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Polymerized rosin (PR) a novel film forming polymer is characterized and investigated in the present study for its application in drug delivery. Films were produced by a casting/solvent evaporation method from plasticizer free and plasticizer containing solutions. Films prepared from different formulations were studied for their mechanical (tensile strength, percent elongation and Young's modulus), water vapour transmission and moisture absorption characteristics. Neat PR films were slightly brittle and posed the problem of breaking during handling. Hydrophobic plasticizers, dibutyl sebacate and tributyl citrate, improved the mechanical properties of free films with both the plasticizers showing significant effects on film elongation. Release of diclofenac sodium (model drug) from coated pellets was sustained with high coating levels. Concentration of plasticizer was found to affect the release profile. PR films plasticized with hydrophobic plasticizers could therefore be used in coating processes for the design of oral sustained delivery dosage forms.

We studied the effects of water-soluble fractions of pine resin and Biopin-10 and Biopin-20 ointments used for the therapy of burns, wounds, and purulent and inflammatory diseases on spontaneous and induced synthesis of tumor necrosis factor and interleukins 1, 2, and 8 by human peripheral blood neutrophils in vitro. These preparations contain various bioactive substances producing opposite and dose-dependent immunomodulatory effects. Our results indicate that the composition and doses of preparations should be selected to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect.

The methods involved in the safety assessment of resins used in hair-spray products have received little peer review, or debate in the published literature, despite their widespread use, in both hairdressing salons and the home. The safety assessment for these resins currently involves determining the type of lung pathology that can be caused in animal inhalation exposure studies, and establishing the no-observable-effect level (NOEL) for these pathologies. The likely human consumer exposure is determined by techniques that model the simulated exposure under "in use" conditions. From these values it is then possible to derive the likely safety factors for human exposure. An important part of this process would be to recognize the intrinsic differences between rodents and humans in terms of the respiratory doses that each species experiences during inhalation exposures, for the purpose of the safety assessment. Interspecies scaling factors become necessary when comparing the exposure doses experienced by rats, compared to humans, because of basic differences between species in lung clearance rates and the alveolar area in the lungs. The rodent inhalation data and modeled human exposure to Resin 6965, a resin polymer that is based on vinyl acetate, has been used to calculate the safety factor for human consumer exposure to this resin, under a range of "in use" exposure conditions. The use of this safety assessment process clearly demonstrates that Resin 6965 is acceptable for human consumer exposure under the conditions considered in this risk assessment.

Sonodegradation of bromobenzene, bromophenolate ion, and 2,4,5-trichlorobiphenyl was studied in the presence of various types of solid particles suspended in water. Three particle diameters (10 nm, 15 microm, and 35 microm) and two particle types (silica particles and organic resin) were investigated over a range of particle concentrations (0.05-10 g l(-1)). The sonochemical decomposition rate constant for bromobenzene (k = 0.044 +/- 7.50 x 10(-4) min(-1) at 20 kHz) was not significantly impacted by very fine silica particles (10 nm). The presence of 15 microm silica decreased sonication rates slightly (<7%) even at a concentration of 10 g l(-1). Organic resin particles demonstrated a more significant impact, particularly at higher concentration and with very hydrophobic compounds. These findings are significant for the application of ultrasound to treatment streams containing solid particles.

The use of shellac for coating purposes in pharmacy, food and nutriceutical industry generally involves the use of organic solvents. An aqueous shellac dispersion has been developed by applying high pressure homogenisation. Shellac was dissolved in alkaline solution, precipitated by HCl addition and the obtained suspension homogenised at 1500 bar applying 20 cycles. The volume diameter 50% was 2 microm, a distinct fraction of particles was in the nanometer range. This surfactant-free shellac dispersion with 20% solid content proved to be physically stable and showed good film forming properties.

For decades benzoin has been used to enhance the "stickiness" of the skin for improved adherence complementing the protective and functional aspects of well-constructed surgical bandages/dressings. The fully adherent and longer-lasting pressure dressing is both aesthetically pleasing to the patient (and surgeon) and, at the same time, functions to decrease seroma or hematoma formation, enhances antisepsis by blocking transient bacterial contamination, and inhibits traumatic sabotage of surgical wounds due to patient overactivity or inadvertent collision with a door jam, car door, table leg, or grandchild, etc. Also, when the bandage looks good, the patient realizes the operation was a success (at least aesthetically). Although simple, our additional steps of deoiling the skin with acetone, followed by multiple compress/release cycles of gauze to the Mastisol area reaps benefits to the patient and surgeon both in function (adherence) and in the production of a truly "dressy" beautiful and long-lasting dressing. In this way, the dressing "bed" is not only more receptive to one's aesthetically pleasing bandage, but is more tacky, yet refined. This same technique can be utilized prior to application of adhesive strips to healing wounds after sutures have been removed, allowing them to "stay on" longer with potentially better cosmesis and less spreading of the scar.

Part I of this study explores whether clothing today contains formaldehyde levels likely to cause contact allergy in formaldehyde-allergic patients. Part II of this study examines whether current reactions to textiles may be due to allergy to textile resins and whether individuals with formaldehyde-related textile allergy will react to the newer low formaldehyde resins used in the textile industry. Part I: free formaldehyde was measured in 16 fabric specimens produced in the US and overseas. Additionally, since the textile industry has moved to the use of newer methods for measuring fabric formaldehyde content, the newer methodology was compared with the older methods used in the medical literature. Part II: 10 subjects with known textile contact allergy were patch tested to available Chemotechnique textile resins and 6 new low-formaldehyde resins used by the textile industry. Part I: 8 fabric specimens yielded no detectable formaldehyde and 7 specimens yielded <200 ppm free formaldehyde, using Schiff's reagent and Merck testing methods. 1 specimen showed approximately 2000 ppm formaldehyde, as measured by the Merck test, but only 24 ppm free formaldehyde when retested by the method described in Japanese Law #112. Part II: all subjects reacted strongly to formaldehyde and DMDHEU (the predominant resin currently used in textiles). 6 subjects reacted to EUMF. 2 subjects had mild reactions to the newer low-formaldehyde resins and 1 to the non-formaldehyde Fixapret NF. Our results suggest that most clothing today yields free formaldehyde levels unlikely to cause contact allergy in formaldehyde-allergic individuals. Japanese method #112 is the recommended methodology to measure free formaldehyde in future studies. DMDHEU may now represent the main cause of textile allergy and may be a better screen than EUMF for this problem. Newer resins yielding fabrics with <75 ppm free formaldehyde may cause occasional reactions, but are more likely to be tolerated by individuals with textile contact allergy. Treatment of these individuals should be directed at identification of reliable sources of garments utilizing these newer resins.

The application of various resins for the nasal delivery of insulin was examined in rabbits. Intranasal administration of human insulin (28 U, 1 mg) mixed with fractionated sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder (an anionic resin with a particle size of 20-45 microns) caused a rapid increase of the plasma insulin level 413.0 +/- 71.7 microU/ml (mean +/- S.D.) after 15 min, while intranasal administration of insulin alone caused little increase. The blood glucose level decreased from 118.8 +/- 18.5 mg/dl to 65.8 +/- 13.8 mg/dl at 45 min after administration. These results were superior to those obtained with the unfractionated resin. Styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer (a nonionic resin; 20-45 microns fraction) showed similar enhancement of nasal insulin absorption. In contrast, polyacrylester (a nonionic resin; 20-45 microns fraction) and cholestyramine (a cationic resin) did not promote insulin absorption. These results suggest that some resins may be useful for nasal delivery of insulin.

In the treatment of hepatolithiasis, it is sometimes difficult to remove the stones completely and residual stones are closely related to the prognosis. In cases with residual stones, cholangitis frequently recurs and sometimes it causes fatal hepatic failure. We postulated that filling the hepatic bile duct with resin may be useful for the prevention of the progress of this disease. This experiment is the preliminary study on this new treatment for hepatolithiasis. After the injection of Neoprene resin into the left intrahepatic bile duct of a mongrel dog, histological changes of the liver and biochemical changes in peripheral blood were serially analyzed. After six months, the Neoprene plug remained in place. In the lobe treated with Neoprene, volume and weight decreased, and fibrosis around the bile duct and interlobular connective tissue increased, while, the number of hepatocytes was not changed. There was neither abscess nor biloma in the liver. Blood analysis revealed only a transitional increase of GOT, GPT and ALP. No complication was caused by this treatment. From this result, we conclude that this new method may be useful for the treatment of hepatolithiasis.

The clinical trial was carried out on 34 'hypersensitive' teeth in 10 subjects. Dentine sensitivity was measured as the pain perception thresholds to controlled air and probe stimuli. In each subject, pairs of teeth of comparable initial sensitivity were randomly assigned to a test (T) or control (C) treatment. All teeth were cleaned and a conditioning paste applied. Group T was treated with a topically-applied light-cured resin; Group C received a placebo, sham light-cured. Air sensitivity was remeasured after treatment, and the procedures were repeated after 1, 2, and 3 weeks. When comparing air thresholds before and after treatment at each visit, the test agent caused significantly greater reduction in sensitivity than the control. The median increase in air threshold in the test group was 2.5 s at visit no. 1, 1.3 s at visit no. 2 and 0.8 s at visit no. 3. Comparisons of the initial thresholds at each visit showed no significant long-term changes in sensitivity in either group.

Our results, combined with the work of previous authors, show that gum mastic not only offers superior adhesive qualities compared with benzoin, USP but also has a lower incidence of postoperative contact dermatitis and subsequent skin discoloration. In light of the widespread use of surgical adhesives, this study is important in documenting the low incidence of complications and the advantages of gum mastic compared with benzoin, USP.

There is a continuing search for ingredients to enhance the chemical plaque inhibitory action of oral hygiene products. Sanguinarine, other natural extracts and triclosan have already been used in products. The aim of this study was to evaluate a number of triclosan and natural product rinses for effects on plaque regrowth. In particular, the influence of other rinse components were assessed, notably sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and zinc. The study was a randomised, blind, 9-cell cross-over design to measure the effects of each rinse on 4-day plaque regrowth from a zero baseline. 15 volunteers rinsed 2x daily with each product and plaque was recorded by area and score. The 0.2% chlorhexidine rinse (positive control) was significantly more effective, and the saline rinse (negative control) significantly less effective, than other rinses. Sanguinarine alone was little different from saline and the addition of zinc made a modest improvement in activity. The 3 triclosan/SLS rinses were more effective than the sanguinarine rinses but similar to their minus triclosan control rinse. A natural product/SLS experimental rinse was second to chlorhexidine and, in many analyses, significantly better than all other rinses, but caused some oral erosions. The results indicate that the plaque inhibitory properties of basic ingredients such as SLS may be difficult to enhance or surpass. However, the possible range of recipes, particularly using natural ingredients, provides scope for research and development in the field of oral hygiene products.

Shellac was chemically modified to alter its permeability and to prevent its 'after hardening'. Various shellac derivatives such as with succinic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, ethylenediamine and myristic acid were prepared. Salicylic acid granules were coated and evaluated for flow properties, moisture absorption and release characteristics before and after ageing. These derivatives imparted better flow properties and showed excellent ageing properties.

Rats received 20 skin applications of heavy pyrolysis resin, containing about 30% of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The every exposure duration was 4 hours a day. Applications have been carried out daily 5 days a week in the course of 4 weeks. Induction of cytochrome P-450 (P-450) by 79%, significant induction of microsomal (GTm) and cytosol (GTc) glutathione-S-transferase activity (by 46 and 85%, respectively) and small increase of reduced glutathione level (by 9%) also were registered as a result of these exposures. Lipid peroxidation level determined by TBK-reactive products quantity didn't alter significantly. Close correlation between ratio values of P-450/GTm levels and P-450/GTc levels and toxic effect indices of heavy pyrolysis resin on rat immune and endocrine systems.

3 minor resin acids and 7 commercial modified-colophony products of different origins were studied by experimental sensitization by means of a modified FCA method. All 3 resin acids were almost negative. The commercial products gave different results. While the maleic-modified product of Greek origin showed a strong sensitizing power, the fumaric-modified, terpene-phenol-modified and a disproportioned rosin were only moderate. A remarkable difference was obtained with the Swedish and Finnish tall oil rosins, which, in contrast to the previously studied French product, exhibited only a weak sensitizing capacity.

A typical case of contact dermatitis following topical applications of etofenamat is reported and a short review of literature is given. Considering the frequent administration of etofenamat, contact sensitization is relatively rare.

Experience with the treatment of 460 patients with panaritium, abscesses, phlegmons, infectious wounds have shown that propolis is an expedient remedy (in additional to the the routine treatment). They have shown the stimulating, antiinflammatory and anti-microbial action of propolis.

The effect of melilotus extract (ME) and Esberiven (ES) which contain coumarin on the thermal edema, which is one of high protein edema, was evaluated by both quantitative and qualitative assays. The intraperitoneal injection of ME immediately after burn greatly reduced the amount of swelling and effectively inhibited the occurrence of necrosis and induration in the injured leg-skin as compared with the saline controls in which a 3rd degree of thermal injury was observed. Administration of ES also induced a similar suppressive effect. Furthermore, either intraperitoneal or subcutaneous local injection of ME 4 hr before burn was effective in reducing the edema and thermal injury. No increase of the lymph flow and output of lymphocytes and protein from the thoracic duct lymph was observed in thermally injured rats given an injection of ME. The massive infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages 6 to 24 hr after the subcutaneous injection of ME was histologically observed in the dermal lesion of normal rats. Twenty-four hr later, macrophages, fibroblasts, and lymphocytes became predominant. The present data taken together suggest that ME exerts the suppressive effect on thermal injury by either prior or post administration, and these effects might be induced in an indirect manner, through the action of phagocytic cells accumulated in the injured lesion, not via lymphatic drainages of excess fluid and protein.

This study is concerned with variations in the oestrous cycle of the Sprague-Dawley rat following the intraperitoneal administration of maize oil solutions of Cannabis sativa resin and smoke condensate in doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg. Oestrus was shortened with doses of both the resin and the smoke condensate, whereas dioestrus was lengthened with the 20 mg/kg smoke condensate. ALso observed was a lengthening of postoestrus following the administration of 20 mg/kg of either the resin or the smoke condensate.

We recently utilized the technique of resin hemoperfusion (employing an Amberlite XAD-4 resin cartridge) to remove drug from a patient i deep coma after an estimated ingestion of greater than 4.5 grams of methaqualone. At plasma flow rates of 204 ml/min, the mean value for plasma clearance of methaqualone was 179 ml/min. The amount of methaqualone recovered from the cartridge at the end of the 10-hour procedure was 1,565 mg measured by gas chromatography. The patient became responsive to deep pain by the end of the procedure. The only complication encountered was a transient decrease in the formed blood elements. The present study verifies that a large, pharmacologically significance quantity of methaqualone can be removed in a short time using resin hemoperfusion.

Injection of low-viscosity resin was used to identify in situ functional blood vessels at the margins of developing regional myocardial infarcts. The ventral interventricular branch (VIB) of the left coronary artery was occluded for 0-240 min in 20 isolated perfused rabbit hearts. After perfusion fixation with glutaraldehyde, resin was injected into the coronary arteries--that injected into the VIB contained dispersed lead dioxide and that injected into the remainder of the heart contained Fat Red 7B dye. This allowed macroscopic and microscopic identification of functional blood vessels. Following transmural freeze fracture, left ventricles were examined using back-scattered electron imaging in a scanning electron microscope. Close to 60% of capillaries in nonischemic myocardium allowed the passage of resin. Thirty minutes of ischemia produced a hyperemic increase to 80%-90% in the proportion of filled vessels. After 60 min, however, a severe reperfusion defect corresponding to the "no-reflow" phenomenon had developed, with virtually all vessels collapsed and less than 10% functional. Among the structurally normal myocytes adjacent to the infarct margin there was a significant reduction (to 30%-40%) in the proportion of functional capillaries. This was due to groups of dilated vessels which were not accessible to arterial supply. Although these marginal "low-flow" regions were of small volume at any one point in time, they seem likely to contribute to the progression of ischemic necrosis, and are probably nonfunctional due to the compression of their venous drainage traversing the infarct.

In 16 children heterozygous for familial hypercholesterolemia, two- to three-year therapy with diet and cholestyramine resin (16 gm/day) was assessed in terms of effectiveness, practicality, and safety. All 16 children had previously taken a low-cholesterol (less than 300 mg/day), polyunsaturate-rich (P/S ratio, 1.5:1) diet and choeltyramine resin (12 gm/day) for 12 months. In this study, the cholestyramine resin dose was increased to 16 gm/day, and follow-up was maintained through months 13 through 18, 19 through 24, 25 through 30, and 31 through 36. Eleven children had good drug adherence (four packs of cholestyramine per day) and five children had fair adherence (two to three packs per day). Plasma total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were not significantly lowered on the drug-plus-diet regimen as compared to diet alone in five children with fair drug adherence. For children with good drug adherence, mean plasma cholesterol level was lowered below levels achieved on diet alone by 13% (months 13 through 18), 12% (months 19 through 24), 12% (months 25 through 30), and 11% (months 31 through 36) (P less than .05). Reduction in plasma cholesterol level was no greater with 16 than with 12 gm of cholestyramine per day. There were no group changes in mean plasma triglyceride levels. Cholestyramine resin, when added to diet and maintained for two to three years effects a significant reduction in total and LDL cholesterol levels in about 60% of children heterozygous for familial hypercholesterolemia. Continued reinforcement of both diet and drug adherence is necessary in the face of gradual increments in plasma cholesterol level with time.

Stained, quick setting resin was injected into the thoracic paravertebral spaces of six cadavers to assess the suitability of this material for delineating the spread of injected substances in an area of the human body which is being re-evaluated currently as a repository for analgesic drugs. The distribution and spread of the resin in relation to intercostal spaces, vertebral bodies and the spinal cord were noted, and compared with other studies.

Experimental studies were attempted for electrophoretic and phonophoretic application of propolis. Gross, histomorphologic and histochemical investigation clearly demonstrated that propolis may readily be introduced by phono- and electrophoresis in the tissues of experimental animals at the site of application. No polarity difference was recorded on electrophoretic application, which seems to be due to the complex nature of propolis. It is recommended to apply electrophoretically propolis on both poles. Histochemical investigation demonstrated that more effective is the phonophoretic method of introduction of propolis. Phonophoresis with propolis ointment caused decrease in skin sensitivity, attributable to the anesthetizing effect on the skin receptors.