Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing study of subgingival microbiota of healthy subjects and patients with periodontitis from four different countries.

AIM: To investigate the differences between the subgingival microbiota of healthy subjects (HS) and periodontitis patients (PP) from four different countries through a metagenomic approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subgingival samples were obtained from subjects from four different countries. Microbial composition was analysed through high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The country of origin, diagnosis and clinical and demographic variables of the subjects were used to analyse the microbial profiles. RESULTS: In total, 506 subgingival samples were analysed: 196 from HS and 310 from patients with periodontitis. Differences in richness, diversity and microbial composition were observed when comparing samples pertaining to different countries of origin and different subject diagnoses. Clinical variables, such as bleeding on probing, did not significantly affect the bacterial composition of the samples. A highly conserved core of microbiota associated with periodontitis was detected, while the microbiota associated with periodontally HS was much more diverse. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal diagnosis of the subjects was the main variable explaining the composition of the microbiota in the subgingival niche. Nevertheless, the country of origin also had a significant impact on the microbiota and is therefore an important factor to consider when describing subgingival bacterial communities.

Nutrition and prevalence of undernutrition assessed by different diagnostic criteria in nursing homes for elderly people.

BACKGROUND: Undernutrition is the state produced by the intake of insufficient energy, macronutrients or micronutrients. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of undernutrition using 10 different diagnostic criteria described in the literature and to assess its association with energy intake in an institutionalised elderly population. METHODS: The cross-sectional study included 213 subjects, aged 65-96 years (135 women and 78 men), who lived in seven nursing homes in the province of Murcia, on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Dietary intake and anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed, and 10 different diagnostic criteria, taken from studies of elderly subjects similar to our population, were applied. RESULTS: The mean dietary intakes appeared to cover the recommended dietary intake for a Spanish elderly population. However, only 58.2% of the studied subjects consumed 100% of the recommended dietary intake and 15.5% of the subjects had an energy intake below 80% of the recommended dietary intake. Depending on the criteria used for the diagnosis, the proportion of patients with undernutrition varied between 2% and 57%. When the relationship between undernourishment, as defined by the different methods and intake deficiency, was assessed, a statistically significant relationship was only found for five of the 10 diagnostic criteria assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Research needs to focus on the development and evaluation of specific nutritional assessment tools for application to older people aiming to improve the detection of those suffering (or who are at risk of suffering) undernutrition.

Dietary intake and iron status of institutionalized elderly people: relationship with different factors.

OBJECTIVES: Aims of the study were to investigate iron status in institutionalized elderly subjects and to determine its association with different factors including: age, gender, body mass index, dietary intake, consumption of iron supplements, functional status and disease. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Seven public nursing homes. PARTICIPANTS: 252 subjects, aged 65-96 years. MEASUREMENTS: Food intake was assessed by a 4-day weighed-food record. Iron status indices were measured. Barthel' s Index was used to evaluate functional status. Illnesses were ascertained from medical records. RESULTS: Anemia was found in 25.4% of subjects studied. Average dietary intakes fulfilled the amounts of Recommended Dietary Intake for Spanish elderly population, except for folate. A substantial percentage of subjects exhibited folate dietary deficit (89.2%). Mean (SD) BMI was 27.8 (6.4) kg/m2, and functional status 78.1 (26.5). Taking into account hematocrit, red blood cell count and serum iron concentration values, poor iron status was significantly more common in men (59.4, 61.4 and 16.8%, respectively) than in women (36.4, 36.4 and 6.0%, respectively). Hemoglobin concentration was positively associated with the energy and nutrient dietary intake, and negatively with age, BMI and functional status. CONCLUSIONS: Based on World Health Organization criteria, anemia was found in 25.4% of elderly subjects studied. Iron deficiency seems to be the main cause of anemia, and chronic disease the second cause of anemia. Dietary intake is not one of the principal causes of anemia in the study population, except for folate intake.

In vitro percutaneous absorption of all-trans retinoic acid applied in free form or encapsulated in stratum corneum lipid liposomes.

The objective of this study was to design an all-trans retinoic acid (RA) topical release system that modifies drug diffusion parameters in the vehicle and the skin in order to reduce systemic absorption and the side-effects associated with topical application of the drug to skin. Three cases of application of hydrogels containing RA either in free form or encapsulated in stratum corneum lipid liposomes (SCLLs) have been considered. For this purpose, we have evaluated the RA in formulations with combinations of Carbopol Ultrez 10 (U10) and hyaluronic acid (HA) for percutaneous absorption. In vitro permeability experiments with [3H]-t-RA were carried out using a Franz-type diffusion cell in abdominal rat skin samples. Accumulation of the drug in the surface and skin layers was evaluated by both the tape stripping method and a dissection technique, and subsequently, all the radiolabelled samples were analyzed by liquid scintillation counting. The results show that RA encapsulation not only prolongs drug release but also promotes drug retention by the viable skin. At the same time, interaction between RA and HA has an obstructive effect on diffusion, which contributes to the formation of a reservoir of the latter.

Pharmacotechnical characterization and effectiveness testing of a proposed emulsion for the treatment of dry skin.

One of the most important objectives of the Pharmaceutical Industry is the development of new excipients as well as the optimization of other more traditional ones. Also, the investigation of new active substances able to prevent, palliate or treat the cutaneous dehydration is another of the most important of their objectives. Both tendencies are implanted in this experimental work: we propose an emulsion formulated with the base--Neo PCL' (25%), NMF (Lactil', 5%) and a peculiar active--Honey of Rosemary (15%). The working scheme is as follows: 1) Pharmacotechnical Characterization--organoleptic characteristics, Photomicrograph Study, Type of Emulsion, pH, Rheology; 2) Stability Study by means of accelerated tests based on temperature and centrifugation; 3) Effectiveness Study by applying of non-invasive assessment techniques. An emulsified dermopharmaceutical form is obtained (O/W) with a satisfactory organoleptic characteristics and eudermic pH (5.2), attributable to the acid character of Honey. From the rheological study, a very good results are obtained: viscosity (T = 408.8.D0.549), structural recuperation (30%) and thixotropy (AD1/AD2 = 1.36). On the other hand, from the effectiveness results (corneometric--P.I.120 = 43.2%- and sebumetric--E.I. = 33-144 mg/cm2-), a high level of moisturizing is deduced, which is attributable to the synergic action of both Lactil' and Honey. Finally, the proposed emulsion would serve as a treatment for all type of dry skin.

Rheological characterization of hydroalcoholic gels--15% ethanol--of Carbopol Ultrez 10.

The rheological behaviour of Carbopol Ultrez 10 ethanolic (15%) gels was studied as a function of two main variables: pH (4.0-7.0) and the polymer concentration (0.1-0.5%). Flow curves of all hydroalcoholic gels were adjusted to the Ostwald model. Sigmoidal dose response functions were obtained to describe the pH dependence of consistency index of the systems. The concentration dependence of flow indexes was best adjusted to one-phase exponential decay functions. Finally, by substituting in the power law expression, an empirical model is given to estimate viscosities of gels for any value of pH and polymer concentration in the ranges evaluated. As a result, the influence of the variables on polymer network is meaningfully assessed by means of the obtained empirical parameters: bottom value (Ymax), pH value required for a 50% polymer network development (pH50), and asymptotic flow index value for the fully structured gels (n(min)).

Viscosity and temperature relationship in ethanol/water mixtures gelified with Carbopol Ultrez 10.

The rheological characterization of Carbopol Ultrez 10 ethanolic (15%) gels is complemented by studying flow behavior as a function of temperature (20-50 degrees C) at different pH (4.0-7.0) and polymer concentrations (0.1-0.5%). Flow curves were adjusted to the Ostwald model, showing a fall in viscosity, together with an enhancement in flow index with increasing temperature. Calculated flow activation energies at constant shear rate (Egamma) were found to be related to the final pH of hydroalcoholic gels. Nevertheless, at the polymer concentration range evaluated, no significant correlations were obtained between activation energy and concentration. In general, the Carbopol Ultrez 10 gels exhibit little viscosity change under the temperature variations of normal use and storage, which minimizes possible unacceptable changes in the product's characteristics.

Development of a cream from a self-emulsifying base and moisturizing actives.

This research study is based on the design and development of a semisolid emulsion system whose novel self-emulsifying base and preferentially moisturizing actives were investigated to find out whether the system mentioned could be used as a dermatological treatment for highly sensitive skins, including atopic ones. Thus, one of the main objectives of the present study consisted of in vivo evaluation of its effectiveness by means of non-invasive assessment techniques currently employed in cosmetology. Due to the fact that the new formula is, in principle, designed for skins that could present any kind of alteration, the current study was focused on rheological parameters of viscosity, thixotropy, and extensibility to guarantee not only an accurate assessment of composition but also a comfortable and safe application on skin.

Pharmacotechnical caracterization and effectiveness study of a dermopharmaceutical form: rosemary honey contributions as a moisturizing active.

We have designed, elaborated and studied a dermopharmaceutical form formulated on the basis of a modern self-emulsifying excipient and rosemary honey (known as Miel de La Alcarria--Spain--according to the Governing Council), in order to obtain a hight degree of cutaneous hydratation. The formulation is typified and characterized from a pharmacotechnical and rheological points of view. In this sense, the experimental protocol has emphasized rheological essays which give relevant practical information. Also, we have performed a complete study of it physical and structural stability, and, lastly, we evaluated the dermopharmaceutical effectiveness. The work plan included the following tests: 1) Pharmacotechnical Essays--organoleptic characteristics, photomicrograh study, type of interposition, pH-determination, rheological and thixotropic study and physical stability tests; 2) Dermopharmaceutical Effectiveness Assays--Corneometric and Sebumetric measurements. From the results, we have deduced that the emulsified binary system that is proposed, stable from a physical and structural points of view, presents confirmed properties and a very good cosmetological adequation. In this sense, our emulsion presents a high degree of moisturizing/emollient power that qualifies it not only as a magnificent eudermic dermopharmaceutical form, but also as a very appropriate vehicle for Dermopharmaceutical and/or Dermatological Formulation.

[Dermo-pharmaceutical efficacy of emulsions with NEO-PCL: galenic and rheological studies]. / Efficacité dermopharmaceutique d'émulsions à base de NEO-PCL: études galénique et rhéologique.

The future EU prohibition (Directive 86/609/CEE) of using experimentation animals has induced the implementation of non-invasive techniques which are to substitute the present methods. Two non-invasive techniques are used to determine the cosmetological effectiveness of two emulsions formulated on a modern excipient NEO-PCL Base. Furthermore, the incorporation of multiflower honey is analyzed, being carried out the appropriate essays in order to obtain its tipification from a galenic and rheological point of view. After the formulation adjustment, O/W emulsioned systems, eudermic pH, and the rheological parameters to its application on the skin are obtained. Out of the effectiveness study, a high moisturization/emolliency degree is deduced. On the other hand, we conclude that multiflower honey rises the moisturizing power on this kind of products.

Proposal and pharmacotechnical study of a modern dermo-pharmaceutical formulation for cold cream.

Cold-Creams have been used since the times of Galen (II cA.D.) as dermo-pharmaceutical and cosmetic emulsions. This paper proposes a modern Cold-Creams formulation with variations to improve both the formula as well as the properties and applications of the traditional cerates. Basically, a modern self-emulsionable excipient with isopropyl myristate is proposed. This substance is completely analysed from the galenic and pharmaco-technical viewpoints and the analysis is completed with a study of cosmetic or dermo-pharmaceutical effectiveness and topical application on skin. The results clearly show the advantages of the new formula which are: it is easy and comfortable to prepare, very adequate for cosmetology with satisfactory stability and rheological qualities and a high degree of moisture/emollient power make it appropriate as a vehicle for the active principle in Dermopharmacy and Cosmetology.