Phytochemical evaluation and exploration of some biological activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of two species of the genus Plantago L.

Plantago major L. and Plantago lagopus L. are cosmopolitan species, belonging to the Plantaginaceae family, used in traditional and modern medicine. In this study, a phytochemical evaluation of different aqueous and ethanolic extracts of leaves and roots of both species from the region of Beja in Tunisia was performed. Some biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer and antibacterial were also done. LC-MS qualitative analysis revealed that the aqueous extracts of the roots of P. lagopus were richer in polyphenols, mainly flavonoids (Luteoline 7-rutinoside, Luteoline 7-rhamnoside) and hydroxycinnamic acids including caffeic acid, than the hydro-ethanolic extracts. Additionally, we identified for the first time the presence of salicylic acid in the hot aqueous extracts of roots of P. lagopus and its absence in the roots of P. major. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was assessed using cyclic voltammetry (CV), revealing that the voltammograms of leaf and root extracts from P. lagopus exhibited a higher antioxidant capacity compared to those of P. major. Antiproliferative activity, was determined against two-colon cancer cell lines, demonstrated that only the 12 h treatments with P. lagopus leaf and root aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts at low concentration were able to significantly reduce the colon carcinoma coli-2 (CaCo-2) cells proliferation. The antibacterial /antibiofilm activity was performed on yeast, Gram- negative and +positive bacterial strains. We demonstrated for the first time that ethanolic extracts of leaves and roots of P. lagopus have an inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia at MIC = 2 µg/mL for leaves and 4 µg/mL for roots.

Physico-Chemical Investigation and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Ozonated Oils: The Case Study of Commercial Ozonated Olive and Sunflower Seed Refined Oils.

Drug resistance represents one of the great plagues of our time worldwide. This largely limits the treatment of common infections and requires the development of new antibiotics or other alternative approaches. Noteworthy, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics is mostly responsible for the selection of mutations that confer drug resistance to microbes. In this regard, recently, ozone has been raising interest for its unique biological properties when dissolved in natural oils. Ozonated oils have been reported to act in a non-specific way on microorganisms hindering the acquisition of advantageous mutations that result in resistance. Here, we focused on the antimicrobial effect of two commercial olive (OOO) and sunflower seeds (OSO) oils. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and thermal analysis showed the change in the chemical composition of the oils after ozonation treatment. Different ozonated oil concentrations were then used to evaluate their antimicrobial profile against Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli by agar diffusion and broth dilution methods. Cytotoxicity was also evaluated in keratinocytes and epithelial cells. Overall, our results revealed that both OOO and OSO showed a potent microbicidal effect, especially against C. albicans (IC50 = OOO: 0.3 mg/mL and OSO: 0.2 mg/mL) and E. faecalis (IC50 = OOO: 0.4 mg/mL and OSO: 2.8 mg/mL) albeit exerting a certain effect also against S. aureus and E. coli. Moreover, both OOO and OSO do not yield any relevant cytotoxic effect at the active concentrations in both cell lines. This indicates that the ozonated oils studied are not toxic for mammalian cells despite exerting a potent antimicrobial effect on specific microorganisms. Therefore, OOO and OSO may be considered to integrate standard therapies in the treatment of common infections, likely overcoming drug resistance issues.

Combining high energy ball milling and liquid crystal templating method to prepare magnetic ordered mesoporous silica. A physico-chemical investigation.

The physico-chemical investigation of superparamagnetic MCM41 like materials prepared by the novel combination of high energy ball milling and a liquid crystal templating method is presented. Structural, morphological, textural, thermal, and preliminary magnetic characterization demonstrated the successful combination of the two synthesis techniques, avoiding the problems associated with the current methods used for the preparation of magnetic ordered mesoporous silica. MCM41 like materials with high specific surface area values (625-720 m2 g-1) and high mesopore volumes in the range 1-0.7 cm3 g-1 were obtained. The ordered mesoporous structure and accessible pores were maintained after the inclusion of increasing amounts of the magnetic component in the silica structure. All the samples showed superparamagnetic behaviour.

Is a Genetic Variant associated with Bipolar Disorder Frequent in People without Bipolar Disorder but with Characteristics of Hyperactivity and Novelty Seeking?

Objective: The objective is to verify whether a genetic condition associated with bipolar disorder (BD) is frequent in old adults adapted to their environment, without BD, but with aptitudes for hyperactivity and novelty seeking (H/NS). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the study sample included healthy elderly people (40 participants, aged 60 or older) living in an urban area and recruited from a previous study on physical exercise and active aging, who were compared with 21 old adults with BD from the same area. The genetic methodology consisted of blood sampling, DNA extraction, real-time PCR jointly with FRET probes, and the SANGER sequencing method. The genetic variant RS1006737 of CACNA1C, found to be associated with bipolar disorder diagnosis, was investigated. Results: The frequency of the RS1006737 genetic variant in the study group (H/NS) is not higher than in the BD group and is statistically significantly higher than in all the control groups found in the literature. However, the familiarity for BD is higher in old adults with BD than in the H/NS sample without BD. The risk of BD in the family (also considering those without BD but with family members with BD) is not associated with the presence of the genetic variant examined. Conclusion: The study suggests that the gene examined is associated with characteristics of hyperactivity rather than just BD. Nevertheless, choosing to participate in an exercise program is an excessively general way to identify H/NS. The next step would be to identify the old adults with well-defined H/NS features with an adequate tool.

The impact of MDQ positivity on quality of life impairment: Does it support the hypothesis of "Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome" (DYMERS)?

Background: DSM-5 separates bipolar (BD) from depressive disorders, but some experts consider BD as part of a spectrum of mood disorders. The interpretation of numerous false positives of BD screened by the Mood Disorders Questionnaire (MDQ) is part of this debate. Recent study results suggest that the worsening of health-related quality of life (H-Qol) associated with MDQ positivity does not depend solely on mood disorders. This study aims to clarify whether the impairment may be due to other concomitant disorders, unrelated to mood disorders, leading to a worsening of H-Qol. Additionally, the study aims to explore if MDQ positivity itself observe clinical significance. Design and methods: The study involved pairs of cases (MDQ+) and controls (MDQ-) matched for sex, age, and absence of DSM-IV psychiatric comorbidity. The impact of MDQ positivity on the quality of life in a sample of MDQ+ comorbid with MDD was measured and compared to impact of MDD in other chronic disorders. Results: The H-Qol was significantly worse in MDQ+ than in controls (both groups without any psychiatric co-morbidity). The worsening was similar to severe chronic disorders The burden of worsening quality of life due to MDD was mild in another sample of MDQ positives with comorbid MDD. Conclusion: The study hypothesizes that MDQ positivity may be related to hyperactivation and dysregulation of rhythms typical of stress disorders. In fact, MDQ+ was found strongly related to sleep disturbances. Future studies could verify if a "Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome" (DYMERS), causes worsening the H-Qol in MDQ+.

Screening, Genetic Variants, and Bipolar Disorders: Can Useful Hypotheses Arise from the Sum of Partial Failures?

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a relevant public health issue, therefore accurate screening tools could be useful. The objective of this study is to verify the accuracy of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and genetic risk as screeners, and their comparison in terms of reliability. Older adults (N = 61, ≥60 years) received a clinical psychiatric evaluation, the MDQ, and were evaluated according to the presence of the genetic variant RS1006737 of CACNA1C. MDQ+ versus the diagnosis of BD as a gold standard shows a sensitivity of 0.286 (Cl 95% 0.14-0.39); a specificity of 0.925 (Cl 95% 0.85-0.08); a predictive positive value (PPV) of 0.667 (Cl 95% 0.33-0.91); and a predictive negative value (PNV) of 0.702 (Cl 95% 0.65-0.75). The positivity for the variant RS1006737 of the CACNA1C against the diagnosis of BD as a gold standard shows a sensitivity of 0.750 (Cl 95% 0.55-0.90); a specificity of 0.375 (Cl 95% 0.28-0.45); a PPV of 0.375 (Cl 95% 0.28-0.45); and a PNV of 0.750 (Cl 95% 0.55-0.90). The reliability between the MDQ+ and positivity for the variant RS1006737 of the CACNA1C was very low (K = -0.048, Cl 95% -0.20-0.09). The study found that both the genetic and the paper and pencil test were quite accurate, but were not reliable in case finding. In fact, despite some validity, albeit specular (in the case of a positive genetic test, the probability of having the disorder is very high, whereas in the case of a negative score on the paper and pencil test, the probability of not having the disorder is very high), the unreliability of the two tests (i.e., they certainly do not measure the same underlying dimension) opens the door to the need for an interpretation and the possibility of a synergistic use for screening. From a heuristic perspective, which obviously requires all of the necessary verifications, this study seems to suggest the hypothesis that a condition of hyperactivation common to disorders and stress conditions, and identified by a positive score on the MDQ (which is common to BD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety disorders and whose genetic basis has not yet been clarified) can trigger BD in people with a predisposition to hyperactivity (i.e., in people with the condition identified by the analyzed genetic variant).

Usefulness of salivary sampling for the molecular detection of a genetic variant associated with bipolar disorders.

Under certain conditions, the hyperthymic temperament traits associated with an increased risk of developing bipolar disorders may in fact produce adaptive responses. The purpose of this study is to see if the type of biological material used for genetic analysis (saliva or blood) affects the detection of mutations in the CACNA1C (RS1006737) gene. The first experimental group consisted of Sardinian migrants ("volunteers") in South American and European megacities. The second experimental group consisted of older healthy subjects with hyperactivity and novelty-seeking characteristics from Cagliari, Italy. The genetic procedure included DNA extraction, real-time PCR, and the Sanger method. Nonetheless, the authors believe that saliva is the most appropriate biological material, given its many advantages. In contrast to blood, saliva can be collected by any type of healthcare provider after following a few simple instructions.

Synergic Action of Insulin-like Growth Factor-2 and miRNA-483 in Pterygium Pathogenesis.

Pterygium is a multifactorial disease in which UV-B is speculated to play a key role by inducing oxidative stress and phototoxic DNA damage. In search for candidate molecules that are useful for justifying the intense epithelial proliferation observed in pterygium, our attention has been focused on Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 (IGF-2), mainly detected in embryonic and fetal somatic tissues, which regulate metabolic and mitogenic functions. The binding between IGF-2 and its receptor Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF-1R) activates the PI3K-AKT pathway, which leads to the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and the expression of specific genes. Since IGF2 is regulated by parental imprinting, in different human tumors, the IGF2 Loss of Imprinting (LOI) results in IGF-2- and IGF2-derived intronic miR-483 overexpression. Based on these activities, the purpose of this study was to investigate the overexpression of IGF-2, IGF-1R, and miR-483. Using an immunohistochemical approach, we demonstrated an intense colocalized epithelial overexpression of IGF-2 and IGF-1R in most pterygium samples (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.021). RT-qPCR gene expression analysis confirmed IGF2 upregulation and demonstrated miR-483 expression in pterygium compared to normal conjunctiva (253.2-fold and 12.47-fold, respectively). Therefore, IGF-2/IGF-1R co-expression could suggest their interplay through the two different paracrine/autocrine IGF-2 routes for signaling transfer, which would activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In this scenario, miR-483 gene family transcription might synergically reinforce IGF-2 oncogenic function through its boosting pro-proliferative and antiapoptotic activity.

[AuIII(N

A series of new complexes of general formula [AuIII(N^N)Br2](PF6) (N^N = 2,2'-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives) were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic, electrochemical, and diffractometric techniques and tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus intermedius, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli), showing promising antibacterial and antibiofilm properties.

Centella asiatica extract-SiO2 nanocomposite: More than a drug-delivery system for skin protection from oxidative damage.

An innovative nanotechnology-based approach was used for the preparation of Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) extract-SiO2 nanocomposites, specifically tailored for skin protection from oxidative damage. Different amounts of C. asiatica glycolic extract (1.0, 3.0, 5.0, and 10.0 wt %) and fumed silica were used to prepare the nanocomposites by means of ball milling method. The influence of both composition of the starting mixture and milling time on the final products was evaluated by different techniques such as X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and nitrogen sorption analysis. Results confirmed the integrity of the natural extract after the milling process, and its successful loading in the silica matrix. No cytotoxicity was observed for the obtained nanocomposites, which showed high in-vitro ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and to protect human keratinocytes from damages induced with hydrogen peroxide.

Does the Response to a Stressful Condition in Older Adults with Life Rhythm Dysregulations Provide Evidence of the Existence of the "Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome"?

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 lockdown periods have given rise to the "Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome" (DYMERS). This syndrome is characterized by a poor regulation of biological, social, and behavioral rhythms, including sleep, nutrition, and social contacts. The purpose of this cohort study was to examine whether older adults with pre-existing DYMERS had a more negative perception of their health-related quality of life (H-QoL) during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, regardless of the presence of concurrent mood disorders. METHOD: The entire study population (N = 93; age > 65 year) was categorized based on whether they exhibited dysregulated rhythms at the outset of the study. A comparison was made between DYMERS-positive individuals and DYMERS-negative individuals, and we assessed their H-QoL at the conclusion of the study. We also compared the H-QoL of individuals in the cohort who did not have a positive depression score to understand the impact of the rhythm dysregulation alone. RESULTS: The frequency of individuals with a critical health-related quality of life score (SF12 < 25) was higher in the cohort with pre-existing DYMERS during lockdown (33.33% vs. 6.17%). This difference remained significant even when only individuals without depressive symptomatology were considered (27.27% vs. 2.60%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that DYMERS can exert a substantial influence on health-related quality of life (H-QoL), even when mood disturbances are not present. Additional research is required to investigate the relationship between DYMERS and other psychiatric conditions as well as its nature as a standalone disorder.

Green Preparation of Antimicrobial 1D-Coordination Polymers: [Zn(4,4'-bipy)Cl2]∞ and [Zn(4,4'-bipy)2(OAc)2]∞ by Ultrasonication of Zn(II) Salts and 4,4'-Bipyridine.

We report on the green preparation of one-dimensional metal coordination polymers by sonochemical approach. The spacer ligand 4,4'-bipyridine was ultrasonicated with chloride or acetate zinc salts to obtain [Zn(4,4'-bipy)Cl2]∞ and [Zn(4,4'-bipy)2(OAc)2]∞, respectively. Benign solvents such as ethanol and water were selected as reaction media, and the synthesis took place in a few minutes-a very short time compared to conventional methods where some days' synthesis is required. X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis (thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry), and CHN techniques investigated the influence of using different reaction solvents on the chemical, structural, and thermal properties of the final products. The 1D [Zn(4,4'-bipy)Cl2]∞ and [Zn(4,4'-bipy)2(OAc)2]∞ polymers, in agreement with the structures reported in the literature, were obtained in the form of nanocrystals with an average crystal size around 100 nm. As a proof of concept, a set of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae), and three yeast strains (Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata) were tested to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the coordination polymers, following the Kirby-Bauer procedure and microplate dilution method. Thus, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) were evaluated. Except for Candida krusei, the compounds showed an appreciable antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against these strains grown in the liquid medium.

Photodynamic therapy for the successful management of cyclosporine-related gum hypertrophy: A novel therapeutic option.

Background: Drug-induced gingival overgrowth is associated with the intake of three classes of drugs: anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and calcium channel blockers. It is clinically characterized by hyperplasia of the gingival connective tissue which appears edematous, bloody, and purplish-red in color. In more severe cases, drug-induced gingival hyperplasia negatively affects the patient's quality of life, making it difficult to eat and practice good oral hygiene. Drug-induced gingival overgrowth therapy is controversial and, in fact, no studies in the literature highlight a well-defined therapeutic protocol. The therapies that are described provide primarily for non-surgical periodontal treatment and second-line surgical treatment. The aim of this work is to highlight a case of drug-induced gingival hyperplasia which was completely resolved thanks to photodynamic therapy which is completely free from side effects. Design and Methods: Photodynamic therapy was performed on an 18 year-old female patient with LEDs at a power of 450-470 nm and 5500 mW/cm2 + 7500 mW/cm2, combined with a Curcuma longa-based photosensitizer. A single session was performed, with applications of approximately 30 s for each interdental papilla. Results: The patient improved markedly after only one cycle of PDT. There was an absence of clinically detectable inflammation, edema, and rubor of the involved dental papillae. At the 4, 6, and 12 week follow-ups there were no recurrences. Conclusions: This case report highlights the first case of drug-induced gingival hypertrophy entirely treated with photodynamic therapy to be described in the literature. Therefore, although it is only a case report, this therapy which is free from side effects should be investigated as an alternative to current therapies.

Differences in lethality and diffusion of Covid-19 in countries using different kinds of vaccines.

To verify if lethality and diffusivity of Covid-19 correlated with percentage of people vaccinated in different countries and whether results on these indicators were comparable under different types of vaccines. A linear regression analysis was conducted between vaccines/inhabitant, new cases/inhabitants and ratio deaths/cases. A comparison between the three indicators was carried out in countries subdivided by kind of vaccine. The proportion of vaccinations/inhabitants correlates negatively with proportion of deaths × 100 cases (R = -3.90, p < 0.0001), but didn't on incidence of new cases. Countries with prevalence of mRNA vaccines were similar to others on incidence of new cases; but a lower lethality of Sars-Cov2 was found than in countries with prevalence of viral vehicle vaccines (F = 6.064, p = 0.0174) but didn't against countries with prevalence of inactivated vaccines. The higher is the proportion of vaccine/inhabitant in a given country, the less is the fraction of infected people who die.

Changes in the oral status and periodontal pathogens in a Sardinian rural community from pre-industrial to modern time.

The oral microbial profile in humans has evolved in response to lifestyle changes over the course of different eras. Here, we investigated tooth lesions and the microbial profile of periodontal bacteria (PB) in dental calculus of a Sardinian pre-industrial rural community. In total, 51 teeth belonging to 12 historical individuals buried in an ossuary in the early 1800s and 26 modern teeth extracted from 26 individuals from the same geographical area were compared to determine the oral health status, bacterial load and amount of most relevant PB. Total caries and bacterial genomes count appeared to be sex-related in historical samples. Historical females presented a higher incidence of caries, PB pathogens and a higher bacterial load than historical males. Furthermore, we compared the PB profile of the historical individuals with the modern ones, revealing a notable increase in modern individuals of PB belonging to "Red complex bacteria" often associated with periodontitis and other chronic diseases of modern life. Our findings could be explained through an analysis of environmental factors such as socioeconomic, hygienic and healthy conditions that can have a great impact on oral health and bacterial composition among individuals of the same and different eras.

Oral-ocular trans infection of Epstein Barr virus. A possible new way of transmission by wearing masks in the SARS-CoV-2 era.

Purpose: To describe a case of an infective vitreitis with an exudative retinal detachment in a 56-year-old lady who was previously affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Observations: A broad workup for infections including the main viruses and bacteria was performed. Salivary droplets, tear film and vitreous samples were collected, resulting positive only for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Viraemia and immunoglobulin M for EBV negative, whereas immunoglobulin G positive. The patient showed a simultaneous painless erosion on the right margin of the tongue that's with the lab swab demonstrated the presence of EBV at the same time the vitreitis in the left eye was present. Conclusions and Importance: Our speculation is that a continuous use of the mask, especially in immunocompromised subjects, it might create a new route for spreading infectious oral agents in the ocular area, and this case is a warning for all the ophthalmologists that have to be aware of this threatening possibility in the COVID era.

Covid-19 vaccines work but other factors play a relevant role: a data analysis on spread and mortality in 24 countries.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to outline a methodology to monitor the impact of vaccinations in different countries comparing at two different times within countries and between countries the frequency of new cases and Covid-19 related deaths and the percentage of vaccinations conducted. DESIGN AND METHODS: The 25 countries with the largest increase in SARS-CoV-2 cases on 8 August 2021 were evaluated. In each nation was calculated the proportion of Covid-19 deaths divided per new cases x 100 and the proportion of new cases per 1.000 inhabitants on 10 January 2021 (before vaccinations' distribution) and 8 August 2021 (when large percentage of the population had been vaccinated in many countries). RESULTS: The study shows that in the countries with the highest number of cases as of 8 August 2021, the proportion of vaccinations carried out in the population correlates negatively with both the proportion between Covid-19 dead people x100 infected people and with the rate of new cases. However, the proportion of vaccinations does not correlate with the differences in the two same indicators considered in the weeks observed, thus additional factors seem to play an important role. CONCLUSIONS: This work indicates that mass vaccination is associated with a lower spread of the pandemic and, to greater extent, with a lowering of mortality in infected people.

Previous functional social and behavioral rhythms affect resilience to COVID-19-related stress among old adults.

BACKGROUND: Functioning of Social Behavioral Rhythms (SBRs) may affect resilience toward stressful events across different age groups. However, the impact of SBRs on the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) in elder people is yet to ascertain, representing the aim of the present report. DESIGN AND METHODS: Follow-up of a peer-reviewed randomized controlled trial on exercise on old adults (³65 years), concurrent to the onset of the pandemic-related lockdown. Post-RCT evaluations occurred after further 12 and 36 weeks since the beginning of the lockdown phase. People with Major Depressive Episode (MDE) at week-48 (follow-up endpoint) were deemed as cases, people without such condition were considered controls. MDE was ascertained using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9); SBRs functioning at week 12 onward, through the Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS). RESULTS: Seventy-nine individuals (53.2%, females) entered the RCT-follow-up phase. The frequency of MDE did not significantly change before versus during lockdown (OR 2.60, CI95%=0.87-9.13). People with BSRS>1 standard deviation of the whole sample score at week-12 had an inflated risk of DE during lockdown (OR=5.6, 95%CI: 1.5-21.4) compared to those with lower BSRS scores. Such odd hold after excluding individuals with MDD at week-12. The post-hoc analysis could be potentially affected by selection bias. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, older adults were resilient during the first phase of the pandemic when functioning of pre-lockdown was still preserved, in contrast to the subsequent evaluations when the impairment of daily rhythms was associated with impaired reliance.

Mouthwash Formulation Co-Delivering Quercetin and Mint Oil in Liposomes Improved with Glycol and Ethanol and Tailored for Protecting and Tackling Oral Cavity.

The aim of this work was the simultaneous loading of quercetin and mint essential oil (mint oil) in phospholipid vesicles specifically tailored to obtain an antibacterial and antioxidant mouthwash. The vesicles were prepared using soy lecithin and Tween 80 as bilayer components, and a mixture of phosphate buffer solution (33%), propylene glycol (33%) and ethanol (33%) as dispersing phase. The formation of regularly shaped, spherical and unilamellar vesicles was confirmed by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy analyses. Similarly, light scattering results disclosed that the size of the vesicles increased by increasing the concentration of mint oil, but at the same time the high amount of mint oil ensured high stability, as the size of these vesicles remained unchanged during 12 months of storage. All tested formulations were highly biocompatible towards epithelial cells and capable of counteracting oxidative cell damages caused by hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, the vesicles prepared with the highest concentration of mint oil inhibited the proliferation of the cariogenic Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus).

Is Bipolar Disorder the Consequence of a Genetic Weakness or Not Having Correctly Used a Potential Adaptive Condition?

It is hypothesized that factors associated with bipolar disorder could, uer defined conditions, produce adaptive behaviors. The aim is to verify whether a genetic feature associated with bipolar disorder can be found in people without bipolar disorder but with hyperactivity/exploration traits. Healthy old adults (N = 40) recruited for a previous study on exercise were subdivided using a previously validated tool into those with and without hyperactivity/exploration traits and compared with a group of old patients with bipolar disorder (N = 21). The genetic variant RS1006737 of CACNA1C was analyzed using blood samples, DNA extraction, real-time PCR, FRET probes, and SANGER method sequencing. People with hyperactivity/exploration traits and without bipolar disorder were like people with bipolar disorder regarding the frequency of the genetic variant (OR = 0.79, CI95%: 0.21-2.95), but were different from people without either hyperactivity/exploration traits and bipolar disorder (OR = 4.75, CI95%: 1.19-18.91). The combined group of people with hyperactivity/exploration traits without bipolar disorder plus people with bipolar disorder had a higher frequency of the variant than people without either hyperactivity/exploration traits or bipolar disorder (OR = 4.25, CI95%: 1.24-14.4). To consider the genetic profile of bipolar disorder not an aberrant condition opens the way to a new approach in which the adaptive potential would be a central point in psychosocial treatment in addition to drug therapy. Future research can confirm the results of our study.