Yellow soft paraffin solid

Background Emollients are recommended for children with eczema (atopic eczema/dermatitis). A lack of head-to-head comparisons of the effectiveness and acceptability of the different types of emollients has resulted in a ‘trial and error’ approach to prescribing. Objective To compare the effectiveness and acceptability of four commonly used types of emollients for the treatment of childhood eczema. Design Four group, parallel, individually randomised, superiority randomised clinical trials with a nested qualitative study, completed in 2021. A purposeful sample of parents/children was interviewed at ≈ 4 and ≈ 16 weeks. Setting Primary care (78 general practitioner surgeries) in England. Participants Children aged between 6 months and 12 years with eczema, of at least mild severity, and with no known sensitivity to the study emollients or their constituents. Interventions Study emollients sharing the same characteristics in the four types of lotion, cream, gel or ointment, alongside usual care, and allocated using a web-based randomisation system. Participants were unmasked and the researcher assessing the Eczema Area Severity Index scores was masked. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure scores over 16 weeks. The secondary outcomes were Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure scores over 52 weeks, Eczema Area Severity Index score at 16 weeks, quality of life (Atopic Dermatitis Quality of Life, Child Health Utility-9 Dimensions and EuroQol-5 Dimensions, five-level version, scores), Dermatitis Family Impact and satisfaction levels at 16 weeks. Results A total of 550 children were randomised to receive lotion (analysed for primary outcome 131/allocated 137), cream (137/140), gel (130/135) or ointment (126/138). At baseline, 86.0% of participants were white and 46.4% were female. The median (interquartile range) age was 4 (2–8) years and the median Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure score was 9.3 (SD 5.5). There was no evidence of a difference in mean Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure scores over the first 16 weeks between emollient types (global p = 0.765): adjusted Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure pairwise differences – cream–lotion 0.42 (95% confidence interval –0.48 to 1.32), gel–lotion 0.17 (95% confidence interval –0.75 to 1.09), ointment–lotion –0.01 (95% confidence interval –0.93 to 0.91), gel–cream –0.25 (95% confidence interval –1.15 to 0.65), ointment–cream –0.43 (95% confidence interval –1.34 to 0.48) and ointment–gel –0.18 (95% confidence interval –1.11 to 0.75). There was no effect modification by parent expectation, age, disease severity or the application of UK diagnostic criteria, and no differences between groups in any of the secondary outcomes. Median weekly use of allocated emollient, non-allocated emollient and topical corticosteroids was similar across groups. Overall satisfaction was highest for lotions and gels. There was no difference in the number of adverse reactions and there were no significant adverse events. In the nested qualitative study ( n = 44 parents, n = 25 children), opinions about the acceptability of creams and ointments varied most, yet problems with all types were reported. Effectiveness may be favoured over acceptability. Parents preferred pumps and bottles over tubs and reported improved knowledge about, and use of, emollients as a result of taking part in the trial. Limitations Parents and clinicians were unmasked to allocation. The findings may not apply to non-study emollients of the same type or to children from more ethnically diverse backgrounds. Conclusions The four emollient types were equally effective. Satisfaction with the same emollient types varies, with different parents/children favouring different ones. Users need to be able to choose from a range of emollient types to find one that suits them. Future work Future work could focus on how best to support shared decision-making of different emollient types and evaluations of other paraffin-based, non-paraffin and ‘novel’ emollients. Trial registration This trial is registered as ISRCTN84540529 and EudraCT 2017-000688-34. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (HTA 15/130/07) and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment ; Vol. 27, No. 19. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

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BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: , has evolved from an ancient remedy into a multifunctional excipient and bioactive material in modern pharmaceutical sciences. This review evaluates its physicochemical properties, pharmaceutical applications, and emerging biomedical potential, while addressing current quality and regulatory challenges. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted by analyzing literature on the chemical composition, functional properties, conventional uses, advanced drug delivery applications, pharmacological activities, and quality control of beeswax, emphasizing structural characteristics, formulation roles, and integration into innovative delivery technologies. RESULTS: Beeswax is a lipid-based matrix composed of over 300 constituents, including wax esters, hydrocarbons, and free fatty acids, conferring thermoplasticity, biocompatibility, and structural stability. Traditionally, it functions as a stiffening agent, viscosity modifier, and emulsion stabilizer in topical formulations, forming an occlusive barrier that enhances skin hydration. In advanced systems, it serves as a solid lipid matrix in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), microspheres, and 3D-printed tablets, enabling controlled drug release and improved bioavailability of lipophilic compounds. It also exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities, while beeswax-derived policosanols show potential cardiovascular and gastroprotective benefits. However, concerns regarding paraffin adulteration and pesticide contamination highlight the need for stringent analytical and regulatory oversight. CONCLUSIONS: With rigorous quality control and sustainable sourcing, beeswax remains a versatile, eco-friendly material bridging traditional medicine and advanced pharmaceutical innovation.

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Malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor (M-GNET), also known as clear cell sarcoma-like tumor of the gastrointestinal tract (CCSLTGT) or clear cell sarcoma-like tumor of the gastrointestinal tract with osteoclast-like giant cells, is a rare malignant tumor that typically arises in the gastrointestinal tract. It demonstrates primitive neural or neuroectodermal differentiation but lacks melanocytic features. M-GNET is closely related to clear cell sarcoma of soft tissue (CCSST), sharing highly overlapping morphological features and molecular genetic characteristics, particularly EWSR1-ATF1 gene fusion and, more rarely, EWSR1-CREB1 gene fusion. Most M-GNETs occur in the lower gastrointestinal tract, while only a few cases have been reported in the upper gastrointestinal tract and outside the digestive tract. We present the primary M-GNET in the pancreas, confirmed by molecular fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) detection of EWSR1-ATF1 gene fusion. This article will summarize the clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis and review the relevant literature.

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ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Elaeis guineensis Jacq (Arecaceae) is one of the plants that are central to the lives of traditional societies in West Africa. It has been reported as a traditional folkloric medicine for a variety of ailments. The plant leaves are also used in some parts of Africa for wound healing, but there are no scientific reports on any wound healing activity of the plant. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effects of E. guineensis leaf on wound healing activity in rats. METHODS: A phytochemical screening was done to determine the major phytochemicals in the extract. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was examined using the disk diffusion technique and broth dilution method. The wound healing activity of leaves of E. guineensiswas studied by incorporating the methanolic extract in yellow soft paraffin in concentration of 10% (w/w). Wound healing activity was studied by determining the percentage of wound closure, microbial examination of granulated skin tissue and histological analysis in the control and extract treated groups. RESULTS: Phytochemical screening reveals the presence of tannins, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, terpenoids, and flavonoids in the extract. The extract showed significant activity against Candida albicans with an MIC value of 6.25 mg/mL. The results show that the E. guineensis extract has potent wound healing capacity, as evident from better wound closure, improved tissue regeneration at the wound site, and supporting histopathological parameters pertaining to wound healing. Assessment of granulation tissue every fourth day showed a significant reduction in microbial count. CONCLUSIONS: E. guineensis accelerated wound healing in rats, thus supporting this traditional use.

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Abstract Cinnamon essential oil is known to have antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which may accelerate, wound healing. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of an ointment prepared from Cinnamon verum essential oil ( C verum ) in infected wound model. An experimentally excisional infected wound model was induced in mice. Circular excisional wound model of 5 mm surface area was surgically created and inoculated with 10 7 CFU of each of two bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . The animals were divided into three groups and topically treated with soft yellow paraffin (control) and ointments containing 2% and 4% C verum . The mRNA levels of insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐1), fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal keratin, fibroblasts, fibrocytes, immune cells, and vascular distribution as well as epithelialization ratio were investigated in order to evaluate the effects of C verum on wound healing. Tissue total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde levels (MDA) were also evaluated. Topical administration of C verum remarkably shortened the inflammatory phase, increased fibroblast distribution, collagen deposition, and accelerated the cellular proliferation, reepithelialization and keratin synthesis. The mRNA levels of IGF‐1, FGF‐2 and VEGF were remarkably higher in C verum ‐treated groups (especially 2%) in comparison control group. Topical administration of C verum increased antioxidant power and reduced MDA content in comparison to control animals. C verum accelerates wound healing by upregulating the IGF‐1, FGF‐2, and VEGF expression and increasing cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, and reepithelialization ratio.

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is a pure and clean animal fat derived from milk and is often recognized as clarified butter. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an excellent base for preparing various formulations due to its ability to penetrate deep tissue and be easily absorbed. Cow ghee possesses antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, making it beneficial for treating skin-associated problems. When applied externally, ointment bases are semisolid preparations for use on the skin or mucous membranes. They are classified into four categories: Hydrocarbon, Absorption, Water-removable, and Water-soluble. In this study, ointment bases were formulated and evaluated using cow ghee and selected conventional ones. Materials and Methods Ointment bases like Cetostearyl alcohol, stearic acid, glyceryl monostearate, soft white paraffin, soft yellow paraffin, paraffin wax, white beeswax, and wool fat were obtained from SD fine chem manufacturer Ltd., Mumbai. Cow ghee was obtained from the Go Vigyan, Anusandhan Kendra, Nagpur. The ointment bases were prepared using pharmacopeia procedures. Cow ghee was used as a base in the preparation of ointment bases with different concentrations than conventional bases. Stability testing was performed per International Conference on Harmonization(ICH) guidelines and various physicochemical parameters like color, appearance, odor, consistency, pH, Spreadability Extrudability, loss on drying, solubility, and washability. Results The ointment bases formulated using cow ghee in combination with selected conventional ointment bases were found to be stable. They exhibited desirable characteristics like non-greasy, attractive appearance, and suitability for various medications and supporting substances. The cow ghee-based ointment bases also showed good spreadability, extrudability, and solubility, indicating their effectiveness as carriers for active components. Conclusion The study demonstrates the potential of cow ghee as a natural ointment base for the preparation of various Ayurvedic formulations. The ointment bases formulated using cow ghee in combination with conventional ointment bases were stable and exhibited desirable physicochemical properties. Thus, using cow ghee as an ointment base can provide a cost-effective and easily accessible alternative for therapeutic use or as a carrier of active components.

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The digital logic elements based on microfluidic devices are proposed for complex fluidic control. However, there is no logic microfluidic device for fabrication. Moreover, the precise fabrication of anisotropic hydrogel microparticles with programmable geometries has long remained a central challenge in soft matter physics, materials science, and biomedical engineering. Here, a programmable passive digital shutter mechanism based on multiphase liquid-liquid interface dynamics is introduced for the precise fabrication of hydrogel microfibers in a microfluidic platform. There are three fluids in the devices, where two immiscible phases are designed for creating a digital shutter and two aqueous phases for hydrogel formation. It is found that the liquid bridge of hydrogel solution at the liquid-liquid interface has a critical stable length, and the digital shutter is achieved by toggling between liquid bridge maintenance and breakup. By modulating the digital shutter, deterministic control over geometry in terms of length, aspect ratio, curvature, and torsion, and produce microfibers in diverse shapes, including linear, helical, tadpole-like, and spherical is achieved. To highlight its potential for tissue engineering, active materials, and soft microrobotics, the platform is utilized to generate cell-laden microfibers with high resolution and viability, and magnetically responsive microfibers.

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Abstract Purpose: To investigate the effect of blue-light filtering intraocular lenses on drusen formation in postmortem eyes via histopathological analysis. Materials and Methods: One hundred and ninety-three postmortem pseudophakic eyes (100 with a clear intraocular lenses [cIOL] and 93 with a yellow, yellow intraocular lenses [yIOL]) were obtained from the Lions Gift of Sight eye bank. Sex, age-at-surgery, age-at-death, surgery-to-death time, and clinical history were collected. Eyes were sectioned on their coronal and sagittal axes, and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded macular cross sections were obtained. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and scanned with the Zeiss Axio Scan. Z1 scanner. Drusen were classified by type, size or subtype, and quantity. Results: Large, soft drusen were present in 49% ( n = 95) of eyes, 9% ( n = 17) had cuticular drusen, 16% ( n = 30) had hard drusen, and 26% ( n = 51) had no drusen. There were significantly more cIOL eyes with large, soft drusen ( P < 0.001). There were significantly more yIOL eyes with no drusen ( P < 0.0001). No significant differences in the presence of hard or cuticular drusen were found. yIOL eyes had significantly higher mean age-at-surgery ( P < 0.001) and mean age-at-death ( P < 0.05), while cIOL eyes had a significantly higher mean surgery-to-death time ( P < 0.05). Finally, significantly more yIOL eyes had a history of smoking ( P < 0.01) and hypertension ( P < 0.05), while significantly more cIOL eyes had a history of glaucoma ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Large, soft drusen were significantly less prevalent in yIOL eyes than in cIOL eyes and significantly more yIOL eyes had no drusen. These findings suggest that yIOLs may prevent the incidence and development of age-related macular degeneration after cataract surgery.

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Histological embedding and staining techniques are essential for examining tissue and cellular morphology. This study compares two embedding methods-JB-4™, a glycol methacrylate-based resin, and conventional paraffin-to determine which method provides superior visualization of liver and long bone tissues under light microscopy. Liver tissues from both embedding protocols were stained using the Periodic Acid-Schiff method and silver impregnation method. JB-4 sections were also stained with acid fuchsin and toluidine blue, while paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Contrary to the common assumption that JB-4 may interferes with certain staining protocols, acid fuchsin and toluidine blue yielded high-contrast, structurally detailed results in JB-4 sections. Both techniques preserved liver morphology. However, JB-4 demonstrated higher resolution and enhanced visualization of intracellular structures. JB4 also preservedglycogen more effectively. Cellular structures including nuclei, nucleoli, bile duct epithelial cells, and Kupffer cells, were observedmore distinctly in JB-4 preparations. Reticular fibers were similarly visualized with both embedding techniques. In contrast, paraffin embedding provided better preserved overall tissue architecture. Whilelong bone specimens, paraffin sections frequently displayed poorly defined structures, while JB-4 offered clearer visualization of chondrocyte lacunae, osteocyte nuclei, lamellar bone, and bone marrow cells. JB-4 and paraffin each offer distinct advantages depending on tissue type and histological objective. JB-4 appears to be compatible with a broader range of stains than was previously reported, which expands its utility in detailed tissue analysis. The selection of an embedding method should align with the morphological characteristics of the target tissue and the specific research goals.

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ABSTRACT: Inclusion body disease (IBD) is a global viral infectious disease that affects snakes, mainly from the Boidae and Pythonidae families. The appearance of secondary infections is common in cases of IBD. The aim of this study was to report a case of inclusion body disease (IBD) associated with secondary infection in the respiratory system by Salmonella spp. in a captive Boa constrictor in the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. A male captive snake from a private captivity was sent for necropsy after presenting apathy and anorexia. It was sent for necropsy to the “Laboratório de Anatomia e Fisiologia Animal” at the “Universidade Federal do Cariri.” Macroscopically, there was a discrete focal brownish catarrhal content in the tracheal lumen. The lungs, especially the right one, were reddish, with multifocal to coalescing yellowish areas. On the cut surface, these areas extended to the lung parenchyma. They were soft, yellow and had a pasty texture. A brownish catarrhal exudate was also observed in the lung cavity. Microbiological examination of the tracheal swab and lungs resulted in the isolation of Salmonella spp. as well as Achromobacter denitrificans in the trachea. Fragments from all organs were collected, fixed in 10% buffered formalin solution and routinely processed to make histological slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE). Microscopically, there was lymphoplasmacytic and heterophilic tracheitis, with hyperplasia of the mucosal epithelium associated with intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies. In the lungs, there was granulomatous pneumonia. The faveolar epithelium showed degeneration and necrosis associated with intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies. In the intestine, there was necrotic enteritis. In the liver there was random necrotic hepatitis. In the kidneys, there was degeneration and necrosis of the tubular epithelium and interstitial nephritis. Round to oval, intracellular eosinophilic to amphophilic inclusion bodies were also seen in the pancreas, liver, bile ducts, kidneys, and brain. Paraffin blocks of lung and intestine fragments were sent to the Veterinary Pathology Department at “Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul” for immunohistochemistry with anti-Salmonella antibody, with positive immunostaining. The findings of inclusion bodies were consistent with infection by a virus of the genus Reptarenavirus. This appears to be the first reported case of IBD in a Boa constrictor from a private zoo in the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. In the present report, the disease was associated with secondary infection in the respiratory system by Salmonella sp. Additionally, this seems to be the first report of isolation of A. denitrificans from the microbiome of a respiratory sample in a snake in Brazil. Although Salmonella spp. infections are common in snakes, the isolation of A. denitrificans requires further studies on infection routes, pathogenicity and antimicrobial sensitivity.

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