lesion counts, increase skin hydration, reduce sebum production, and augment positive effects and moods in those with mild to moderate facial and truncal acne.
PubMed: 36836020
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041484 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2023Acne vulgaris is the most common reason for pediatric patients and third most common reason for adult patients to seek care from a dermatologist in the US. However,...
Acne vulgaris is the most common reason for pediatric patients and third most common reason for adult patients to seek care from a dermatologist in the US. However, referring providers may be reluctant to initiate patients on acne treatment or certain prescriptions. We assessed over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription acne (antibiotic and non-antibiotic) treatment rates to characterize differences by patient demographics and provider specialty. The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) was analyzed for all acne therapies prescribed for at least 10 unweighted visits between 1993 and 2016 (most recent years available). Prescription rates varied by age, with younger patients more likely to receive a prescription; insurance status, with privately insured patients more likely to receive a prescription; and across and within specialties, with dermatologists more likely to recommend a prescription medication than family medicine and pediatric providers. Among all forms of antibiotics for acne vulgaris, oral minocycline was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic by dermatologists, followed by oral doxycycline. Oral minocycline was also the most common antibiotic prescribed by family physicians, followed by oral doxycycline and oral clindamycin, respectively. Pediatricians appeared to be less likely to prescribe oral antibiotics for acne. The OTC topical antimicrobial benzoyl peroxide was the most utilized drug for acne among pediatricians, and it was also the most commonly recommended OTC drug for acne among dermatologists, family physicians, and pediatricians.
PubMed: 36830180
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020269