Effect of nanoparticles of different stiffness combined with menthol/curcumol on mechanical properties of bEnd.3 cells / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to investigate the effects of nanoparticles PLGA-NPs and mesoporous silicon nanoparticles(MSNs) of different stiffness before and after combination with menthol or curcumol on the mechanical properties of bEnd.3 cells. The particle size distributions of PLGA-NPs and MSNs were measured by Malvern particle size analyzer, and the stiffness of the two nanoparticles was quantified by atomic force microscopy(AFM). The bEnd.3 cells were cultured in vitro, and the cell surface morphology, roughness, and Young's modulus were examined to characterize the roughness and stiffness of the cell surface. The changes in the mechanical properties of the cells were observed by AFM, and the structure and expression of cytoskeletal F-actin were observed by a laser-scanning confocal microscope. The results showed that both nanoparticles had good dispersion. The particle size of PLGA-NPs was(98.77±2.04) nm, the PDI was(0.140±0.030), and Young's modulus value was(104.717±8.475) MPa. The particle size of MSNs was(97.47±3.92) nm, the PDI was(0.380±0.016), and Young's modulus value was(306.019±8.822) MPa. The stiffness of PLGA-NPs was significantly lower than that of MSNs. After bEnd.3 cells were treated by PLGA-NPs and MSNs separately, the cells showed fine pores on the cell surface, increased roughness, decreased Young's modulus, blurred and broken F-actin bands, and reduced mean gray value. Compared with PLGA-NPs alone, PLGA-NPs combined with menthol or curcumol could allow deepened and densely distributed surface pores of bEnd.3 cells, increase roughness, reduce Young's modulus, aggravate F-actin band breakage, and diminish mean gray value. Compared with MSNs alone, MSNs combined with menthol could allow deepened and densely distributed surface pores of bEnd.3 cells, increase roughness, reduce Young's modulus, aggravate F-actin band breakage, and diminish mean gray value, while no significant difference was observed in combination with curcumol. Therefore, it is inferred that the aromatic components can increase the intracellular uptake and transport of nanoparticles by altering the biomechanical properties of bEnd.3 cells.

Menthol enhances interleukin-13-induced synthesis and secretion of mucin 5AC in human bronchial epithelial cells / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of interleukin (IL) -13 combined with cold stimulation on synthesis and secretion of mucin (MUC) 5AC in human bronchial epithelial cell line 16HBE and explore the role of transient receptor potential 8 (TRPM8) and anti-apoptotic factor B-cell lymphoblast-2 (Bcl-2) in this process.@*METHODS@#16HBE cells were stimulated with 10 ng/mL IL-13, 1 mmol/L menthol, or both (1 mmol/L menthol was added after 6 days of IL-13 stimulation), and the changes in the expression of MUC5AC, intracellular Ca@*RESULTS@#The mRNA and protein expressions of MUC5AC increased significantly in 16HBE cells following stimulation with IL-13, menthol, and both (@*CONCLUSIONS@#Menthol combined with IL-13 produces a synergistic effect to promote the synthesis and secretion of MUC5AC in 16HBE cells possibly by activating TRPM8 receptor to upregulate the expression of Bcl-2.

Package of menthol measures for thirst relief: a randomized clinical study / Paquete de medidas mentoladas para el alivio de lased: estudio clínico aleatorizado / Pacote de medidas mentoladas para o alívio da sede: estudo clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the menthol package (lip hydration and ice popsicles) compared to a package of non-menthol measures (lip hydration and ice popsicles) as a way to relieve thirst in patients in the Anesthetic Recovery Room. Method: Randomized and parallel trial study, with 120 patients randomized patients in an experimental group - menthol measurements (n=59) and control group - measures without menthol (n = 61). Results: There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in intensity, hydration, dryness and taste in the oral cavity between the three moments of assessment/intervention in the two groups. The difference was significant in the experimental group for thirst intensity at the second assessment/intervention point (p<0.05) after a single administration of the menthol package. Conclusion: There was a reduction in thirst intensity in both groups. Patients who received menthol packages showed a significant decrease in intensity after a single evaluation/intervention time. NCT: 02869139.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad del paquete de medidas mentoladas (hidratación labial y picolé de hielo) comparado a un paquete de medidas no mentoladas (hidratación labial y picolé de hielo) como un método de alivio de la sed en pacientes en la Sala de Recuperación Post-Anestésica. Método: En un ensayo clínico aleatorizado, paralelo, 120 pacientes aleatorizados en un grupo experimental - medidas mentoladas (n=59) y un grupo control - medidas sin el mentol (n=61). Resultados: Hubo una disminución significativa (p<0,05) sobre la intensidad, hidratación, sequedad y gusto en la cavidad oral entre los tres momentos de evaluación/intervención en los dos grupos, indistintamente. La diferencia fue significativa en el grupo experimental para la intensidad de la sed en el segundo momento de la evaluación/intervención (p<0,05) después de una única administración del paquete de medidas mentoladas. Conclusión: Se encontró una reducción de la intensidad de la sed en los dos grupos. Los pacientes que recibieron las medidas mentoladas presentaron una disminución significativa de la intensidad después de un único momento de evaluación/intervención. NCT: 02869139.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade do pacote de medidas mentoladas (hidratação labial e picolé de gelo) comparado a um pacote de medidas não mentoladas (hidratação labial e picolé de gelo) como método de alívio da sede em pacientes na Sala de Recuperação Anestésica. Método: Ensaio clínico randomizado, paralelo, 120 pacientes aleatorizados em grupo experimental - medidas mentoladas (n=59) e grupo controle - medidas sem o mentol (n=61). Resultados: Houve diminuição significativa (p<0,05) sobre a intensidade, hidratação, secura e gosto na cavidade oral entre os três momentos de avaliação/intervenção nos dois grupos indistintamente. A diferença foi significativa no grupo experimental para intensidade da sede no segundo momento de avaliação/intervenção (p<0,05) após uma única administração do pacote de medidas mentoladas. Conclusão: Houve redução da intensidade da sede nos dois grupos. Os pacientes que receberam as medidas mentoladas apresentaram diminuição significativa da intensidade após um único momento de avaliação/intervenção. A NCT: 02869139.

Characteristics of Smell Identification Test in Patients With Parkinson Disease

OBJECTIVES: Parkinson disease (PD) is frequently associated with olfactory disorder at early stage, which is caused by deposition of Lewy bodies emerging from the olfactory bulb to higher olfactory centers. Early detection of olfactory disorder in the patients with PD may lead to the early diagnosis and treatment for this refractory disease. METHODS: Visual analog scale (VAS), Jet Stream Olfactometry, and Japanese smell identification test, Open Essence (OE), were carried out on 39 patients with PD. Thirty-one patients with postviral olfactory disorder (PVOD), which was caused by the olfactory mucosal dysfunction, were also enrolled in this study as control. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in detection thresholds (2.2 vs. 1.4, P=0.13), recognition thresholds (3.9 vs. 3.5, P=0.39) and OE (4.8 vs. 4.2, P=0.47) between PVOD and PD, while VAS scores of PVOD and PD were significantly different (2.0 and 6.2, P<0.01). In OE, significant differences were observed in the accuracy rates of menthol (68% vs. 44%, P=0.04) and Indian ink (42% vs. 15%, P=0.01) between PVOD and PD. Of particular interest, patients with PVOD tended to select “no detectable,” while patients with PD tended to select wrong alternative other than “no smell detected.” CONCLUSION: Discrepancy between VAS and OE, and high selected rates of wrong alternative other than “undetectable” in OE might be significant signs of olfactory dysfunction associated with PD.

Exogenous lipoid pneumonia induced by long-term usage of compound menthol nasal drops: a case report / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Here we reported a case of exogenous lipoid pneumonia from Peking University Third Hospital. A 62-year-old male presented with chronic cough and expectoration for 8 years, without chest pain, hemoptysis or short of breath. He was an ex-smoker. In his past medical history, the patient reported chronic rhinitis sicca for 20 years. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed patchy ground glass opacities in his bilateral lower lobe. In recent 3 years, his symptoms showed slowly deteriorative changes, as did his chest CT findings. No improvement of the patient's symptoms was observed, although he had been treated with many antibiotics. Then he was referred to our hospital for a detailed investigation for interstitial lung disease. On admission, the physical examination showed no abnormal findings except for inspiratory fine crackles in his bilateral lower lung field on auscultation. The results of the laboratory analysis, including complete blood cell count, biochemistry, arterial blood gas, urinalysis, antinuclear antibody (ANA), antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) and tumor markers were all within normal ranges. To exclude the possibility of infectious or malignant conditions, bronchoscopy was performed. Secretions from the left lower lobe bronchus were collected for bacterial, fungal and fast-acid cultures, which were all negative. A bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed in the left lower lobe with a 30% recovery. The total cell count of the BAL fluid was 6.5×104/mL, and the cellularity differential revealed increased neutrophils (20%) and lymphocytes (17%). The cytological examination in the BAL fluid showed no malignant cells. All the clinical data above did not reveal any conclusive information. However, the pathological findings of his transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) were highlighted with lipid-laden macrophages engulfed by large vacuoles occupying almost completely the cytoplasm of the cells, which were consistent with those of exogenous lipoid pneumonia. Given these findings, it emerged that the patient was taking twice daily inhalations of a compound menthol nasal drops (essential oil of camphor, menthol and liquid paraffin) for his chronic rhinitis sicca for at least 10 years. Then he discontinued oil nasal sprays and showed gradual improvement 3 months later without intensive treatment. The presenting case report emphasizes the fact that chronic inhalation of nasal sprays and decongestants containing mineral oils was a cause of exogenous lipoid pneumonia, and clinicians should bear it in mind.

Goma de mascar mentolada no manejo da sede pré-operatória: ensaio clínico randomizado / Menthol chewing gum on preoperative thirst management: randomized clinical trial / Goma de mascar mentolada en el manejo de la sed preoperatoria: ensayo clínico aleatorizado

Objetivo avaliar a efetividade da goma de mascar mentolada em aliviar a intensidade e o desconforto da sede do paciente cirúrgico no período pré-operatório. Método ensaio clínico controlado randomizado, com 102 pacientes em período pré-operatório, aleatorizados em grupo-controle, com cuidado usual, e grupo experimental, que recebeu goma de mascar mentolada, a variável de tratamento do estudo. O desfecho clínico primário foi a variação da intensidade da sede, avaliada pela Escala Verbal Numérica, e o secundário, a variação do desconforto da sede, avaliada pela Escala de Desconforto da Sede Perioperatória. Teste de Mann-Whitney foi usado para comparar as medidas entre os grupos. Nível de significância adotado de 0,05. Resultados a goma de mascar mentolada reduziu significativamente a intensidade (p<0,001), com d de Cohen de efeito médio, e o desconforto da sede (p<0,001), com d de Cohen de efeito grande. Conclusão a goma de mascar mentolada mostrou-se efetiva na redução da intensidade e do desconforto da sede pré-operatória. A estratégia mostrou-se uma opção inovadora, viável e segura no uso para o paciente cirúrgico, no manejo da sede pré-operatória, em cirurgias eletivas. NCT: 03200197.

Objective to evaluate the effectiveness of menthol chewing gum, in the relief of the intensity and discomfort of the surgical patient's thirst in the preoperative period. Method a randomized controlled trial, with 102 patients in the preoperative period, randomized in a control group, with usual care, and an experimental group, which received menthol gum, which was the study treatment variable. The primary clinical outcome was the variation in thirst intensity, evaluated by the Numeral Verbal Scale, and the secondary, the variation of the discomfort of thirst, evaluated by the Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare measures between groups. The significance level adopted was of 0.05. Results menthol chewing gum significantly reduced the intensity (p <0.001), with Cohen's medium-effect d, and thirst discomfort (p <0.001), with a large-effect Cohen's d. Conclusion menthol chewing gum was effective in reducing the intensity and discomfort of preoperative thirst. The strategy proved to be an innovative, feasible and safe option in the use for the surgical patient, in the management of the preoperative thirst, in elective surgeries. NCT: 03200197.

Objetivo evaluar la efectividad de la goma de mascar mentolada en aliviar la intensidad y la incomodidad de la sed del paciente quirúrgico en el período preoperatorio. Método ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado, con 102 pacientes en período preoperatorio, aleatorizados en grupo control, con cuidado usual, y grupo experimental, que recibió goma de mascar mentolada, la variable de tratamiento del estudio. El resultado clínico primario fue la variación de la intensidad de la sed, evaluada por la Escala Verbal Numérica, y el secundario, la variación de la incomodidad de la sed, evaluada por la Escala de Desconocimiento de la Sede Perioperatoria. La prueba de Mann-Whitney fue utilizada para comparar las medidas entre los grupos. Nivel de significancia adoptado de 0,05. Resultados la goma de mascar mentolada redujo significativamente la intensidad (p <0,001), con d de Cohen de efecto promedio, y el malestar de la sed (p <0,001), con d de Cohen de efecto grande. Conclusión la goma de mascar mentolada se mostró efectiva en la reducción de la intensidad y de la incomodidad de la sed preoperatoria. La estrategia se mostró una opción innovadora, viable y segura en el uso para el paciente quirúrgico, en el manejo de la sed preoperatoria, en cirugías electivas. NCT: 03200197.

Effect of paeoniflorin and menthol on membrane fluidity, Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity and Ca²⁺-ATPase activity during transport of puerarin in Calu-3 cell / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of paeoniflorin and menthol on the physiological function of Calu-3 cell membrane during the transport of puerarin. Calu-3 cell was used as the cell model to simulate nasal mucosa tissues, and the cell membrane fluidity, Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity and Ca²⁺-ATPase activity were detected by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching(FRAP) and ultramicro enzyme activity testing, in order to explore the mechanism of compatible drugs on promoting puerarin transport. The results showed that when puerarin associated with low, middle and high concentration of menthol or both paeoniflorin and menthol, the fluorescence recovery rate was increased significantly, while Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity had no significant change and Ca²⁺-ATPase activity was enhanced significantly as compared with puerarin alone. Therefore, it was concluded that menthol had the abilit of promoting the transport and the mechanism might be related to increasing membrane fluidity and activating Ca²⁺-ATPase.

O uso do picolé mentolado no manejo da sede do paciente idoso no pósoperatório imediato: ensaio clínico randomizado / The use of mentholated popsicle to manage the elderly patient´s thirst in the immediate postoperative period: randomized clinical trial

Os mecanismos fisiológicos de detecção e controle da sede no paciente cirúrgico idoso ocorrem de forma diferenciada do que em adultos e crianças o que justifica o investimento na condução de estudos sobre estratégias que podem proporcionar alívio deste sintoma com o uso de temperatura fria e volume pequeno. O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a intensidade e o desconforto da sede de pacientes idosos que degustaram o picolé mentolado com a sede de pacientes idosos que receberam o cuidado usual, no pós-operatório imediato. Trata-se de ensaio clínico randomizado em paralelo com dois grupos, realizado em sala de recuperação pós-anestésica de hospital público de ensino no sul do Brasil. A amostra foi composta de 50 pacientes idosos em pós-operatório imediato, os quais foram alocados em dois grupos, sendo 25 no grupo controle e 25 no grupo experimental, sem perda de seguimento. Os critérios de inclusão foram: pacientes com idade >= 60 anos; estar em jejum; verbalizar sede e ter sido aprovado na avaliação do Protocolo de Segurança no Manejo da Sede. Os pacientes com restrições à ingesta ou deglutição, bem como os que autorreferiram alergia à menta, foram excluídos. Os pacientes alocados no grupo controle receberam o cuidado usual de rotina da instituição, onde o estudo foi conduzido, que consiste na manutenção do jejum. Já os pacientes alocados no grupo experimental receberam um picolé mentolado de 20 ml. Os desfechos primários de interesse foram a intensidade e o desconforto da sede, sendo que ambos foram avaliados inicialmente (T0) e novamente (T1) após 20 minutos da intervenção ou cuidado usual. A intensidade da sede foi mensurada por meio da Escala Numérica (zero significa nenhuma sede e 10 a maior sede já vivenciada pelo paciente), e o desconforto da sede pela Escala de Desconforto da Sede Perioperatória (pontuação de zero a 14 pontos, sendo zero a ausência de desconforto e 14 corresponde ao desconforto mais intenso relacionado à sede). A mediana da intensidade e do desconforto da sede inicial (T0) foi de 6,0 para os participantes alocados no grupo experimental, e 5,0 para a intensidade e 6,0 para o desconforto da sede para os participantes alocados no grupo controle. Para a comparação das mudanças nos escores da Escala Numérica e da Escala de Desconforto da Sede Perioperatória entre o grupo experimental e o grupo controle (valor final menos valor inicial), o teste de Mann-Whitney foi empregado para diferenças de medianas. Os resultados do ensaio clínico randomizado demonstraram que houve diminuição estatisticamente significante na intensidade (p<0,001) e no desconforto da sede (p<0,001) dos pacientes cirúrgicos idosos, após vinte minutos da degustação do picolé mentolado quando comparados à intensidade e desconforto da sede dos pacientes que receberam o cuidado usual, no pósoperatório imediato. Considerando a escassez de evidências sobre estratégias para manejo da sede do paciente cirúrgico idoso, o picolé mentolado é uma estratégia inovadora e segura, podendo se tornar método de escolha para uso na prática clínica

Physiological mechanisms of detection and control of thirst in the elderly surgical patient occur differently than in adults and children, which justifies the investment in conducting studies on strategies that can provide relief of this symptom with use of cold temperature and small volume. The aim of the study was to compare thirst intensity and discomfort of elderly patients who savoured mentholated popsicle with thirst of elderly patients who received the usual care in the immediate postoperative period. This is a randomized controlled clinical trial in parallel with two groups, conducted in a post anesthesia care unit of a public teaching hospital in southern Brazil. The sample consisted of 50 elderly patients in the immediate postoperative period, who were allocated in two groups, 25 in the control and 25 in the experimental group, without follow-up losses. Inclusion criteria were: patients aged >= 60 years; being fasting; verbalize thirst and having been approved in the assessment of Safety Protocol of Thirst Management. Patients with restrictions to ingestion or swallowing, as well as those who self-referred peppermint allergy, were excluded. Patients assigned to the control group received usual routine care of the institution where the study was conducted, which consists in maintenance of fasting. Patients assigned to the experimental group received a 20 ml mentholated popsicle. Primary outcomes of interest were thirst intensity and discomfort, both of which were assessed initially (T0) and again (T1) after 20 minutes of the intervention or usual care. Thirst intensity was measured using a Numerical Scale (zero means no thirst and 10 the greatest thirst ever experienced by patient), and thirst discomfort by Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale (score of zero to 14 points, being zero the absence of discomfort and 14 corresponds to the most intense discomfort related to thirst). Median of initial thirst intensity and discomfort (T0) was 6.0 for the participants assigned to the experimental group, 5.0 for thirst intensity and 6.0 for thirst discomfort for the participants assigned to the control group. Mann-Whitney test was used evaluating differences in medians, comparing changes in Numerical Scale and in Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale between the experimental group and the control group (final value minus initial value). Results of the randomized clinical trial demonstrated that there was a statistically significant decrease in thirst intensity (p <0.001) and discomfort (p <0.001) of elderly surgical patients, after twenty minutes of tasting the mentholated popsicle when compared to thirst intensity and discomfort of the patients who received the usual care, in the immediate postoperative period. Considering the shortage of evidence on strategies for thirst management of elderly surgical patient, mentholated popsicle is an innovative and safe strategy, and may become a method of choice for use in clinical practice

Salinity does not alter the effectiveness of menthol as an anesthetic and sedative during the handling and transport of juvenile fat snook (Centropomus parallelus) / Salinidade não altera a eficácia de mentol como um anestésico e sedativo durante a manipulação e transporte de juvenis de robalo peva (Centropomus parallelus)

Abstract The effectiveness of menthol as anesthetic and sedative for fat snook (Centropomus parallelus) was tested at different salinities. In the first experiment, the fish were exposed to different concentrations of menthol (25, 37 and 50 mg L–1) in water at different salinities (0, 17 and 36 ppt). In the second experiment, the fish were transported for 10 hours in water with menthol at concentrations of 0, 3.7 and 7.4 mg L–1 under different salinities. Na+ and K+ ions from fish body and water were analyzed after transport. The optimal concentrations of menthol for a short handling period and surgical induction was 37 and 50 mg L–1, respectively, and these values were independent of salinity. After transport, neither mortality nor significant changes in ammonia or dissolved oxygen were observed between treatments at the different salinities. The nitrite levels were lower in freshwater than in brackish and saltwater, but did not change with mentol. The total body levels of Na+ increased with the salinity increase. Menthol is an effective anesthetic for handling of juvenile fat snook at different salinities. Menthol did not influence the measured water parameters and body ions, and it is not necessary for the transport of fat snook.

Resumo A eficácia de mentol como anestésico e sedativo para o robalo peva (Centropomus parallelus) foi testada em diferentes salinidades. No primeiro experimento, os peixes foram expostos a diferentes concentrações de mentol (25, 37 e 50 mg L–1) em diferentes salinidades na água (0, 17 e 36 ppt). No segundo experimento, os peixes foram transportados por 10 horas em água com mentol nas concentrações de 0, 3,7 e 7,4 mg L–1 sob diferentes salinidades. O Na+ e K+ do corpo do peixe e a água foram analisados após o transporte. As concentrações ideais de mentol para um período curto de manipulação e indução cirúrgica foi 37 e 50 mg/L, respectivamente, sendo esses valores independentes da salinidade da água. Após o transporte, não foi verificado mortalidades e nem alterações significativas nos níveis da amônia e oxigênio dissolvido entre os tratamentos para as diferentes salinidades. Os níveis de nitrito foram mais baixos em água doce do que em água salobra e água salgada, mas não se alterou com o mentol. Os níveis corporais de Na+ e K+ aumentaram com o aumento da salinidade. Mentol é um eficaz anestésico para manipulação de robalo peva juvenil em diferentes salinidades. Mentol não influenciou os parâmetros de medição de água e íons do corpo, e não é necessário para o transporte de robalo peva.

Effects of Early Cell Damage from Repetitive Intermittent Fever Exposure in Alopecia Progression and Evaluation of New Candidate Drugs: Ibuprofen, Menthol, and Cetirizine

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is a very disturbing and expensive disorder in which the exact etiology is not known and it is yet to be treated completely well. Most alopecia patients exhibit some inflammation in the hair follicles regardless of the causes. The clinical symptoms of alopecia present very diversely while the prime symptom is local intermittent fever which are related to inflamed cells. METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate how repetitive intermittent fever can damage the normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells and investigated the cytotoxic and proliferative effects after application of new candidate drugs (ibuprofen, menthol, cetirizine) for alopecia in comparison to minoxidil. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that ibuprofen, menthol, or/and cetirizine can prevent or slow down the damage of NHDF cells from intermittent fever in early alopecia. Aggressive preventative intervention with those drugs before complete destruction of hair follicle by excessive repetitive fever, is a very important step for alopecia therapy and these drugs are recommended as candidate drugs for alopecia in the future. CONCLUSION: Aggressive preventative intervention with drugs before complete destruction of hair follicles (NHDF cells) by excessive repetitive fever is a very important step for alopecia therapy or progression.

Combined use of borneol or menthol with labrasol promotes penetration of baicalin through rabbit cornea in vitro

The permeability of most drugs through the eyes is very limited, so finding safe and effective penetration enhancers is of high importance in current ophthalmology research. In this paper, we use a new approach that integrates Chinese and Western medicine to improve the corneal permeability of baicalin, a water- and fat-insoluble target drug, in vitro. Rabbits were divided into three groups. The first group was dosed with borneol [0.05%, 0.1%]. menthol [0.1%, 0.2%], or Labrasol [1%, 2%] individually, the second was dosed with a combination of Labrasol with either borneol or menthol, and the third group received a control treatment. Compared with the control treatment, borneol, menthol, or Labrasol alone clearly improved the permeability of baicalin in vitro. Furthermore, the penetrating effects were significantly increased by combining the application of Labrasol with menthol or borneol. Among the various combined penetration enhancers, 0.1% borneol with 2% Labrasol achieved the best apparent permeability, approximately 16.35 times that of the control. Additionally, the calculation of corneal hydration level and the Draize test demonstrated the safety of these penetration enhancers to the rabbit corneas in vivo. This study confirms that the combined use of borneol or menthol, compounds both derived from Chinese herbs, with Labrasol can improve the corneal permeability of waterand fat-insoluble drugs

The Vasodilator Effect of a Cream Containing 10% Menthol and 15% Methyl Salicylate on Random-Pattern Skin Flaps in Rats

BACKGROUND: It is still difficult to prevent partial or full-thickness flap necrosis. In this study, the effects of a cream containing menthol and methyl salicylate on the viability of randompattern skin flaps were studied. METHODS: Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two equal groups. Caudally based dorsal random-pattern skin flaps were elevated, including the panniculus carnosus. In the study group, 1.5 mL of a cream containing menthol and methyl salicylate was applied to the skin of the flap, and saline solution (0.9%) was used in the control group. Upon completion of the experiment, flap necrosis was analyzed with imaging software and radionuclide scintigraphy. Histopathological measurements were made of the percentage of viable flaps, the number of vessels, and the width of the panniculus carnosus muscle. RESULTS: According to the photographic analysis, the mean viable flap surface area in the study group was larger than that in the control group (P=0.004). According to the scintigrams, no change in radioactivity uptake was seen in the study group (P>0.05). However, a significant decrease was observed in the control group (P=0.006). No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of the percentage of viable flaps, the number of vessels, or the width of the panniculus carnosus muscle (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, it is certain that the cream did not reduce the viability of the flaps. Due to its vasodilatory effect, it can be used as a component of the dressing in reconstructive operations where skin perfusion is compromised.

Outro inferno de Dante numa mina de ouro na época de Vargas: Nova Lima, Minas Gerais / Another Dante's inferno in a gold mine during the Vargas era: Nova Lima, Minas Gerais

O artigo analisa as estratégias de controle existentes no trabalho na mina de Morro Velho, Minas Gerais, e as mudanças resultantes da implementação da legislação trabalhista durante o governo Vargas. Discute as doenças causadas pelo trabalho na mina, silicose e arsenicismo, através de depoimentos de ex-mineiros e do livro de um autor anônimo que aborda as doenças e as relações de poder entre patrões e empregados, apontando os limites da legislação e das lutas operárias. O livro traz um depoimento contundente de como a empresa proprietária, inglesa, burlou, durante muito tempo, leis como a da taxa de insalubridade. Direito que outras mineradoras, não só de propriedade inglesa, costumavam e até hoje costumam desrespeitar pelo mundo.

This article analyzes the control strategies in place at Morro Velho mine in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, and the changes after the implementation of labor legislation during the Vargas administration. The diseases common amongst mine workers, silicosis and arsenicosis, are investigated through statements given by former miners and a book by an anonymous author that discusses the diseases and the power relations between employers and employees, identifying the limitations of the legislation and the workers’ struggles. The book presents a striking story of how for many years the British company side-stepped laws such as the insalubrity premium, a right which other mining companies, not only of British ownership, flouted and still flout in different parts of the world.

Identification of volatile compounds of Clinopodium odorum (Lamiaceae):A comparison between HS-SPME and classic hydrodistillation / Identificación de compuestos volátiles de Clinopodium odorum (Lamiaceae): Una comparación entre HS-SPME ehidrodestilación clásica

In the present work an analytical methodology to micro scale based on the use of the HS-SPME/GC-MS to determine volatile compounds present in Clinopodium odorum (Griseb.) Harley (Lamiaceae)was optimized and settled differences and similarities with itsessential oil. A systematic description of the volatile components of flowers, stems, leaves and combined aerial parts (whole plant) was constructed via GC-MS analyses of HS-SPME adsorbed compounds and of essential oils obtained through hydrodistillation of the same tissues. Pulegone was the main component of both the HS-SPME analysis and essential oil analysis. In addition, piperitenone oxide andpiperitone oxide were the other main components in the essential oil whereas in the HS-SPME analysis cis-isopulegone and menthone prevailed. The HS-SPME method can achieve comparable results to those obtained by essential oil analysis, by using very fewer samples, ashorter extraction time and a much simpler procedure.

En el presente trabajo se ha optimizado una metodología analítica a micro-escala basada en HS-SPME/GC-MS para determinar los compuestos volátiles presentes en Clinopodium odorum (Griseb.) Harley (Lamiaceae), y se establecieron diferencias y similitudes con su aceite esencial. Se realizó una descripción sistemática de los componentes volátiles de flores, tallos, hojas y partes aéreas combinadas(planta entera) a partir de los análisis por GC-MS a través del sistema HS-SPME y de los aceites esenciales. Pulegona fue el componenteprincipal tanto del análisis por HS-SPME, como del aceite esencial. Además, el óxido de piperitenona y el óxido de piperitona eran los otroscomponentes principales en el aceite esencial mientras que en el análisis por HS-SPME, prevalecieron cis-isopulegona y mentona. El método de HS-SPME puede lograr resultados comparables a los obtenidos por el análisis de aceite esencial, mediante el uso de muestras de menor tamaño, un tiempo de extracción más corto y un procedimiento más simple.

Decreased amplitude of Ca²⁺i elevation induced by menthol in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells of pulmonary hypertensive rats / 生理学报

The study was designed to explore the alteration of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]i), induced by transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channel-specific agonist menthol, in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) between control and pulmonary hypertensive (PH) rats. PH rat models were established by means of chronic hypoxia (CH) and monocrotaline (MCT) injection, respectively. PASMCs from control and PH rats were cultured. The change of [Ca²⁺]i in PASMCs induced by menthol, and the effect of TRPM8 channel-specific antagonist BCTC on the change of [Ca²⁺]i, were observed. Cellular localization of TRPM8 was examined by using immunohistochemistry. Results showed that menthol increased [Ca²⁺]i in the control PASMCs both in Ca²⁺ -normal and Ca²⁺ - free Tyrode's solutions, and at the same time BCTC could inhibit these two kinds of elevations. Compared with the control group, elevations of [Ca²⁺]i were decreased notably in CH- and MCT-pretreated PASMCs superfused with 2 mmol/L Ca²⁺ - or 0 Ca²⁺ -Tyrode's solutions. Immunohistochemical localization experiments showed that the whole PASMCs were dyed brown except for the nucleus. This study verified that TRPM8 exists both in membrane and sarcoplasmic reticulum of PASMCs. In addition, CH- and MCT-pretreatment could independently down-regulate the Ca²⁺ influx and Ca²⁺ release mediated by TRPM8 channel.

Study on pharmacokinetics and in vitro/in vivo correlation of menthol in Zhike Chuanbei Pipa dropping pills in rats / 中国中药杂志

To determine the concentration of menthol in rat plasma by GC. Rats were administered with single dose of Zhike Chuanbei Pipa dropping pills (ZCPDP) and different doses of menthol herbs. DAS 3. 1.6 software was used to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters, and the accumulative absorption percentage of menthol was calculated by Loo-Riegelman method. The linear regression analysis was made in vitro/in vivo accumulative absorption percentages to detect the in vitro/in vivo correlation. The results of the study showed that the pharmacokinetics behavior of menthol in ZCPDP was in conformity with two-compartment model characteristics. The main parameters were: tmax was 10 min, t1/2beta was (183. 93 52. 75) min, CL/F was (0. 426 +/- 0. 194) L . min-1 . kg-1, all of which were no difference between ZCPDP and menthol herbs with the same dosage. There were significant differences in tmax, t1/2beta, CL/F between menthol herbs with different dosages (P <0. 05) , with indirect proportion between AUC0-infinity and dosage. The regression equation of ZCPDP's accumulative absorption percentage and accumulative release percentage was Fa = 1. 160 3Q - 19. 968, r = 0. 981 3. These results suggested that the pharmacokinetics behavior was similar between ZCPDP and menthol herbs with the same dosage in rats, with good in vitro/in vivo correlation. There were significant differences in pharmacokinetics of menthol in the range of 19.2-570 mg . kg-1.

Central composite design-response surface method optimize of fang-bing nasal inhalant from components of traditional Chinese medicine for sedative and sleep aiding / 药学学报

To obtain the optimal preparation technology of Fang-bing nasal inhalant from components of traditional Chinese medicine by central composite design, with an apparatus containing nasal inhalant that simulated the expiration and inspiration of nose, the dissolution in vitro of different optimized inhalant samples designed through central composite design were investigated. The accumulative release of linalool, borneol, menthol was detected with GC. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the conditions of preparation technology by establishing multiple linear regression and second-order quadratic models. Then, deviation was carried out through comparing the observed and predicted values. It was showed that the coefficient of correlation of second-order quadratic model was high. The related coefficient reached 0.999 3, 0.998 0, 0.944 9, separately. The optimum conditions of preparation technology were as following: 84.39% of alcohol concentration, the weight of starch 1.45 g and the weight of carmellose sodium (CMC-Na for short) 1.22 g. The deviations between observed and predicated values showed -0.36%, 1.52%, 2.40%, separately. In this experiment, the established model can describe the good relation between factors and indexes from preparation technology of Fang-bing nasal inhalant and the outcome of prediction is well. This optimal Fang-bing nasal inhalant was used to study its in vivo effect on model rats deprived from sleep and showed sedative and sleep aiding, which will bring an instruction on inhalants of components from traditional Chinese medicine.

Seasonal variation of vegetative growth, essential oil yield and composition of menthol mint genotypes at southern Brazil / Variação sazonal do crescimento vegetativo, produtividade e composição de óleo essencial em genótipos de menta no sudeste brasileiro

Menthol has economic importance to the flavor, food and pharmaceutical industries. Ten menthol mint (Mentha spp) genotypes were assessed for essential oil content and composition at Southern Brazil environmental conditions at two harvest times (February and May). The experimental design was in completely randomized blocks with a 10 x 2 factorial for genotypes and harvest time. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus. The essential oil content varied from 0.8 to 5.3% and was greater in February for all the investigated genotypes. The main constituents identified in the essential oil samples were menthol (12 - 92.7%), mentone (2.2 - 56.9%), and neomenthol (2.9 - 12.1%). Menthol levels were superior in May and showed a negative correlation with mentone and neomenthol, which in turn were higher in February. Menthol levels were positively correlated with menthyl acetate. Pulegone, 1.8 cineol, and limonene were also detected in lower concentrations in some genotypes. Thirteen other essential oil constituents were identified as trace elements in essential oil. Mentha canadensis L. showed the highest essential oil content (5.3 % - February and 3.5% - May) as well as the highest menthol content (89.6% - February, 92.7% - May) in both harvests. From the analyzed results, Southern Brazil local environmental conditions are appropriated for menthol production, with two harvests and M. canadensis L. can be recommended as a promising genetic source. The summer harvest (February) favored oil yield, although with a slight decrease in menthol content. The challenge of achieving higher essential oil and menthol yields depends on strategies to increase herb yield by developing innovative agronomic practices.

O mentol, constituinte majoritário do óleo essencial de menta é usado nas indústrias farmacêutica, alimentícia e de aromas. Onze genótipos de Mentha sp. foram estudados em relação ao desenvolvimento vegetativo, rendimento, produtividade e composição de óleo essencial nas condições edafoclimáticas do litoral Norte Catarinense, em duas épocas (fevereiro e maio). O trabalho foi conduzido em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 10 x 2 para genótipos e épocas de colheita. A extração do óleo essencial foi realizada por hidrodestilação em aparelho graduado Clevenger. O teor de óleo essencial variou entre 0,8 e 5,3%, sendo maior em fevereiro para todos os genótipos. Os constituintes majoritários identificados foram mentol (12 ­ 92,7%), mentona (2,2 ­ 56,9%), e neomentol (2,9 ­ 12,1). Os maiores teores de mentol foram observados em maio, apresentando correlação negativa com mentona e neomentol, os quais foram superiores em fevereiro. Os teores de acetato de metila apresentaram correlação positiva com os de mentol. Pulegona, 1,8 cineol, e limoneno foram identificados em menores concentrações e outros treze constituintes foram detectados como elementos traço em alguns genótipos. Mentha canadensis L. apresentou os maiores teores de óleo essencial, (5,3 % - Fevereiro e 3,5% - Maio) e mentol (89,6% - Fevereiro, 92,7% - Maio) em ambas as colheitas. Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que as condições edafoclimáticas do litoral Norte Catarinense são adequadas para a produção de mentol, com duas colheitas, recomendando-se o genótipo M. canadensis L. A colheita de verão (fevereiro) favorece a produtividade de óleo essencial reduzindo o teor de mentol. O desafio para aumentar a produtividade de óleo essencial e de mentol depende de estratégias que aumentem a produção de biomassa através do desenvolvimento de práticas agronômicas inovativas.