Kombucha as a Potential Active Ingredient in Cosmetics-An Ex Vivo Skin Permeation Study.

Kombucha is a non-alcoholic beverage, that is increasingly used in the cosmetic industry. The available literature reports the positive effects of kombucha on the skin, in particular its antioxidant action. However, there is a lack of information on skin permeation and the accumulation of active ingredients showing such effects. Skin aging is largely dependent on oxidative stress, therefore in our study we assessed the ex vivo permeation of two types of kombucha (green and black tea) through porcine skin. The antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP methods) and total polyphenol content of these extracts were determined before and after permeation testing. Moreover, the content of selected phenolic acids as well as caffeine was assessed. Skin permeation was determined using a Franz diffusion cell. The antioxidant activity of both Kombuchas was found to be high. In addition, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid, coumaric acid, m-hydroxybenzoic acid, and caffeine were identified. A 24-h ex vivo study showed the permeation of some phenolic acids and caffeine and their accumulation in the skin. Our results confirm the importance of studying the skin permeation of what are still little known ingredients in cosmetic preparations. Evaluation of the accumulation of these ingredients can guarantee the efficacy of such preparations.

[18F]-fluoroethyl-L-tyrosine (FET) in glioblastoma (FIG) TROG 18.06 study: protocol for a prospective, multicentre PET/CT trial.

INTRODUCTION: Glioblastoma is the most common aggressive primary central nervous system cancer in adults characterised by uniformly poor survival. Despite maximal safe resection and postoperative radiotherapy with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide-based chemotherapy, tumours inevitably recur. Imaging with O-(2-[18F]-fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine (FET) positron emission tomography (PET) has the potential to impact adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) planning, distinguish between treatment-induced pseudoprogression versus tumour progression as well as prognostication. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The FET-PET in Glioblastoma (FIG) study is a prospective, multicentre, non-randomised, phase II study across 10 Australian sites and will enrol up to 210 adults aged ≥18 years with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. FET-PET will be performed at up to three time points: (1) following initial surgery and prior to commencement of chemoradiation (FET-PET1); (2) 4 weeks following concurrent chemoradiation (FET-PET2); and (3) within 14 days of suspected clinical and/or radiological progression on MRI (performed at the time of clinical suspicion of tumour recurrence) (FET-PET3). The co-primary outcomes are: (1) to investigate how FET-PET versus standard MRI impacts RT volume delineation and (2) to determine the accuracy and management impact of FET-PET in distinguishing pseudoprogression from true tumour progression. The secondary outcomes are: (1) to investigate the relationships between FET-PET parameters (including dynamic uptake, tumour to background ratio, metabolic tumour volume) and progression-free survival and overall survival; (2) to assess the change in blood and tissue biomarkers determined by serum assay when comparing FET-PET data acquired prior to chemoradiation with other prognostic markers, looking at the relationships of FET-PET versus MRI-determined site/s of progressive disease post chemotherapy treatment with MRI and FET-PET imaging; and (3) to estimate the health economic impact of incorporating FET-PET into glioblastoma management and in the assessment of post-treatment pseudoprogression or recurrence/true progression. Exploratory outcomes include the correlation of multimodal imaging, blood and tumour biomarker analyses with patterns of failure and survival. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol V.2.0 dated 20 November 2020 has been approved by a lead Human Research Ethics Committee (Austin Health, Victoria). Other clinical sites will provide oversight through local governance processes, including obtaining informed consent from suitable participants. The study will be conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice. Results of the FIG study (TROG 18.06) will be disseminated via relevant scientific and consumer forums and peer-reviewed publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ANZCTR ACTRN12619001735145.

Anticancer properties of bacterial cellulose membrane containing ethanolic extract of Epilobium angustifolium L.

Epilobium angustifolium L. is a medicinal plant well known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties related to its high polyphenols content. In the present study, we evaluated the antiproliferative properties of ethanolic extract of E. angustifolium (EAE) against normal human fibroblasts (HDF) and selected cancer cell lines, including melanoma (A375), breast (MCF7), colon (HT-29), lung (A549) and liver (HepG2). Next, bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes were applied as a matrix for the controlled delivery of the plant extract (BC-EAE) and characterized by thermogravimetry (TG), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. In addition, EAE loading and kinetic release were defined. Finally, the anticancer activity of BC-EAE was evaluated against the HT-29 cell line, which presented the highest sensitivity to the tested plant extract (IC50 = 61.73 ± 6.42 µM). Our study confirmed the biocompatibility of empty BC and the dose and time-dependent cytotoxicity of the released EAE. The plant extract released from BC-2.5%EAE significantly reduced cell viability to 18.16% and 6.15% of the control values and increased number apoptotic/dead cells up to 37.53% and 66.90% after 48 and 72 h of treatment, respectively. In conclusion, our study has shown that BC membranes could be used as a carrier for the delivery of higher doses of anticancer compounds released in a sustained manner in the target tissue.

Biologically Active Preparations from the Leaves of Wild Plant Species of the Genus Rubus.

The plants of the genus Rubus (R.) are applied as antiseptic agents in the treatment of skin diseases. Despite the great interest in plants of this genus, there are few reports on the antioxidant and biological activities of preparations obtained from the leaves of these plants. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the antioxidant activity of preparations from leaves of wild plant species of the genus Rubus using the frequently applied DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods, as well as to determine the total polyphenol content using the Folin−Ciocalteau method and perform qualitative evaluation by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The bactericidal and fungicidal activities of the obtained preparations were evaluated by applying laboratory tests: using the disc and the well methods based on the standards EN 13697:2019, EN 13697:2015, and EN 1500:2013. Microbiological tests of the plant preparations against bacteria, fungi, and yeasts isolated from the environment and against reference strains were performed. Moreover, antimicrobial testing of antibiotics against the tested strains was performed for comparison. The n-octanol/water partition coefficient of the obtained preparations was determined by the shake-flask method to determine their lipophilicity. According to the results, a high content of polyphenols and other antioxidant and biologically active compounds can be thought of as the parameter responsible for the effective activity of plant preparations obtained from wild plant species of the genus Rubus. The methods for determining bactericidal and fungicidal activity clearly demonstrates that preparations with reduced ethanol content exhibit bactericidal and fungicidal activity on surfaces. Testing of hand disinfection by means of rubbing with the preparations confirmed their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli K12 NCTC 10538. The obtained results show that the tested preparations exhibit on average two times lower activity against the reference bacterial strains than comparable antibiotics. The preparations obtained from the leaves of R. idaeus L. and R. fruticosus L. could complement classical antibiotics. While environmental bacteria showed a similar response to the preparations and antibiotics, their sensitivity was about one-third less than that of the reference strains. Our studies have shown that the obtained preparations are highly hydrophilic (logP < 0). Thus, these preparations can only be used in lipid bilayers in the aqueous core of liposomes, not in the lipid envelope.

Carotenoids in Palliative Care-Is There Any Benefit from Carotenoid Supplementation in the Adjuvant Treatment of Cancer-Related Symptoms?

Carotenoids are organic, liposoluble pigments found in nature, which are responsible for the characteristic colors of ripe tomatoes, carrots, peppers, and crustaceans, among others. Palliative care provided to patients with an incurable disease is aimed at improving the patient's quality of life through appropriate treatment of symptoms accompanying the disease. Palliative care patients with burdensome symptoms related to advanced-stage cancers are especially interested in the use of natural dietary supplements and herbal remedies to reduce symptoms' intensity and ameliorate the quality of life. Carotenoids seem to be a group of natural compounds with particularly promising properties in relieving symptoms, mainly due to their strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Moreover, carotenoids have been used in folk medicine to treat various diseases and alleviate the accompanying symptoms. In this narrative review, the authors decided to determine whether there is any scientific evidence supporting the rationale for carotenoid supplementation in advanced-stage cancer patients, with particular emphasis on the adjuvant treatment of cancer-related symptoms, such as neuropathic pain and cancer-related cachexia.

Assessment of the Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial and Anti-Aging Properties and Possible Use on the Skin of Hydrogels Containing Epilobium angustifolium L. Extracts.

Epilobium angustifolium L. is an ethnomedicinal plant known as a medicinal plant in many regions of the world, among others, in various skin diseases. Despite the great interest in this plant, there are still few reports of biological activity of ready-made dermatological or cosmetical preparations containing the E. angustifolium extracts. The antioxidant, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties and toxicity, wound healing, and skin permeation of topical hydrogels containing E. angustifolium extracts (HEas) was assessed. First, the plant extracts were prepared using three solvents: 70% (v/v) ethanol, 70% (v/v) isopropanol and water, next by preparing hydrogels witch by dry extracts (HEa-EtOH), (HEa-iPrOH) and (HEa-WA), respectively. Finally, the content of selected phenolic acids in the HEas was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All the HEas were characterized by high antioxidant activity. The most increased antibacterial activity was observed for a strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC 49619, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Enterococcus faecium, Sarcina lutea ATCC 9341 and Bacillus pseudomycoides, while the strains of Streptococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus were the least sensitive. All the HEas showed a reduction in the activity of lipoxygenase enzymes, proteases, and inhibition of protein denaturation. The HEa-EtOH and HEa-iPrOH also enhanced the wound healing activity of HDF cells. Additionally, in vitro penetration studies were performed using the Franz diffusion cells. These studies showed that the active ingredients contained in E. angustifolium penetrate through human skin and accumulate in it. Furthermore, the hydrogels containing E. angustifolium extracts showed a broad spectrum of activity. Therefore, they can be considered as an interesting alternative for dermatologic and cosmetic preparations.

Epilobium angustifolium L. as a Potential Herbal Component of Topical Products for Skin Care and Treatment-A Review.

Epilobium angustifolium L. (EA) has been used as a topical agent since ancient times. There has been an increasing interest in applying EA as a raw material used topically in recent years. However, in the literature, there are not many reports on the comprehensive application of this plant to skin care and treatment. EA contains many valuable secondary metabolites, which determine antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antiproliferative activity effects. One of the most important active compounds found in EA is oenothein B (OeB), which increases the level of ROS and protects cells from oxidative damage. OeB also influences wound healing and reduces inflammation by strongly inhibiting hyaluronidase enzymes and inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 cyclooxygenases. Other compounds that play a key role in the context of application to the skin are flavonoids, which inhibit collagenase and hyaluronidase enzymes, showing anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. While terpenes in EA play an important role in fighting bacterial skin infections, causing, among other things cell membrane, permeability increase as well as the modification of the lipid profiles and the alteration of the adhesion of the pathogen to the animal cells. The available scientific information on the biological potential of natural compounds can be the basis for the wider use of EA in skin care and treatment. The aim of the article is to review the existing literature on the dermocosmetic use of E. angustifolium.

Maternal health care for refugee women - A qualitative review.

OBJECTIVE: The number of forced migrants increased worldwide, while pregnant refugee women are considered a vulnerable group, concerning their physical and mental health. How do maternal health care professionals manage their maternal health care? The aim is to review the current evidence regarding the interaction between migrant refugee women and professionals in maternal health care provision after resettlement and in high-income host countries. DESIGN: We conducted a systematic qualitative review and searched the databases PubMed (MEDLINE); CINAHL; PSYNDEX, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library. Studies were judged for eligibility: a study had to address maternal health care provision for asylum seeking refugee (and migrant) women. FINDINGS: 16 primary studies were included. Heterogeneity of the included studies exists regarding e.g. origin of the women, reasons for migration and receiving country. Nevertheless, synthesis provides valuable information on challenges and chances within interactions in maternal health care for asylum seeking refugee (and migrant) women: Finding one's way in the unknown health care system is a barrier for women, which professionals meet by informing the women and coordinating their care. The perceived diversity of women may lead to conflicts in care. While some studies recommend "cultural recipes", others emphasize the individuality of women and prefer holistic care approaches. KEY CONCLUSIONS: Maternal health care professionals face different barriers when providing maternal health care to refugee (and migrant) women such as communication barriers, coordinating care and handling women's diversity. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Initiating and enhancing public health activities such as training courses for professionals that convey general principles such as woman-centered care or communication techniques are valuable opportunities to improve asylum seeking refugee (and migrant) women's maternal health care.

Epilobium angustifolium L. Essential Oil-Biological Activity and Enhancement of the Skin Penetration of Drugs-In Vitro Study.

Epilobium angustifolium L. is a popular medicinal plant found in many regions of the world. This plant contains small amounts of essential oil whose composition and properties have not been extensively investigated. There are few reports in the literature on the antioxidant and antifungal properties of this essential oil and the possibility of applying it as a potential promoter of the skin penetration of drugs. The essential oil was obtained by distillation using a Clavenger type apparatus. The chemical composition was analyzed by the GC-MS method. The major active compounds of E. angustifolium L. essential oil (EOEa) were terpenes, including α-caryophyllene oxide, eucalyptol, ß-linalool, camphor, (S)-carvone, and ß-caryophyllene. The analyzed essential oil was also characterized by antioxidant activity amounting to 78% RSA (Radical Scavenging Activity). Antifungal activity against the strains Aspergillus niger, A. ochraceus, A. parasiticum, and Penicillium cyclopium was also determined. The largest inhibition zone was observed for strains from the Aspergillus group. The EOEa enhanced the percutaneous penetration of ibuprofen and lidocaine. After a 24 h test, the content of terpene in the skin and the acceptor fluid was examined. It has been shown that the main compounds contained in the essential oil do not penetrate through the skin, but accumulate in it. Additionally, FTIR-ATR analysis showed a disturbance of the stratum corneum (SC) lipids caused by the essential oil application. Due to its rich composition and high biological activity, EOEa may be a potential candidate to be applied, for example, in the pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries. Moreover, due to the reaction of the essential oil components with SC lipids, the EOEa could be an effective permeation enhancer of topically applied hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs.

Epilobium angustifolium L. Extracts as Valuable Ingredients in Cosmetic and Dermatological Products.

Epilobium angustifolium L. is a popular and well-known medicinal plant. In this study, an attempt to evaluate the possibility of using this plant in preparations for the care and treatment of skin diseases was made. The antioxidant, antiaging and anti-inflammatory properties of ethanolic extracts from Epilobium angustifolium (FEE) were assessed. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of extracts chemically composition was performed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The total polyphenol content (TPC) of biologically active compounds, such as the total content of polyphenols (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and assimilation pigments, as well as selected phenolic acids, was assessed. FEE was evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and antiaging properties, achieving 68% inhibition of lipoxygenase activity, 60% of collagenase and 49% of elastase. FEE also showed high antioxidant activity, reaching to 87% of free radical scavenging using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 59% using 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). Additionally, in vitro penetration studies were performed using two vehicles, i.e., a hydrogel and an emulsion containing FEE. These studies showed that the active ingredients contained in FEE penetrate through human skin and accumulate in it. The obtained results indicate that E. angustifolium may be an interesting plant material to be applied as a component of cosmetic and dermatological preparations with antiaging and anti-inflammatory properties.

Bacterial Cellulose Membrane Containing Epilobium angustifolium L. Extract as a Promising Material for the Topical Delivery of Antioxidants to the Skin.

Bacterial cellulose membranes (BCs) are becoming useful as a drug delivery system to the skin. However, there are very few reports on their application of plant substances to the skin. Komagataeibacter xylinus was used for the production of bacterial cellulose (BC). The BC containing 5% and 10% ethanolic extract of Epilobium angustifolium (FEE) (BC-5%FEE and BC-10%FEE, respectively) were prepared. Their mechanical, structural, and antioxidant properties, as well as phenolic acid content, were evaluated. The bioavailability of BC-FESs using mouse L929 fibroblasts as model cells was tested. Moreover, In Vitro penetration through the pigskin of the selected phenolic acids contained in FEE and their accumulation in the skin after topical application of BC-FEEs was examined. The BC-FEEs were characterized by antioxidant activity. The BC-5% FEE showed relatively low toxicity to healthy mouse fibroblasts. Gallic acid (GA), chlorogenic acid (ChA), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHB), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HB), 3-hydroxybenzoic acid (3-HB), and caffeic acid (CA) found in FEE were also identified in the membranes. After topical application of the membranes to the pigskin penetration of some phenolic acid and other antioxidants through the skin as well as their accumulation in the skin was observed. The bacterial cellulose membrane loaded by plant extract may be an interesting solution for topical antioxidant delivery to the skin.

The Effect of Brewing Process Parameters on Antioxidant Activity and Caffeine Content in Infusions of Roasted and Unroasted Arabica Coffee Beans Originated from Different Countries.

Coffee is one of the most often consumed beverages almost all over the world. The multiplicity of beans, as well as the methods and parameters used to brew, encourages the optimization of the brewing process. The study aimed to analyze the effect of roasting beans, the brewing technique, and its parameters (time and water temperature) on antioxidant activity (determined using several in vitro methods), total polyphenols, flavonoids, and caffeine content. The infusions of unroasted and roasted Arabica beans from Brazil, Colombia, India, Peru, and Rwanda were analyzed. In general, infusions prepared from roasted beans had higher antioxidant activity and the content of above-mentioned compounds. The hot brew method was used to obtain infusions with a higher antioxidant activity, while the cold brew with higher caffeine content. The phenolic compound content in infusions prepared using both techniques depended on the roasting process. Moreover, the bean's origin, roasting process, and brewing technique had a significant effect on the tested properties, in contrary to brewing time and water temperature (below and above 90 °C), which had less impact. The results confirm the importance of coffee brewing optimization.

High-Dose Vitamin C in Advanced-Stage Cancer Patients.

High-dose intravenously administered vitamin C (IVC) is widely used in cancer patients by complementary and alternative medicine practitioners. The most frequent indications for IVC therapy result from the belief in its effectiveness as a potent anti-cancer agent which additionally enhances chemosensitivity of cancer cells and reduces chemotherapy-related toxicities and fatigue intensity. In this narrative review, we decided to deal with this issue, trying to answer the question whether there is any scientific evidence supporting the rationale for application of high-dose IVC therapy in advanced-stage cancer patients. Although results obtained from preclinical studies demonstrated that millimolar ascorbate plasma concentrations achievable only after IVC administration were cytotoxic to fast-growing malignant cells and inhibited tumor growth as well as prolonged the survival of laboratory animals, such positive effects were not found in human studies with advanced-stage cancer patients. We also have not found the rationale for the use of IVC to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and to reduce the chemotherapy-induced toxicity in the above mentioned group. Nevertheless, in palliative care, high-dose IVC might be considered as a therapy improving the quality of life and reducing cancer-related symptoms, such as fatigue and bone pain. However, because of the absence of placebo-controlled randomized trials on IVC efficacy in advanced-stage cancer patients, the placebo effect cannot be excluded.

Two Faces of Vitamin C in Hemodialysis Patients: Relation to Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.

Hemodialysis (HD) is the most common method of renal replacement therapy. Besides toxins, it eliminates nutrients from the circulation, such as ascorbic acid (AA). HD-patients present AA deficiency more often than representatives of the general population, also due to dietary restrictions. This condition aggravates oxidative stress and inflammation related to uremia and extracorporeal circulation and increases cardiovascular risk followed by mortality. Supplementation of AA seems to be a promising approach in the treatment of hemodialysis patients. Many successful interventions restored plasma AA concentration in HD patients by enteral or intravenous supplementation, concomitantly inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation. A significant number of studies reported opposite, serious pro-oxidant effects of AA. In this narrative review, we present studies, commenting on their limitations; on AA plasma or serum concentration and the influence of its supplementation on protein and lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, reactive oxygen species generation, paraoxonase activity, advanced glycation endproducts, and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration. Moreover, in terms of safety, the possible development of oxalosis in HD patients regarding the intravenous or enteral route of AA administration is discussed. Unequivocal clinical results of recent studies on hemodialysis patients are displayed.

The effects of extraction techniques on the antioxidant potential of extracts of different parts of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.).

BACKGROUND: Extracts of milk thistle, particularly from seeds, are used as a valuable source of natural antioxidants in different industries, for example pharmaceutical and cosmetic. The leaves and flowers are also known to be a source of biologically active compounds, as well as those with an antioxidant capacity. The selection of the extraction parameters, such as type and concentration of extractant, and extraction time, have an impact on the antioxidant capacity of the obtained extracts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activities of extracts obtained using different parts of raw material. The impact of different parameters of extraction on antioxidant capacity was also assessed. METHODS: The seeds, flowers and leaves were extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus, ultrasound and shaking. 96% (v/v) and 70% (v/v) ethanol, concentrated methanol, acetone and petroleum ether were applied as solvents. The impact of the extraction time was also evaluated. The extracts were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and Folin-Ciocalteu techniques. RESULTS: The obtained extracts, except for the samples in petroleum ether, showed the antioxidant capacity. Soxhlet extraction, especially that which uses ethanol, methanol and acetone, seems to be a valuable extraction method. CONCLUSIONS: To sum up, many factors could affect the antioxidant capacity and the total polyphenol content of Silybum marianum L. extracts. The solvent and an appropriately selected extraction method seem to be important factors in the effective isolation of active substances and could lead to the more effective application of this valuable plant material in different industries.

In Vitro Human Skin Penetration, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Ethanol-Water Extract of Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.).

Epilobium angustifolium L. is applied as an antiseptic agent in the treatment of skin diseases. However, there is a lack of information on human skin penetration of active ingredients with antioxidative potential. It seems crucial because bacterial infections of skin and subcutaneous tissue are common and partly depend on oxidative stress. Therefore, we evaluated in vitro human skin penetration of fireweed ethanol-water extracts (FEEs) by determining antioxidant activity of these extracts before and after penetration study using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and Folin-Ciocalteu methods. Microbiological tests of extracts were done. The qualitative and quantitative evaluation was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV) methods. The in vitro human skin penetration using the Franz diffusion chamber was assessed. The high antioxidant activity of FEEs was found. Gallic acid (GA), chlorogenic acid (ChA), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHB), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HB), and caffeic acid (CA) were identified in the extracts. The antibacterial activities were found against Serratia lutea, S. marcescens, Bacillus subtilis, B. pseudomycoides, and B. thuringiensis and next Enterococcus faecalis, E. faecium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and P. fluorescens strains. In vitro penetration studies showed the penetration of some phenolic acids and their accumulation in the skin. Our results confirm the importance of skin penetration studies to guarantee the efficacy of formulations containing E. angustifolium extracts.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils from flowers and leaves of Grindelia integrifolia DC.

Essential oils from flowers and leaves of Grindelia integrifolia DC. were investigated for the first time in terms of chemical composition and antimicrobial activity. The GC-FID/MS analysis allowed for the identification of 58 and 72 volatiles, comprising 92.4 and 90.1% of the oils, respectively. The major components of the flower oil were α-pinene (34.9%) and limonene (13.1%), while myrcene (16.9%), spathulenol (12.3%), ß-eudesmol (11.9%) and limonene (10.1%) dominated among the leaf volatiles. The antimicrobial activity, evaluated against 12 selected bacteria and fungus, was found moderate, with the strongest effect of both oils observed against C. albicans (MIC = MBC: 0.63 and 0.31 mg/mL for flower and leaf oil, respectively).

Toward the Development of an Innovative Implant: NiTi Alloy Functionalized by Multifunctional ß-TCP+Ag/SiO2 Coatings.

In recent years, one of the more important and costly problems of modern medicine is the need to replace or supplement organs in order to improve the quality of human life. In this field, promising solutions seem to have been implants which are based on NiTi alloys with shape memory effects. Unfortunately, this material is susceptible to the corrosion and release of toxic nickel to the human organism. Hence, its application as a long-term material is strongly limited. Therefore, this paper presents a new solution which should help to improve the functionality of the NiTi alloy and elongate its medical stability to use. The idea was focused on functionalization of the implant surface by a biocompatible, multifunctional coating without any impact on the features of the substrate, i.e., the martensitic transformation responsible for shape memory effects. For this purpose, we prepared a colloidal suspension, composed of ß-TCP (particle size ∼450 nm) and the Ag/SiO2 nanocomposite which due to the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) led to the formation of structurally atypical calcium phosphosilicate coating. Those biomaterials formed a crack-free coating, adhering well to the NiTi surface when distributed over the entire surface, with low concentration of metallic and oxide silver (<3 at. %). At the same time, the coat-forming materials had resulted in the growth of a Gram-negative bacterial biofilm. Additionally, the additive of the silver-silica composite enhances cell proliferation, effectively a few times higher than commonly used coat-forming materials (e.g., pure ß-TCP).

Inhibitory effect of plant phenolics on fMLP-induced intracellular calcium rise and chemiluminescence of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and their chemotactic activity in vitro.

CONTEXT: Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) produce oxidants, contributing to systemic oxidative stress. Diets rich in plant polyphenols seem to decrease the risk of oxidative stress-induced disorders including cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the in vitro effect of each of the 14 polyphenols on PMNs chemotaxis, intracellular calcium response, oxidants production. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples and PMNs suspensions were obtained from 60 healthy non-smoking donors and incubated with a selected polyphenol (0.5-10 µM) or a control solvent. We assessed resting and fMLP-dependent changes of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) in PMNs with the Fura-2AM method and measured fMLP-induced luminol enhanced whole blood chemiluminescence (fMLP-LBCL). Polyphenol chemoattractant activity for PMNs was tested with Boyden chambers. RESULTS: Polyphenols had no effect on resting [Ca(2+)]i. Unaffected by other compounds, fMLP-dependent increase of [Ca(2+)]i was inhibited by quercetin and catechol (5 µM) by 32 ± 14 and 12 ± 10% (p < 0.04), respectively. Seven of the 14 tested substances (5 µM) influenced fMLP-LBCL by decreasing it. Catechol, quercetin, and gallic acid acted most potently reducing fMLP-LBCL by 49 ± 5, 42 ± 15, and 28 ± 18% (p < 0.05), respectively. 3,4-Dihydroxyhydrocinnamic, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and catechin (5 µM) revealed distinct (p < 0.02) chemoattractant activity with a chemotactic index of 1.9 ± 0.8, 1.8 ± 0.7, 1.6 ± 0.6, 1.4 ± 0.2, respectively. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: Catechol, quercetin, and gallic acid at concentrations commensurate in human plasma strongly suppressed the oxidative response of PMNs. Regarding quercetin and catechol, this could result from an inhibition of [Ca(2+)]i response.

An oasis in the hospital: the perceived benefits of a cancer support center in a hospital setting offering complementary therapies.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of persons attending a cancer support center, providing emotional support to cancer patients through self-selected complementary therapies offered free of charge through qualified volunteer therapists. A grounded theory methodology was used. Sources of data were 16 semistructured interviews with persons attending the center. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis was conducted using the constant comparative method. FINDINGS: The overarching theme that emerged in this study was the benefits attributed to attendance at the cancer support center. The center was described as an "oasis" in the hospital, and three aspects relating to this were identified: (a) facilitating comfort, (b) increasing personal control, and (c) helping make sense of the cancer experience. CONCLUSION: A drop-in center offering complementary therapies appeared to enable coping with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer by facilitating comfort and increasing perceptions of personal control. The center also helped some participants to make sense of their experience with cancer. This research has provided a unique insight into the ongoing emotional needs of cancer patients, and directions for further development and research into the provision of holistic care for patients within a hospital setting.