A novel boswellic acids delivery form (Casperome (R)) in the management of musculoskeletal disorders: a review

Standard pharmacological treatment of musculoskeletal conditions is often associated with relevant side effects. Botanical preparations endowed with a good tolerability profile, therefore, could have a role in the management of these disorders. Among different natural products, Boswellia serrata extracts have long been used for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, given their marked anti-inflammatory activity and their ability to promote tissue regeneration. However, standard preparations of Boswellia serrata show overall modest pharmacokinetic properties, a limitation which may ultimately lead to reduced efficacy. In an effort to improve the pharmacokinetic properties, Casperome\uae, a lecithin-based formulation of Boswellia serrata extract representing the whole natural bouquet, has been developed. This formulation was effective in the treatment of Achilles tendonitis, epicondylitis, radiculopathies, ankle sprains and sport injuries as shown in several clinical studies, the majority of which with a randomized design and all evaluating a number of well-recognized parameters of efficacy for the therapy of musculoskeletal disorder. All studies were consistent in showing a prompt decrease of pain and improvement of functionality of the affected area after supplementation with Casperome\uae, without any relevant adverse effect. Remarkably, these symptomatic improvements were paralleled by reduced plasmatic levels of inflammatory markers and by a diminished need for rescue analgesics. On these bases, Casperome\uae may have a role in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Clinical studies in other similar conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis) appear warranted to further investigate the efficacy of this botanical product in more specific settings

Efeito do consórcio cultural no manejo ecológico de insetos em tomateiro.

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A novel phospholipid delivery system of curcumin (Meriva\uae) preserves muscular mass in healthy aging subjects

Curcumin is known to interrupt pro-inflammatory signalling and increases anti-oxidant protection, thus inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines and the expression and function of inducible inflammatory enzymes. Together, these effects contribute to limit the onset and the progression of sarcopenia, due to the major role played by inflammation in the pathophysiology of this disease. This registry study evaluates the effects of Meriva\uae supplementation in otherwise healthy elderly subjects

The effect of a natural, standardized bilberry extract (Mirtoselect (R)) in dry eye: a randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: Dry eye, a chronic disease of lachrymal fluid and corneo-conjunctival epithelium, could significantly impact visual function, affects quality of life and work productivity. Beside several conventional treatments, nutritional supplements based on bilberry extract have been identified as effective contributors to eye health. Here, we aim at investigating the bioavailability of a standardized bilberry extract, its ability to alleviate dry eye symptoms and its antioxidant potential.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Either bilberry dried standardized extract derived from Vaccinium myrtillus L. fresh frozen fruits (Mirtoselect (R)) or a highly purified anthocyanin-rich extract, devoid of the non anthocyanin component and supported on maltodextrins, were each orally a dministrated to 5 male rats. Blood samples were collected at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 minutes after treatment, processed and analyzed by UV spectrophotometric method. In a parallel analysis, 22 otherwise healthy subjects suffering from dry eye symptoms were enrolled randomly assigned to receive the more bioavailable bilberry extract or placebo. Ophthalmological and clinical examinations including Schirmer's test, pupil constriction, diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) test and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) test were performed at inclusion and after the 4-week study period.RESULTS: The area under the curve of plasmatic levels of anthocyanosides in rats resulted 202.34 +/- 24.23 mu g . min/ml for Mirtoselect (R) and 130.93 +/- 4.93 mu g . min/ml for the highly purified anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract, notwithstanding the fact that the highly purified anthocyanin-rich extract group received an anthocyanins dosage much higher than the Mirtoselect (R) group (354 mg/Kg in anthocyanosides vs. 136 mg/Kg in anthocyanosides). 21 subjects, 11 subjects in the bilberry extract (Mirtoselect (R)) group and 10 subjects in the placebo group completed the clinical study. Schirmer's test values indicating the volume of tear secretion were significantly improved in the bilberry extract group (p=0.019), whereas no significant changes were observed in the placebo group. A subset analysis revealed that Mirtoselect (R) could be more effective in subjects with higher tendency of dry eye. In terms of antioxidant potential, the bilberry extract produced significant improvement of BAP (p=0.003) and an increase of modified BAP/d-ROMs ratio, an indicator of overall balance between antioxidant potential and oxidative stress.CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that natural, standardized bilberry extract (Mirtoselect (R)) is a natural more bioavailable delivery form anthocyanins, suggesting a strong matrix effect exerted by the non-anthocyanin component. Furthermore, it can improve tear secretion and plasmatic antioxidant potential in subjects suffering from DED symptoms

Quantitative and Qualitative tools for a physical education program that increases inclusion of children with disabilities

Aim: New technologies in PE provide children with the opportunity (a) to improve motor learning and self-efficacy, (b) model and stucture new prospective of the educational process (Clapham et al.,2015). The purpose of this study is to evalute and compare (a) the development of motor coordination of primary school\u2019s children in relation to BMI, (b) effects of strategies that utilize interactive video game technology (T0 vs T1), (c) enjoyment and physical selfefficacy between EG and CG. Methods: The study has been conducted in a primary school of Puglia, Italy. The sample includes 65 children, separated into two groups in relation to sex and BMI: EG (M: 22, age,10.09 \ub1 0.30; F:19, age 10.10 \ub1 0.31) and CG (M: 12, age, 10 \ub1 0.42; F: 12, age 10 \ub1 0.0). The experimental program consists of 10 lessons, using specialised interactive video game technology to point out unusual motor responses. For the CG has been used teaching styles of production. The following tests have been proposed before and after the intervention: MOBAK 5 (Hermann and Seelig 2016), PSP_C (physical self-efficacy) and PACES (enjoyment). Results: Besides the descriptive statistics (M \ub1 DS), T-test was used in order to highlights significative differences between T0-T1, indipendently from sex differences. The significance value was set at p\0.05. Data analysis revealed significative differences between EG for boys and girls about (a) Control Object and Self-Movement (p\0.05); (b) and physical self efficacy scale (p\0.05). Conclusions: The use of modern technologies and different teaching styles in PE promote motor learning and self-efficacy in children. The trail of new and different instruments are needed to enhance educational environments and develop intrinsic motivation to motor activities. References 1. Clapham, E.D. et al. (2015). The Physical Educator. 72,1, 102\u2013116. 2. Hermann, C. & Seelig, H. (2016). Sportwissenschaft

Hepatitis B prevalence, risk factors, infection awareness and disease knowledge among inmates: A cross-sectional study in Switzerland's largest pre-trial prison

© 2018, Journal of Health Global. Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major health concern in prison, but data are scarce in European prisons. This study aims to measure the prevalence of HBV infection, risk factors, awareness about infection, and HBV knowledge among inmates in Switzerland's largest pre-trial prison. Methods Serological blood tests (HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc) and a standardized socio-demographic and sexual health survey were offered to consenting prisoners in 2009 and 2011. HBV knowledge was assessed using a standardized questionnaire among participants recruited in 2009. Findings A total of 273 male participants were included in the study (116 participants answered the HBV knowledge survey), with 38.1% originating from Eastern Europe, 28.2% from sub-Saharan Africa, 14.3% from North Africa, and 9.5% from Latin America. The prevalence of anti-HBc (resolved/chronic infection) was 38.2% and the prevalence of HBsAg (chronic infection) was 5.9%; 14% of participants had vaccine-acquired immunity (anti-HBs positive/anti- HBc negative). We estimated that 15.5% of people living in Geneva having chronic infection go through the Geneva's prison. Region of origin was significantly associated with chronic/resolved HBV infection (P < 0.001): 72.2% of participants from sub-Saharan African, 34.6% from Eastern Europe and 13.2% from other regions. In terms of chronic infection, 15.6% of participants from sub-Saharan Africa were positive for HBsAg, vs 2% of those from other regions (P < 0.001). In stratified analyses, region of origin remained significantly associated with HBV infection. Among those with chronic infection, only 12.5% were aware of their status. A minority of inmates knew how HBV could be transmitted. Conclusions The primary factor associated with HBV infection in this study was the geographical region of origin of participants. Given the high HBV prevalence found in this prison population, a targeted testing and vaccination approach based on prisoners' region of origin would be a cost-effective strategy when resources are limited. Additionally, identification of at-risk people should not rely on sensitive questions nor self-reported history of HBV. An inclusive approach to global health needs to incorporate prison population, as incarcerated people have a disproportionate burden of HBV infection and because an important proportion of hard-to-reach chronic HBV infected people go through the incarceration system