Anticaries properties of natural berries: systematic literature review.

CONTEXT: Anticariogenic properties have been ascribed to polyphenolic compounds present in high concentrations in numerous fruits. Berries, in particular, have been reported as potentially having an inhibitory effect on the dental biofilm and subsequently on caries, but the evidence is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to explore the literature and summarize the evidence for berries having an inhibitory effect on the dental biofilm and an anticariogenic effect. DATA SOURCES: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, the PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases were scanned using predefined and accessible terms, with a search strategy based on a structured PICO question. DATA EXTRACTION: After article selection, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria, most of them being in vitro studies. A risk assessment was performed, and data were extracted and presented in a table for qualitative analysis. DATA ANALYSIS: Meta-analyses were conducted using standardized mean differences (SMDs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) by Review manager 5.4. RESULTS: Only 3 types of berries were found to have a reported anticaries effect: grape seed extract (GSE), cranberry, and sour cherry. Nine studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were subjected to quantitative analysis. Meta-analyses showed GSE was associated with enhanced remineralization of dental enamel (SMD = .96 95% CI [.45, 1.46], P < .0002) and of dentin (SMD = .65 95% CI [.13, 1.17], P = .01). Cranberry extracts positively influenced the cariogenic dental biofilm by decreasing the biofilm biomass (SMD = -2.23 95% CI [-4.40, -.05], P = .04), and biovolume (SMD = -2.86 95% CI [-4.34, -1.37], P = .0002), and increasing the biofilm pH (SMD = 7.9 95% CI [3.49, 12.31], P < .0004). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this systematic review and metaanalysis, GSE and cranberries or their active compounds could represent an alternative for caries management. Further clinical trials are needed to verify this effect in a clinical setting. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020223579.

Method optimisation for large scope pesticide multiresidue analysis in bee pollen: A pilot monitoring study.

Pesticide contamination in emerging foods and supplements is currently a topic of great interest. This study focused on the evaluation of pesticide residues in commercial bee pollen samples to evaluate the risk associated with their consumption. To this end, an automated clean-up method for the pesticide extracts of bee pollen was developed. An LC-MS/MS and a GC-MS/MS method were validated for the analysis of 353 pesticides in 80 bee pollen samples purchased from different countries. The results showed the presence of 77 different pesticide residues in bee pollen, including plant protection chemicals and veterinary treatments. 85 % of the samples were contaminated with pesticides and no relevant differences were found between conventional and organic samples. Pesticide concentrations exceeding the imposed MRL were found in 40 % of the samples, but the risk assessment showed that consumers are not exposed to an unacceptable risk when consuming the evaluated bee pollen.

Vitamin D deficiency and non-infectious uveitis: A systematic review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D plays a critical role in immunomodulation, and its deficiency is implicated in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, its relationship with non-infectious uveitis (NIU), an inflammatory ocular disorder, remains inconclusive. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in three databases from database inception until May 8, 2023, to investigate the potential relationship between vitamin D deficiency and NIU. We included observational studies reporting the measurement of vitamin D levels in patients with NIU and healthy controls without restriction of language or date of publication. Three pairs of authors independently screened the title and abstracts for potential eligibility and then in full text. A third author resolved disagreements. Three pairs of independent reviewers abstracted the data from the fully reviewed records and evaluated the risk of bias. We followed The MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines. Random effects meta-analyses were used for primary analysis. Studies not included in the meta-analysis were summarized descriptively. This review was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42022308105. FINDINGS: Of 933 records screened, 11 studies were included, and five were meta-analyzed, encompassing 354 cases and 5728 controls (mean participant age ranging from 7.1 to 58.9 years). Patients with vitamin D deficiency exhibited an Odds Ratio of 2.04 (95% CI = 1.55-2.68, P < 0.00001) for developing NIU compared to controls. Overall, potential sources of bias were low across most studies. INTERPRETATION: Our findings suggest that vitamin D may play an essential role in the pathophysiology of NIU. While the included studies demonstrated generally low potential bias, additional rigorous prospective studies are necessary to confirm these findings and further elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved. Vitamin D supplementation could represent a possible therapeutic strategy for preventing or managing NIU if substantiated. Clinicians should consider screening for and addressing vitamin D deficiency in patients with or at risk for NIU.

Gradual Changes of the Protective Effect of Phenols in Virgin Olive Oils Subjected to Storage and Controlled Stress by Mesh Cell Incubation.

The oxidation reactions that take place in virgin olive oil under moderate conditions involved the combined effect of antioxidant and prooxidant compounds. Given the complexity of oxidation processes of multicomponent matrices, there is still a need to develop new methods with a dynamic approach to study the persistence of the compounds with healthy properties. This work studied the joint evolution of them, including phenols and pheophytin a, modeling their tendency during a real storage. The regression equations performed with the total phenol concentration showed that around 2% of the concentration was lost every month. Simultaneously, the progress of oxidation was evaluated by mesh cell incubation and Fourier transform infrared analysis. This method pointed out that, in the presence of light, the prooxidant effect of pigments was able to mask the protective effect of phenols, until the pheophytin a concentration was lower than 1 mg/kg. The antioxidant effect of phenols was less remarkable when the concentration loss was 35% or more.

Horticultural Therapy May Reduce Psychological and Physiological Stress in Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study.

Studies in psychiatric populations have found a positive effect of Horticultural therapy (HCT) on reductions in stress levels. The main objective of the present pilot study was to evaluate the impact of the addition of HCT to conventional clinical treatment (Treatment as Usual, TaU) in a sample of six female adolescents with anorexia nervosa restricting type (AN-R), as compared to six AN-R patients, matched for sex and age, under TaU only. This is a prospective, non-profit, pilot study on patients with a previous diagnosis of AN-R and BMI < 16, recruited in 2020 in clinical settings. At enrolment (T0) and after treatment completion (TF), psychiatric assessment was performed. At T0, all the patients underwent: baseline electrocardiogram acquisition with a wearable chest strap for recording heart rate and its variability; skin conductance registration and thermal mapping of the individual's face. An olfactory identification test was administered both to evaluate the olfactory sensoriality and to assess the induced stress. One-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were performed to analyze modifications in clinical and physiological variables, considering time (T0, TF) as a within-subjects factor and group (experimental vs. control) as between-subjects factors. When the ANOVA was significant, post hoc analysis was performed by Paired Sample T-tests. Only in the HCT group, stress response levels, as measured by the biological parameters, improved over time. The body uneasiness level and the affective problem measures displayed a significant improvement in the HCT subjects. HCT seems to have a positive influence on stress levels in AN-R.

Vitamin D Status in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Determinants and Effects of the Response to Probiotic Supplementation.

A relationship between the presence of clinical symptoms and gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances associated with nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency, has been observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim was to evaluate 25(OH)D levels according to the annual rhythm cycle, gender, the severity of autism, nutritional or clinical status, inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers, GI symptoms, and the clinical response to probiotic/placebo supplementation in preschooler children with ASD. Eighty-one ASD preschoolers (67 males) were assessed with standardized tools for ASD severity (ADOS score) and GI symptoms (by GI-Index at six-items and at nine-items, the latter defined as the Total GI-Index). The 25(OH)D levels were compared among different ASD subgroups according to metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers (leptin, insulin, resistin, PAI-1, MCP-1, TNF-alfa, and IL-6), gender, and the presence or absence of: (i) GI symptoms, (ii) the response to probiotic supplementation (the improvement of GI symptomatology), (iii) the response to probiotic supplementation (improvement of ASD severity). Only 25% of the ASD children presented an adequate 25(OH)D status (≥30 ng/mL according to the Endocrine Society guidelines). All the 25(OH)D levels falling in the severe deficiency range (<10 ng/mL) were observed in the male subgroup. A significant inverse correlation between 25(OH)D and leptin was observed (R = −0.24, p = 0.037). An inverse correlation was found between 25(OH)D levels and the GI Index 6-Items and Total GI-Index (R = −0.25, p = 0.026; −0.27, = 0.009) and a direct relationship with the probiotic response (R = 0.4, p = 0.05). The monitoring of 25(OH)D levels and the co-administration of 25(OH)D and probiotic supplementation could be considered in ASD from early ages.

Telematics program of breathing exercises and mindfulness for post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is an economic, social, and health challenge. During the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown, a telematics platform for respiratory physiotherapy and mindfulness was created, aiming to reduce dyspnea and anxiety and to increase quality of life in post-coronavirus disease 2019 patient. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was performed on post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients, with breathing exercises and mindfulness with remote supervision by a respiratory physiotherapist. Dyspnea on exertion (Mahler Scale), quality of life (EuroQol-5D score), and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire) were measured before and after the rehabilitation program. RESULTS: A total of 20 subjects completed the program, with a significant decrease in the measures of dyspnea on exertion (p<0.001), state anxiety (p=0.004), and trait anxiety (p=0.001) and a significant increase in quality of life (p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Coronavirus disease 2019 should be treated using a multidisciplinary approach that includes respiratory rehabilitation. At present, there are few studies on respiratory rehabilitation and mindfulness in post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients. The results of this study showed that the implementation of breathing exercises and mindfulness with remote supervision was effective in decreasing dyspnea and anxiety and in increasing quality of life in post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients during confinement.

Telematics program of breathing exercises and mindfulness for post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is an economic, social, and health challenge. During the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown, a telematics platform for respiratory physiotherapy and mindfulness was created, aiming to reduce dyspnea and anxiety and to increase quality of life in post-coronavirus disease 2019 patient. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was performed on post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients, with breathing exercises and mindfulness with remote supervision by a respiratory physiotherapist. Dyspnea on exertion (Mahler Scale), quality of life (EuroQol-5D score), and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire) were measured before and after the rehabilitation program. RESULTS: A total of 20 subjects completed the program, with a significant decrease in the measures of dyspnea on exertion (p<0.001), state anxiety (p=0.004), and trait anxiety (p=0.001) and a significant increase in quality of life (p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Coronavirus disease 2019 should be treated using a multidisciplinary approach that includes respiratory rehabilitation. At present, there are few studies on respiratory rehabilitation and mindfulness in post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients. The results of this study showed that the implementation of breathing exercises and mindfulness with remote supervision was effective in decreasing dyspnea and anxiety and in increasing quality of life in post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients during confinement.

Phyto-genotoxicity assessment of different associations between sludges from Water and Sewage Treatment Plants, before and after the bioremediation process.

Water Treatment Plants (WTP) and Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) generate residues known as sludge (WS and SS, respectively). SS and WS present some positive characteristics for reuse in agriculture. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, using the Allium cepa test, the effectiveness of the bioremediation process in the detoxification of SS and WS sludges. In this study, the phytotoxic, cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic potentials of pure sludge samples (WS and SS) were evaluated, as well as the association of these two sludges with soil (S), before and after the bioremediation process. In the T0 period (before undergoing bioremediation), the SS, SS + S, and SS + WS samples totally inhibited the germination of A. cepa, proving the high phytotoxic potential of these samples. For the T1 period (after 6 months of bioremediation), phytotoxicity was observed for the SS, SS + S, SS + WS, and SS + WS + S samples, but there was not a complete inhibition of germination and radicles growth, allowing the evaluation of the other parameters (cytogenotoxic and mutagenic potential). No cytotoxicity was observed for any sample, both in T0 and T1. As for the genotoxicity parameter, a significant result was observed for the pure WS sample in T0 and for all samples in T1, when compared to NC. The genotoxic alteration most found in meristematic cells exposed to treatments was of binucleated cells. Mutagenic potential was also observed for samples of WS and WS + S in T0. From this study, we can conclude that, after six months of bioremediation, despite the SS phytotoxicity being reduced, all samples were genotoxic to the A. cepa organism test.

Selective Magnetic Nanoheating: Combining Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Multi-Hot-Spot Induction and Sequential Regulation.

The contactless heating capacity of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) has been exploited in fields such as hyperthermia cancer therapy, catalysis, and enzymatic thermal regulation. Herein, we propose an advanced technology to generate multiple local temperatures in a single-pot reactor by exploiting the unique nanoheating features of iron oxide MNPs exposed to alternating magnetic fields (AMFs). The heating power of the MNPs depends on their magnetic features but also on the intensity and frequency conditions of the AMF. Using a mixture of diluted colloids of MNPs we were able to generate a multi-hot-spot reactor in which each population of MNPs can be selectively activated by adjusting the AMF conditions. The maximum temperature reached at the surface of each MNP was registered using independent fluorescent thermometers that mimic the molecular link between enzymes and MNPs. This technology paves the path for the implementation of a selective regulation of multienzymatic reactions.

Impact of BMGIM Music Therapy on Emotional State in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a high prevalence of emotional disturbances which worsen the symptoms of the disease. As a therapeutic alternative that is part of a comprehensive care alongside medication, the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BMGIM) music-assisted therapy has achieved promising emotional improvements in patients with chronic diseases. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of a treatment based on a BMGIM group adaptation on patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and their emotional state, therefore analyzing state of mind, quality of life, anxiety, depression, immunocompetence as a marker of well-being, and levels of acute and chronic stress. METHODS: Longitudinal, prospective, quantitative, and experimental study including 43 patients with IBD divided into an intervention group (22 patients), who received eight sessions over eight weeks, and a control group (21 patients). A saliva sample was taken from each patient before and after each session in order to determine cortisol and IgA levels. Similarly, a hair sample was taken before the first and after the last session to determine the cumulative cortisol level. All molecules were quantified using the ELISA immunoassay technique. In addition, patients completed several emotional state questionnaires: HADS, MOOD, and CCVEII. RESULTS: An improvement was observed in the following states of mind: sadness, fear, anger, and depression. No significant effect was observed in state of mind in terms of happiness or anxiety, in the levels of cortisol in hair, and in patients' perceived quality of life. A reduction in cortisol was observed in saliva, although this did not significantly affect the IgA titer. CONCLUSIONS: BMGIM seems to improve the emotional state of patients with IBD.

Assessment of phenolic and volatile compounds of commercial Sacha inchi oils and sensory evaluation.

Sacha inchi is a super seed primarily grown in the Amazon rainforest of Peru. One of the main products obtained from seeds is oil. This product is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, and sterols. The objective of this work was to authenticity evaluate of the Sacha inchi oil by means of characterization of phenols, volatile compounds, and sensory profile. The phenolic and volatile compounds were analyzed using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-time of flight/mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-TOF/MS) and headspace solid phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS), respectively. A total of 16 phenolic compounds were detected in commercial Sacha inchi oils, while 54 compounds have been found in the volatile fraction. These compounds mainly correspond to notes generated by alcohols, aldehydes, acids, ketones, and terpenoids. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the first two PCs account for 71.13% of total variance. Statistical analysis was used to observe the relationships between phenolic and volatile compounds; therefore, consequently, it has been found that 16 volatile compounds may have a significant influence upon overall perceived flavor and odor of the commercial Sacha inchi oils. According to the odor and flavor, the Sacha inchi oil is characterized by "green" odor notes, seed, dried fruit and rough.

Community-based organizations' perspectives on improving health and social service integration.

BACKGROUND: Collaborations between health systems and community-based organizations (CBOs) are increasingly common mechanisms to address the unmet health-related social needs of high-risk populations. However, there is limited evidence on how to develop, manage, and sustain these partnerships, and implementation rarely incorporates perspectives of community social service organizations. To address these gaps, we elicited CBOs' perspectives on service delivery for clients, the impact of the Whole Person Care-Los Angeles (WPC-LA) initiative to integrate health and social care, and their suggestions for improving health system partnerships. METHODS: Using stakeholder engaged principles and a qualitative Rapid Assessment Process, we conducted brief surveys and in-depth semi-structured interviews with 65 key informants from 36 CBOs working with WPC-LA. RESULTS: Major themes identified by CBOs included: 1) the importance of a holistic, client-centered, continuously engaged approach that is reliant on regional partnerships; 2) benefits of WPC-LA expanding capacity and networks; 3) concerns about communication and redundancy hindering WPC-LA; and 4) a need for more equitable partnerships incorporating their approaches. CONCLUSIONS: CBOs value opportunities for integration with health systems, bring critical expertise to these partnerships, and seek to strengthen cross-sector collaborations. Early, equitable, and inclusive participation in the development and implementation of these partnerships may enhance their effectiveness, but requires policy that prioritizes and incentivizes sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Toxicity of the sawdust used for phosphorus recovery in a eutrophic reservoir: experiments with Lactuca sativa and Allium cepa.

Eutrophication is one of the environmental problems arising from the increase of essential nutrient concentrations, mainly phosphorus and nitrogen. In contrast to excess phosphorus, the depletion of phosphate rock deposits used for the production of fertilizers compromises the food supply. Therefore, the development of technologies that propose the recovery of the phosphorus contained in eutrophic environments for its later use for agricultural fertilization purposes is very important to ensure global food security. This work aimed to evaluate the toxic potential of the sawdust (biosorbent previously used for phosphorus adsorption) in order to enable its application in agriculture. For this, toxicity experiments with Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and Allium cepa (onion) seeds were performed. The phytotoxic potential was assessed by means of the seed germination index and physiological parameters such as radicle and hypocotyl growth. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity tests were also performed on onion seeds. From statistical tests, it was possible to affirm that the sawdust did not promote inhibition of seed germination and radicle and hypocotyl growth. No genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and, mutagenicity were observed, which allowed to state that the sawdust is not toxic to the onion species, which reinforces the possibility of application of the biosorbent for soil fertilization purposes. Therefore, the use of sawdust for phosphorus biosorption with the subsequent agricultural application is promising and quite important from a global food security point of view.

Plant Extracts Obtained with Green Solvents as Natural Antioxidants in Fresh Meat Products.

Plants are rich in bioactive compounds (BACs), mainly polyphenols, which are valuable choices to replace synthetic antioxidants in meat products. These natural antioxidants from plants, in the form of extracts and essential oils (EOs), have been obtained from different sources such as fruits (dragon fruit, guarana, pomegranate), vegetables, (cabbage, onion), herbs, and spices (epazote, ginger, rosemary, sage, thyme, turmeric, winter savory) by several extraction processes. However, in the context of current directives there is a notable incentive for "green" solvents to replace organic ones and conventional techniques, in order to avoid harm to the environment, operator, and consumer health. In addition, the recycling of co-products from the processing of these plant materials allow us to obtain valuable BACs from under-exploited materials, contributing to the revalorization of these wastes. The resulting extracts allow us to maintain the quality of meat products, exhibiting similar or better antioxidant properties compared to those shown by synthetic ones. Their incorporation in fresh meat products would maintain the oxidative stability, stabilizing colour parameters, decreasing the formation of metmyoglobin, lipid, and protein oxidation and the generation of lipid-derived volatile compounds, without affecting sensory attributes. In addition, these novel ingredients contribute to improve both technological and functional characteristics, thus diversifying the offer of so-called "wellness foods". In this review, the application of plant extracts as natural antioxidants in several fresh meat products is presented, showing their efficacy as scavenging radicals and imparting additional health benefits.

Presence of anthraquinone in coffee and tea samples. An improved methodology based on mass spectrometry and a pilot monitoring programme.

Anthraquinone has been linked to potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. The most commonly employed methods for the analysis of coffee and tea cause the extraction of matrix interferents such as the methylxanthines caffeine and theobromine, which hinder the analysis of anthraquinone. A new manual extraction method - using ethyl acetate as the extraction solvent with a dispersive solid-phase extraction clean-up step based on primary-secondary amines - has been developed. The new developed method allows for the quantitation of anthraquinone at 5 µg kg-1 concentration levels, four times lower than the current maximum residue limit for coffee and tea in the European Union (20 µg kg-1). Alongside, a new automated extraction method has also been developed. Finally, a pilot monitoring programme of 90 coffee and tea samples from several countries within the European Union has been performed, in which anthraquinone has been detected in a concentration range of 5.1-18.8 µg kg-1 in 32% of the monitored samples, below the current 20 µg kg-1 maximum residue limit, and in 48% of the monitored tea samples, revealing the need for including anthraquinone in a more extensive monitoring programme of tea.

Effects of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid sources on expression of lipid-related genes in bovine milk somatic cells.

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of contrasting sources of dietary n-6 and n-3 PUFA on expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in dairy cows. During 63 days, fifteen lactating cows were assigned to a control or basal diet containing no added lipid (n = 5 cows); and treatment diets supplemented with SO (n = 5 cows; unrefined soybean oil; 2.9% of DM) or FO (n = 5 cows; fish oil manufactured from salmon oil; 2.9% of DM). Plasma for fatty acid (FA) analysis and milk somatic cells (MSC) were obtained from all cows at the beginning of the study (day 0) and on days 21, 42 and 63. Plasma was used to determine FA transport dynamics. Compared with control and FO, plasma from SO had increased contents of C18:1 cis-9, C18:1 trans-11, C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 and total monounsaturated FA. On the other hand, compared with control and SO, FO increased plasma contents of C20:3 n-3, C20:3 n-6, C20:4 n-6, C20:5 n-3, C22:6 n-3 and total polyunsaturated FA. Moreover, plasma C18:3 n-3 and C20:5 n-3 increased over time for all diets. Compared with control, SO downregulated ACACA, INSIG1, and DGAT1, whereas FO downregulated ACACA, PPARGC1, LPIN1 and FABP3 on day 63, in MSC. At different time-points, SO and FO downregulated genes related to synthesis and intracellular transport of FA, synthesis of triglycerides, and transcription factors.

The Potentiality of Herbal Remedies in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: From In Vitro to Clinical Studies.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a complex pathological condition, characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis of the biliary epithelium. Without proper clinical management, progressive bile ducts and liver damage lead to cirrhosis and, ultimately, to liver failure. The known limited role of current drugs for treating this cholangiopathy has driven researchers to assess alternative therapeutic options. Some herbal remedies and their phytochemicals have shown anti-fibrotic properties in different experimental models of hepatic diseases and, occasionally, in clinical trials in primary sclerosing cholangitis patients; however their mechanism of action is not completely understood. This review briefly examines relevant studies focusing on the potential anti-fibrotic properties of Silybum marianum, Curcuma longa, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and quercetin. Each natural product is individually reviewed and the possible mechanisms of action discussed.

Effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage vs. perineal massage in secundigravida women with gestational oedema: A randomised clinical trial.

Perineal trauma (PT) may be considered as a very common injury during the childbirth. The incidence of PT was estimated in 30% to 85%, with 60% to 70% requiring suture. The present study was a prospective, single-blinded, randomised, clinical trial carried out from January 2015 to January 2016. For this study, 49 secundigravida women diagnosed with gestational oedema were recruited and randomly divided into two groups (A and B). Group A (n = 30) received the conventional treatment plus perineal massage and group B (n = 19) the conventional treatment plus manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). Visual analogue scale (VAS) and King Health's Questionnaire (KHQ) were performed to assess pain intensity and quality of life-related with urinary incontinence (UI). Pain intensity measurements showed statistically significant differences for a decrease after 30-weeks (P = .037), after 36-weeks (P = .000), and at the end of puerperium (P = .014) for MLD with respect to perineal massage group. Moreover, inter-groups repeated measures ANOVA for the values related statistically significant differences to the interaction of each applied treatment (perineal massage and MLD group, separately) over the pain intensity variable. MLD treatment reduced pain intensity with respect to perineal massage in secundigravida women with gestational oedema from 25-weeks of gestation to the end of puerperium.

PBAT biodegradable mulch films: Study of ecotoxicological impacts using Allium cepa, Lactuca sativa and HepG2/C3A cell culture.

Biodegradable mulch films are an alternative to polyethylene films used in agriculture for weed control, improving crop productivity. This change could minimize the residue production and costs related to the final disposal. Nevertheless, the environmental safety of these biodegradable products is scarcely investigated. In this work, samples of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)-PBAT mulch films, with and without UV stabilizer additives, were prepared. Aqueous extracts of soil samples, where mulch films were disposed, were investigated using bioassays with Lactuca sativa, Allium cepa, and cell culture HepG2/C3A. As PBAT is expected to suffer photodegradation and biodegradation, soil samples mixed with films before and after these processes were evaluated. Soil aqueous extracts promoted root grown (mainly hypocotyl) of L. sativa, probably due to presence of nutrients. So, to evaluate toxicity potential, in this case it was necessary to use aqueous extract prepared with soil instead of ultrapure water as the control. After doing this analysis it was observed that no adverse impacts due to PBAT films occurred. No chromosomal abnormalities were observed in A. cepa bioassay for any of tested samples. The absence of genotoxic potential was confirmed by comet assay and micronucleus test using human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2/C3A. These results showed that the soil did not induce damage to the tested organisms, before and after degradation of PBAT films.