Enhancement of Strawberry Shelf Life via a Multisystem Coating Based on Lippia graveolens Essential Oil Loaded in Polymeric Nanocapsules.

Strawberries (Fragaria xannanasa) are susceptible to mechanical, physical, and physiological damage, which increases their incidence of rot during storage. Therefore, a method of protection is necessary in order to minimize quality losses. One way to achieve this is by applying polymer coatings. In this study, multisystem coatings were created based on polymer nanocapsules loaded with Lippia graveolens essential oil, and it was found to have excellent optical, mechanical, and water vapor barrier properties compared to the control (coating formed with alginate and with nanoparticles without the essential oil). As for the strawberries coated with the multisystem formed from the polymer nanocapsules loaded with the essential oil of Lippia graveolens, these did not present microbial growth and only had a loss of firmness of 17.02% after 10 days of storage compared to their initial value. This study demonstrated that the multisystem coating formed from the polymer nanocapsules loaded with the essential oil of Lippia graveolens could be a viable alternative to preserve horticultural products for longer storage periods.

Clinical examination and imaging resources in children and adolescent back pain.

Back pain is a relatively common complaint in children and adolescents. The pediatric patient presenting with back pain can often be challenging, and there are many well-known organic diagnoses that should not be missed. In younger children, an organic cause of back pain can often be found. However, back pain in older children and adolescents is often "non-specific." The differential diagnosis of back pain in children includes neoplasms, developmental, and inflammatory conditions. Basic steps should include an in-depth anamnesis, a systematic physical examination, and standard spine radiographs (anteroposterior and lateral). Nevertheless, advanced diagnostic imaging and laboratory studies should be included when indicated to avoid missing or delaying a serious diagnosis. If other types of imaging tests are necessary (magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, bone scan, or single photon emission computed tomography), they should be guided by diagnostic suspicion.

An Integrative Approach to the Current Treatment of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders and the Implementation of Leukemia Inhibitor Factor as a Mediator of Neurocognitive Preservation.

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs) continue to impact patients despite antiretroviral therapy. A combination of antiretroviral therapies can diminish the HIV viral load to near undetectable levels, but fails to preserve neurocognitive integrity. The cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has shown neuroprotective properties that could mitigate neurodegeneration in HANDs. The LIF promotes neurogenesis, neural cell differentiation, and survival. Combination antiretroviral therapy reduces severe forms of HANDs, but neurocognitive impairment persists; additionally, some antiretrovirals have additional adverse neurotoxic effects. The LIF counteracts neurotoxic viral proteins and limits neural cell damage in models of neuroinflammation. Adding the LIF as an adjuvant therapy to enhance neuroprotection merits further research for managing HANDs. The successful implementation of the LIF to current therapies would contribute to achieving a better quality of life for the affected population.

Development of Essential Oil-Loaded Polymeric Nanocapsules as Skin Delivery Systems: Biophysical Parameters and Dermatokinetics Ex Vivo Evaluation.

Essential oils (EOs) are natural antioxidant alternatives that reduce skin damage. However, EOs are highly volatile; therefore, their nanoencapsulation represents a feasible alternative to increase their stability and favor their residence time on the skin to guarantee their effect. In this study, EOs of Rosmarinus officinalis and Lavandula dentata were nanoencapsulated and evaluated as skin delivery systems with potential antioxidant activity. The EOs were characterized and incorporated into polymeric nanocapsules (NC-EOs) using nanoprecipitation. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the ferric thiocyanate method. The ex vivo effects on pig skin were evaluated based on biophysical parameters using bioengineering techniques. An ex vivo dermatokinetic evaluation on pig skin was performed using modified Franz cells and the tape-stripping technique. The results showed that the EOs had good antioxidant activity (>65%), which was maintained after nanoencapsulation and purification. The nanoencapsulation of the EOs favored its deposition in the stratum corneum compared to free EOs; the highest deposition rate was obtained for 1,8-cineole, a major component of L. dentata, at 1 h contact time, compared to R. officinalis with a major deposition of the camphor component. In conclusion, NC-EOs can be used as an alternative antioxidant for skin care.

Formulation and optimization of polymeric nanoparticles loaded with riolozatrione: a promising nanoformulation with potential antiherpetic activity.

Riolozatrione (RZ) is a diterpenoid compound isolated from a dichloromethane extract of the Jatropha dioica root. This compound has been shown to possess moderate antiherpetic activity in vitro. However, because of the poor solubility of this compound in aqueous vehicles, generating a stable formulation for potential use in the treatment of infection is challenging. The aim of this work was to optimize and physio-chemically characterize Eudragit® L100-55-based polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with RZ (NPR) for in vitro antiherpetic application. The NPs formulation was initially optimized using the dichloromethane extract of J. dioica, the major component of which was RZ. The optimized NPR formulation was stable, with a size of 263 nm, polydispersity index < 0.2, the zeta potential of -37 mV, and RZ encapsulation efficiency of 89 %. The NPR showed sustained release of RZ for 48 h with release percentages of 95 and 97 % at neutral and slightly acidic pH, respectively. Regarding in vitro antiherpetic activity, the optimized NPR showed a selectivity index for HSV-1 of ≈16 and for HSV-2 of 13.

'I'm still a woman': A qualitative study on sexuality in heterosexual women with Turner Syndrome.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe and understand how heterosexual women with Turner Syndrome experience sexuality. BACKGROUND: Turner Syndrome is a genetic condition that is the result of one of the X chromosomes missing or partially missing, and it affects women of all ages. Turner Syndrome may lead to psychological, relational and sex life disorders. DESIGN: This is a qualitative study, and the COREQ checklist was employed to report on the current study. METHODS: The study was conducted in a region of southern Spain. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to recruit 18 women, aged 22-51 years, who had been diagnosed with Turner Syndrome. Participants' experiences were explored through semi-structured interviews between January and May 2021. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Three main themes and eight sub-themes emerge from the data analysis: (1) Sexuality linked to corporeality, with the sub-themes: 'Discovering that your body is different', 'Social stigma limits one's sex life' and 'Fear of penetration surpresses sexual desire'. (2) Adapting one's sexuality to Turner Syndrome, with the sub-themes: 'Feeling like a woman' and 'Suffering from and adapting to comorbidities'. (3) When infertility overshadows sexuality, with the sub-themes: 'Prolonging childhood by ignoring sexuality', 'Fertility treatment: always a possibility' and 'Lack of specialised professional knowledge'. CONCLUSION: Heterosexual women with Turner Syndrome suffer from sexual problems, delayed diagnosis and treatment, and lack of information. Unawareness and relational problems may also lead to scarce and late sexual relations, jealousy and a fear of being left. The women with Turner Syndrome refer to little self-exploration or masturbation as well as a fear of penetration. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Understanding the experiences of sexuality in heterosexual women with Turner Syndrome is a challenge for clinical nurses, who could provide quality care to these women in contextualised services.

Uso tradicional de plantas medicinales en adultos mayores del municipio de Arauca / Traditional use of medicinal plants in older adults in the municipality of Arauca

Introducción: La pérdida del conocimiento tradicional, trae consigo, entre otros, detrimento de identidad cultural y disminución de la biodiversidad. Objetivos: Identificar los conocimientos tradicionales sobre plantas medicinales con base en los saberes de los adultos mayores del municipio de Arauca. Materiales y métodos: Se aplicó una encuesta adaptada de TRAMIL, en una muestra por conveniencia, de 96 adultos mayores sabedores. Con los datos, se determinó el Índice de Valor de Uso (IVU) y el Nivel de Uso Significativo TRAMIL (UST) de las plantas medicinales que, tradicionalmente emplea esta comunidad. Resultados: Se reconocieron 109 especies con uso medicinal, de las cuales 38 (35%) se encuentran aprobadas por el INVIMA; de ellas, presentaron mayor IVU dentro de la comunidad araucana, sábila (Aloe vera) (27%), hierba buena (Mentha spicata) (14%), limón mandarino (Citrus limonia) (13%) y, manzanilla (Matricaria chamomilla) (11%). Las especies con mayor UST, correspondieron a sábila (A. vera), 50%, pericón (Capraria biflora) (45%), limonaria (Cymbopogon citratus) (28%), hierba buena (M. spicata) (27%) y hierba mora (Solanum americanum) (22%). Discusión: Si bien el adulto mayor de Arauca presenta conocimientos importantes sobre el empleo de plantas medicinales que contribuyen a mejorar la calidad de salud en la comunidad araucana, se hace necesario la validación farmacológica, fitoquímica y toxicológica de las especies vegetales utilizadas, debido a que la mayoría no están aprobadas por el INVIMA y en las aprobadas, su forma de empleo no coincide apropiadamente con el aval del instituto de vigilancia.

Introduction: The loss of traditional knowledge brings with it, among other things, a loss of cultural identity and a decrease in biodiversity. Objectives: To identify traditional knowledge about medicinal plants based on the knowledge of older adults in the municipality of Arauca. Materials and methods: A survey adapted from TRAMIL was applied to a convenience sample of 96 knowledgeable older adults. With the data, the Use Value Index (IVU) and the TRAMIL Significant Use Level (UST) of the medicinal plants traditionally used by this community were determined. Results: A total of 109 species with medicinal use were recognized, of which 38 (35%) are approved by the INVIMA; of these, the following had the highest IVU within the Araucanian community: Aloe (Aloe vera) (27%), peppermint (Mentha spicata) (14%), lemon mandarin (Citrus limonia) (13%), and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) (11%). The species with the highest UST corresponded to aloe (A. vera), with 50%, pericón (Capraria biflora) (45%), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) (28%), hierba buena (M. spicata) (27%) and hierba mora (Solanum americanum) (22%). Discussion: Although the elderly of Arauca have important knowledge about the use of medicinal plants that contribute to improve the quality of health in the Araucanian community, it is necessary to validate the pharmacological, phytochemical and toxicological properties of the plant species used, since most of them have not been approved by INVIMA and in the approved ones, their use does not coincide appropriately with the endorsement of the surveillance institute.

Nanocarriers as Administration Systems of Natural Products.

Natural products are an important source of bioactive molecules. However, the development of biological applications based on these compounds is hindered by intrinsic problems in their solubility, volatility, degradation, and bioavailability. Nanocarriers as drug administration systems promise to overcome these limitations by providing controlled and directed delivery. This review aims to present 1) the most frequently used nanocarriers as natural product administration systems, based on the progress of controlled and directed release, and 2) the challenges associated with the use of nanocarriers as therapeutic agents.

Upwelling intensity modulates the fitness and physiological performance of coastal species: Implications for the aquaculture of the scallop Argopecten purpuratus in the Humboldt Current System.

Understanding how marine species cope with the natural environmental variability of their native habitats will provide significant information about their sensitivity to the potential environmental changes driven by climate change. In particular, marine species inhabiting upwelling ecosystems are experiencing low seawater temperatures, as well as, acidic and low oxygen conditions as a consequence of the nature of the deep upwelled waters. Our study is focused on one of the most important socio-economical resources of the Humboldt Current System (HCS): the scallop Argopecten purpuratus which has been historically subjected to intensive aquaculture in areas influenced by upwelling processes. Here, a long-term field experiment was performed to understand how tolerant and well-locally-adapted is A. purpuratus to upwelling conditions by studying a set of fitness, physiological, and biomineralogical traits. Stronger upwelling generated a minor water column stratification, with lower temperatures, pH, and oxygen conditions. On the contrary, as upwelling weakened, temperature, pH, and oxygen availability increased. Finally, upwelling intensity also determined the number, duration, and intensity of the cooling and de-oxygenation events occurring in A. purpuratus habitat, as well as, the food availability (chlorophyll-a concentration, Chl-a). Physiologically, A. purpuratus was able to cope with stressful environmental conditions imposed by higher upwelling intensities by enhancing its metabolic and calcification rates, as well, producing higher concentrations of the shell organic matter. These physiological changes impacted the total energy budget, which was highly dependent on Chl-a concentration, and revealed important traits trade-offs with significant fitness costs (higher mortalities emerged when longer and more intense upwelling events succeed). Our study increases the knowledge about the physiological performance and tolerance of this important resource to the ocean acidification and ocean-deoxygenation imposed by variable upwelling intensities, as well as, its potential vulnerability under future changing conditions driven by a potential upwelling intensification.

The combined effects of salinity and pH on shell biomineralization of the edible mussel Mytilus chilensis.

Coastal ecosystems influenced by river discharges are subjected to important environmental changes. Understanding how marine biota cope with its environment is relevant in predicting the responses to future conditions imposed by climate change. To date, a large number of studies have addressed the role of pH on shell and biomineralization properties on multiple calcifying species; however the role of salinity in combination with other stressors has been poorly studied. In particular, the edible mussel Mytilus chilensis, an important marine resource of the Chilean coasts, inhabits estuarine areas which show high natural variability in terms of pH and salinity. Here, we studied how M. chilensis shell periostracum, shell organic matrix and crystal orientation are affected by different pH (8.1 and 7.7) and salinity conditions (30, 25 and 20 psu), isolated and in combination, at different time intervals. Our results show differences in the plasticity of the different biomineralogical properties studied during the experiment under the different pH and salinity treatments. While the periostracum thickness and the total shell organic matter were not affected by pH and salinity, the periostracum organic composition did. Higher amounts of polysaccharides were observed under low pH conditions after 20 days of experiment, while after 60 days, low salinity was responsible for the decrease of the polysaccharides and proteins in the periostracum. Low salinity also produced a major disorder in crystal organization at the outer shell surface. Finally, total shell weight was only affected by low pH conditions under lower salinity conditions (20 psu). From the results, in the majority of the shell properties observed we did not observe any combined effect of pH and salinity. Also, we detected that the magnitude of the impacts of salinity and pH are variable and time-dependent. This would be suggesting some level of acclimatization of M. chilensis to lower pH and salinity conditions.

Application of a Multisystem Coating Based on Polymeric Nanocapsules Containing Essential Oil of Thymus Vulgaris L. to Increase the Shelf Life of Table Grapes (Vitis Vinifera L.).

In developing countries, the incidence of postharvest losses reduces the quantity and quality of food for human consumption and causes an economical damage along the food chain, especially, for primary producers. In this study, a multisystem coating (NC-EOt-C) based on pullulan and polymeric nanocapsules containing EO of Thymus vulgaris L. (EOt) was applied to increase the shelf life of table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.). The major components of EOt, chemically characterized by GC-MS, were o-cymene (32.68%), thymol (31.90%), and γ -terpinene (15.69%). The NC-EOt were prepared by nanoprecipitation and showed a particle mean size of 153.9 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.186, a zeta potential of -4.11 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 52.81%. The antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS+ methods) of EOt was maintained, or even improved, after its incorporation into NC. The shelf life study showed that grapes having the NC-EOt-C multisystem maintained their characteristics of color, firmness, TA, and SSC for longer time than those without the multisystem. NC-EOt-C multisystem acted as a barrier which reduced the metabolism of fruits. In addition, the compounds of EOt with antimicrobial activity avoided microorganism growth, while those with antioxidant activity reduced the oxidative stress induced during postharvest of grapes. Additionally, the polymeric structure of NC prevented the rapid evaporation of volatile compounds of EOt, increasing then their residence time on the fruit. Our study demonstrated that NC-EOt-C multisystem can be a viable alternative to preserve horticultural products for longer storage periods.

Simultaneous GC-FID Quantification of Main Components of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Lavandula dentata Essential Oils in Polymeric Nanocapsules for Antioxidant Application.

The essential oils (EO) of R. officinalis and L. dentata have been widely used due to their antioxidant activity. However, due to their high volatility, the loading of EO into polymeric nanocapsules (NC) represents an efficient way of retaining their effect in future topical administration. In this way, the quantitative determination of EO incorporated into NC is necessary for simultaneous monitoring of the main components of the EO during the nanoencapsulation process as well as for precise and exact dosing of the components used during the performance of in vitro and in vivo biological tests. In this study, EO were isolated by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus and characterized by GC-MS and GC-FID analyses. The major constituents of EO-R. officinalis were camphor (39.46%) and 1,8-cineole (14.63%), and for EO-L. dentata were 1,8-cineole (68.59%) and ß-pinene (11.53%). A new analytical method based on GC-FID for quantification of free and encapsulated EO was developed and validated according to ICH. Linearity, limit of detection and quantification, and intra- and interday precision parameters were determined. The methods were linear and precise for the quantification of the main components of EO. The EO were encapsulated by nanoprecipitation and were analyzed by the GC-FID method validated for their direct quantification. The NC size was 200 nm with homogeneous size distribution. The quantification of the incorporated EO within a NC is an important step in NC characterization. In this way, an encapsulation efficiency of at least 59.03% and 41.15% of total EO-R. officinalis and EO-L. dentata, respectively, was obtained. Simple, repeatable, and reproducible methods were developed as an analytical tool for the simultaneous quantification of the main components of EO loaded in polymeric nanocapsules as well as their monitoring in biological assays.

Influencia de un proceso participativo en la valoración y percepción de la biodiversidad por las comunidades aledañas a fragmentos boscosos de Armenia, Quindío / Influence of a participatory process in the assessment and perception of biodiversity by communities surrounding forest fragments of Armenia, Quindío

La relación entre la biodiversidad y los grupos sociales es sumamente compleja; la humanidad depende esencialmente de los sistemas biológicos, sin embargo, sus acciones amenazan con destruirlos, surgiendo así los problemas ambientales, como la fragmentación de hábitat. Los fragmentos boscosos persistentes tras la urbanización de la ciudad de Armenia, son potencialmente muy biodiversos, y dado que la participación de la comunidad en la gestión y valoración de la biodiversidad, es fundamental para su conservación; se tuvo como objetivo, evaluar la influencia de un proceso participativo en la valoración y percepción de la biodiversidad por las comunidades locales aledañas a fragmentos boscosos de la ciudad. Se identificó mediante encuestas y diálogo de saberes, la percepción y valoración de las comunidades locales aledañas a tres fragmentos boscosos, en torno a plantas, mamíferos, aves, mariposas y escarabajos coprófagos; después de la implementación de un proceso participativo de reconocimiento de la biodiversidad y educación ambiental, se implementaron nuevamente las estrategias metodológicas anteriormente mencionadas, y se compararon y analizaron estadísticamente los resultados obtenidos en los dos momentos. Se encontró que la percepción y valoración de la biodiversidad por las comunidades locales es variable para los cinco grupos biológicos evaluados, y la valoración de la biodiversidad antes y después del proceso, fue significativamente diferente (p<0,05). La influencia del proceso participativo, en el cambio de percepción y valoración de la biodiversidad por las comunidades locales aledañas a los fragmentos boscosos de Armenia, puede favorecer su conservación y la de su biodiversidad asociada.

The relationship between biodiversity and social groups is very complex; humanity depends essentially on biological systems, however, their actions threaten to destroy them, thus emerging environmental problems, like habitat fragmentation. The persistent forest fragments after the urbanization Armenia city, are potentially very biodiverse, and given that the community participation in management and assessment of biodiversity is fundamental for its conservation; the objective was evaluate the influence of a participatory process in the assessment and perception of biodiversity by the local communities surrounding forest fragments of the city. Was identified through surveys and knowledge dialogue the perception and assessment of the local communities surrounding three forest fragments, about plants, mammals, birds, butterflies and coprophagous beetles; was implemented a participatory process of biodiversity recognition and environmental education and the previously mentioned methodological strategies were re-implemented, and the results obtained in the two moments were compared and analyzed statistically, before and after the process. It was found that the perception and assessment of biodiversity by local communities is variable for the five biological groups evaluated, and the assessment of biodiversity before and after the process, was significantly different (p<0,05). The influence of the participatory process, in the change of perception and assessment of biodiversity by the local communities surrounding the forest fragments of Armenia, it can favor its conservation and that of its associated biodiversity.

Clinical Relevant Polymorphisms Affecting Clopidogrel Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: Insights from the Puerto Rico Newborn Screening Program.

Background: Variations in several clopidogrel-pharmacogenes have been linked to clopidogrel response variability and clinical outcomes. We aimed to determine the frequency distribution of major polymorphisms on CYP2C19, PON1, ABCB1 and P2RY12 pharmacogenes in Puerto Ricans. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, population-based study of 200 unrelated "Guthrie" cards specimens from newborns registered in the Puerto Rican newborn screening program (PRNSP) between 2004 and 2014. Taqman® SNP assay techniques were used for genotyping. Results: Minor allele frequencies (MAF) were 46% for PON1 (rs662), 41% for ABCB1 (rs1045642), 14% for CYP2C19*17, 13% for CYP2C19*2, 12% for P2RY12-H2 and 0.3% for CYP2C19*4. No carriers of the CYP2C19*3 variants were detected. All alleles and genotype proportions were found to be in Hardy⁻Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Overall, there were no significant differences between MAFs of these variants in Puerto Ricans and the general population (n = 453) of the 1000 Genome project, except when comparisons to each individual parental group were performed (i.e., Africans, Europeans and East-Asians; p < 0.05). As expected, the prevalence of these markers in Puerto Ricans most resembled those in the 181 subjects from reference populations of the Americas. Conclusions: These prevalence data provide a necessary groundwork for future clinical studies of clopidogrel pharmacogenetics in Caribbean Hispanics.

Nanoprecipitation process: From encapsulation to drug delivery.

Drugs encapsulation is a suitable strategy in order to cope with the limitations of conventional dosage forms such as unsuitable bioavailability, stability, taste, and odor. Nanoprecipitation technique has been used in the pharmaceutical and agricultural research as clean alternative for other drug carrier formulations. This technique is based on precipitation mechanism. Polymer precipitation occurs after the addition of a non-solvent to a polymer solution in four steps mechanism: supersaturation, nucleation, growth by condensation, and growth by coagulation that leads to the formation of polymer nanoparticles or aggregates. The scale-up of laboratory-based nanoprecipitation method shows a good reproducibility. In addition, flash nanoprecipitation is a good strategy for industrial scale production of nanoparticles. Nanoprecipitation is usually used for encapsulation of hydrophobic or hydrophilic compounds. Nanoprecipitation was also shown to be a good alternative for the encapsulation of natural compounds. As a whole, process and formulation related parameters in nanoprecipitation technique have critical effect on nanoparticles characteristics. Biodegradable or non-biodegradable polymers have been used for the preparation of nanoparticles intended to in vivo studies. Literature studies have demonstrated the biodistribution of the active loaded nanoparticles in different organs after administration via various routes. In general, in vitro drug release from nanoparticles prepared by nanoprecipitation includes two phases: a first phase of "burst release" which is followed by a second phase of prolonged release. Moreover, many encapsulated active molecules have been commercialized in the pharmaceutical market.

In vitro and in vivo Methods for the Evaluation of Natural Products against Dermatophytes.

Dermatomycoses are infections caused by fungi called dermatophytes; these affect 20-25% of the world population and the incidence continues to grow each year. Recently, an alternative for the treatment of these diseases is the use of natural products, thanks to the fact that they possess great chemical diversity and thus biological activity. However, to understand the therapeutic potential of natural products, their microbiological assessment presents certain limitations. Currently, there is no established reference method to determine the antifungal capacity in vitro and in vivo of natural products (i.e., essential oils). This review focuses on describing the various microbiological methods as well as the many adaptations used to evaluate the antifungal activity of natural products both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the antifungal evaluation of natural products formulated in creams, gels, nanoemulsions, nanocapsules and solid lipid nanoparticles is included.

Quantitative Aspect of Leucophyllum frutescens Fraction before and after Encapsulation in Polymeric Nanoparticles.

The interest on plants has been focalized due to their biological activities. Extracts or fractions from plants in biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (NP) provide many advantages on application studies. The encapsulation of the extract or fraction in NP is determined for the establishment of the test dose. HPLC method is an alternative to calculate this parameter. An analytical method based on HPLC for quantification of a hexane fraction from L. frutescens was developed and validated according to ICH. Different concentrations of the hexane fraction from leaves (HFL) were prepared (100-600 µg/mL). Linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, and intra- and interday precision parameters were determined. HFL was encapsulated by nanoprecipitation technique and analyzed by HPLC for quantitative aspect. The method was linear and precise for the quantification of the HFL components. NP size was 190 nm with homogeneous size distribution. Through validation method, it was determined that the encapsulation of components (1), (2), (3), and (4) was 44, 74, 86, and 97%, respectively. A simple, repeatable, and reproducible methodology was developed for the propose of quantifying the components of a vegetable material loaded in NP, using as a model the hexane fraction of L. frutescens leaves.

Effects of fine particles on children's hospital admissions for respiratory health in Seville, Spain.

UNLABELLED: This study analyzes the influence of fine particles PM2.5 on nonprogrammed children's hospital admissions that occurred in the city of Seville between 2007 and 2011, and makes an economic assessment of the cost of the children's hospital admissions for respiratory causes due to particle pollution. The PM2.5 dose-response functions for each type of hospital admission were used to quantify the cost of the hospital admissions. It can be concluded that the PM2.5 concentrations have negative effects on bronchiolitis, pneumonia, asthma, and bronchitis and other causes. A reduction of the daily average annual PM2.5 concentration from the existing levels to 10 µg/m3 would show an annual average reduction of children's hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases of 0.09 cases. This paper shows that the daily average cost for children hospital admissions due to respiratory reasons in the city of Seville, associated with daily average annual levels of PM2.5 above 10 µg/m3, was almost 200€. IMPLICATIONS: Elevated PM2.5 concentrations in Seville have negative effects on children's bronchiolitis, pneumonia, asthma, and bronchitis and other causes. A reduction of the daily average annual PM2.5 concentration from the existing levels to 10 µg/m3 would suppose an annual mean reduction of children's hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases of 0.09 cases.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and chemical characterization of essential oils of Thymusvulgaris, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Origanum majorana from northeastern México.

There have been no reports of antifungal activity and composition of extracts from Thymus vulgaris, Rosmarinus officinalis or Origanum majorana from northeastern México. Antifungal activity of these oils against Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis and Epidermophyton floccosum was measured by diffusion assay. Additionally, antibacterial and antioxidant activities were evaluated. Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes was examined by microdilution. Antioxidant activity was assessed by 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidracil reduction test. The plant oils were characterized by both GC/MS and GC/FID. Oils of T. vulgaris and O. majorana showed growth inhibition activity against dermatophytes, especially T. vulgaris oil, which completely inhibited growth of all tested dermatophytes. The oils also showed bioactivity against bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 62.5 and 500 µg/mL. The antioxidant activity of the oils was low, with effective concentration (EC50) values <250µg/mL. The major components in the oils were as follows: T. vulgaris, o-cymene, µ-terpinene, thymol and carvacrol; R. officinalis, terpinen-4-ol and 1,8-cineole; O. majorana, terpinen-4-ol and thymol.

Chemical compositions and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oils from Magnolia grandiflora, Chrysactinia mexicana, and Schinus molle found in northeast Mexico.

The essential oils from Magnolia grandiflora and Chrysactinia mexicana leaves, and from Schinus molle leaves and fruit, were characterized by gas chromatography/flame-ionization detection and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Twenty-eight compounds from M. grandiflora leaves were identified (representing 93.6% of the total area of the gas chromatogram), with the major component being bornyl acetate (20.9%). Colorless and yellow oils were obtained from the C. mexicana leaves with 18 (86.7%) and 11 (100%) compounds identified, respectively. In both fractions, the principal component was sylvestrene (36.8% and 41.1%, respectively). The essential oils ofS. molle leaves and fruit were each separated into colorless and yellow fractions, in which 14 (98.2) and 20 (99.8%) compounds were identified. The main component was alpha-phellandrene in all fractions (between 32.8% and 45.0%). The M. grandiflora oil displayed antifungal activity against five dermatophyte strains. The oils from S. molle and M. grandiflora leaves had antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, which cause skin infections that potentially may lead to sepsis. However, the antioxidant activities of all oils were small (half maximal effective concentration values >250 microg/mL).