Deep Eutectic Solvents Based on Carboxylic Acids and Glycerol or Propylene Glycol as Green Media for Extraction of Bioactive Substances from Chamaenerion angustifolium (L.) Scop.

Chamaenerion angustifolium (L.) Scop. is one of the promising sources of biologically active compounds and a valuable industrial crop. Recently, green extraction methods have become more topical. One of them is the application of deep eutectic solvents (DESs). The aim of this work was the synthesis and characterization of DES consisting of glycerin or propylene glycol with malonic, malic, or citric acids, evaluation of their effectiveness for extracting useful substances from C. angustifolium during ultrasonic extraction, description of kinetics, and optimization of extraction conditions. DESs were obtained and characterized with FTIR. Their effectiveness in the process of ultrasound-assisted extraction of biologically active substances from C. angustifolium was estimated. Kinetic parameters describing the dependence of the total phenolic, flavonoids, and antioxidant content, free radical scavenging of DPPH, and concentration of flavonoid aglycons (myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol) via time in the range of 5-60 min at 45 °C are obtained. Extraction conditions were optimized with the Box-Behnken design of experiment. The results of this work make it possible to expand the scope of DES applications and serve the development of C. angustifolium processing methods.

Restricted maternal nutrition and supplementation of propylene glycol, monensin sodium and rumen-protected choline chloride during late pregnancy does not affect muscle fibre characteristics of offspring.

BACKGROUND: Grazing in arid and semi-arid regions faces pregnant ewes with feed restrictions and hence affects the offspring muscle fibre characteristics. Using feed additives that enhance nutrient availability during foetal muscle development is expected to alter offspring skeletal muscle characteristics. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effect of maternal restricted nutrition and supplementation of propylene glycol, monensin sodium and rumen-protected choline chloride on lamb's muscle fibre characteristics. METHODS: Forty-eight Ghezel ewes were randomly allocated to one of six diets (N = 8) during the last 6 weeks of gestation: ad libitum feed intake (AL); restricted feeding (RF); restricted feeding containing propylene glycol (PG); restricted feeding containing propylene glycol and monensin sodium (MS); restricted feeding containing propylene glycol and rumen-protected choline chloride (RPC); restricted feeding containing propylene glycol, monensin sodium and rumen-protected choline chloride (PMC). The muscle samples were obtained from the semitendinosus muscle of 2-week-old male lambs (n = 5/treatment) via biopsy and were stained and classified as fibre types I, IIA and IIB. RESULTS: Pre-parturient maternal feed restriction and administration of propylene glycol, monensin sodium and rumen-protected choline chloride had no significant effect on fibre-type composition, fibre density of muscle, muscle cross-sectional area and volume density of fibres (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Either maternal dietary restriction or supplementation of nutrient flux-involved additives during late pregnancy did not alter muscle fibre development and had no short-term effects on muscle properties of the resulting offspring as myogenesis occurs in early and mid-gestation, not late gestation. Therefore, maternal nutrition may not be a problematic issue in sheep production in arid and semi-arid areas.

Kidney outcomes after methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Ingestions with methanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and isopropanol are rare yet exceedingly dangerous conditions that may require emergent management with kidney replacement therapy. Little is known regarding short- and long-term kidney outcomes post-ingestion. OBJECTIVES: To comprehensively synthesize existing evidence regarding short- and long-term kidney and other outcomes of adult patients following these poisonings. METHODS: We developed a search strategy in MEDLINE via OVID and then translated it into other databases including EMBASE (via OVID), PubMed, CENTRAL (via OVID). The databases were searched from their dates of inception to 29 July 2021. A grey literature search was conducted in the International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry and ClinicalTrials.gov. All interventional and observational studies and case series with ≥ five participants that reported on the outcomes of toxic alcohol (methanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol and isopropanol) poisonings in adult patients ≥18 years old were included. Studies that reported mortality, kidney outcomes and/or complications attributed to toxic alcohol poisoning were eligible. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 1,221 citations. Sixty-seven studies (13 retrospective observational studies, one prospective observational study, 53 case series) met inclusion criteria (total N = 2,327 participants). No randomized controlled trials were identified per our prespecified criteria. Generally, included studies had small sample sizes (median of 27 participants) and were of low quality. Methanol and/or ethylene glycol poisoning made up 94.1% of included studies, whereas one study reported on isopropanol and none reported on propylene glycol. Results of the 13 observational studies of methanol and/or ethylene glycol poisoning were pooled for meta-analyses. The pooled in-hospital mortality estimates amongst patients with methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning were 24 and 11%, respectively. A more recent year of publication, female sex and mean age were associated with lower in-hospital mortality amongst individuals with ethylene glycol poisoning. Although hemodialysis was the most frequently employed kidney replacement therapy, the indications for initiation of this therapy were not reported in the majority of studies. At hospital discharge, kidney recovery occurred in 64.7-96.3% of patients with ethylene glycol poisoning. In studies of methanol and/or ethylene glycol poisoning, 2-3.7% of individuals required ongoing dialysis. Only one study reported post-discharge mortality. Furthermore, long-term toxic alcohol-mediated sequelae, such as visual and neurologic outcomes, were scarcely reported. DISCUSSION: Ingestions of methanol and ethylene glycol were associated with a significant short-term risk of mortality. Although a wealth of literature in the form of case reports and case series exists, high-quality evidence regarding kidney outcomes after these poisonings is lacking. We identified a paucity of standardized reporting in clinical presentations, therapeutics and outcomes amongst adults with toxic alcohol poisoning. Amongst the included studies, there was substantial heterogeneity encompassing study type, outcomes, duration of follow-up and treatment modalities. These sources of heterogeneity restricted our ability to perform comprehensive meta-analyses of all outcomes of interest. An additional limitation is the lack of studies pertaining to propylene glycol and the paucity of data on isopropanol. CONCLUSIONS: The indications for hemodialysis, long-term kidney recovery and long-term mortality risk vary widely in these poisonings and are inconsistently reported in the literature. This highlights the need for further research with standardized reporting of baseline kidney function, indications for initiation of kidney replacement therapy and short-term and long-term kidney outcomes. REGISTRATION: This systematic review protocol is registered at PROSPERO, CRD42018101955.

Nicotiana tabacum Leaf Waste: Morphological Characterization and Chemical-Functional Analysis of Extracts Obtained from Powder Leaves by Using Green Solvents.

Tobacco cultivation and industrialization are characterized by the production of trillions of pre-harvest and post-harvest waste biomasses each year with the resulting negative effects on the environment. The leaves of blunt, pre-harvest waste, could be further used to obtain bioactive metabolites, i.e., polyphenols and alkaloids, for its potential cosmetic use. This study was conducted to obtain bio-compounds from pre-harvest tobacco leaf waste (var. Virginia) by applying conventional and green solvents (NaDES). Leaves and ground leaf waste were characterized based on their microscopic features. Conventional solvents, such as water, acetone, ethanol, and non-conventional solvents, such as Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NaDES), i.e., sucrose:lactic acid (LAS), frutose:glucose:sucrose (FGS), lactic acid:sucrose:water (SALA), choline chloride:urea (CU), and citric acid: propylene glycol (CAP) were used for bioactive extraction from tobacco waste powder. CU, FGS, and acetone/ethanol had similar behavior for the best extraction of alkaloids (6.37-11.23 mg ACE/g tobacco powder). LAS, FGS, SALA, and CU were more effective in phenolic compound extraction than conventional solvents (18.13-21.98 mg AGE/g tobacco powder). Because of this, LAS and SALA could be used to obtain phenolic-enriched extracts with lower alkaloid content rather than CU and FGS. Extracts of the powder obtained with conventional solvent or CU showed a high level of sugars (47 mg/g tobacco powder) The ABTS antioxidant capacity of tobacco leaf powder was higher in the extracts obtained with CU, FGS, and acetone (SC50 1.6-5 µg GAE/mL) while H2O2 scavenging activity was better in the extracts obtained with LAS, CAP and SALA (SC50 3.8-8.7 µg GAE/mL). Due to the biocompatibility of the NaDES with the components of tobacco leaf waste, the opportunity to apply these extracts directly in antioxidant formulations, such as cosmetics, phytotherapic, and other formulations of topic use seems promising. Furthermore, NaDES constituents, i.e., urea and organic acid can also have beneficial effects on the skin.

Juçara Fruit (Euterpe Edulis Martius) Valorization Combining Emergent Extraction Technologies and Aqueous Solutions of Alkanediols.

Anthocyanins from juçara fruits were extracted by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) or ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), using aqueous solutions of 1,2-alkanediols and glycerol ethers as biobased solvents. The PLE (100 bar, 13 min, 1 mL/min flow rate) in the optimal extraction conditions originated 23.1 mganthocyanins·gdry biomass-1. On the other hand, the UAE was 10 min long, and the optimal conditions using 1,2-propanediol were 42.6 wt%, 160 W, and pH 7.0, leading to 50 mganthocyanins·gdry biomass-1. Extractions at the UAE optimized conditions, with aqueous solutions of five different 1,2-alkanediols and three glycerol ethers were performed, and compared to water and ethanolic extracts. The biobased solvent solutions presented anthocyanin yields up to 33% higher than water, and were shown to be as efficient as ethanol/water, but generated extracts with higher antioxidant capacity. The anthocyanin-rich extract of juçara, obtained with 1,2-propanediol, was used in the production of a natural soap and incorporated into a cream, showing that the addition of the juçara extract resulted in an antioxidant capacity in both products.

Stable Isotope Tracer to Reveal the Interconversion between 3-Monochloro-1,2-propanediol Ester and Glycidyl Ester during the Deodorization Process.

In this study, the effects of the deodorization process on the interconversion between 3-monochloro-1,2-propanediol ester (3-MCPDE) and glycidyl ester (GE) using 3-MCPDE or GE standards containing deuterium-labeled palmitic acid (*P), oleic acid (*O), or linoleic acid (*L) were examined. Deuterium-labeled 3-MCPDE or GE was added to palm oil then deodorized at 250 °C for 20, 40, or 60 min. In the 3-MCPDE-spiked palm oil, the deuterium-labeled 3-MCPDE content decreased with deodorization time. Moreover, GE containing *P or *O was detected, but there was no GE containing *L in the 3-MCPDE-spiked palm oil. In the GE-spiked oil, GE containing *O or *L decreased with deodorization time, but the content of GE containing *P did not change over the time. Furthermore, deuterium-labeled 3-MCPDE was not detected in the GE-spiked oil. These results suggest that 3-MCPDE is converted into GE and that fatty acid species bound to 3-MCPDE or GE may affect their interconversion.

[Enhancing effects of chemical permeation enhancer propylene glycol and ultrasonic technology on transdermal permeation of Baimai Ointment].

This study aimed to improve the transdermal permeation quantity of Baimai Ointment by investigating the enhancing effects of physical and chemical permeation promoting methods on transdermal permeation of Baimai Ointment. The improved Franz diffusion cell method was used for in vitro transdermal experiment. The abdominal skin of mice was used, and the skin was treated with 3% propylene glycol in the chemical enhancement group. Ultrasonic technology was introduced in the physical enhancement group. The conditions of ultrasonic technology were optimized by single factor trial. Taking Q_(EF) and ER as the indexes of penetration promotion performance, the enhancing effects of the two methods were compared. The results showed that the promotion performance of 3% propylene glycol for ammonium glycyrrhizinate, nardosinone and curcumin of the chemical enhancement group were 1.74, 1.60, and 3.73 times higher than those of the blank group, respectively. The overall permeation efficiency of the Baimai Ointment was significantly improved. The comprehensive promoting effect on each component was curcumin>ammonium glycyrrhizinate>nardosinone. In the physical enhancement group, the penetration promoting effect of ultrasonic power 1.0 W was better than that of 2.0 W and 0.5 W, ultrasonic time 5 min was better than 3 min and 8 min, and the ultrasonic frequency 1 MHz was better than 3 MHz. Therefore, the optimal ultrasonic condition was 1.0 W-5 min-1 MHz. Under this condition, in terms of the transdermal permeation for ammonium glycyrrhizinate, the Q_(EF) and ER of the ultrasonic technology were better than those of 3% propylene glycol. In terms of the transdermal permeation for nardosinone and curcumin, the QEF and ER of 3% propylene glycol were better than those of the ultrasonic technology. Therefore, 3% propylene glycol combined with ultrasonic technology can be used to promote permeation of Baimai Ointment that contains both water-soluble and fat-soluble components in the clinical application. This study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of Baimai Ointment and other transdermal preparations.

Hepatic effects of rumen-protected branched-chain amino acids with or without propylene glycol supplementation in dairy cows during early lactation.

Essential amino acids (EAA) are critical for multiple physiological processes. Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation provides energy substrates, promotes protein synthesis, and stimulates insulin secretion in rodents and humans. Most dairy cows face a protein and energy deficit during the first weeks postpartum and utilize body reserves to counteract this shortage. The objective was to evaluate the effect of rumen-protected BCAA (RP-BCAA; 375 g of 27% l-leucine, 85 g of 48% l-isoleucine, and 91 g of 67% l-valine) with or without oral propylene glycol (PG) administration on markers of liver health status, concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in plasma, and liver triglycerides (TG) during the early postpartum period in dairy cows. Multiparous Holstein cows were enrolled in blocks of 3 and randomly assigned to either the control group or 1 of the 2 treatments from calving until 35 d postpartum. The control group (n = 16) received 200 g of dry molasses per cow/d; the RP-BCAA group (n = 14) received RP-BCAA mixed with 200 g of dry molasses per cow/d; the RP-BCAA plus PG (RP-BCAAPG) group (n = 16) received RP-BCAA mixed with 200 g of dry molasses per cow/d, plus 300 mL of PG, once daily from calving until 7 d in milk (DIM). The RP-BCAA and RP-BCAAGP groups, on average (± standard deviation), were predicted to receive a greater supply of metabolizable protein in the form of l-Leu 27.4 ± 3.5 g/d, l-Ile 15.2 ± 1.8 g/d, and l-Val 24.2 ± 2.4 g/d compared with the control cows. Liver biopsies were collected at d 9 ± 4 prepartum and at 5 ± 1 and 21 ± 1 DIM. Blood was sampled 3 times per week from calving until 21 DIM. Milk yield, dry matter intake, NEFA, BHB, EAA blood concentration, serum chemistry, insulin, glucagon, and liver TG and protein abundance of total and phosphorylated branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase E1α (p-BCKDH-E1α) were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Cows in the RP-BCAA and RP-BCAAPG groups had lower liver TG and lower activities of aspartate aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase during the first 21 DIM, compared with control. All cows, regardless of treatment, showed an upregulation of p-BCKDH-E1α at d 5 postpartum, compared with levels at 21 d postpartum. Insulin, Met, and Glu blood concentration were greater in RP-BCAA and RP-BCAAPG compared with control during the first 35 DIM. Therefore, the use of RP-BCAA in combination with PG might be a feasible option to reduce hepatic lipidosis in dairy cows during early lactation.

Effects of microfluidization and thermal treatment on the characterization and digestion of curcumin loaded protein-polysaccharide-tea saponin complex nanoparticles.

Microfluidization (50-150 MPa) and thermal treatment (45-85 °C) were applied to modulate the physicochemical stability, molecular interaction and microstructure of zein-proplyene glycol alginate (PGA)-tea saponin (TS) complex nanoparticles for delivery of curcumin. The size of these complex nanoparticles was decreased from 583.1 to 267.4 nm as the microfluidization pressure was increased from 0 to 100 MPa. In the combined treatment of microfluidization and heating, 100 MPa and 75 °C were the optimum parameters to prepare zein-PGA-TS complex nanoparticles for a better protection of curcumin against various environmental stresses. SEM revealed a synergistic effect of microfluidization and heating on the fabrication of complex nanoparticles with a more uniform size and spherical shape. During in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, the complex nanoparticles showed an excellent gastric stability and a sustained release of curcumin in the small intestinal phase. These findings interpreted the effects of microfluidization and thermal treatment on the functional properties of protein-polysaccharide-surfactant complex nanoparticles that can be utilized to develop food grade nanoparticles with enhanced stability and controllable digestion behaviour.

The distinctive short-term response of late-pregnant prolific ewes to propylene glycol or glycerol drenching.

Pregnancy toxemia is the most frequent metabolic disorder of ewes in late pregnancy. Although propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol (GLY) are common glucogenic supplements for treating pregnancy toxemia in ewes, the relative benefit of these 2 supplements is not entirely clear. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to determine the changes during 24 h in key blood metabolites and insulin in response to PG or GLY drenching in prolific ewes. To this end, 36 multiparous late-pregnant Afec-Assaf ewes (∼132.4 d pregnant) bearing 2 to 4 fetuses, divided into 2 blocks (18 ewes in each block), with a blood ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration of 0.5 to 1.6 mmol/L were included. Ewes were divided into 3 groups (12 ewes each; 6 ewes in each experimental day), according to their BHB levels, expected litter size, body weight, and body condition score, and were drenched with the following: (1) control group (CTL), 55 mL of water; (2) PG, 106 mL of PG (100% PG, 448 calories); or (3) GLY, 108 mL of Koforin 80 (80% GL; 448 calories). Blood samples were taken before drenching and every hour after drenching for 24 h. Plasma concentration of glucose, BHB, nonesterified fatty acids, lactate, glycerol, and insulin were determined. Because there were no effects of treatments after 12 h in the first block, the data were analyzed for 12 h after drenching rather than 24 h. The plasma glucose concentration during the first 5 h after drenching was the highest in the GLY, BHB concentration was the lowest in the PG, and the nonesterified fatty acid levels were lower in the PG compared with the CTL ewes during the first 5 h after drenching. However, glucose concentration was higher in the PG ewes at 9, 11, and 12 h after drenching than in CTL or GLY ewes. The mean lactate concentration in plasma for 12 h was 2.5- and 1.9-fold higher in the PG compared with the CTL and GLY ewes, respectively, and except at 11 h after drenching, it was significantly higher at each time point. The insulin concentration was higher in the GLY than in both other groups at 2 to 5 h after drenching. These results suggest that during the first few hours after drenching the effect of PG was more effective in reducing the BHB concentration, whereas the GLY effect was more effective in enhancing glucose concentration. The increased concentration in lactate following PG treatment suggests that the PG contribution to gluconeogenesis is mediated through its metabolism to lactate. In contrast, the lack of an effect on lactate, and the faster increase in blood glucose in response to GLY suggest that GLY has a more advanced entry point to gluconeogenesis, which influences the immediate response in enhancing the glucose blood concentration.

Administration of glycerol-based formulations in sheep results in similar ovulation rate to eCG but red blood cell indices may be affected.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the metabolic and osmotic effects of different doses of glycerol or a glycerol - propylene glycol mixture in Sarda sheep with the aim to identify those able to beneficially modify ewe's metabolic status without harmful changes in red blood cell (RBC) indices. Thereafter, the selected doses were tested for their effects on ewe's ovarian activity during an induced follicular phase and compared to the effects of a hormonal treatment with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG). RESULTS: Glycerol was administered alone (G groups: 90% glycerol and 10% water; % v/v) or in combination with propylene glycol (M groups: 70% glycerol, 20% propylene glycol, 10% water; % v/v). Treatments were formulated to provide 100, 75, 50 and 25% of the amount of energy supplied in previous experiments. Obtained results showed that the formulations G75 and M75 (22.5 and 18.2% on DM basis, respectively) induce metabolic changes comparable to those induced by M100. The latter dose has been already evaluated for its effects on sheep metabolism and reproductive performance. However, with these high doses, plasma osmolality increased significantly, and RBC indices showed significant alterations. The low dose groups (G25 and M25, 8.6 and 6.9% on DM basis, respectively) did not show any alterations in plasma osmolality and RBC indices, but the metabolic milieu differed markedly from that of M100. Between the medium dose groups, M50 (12.9% on DM basis) showed a more comparable milieu to M100 than G50 (15.9% on DM basis) and no RBC alterations. Therefore, M75, G75 and M50 doses were tested for their effect on ovarian functions and proved to be equally effective as eCG. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study evidenced an alteration of RBC indices, and possibly of their functions, as a side effect of glycerol administration at high doses in the diet of ewes. Therefore, protocols foreseeing the administration of glycerol should be tested for their effects on RBC indices and functions. In general terms, the medium dose of the glucogenic mixture (12.9% of dietary DM on offer) should be preferred.

Interesterification of Soybean Oil with Propylene Glycol in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide and Analysis by NMR Spectroscopy.

The time course study of high monoester mixtures from soybean oil (HMMS) synthesis, as healthier alternatives to trans food products, in a supercritical CO2 (SCCO2) medium with and without enzyme, was investigated. Phosphorous nuclear magnetic resonance (31P-NMR) was used to quantify the absolute amount of partially esterified acylglycerols (PEGs). Carbon NMR was utilized to determine the type and position of the fatty acids (FAs) of HMMS. Enzyme and time significantly influenced the synthesis of 1-monoglycerides (1-MGs), 2-MGs, and 1,2-diglycerides (1,2-DGs) in this alcoholysis of soybean oil with 1,2-propanediol, based on high catalytic activity and operational stability of Novozym 435 in SCCO2 during short reaction time. Results suggest that 4 h is a suitable reaction time for this lipase-catalyzed interesterification (LIE) system for the synthesis of 2-MGs with a yield of 20%. The highest polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (65%) in the triglyceride (TG) of HMMS was produced after 4 h of reaction. After 6 h of reaction, a high level (20%) of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) was found in the TGs of HMMS, which were distributed between the sn-2 (5%) and sn-1, 3 (15%) positions.

In situ microemulsion-gel obtained from bioadhesive hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films for transdermal administration of zidovudine.

This study aims to develop in situ microemulsion-gel (ME-Gel) obtained from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films for transdermal administration of Zidovudine (AZT). Firstly, HPMC films containing propylene glycol (PG) and eucalyptus oil (EO) were obtained and characterized. Later, a pseudo-ternary phase diagram composed of water, EO, tween 80 and PG was obtained and one microemulsion (ME) with a similar proportion of the film components was obtained. ME was transformed in ME-Gel by the incorporation of HPMC. Finally, HPMC films were hydrated with Tween 80 solution to yield in situ ME-Gel and its effect on AZT skin permeation was compared with HPMC film hydrated with water (F5hyd). The results showed that the ME and ME-Gel presented a droplet size of 16.79 and 122.13 µm, respectively, polydispersity index (PDI) < 0.39 and pH between 5.10 and 5.40. The incorporation of HPMC resulted in viscosity about 2 times higher than the use of ME. The presence of AZT did not alter the formulation properties. The in situ ME-Gel promoted a two-fold increase in the permeated amount of AZT compared to F5hyd. The results suggest that it was possible to obtain an ME-Gel in situ from HPMC films and that its effect on transdermal permeation of AZT was significant.

Techno-biofunctionality of mangostin extract-loaded virgin coconut oil nanoemulsion and nanoemulgel.

Techno-biofunctional characteristics of nanoemulsion and (nano)emulgel loaded with mangostin extracts were elucidated. Crude mangostins from mangosteen peels recovered by virgin coconut oil (VCO), mixed VCO and propylene glycol (PG), and pure PG were used. The extracts were loaded in the dispersed phase in the presence of mixed surfactants (Tween20/Span20) with a varying hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) from 10.2 to 15.1. Results showed that globular and uniformly distributed droplets of the nanoemulsion were observed. The small particle sizes (typically 18-62 nm) with the zeta potential of -39 to -54.5 mV were obtained when mixed emulsifiers with HLB values of 12.6 and 15.1 were employed. With HLB values of 12.6 and 15.1, nanoemulsions loaded with mangostin extracts prepared with mixed VCO-PG and pure PG-based extracts showed approximately a 2 to 3-fold lower droplet size diameter when compared with the VCO-based extract. For the stability test, all nanoemulsions were stable over three freeze-thaw cycles with some changes in pH, zeta potential, and droplet size. The DPPH● scavenging activity, H2O2 scavenging activity, reducing power and antibacterial activities (E. coli and S. aureus) of the nanoemulsions were greater than their corresponding bulk extracts. Nanoemulgels produced by embedding the nanoemulsions in a hydrogel matrix was homogeneous and creamy yellow-white in appearance. The nanoemulgels had a higher mangostin release (87-92%) than their normal emulgels (74-78%). Therefore, this study presented the feasibility of nanoemulsions and nanoemulgels loaded with mangostin extracts as a promising delivery system for bioactive polyphenol in food supplements, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Allergic contact dermatitis to Tinosorb S, Scutellaria baicalensis, and other emerging allergens in cosmetics.

Patch tests are highly recommended in eczema patients with eyelid involvement. Sunscreen constitutes a potential cause of eyelid or facial allergic contact dermatitis, and should be considered in patients with refractory eczema on these locations. We report a patient sensitized to several emerging allergens such as bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (Tinosorb S), Scutellaria baicalensis extract, and propylene glycol with an eyelid dermatitis. Patch tests to the combined ingredients propylene carbonate, cyclopentasiloxane, and disteardimonium hectorite; and talc, Cl 77 491, and dimethicone/methicone copolymer were also positive. We highlight the importance of systematically patch testing with the cosmetics brought in by our patients, as well as with the individual ingredients whenever positive. The identification of emerging allergies to new compounds in cosmetics mainly depends on this practice.

Use of glycerol and propylene glycol as additives in heat-treated goat colostrum.

This experiment aimed to evaluate the suitability of glycerol and propylene glycol to reduce microbial count and preserve immune properties in heat-treated goat colostrum. Colostrum samples from 11 goats were each divided into 9 aliquots. Different concentrations (2, 6, 10, and 14%; vol/vol) of either glycerol or propylene glycol were added to the aliquots. Phosphate buffer solution was added to one aliquot, which was set as the control (CG). After the respective additions, all colostrum samples were heat treated at 56°C for 1 h. After cooling, aerobic mesophilic bacteria were cultured. The samples were frozen until free fatty acid, IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations and chitotriosidase activity were measured. No differences were found in aerobic mesophilic bacteria counts between either 10 or 14% glycerol and propylene glycol additives. These additions reduced bacterial count to a greater extent than CG, and 2 or 6% additions. Colostrum IgG concentration was not affected by either of the additives or their concentrations. The propylene glycol additive reduced IgA and IgM concentrations and chitotriosidase activity, compared with CG. Conversely, glycerol did not affect any of the studied immune variables. In conclusion, glycerol addition to goat colostrum before heat treatment is suitable to enhance bacterial reduction, whereas colostrum immune properties were not affected.

The comparative effects of dietary monensin and propylene glycol on insulin resistance of transition dairy cows.

During the transition period, dairy cows suffer from negative energy balance due to the upcoming insulin resistance as a major metabolic disturbance. We hypothesized that providing glucose precursors for transition dairy cows may reduce the insulin resistance. In this study, 24 multiparous Holstein dairy cows were enrolled 8 weeks prior to parturition and divided into 4 equal groups, including control (Ctrl), monensin (Mo), propylene glycol (PPG), and monensin plus propylene glycol (Mo + PPG). Cows from the Mo and PPG groups received 1 mg/kg body weight (BW) of monensin, daily. Cows from the PGG group received 150 g of propylene glycol, daily. Cows from the Mo + PPG group received 1 mg/kg BW of monensin and 150 g/head of propylene glycol daily and Ctrl cows received basal diet without any supplementations. Intravenous glucose tolerance test (ivGTT) was conducted weekly from 3 weeks before to 3 weeks after parturition to evaluate the insulin resistance phenomenon. Immediately after glucose administration, glucose and insulin increased significantly, and their alterations were significant during the study. Glucose and insulin were significantly higher in the Ctrl group than in the other groups, and their levels in different pre- and post-partum periods were significantly lower in the Mo + PPG group than in the other studied groups. The results of this study represented that the supplementary feeding with propionate precursors, such as monensin and propylene glycol, reduced the insulin resistance in dairy cows during the transition period. This effect is more explicit by propylene glycol than by monensin, and the combination of both reduces insulin resistance at higher rates. The use of these dietary supplements is likely to produce more propionates as the main precursor of glucose; therefore, it reduces the negative energy balance and subsequently decreases the insulin resistance. In this regard, to reduce insulin resistance, it is recommended that dairy cows during the transition period be fed with monensin and propylene glycol supplements.

Phosphorus-Containing Flame Retardants from Biobased Chemicals and Their Application in Polyesters and Epoxy Resins.

Phosphorus-containing flame retardants synthesized from renewable resources have had a lot of impact in recent years. This article outlines the synthesis, characterization and evaluation of these compounds in polyesters and epoxy resins. The different approaches used in producing biobased flame retardant polyesters and epoxy resins are reported. While for the polyesters biomass derived compounds usually are phosphorylated and melt blended with the polymer, biobased flame retardants for epoxy resins are directly incorporated into the polymer structure by a using a phosphorylated biobased monomer or curing agent. Evaluating the efficiency of the flame retardant composites is done by discussing results obtained from UL94 vertical burning, limiting oxygen index (LOI) and cone calorimetry tests. The review ends with an outlook on future development trends of biobased flame retardant systems for polyesters and epoxy resins.

Natural deep eutectic solvents and aqueous solutions as an alternative extraction media for propolis.

Ethanolic extracts of propolis are consumed for their health benefits even though direct consumption of alcoholic extracts is not always ideal. Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) can potentially extract similar compounds as alcoholic extracts while being better for direct consumption. Therefore, in this work alternative solvents for the extraction of green propolis including its biomarker artepillin C were examined. Sixteen NADES made from low toxicity chemicals, including the essential amino acid l-lysine, were explored along with twelve individual NADES components and honey, which showed similar physical-chemical properties to NADES. At 50 °C NADES made from choline chloride-propylene glycol or lactic acid proved to be equal or better than the benchmark EtOH:Water 7:3 (v/v). Alternatively, aqueous l-lysine appeared as a potential solvent for the preparation of aqueous propolis extracts. From these findings NADES, honey and aqueous l-lysine solutions all demonstrated the potential to replace ethanol or water for extracting green propolis.

Prevalence of ethanol and other potentially harmful excipients in pediatric oral medicines: survey of community pharmacies in a Nigerian City.

OBJECTIVE: Excipients are needed in the formulation of oral liquid medicines intended for children; they have however been reported to trigger safety issues. This study evaluated the concentrations and prevalence of ethanol and other potentially harmful excipients in pediatric formulations marketed in South Eastern Nigeria in line with international labeling guidelines and allowable daily limits (ADL). The study sampled oral pediatric formulations offered for sale in registered pharmacies. Those with accessible information leaflets were assessed for the presence and quantity of previously flagged excipients with potential to harm the pediatric population. RESULT: Of the 380 oral pediatric medicines, 140 provided access to list/quantity of ingredients. 47.9% (67) of the formulations contain at least one of the flagged excipients while the remaining only listed the active ingredients. Ethanol had the highest occurrence (62.7%) and was more in cough/cold medicines. A homeopathic cough and cold remedy had concentration of 90% v/v. Ethanol and sucrose in some formulations exhibited concentrations with a potential of crossing their approved daily intake (ADI) (1-90% v/v and 1.7 g-3.7 g/5 ml respectively). Ethanol use in studied pediatric formulations was quite high, with ethanol-containing formulations being prescribed for children 0-6 years and older. Only 26 (38.8%) completely satisfied the labelling requirements for ethanol containing formulations.