Preparation and characterization of solid lipid nanoparticles containing zataria multiflora boiss essential oil by high-shear homogenization and ultrasound method

Background: One of the new methods to overcome problems with using essential oils [such as instability, evaporation and decomposition in the environmental conditions[ in pharmaceutical, food and agricultural industries is use of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles [SLNs] carrier systems

Objective: Preparation of SLNs containing the Zataria multifloni Boiss essential oil. Methods: In this regard, an experiment was performed on the preparation of SLNs containing the Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil at Nanotechnology Research Center of School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. SLNs containing Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil was prepared using high tensile pressure homogenization and ultrasound

Components of SLNs include lipids, Zataria multiflora Boiss essential in fat phase and poloxamers 188 in the aqueous phase

The mean particle size and zeta potential, essential oil encapsulation percentage and thermal analysis were measured using particle size analysis instruments, gas chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry [DSC], respectively. Moreover, an electron microscope was used for imaging of SLNs

Results: The results showed that particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential of the above formulations were respectively about 486 nm, 0.296, -27.2 mv. The results obtained from transmission electron microscopy [TEM] showed particle size less than 300 nm and particles were spherical

Thermal analysis by DSC, confirmed the presence of solid particles in the prepared SLN. Also, the essential oil encapsulation percentage was 95.2 percent. Stability studies of particle size and zeta in four months showed SLNs containing essential oils had relatively good stability

Conclusion: In general, the results of the present research showed that SLNs composed of stearic acid, was good carriers for Zataria multifloni Boiss essential oil

Assessment of bagging operators exposure to with PVC airborne particulates

Dust consists of tiny solid particles carried by air currents. These particles are formed by many different processes. One of these processes is polymerization of inert plastic such as Polyvinyl Chloride production plant. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series requirements, section 4.4.6, occupational health and safety risks must be defined and controlled where needed. This field study was conducted to evaluate the occupational exposure of packaging operators to airborne polyvinyl chloride dust in order to health risk assessment and recommend feasible controlling methods. The mass concentration of polyvinyl chloride particulate was measured in two fractions according to the particle size that expressed as total and respirable particulates. The Air Sampling Methods, Methods for the Determination of Hazardous Substances 14/3, of Health and Safety Executive were used as a standard sampling protocol. The average mass concentrations for respirable and total particulates were measured 3.54 +/- 0.3 mg/m[3] and 11.89 +/- 0.8 mg/m[3] respectively. Also health risks of studied condition were estimated as significant level, category one, therefore the risk must be reduced below the standard level. According to the work requirements to reduce the emission rate and mitigate the health risk exposure, a local exhaust ventilation system design was recommended for bag-filters of hopper tank

[Liver copper storage disease in children with cryptogenic chronic liver disease]

We aimed to determine the frequency of liver copper storage diseases in Iranian children with cryptogenic chronic liver disease [CLD]. One-hundred and twenty children [52 girls, 70 boys; age range: 3 months-14 years] with CLD who attended Children's Medical Center in Tehran, Iran during the years 1997 through 1999, were enrolled. All viral, metabolic and autoimmune causes of CLD were excluded in them, all underwent slit lamp examination for KF ring by an experienced ophthalmologist, and liver biopsy done on all of them. In addition to the routine histopathologic examination, the liver biopsy specimen was checked for its copper content with proton-induced X-ray method [PIX-E]. Eight [6.6%, 4 girls, 4 boys, age: 6 to 14 years] of the 122 children with CLD had no identifiable cause despite extensive evaluation. All 8 had cirrhosis on liver biopsy and elevated hepatic copper content [mean 31 times normal]. None had KF rings and all had normal serum Ceruloplasmin levels. NICC was diagnosed for all by the absence of KF ring, normal serum ceruloplasmin levels and pathognomic histopathologic findings. Mean hepatic Cu level showed a 7-fold increase in children with CLD other than NICC. Mean serum ceruloplasmin level was 45 mg/dl in NICC and 31 mg/dl in CLD patients. Mean 24-hour urinary Cu excretion was 225 mg and 76 mg in NICC and CLD patients, respectively. All patients with NICC [n=8] had the history of using cooking utensils made of copper. Four of these were from one family. According to our data 6.6% of Iranian children with CLD who diagnosed as cryptogenic cirrhosis suffer from NICC, Therefore early diagnosis and appropriate treatment with D-Penicillamin are important for survival in patients with NICC. Hence it is suggested that all children with cryptogenic cirrhosis be assessed for NICC