Observer-blind randomized controlled study of a cosmetic blend of safflower, olive and other plant oils in the improvement of scar and striae appearance.

OBJECTIVE: The normal process of skin tissue repair following injury invariably results in visual scarring. It is known that topical treatment with hydrophobic cosmetics rich in silicone and mineral oil content can improve the appearance of scars and striae. Given lifestyle preferences of many cosmetic consumers towards so-called natural treatments, the objective of this controlled randomized study was to investigate the efficacy of a plant body oil rich in oleic and linoleic acids (Bio Skin Oil® ) for improving the appearance of scars and striae. METHODS: A panel of 80 volunteers with non-hypertrophic scars (40) or stretch marks (40) not older than 3 years applied a cosmetic face and body oil for 8 weeks. Compared to an untreated scar/stretch mark region, a blinded investigator as well as volunteer assessments with given observed parameters demonstrated the efficacy of the oil under test. RESULTS: On the Observer Scar Assessment Scale (OSAS), the mean score was reduced on the product-treated area by approximately 5% (P = 0.006). The untreated area remained unchanged. Observed effects by volunteers were more pronounced - Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS) giving a reduction of approximately 20% on the treated area, and on the control untreated area a reduction of approximately 6%. The overall product effect of 14% was shown to be clearly significant (P = 0.001). All statements relating to product traits achieved higher frequencies of agreements than of non-agreements and were therefore assessed positively by the volunteers. Highest frequencies of agreements occurred in statements that the test product provides a long-lasting, soft and supple skin feeling (93%); caring effect (87%); and quick absorbance (84%). Agreement was also found for statements that the product improves the skin appearance (61%) and that scars/striae appear less pronounced (51%). Only 17% of volunteers felt the oil had no benefit to the appearance of their scars/striae. CONCLUSIONS: The oil blend under test is effective in improving the appearance of non-keloid scars and striae. Further work is required to understand the mechanisms of how plant oil fatty acids ameliorate scar and striae appearance.

A plant oil-containing pH 4 emulsion improves epidermal barrier structure and enhances ceramide levels in aged skin.

OBJECTIVE: Xerosis is a serious problem among the very old. It is a dermatological challenge caused by significant alterations in stratum corneum (SC) function and structure. Two negative changes in aged skin are (i) the enhanced skin surface pH and (ii) the altered SC lipid content, composition and ordering. METHODS: Therefore, we investigated the way in which an acidic skin care product with different plant oils affects SC function, structure and lipid profile in older subjects with dry skin. Before and after a 3-week application period, different biophysical measurements were performed: transepidermal water loss, SC hydration and skin surface pH. In addition, the SC lipid matrix was evaluated by analysis of the intercellular lipid lamellae and the SC lipid profile. RESULTS: After treatment, a significant increase in lipid lamellae in the intercellular space of the SC was observed in the area treated with the test product compared to the untreated area. Furthermore, the ceramide level was found to be increased, although ceramides were not provided by the acidic test formulation. CONCLUSION: In summary, topical application of a pH 4.0 product containing plant oils improves epidermal barrier formation and SC lipid ordering and ratio in aged dry skin.

[Model of abutment screw fixation for single tooth implantation]. / Implantációs múcsonk rögzítésbiztosításának modellje.

An experimental model was constructed to test the abutment screw fixation for two Hungarian implant systems. First, abutments were tightened to 22.4 Ncm and after 4.25 hour loosening torques varied between 13.8-20.9 Ncm. Secondly, premolar-form crowns were casted and cemented on abutment-implant assemblies and cyclic load between 20-60 N was applied. 3.8-18.3 Ncm of loosening torques were measured. Four abutments of nine test assemblies were completely loosened and the cement fixation of one crown was destroyed. It was concluded that the test procedure and the model of crown-abutment-implant assemblies had given a reproducible technique to record changes in torques during a dynamic load.

[The sedativ-hypnotic principle of hops]. / Nachweis sedativ-hypnotischer Wirkstoffe im Hopfen.

A gas chromatographic method for the quantitative evaluation of 2-methyl-3-butene-2-ol, a sedative hop constituent, is described. Depending on the storing time, the content of this compound was determined in a large number of hops, hop extracts, and drugs. While only traces of the compounds were detected in fresh hops, the concentration continously increased after drying to reach maximum levels (approx. 0.15%) within 2 years of storing at room temperature, irrespective of the specific kind. Hop extracts standardized to alpha-acids, which are available on the market, were found to contain relatively small amounts of 2-methyl-3-butene-2-ol. Only traces of the compounds were discovered in hop containing "sedative dragees", whereas a relatively high concentration was found in a sedative bath preparation. Thus, pharmacologically relevant concentrations of 2-methyl-3-butene-2-ol can be reached in both tea and bath preparations. However, since there is a reason to suppose that 2-methyl-3-butene-2-ol may also be formed IN VIVO by metabolization of alpha-acids, negative conclusions as to the effectiveness of the dragees should not be drawn before completion of the current studies.

[Sedative-hypnotic compounds in the exhalation of hops, II]. / Versuche, sedativ-hypnotische Wirkstoffe im Hopfen nachzuweisen, II.

Hops are told to promote sleep; manyfold efforts to detect the soporific principle have been unsuccessful so far. Preliminary pharmacological tests lead to the conclusion that the soporific activity of the exhalation of hops can be explained by its content of 2-methyl-3-butene-2-ol (1) in the volatile fraction. It was found that 1, when given to mice i.p. (0.80 g/kg) produces narcosis for about 8 h; no abnormal behaviour was observed there upon. Due to its water-solubility the concentration of 1 in the essential oil obtained by steam-distillation is low; contrary to that, 1, is enriched in the more volatile fraction of hops.