Aluminium chloride 35% / Isopropyl alcohol 32.5% solution

Contact allergy (CA) is a frequent condition in children; however, newer estimates of the prevalence of CA in children are lacking. Herein, we aim to provide an estimate of the prevalence of CA in children from 2010 to 2024. Two authors independently searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for studies reporting the prevalence of positive patch tests (PPTs) to allergens in populations including ≥ 100 children (< 18 years). Proportion meta-analyses were conducted to calculate the pooled prevalence estimates of CA in children. Seventeen studies comprising 11 593 children undergoing patch testing with 4176 (36%) PPTs were eligible for inclusion. The allergen with the highest prevalence was nickel (11.9% [95% confidence interval [CI], 8.6%-15.71%]), followed by cobalt (6.6% [95% CI, 4.2%-9.5%]), cocamidopropyl betaine (5.5% [95% CI, 3.1-8.7]), bacitracin (5.2% [95% CI, 1.2%-10.0%]), fragrance mix I (4.8% [95% CI, 2.9%-7.1%]) and methylisothiazolinone (4.3% [95% CI, 2.2%-7.2%]). Children with atopic dermatitis had higher rates of PPTs for cocamidopropyl betaine, propylene glycol, lanolin alcohol and carba mix. Across geographical areas, higher prevalences of several allergens were found in the United States compared to Europe, for example, for methylisothiazolinone. This meta-analysis confirmed that CA is frequent in children across geographical areas; however, differences in the frequency of top allergens depend on regulatory interventions, indicating their value.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Hygroscopicity poses a significant challenge in the formulation of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, as moisture absorption often leads to chemical degradation, physical instability, and compromised therapeutic efficacy. This narrative literature review, evaluated the comparative effectiveness of various polymeric systems and coating technologies as moisture barriers across diverse dosage forms, including tablets, powders, granules, and particulates. We analyzed a spectrum of barrier materials, including cellulose derivatives, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), methacrylates, and shellac, contrasting conventional solvent based techniques (fluid bed, spray drying, freeze drying coating) with advanced methodologies (hot melt coating, electrostatic dry coating, and Atomic Layer Deposition/ALD). Conventional coating systems utilizing HPMC and PVA were found to maintain moisture uptake below 1.5% during long-term storage (40°C/75% RH). However, more advanced strategies demonstrated superior protective capabilities, for instance, hotmelt coating employing lipid-based excipients (Precirol ATO 5) reduced moisture absorption by up to 85% at 75% RH. Furthermore, electrostatic dry coating showed a significant reduction in weight gain, decreasing from 6.5% to 3.3% compared to uncoated cores over a 48-hour period. Notably, ALD provided the most robust protection, preserving the amorphous stability of sensitive particles for up to two years under extreme conditions. This review highlights that film coatings not only mitigate moisture induced degradation but also enhance shelf life and improve the mechanical properties of dosage forms. These results underscore the versatility of coating technologies, enabling formulators to tailor strategies for highly moisture sensitive compounds.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC

While cockroaches are commonly exhibited in zoos and museums, studied in research laboratories, and even kept as pets, scientifically based guidelines for their euthanasia are lacking. This study assessed euthanasia techniques in four species of cockroaches (Dubia (Blaptica dubia), red runner (Shelfordella lateralis), Madagascar hissing (Gromphadorhina portentosa), and giant cave (Blaberus giganteus)). In an initial pilot study, two hundred fifty adult Dubia cockroaches were exposed in groups of ten to a cotton ball soaked with 2 mL of isoflurane in a 1 L air-tight chamber. Thirty minutes beyond loss of any individual movement, groups were exposed to one of the following secondary treatments: freezing at −18 °C or −80 °C from 0.25 to 24 hours; immersion in 10% neutral buffered formalin, 70% isopropyl alcohol, or reverse osmosis water for 0.25 or 0.5 hours; or intracoelomic injection of potassium chloride (456 mEq/kg) or pentobarbital-based euthanasia solution (3.9 g/kg). A control group remained in the air-tight isoflurane chamber for 24 hours. Following all treatments, cockroaches were monitored for an additional 24 hours for spontaneous movement. Irreversible loss of movement was considered synonymous with irreversible loss of consciousness (death). Across all species, isoflurane anesthesia followed by either 70% isopropyl alcohol immersion for 0.25 or 0.5 hours or isoflurane exposure for 24 hours resulted in euthanasia in 100% of cockroaches. This study is the first evaluation of American Veterinary Medical Association-recommended euthanasia protocols in cockroaches.

Abstract licence: CC BY