Preparation of gellan-cholesterol nanohydrogels embedding baicalin and evaluation of their wound healing activity

[EN] In the present work, the preparation, characterization and therapeutic potential of baicalin-loaded nanohydrogels are reported. The nanohydrogels were prepared by sonicating (S nanohydrogel) or autoclaving (A nanohydrogel) a dispersion of cholesterol-derivatized gellan in phosphate buffer. The nanohydrogel obtained by autoclave treatment showed the most promising results: smaller particles ( similar to 362 nm vs. similar to 530 nm), higher homogeneity (polydispersity index = similar to 0.24 vs. similar to 0.47), and lower viscosity than those obtained by sonication. In vitro studies demonstrated the ability of the nanohydrogels to favour the deposition of baicalin in the epidermis. A high biocompatibility was found for baicalin-loaded nanohydrogels, along with a great ability to counteract the toxic effect induced by hydrogen peroxide in cells, as the nanohydrogels re-established the normal conditions (similar to 100% viability). Further, the potential of baicalin-loaded nanohydrogels in skin wound healing was demonstrated in vivo in mice by complete skin restoration and inhibition of specific inflammatory markers (i.e., myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and oedema.Financial support from University "Sapienza" - Progetti di Ricerca: grant RP116154C2EF9AC8 and grant RM11715C1743EE89 are acknowledged.Manconi, M.; Manca, M.; Caddeo, C.; Cencetti, C.; Di Meo, C.; Zoratto, N.; Nácher Alonso, A.... (2018). Preparation of gellan-cholesterol nanohydrogels embedding baicalin and evaluation of their wound healing activity. European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics. 127:244-249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpb.2018.02.015S24424912

Nanosospensioni di Piroxicam caricate in compresse orodisperdibili

Le compresse orodisperdibili sono delle forme farmaceutiche solide che si disgregano nella bocca senza l\u2019ausilio dell\u2019acqua permettendo l\u2019assorbimento del farmaco attraverso la mucosa orale ed il raggiungimento della circolazione sistemica bypassando il primo passaggio epatico. Il Piroxicam (PRX) \ue8 un antinfiammatorio non steroideo caratterizzato da una lunga emivita plasmatica che permette terapie caratterizzate da una singola somministrazione giornaliera. A causa dei suoi effetti collaterali come l\u2019irritazione gastrica \ue8 di notevole interesse lo studio di nuove formulazioni che promuovano un suo assorbimento a livello della mucosa orale [1]. OBBIETTIVO L\u2019obbiettivo di questo lavoro di ricerca \ue8 la preparazione di nuove compresse orodisperdibili preparate a partire da nanosospensioni di PRX con lo scopo di migliorare la velocit\ue0 di dissoluzione e quindi l\u2019assorbimento del farmaco a livello della mucosa orale

Effect of ripening stage at harvest, cold storage, and simulated marketing conditions on quality and antioxidant activity of peach fruit

The influence of storage time on different quality parameters and in vitro antioxidant activity of peaches cv. Elegant Lady harvested at two ripening stages (immature and commercial mature) and stored under cold and marketing conditions were assessed. Destructive (physical-chemical properties, antioxidant activity, and firmness) and non-destructive parameters (colour and index of absorbance difference, IAD) were assessed. Storage and ripening stage influenced firmness, colour, and antioxidant activity. Firmness decreased significantly during cold and marketing storage, and skin colour parameters, a* and b*, underwent a deepening of the red hue, while IAD values fully justified differences in colour over storage time and ripening stage. The antioxidant activity increased during storage, although polyphenols and ascorbic acid contents remained constant, and was higher in commercial mature fruit than immature peaches, that revealed a ratio of total sugars/total acids more equilibrated

Assessment of a high protein distillers dried grain (HP-DDG) augmented with phytase in diets for European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax fingerlings on growth performance, haematological status, immune response and related gut and liver histology

Inclusion of high levels of plant protein ingredients in fish feeds induces the presence of undesirable compounds such as Anti-Nutritional Factors, including non-starch polysaccharides and phytates. The present study evaluated the effect of partial replacement of dietary soybean meal by a high protein distillers dried grains (HP-DDG) a co-product of corn based ethanol production. We evaluated HP-DDG in experimental diets with a supplemented commercial phytase on growth performance, physiological parameters and histological changes of the intestine and liver of European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax fingerlings. The experiment was conducted for six weeks. A total of 240 D. labrax fingerlings was randomly divided to four experimental treatments (each in triplicates groups) and fed to apparent satiation six days per week for a six weeks’ period. Four dietary treatments: containing 0, 30, 40 and 50% HP-DDG supplemented with enzyme phytase 0.5g kg-1 diet respectively, were tested. The results showed that growth performance and feed utilization efficiency of sea bass was significantly higher (P≤0.05) with increasing levels of HP-DDG-and phytase supplementation. Superior phosphorous utilization was also observed with respect to whole body retention for each incremental level of HP-DDG inclusion. Hematology and serum biochemistry (hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and humoral immune parameters including total protein, globulin, cholesterol, lysozyme activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were improved (P≤0.05) in fish fed diets with increased levels of HP-DDG and supplemented phytase. The findings suggest that the use of HP-DDG supplemented with phytase in sea bass diets enhanced growth, physiological and immunological responses, and evidenced a cost benefit advantage for European sea bass production compared to the use of a diet without either HP-DDG or phytase incorporation

Active Galactic Nuclei at the Crossroads of Astrophysics

Over the last five decades, AGN studies have produced a number of spectacular examples of synergies and multifaceted approaches in astrophysics. The field of AGN research now spans the entire spectral range and covers more than twelve orders of magnitude in the spatial and temporal domains. The next generation of astrophysical facilities will open up new possibilities for AGN studies, especially in the areas of high-resolution and high-fidelity imaging and spectroscopy of nuclear regions in the X-ray, optical, and radio bands. These studies will address in detail a number of critical issues in AGN research such as processes in the immediate vicinity of supermassive black holes, physical conditions of broad-line and narrow-line regions, formation and evolution of accretion disks and relativistic outflows, and the connection between nuclear activity and galaxy evolution.Comment: 16 pages, 5 figures; review contribution; "Exploring the Cosmic Frontier: Astrophysical Instruments for the 21st Century", ESO Astrophysical Symposia Serie

The pain therapy in italy: simplification of prescriptions

Introduzione: E' entrata in vigore il 3 aprile 2010 la Legge del 15 marzo 2010, n. 38, “Disposizioni per garantire l’accesso alle cure palliative e alla terapia del dolore” che modifica il Testo unico sugli stupefacenti (D.P.R. 309/90). Si tratta del terzo provvedimento che il Parlamento italiano ha varato negli ultimi dieci anni per favorire la diffusione della terapia del dolore. Obiettivo: Presentare la nuova legge italiana che semplifica la prescrizione dei medicinali stupefacenti necessari per la terapia del dolore Discussione e conclusione: La nuova legge, pur semplificando gli adempimenti, regola due aspetti molto diversi tra loro: l’utilizzo terapeutico degli stupefacenti e le tossicodipendenze (produzione, traffico internazionale e spaccio di droga, Servizi territoriali per le tossicodipendenze, comunità terapeutiche, ecc.). Per favorire la diffusione della terapia del dolore occorre che i due aspetti vengano regolati da leggi diverse: una per le sostanze d’abuso con sanzioni di carattere penale ed una per i medicinali con sanzioni di carattere amministrativo. Si dovrebbero assegnare all’Aifa le competenze sui medicinali stupefacenti e all’Ufficio centrale stupefacenti quelle sulle tossicodipendenze.One of the most important modifications originated in foods during thermal treatment is Maillard reaction, in which amino acids and reducing sugars are participants. This reaction can improve the organoleptic characteristics of foods but, moreover, can lead to nutritional value losses and apparition of toxicological compounds. Infant cereals are hydrolyzed during processing, increasing reducing sugar levels thereby Maillard reaction can be favored in toasted or dried samples. Infants are especially susceptible to the decreased nutritional value and to the toxicological compounds consumption. Thus it is important to know the development rate of this reaction in these products. In this study acrylamide and furosine content in raw and toasted flour and in infant formulas were determined, in order to evaluate Maillard reaction evolution. Furosine content ranged from 11.5 to 34.6 mg/100 g of proteins in toasted flour samples and from 122 to 1193 mg/100 g of proteins in formula samples. Acrylamide was not detected in flour samples ranging from 0.22 and 9.6 Eg/kg in formula samples. Lysine losses can be considered to be high in several samples, but it does not suppose a nutritional deficiency risk because these products are consumed together with milk. Acrylamide only was found in quantified levels in four samples and in very low concentrations. These values are lower than the maximum dose allowed and, therefore, they should not represent adverse problems after their consumption