Physicochemical Features and Applicability of Newly Fabricated Phytopharmaceutical-Loaded Hydrogel Alginate Microcarriers with Viscoelastic Polyelectrolyte Coatings.

The design of novel polymeric carrier systems with functional coatings is of great interest for delivering various bioactive molecules. Microcapsules coated with polyelectrolyte (PE) films provide additional functionality and fine-tuning advantages essential for controlled drug release. We developed hydrogel microcarriers coated with functional PE films with encapsulated substances of natural origin, resveratrol (RES), curcumin (CUR), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which have cytotoxic and chemopreventive properties. Alginate (ALG) based microparticles were loaded with phytopharmaceuticals using the emulsification method, and then their surface was modified with PE coatings, such as chitosan (CHIT) or poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). The morphology and mean diameter of microcarriers were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, encapsulation efficiency was determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy, whereas the physicochemical properties of functional PE layers were studied using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring and streaming potential measurements. The release profiles of active compounds from the hydrogel microparticles were described using the Peppas-Sahlin model. The cytotoxic effect of designed delivery systems was studied by evaluating their impact on the proliferation, mitochondrial metabolic function, and lipid peroxidation level of 5637 human bladder cancer cells. The present work demonstrates that the physicochemical and biological features of fabricated microcarriers can be controlled by the type of encapsulated anti-cancer agent and PE coating.

Antioxidant and Protective Effects of the Polyphenolic Glycoconjugate from Agrimonia eupatoria L. Herb in the Prevention of Inflammation in Human Cells.

Herein, structural and biological studies of a complex biopolymer (polyphenolic glycoconjugate) isolated from the flowering parts of Agrimonia eupatoria L. (AE) are presented. Spectroscopic analyses (UV-Vis and 1H NMR) of the aglycone component of AE confirmed that it consists mainly of aromatic and aliphatic structures characteristic of polyphenols. AE showed significant free radical elimination activity, i.e., ABTS+ and DPPH·, and was an effective copper reducing agent in the CUPRAC test, eventually proving that AE is a powerful antioxidant. AE was nontoxic to human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) and mouse fibroblasts (L929) and was nongenotoxic to S. typhimurium bacterial strains TA98 and TA100. Moreover, AE did not induce the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) by human pulmonary vein (HPVE-26) endothelial cells or human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). These findings correlated with the low activation of the transcription factor NF-κB in these cells, which plays an important role in the regulation of the expression of genes responsible for inflammatory mediator synthesis. The AE properties described here suggest that it may be useful for protecting cells from the adverse consequences of oxidative stress and could be valuable as a biomaterial for surface functionalization.

(Hydroxypropyl)methyl Cellulose-Chitosan Film as a Matrix for Lipase Immobilization-Part ΙΙ: Structural Studies.

The present work reports on the structural study of a film made of a hybrid blend of biopolymers used as an enzyme carrier. A cellulose derivative (HPMC) and chitosan (CS) were combined in order to formulate a film on which Mucor miehei lipase was immobilized. The film was successfully used as a biocatalyst; however, little is known about the structure of the system. Therefore, small-angle X-ray scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as microindentation measurements, were used to shed light on the structure of the promising biocatalyst. Among the results, intermolecular hydrogen bonds were observed between the amide groups of the two polymers and the lipase. The presence of the enzyme does not seem to affect the mechanical properties of the matrix. The used film after 35 cycles of reaction seemed to be fatigued and had lost part of its humidity, explaining the reduction of the enzyme activity.

Multilayered Curcumin-Loaded Hydrogel Microcarriers with Antimicrobial Function.

The design of multifunctional microcarriers has attracted significant attention because they combine various functions within a single system. In this study, we developed a set of multilayered hydrogel microcarriers, which were first loaded with chemotherapeutic curcumin (CUR), then, using the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique, coated through a polyelectrolyte shell consisting of chitosan (CHIT) or poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). As an outer layer with antimicrobial function, newly synthesised alkylene quaternary ammonium salt functionalised polyelectrolytes (A-QAS-PEs) were applied. For this purpose, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was decorated with different hydrophobic side chains (n-hexane and n-dodecane side entities) and different degrees of substitution (m) of quaternary ammonium groups (abbreviated as PAA-C(O)O-(CH2)n-N+(CH3)3(m); n = 6, 12; m = 8-14%). The grafting approach of PAA with the alkylene quaternary ammonium salt moiety was performed under mild reaction conditions using Steglich esterification followed by quaternisation. The structure of antimicrobial decorated PAA was confirmed by 1H NMR and FTIR, and the mean diameter of all multifunctional microparticles was characterised by SEM. The viscoelastic properties of the functional layers were studied using quartz crystal microbalance with a dissipation (QCM-D). The release of CUR from the microcarriers was described using a hybrid model, i.e., a combination of first-order kinetics and the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The antimicrobial activity of functionalised PAA and multilayered CUR-loaded hydrogel microcarriers with quaternary ammonium function was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Serratia marcescens by the agar diffusion assay method. Only a limited inhibition zone of PAA was observed, but in the case of both antimicrobial decorated PAA and the corresponding multilayered nanocarriers, the inhibitory activity increase was achieved against both strains of bacteria.

Microparticles vs. Macroparticles as Curcumin Delivery Vehicles: Structural Studies and Cytotoxic Effect in Human Adenocarcinoma Cell Line (LoVo).

This study aimed to characterize the hydrogel micro- and macro-particles designed to deliver curcumin to human colon cancer cells (LoVo). Six series of vehicles based on sodium alginate (micro- and macro-particles, uncoated, coated with chitosan or gelatin) were synthesized. The uncoated microparticles were fabricated using an emulsion-based technique and the uncoated macroparticles with an extrusion technique, with both coupled with ionotropic gelation. The surface morphology of the particles was examined with scanning electron microscopy and the average size was measured. The encapsulation efficiency, moisture content, and swelling index were calculated. The release of curcumin from the particles was studied in an experiment simulating the conditions of the stomach, intestine, and colon. To evaluate the anticancer properties of such targeted drug delivery systems, the cytotoxicity of both curcumin-loaded and unloaded carriers to human colon cancer cells was assessed. The microparticles encapsulated much less of the payload than the macroparticles and released their content in a more prolonged manner. The unloaded carriers were not cytotoxic to LoVo cells, while the curcumin-loaded vehicles impaired their viability-more significantly after incubation with microparticles compared to macroparticles. Gelatin-coated or uncoated microparticles were the most promising carriers but their potential anticancer activity requires further thorough investigation.

Studying the "Rigid-Flexible" Properties of Polymeric Micelle Core-Forming Segments with a Hydrophobic Phthalocyanine Probe Using NMR and UV Spectroscopy.

The aim of the performed studies was to thoroughly examine the internal structure of self-assembled nanocarriers (i.e., polymeric micelles-PMs) by means of a hydrophobic phthalocyanine probe in order to identify the crucial features that are required to enhance the photoactive probe stability and reactivity. PMs of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) and hydrophobic poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) or poly(d,l-lactide) (PDLLA) were fabricated and loaded with tetra tert-butyl zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc-t-but4), a multifunctional spectroscopic probe with a profound ability to generate singlet oxygen upon irradiation. The presence of subdomains, comprising "rigid" and "flexible" regions, in the studied block copolymers' micelles as well as their interactions with the probe molecules, were assessed by various high-resolution NMR measurements [e.g., through-space magnetic interactions by the 1D NOE effect, pulsed field gradient spin-echo, and spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) techniques]. The studies of the impact of the core-type microenvironment on the ZnPc-t-but4 photochemical performance also included photobleaching and reactive oxygen species measurements. ZnPc-t-but4 molecules were found to exhibit spatial proximity effects with both (PCL and PDLLA) hydrophobic polymer chains and interact with both subdomains, which are characterized by different rigidities. It was deduced that the interfaces between particular subdomains constitute an optimal host space for probe molecules, especially in the context of photochemical stability, photoactivity (i.e., for significant enhancement of singlet oxygen generation rates), and aggregation prevention. The present contribution proves that the combination of an appropriate probe, high-resolution NMR techniques, and UV-vis spectroscopy enables one to gain complex information about the subtle structure of PMs essential for their application as nanocarriers for photoactive compounds, for example, in photodynamic therapy, nanotheranostics, combination therapy, or photocatalysis, where the micelles constitute the optimal microenvironment for the desired photoreactions.

Benefits of pH-responsive polyelectrolyte coatings for carboxymethyl cellulose-based microparticles in the controlled release of esculin.

Moderate and prolonged payload release in response to a particular factor is highly demanded for efficient carriers of low-molecular-weight, chemically unstable phytopharmaceuticals. Thus, the objective of our contribution was to establish the effect of pH-responsive polyelectrolyte coatings on the release properties of carboxymethyl cellulose-based microparticles designed to deliver phytopharmaceuticals through the gastrointestinal tract. Microparticles were fabricated via extrusion coupled with external gelation and further coated with polyelectrolytes (PEs) (chitosan, gelatin, or PAH and PSS) involving electrostatic interactions. Successful deposition of PEs was confirmed by FTIR, and their thickness and viscosity were characterized in terms of QCM-D and ellipsometric techniques. The encapsulation efficiency of esculin, used as a model phytopharmaceutical, as proven by UV-Vis studies, was over 57%. SEM and fluorescence microscopy revealed a micrometric size, a mostly spherical shape and an altered topography of the investigated microcapsules. The physical stability of the microcapsules in media of various pH values was confirmed with CLSM and gravimetric studies. Studies on human gingival fibroblasts in vitro revealed that the obtained microparticles did not induce any cytotoxic effects. Payload release was monitored in situ by means of CLSM and ex situ under gastrointestinal conditions in vitro. Mathematical evaluation of the microparticle release profiles using classical models led to the establishment of a new hybrid model that revealed the mechanism behind esculin release. We demonstrated that the application of a polyelectrolyte shell onto CMC-based microspheres may provide controlled delivery of the payload, with its release triggered by the pH and ionic strength of the medium. These observations suggest that the release manner of small-molecule glycosides under gastrointestinal conditions can be tailored by careful selection of suitable materials to obtain biocompatible and functional hydrogel microparticles.

Alginate-, Carboxymethyl Cellulose-, and κ-Carrageenan-Based Microparticles as Storage Vehicles for Cranberry Extract.

This study discusses the relationship between the structural properties of the selected polysaccharides (low (ALGLV) and medium viscosity (ALGMV) sodium alginate, 90 kDa (CMC90) and 250 kDa (CMC250) carboxymethyl cellulose, and κ-carrageenan (CARκ)) and their abilities to serve as protective materials of encapsulated large cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) fruit extract (CE) from losing its health beneficial activities during long-term storage. The microparticles were characterized in terms of their encapsulation efficiency (UV-Vis and FTIR), morphology (SEM) and the physical stability in various environments (gravimetry). The microparticles' size and encapsulation efficiency were 46-50 µm and 28-58%, respectively, and the microparticles were physically stable. CMC90 and ALGMV most efficiently protected the plant extract from losing its biological activity after 18 months, while the plant extract stored outside the particles had lost its activity. CE was intended for oral administration, thus CE release from the microparticles was monitored in vitro under gastrointestinal conditions. In vitro gastrointestinal release studies revealed that the ALGMV-, CMC90-, and CMC250-based particles exhibited the desired intestinal release pattern. This result supports the suitability of sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose for the safe delivery of CE to the intestines while maintaining its biological properties and improving long-term storage stability.

The polyphenolic-polysaccharide complex of Agrimonia eupatoria L. as an indirect thrombin inhibitor - isolation and chemical characterization.

The polyphenolic-polysaccharide complex was isolated from the dried aerial parts of the medicinal plant Agrimonia eupatoria L. using a multi-step process involving the degreasing of the plant material by extraction with organic solvents, followed by extraction with hot alkali, neutralization, further separation with organic solvents and dialysis. The complex was homogeneous with a molecular weight of about 55 × 103 g/mol and consisted mainly of carbohydrates and polyphenols matrix, composed of lignin-related units, with the dominance of dimethoxyphenyl structures. The carbohydrate moiety consists mostly of arabinogalactan associated with highly esterified rhamnogalacturonan. In vitro anticoagulant studies revealed the ability of the A. eupatoria complex to inhibit plasma clot formation, mainly in the intrinsic pathway of the blood coagulation cascade. Further studies on the mechanisms of this anticoagulant activity revealed that the isolate was primarily an indirect inhibitor of thrombin, mediated by antithrombin or by heparin cofactor II. Such mechanism of action is characteristic for highly sulfated glycosaminoglycans.

Colloidal characteristics and functionality of rationally designed esculin-loaded hydrogel microcapsules.

This work reports the development of different types of alginate hydrogel microparticles designed specifically for the esculin (ESC) payload. Negatively charged alginate (ALG) microspheres were prepared by the ionotropic gelation technique, and an oppositely charged polyelectrolyte (PE) shell as a compatible polycation (chitosan (CHIT) or gelatin (GEL)) or a synthetic PEs (poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS)) were adsorbed using electrostatic complexation. Thorough characterization of microparticles was performed with advanced microscopic techniques (scanning electron, fluorescence and confocal), followed by stability studies, ESC encapsulation efficacy determination and in vitro release kinetics measurements. We provide an in-depth investigation of the relationships between the properties (thickness, viscosity, areal mass, zeta potential) of the outer shell and the retaining and release abilities of the fabricated microcarriers, using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring technique (QCM-D), spectroscopic ellipsometry and streaming potential measurements, combined in a new approach that was not attempted before for micrometric particles. The PAH-PSS and GEL coatings provided sufficient protection against ESC release under simulated gastric conditions that followed a two-stage Corrigan-Gallagher model with a marginal release rate in the first (lag) stage. This seems to be an interesting outcome, since it is rather peculiar for a low-molecular weight hydrophilic compound encapsulated in a highly porous microhydrogel to be released in such a manner.

Psychopathological Predictors of Indirect Self-Destructiveness in Patients with Schizophrenia.

Behaviours causing harm to the individual are generally called self-destructive behaviours. For some time now, direct/acute self-destructiveness has been distinguished from indirect/chronic self-destructiveness. Indirectly self-destructive behaviours occur not only in healthy people (examined in most of the studies) but also in mentally ill individuals, which has not been researched. The aim of this study has been to explore psychopathological (clinical) predictors of indirect self-destructiveness in patients with schizophrenia. Research was conducted among 200 patients suffering from paranoid schizophrenia (Sc) (according to ICD-10); average age: 37.15 (27-58) years. To assess indirect self-destructiveness, the Polish version of the "Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale" was applied, whereas, to examine psychopathological characteristics, the Polish version of the "Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2" was used. The correlation-regression procedure was followed. There were many statistically significant correlations, among which the strongest association occurred between indirect self-destructiveness and Sc and paranoia (Pa) scales (0.522 and 0.435 respectively). Significant predictors were found to be schizophrenia (Sc; R: 0.545; ß: 0.412), lack of ego mastery, conative (Sc2b; R: 0.633; ß: 0.632), and persecutory ideas (Pa1; R: 0.506; ß: 0.335). schizophrenic disorders were a predictor explaining the indirect self-destructiveness syndrome in the patients. That aspect of psycho(patho)logical functioning, i.e. indirect self-destructiveness, which is strongly associated with schizophrenic and paranoid symptoms/disorders, should be considered in therapeutic work as well.

Differentiation of indirect self-destructiveness due to sex (gender) in individuals after suicide attempts.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the sex (gender) differentiation of indirect self-destructiveness as a generalised behavioural tendency and its manifestations in individuals who attempted suicides. METHODS: 147 individuals (114 females and 33 males) after suicide attempts were studied; the reference group consisted of 558 individuals (399 females and 159 males). Indirect self-destructiveness was examined by means of the Polish version of the Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale (CS-DS) including Transgression and Risk (A1), Poor Health Maintenance (A2), Personal and Social Neglects (A3), Lack of Planfulness (A4) and Helplessness, Passiveness in the Face of Problems/Difficulties (A5). RESULTS: Sex (gender) and suicide attempt significantly differentiate scores of the subjects on all indices/scales of indirect self-destructiveness. Scores of individuals after suicide attempts are considerably higher on almost all scales. In that group, significant differences between females and males occurred on the A2-Poor Health Maintenance, A3-Personal and Social Neglects, A4-Lack of Planfulness and A5-Helplessness scales. It was only on the A2-Poor Health Maintenance scale that females achieved higher scores. CONCLUSIONS: The intensity of indirect self-destructiveness in females who attempted suicides achieved the level observed in males who attempted suicides. Poor health maintenance was also more intense in them than in the group of males. Males after suicide attempts displayed the lowest poor health maintenance. Results of this study may have preventive and therapeutic implications.

Indirect self-destructiveness in homosexual individuals.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to comprehensively examine the syndrome of indirect self-destructiveness in homosexual individuals. METHODS: 156 homosexual individuals (111 males, 45 females) aged 25-35 (mean age of 29.6) and 561 heterosexual individuals (400 males, 161 females) aged 24-36 (mean age of 28.2) were studied with regard to indirect self-destructiveness. The research instrument was the Polish version of the Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale (CS-DS) including: Transgression and Risk (A1), Poor Health Maintenance (A2), Personal and Social Neglects (A3), Lack of Planfulness (A4) and Helplessness and Passiveness in the face of problems (A5). RESULTS: Homosexual individuals obtained significantly higher scores than heterosexual ones in numerous scales: Indirect Self-Destructiveness - global (general) index (p<0.001), A1-Transgression and Risk (p<0.001), A4-Lack of Planfulness (p<0.001) and A5-Helplessness, Passiveness (p=0.04) There were no significant differences in the Poor Health Maintenance scale (A2). They also achieved significantly higher scores in the subscales assessing using of psychoactive substances. Factor analysis revealed the presence of only one factor both in the group of homosexual and heterosexual individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The research results indicate that, as compared with the group of heterosexual individuals, in the group of homosexuals there occurs a worsening in psychological functioning, which may be also manifested by an increased indirect self-destructiveness index. The increased intensity of indirect self-destructiveness in homosexual individuals may be considered a manifestation of worsened psychological functioning. The homosexual individuals look after their health similarly to heterosexuals.

Radical scavenging and antioxidant effects of Matricaria chamomilla polyphenolic-polysaccharide conjugates.

Matricaria chamomilla L. (MC), a member of the Asteraceae family, is one of the oldest medicinal plants, widely used worldwide for a variety of healing applications. Its recommendations, derived from both traditional and modern medicine, include numerous disorders such as inflammation, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, stomach ache, pharyngitis, rheumatic pain, as well as the other ailments. This work is focused on another aspect of the biological activity of chamomile polyphenolic-polysaccharide conjugates--their antioxidant properties in the protection of blood plasma components against in vitro oxidative stress. Measurements of DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging indicated considerable anti-free radical action of MC. Pre-incubation of blood plasma with MC considerably diminished the extent of ONOO(-)-induced oxidative modifications such as protein carbonyl groups, SH groups, 3-nitrotyrosine, as well as the formation of lipid hydroperoxides. The analysis of the FRAP assay result shows a considerable increase of ferric reducing ability of blood plasma in the presence of MC. The results obtained in this study indicate that polyphenolic-polysaccharide conjugates isolated from M. chamomilla substances possess antioxidant properties. The M. chamomilla macromolecular glycoconjugates may be useful in the creation of new natural-based medications or dietary supplements, helpful in the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress-mediated disorders.

[Indirect self-destructiveness and psychological gender]. / Autodestruktywnosc posrednia a plec psychologiczna.

AIM: Behaviours causing harm to a subject are generally called self-destructive behaviours. For some time now direct/acute self-destructiveness and indirect/chronic self-destructiveness have been distinguished. Human activity is determined to a large degree by not only biological (somatic) sex but also psychological gender. The aim of the study was to examine relationships between indirect self-destructiveness and types of psychological gender. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 558 individuals (399 females and 159 males) aged 19-25 were studied (mean age: 22.6). The age of the females ranged from 19 to 24 (mean age: 22.4) and of the males - from 19 to 25 (mean age: 22.8). In order to examine the intensity of indirect self-destructiveness, the Polish version of the Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale by Kelley (CS-DS), as adapted by Suchanska, was applied. The psychological gender was examined by means of the Polish version of the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) by Bem, as adapted by Kuczynska. RESULTS: The highest scores on indirect self-destructiveness were achieved by non-sex-typed individuals, lower- by sex-typed and cross-sex-typed individuals (very similar scores). In females, indirect self-destructiveness positively correlates with the masculinity scale, whereas in males, it negatively correlates with the femininity scale. CONCLUSIONS: Biological sex and psychological gender are qualitative variables that differentiate the intensity of indirect self-destructiveness. Psychological gender opposite to biological sex is of significance to the intensity of indirect self-destructiveness. The psychological dimension of femininity protects against indirect self-destructiveness, while the psychological dimension of masculinity predisposes to it.

Gender differentiation in indirect self-destructiveness and suicide attempt methods (gender, indirect self-destructiveness, and suicide attempts).

The objective of this study is to examine the gender (sex) differentiation of indirect self-destructiveness and its manifestations as well as its relationships with suicide attempt methods in females and males. The study was conducted among 147 persons (114 females, 33 males) who attempted suicide. The research instrument was the polish version of the Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale including Transgression and Risk, Poor Health Maintenance, Personal and Social Neglects, Lack of Planfulness, and Helplessness and Passiveness in the face of problems. Differences testing and correlation analyses were applied. Females scored higher on poor health maintenance and males scored significantly higher on personal and social neglects, lack of planfulness, and helplessness. Noteworthy is that the intensity of indirect self-destructiveness in females reached the same magnitude as in males. A number of statistically significant correlations were found between indirect self-destructiveness, or its manifestations, and the methods of suicide attempt in the two groups. Among these categories, the highest contribution was of helplessness and passiveness (both of groups), poor health maintenance (males), and personal and social neglects (females). Results of this study can be useful in the therapeutic efforts and prevention of not only indirectly self-destructive behaviours but also possible suicide attempts. Both preventive and therapeutic activities can take into account the specificity of those phenomena resulting from one's sex/gender. It is important to adapt preventive and therapeutic measures to psychological (personal) features that arise from an individual's sex/gender.

[The plant anticoagulants with perspective to use in treatment of thrombosis]. / Antykoagulanty pochodzenia roslinnego z perspektywa wykorzystania w leczeniu zakrzepic.

The diseases of blood circulation system--cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of mortality in developing, low and middle-income countries all over the world. The specialists recommend the prophylaxis to avoid the dangerous complications connected with these diseases, what can reduce the final treatment costs. All over the world there is continuous research of novel, therapeutically better, more effective anticoagulant or anti-platelet agents, with multiple targets, without so many side effects. Plant material is a good source to do this kind of research. The authors show the results of their few years research on polyphenolic-polysaccharide plant conjugates, isolated from medicinal plants, popular in Poland, which is continuing in the framework of the project WROVASC--Integrated Center of Cardiovascular Medicine. This research group has been working on isolation, structure characterization and biological activity of these macromolecular compounds. Because of anticoagulant, antioxidant as well as anti-platelet properties of these plant structures they are promising to be a new source of the innovative therapeutic agent.

The influence of conjugates isolated from Matricaria chamomilla L. on platelets activity and cytotoxicity.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the principal cause of death in both advanced and developing countries of the world. Blood platelets are involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Platelet adhesion and aggregation are critical events that occur in unstable coronary syndromes. The current research is focused on the role of polysaccharide-polyphenolic conjugates isolated from chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) at concentrations of 10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL on blood platelets (obtained from healthy donors and from patients received combined anti-platelet therapy complex with clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid) aggregation and experimentally induced cell toxicity. The treatment of PRP obtained from healthy donors with polyphenolic-polysaccharide conjugates from M. chamomilla (L.) (MC) resulted in a dose-dependent, decrease of platelet aggregation induced by multiple agonists (ADP, collagen and arachidonic acid). In this study we also observed that the MC reduced platelet aggregation in PRP obtained from patients with cardiovascular disorders. The result of testing the MC on human blood platelets, mouse fibroblast cultures L929 and human lung cells A549 did not show any cytotoxicity effects. Compounds obtained from M. chamomilla L. are potential composite to the development of a new anti-platelet agent, which could be an alternative to the currently used anti-platelet drugs.

Gender differentiation of indirect self-destructiveness.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine the sex (gender) differentiation of indirect self-destructiveness intensity and its manifestations, as well as relationships between indirect self-destructiveness and its manifestations (categories) and the psychological dimensions of masculinity and femininity, also from the point of view of assessing occupational health and safety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population of 558 individuals (399 females and 159 males) aged 19-25 (mean age: 22.6) was studied. The Polish version of the "Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale" (CS-DS) by Kelley adapted by Suchanska was used in order to examine indirect self-destructiveness and its manifestations. Gender testing applied the Polish version of the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) by Bem in its adaptation by Kuczynska. RESULTS: Males' scores are significantly higher than those of females for the majority of CS-DS scales/indices: Indirect Self-Destructiveness (general index), Poor Health Maintenance (A2), Lack of Planfulness (A4), and Helplessness, Passiveness (A5). Moreover, there are statistically significant correlations between CS-DS scales and the masculinity dimension (positive) as well as the femininity dimension (negative). CONCLUSIONS: Masculinity is a factor that may predispose towards indirectly self-destructive behaviors, while femininity is a factor protecting against those. The study results may prove useful in preventing indirectly and directly self-destructive behaviors as well as in therapy work with the individuals who display such tendencies or have made attempts on their own lives, in particular taking into account their being of a specific sex/gender and in the context of work (especially in difficult or dangerous conditions or both).