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Urban Outfitters Jacket (Old, Similar here and here)/ Urban Outfitters Crop (Old, Similar here)/ H&M Jeans/Zara Heels/ Sorella Shades (pictured in post)/Rocksbox Bracelet
We should all know by now that I am all for a cute, casual look. It's very important though that when you do casual wear, that it's not done in a basic way. Basic is when it's very plain, and there is no type of life to a look. There are a variety of ways to add a little spice to a pretty plain look.
- Accessories. Accessorize your life, honey! Lol You can add a statement earring, necklace, or belt (just to name a few) to a very simple look and go from drab to fab in secs!
- Heels. Everybody loves a good heel…I know I do! I am a heel lover, if you haven't noticed by now. Be careful though. I'm not saying that you need heels in order for your outfit to be bomb. I'm saying that if your outfit is not giving you enough life, try adding a cute heel and watch your look transform!
- Hair. Your hair is so important! I know you're probably thinking, what does my hair have to do with my outfit?…Let me tell you. EVERYTHING. Hair is life, ok? If your outfit is not as vibrant as you would like it to be, try something really cute (and maybe even different) with your hair and watch it all come together!
- Confidence. Confidence should really be number 1. You have to have confidence when you rock any look, and casual wear is no different. Strut through with your jeans and t-shirt, knowing that you look bomb and there's not anything anyone can do to stop it! There's nothing more breathtaking than a woman (or man) that's sure of themselves and their style selections! Own it! I promise you, your confidence can take your look from a 1 to 10, in a matter of secs! Remember, it's not about what you wear, but more so how you wear it!
These are just a few ways to make your casual look pop! I hope it helped! I'm interested to know how do you spruce up your casual look? Comment below and let me know! 🙂


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How to Buy Four Nintendo Wii Systems In Just Four Weeks, Part 3
Author: Nick
Category: Money
Topics: entertainment, technology, work
Photo by What Rhymes With Nicole
Last Time: Exploring the Perilous Intarwebs
January 17, 2008, 11:30 a.m.
Fresh from my Wednesday-night victory, I awake Thursday morning to find a peculiar e-mail awaiting me:
i here ur looking for a wii. meat me in the alley behind toys r us at 10pm and i'll get you all the wii you could ever desire at retail.
All right! All the Wii systems I need in one shot! Plus, as bad as this guy spells, I can probably convince him to accept Monopoly money for them.
January 17, 2008, 10 p.m.
I pull up behind the Toys R Us just as The Eagles' Hotel California finishes playing on the radio. The next song is the Bee Gees lesser-known single, Don't Meet Strange Men Who Can't Spell Behind the Toy Store Because He's Probably Going to Steal Your Money and Not Give You Those Three Nintendo Wii Systems You Want from 1972. I start singing the lyrics…
Don't meet strange men who can't spell
Behind the toy store
Because he's probably going to steal your money
And not give you those
Three Nintendo Wii systems you want
Ah ha ha ha…
After a few minutes, I spot a man with a goatee in a red vest and pink jogging pants standing by a dumpster. He comes up to the car as I roll down my windows.
Mr. Goatee: Joo haz zee mowney?
Me: Huh?
Mr. Goatee: I sez, joooo haz zeee mowneey?
Me: I'm sorry, I can't understand anything you're saying.
Mr. Goatee: That's because you're typing this conversation by exaggerating the tone of my thick foreign accent. How about now?
Me: Much better.
Mr. Goatee: Good. You has the money?
Me: Yup. [I reveal my money—a freshly-minted $750-dollar bill, enough for three Nintendo Wii systems.] Can I see the goods?
Mr. Goatee: [Lifts the telltale white box.] It's quality merchandise.
I take a look at the box. Something's not right. The "Wii" logo has an extra "i" at the end. And this "Wiii" isn't packed with the usual Wii Sports game disc. That disc includes five sports games: tennis, bowling, baseball, boxing, and golf. The label on this box says that "Wiii Sportz comes with four great totally American sporting-type games: Cricket, Belly Dancing, Camel Racing, and Infidel Shooting.
Me: This game only has four sports on it. And I don't think any of them are real sports.
Mr. Goatee: What? What do you mean? This—this is quality merchandise.
Me: And what's that liquid dripping out of the box? Is that gasoline?
Mr. Goatee: Oh, uh, that—that is box crying because you insult it.
Me: Uh, I think I'm going to pass. [I roll up my window and start the engine.]
Mr. Goatee: Wait! Wait! Okay, I give it to you for 10 percent off! Is quite a bargain!
Me: [I roll my window back down.] 10 percent off, you say?
So now I am the proud owner of one Nintendo Wii and three boxes full of rags soaked in gasoline. Fortunately, thanks to the high price of gas, I end up making $17 in the end!
But I still need three Wii systems…
Next Time: Just How Far Will Wii Go?

subset: commoncrawl


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Blue Jeans
Blue jeans are casual pants made from denim, noted for their strength and comfort. They have been worn by sailors and California gold miners as sturdy work pants, by the young as a statement of their generation, and by the fashionable, who are conscious of the prestige conveyed by designer names.
Denim cloth itself has an unusual history. The name comes from serge de Nimes, or the serge of Nimes, France. Originally, it was strong material made from wool. By the 1700s, it was made from wool and cotton. Only later was it made solely from cotton. Originally, it was used to make sails, but eventually, some innovative Genovese sailors thought it fit that such fine, strong material would make great pants, or "genes."
The name for blue jeans was derived from the color of the fabric used to make them. Denim was treated with a blue dye obtained from the indigo plant. Indigo had been used as a dye since 2500 B.C. in such diverse places as Asia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Britain, and Peru. Blue jean manufacturers imported indigo from India until the twentieth century, when synthetic indigo was developed to replace the natural dye.
Blue jeans in the form we know them today didn't come about until the middle of the nineteenth century. Levi Strauss, an enterprising immigrant who happened to have a few bolts of blue denim cloth on hand, recognized a need for strong work pants in the mining communities of California. He first designed and marketed "Levi's" in 1850, and they have stayed essentially the same ever since; there have been only minor alterations to the original design.
Original Levi's did not contain rivets. A tailor by the name of Jacob Davis invented riveted pants at the request of a miner who complained that regular pants were not rugged enough to hold his mining tools. Davis subsequently granted Strauss the use of his rivet idea, which was patented on May 20, 1873. Few other changes were made over the next century. Zippers replaced button flies in 1920 (although later button flies had a resurgence of popularity) and in 1937 the rivets on the back pockets were moved inside in response to complaints from school boards that the jeans students wore were damaging chairs and from cowboys that their jeans were damaging their saddles. In the 1960s, they were removed entirely from the back pockets.
Blue jeans started becoming popular among young people in the 1950s. In the year 1957, 150 million pairs were sold worldwide. This growing trend continued until 1981 and jeans manufacturers were virtually guaranteed annual sales increases. In the United States, 200 million pairs of jeans were sold in 1967, 500 million in 1977, with a peak of 520 million in 1981. When jeans first caught on, apologists reasoned that their low price determined their huge success. During the 1970s, however, the price of blue jeans doubled, yet demand always exceeded supply. Sometimes manufacturers met the demand by providing stores with irregulars; that is, slightly defective merchandise that would not normally be sold.
Although the demand for jeans actually decreased in the 1980s, a brief surge occurred with the introduction of designer jeans to the market. Despite the apparent success of designer jeans, however, they did not capture the majority of the market; jeans have not returned to the height of popularity they achieved in the seventies. Manufacturers must therefore constantly seek ways to keep the demand for blue jeans high. Believing that the decrease in demand reflects the changing needs of an aging population, jeans manufacturers have begun to cater to the mature customer by providing roomier, more comfortable jeans. Sally Fox, an entomologist, has developed cottons that naturally come in beige, brown, and green. The Levi Strauss Company now markets multicolored jeans as well. The company hopes to ride the popular wave of environmentalism, even advertising their new product on recycled denim..
(The first two steps in blue jeans manufacture are carding and spinning. In carding, the cotton is put through a machine with bent wire brushes. The brushes clean, disentangle, straighten, and gather the cotton threads into sliver. After several slivers are joined together, they are put on spinning machines that twist and stretch the cotton to form yarn.)
Although blue jeans have remained basically the same since they were first designed, they have always been versatile enough to meet market demands. Since futuristic, yet familiar, "Levi's" appeared in the movie Star Trek V, it can be surmised that manufacturers as well as the public, expect blue jeans to be around indefinitely returned to the height of popularity they achieved in the seventies. Manufacturers must therefore constantly seek ways to keep the demand for blue jeans high. Believing that the decrease in demand reflects the changing needs of an aging population, jeans manufacturers have begun to cater to the mature customer by providing roomier, more comfortable jeans. Sally Fox, an entomologist, has developed cottons that naturally come in beige, brown, and green. The Levi Strauss Company now markets multicolored jeans as well. The company hopes to ride the popular wave of environmentalism, even advertising their new product on recycled denim.
Although blue jeans have remained basically the same since they were first designed, they have always been versatile enough to meet market demands. Since futuristic, yet familiar, "Levi's" appeared in the movie Star Trek V, it can be surmised that manufacturers as well as the public, expect blue jeans to be around indefinitely. .
Raw Materials
True blue jeans are made out of 100 percent cotton, including the threads. Polyester blends are available, however, the overwhelming majority of jeans sold are 100 percent cotton. The most common dye used is synthetic indigo. The belt loops, waistband, back panel, pockets, and leggings of a pair of blue jeans are all made of indigo-dyed denim. Other features of blue jeans include the zipper, buttons, rivets, and label. Rivets have been traditionally made of copper, but the zippers, snaps and buttons are usually steel. Designers' labels are often tags made out of cloth, leather, or plastic, while others are embroidered on with cotton thread.
The Manufacturing Process
Denim, unlike many types of cloth (which are woven in one place and sent to another for dying), is woven and dyed at one location.
(Unlike many other cloths, denim is dyed before it is woven. The dye used is generally a chemically synthesized indigo. The denim is dipped in the dye vat several times so that the dye forms many layers. This explains why blue jeans fade after washing. The yarn is then woven on large shuttle-less looms. The blue threads are woven with white threads, but because the blue threads are packed closer together than the white ones, the blue color dominates the cloth)
Preparing the cotton yarn
1There are several steps between ginned cotton (cotton after it has been picked from fields and processed) and cotton yam. The incoming cotton is removed from tightly packed bales and inspected before undergoing a process known as carding. In this process, the cotton is put through machines that contain brushes with bent wire teeth. These brushes—called cards—clean, disentangle, straighten, and gather together the cotton fibers. At this point, the fibers are called slivers.
2 Other machines join several slivers together, and these slivers are then pulled and twisted, which serves to make the threads stronger. Next, these ropes are put on spinning machines that further twist and stretch the fibers to form yam.
Dyeing the yarn
3 Some cloths are woven (see step 5 below) and then dyed, but denim is usually dyed with chemically synthesized indigo before being woven. Large balls of yarn, called ball warps, are dipped in the indigo mixture several times so that the dye covers the yarn in layers. (These many layers ofindigo dye explain why blue jeans fade slightly with each washing.) Although the exact chemicals used in such dyeing procedures remain trade secrets, it is known that a small amount of sulfur is often used to stabilize the top or bottom layers of indigo dye.
4 The dyed yam is then slashed', that is, it is coated with sizing (any one of a variety of starchy substances) to make the threads stronger and stiffer. Once this operation is complete, the yam threads are ready to woven with undyed filling yam threads.
Weaving the yarn
5 The yam is then woven on large mechanical looms. Denim is not 100 percent blue, as the blue dyed threads forming the warp (long, vertical threads) are combined with white threads forming the weft (shorter, horizontal threads). Because denim is woven with the blue threads packed closer together than the white threads and with the blue threads covering three out of four white threads, the blue threads dominate. (By examining a piece of denim closely one can detect the steep diagonal pattern that results from this process, which is known as a three-by-one right-hand twill weave.) Although mechanized looms make use of the same basic weaving procedure as a simple hand loom, they are much larger and faster. A modem "shuttle-less" loom (which uses a very small carrier instead of the traditional shuttle to weave the weft threads between the warp threads) may produce as much as 3,279 yards (3,000 meters) of cloth 3.28 or 4.37 yards (three or four meters) wide in a single week. As much as 1,093 yards (1,000 meters) of cloth may be rolled into a single huge bolt.
(The denim cloth is cut into pattern pieces from stacks 100 layers thick. High-speed cutting machines are used for this process. Once the pieces are cut, they are sewn into completed pairs of blue jeans. Sewing is done in assembly-line fashion using human-operated sewing machines)
6 At this point the denim is ready for finishing, a term referring to a variety of treatments applied to cloth after it is woven. With denim, finishing is usually fairly simple. The cloth is brushed to remove loose threads and lint, and the denim is usually skewed in a way that will prevent it from twisting when it is made into clothing. The denim may then be sanforized, or preshrunk. Preshrunk denim should shrink no more than three percent after three washings.
Making the blue jeans
7 Once the desired design is selected, pat terns from the design are cut from heavy paper or cardboard. Up to 80 different sizes are possible from one pattern. The pieces of denim are then cut with high speed cutting machines from stacks 100 layers thick.
Excluding rivets, buttons, and zippers, a pair of blue jeans contains about ten different pieces, from the pockets to the leg panels to the waistband and belt loops.
8 The pieces of denim are ready to be sewn at this point. Sewing is done in an assembly line fashion, with rows of industrial human-operated sewing machines. Each sewer is assigned a specific function, such as making only back pockets. First, the various pockets and belt loops are assembled. Next, one sewer attaches the pockets to the leg seams, another then sews the leg seams together, and still another attaches the waist-band. Once the waist band is secure, the belt loops may be stitched on and the buttons attached. If the jeans include a zipper, it is then sewn into place, and the pants are hemmed. Finally, the rivets are placed in the appropriate places and the maker's label is sewn on last.
9 Some jeans are prewashed and/or stone- washed to alter the appearance or texture of the finished jeans. Prewashing involves washing the jeans in industrial detergent for a short time to soften the denim. Stone- washing also means washing the jeans, but pumice is added to the load, resulting in a faded appearance. Small stones (less than one inch [one centimeter] in diameter) produce an even abrasion, while large stones (about four inches [10 centimeters] in diameter) highlight the seams and pockets and produce a more uneven appearance. The completed pair of blue jeans is then pressed. They are placed into a large pressing machine that steam irons the entire garment at once in about a minute. A size tag is punched into the material and the jeans are folded, stacked, and placed in boxes according to style, color, and size before being sent to the warehouse for storage. When the jeans are selected to be sent to a store, they are put in large shipping cartons and sent on freight trains or trucks.
The process of cloth making involves treating the fabric with a number of chemicals in order to produce clothing with such desirable characteristics such as durability, colorfastness, and comfort. Each step of finishing the
cotton fabric (dyeing, sanforizing, etc.) produces byproducts, most of which are biodegradable.
Byproducts of denim manufacture include organic pollutants, such as starch and dye, which can be treated through biological methods. These organic wastes may not be dumped into streams or lakes because of their high biochemical oxygen demand. To decompose, such waste materials utilize so much oxygen that the life forms in the body of water would be denied the oxygen necessary for survival.
Denim manufacturers process their own wastes in compliance with all relevant government regulations.
Quality Control
Cotton is a desirable natural fiber for several reasons. Cloth made from cotton is wear resistant, strong, flexible, and impermeable. Blue jeans are only as good as the cotton that goes into them, however, and several tests exist for cotton fiber. All bales of cotton are inspected by the denim manufacturer for the desired color, fiber length, and strength. Strength is the most important factor in blue jeans. It is measured by using a weight to pull it. When the fiber breaks, the force used to break it is measured. The cotton's strength index (weight of weight divided by weight of sample) is then calculated.
The finished denim cloth is carefully inspected for defects. Each defect is rated on a government-defined scale ranging from one point for very small flaws to four points for major defects. Although government regulations allow cloth with a high defect rating to be sold, in reality customers will not accept denim with more than seven to ten defect points per square meter. Poor cloth is sold as damaged. Denim is also tested for durability and its tendency to shrink. Samples of cloth are washed and dried several times to see how they wear.
Blue jeans are also inspected after they are completed. If a problem can be corrected, the jeans are sent back for re-sewing. The pair is then inspected again and passed. The buttons are inspected to ensure that they and the buttonholes are of the proper size; the snaps, metal buttons, and rivets are checked for durability and their ability to withstand rust. The zippers must be strong enough to withstand the greater pressures of heavy cloth, and their teeth durability must be checked as well. This is done by subjecting a sample zipper to a lifetime of openings and closings.
Where To Learn More
Cray, Ed. Levi's. Houghton Mifflin, 1978.
Fehr, Barbara. Yankee Denim Dandies. Piper Publishing, 1974.
Finlayson, Iain. Denim. Simon and Schuster,
Henry, Sondra and Emily Taitz. Everyone Wears His Name: A Biography of Levi Strauss. Dillon Press, 1990.
Adkins, Jan. "The Evolution of Jeans: American History 501," Mother Earth News. July/August, 1990, pp. 60-63.
Brooks, John. "Annals of Business: A Friendly Product," The New Yorker. November 12, 1979, pp. 58-94.


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Thicker than Blood - Chapter 9 - Resignation - Where Frodo's kin and friends prepare themselves for what may very well be his last night alive.
By Ariel (firstname.lastname@example.com)
Chapter 9 - Resignation - Where Frodo's kin and friends prepare themselves for what may very well be his last night alive.
If you wish to read earlier chapters of this fic, please copy and past the following links into your browser.
Chapter 1 - http://www.theonering.com/docs/12538.html
Chapter 2 - http://www.theonering.com/docs/12619.html
Chapter 3 - http://www.theonering.com/docs/12725.html
Chapter 4 - http://www.theonering.com/docs/12849.html
Chapter 5 - http://www.theonering.com/docs/12977.html
Chapter 6 - http://www.theonering.com/docs/13091.html
Chapter 7 - http://www.theonering.com/docs/13391.html
Chapter 8 - http://www.theonering.com/docs/13491.html
Sam could get little sleep the rest of that day for he refused to leave his master again. He stayed by Frodo's side and tended him with stubborn silence even when Merry and Pippin returned to beg him to rest. Sam did not tell them what he had overheard and began to resent them their optimism about his master. He almost wished he could be as simply concerned as they were, but inside he knew it would not be right to deny them their hope and crush their bright eyes with the despair he felt. They soon gave up trying to persuade him to come away and settled down beside the bed to wait and tend their cousin as they could. At the dinner chime, both of them left for the meal but promised to bring something back for Sam when they returned. Then he was left alone with his feverish master.
If anything, Frodo looked worse than ever. His fever had not risen any higher but the red patches on his skin and dark circles under his eyes made him look like someone had beaten him. He still fretted and called weakly when he stirred at all, an action that had become less and less frequent as the day wore on. After supper, Gandalf returned to sit with Frodo for the evening and with him Elrond came to examine his patient again. Sam eyed him with barely disguised fury but said nothing and avoided looking into the ageless grey eyes as he helped the elf remove the sweat dampened tunic from Frodo's completely limp body. Elrond changed the bandage on Frodo's shoulder and smeared the still open wound with a green salve that smelled of new mown hay. He then left a vial of clear liquid and instructed Sam to see if he could get Frodo to take as much of it as he could.
"Tomorrow my people will be gathered and we will remove the splinter," Elrond told him.
"Or kill him tryin'," Sam muttered under his breath. The look Elrond returned him showed no emotion at all.
"Hopefully not," was all the ancient elf replied.
It took both Gandalf and Sam's efforts to get the cordial into Frodo. He would not swallow, or could not, and Sam finally had to slide in behind his master on the bed to hold him up enough to get the liquid down. He rested Frodo's body against his own, holding his head back and mouth open so that the stuff would trickle down his throat. He massaged his master's neck to entice him to swallow as Gandalf poured the precious liquid in. When they had finished Sam pulled his master up to position him back on the pillows. Frodo felt so thin and frail in his arms. He had never held his master so, but the feel of his fragile, fevered body was so alien to what Sam knew a strong, healthy hobbit should feel like that Sam broke down and wept. He wrapped his arms around his master and hugged him. He could feel the sickness in him, could feel the hobbit's heart thudding listlessly in his chest. All day long he had fought to keep his despair at bay, fighting it with stubborn anger, but now it crashed down around him like a wall and his sobs shook both their small bodies.
Gandalf let him cry as long as he needed. When at last, Sam's sobs had eased somewhat, he helped him off the bed and settled Frodo back among the pillows. The still face showed nothing, no reaction at all to Sam's outburst, but he was at least calmed and no longer raved. Throughout the night, Sam held Frodo's hand, as he had done the night before, but this time he could not tell if Frodo was even aware of it. The one hopeful thing that came out of that long, desperate night was that Frodo's fever broke. Perhaps it was the cordial that had done it, or the cool cloths or sponge baths, but the rosy blotches faded and the fire that had burned beneath the pale forehead cooled. Frodo slept on through that night, dreamless and still, his breathing weak, but eased and steady. Listening to the gentle sound of his master's indrawn breaths, one thankfully following another, Sam slept too.
"He looks better this morning!" It was Pippin's voice that woke Sam with a start. He'd slept another night away in the comfortable elven chair. Pippin had tried to speak softly, but to Sam, whose sleeping ears had been so tuned to the slight whisper of his master's breath, the voice had been like the sound of a trumpet. He sat up and winced at the pain in his neck. He still held Frodo's cold hand and the chill had made his own fingers ache, but it appeared that some of Sam's own warmth had gone into Frodo. His master's left hand was less stiff, and, as he looked more closely, Frodo did seem to have a bit better color all over. Hope surged in his heart.
"I do believe you are right, Pippin." Bilbo's voice. The old hobbit carried another breakfast tray heaped with good things to eat and the smell of them caused a rumbling in Sam's belly. Bilbo laughed hearing it and set the platter by the fire. It was good to hear him laugh, Sam thought. Even knowing what he and Bilbo did, seeing some,... any improvement in Frodo was bound to help their spirits.
"We ought to move your bed in here, Sam." Said Merry, jokingly. "For all the time you've spent in it!"
"I probably wouldn't get a wink of sleep no how, if it weren't so. Though I don't think we'll be needin' to move it, Mr. Merry. Mr. Elrond says they are going to try and fish that bit of knife out of Mr. Frodo's shoulder today. One way or the other, I'll probably be sleepin' elsewhere tonight."
At that, the others' smiles dimmed and Sam cursed himself. 'You oughtn't to have said that, Sam' he thought, but it was too late to take it back.
"So they are going to try that today?" Pippin approached the bed and crawled up onto it beside Frodo. It was a small bed, by elven standards, but there was plenty of room on it even for several hobbits to fit comfortably. He sat back on his feet and looked down at Frodo's pale face. He remained that way for a long time before reaching up to his cousin's face and stroking it gently. "I know they said they didn't want us here last time, Sam," he sighed. "but,...could you...?" He looked up, his small, young face pinched and sad. "I mean, I'd like to be here," he finished.
"Me too," agreed Merry. "We talked it over, and we'd all like to be here. We're his family - we're all he's got. It's not right that we should be kept out waiting in the hall when..." His voice fell silent but the look on all their faces told Sam that Bilbo had relayed some of Elrond's fears to them. They knew what the outcome of this surgery was likely to be and they would not be dissuaded. They had come this far with him, they would go on to the end if need be.
"Well, I'd like to see those elves try and keep us out, then." Sam tried a smile. It was unconvincing and grim but showed his resolve was with them. "Mr. Bilbo?"
"Yes, Sam. I will be here too." The old hobbit drew himself up and looked Sam straight in the eye. "He is my heir. I know what his chances are; they don't need to protect me anymore. I don't think Elrond would even try to now. I...I just want to be with him as long as I can be." Bilbo's returning smile quivered but he was firm and resigned, though Sam could see his fingers trembled as he spoke. Bilbo had looked dramatically older than Sam had expected on the night they had arrived, but the past days had aged him even more. He was diminishing right before their eyes, fading to powder even as Frodo sank deeper into his illness. Sam knew in his heart, if they lost Frodo that day, Bilbo would not be far behind. He would lose both his masters, the old and new. Despair gripped his throat and he felt as if his tears would begin again if he did not squash the feeling immediately. He needed to be strong. Sam was certain that if he broke down now, it would destroy the fragile control that each of the hobbits now clung desperately to.
"Well, then they'll have the lot of us to contend with, for I'll not leave him now. But," and Sam paused. It was difficult for him to continue. "I'm...I'm glad you'll all be there too," he finished at last, his voice tight from the fight to control himself.
TBC - Desperation - where even Sam can see the end is near, but he will not give up... not while his master still draws breath.


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Our opening ours to visit the warehouse are Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm excluding holidays.


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Local artist, and Delta Arts Alliance (DAA) Art Instructor, Sarah Deason installed the Faces of KDS, a Self Portriat Installation Piece on Friday, February 2, 2007 with the assistance of DAA volunteers, Brig Aylward, Lori Hoskins, and Jesse Strassburg. Frames were donated by Adventure Frames of Cleveland. The collection will remain on the construction wall at 104 S. Court Street in Cleveland, Mississippi surrounding the Ellis Theater until exterior resotration is complete. The target completion date is April 16, 2007. Portraits were created by children in:
- A.W. James Elementary School in Drew, Mississippi - After-School KDS Program, grades 1st - 3rd, teachers Mrs. Davis & Mrs. Jenkins
- Parks Elementary School in Cleveland, Mississippi In-School KDS Program, 1st grade, teachers Mrs. Melton, Ms. Vance, Mrs. Rogers, Ms. Jones, Mrs. Waller, & Mrs. Walker
- Saint Gabriel's Mercy Center in Mound Bayou, Mississippi - After-School KDS Program, grades 1st - 5th, teachers Mr. Holloway & Mrs. Toole
The DAA / KDS Kids Program provides in-school and after-school arts education in delta schools at no cost to the children or school districts. Participating schools are McEvans Elementary in Shaw, Ruleville Elementary, Parks Elementary in Cleveland, I.T. Montgomery School and Saint Gabriel's Mercy Center in Mound Bayou, A.W. James Elementary School in Drew, and Ray Brooks School in Benoit. Funding is provided by the Kings Daughters and Sons Circle Number Two, Inc. and from the generous support of local arts patrons. Delta Arts Alliance Programming Chair, Dr. Lenagene Waldrup along with Sarah Deason plan and implement this ongoing program with the assistance of the aforementioned school districts.
Please ride by the installation if you are in our area, and send comments through this posting. If you would like to support Delta Arts Alliance arts programming or the Ellis Theater restoration, send your donation to Delta Arts Alliance, P.O. Box 763, Cleveland, MS 38732.


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Goodman SSZ14 Heat Pump
Updated: Feb 17, 2016Write a review
Read more about Goodman Heat Pumps
Overview of the SSZ14
The Goodman SSZ14 heat pump is a currently manufactured model that achieves up to 15
SEER in efficiency and has a heating efficiency of up to 9.0 HSPF. This heat pump uses a scroll compressor, which is encased in a sound blanket and comes equipped with a muffler to ensure quiet operation. The compressor also has short-cycle protection, and the heat pump comes installed with a filter dryer.
Goodman utilizes R-410A refrigerant, which is considered environmentally-friendly, in the
SSZ14 heat pump. The SSZ14 is AHRI certified.
Consumer Reviews of the Goodman SSZ14
Very Satisfied
Somewhat Satisfied
Somewhat Unsatisfied
Very Unsatisfied
Date created: 2016-02-17
Name: Norm and Patty
Location: Prince William, NB
Satisfaction Rating:
"Nightmare for 5 years"
Bad service, bad product. Never seem to get it working right. Goodman blames the technician trying to repair it, but the bad parts are internal in the outside unit (4 way valve), and they will not pay labor or parts until I purchase the parts and service and prove it. Very expensive heat and cooling bills. Now I have a bad coil and it will cost $3000 Canadian to replace. Going to kick this f#$%ing junk to the curb. Over $4000 in parts and labor, and not fixed yet.
Date created: 2016-02-06
Name: D. Davis
Satisfaction Rating:
"Stay away from Goodman!"
I had a brand new Goodman unit installed about 45 days ago, and it has never worked right. It runs constantly, heats poorly (I haven't made it to summer yet but I know what to expect) and the noise - - ooohhhh the noise - on startup and shutdown is nothing short of incredible. I've paid for service calls to have the dealer come out. I refuse to have the idiot installer back into my home again - he hacked it up terribly. It took him 2 weeks to complete a single day install and he has been back twice to correct an incorrectly wired thermostat, then he claimed I had 'sabotaged' his work. You know us homeowners; who would sabotage our own systems and sit in the cold for a week just to have the doofus installer come back out so I could spend two hours looking at his butt- crack? The dealer I've had to pay to come out and tell me the unit is designed to run constantly when cold out and the startup noise is "normal" for the type of compressor. If so, why does Goodman advertise the scroll compressors as "The quietest there are"? If I had wanted an extremely noisy unit I'd have sought one out and purchased one (intentionally, that is). I've had heat pumps all my life and have never had one this noisy. It wakes me from a sleep. I have 2 York units at work and they start and stop without the 'hanging up' growl that lasts about 2-4 seconds, and stopping with a bang that this unit features. I replaced a 20-year-old Comfortmaker oil furnace and AC system that worked for a more efficient and newer Goodman unit, and I wish I had that old unit back. For all of its faults, and the cost of oil, it did work properly and didn't wake the neighborhood in doing so. Goodman service is a joke - no help from them at all. It's a damn shame when you have a brand new unit, less than 30 days old, that has never worked, and you have to pay out of pocket for a service call only to be told the operation is normal and you'll just have to live with the noise. All Goodman units are noisy and that's just how they are. I'm just about ready to take it out in the yard and make it provide more heating that it ever has, by lighting it on fire in the front yard. At least I could get some heat from it then. I wonder if Goodman would consider a flaming unit 'standard operation'? Trane units, Comfortmaker units, York units don't sound like this (I've checked) and they use the exact same Scroll compressor and R410A setup. Goodman has my money and they don't want to hear anything about providing me with a fair shake. I guarantee that next time I have a unit installed nobody will get a dime until it's properly installed and operating. My advice to anyone who reads this - run from Goodman, far, far away, as fast as you can.
Date created: 2015-12-21
Location: Springfield, MO
Satisfaction Rating:
"A Bit Expensive, But Long-Term Savings"
I just bought my new Goodman R410A heat pump a few months ago. The installation was extremely quick and easy, and it was compatible with all of my old hookups so I didn't need to purchase any more equipment to get it working. I previously had a propane system, and I'm definitely happier with the setup that I have now. My husband and I aren't the most "green" individuals, but the fact that the pump doesn't contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer is a nice and added bonus. We've also noticed a reduction in our utility bill since installing the heat pump, and are very happy with our purchase and decision. The only negative comment that I would have regarding the pump is the price. It was rather expensive with costs of around $3500 after delivery, and we chose to do our own installation. I'm hoping that the amount that we end up saving throughout the lifetime of the heat pump will offset the purchase price, which I believe is very possible. I'd recommend the product to those willing to pay a bit more upfront to potentially save extensively in the future.
Date created: 2015-12-20
Name: Mike Branton
Location: Smith, AL
Satisfaction Rating:
"Nothing but a headache!"
Purchased our unit at the recommendation of our HVAC guy. He said it was energy efficient & therefore a "great buy". B*** s****! We have had this unit worked on 3 times this summer, a coil leak they say cost $500.00 in labor. Then this winter 3 times, & it's only December 20th. The defrost board! They replaced it 2 weeks ago, still icing up! Did I mention this unit is not even 2 years old? It isn't, we had it installed in the winter of 2013! Buyer beware, we are considering just replacing it.
Date created: 2015-10-30
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Satisfaction Rating:
"Goodman Heat Pump Review"
We have lived in our home for a year and a half, and the builder had installed Goodman heat pumps for our home's heating and cooling needs. The Goodman heat pumps have been a reliable source of heat and we're less exposed to fluctuations in heating prices that others suffer from. We haven't had any issues with the two units (dual zone). We're careful to only raise the heat a couple degrees at a time during the winter (to avoid the emergency heat from kicking on), but aside from that, we haven't experienced any drawbacks and enjoy affordable electric bills throughout the year. I would recommend the Goodman heat pumps to anyone interested in a reliable, efficient and safer alternative to heating their home. It is also conducive to homes that don't have natural gas and definitely less of a headache than using fuel oil as a heat source. The Goodman heat pumps are definitely worth the investment!
Date created: 2015-03-09
Name: Steve Cooley
Location: Gilbert, SC
Satisfaction Rating:
"Piece of junk"
I will never buy a Goodman again. Bad parts made in China!
Date created: 2014-11-17
Name: Sean A.
Location: Montreal, Canada
Satisfaction Rating:
"Very loud"
In September 2014 (two months ago) I changed my 25-year-old Ruud system with this Goodman junk. It works like a diesel engine. It is very loud and noisy. Sometimes it makes loud noises and I feel it is going to explode! I have a big two-story house and my bedroom is exactly the opposite side of the house (diagonally) on the second floor. It wakes me up in the middle of the night! My daughter's room is on the same side on the second floor. She is sleeping in our room now. It is just behind our family room and when it starts we have to increase the TV volume to hear it. It keeps turning on/off every two minutes. This is rip-off.
Date created: 2014-09-06
Name: G Coleman
Location: Tampa, FL
Satisfaction Rating:
"Poor quality components in Gooodman systems"
I am the sad owner of a Goodman ac unit, ssz140421, which has had multiple problems since being installed only 3 years ago. My first experience with the installer, Frosty's ac of Riverview, fl, was that they had high confidence in this Amana owned company. They recommended the $600 labor warranty, but in order to save money I declined. Today I had a $951 repair because of evaporator coil failure. In each of my previous air conditioning systems, I can't remember having to replace an evaporator coil in so short a timeframe. I'm thinking this product quality is poor, and I'm going to be stuck with high repair bills in the future. Wonder if my reputable installer would swap out this unit for a Trane, or another brand with better reputation. As I read this website I see only 25% customer satisfaction with Goodman products. How low can they go before we say they make lemons, and they charge champagne prices?
Date created: 2014-08-22
Name: H. Wright
Location: Salisbury, NC
Satisfaction Rating:
"Can Not Recommend"
Here we are in year four. June 2014 no cooling service man adds 3 pounds of 410a Freon Cost $150.00. 9 weeks later "No Cooling" service man uses leak detector but cannot find the leak. Adds 3 pounds of Freon 410a at a cost of $175.00. Asked if I wanted him to put in $100. leak sealant. He said only 50% chance it will work. We both agreed the percentage was not high enough for the money. I asked what would he do if it was his unit and he said just hope the unit won't leak again. I thought we were getting a good value for the price of this Goodman unit and now I find out even with the 10 year warranty the labor to replace parts is far to expensive. I am gong to join the class action lawsuit against Goodman in nc for selling me a unit they knew would leak after a few years.
Date created: 2014-07-22
Name: Mrs. S.Sheppard, RN
Location: Georgetown, SC.
Satisfaction Rating:
"Goodman not good"
I purchased this unit 6/28/12 I have had very high electrical bills. This new unit has been repaired twice already. Today I had my annual tune up service, and my unit is in need of a txv. I have an extended warranty. I just hate having to fix something I bought new. Please avoid a Goodman Unit.
Date created: 2014-05-07
Name: Anthony Smith
Location: Abbotsford B.C. Canada
Satisfaction Rating:
"Buying Goodman is a Mistake"
Product lasted 1.5 years. Warranty policy is parts only even though their compressor destroyed the refrigerant. Their product's premature failure costing me $850.00 after only 1.5 years of noisy service. I strongly recommend: firstly, never buying anything from this company as I expect them not to be around too much longer (just look at their profile). Secondly, this business is full of sharks so research every company. Get the extended warranty. In short: this company and it's policies don't deserve to be in business.
Date created: 2013-11-23
Name: garry morrissette
Location: fort coulonge quebec canada
Satisfaction Rating:
"Problem Pump"
This Goodman heat pump is my worst investment ever made. This brand is real garbage, no heat, no cold, no service to repair this junk. When I called in to the manufacturer's head office: "well sorry sir, you just got pump and we are not going to fix it nor find you anyone to fix it for you." So it's your lost, so they say. Don't buy this piece of junk.
Date created: 2013-07-06
Name: M, Schwiet
Location: Ohio
Satisfaction Rating:
"Goodman Not So Good"
I would give a 0 rating if I could. I just want to give everybody a word of warning so that you do not fall into the same trap as I have. About 4 years ago, I purchased a Goodman SSZ14 series heat pump system as an upgrade over the efficiency of my Carrier A/C and LP furnace hybrid system. With fuel prices climbing everyday, I thought this would be a good investment based on a breakeven of about 5 years. I chose Goodman primarily because of price, the long warranty, and the Copeland compressor. Boy, did I screw up. At the time of installation, my HVAC technician recommended that I purchase a Westinghouse system but I overrode his opinion and went with Goodman. Within months of my purchase, my father and my brother pulled the trigger on the same type of upgrade but chose Rheem as their solution. Well, fast forward to 2013. To date I have spent $1,200 on "warranty" repairs for the Goodman heat pump, all of the defective parts inside the heat pump outdoor unit, all Goodman assembled parts. Now, as icing on the cake, I have to replace the compressor. The current warranted compressor has seized. I haven't gotten the final estimate on my cost of this repair, but I'm sure it will push my total maintenance cost to something worth of $2,000. This on a unit that I purchased and had installed for less than $4,000. My father and brother have spent nothing on their systems to date. To make matters worse, I contacted Goodman customer service to discuss other remedies. I was told that Goodman was meeting their warranty liability but they would contact the distributor to get more information and would get back with me within a couple of days. After more than a week with no response, I sent a letter to the president of Goodman in Houston explaining my plight and requesting that this unit be replaced with a new unit as a gesture of goodwill. It's now been two weeks and I've gotten no response from Goodman. I did not expect that kind of treatment from any enterprise selling expensive capital goods. I could accept a response of "Sorry to hear about your troubles, but we're only required to meet our warranty commitments". No response at all is unacceptable. It's obvious that Goodman is not concerned about customer relationships, only the bottom line. To all who scan these forums, you've been warned. Caveat emptor. Thanks.
Date created: 2013-05-14
Name: bruce paulson
Location: spokane washington
Satisfaction Rating:
"Home Owner"
Got a Goodman 5 years ago. Had to fix it every year a hunk of you know what seems like that how they make their money by selling you know what.
Date created: 2012-09-07
Name: Garry Thompson
Location: Diamondhead, MS
Satisfaction Rating:
"Goodman Heat Pump"
This is the worst experience I've ever had with an air conditioning system. You better buy the extended service warranty. By now, I bet the service guy is making about $5 a visit considering how many times he's been here to service this crap. Once again, the reversing valve is leaking. It's a nightmare! Why me! I think every part that can be replace has been changed on this system. Oh yes, the compressor was changed out last year...or was it the year before last? I can't keep up with all the a/c repairman visit and part repairs...THE WORST...and don't waste you time trying to call Goodman either...over there in Texas...you won't get past the telephone gate keepers! Never Again! Looks like I'll be getting another new reversing valve tomorrow when they come to repair this system again! This will be number 4?...5??? who knows!
Date created: 2012-02-04
Name: Ed
Location: Twin falls Id.
Years owned: 4
Satisfaction Rating:
After having compressor changed out, 2 reversing valves, 3 defroster boards with sensors. It still runs 2 to 5 defrost cycles in a row. So while that happens my main heating strips run to heat house. Which equals a higher electrical bill. So as far as energy efficient goes it equals zero. buy a better brand name with a true ice sensor instead of a timer and get a true heat pump.
Date created: 2012-01-25
Name: Doug
Years owned: 4
Satisfaction Rating:
Have a house that's less than 5 years old and all 3 units are Goodman. I've had service guys here every year -- sometimes twice a year since the first year. Recall on on some valves, leaking puron, sky-high gas bill because the heat pump was low on puron so unit not working properly. Now the coil on one unit is leaking. All this and the contractor told me they were high quality and high efficiency units when I was deciding what brand to use when building. Had Trane units at previous home and never had a bit of trouble. hvac guy told me these were super efficient, now I see that it's only a 14 seer system. My advice, buy some other brand, any brand.
Date created: 2011-11-25
Name: K. Walke
Location: Warner Robins,Ga.
Years owned: 4
Satisfaction Rating:
"Worthless JUNK"
I am lucky to have a wonderful a/c contractor,Pikes Peak Performance, Perry, Georgia. They have been great! They installed, at my insistence, a Goodman A/C heatpump SSZ140421A* unit. What a terrible mistake! The first year wasn't too bad, but it needs repair almost constantly since then. Goodman hasn't helped much at all, my contractor has done all the repairs out of his pocket with little or no support from Goodman. A class action law suit needs to be started to pay for replacement with a better brand. Do not buy a Goodman unless you like being screwed!
Date created: 2011-10-20
Name: BTP
Location: Bentonville, VA
Years owned: 2
Satisfaction Rating:
"Goodman Heat Pump"
I had the combination ssz14 Heat Pump and gmh95 Gas Furnace installed in December 2009. Both units worked great for about 10 months but then the heat pump stopped working. After about 6 months, a Goodman Factory representative was finally sent and a replacement unit was installed. The replacement heat pump has been working fine since then with the exception of an annoying, persistent, high pitch humming noise coming from the air handler unit every time the heat pump comes on. The factory representative acknowledged the noise exists (and he said it's not the fan) but has done nothing address the problem. I guess it's a Goodman "feature" that I'll have to live with until I can afford to buy another brand.
Date created: 2011-10-08
Name: M. Loeb
Location: Durham, NC
Years owned: 1
Satisfaction Rating:
"Leaking evaporator coil"
After only 16 months, freon leaked out and evaporator coil needed to be replaced. The technician said that he owned the same Goodman SSZ140181A* unit and had to replace his evaporator after the same length of time. Neither Goodman nor Lee Air Conditioner covered the labor costs. This is ridiculously poor quality equipment. My original heat pump was Trane and lasted 20 years.
Date created: 2011-07-22
Name: M Pow
Location: Pelee Island Ontario
Years owned: 4
Satisfaction Rating:
"A Real Lemon"
Heat pump has never worked. Have to use the emergency back up all the time. Air conditioner broken twice - both times with coolant leaks. When a/c is working, it sounds like a car crash when the unit starts up. This a been a real lemon!
Date created: 2011-06-22
Name: R.F
Location: Sellersville
Satisfaction Rating:
Date created: 2011-06-16
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Satisfaction Rating:
"Keeping Warm in the Winter"
I have only had my heat pump for about six months now. I like how it is very consistant and I have not had many problems with it yet. I purchased it off of ebay because at the time I was very desperate and my old heat pump had just broken and my landlord was out of town at the time for a few weeks. One thing I dislike about it is that it seems to take a while to get working before I notice a difference. I have not yet had to replace my heat pump and I hope to not have to replace it for a while. I would recommend this heat pump to anyone looking to purchase one because it has been very reliable to me thus far. If I know anyone is looking to purchase a heat pump, I always recommend they check out the 2.5 Ton Goodman heat pump.
Date created: 2011-05-12
Location: Houston, TX
Satisfaction Rating:
"Goodman heat pump condenser SSZ14 series."
I am a a new home owner and I had to get a heat pump for the air condition system. I choose the Goodman heat pump condenser ssz14 series with it's outdoors air handling unit because the price was very affordable for the features it has and I read good reviews online about it. I have been using the heat pump for over 5 months now and I have had no problems or issues with it. It works very well in extracting heat from the small house on hot days, and when it gets cold it is very efficient at reducing costs of heating since it doesn't add up too much money to the utility bills. This system works by gathering heat and introducing it to the inside of the house. Unlike the unit in my old apartment it is very quiet. The company claims that instead of loosing efficiency over time this unit actually becomes more efective, hopefully that is a true statement. The company also claims that it can reduce the cost of the electricity bill by up to 50 % because of its heating efficiency ratings. There is nothing I dislike about it, even the color is of my taste, it comes in a very nice black tone. In case I need to buy another air condition/ heating system I can honestly say that so far this brand would be my first choice.
Other SSZ14 Reviews
A prospective customer writes to the experts at gardenweb.com about a decision between a Carrier Infinity system and a Goodman system including the SSZ14 heat pump. The quote for the Goodman system was less, but most of the installers responded that the Carrier product is superior. One expert stated that the difference in price was not worth it, and the Goodman heat pump is a good product.
A search of various web forums did not reveal many problems voiced online about the
Goodman SSZ14 heat pump. A SSZ14 owner wrote to justanswer.com about a problem with the compressor operating in a loud manner and the indoor coil experiencing icing during the heat cycle. An installer answered that the problem is either with the unit switching to heat mode or in the indoor coil.
Goodman SSZ14 Model Numbers
The SSZ14 is available in different models which vary in efficiency and capacity.
|Model Number
|BTUs per Hour
|14 / 8.1
|14 / 8.5
|14 / 9
|14 / 8.5
|15 / 9
SSZ14 Warranty
Goodman provides a lifetime limited warranty on the compressor of the SSZ14 heat pump, as
long as the installing owner owns the home. A ten-year limited warranty on parts is also offered. To obtain these warranties, the customer must register online within sixty days of installation.


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Full disclosure, 90% of the time my hair is a literal bird's nest. At any given time it can be knotted, matted and even have a few random twigs thrown in for good measure. I work outdoors quite often as way of explanation for the twigs. Throughout the year I visit bogs and forests for my work and in my free time too. When I'm working outdoors my hair needs to be out of my face, so it's normally thrown into a top knot or covered in a woolly hat and scarf. Between the top knots, wind and rain I end up with a head of hair in serious need of some taming. Over time I've found a few wonder products for restoring my hair to a presentable state so I wanted to share them with anyone who's hair is in need of some love. Everything I currently use can be picked up in Boots or Tesco. First up is my favorite hair tamer of all time; the Tangle Teezer. I bought one after the initial hype it received in the blogging world and haven't looked back. I actually own two, one for home and one for my handbag as it's the only thing I'll brush my hair with. If you're prone to knotty hair it makes dealing with it painless, rejoice! When my hair is being particularly stubborn I use L'oreal Kids Tangel Tamer, fine so it is technically for kids, but why should they be the only ones with pain free hair detangling that smells like pears? It's my secret weapon so invest in a bottle, it's only €2.95 in Tesco and did I mention it smells like pears! When it comes to washing my hair I always use Aussie products, I won't highlight a particular Aussie product that's best, as I love any I've tried so far. After using them exclusively over a number of months, I've noticed a huge difference in the appearance and manageability of my hair. I swear by their 3 Minute Miracle conditioner, it makes my hair feel silky soft, it's honestly the best brand of conditioner I've ever used. Keep an eye out in Boots as Aussie products are regularly 3 for €15, so you can stock up on shampoo, conditioner and dry shampoo to your hearts content. Lastly, on to a little styling, admittedly my go to hair styles are up, down and backcombed. When I feel like making a little extra effort or I want more volume, I love texturiser sprays to take wavy messy hairstyles to the next level. Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray is perfect for my hair as it makes my fine hair way more voluminous with just a couple of spritzes.
Those are my favorite hair care & styling products for the outdoorsy girl, let me know if you've any recommendations for messy hair


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Yeshiva Beth Yehudah firmly believes that when each child's individual needs are met, every single child benefits. When a Rebbi, Morah, or Teacher receives the support they need for their students, the Teacher can teach and the children can learn and grow.
Each division of Yeshiva Beth Yehudah, in both Limudei Kodesh and General Studies, is staffed with highly qualified and dedicated educators to assist and support the education every child is receiving in the classroom. Each Learning Center is staffed with Teachers who hold a Masters in Special Education. The Preschool and Boys and Girls Elementary Schools have Keriah and Reading specialists. Each division has a Social Worker and/or Guidance Counselor. The Yeshiva has on staff our own Speech and Language Therapist.


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Passing Judgment: Mariano Rivera's Impact on Fantasy Baseball
Much has been made about Mariano Rivera's retirement from baseball, and rightfully so. This man has proven over and over again that he is indisputably the greatest closer in the history of the game. I strongly dislike the Yankees, but I certainly respect and admire Rivera's longevity, consistency, and dominance. It really is incredible that […]Read more


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- Research
- Open Access
Lipid nanoparticles for transdermal delivery of flurbiprofen: formulation, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies
© Bhaskar et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2009
- Received: 11 January 2009
- Accepted: 26 February 2009
- Published: 26 February 2009
The aim of the study is to prepare aqueous dispersions of lipid nanoparticles – flurbiprofen solid lipid nanoparticles (FLUSLN) and flurbiprofen nanostructured lipid carriers (FLUNLC) by hot homogenization followed by sonication technique and then incorporated into the freshly prepared hydrogels for transdermal delivery. They are characterized for particle size, for all the formulations, more than 50% of the particles were below 300 nm after 90 days of storage at RT. DSC analyses were performed to characterize the state of drug and lipid modification. Shape and surface morphology were determined by TEM which revealed fairly spherical shape of the formulations. Further they were evaluated for in vitro drug release characteristics, rheological behaviour, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. The pharmacokinetics of flurbiprofen in rats following application of SLN gel (A1) and NLC gel (B1) for 24 h were evaluated. The Cmax of the B1 formulation was 38.67 ± 2.77 μg/ml, which was significantly higher than the A1 formulation (Cmax = 21.79 ± 2.96 μg/ml). The Cmax and AUC of the B1 formulation were 1.8 and 2.5 times higher than the A1 gel formulation respectively. The bioavailability of flurbiprofen with reference to oral administration was found to increase by 4.4 times when gel formulations were applied. Anti-inflammatory effect in the Carrageenan-induced paw edema in rat was significantly higher for B1 and A1 formulation than the orally administered flurbiprofen. Both the SLN and NLC dispersions and gels enriched with SLN and NLC possessed a sustained drug release over period of 24 h but the sustained effect was more pronounced with the SLN and NLC gel
- Drug Release
- High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy
- Flurbiprofen
- Entrapment Efficiency
- Solid Lipid Nanoparticles
Drug delivery from colloidal systems such as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) dispersed in a hydrogel appears to be unique when compared to the delivery from traditional topical and dermatological formulations. During the last decade, considerable attention has been paid to the development of new controlled delivery systems, in order to supply a long-term drug release and, therefore, increase patient's therapeutic compliance and acceptance. SLN and NLC are interesting systems for the present purpose due to their solid matrix which might avoid the burst release obtained in conventional topical formulations [1, 2]. These lipid nanoparticles differ from each other because in NLC a controlled nanostructuring of the lipid matrix is performed due to the mixture of solid and liquid lipids, in order to increase drug-loading and prevent its expulsion. In addition, the nanostructured lipid matrix gives more flexibility in modulation of drug release.
Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are two main types of lipid nanoparticles. SLN is a colloidal carrier system for controlled drug delivery, followed by the development of emulsion, liposomes, microparticles and nanoparticles based on synthetic or natural polymers [3]. They combine the advantages of emulsions, liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles. The solid matrix can protect incorporated active ingredients against chemical degradation and provide the highest flexibilities in the modulation of the drug release profiles. Moreover, the SLNs are composed of physiologically well tolerated excipients. Advantages of SLN and NLC include a potentially wide application spectrum (dermal, oral, intravenous), the use of biodegradable physiological lipids or lipidic stabilizers which are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or have a regulatory accepted status. NLC composed of solid lipid matrix with certain content of liquid lipid are a new generation of lipid nanoparticles. The incorporation of liquid lipids into solid lipid matrix leads to great imperfections in the crystal lattice of nanoparticles, thus leading to improved drug loading capacity and reduced drug expulsion during storage [4, 5].
As transdermal delivery system, SLN and NLC possess many obvious advantages. It is assumed that SLN and NLC, when administered directly onto skin in a small but sufficient quantity, would cause less side effects, if any, than the currently available formulations. SLN and NLC seem to be well suited for use on damaged or inflamed skin because they are based on non-irritative and non-toxic lipids. With respect to their use as carriers for topical applications, the occlusive effect due to film formation on the skin surface that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Increasing the water content in the skin can reduce the symptoms of atopic eczema and improve the appearance of healthy human skin. Occlusion can also enhance the penetration of drugs through the stratum corneum by increased hydration. Apart from a nonspecific occlusion effect on penetration, penetration might also be affected by the SLN and NLC carrier itself, the high specific surface area of nanometer sized SLN and NLC facilitates contact of encapsulated drugs with the stratum corneum [4].
The main purpose is to investigate the latest developments of innovative solid lipid carriers, particularly solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), for transdermal delivery of flurbiprofen.
Flurbiprofen is a chiral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the 2-arylpropionic acid class. Flurbiprofen, one of the most potent inhibitors of platelet aggregation currently available, is used to treat gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and sunburn. Flurbiprofen has also been found to cause a dose-dependent inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma from human, rats and rabbits in vitro. Upon oral administration, the most frequently reported side effects of flurbiprofen are abdominal discomfort along with other gastrointestinal effects. Also, it has a short elimination half-life of 3.9 h and requires frequent dosing. Therefore long-term percutaneous absorption of flurbiprofen at a controlled rate is needed. Transdermal delivery would provide a means to avoid the gastrointestinal damage associated with oral route. However, intercellular lipid barrier in the stratum corneum has formidable barrier properties and most of the drugs cannot penetrate the skin readily.
The aims of the present study were to 1) develop SLN and NLC enriched hydrogels for transdermal delivery, 2) perform in vitro and in vivo permeation studies through rat skin, and 3) evaluate the efficacy of SLN/NLC gels against inflammation induced rats. The purpose was to provide the delivery of the drug at a controlled rate across intact skin to improve bioavailability and inflammation control for longer period from SLN/NLC gels.
This paper was also designed to assess the possibility to develop SLN and NLC based semi-solid formulations using a well established hydrogel as transdermal vehicle. We have also tried to improve the bioavailability of the transdermally applied flurbiprofen. The objectives of this study were to develop a patient non infringing drug delivery system that could reduce the side effects due to optimization of the blood concentration time profile and to extend duration of activity which allows greater patient compliance owing to elimination of multiple dosing schedules.
The following materials were used from the indicated sources without further purification procedures. Flurbiprofen and ibuprofen were kindly gifted by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries LTD (Mumbai, India). Trimyristin (TM) (Dynasan 114) was generously supplied by Sasol (Witten, Germany); Captex 355 EP/NF (triglycerides of caprylic and capric acid) was donated by Abitec Corporation (Janesville, Winsconsin, USA), Soy phosphatidylcholine 99% (Epikuron 200) was donated by Degussa Texturant Systems (Deutschland, Hamburg, Germany). Tween 80 and dialysis membrane-70 were purchased from Hi-Media (Mumbai, India). For hydrogel preparation, Carbopol 934 (polyacrylate) was purchased from BF Goodrich (Cleveland, Ohio, USA), Xanthan gum was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (Mumbai, India), hydroxy propyl cellulose (HPC) was purchased from Hi-Media (Mumbai, India). Chitosan (degree of deacetylation, 80.8%) was gifted by Central Institute of Fisheries Technology and India Sea Foods (Kochi, India). Centrisart filters (molecular weight cutoff 20,000) were purchased from Sartorius (Goettingen, Germany). The other chemicals were of analytical reagent grade.
Preparation of aqueous SLN and NLC dispersions of Flurbiprofen
FLU (1% w/v), Dynasan 114 (5% w/v), and phosphatidylcholine 99% (2% w/v) were dissolved in 10 ml mixture of chloroform and methanol (1:1). Organic solvents were completely removed using a rotoevaporator (Laborota 4000, Heidolph, Germany). Drug-embedded lipid layer was melted by heating at 58°C above melting point of the lipid. An aqueous phase was prepared by dissolving polysorbate 80 (1% w/v) in double distilled water (sufficient to produce 10 ml of preparation) and heated to same temperature of oil phase. Hot aqueous phase was added to the oil phase, and homogenization was carried out (at 12,000 rpm and temperature 70°C) using a Diax 900 homogenizer (Heidolph, Germany) for 3 min. Coarse hot oil in water emulsion so obtained was ultrasonicated (12T-probe) using a Sonoplus ultrahomogenizer (Bandelin, Germany) for 15 min. Flurbiprofen solid lipid nanoparticles (FLUSLN) were obtained by allowing hot nanoemulsion to cool to room temperature.
Flurbiprofen nano-structured lipid carriers (FLUNLC) were prepared in exactly the same manner as the SLN dispersions, only partially replacing 30% of the solid lipid matrix by Captex 355 EP/NF (caprylic/capric triglycerides).
Gels enriched with lipid nanoparticles
Gels were prepared using four polymers namely carbopol 934 (1%), xanthan gum (1%), hydroxyl propyl cellulose (2%) and chitosan (1%). For the preparation of hydrogel, the gel forming polymer was dispersed in double distilled water containing glycerol (10%). Aqueous FLUSLN and FLUNLC dispersions and hydrogels were mixed in a high speed stirrer (Remi, Mumbai, India) at approximately 1000 rpm for 5 min to yield gels containing a final concentration of 5% lipid nanoparticles. The hydrogels composed of carbopol 934 and chitosan were adjusted to pH 6.5 and 4.0 respectively. The SLN and NLC dispersions were used as reference. The SLN and NLC loaded FLU hydrogels were stored at room temperature for 90 days.
Physicochemical Properties of SLN and NLC Hydrogels
The SLN and NLC enriched hydrogels were characterized for their physicochemical properties such as colour, odour and pH.
Measurement of Particle size of SLN and NLC enriched hydrogels
The mean size and polydispersity index of the size distribution of FLUSLN and FLUNLC was determined by photon correlation spectroscopy using Zetasizer 3000 HSA (Malvern Instruments, Malvern, UK). The SLN dispersions were diluted 1:1000 with the aqueous phase of the formulation to get a suitable kilo counts per second (kcps). Analysis was performed at 25°C with an angle of detection of 90°. Each value reported is the average of three measurements. The polydispersity index measures the size distribution of the nanoparticle population.
Measurement of zeta potential of SLN and NLC enriched hydrogels
Zeta potential of different formulations of flurbiprofen SLN and NLC were measured by Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (PCS) using Zetasizer 3000 HSA (Malvern Instruments, Malvern, UK). The SLN dispersions were diluted as mentioned in size determination.
Assay and Entrapment Efficiency
The prepared FLUSLN/FLUNLC dispersions (0.2 ml) were diluted to 10 ml with chloroform/methanol (1:1). Final dilution was made with mobile phase, and FLU content was determined by HPLC.
The entrapment efficiency of the system was determined by measuring the concentration of free drug in the dispersion medium/aqueous phase of undiluted FLU/SLN dispersion. Ultracentrifugation was carried out using Centrisart, which consists of filter membrane (molecular weight cut-off, 20,000 Da) at the base of the sample recovery chamber. About 1 ml of undiluted sample of FLUSLN/FLUNLC dispersion was placed in the outer chamber, and the sample recovery chamber was placed on top of the sample. The unit was centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 30 min. The SLN/NLC along with encapsulated drug remained in the outer chamber, and aqueous phase moved into the sample recovery chamber through filter membrane. The amount of the FLU in the aqueous phase was estimated by HPLC.
HPLC analysis of Flurbiprofen
The mobile phase consisted of a 40% aqueous phase adjusted to pH 2.6 with acetic acid; and 60% acetonitrile. Mobile phase was degassed with the help of bath sonicator. The chromatographic system consisted of a Shimadzu LC-10AT solvent delivery pump equipped with a 20 μl loop and rheodyne sample injector. Phenomenex (25 cm × 4.6 mm ID) analytical column was used. Detector used was SPD-10A VP dual wavelength UV-Visible detector (Shimadzu) and the eluate was monitored at 245 nm. The sensitivity was set at 0.001 AUFS. Flow rate was kept at 1 ml/min. The data was recorded using Winchrome Software.
DSC Analysis
DSC analysis of flurbiprofen (FLU), trimyristin (TM), physical mixture (PM), and lyophilized FLUSLN and FLUNLC were performed using Perkin-Elmer DSC-7 model. The instrument was calibrated with indium. All the samples (≈5 mg) were heated in aluminum pans using dry nitrogen as the effluent gas. The analysis was performed with a heating range of 20–200°C and at a rate of 20°C/min.
High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM)
Bright-field transmission electronic images were taken using JEOL, JSM-3010 HRTEM, Japan, operated at 300 keV. Samples for TEM measurements were prepared by dropping the dispersion of the nanoparticles on a copper grid supported Formvar Films.
In vitro Release Studies of Flurbiprofen SLN and NLC
In vitro release studies were performed using modified Franz diffusion cell. Dialysis membrane (purchased from Hi-Media, Mumbai, India) having pore size 2.4 nm, molecular weight cut-off between 12,000–14,000 was used. Membrane was soaked in double distilled water for 12 h before mounting in a Franz diffusion cell. Phosphate buffer pH 5.6 containing 0.5% w/v of polysorbate 80 was used as release media. SLN/NLC dispersion (1 ml) was placed in the donor compartment and the receptor compartment was filled with 0.5% polysorbate 80 in phosphate buffer, pH 5.6 (12 ml). During the experiments, the solution in receptor side was maintained at 37°C ± 0.5°C and stirred at 800 rpm with Teflon-coated magnetic stirring bars. At fixed time intervals, 100 μl of the sample was withdrawn from receiver compartment through side tube and analyzed by HPLC.
Data obtained from in vitro release studies were fitted to various kinetic equations to find out the mechanism of flurbiprofen release from FLUSLN and FLUNLC [6, 7]. The kinetic models used were zero order equation, first order equation, Higuchi release and Korsemeyer-Peppas.
Skin membrane preparation
The abdominal hair of Wister male rats, weighing 160 ± 25 g, was shaved using razors 24 h before treatment. After anesthetizing the rat with ether, the abdominal skin was surgically removed from the animal, and adhering subcutaneous fat was carefully cleaned. To remove extraneous debris and leachable enzymes, the dermal side of the skin was in contact with a saline solution for 1 h before starting the diffusion experiment. All surgical and experimental procedures were reviewed and approved by the animal and ethics review committee of Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kakatiya University, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Ex Vivo Permeation studies
A system employing improved Franz diffusion cells with a diffusional area of 3.56 cm2 was used for permeation studies. The excised rat skin was set in place with the stratum corneum facing the donor compartment and the dermis facing the receptor compartment. Two ml of SLN/NLC dispersion/0.5 g of the gel of flurbiprofen were applied to the skin surface in the donor compartment and the receptor compartment of the cell was filled with 12 ml of saline phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). During the experiments, the solution in receptor side was maintained at 37 ± 0.5°C and stirred at 800 rpm with Teflon-coated magnetic stirring bars. After application of the test formulation on the donor side, 100 μl aliquots were collected from the receptor side at designated time intervals (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 h). Thereafter, an equivalent volume of receptor fluid was supplied to the receiver compartment immediately after each sample collection. At the end of 24 h, the amount of drug remaining on the skin and the drug concentration in the skin was determined by extraction into a suitable solvent followed by HPLC analysis.
Rheological Measurements
The rheological measurements were performed on a rheometer Brookfield Programmable Rheometer LVDV-III + CP 230 equipped with a cone and plate test geometry (plate diameter 20 mm, cone angle 4°). All measurements were carried out at a temperature of 20 ± 0.1°C. The rheological properties of the developed hydrogels containing SLN and NLC were studied by continuous shear investigations, which were performed in order to evaluate the shear rate [1/s] as a function of shear stress [Pa]. This study started applying 0 Pa up to a maximum shear stress of 50 Pa and the resulting shear rate was measured.
In vivo Studies
The animals used for in vivo experiments were adult male Wistar albino rats (230–250 g) procured from the central animal house of University college of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kakatiya University, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, India. The animals were kept under standard laboratory conditions, at 25 ± 1-C and 55 ± 5% relative humidity with a 12 h light/dark cycle. The animals were housed in polypropylene cages, with free access to a standard laboratory diet (Lipton Feed, Mumbai, India) and water. The study was approved by the Institutional Animal and Ethics Committee (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kakatiya University, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, India). Guidelines of the institutional animal ethics committee were followed for in vivo experiments.
Pharmacokinetic Studies of SLN and NLC enriched Hydrogels on Animals
The protocol for the studies was approved by institutional animal ethical committee. Wistar albino rats were used as the animal models for the bioavailability studies. The animals were selected after superficial examination of the skin surface for abnormalities. Only rats weighing between 230 and 250 g were selected for the study. About 9 cm2 of skin was shaved on the dorsal side. Before application of the gels, rats were kept under observation for 24 h for any untoward effects of shaving; they were fasted over this period. The rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 6). Group I was administered flurbiprofen orally 10 mg/kg, 0.5 ml suspension in 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution in water, group II received SLN enriched hydrogel (A1), and group III received NLC enriched hydrogel (B1). The blood samples (250 μl) were collected in eppendorf tubes containing EDTA drawn from the tail vein of the rat at different time intervals (1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h). Plasma samples were separated by centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 5 min (Micro Centrifuge, Kunchun, Korea) and stored in vials at -20°C until they were analyzed by HPLC. The results were compared with the orally administered flurbiprofen.
Pharmacokinetic Analysis
Plasma concentration versus time data for flurbiprofen in individual rats was analyzed by using Kinetica (version 1.1). The statistical significance of the differences between the formulations was analyzed by Student t test using Graph Pad InStat 3 software. A difference below the probability level of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, Tmax, t1/2, AUC0–24 and AUC0-∞ were estimated. The pharmacokinetic parameters estimated for each rat individually and average of six values was calculated.
Pharmacodynamic Studies
Carrageenan induced paw edema method was used to study the in vivo performance of the prepared drug delivery system, and the study was approved by University Animal Ethical Committee. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined by measuring change in the volume of inflamed paw, produced by injection of carageenan (0.1 ml of 1% w/v) using plethysmometer (INCO, India). Male albino rats (Wistar strain) selected for the study were weighed and marks were made on the right hind paw just behind tibia-tarsal junction on each animal. Thus, every time the paw was dipped in the plethysmograph (mercury displacement method) up to the fixed mark to ensure constant paw volume. Wistar rats were divided into four groups including one controlled group with each group comprising of 6 animals. The paw volume was noted at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h.
where, Vcontrol = mean oedema volume of rats in controlled group and Vtreated = edema volume of each rat in test group.
Results and Discussion
Characterization of the investigated formulation
Composition of the investigated FLUSLN and FLUNLC formulations (% w/w)
Dynasan 114
Epikuron 200
Captex 355
Polysorbate 80
Final composition of the investigated A (FLUSLN) and B (FLUNLC) enriched hydrogel formulations [% w/w]
Dynasan 114
Captex 355
Epikuron 200
Polysorbate 80
Gel forming agent
1% Carbopol 934
1% Xanthan gum
1% Chitosan
1% Carbopol 934
1% Xanthan gum
1% Chitosan
Physicochemical properties
The FLUSLN and FLUNLC dispersions were light yellowish in colour, odourless and fluid in nature. It was stable and did not show sedimentation even after centrifugation. Gels loaded with FLUSLN and FLUNLC dispersions were light yellow in colour, odourless with smooth appearance.
Particle size analysis
Zeta potential (ζ)
Zeta potential and SD values of FLUSLN and FLUNLC before and after their incorporation into hydrogels measured on day 1 and day 90 of storage at room temperature
Day 1
Day 90
Assay and Entrapment Efficiency
A high amount of flurbiprofen could be incorporated in the SLN and NLC dispersions. As high as 30% of the drug with respect to the lipid could be incorporated, such high incorporation is possible because of the lipophilic character of flurbiprofen. Assay results showed that concentration of flurbiprofen in the total system ranged from 0.92 to 0.99 mg/ml.
The percentage of incorporated drug in the lipid matrix (entrapment efficiency) was evaluated over a period of 90 days. Incorporation of flurbiprofen led to high entrapment efficiency, probably because of their lipophilic character. FLUNLC is responsible for higher entrapment efficiency in comparison to FLUSLN formulation. This result is due to the binary mixture of liquid and solid lipids, resulting in only a very weak crystallization [10, 11]. For all the tested formulations the entrapment efficiency was higher than 90%.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM)
In vitro Release Studies
A different release kinetic was observed for the SLN dispersions and SLN gel formulations. Fick's law of diffusion seems not to be applicable in each case. An initial rapid drug release was noted in the SLN/NLC dispersions, whereas a lag time was observed with SLN/NLC enriched gel formulations which could result from the time taken by the drug to diffuse across the gel. The direct exposure of SLN/NLC dispersion to diffusion media and quick release of drug may account for rapid initial release in SLN/NLC dispersions. Both SLN/NLC dispersions and SLN/NLC enriched gel formulations showed controlled drug release and also an increase in release rate was observed after 24 h.
The log percent cumulative drug released was plotted as a function of log time and the slope of the curves was determined as the values of diffusional release exponent (η). The values of diffusional release exponent (η) from the straight lines were noted to be 0.69–0.82 in SLN dispersions and SLN gel formulations, which showed that the release of drug from formulations followed a non-Fickian pattern [16]. From the percent cumulative drug released versus time plot, the slope values were determined as release rate constants. The percent cumulative drug released for B (FLUNLC) 72.65% and A (FLUSLN) 63.66% with release rate constants of 2.9515 and 2.691%/cm2/h, respectively. B1 (NLC) (63.45%) and A1 (SLN) gel (54.85%) have minimum drug release with release rate constants of 2.7527 and 2.4488%/cm2/h, respectively. A1 and B1 gel slowly releases the drug as compared with SLN and NLC dispersion, accounted for by the time the drug takes to diffuse through gel. The slower release of drug from SLN and NLC enriched carbopol gel maintained the drug concentration for longer period of time. Burst releases as well as sustained release both are of interest for dermal application. Burst release can be useful to improve the penetration of drug. Sustained release supplied the drug over a prolonged period of time.
In vitro Skin permeation studies
From the percent cumulative drug permeated versus time plot, the slope values were determined as the skin permeation rate. The cumulative amount of drug permeated at the end of 24 h was found to be 3671.76 ± 128.82 and 4578.89 ± 116.16 μg/cm2 with skin permeation rate constants of 7.8651 and 9.7519 percent/cm2/h for A (FLUSLN) and B (FLUNLC) dispersions respectively. The cumulative amount of drug permeated at the end of 24 h was found to be 3019.27 ± 126.19 and 3792.54 ± 149.98 μg/cm2 with skin permeation rate constants of 5.9897 and 7.7954 percent/cm2/h for A1 and B1 enriched carbopol gels respectively. SLN and NLC enriched carbopol gels released drug slowly when compared with SLN and NLC dispersions, accounted for by the time drug takes to diffuse through the gel. The slower release of drug from SLN and NLC carbopol gels maintained the drug concentration for longer period of time.
The SLN/NLC dispersions and SLN/NLC gel formulations possessed a sustained drug release over a period of 24 h, but the sustained effect was more pronounced with SLN and NLC enriched gel formulations.
The results of drug permeation from all the formulations through the rat abdominal skin confirmed that flurbiprofen was released and permeated through the rat skin and hence could possibly permeate through the human skin.
Rheological Measurements
Rheological measurements are useful for the characterization of the viscoelastic properties of aqueous SLN and NLC dispersions and SLN and NLC containing hydrogels. Therefore continuous shear investigations were performed in the tested hydrogel formulations in order to evaluate the shear rate as a function of shear stress. Conventional SLN and NLC aqueous dispersions contain about 10–20% (w/w) of lipid matrix and 80–90% (w/w) of water. As a result, liquid solid lipid dispersions possess a low viscosity (approximately 100 mPa s) and a yield value of practically zero. Therefore, the liquid solid lipid dispersions usually have to be incorporated in convenient topical dosage forms like hydrogels or creams to obtain a topical application form having the desired semisolid consistency [18, 19].
Pharmacokinetic Studies of SLN and NLC enriched Hydrogels on Animals
The AUC decreased in the following order A1 > B1 > oral. The pharmacokinetic parameters of flurbiprofen after the oral administration were significantly different from the parameters obtained after the transdermal application of gel formulations. After the oral administration of flurbiprofen, the Cmax of the drug reached within 1 h, and a sharp decline was observed as shown in figure 12.
The increase in the AUC0–∞ of flurbiprofen after application of transdermal gel formulations was significantly higher than orally administered flurbiprofen, which indicates the improved bioavailability of flurbiprofen through transdermal drug delivery route. The bioavailability of flurbiprofen with reference to orally administered flurbiprofen was found to increase by 4.4 times when transdermal gel formulations were applied. Greater flurbiprofen plasma levels were achieved immediately and were maintained till the last sample. In other previously reported study flurbiprofen levels of 43.9 μg/ml were achieved in rats at 1.8 h after the application of 500 μl of 1% flurbiprofen containing 5% of oleic acid and 5% urea in propylene glycol, on the dorsal area of 9 cm2 [20]. In this study, higher plasma levels of flurbiprofen were achieved with the application of transdermal hydrogels.
Pharmacodynamic Studies
The in vivo performance of selected A1 (FLUSLN) and B1 (FLUNLC) enriched hydrogel were carried out in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. Both the formulations A1 and B1 under study not only decreased the inflammation to the larger magnitude, but also sustained this magnitude. In A1 formulation the maximum inhibition was observed at 8th h with higher value (78.2%), up to 8 h inhibition was maintained above 60%, and even after 24 h, 35% inhibition was observed.
Both FLUSLN and FLUNLC represent a highly effective, non-irritant carrier for transdermal/topical preparations, where improved drug penetration is desired. Improved skin penetration can be due to enhanced contact of the active agent and skin resulting from the large particle surface area and film formation. After 90 days of storage at different temperatures the mean diameters of SLN and NLC remain practically the same (< 1 μm), which emphasizes the physical stability of these lipid particles. FLUNLC showed higher entrapment efficiency due to their liquid parts. FLUNLC also showed a faster release profile in comparison to FLUSLN. Both the SLN and NLC dispersions and gels enriched with SLN and NLC possessed a sustained drug release over period of 24 h but the sustained effect was more pronounced with the SLN and NLC gel formulations. The rheological investigations provide information about application of semisolid formulations and their performance on skin; these studies were conducted both on SLN and NLC enriched hydrogels. These systems are complex and their performance is dependent on structure of the gel forming polymer used for hydrogel preparation. Moreover, by increasing the solid lipid content of the dispersed phase an increase in elastic component was observed.
The pharmacokinetic parameters obtained with transdermal gels were significantly different from those obtained with oral flurbiprofen administration. The results indicate that the elimination half-life of flurbiprofen was prolonged from oral administration to the gel formulations in rats. This indicates that the drug remains in the body for a longer period and has a sustained action. The significantly high AUC values observed with transdermal gels also indicate increased bioavailability of the drug from gels compared with oral administration. Since the administration of flurbiprofen through gels resulted in sustained and continued drug release for 24 h, the gels were able to control the inflammation throughout the period. The anti-inflammatory activity of both the formulations (A1 and B1) was maintained for longer period of time due to slow release of the drug.
Clearly, the prepared transdermal gel formulations (A1 and B1) are capable of surmounting the shortcomings of oral administration of flurbiprofen, such as low bioavailability, short half-life, and high first pass metabolism.
Dr. K. Bhaskar highly acknowledges Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Chancellor, Vels University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India and Mr. S. Kamalakannan, Pro Chancellor, Vels University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India for providing support to carry out this research work. He also thanks All India Council for Technical Education (A.I.C.T.E) for providing financial support. The authors thank Degussa Texturant Systems, Deutschland, Hamburg, Germany for providing gift sample of Epikuron 200.
Authors' Affiliations
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This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


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Q: Why did the chicken cross the road?
A: He was thrown from an 18-wheeler on the other side.
The crash occurred just east of the Navasota River, around 1:25 p.m. on Thursday when a Sanderson Farms 18-wheeler loaded with live chickens was westbound on Hwy 30 in Grimes County.
The truck started down a hill and disaster struck. An earth mover was turning left into the Brazos Landfill construction project and the 18-wheeler slammed into the rear of the earth mover, trapping the truck driver inside and scattering chickens all over the road. None of the chickens were wearing safety belts.
DPS and the Grimes County Sheriff's Office closed the highway for a short time while the truck was unloaded. PHI Air Medical was dispatched to the scene, but in the end, the patient was transported by ground ambulance a hospital in College Station. No count of chicken casualties was provided, but they were few, according to law enforcement.
Heavy duty wreckers responded, along with representatives from Sanderson Farms. Workers had to catch the loose chickens and load them into cages on another truck.
DPS is investigating why the unlicensed earth mover was operating on a public roadway.
The incident was one of the first major accidents since DPS Sgt. Joey Evans took over that district.