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Objectives: To evaluate wound healing activity of herbal ointment containing the extracts of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flowers and Curcuma longa rhizomes. Methodology: H. rosa-sinensis flowers and C. longa rhizomes were extracted using 95% ethanol. H. rosa-sinensis and C. longa ointment were prepared using paraffin wax, lanolin and petroleum jelly. Ointment formulation was applied once daily on the excision wound made on Sprague Dawley rats for 20 days. Results: On day 20, the treatment group showed a significant increase in wound contraction which was 93.52 ± 1.38% when compared to control (87.62 ± 1.48%). Conclusion: Herbal ointment exhibited significant wound healing activity in rat excision wound model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of penetrated oils in the stratum corneum (SC), oil‐induced occlusion of the SC and formation of occluding homogeneous film on the skin surface are discussed in relation to their influence on results of water profile calculations using conventional and newly proposed extended methods. It is shown that the conventional method does not determine the water profiles in treated skin correctly due to the superposition of Raman bands of SC's proteins and penetrated and remnant oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral hydrocarbons consist of two fractions, mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH). MOAH is a potential public health hazard because it may include carcinogenic polycyclic compounds. In the present study, 400 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was introduced, in the context of official controls, to measure MOSH and MOAH in raw materials or pure mineral hydrocarbon final products (cosmetics and medicinal products). Quantitative determination (qNMR) has been established using the ERETIC methodology (electronic reference to access in vivo concentrations) based on the PULCON principle (pulse length based concentration determination). Various mineral hydrocarbons (e.g., white oils, paraffins or petroleum jelly) were dissolved in deuterated chloroform. The ERETIC factor was established using a quantification reference sample containing ethylbenzene and tetrachloronitrobenzene. The following spectral regions were integrated: MOSH δ 3.0 – 0.2 ppm and MOAH δ 9.2 - 6.5, excluding solvent signals. Validation showed a sufficient precision of the method with a coefficient of variation

Mineral hydrocarbons consist of two fractions, mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH). MOAH is a potential public health hazard because it may include carcinogenic polycyclic compounds. In the present study, 400 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was introduced, in the context of official controls, to measure MOSH and MOAH in raw materials or pure mineral hydrocarbon final products (cosmetics and medicinal products). Quantitative determination (qNMR) has been established using the ERETIC methodology (electronic reference to access in vivo concentrations) based on the PULCON principle (pulse length based concentration determination). Various mineral hydrocarbons (e.g., white oils, paraffins or petroleum jelly) were dissolved in deuterated chloroform. The ERETIC factor was established using a quantification reference sample containing ethylbenzene and tetrachloronitrobenzene. The following spectral regions were integrated: MOSH δ 3.0 – 0.2 ppm and MOAH δ 9.2 - 6.5, excluding solvent signals. Validation showed a sufficient precision of the method with a coefficient of variation

Objectives: Petrolatum and soybean oil are common ingredients incorporated in topical skin formulations for skin protection and moisturization. However, the stratum corneum (SC) penetration kinetics of these two cosmetic ingredients has not been systematically studied. Glyceryl monooleate (GlyMOle) has been shown to enhance skin penetration of various compounds. It was hypothesized that GlyMOle could enhance skin penetration of petrolatum and soybean oil. This study aimed to examine the in vitro skin penetration of petrolatum and soybean oil in the presence or absence of GlyMOle. Methods: Skin permeation experiments were conducted using the in vitro Franz diffusion cell model with split‐thickness human skin and human epidermal membrane (HEM). The effect of permeant dose and the kinetics of permeant penetration were examined with and without GlyMOle in vitro. Results: Petrolatum and soybean oil were found to permeate across HEM, and no effect of GlyMOle on skin permeation into the receptor chamber was observed. GlyMOle enhanced the penetration of petrolatum into the split‐thickness skin at 50 μg dose (petrolatum:GlyMOle, 49 : 1, w/w). However, no effect of GlyMOle on petrolatum penetration was observed at 200 μg dose (of the same petrolatum:GlyMOle ratio), indicating a dose‐dependent effect. GlyMOle at the level used in the study did not enhance the penetration of soybean oil with 50 and 200 μg doses at any timepoints. Conclusion: GlyMOle was a skin penetration enhancer for petrolatum under the in vitro conditions identified in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we describe a novel method for fabrication of microfluidic structures in classroom environments. This method is based on replica moulding of pasta structures in polydimethylsiloxane. Placing pasta structures on a petroleum jelly base layer enables templating round-shaped structures with controllable cross-sectional profiles. The pasta structures can be easily deformed and combined to create more complex 3D microfluidic structures. Proof-of-concept experiments indicate the capability of this method for studying the mixing of neighbouring flows, generation of droplets, lateral migration of particles, as well as culturing, shear stress stimulation, and imaging of cells. Our “do-it-in-classroom” method bridges the gap between the classroom and the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently there is no cure for severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Wet-wrap therapy (WWT) has also been used to treat pediatric AD and shown a satisfactory effectiveness, but clinical evidence supporting the use of WWT on severe adult AD is still insufficient.Methods: Twelve patients (eight men and four women) with severe AD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis [SCORAD] score ≥ 50) treated between January 2015 and September 2017 in our hospital were included. The patients underwent WWT (daily dose: 15 g halometasone cream+100g Vaseline ointment) twice daily for 2 h/session for 7 days. SCORAD, visual analog scale (VAS) for pruritus, investigator's global assessment (IGA), dermatology life quality index (DLQI) scores and serum cortisol levels were determined before and after the WWT.Results: The patients (mean age: 58.9 ± 18.9 years; range: 27-85 years) had a median disease duration of 27.5 months. After the WWT, the average scores of SCORAD (28.79 ± 5.16 vs. 68.59 ± 8.61, 95%CI: 35.18-44.42), VAS (2.75 ± 0.62 vs. 7.5 ± 1.17, 95%CI: 4.14-5.36), IGA (1.83 ± 0.39 vs. 4.08 ± 0.51, 95%CI: 1.96-2.54), and DQLI score (8.33 ± 1.83 vs. 13.83 ± 2.79, 95%CI: 4.16-6.84) reduced significantly compared with the scores before the WWT (All P < 0.001). However, serum cortisol levels were not affected significantly by the WWT. Four patients complained of tolerable wet dressing-associated discomforts, which was resolved after the wet dressing was removed when the WWT was completed. For the 85-year-old man, serum cortisol levels were lower than the normal value after the WWT (3.67 μg/dL) but restored to the normal levels (13.44 μg/dL) 2 weeks after the WWT was ended. No other adverse events occurred.Conclusion: WWT can relieve pruritus, reduce skin lesions, and improve quality of life in adult patients with severe AD. Thus, WWT may be effective and safe for severe adult AD. Trial registration No. is ChiCTR1800014909 ( http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of adding glycerol and petroleum jelly during the tinning process of steel shell base of Babbitt-steel bimetal is studied in this paper. The morphology of interface layer is changed from a discontinuous layer in case of using flux+tin to a continuous one by adding glycerol or petroleum jelly to the flux+tin mixture. Also, the nterface layer thickness and the unbonded interface layer area increase by adding glycerol or petroleum jelly to flux+tin mixture due to their physical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rheological properties of petrolatum are dependent on both temperature and thermal history. How this thermal dependency can be explained is unclear. In the past it has been suggested that the structure of petrolatum consists of a three-dimensional crystalline network. This has been established using old microscopic techniques only. Therefore a study on the microstructure of petrolatum was conducted using rheometry, DSC, pulsed NMR, polarized light microscopy and synchrotron X-ray. The combination of these techniques show that petrolatum is composed of 21% solid material at room temperature. This consists of partly crystalline lamellar sheets which are packed in stacks. The occurrence of these lamellar sheets is temperature dependent and the number of lamellar stacks is dependent on thermal history. It was shown that rheological differences in petrolatum can be explained by the number of lamellar stacks present, where more lamellar stacks result in more rigid petrolatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic dye degradation is usually assayed using serum vials, which is time-consuming and costly. In this work, a simple method was established for real-time nondestructive assay of dye biodegradation using 96-well microtiter plates with petrolatum oil to avoid the volatilization and high transmittance transparent tape to prevent the permeation of oxygen. With the anaerobic degradation of methyl red and amaranth by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, this assay method was verified. Further experiments revealed that blocking Mtr pathway had no substantial effect on the degradation of methyl red and dose of riboflavin also failed to promote the degradation of methyl red. On the contrary, the anaerobic degradation of amaranth depended mainly on the electron transmembrane transfer through Mtr pathway. Our work clearly indicates that Mtr pathway had different effects on intra- and extra-cellular degradation of azo dyes by S. oneidensis MR-1. Such a developed method is helpful for investigating anaerobic dye decolorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerobiological sampling through volumetric pollen traps requires the use of an appropriate adhesive, whose selection is a critical factor in these studies. This study compares the differences between two adhesives that have been widely used in aerobiological studies with the aim of providing a persuasive argument for using petroleum jelly as a viable alternative to silicone diluted with the banned substance carbon tetrachloride. The study was performed using Hirst-type pollen traps in an indoor controlled environment to avoid interference attributed to outdoor meteorological parameters. Furthermore, a gravimetric study was conducted simultaneously as a control. Four different pollen types with different pollen sizes and similar flowering seasons were studied (Acer, Platanus, Quercus and Rumex). Differences between pollen traps were minimised by interchanging the drums in each pollen trap every 24 hours. Gravimetric results showed homogeneous airborne pollen distribution in the study. No statistically significant differences were found between the results for the sample adhesives for Quercus and Platanus, whereas significant differences were observed for Rumex and Acer. In the case of Acer, more pollen grains were recorded using the petroleum jelly, while for Rumex, more pollen grains were recorded with silicone. After this experiment we consider that petroleum jelly can be used as a viable alternative adhesive to the banned silicone diluted with carbon tetrachloride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Aesthetically pleasing results and fast, uneventful recovery are highly desirable after rejuvenating ablative laser procedures. Wound dressings following ablative laser procedures should ideally improve and optimize the wound healing environment. Objective: The purpose of this comparative split‐face, single‐blinded, prospective observational study was to assess the efficacy and acceptability of two primary wound dressings immediately after a full‐face fractional CO2 laser resurfacing procedure. Methods: The assessments of an innovative film‐forming dressing called Stratacel (SC) vs spring thermal water + Vaseline (V+) were conducted after a standardized, single‐pass, full‐face ablative fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing procedure. Clinical parameters, such as haemoglobin – HB; surface temperature – ST; micro‐textural modifications – MT; superficial melanin – M; intrafollicular porphyrins – P, were assessed at different phases of the healing process using standardized, non‐invasive technologies. Results: Five female volunteers were enrolled in this inpatient, controlled pilot study. Most of the clinical parameters considered, including 3D surface texture analysis, revealed a better performance of SC vs. V+ during the early, more delicate phases of the healing process. Conclusions: This preliminary study, even if performed on a small number of volunteers, confirmed a definite advantage of the tested semipermeable film‐forming formula (SC) over a more conventional postoperative skin care regime (V+). Clinical results could be explained by a better uniformity of distribution of SC over the micro‐irregularities induced by ablative fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. Its thin, semipermeable film might, in fact, act as an efficient, perfectly biocompatible, full contact, temporary skin barrier, able to protect extremely delicate healing surfaces from potential environmental irritations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Meatal stenosis (MS) as a potential complication of male circumcision and controversy regarding the magnitude of risk.Objectives: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analyses to assess (1) MS diagnosis after circumcision, (2) the potential association of MS with circumcision, and (3) a potential method of prevention.Data Sources: PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and bibliographies of original studies were searched using the keywords circumcision and stenosis or stricture.Study Selection: Studies containing original data on MS following circumcision at any age.Data Extraction: Two reviewers independently verified study design and extracted data.Results: Thirty eligible studies were retrieved. A random effects meta-analysis of 27 studies (350 MS cases amongst 1,498,536 males) found that the risk of MS in circumcised males was 0.656% (95% confidence interval 0.435-0.911). Meta-analysis of 3 observational studies that compared MS prevalence in circumcised and uncircumcised males found non-significantly higher prevalence in circumcised males (odds ratio 3.20; 95% confidence interval 0.73-13.9). Meta-analysis of 3 randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of petroleum jelly application to the glans after circumcision found that this intervention was associated with MS risk reduction (relative risk 0.024; 95% confidence interval 0.0048-0.12).Conclusion: MS risk after circumcision is low (< 1%). Weak evidence suggests that MS risk might be higher in circumcised boys and young adult males. Risk is reduced by petroleum jelly application. Further research on MS arising from lichen sclerosus in older uncircumcised males is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pruritus is a frequent symptom in the general population and in many skin and systemic diseases. Its frequency demonstrates a high burden and an impaired quality of life. Aim: Assessment of the efficacy of topically applied clove oil alone in the treatment of chronic pruritus. Methods: Fifty selected subjects diagnosed with chronic pruritus due to either hepatic, renal, or diabetic causes were studied and divided into two groups of 25 patients each. Group I patients were instructed to hydrate the skin and then apply topical clove oil while group II patients applied petrolatum topically by hand; this application was done on the areas of pruritus, twice daily and for 2 weeks. The severity of the itch was assessed and compared before and after the study by 5-D itch scale. The results were analyzed by SPSS. Statistical methods such as descriptive analysis, independentsamples t-test, paired-samples t-test, and chi-square were employed. Results: There was a significant improvement regarding all studied individual parameters (5-D itch scale) for the clove oil users with no significance among petrolatum users. Comparison of 5-D itch scale total score between patients of group I and patients of group II favored the improvement following the use of clove oil than using placebo (P value>.05). Conclusion: The topical treatment of chronic pruritus with clove oils is effective, easy to use, safe, cheap, and more acceptable for whom topical and systemic treatments tend to be irritating, contraindicated, or less well tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Second-degree burns are associated with several complications such as infection, septicemia, and unpleasant skin appearance and are one of the main causes of in-hospital mortality. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the therapeutic effects of Q. persica fruit skin on the healing of second-degree burn wounds. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 60 mice were randomly assigned into three groups. Vaseline was used for group 1, 1% Silver sulfadiazine (SSD) cream was used for group 2, and Vaselinebased Quercus persica L. hydroalcoholic extract was used for group 3. After the development of seconddegree burns with a pathologist's confirmation, the wound area was measured for a month by AutoCAD software. The wound was pathologically examined and data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis using SPSS 18. Results: Decrease in wound area was 72.01% in the Quercus persica L. group, 65.95% in the SSD group, and 59.12% in the Vaseline group. Mean wound recovery was higher in the Q. persica fruit skin group but not significant (P>0.05). The mean number of wound hair follicles and sebaceous glands and mean wound angiogenesis were higher while wound inflammation intensity was lower in Quercus persica L group, but no significant difference in these variables was seen between the Quercus persica L and SSD groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Quercus persica L. had relatively acceptable therapeutic effects on the healing of second-degree burn wounds compared to SSD and Vaseline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral oils and waxes used in cosmetic products, also referred to as “personal care products” outside the European Union, are mixtures of predominantly saturated hydrocarbons consisting of straight-chain, branched and ring structures with carbon chain lengths greater than C16. They are used in skin and lip care cosmetic products due to their excellent skin tolerance as well as their high protecting and cleansing performance and broad viscosity options. Recently, concerns have been raised regarding potential adverse health effects of mineral oils and waxes from dermal application of cosmetics. In order to be able to assess the risk for the consumer the dermal penetration potential of these ingredients has to be evaluated. The scope and objective of this review are to identify and summarize publicly available literature on the dermal penetration of mineral oils and waxes as used in cosmetic products. For this purpose, a comprehensive literature search was conducted. A total of 13 in vivo (human, animal) and in vitro studies investigating the dermal penetration of mineral oils and waxes has been identified and analysed. The majority of the substances were dermally adsorbed to the stratum corneum and only a minor fraction reached deeper skin layers. Overall, there is no evidence from the various studies that mineral oils and waxes are percutaneously absorbed and become systemically available. Thus, given the absence of dermal uptake, mineral oils and waxes as used in cosmetic products do not present a risk to the health of the consumer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had a significant impact on public health and, also the clinical benefits of the medications are so limited, preventive measures may be able to help control its spread. Because the petroleum jelly compound could alter the physicochemical properties that affect adhesion, we investigated the preventive role of Petroleum jelly on covid-19 infection. Forty people with no sign and no history of covid-19 infection, were included in this study. They use petroleum jelly (Vaseline) nasally twice a day for about two months. After that time, participants tested by RT-qPCR to determine any infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus. There was a significant difference in terms of RT-qPCR results between the intervention and control groups. Petroleum jelly may be effective in preventing covid-19 infection (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 13). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]