Floral illustration and textile stamping. Confluence of art and design in the fashion field

[EN] This article analyses the links of the textile stamping in the context of the fashion focused on the illustration of botanic motives from the double professional and creative perspective of the design, considering his development, historical evolution, functional appearances, resources, and operative ways who contribute a value added to the design ended up. We will observe the artistic references along the time and the recognition of the designer, as well as the beginning of the stamping in this industry, reviewing in brief the graphic and pictorial techniques more used at present for these proceses.[ES] Este artí­culo analiza la vinculación de la estampación textil en el contexto de la moda enfocada en la ilustración de motivos botánicos desde la doble perspectiva profesional y creativa del diseño, teniendo en cuenta tanto su desarrollo y evolución históricos como el conjunto de recursos, aspectos funcionales y modos operativos que aportan un valor añadido al diseño terminado, finalmente disponible para su venta. Observaremos las referencias artí­sticas a lo largo del tiempo y el reconocimiento del diseñador/a, así­ como los inicios de la estampación en esta industria, repasando brevemente las técnicas gráficas y pictóricas actualmente más utilizadas para estos procesos.Piris Nácher, M.; Galbis Juan, A. (2022). Ilustración floral y estampación textil. Confluencia de arte y diseño en el ámbito de la moda. EME Experimental Illustration, Art & Design. (10):100-109. https://doi.org/10.4995/eme.2022.17099OJS1001091

Mascarillas en el contexto de la COVID-19: aspectos legales y utilización. Face masks against the background of the COVID 19 pandemic: legal considerations about their use

Objetivo: Revisar los requisitos de calidad y usos recomendados de los diferentes tipos de mascarillas con objeto de optimizar su uso y facilitar la identificación de los productos no conformes. Método: Se hizo una búsqueda bibliográfica en PubMed, en el Boletín Oficial del Estado y Eudralex; se revisaron las páginas web de los Ministerios de Industria, Comercio y Turismo y Sanidad, así como las normas UNE. Resultados: Los diferentes tipos de mascarillas que se pueden encontrar en el mercado se acogen a diferentes exigencias regulatorias. Las mascarillas higiénicas no se consideran productos sanitarios ni equipo de protección individual y no necesitan autorización. No llevan marcado CE y deben cumplir con la normativa general de los productos de consumo. Para las mascarillas quirúrgicas, los criterios de calidad están definidos en la UNE-EN 14683:2019, son productos sanitarios de clase I según el Reglamento (UE) 745/2017, se les requiere declaración UE de conformidad y debe colocar el marcado CE en el producto. Las mascarillas filtrantes son equipos de protección individual de categoría III, están reguladas por el Reglamento (UE) 2016/425 y deben llevar marcado CE conforme al mismo. Por otro lado, los instrumentos de control de mercado han detectado mascarillas fraudulentas, por ello, ante cualquier duda se debe solicitar información adicional al fabricante o proveedor

Biodegradation behavior of starch-PVA films as affected by the incorporation of different antimicrobials

The effect that the incorporation of different antimicrobial substances into S-PVA films had on their disintegration and biodegradation process was analysed. To this end, starch, PVA and S-PVA films containing different concentrations of neem oil, oregano essential oil and silver nanoparticles were submitted to composting conditions in order to determine the disintegration and biodegradability percentages for 73 and 45 days, respectively. Additionally, thermogravimetric and structural analyses were also carried out throughout the composting period. The biodegradation and disintegration behavior of S-PVA films was intermediate between S and PVA films. The addition of neem and oregano essential oils slightly affected the biodegradation and disintegration profile of starch-PVA films, enhancing both disintegration and biodegradation levels. So, the presence of these antimicrobials did not compromise the compostable and biodegradable character of the starch-PVA blend films. Nevertheless, the biodegradation capacity of films containing 9.8% silver species was seriously affected, reaching values of only 58% after 45 days of composting, despite their high disintegration capacity. Thus, lower silver concentrations are recommended in order to avoid possible alterations in compost microbial activity.The authors acknowledge the financial support from the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad through the projects AGL2013-42989-R. Amalia Cano also thanks the Spanish Ministerio de Education, Cultura y Deporte for the FPU grant (AP2010-4377).Cano Embuena, AI.; Cháfer Nácher, MT.; Chiralt Boix, MA.; González Martínez, MC. (2016). Biodegradation behavior of starch-PVA films as affected by the incorporation of different antimicrobials. Polymer Degradation and Stability. 132:1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2016.04.014S11013

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

New scenario in the field of medical devices in the European Union: Switzerland and the United Kingdom become third countries

Objective: To compare the measures taken by the European Union, Switzerland and the United Kingdom to ensure the continuity of the medical devices market, complying with the requirements of Regulation 2017/745. Method: To carry out this work, a review was made of the official websites of the European Commission, the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products, the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency of the United Kingdom. Bibliographic searches were also conducted on Pubmed and the internet (Google), using terms such as 'withdrawal of the Mutual Recognition Agreement of Swiss European Union medical device conformity certificates, new UK medical device regulation', for a period extending from January 2020 to December 2021. Results: As a result of the disappearance of the legal framework that supported free trade between Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the European Union, products that used to be unrestrictedly distributed in Europe have become imports having to comply with the relevant legal requirements. Distributors for their part have become importers, and declarations of conformity and CE certificates have lost their validity. Furthermore, notified bodies from Switzerland and the United Kingdom are no longer recognized by the European Commission. Switzerland, the United reapea. Kingdom and the European Union have had to grant grace periods to allow regulatory agencies and economic operators to adapt to the new situation. Conclusions: The transition period toward the new economic scenario has not yet ended. Both Switzerland and the United Kingdom have had to take stronger measures than the EU to adapt to the changes. Both Switzerland and the United Kingdom are expected to finally incorporate the requirements of the new Regulation in their internal legal systems

Curcumin or quercetin loaded nutriosomes as oral adjuvants for malaria infections

Artemisinin, curcumin or quercetin, alone or in combination, were loaded in nutriosomes, special phospholipid vesicles enriched with Nutriose FM06®, a soluble dextrin with prebiotic activity, that makes these vesicles suitable for oral delivery. The resulting nutriosomes were sized between 93 and 146 nm, homogeneously dispersed, and had slightly negative zeta potential (around -8 mV). To improve their shelf life and storability over time, vesicle dispersions were freeze-dried and stored at 25 °C. Results confirmed that their main physico-chemical characteristics remained unchanged over a period of 12 months. Additionally, their size and polydispersity index did not undergo any significant variation after dilution with solutions at different pHs (1.2 and 7.0) and high ionic strength, mimicking the harsh conditions of the stomach and intestine. An in vitro study disclosed the delayed release of curcumin and quercetin from nutriosomes (∼53% at 48 h) while artemisinin was quickly released (∼100% at 48 h). Cytotoxicity assays using human colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) proved the high biocompatibility of the prepared formulations. Finally, in vitro antimalarial activity tests, assessed against the 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum, confirmed the effectiveness of nutriosomes in the delivery of curcumin and quercetin, which can be used as adjuvants in the antimalaria treatment. The efficacy of artemisinin was also confirmed but not improved. Overall results proved the possible use of these formulations as an accompanying treatment of malaria infections.Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V

Formulation of liposomes loading lentisk oil to ameliorate topical delivery, attenuate oxidative stress damage and improve cell migration in scratch assay

Pistacia lentiscus L. is a sclerophyllous shrub capable of growing under harsh climatic conditions especially in the Mediterranean Basin. Different products can be obtained from this plant, such as essential oil, mastic gum or even fixed oil. The last is well known for its flavor which is mainly exploited in the food industry. Additionally, it has been traditionally used in the treatment of skin diseases, but, at the moment, any suitable formulation for skin delivery has been formulated and its biological effects was not deeply confirmed. Given that, in the present study, the lentisk oil has been formulated in liposomes at different concentrations (10, 20, 30 mg/ml) and their physicochemical, technological and main biological properties have been evaluated. Vesicles were prepared by using natural soy lecithin and a green and organic solvent free method, thus obtaining spherical, small (~ 118 nm), homogeneously dispersed (0.27) and highly negatively charged (~ -62 mV) vesicles. The used amount of oil loaded in liposomes (10, 20, 30 mg/ml) modulated the penetration ability of vesicles in the skin, favoring the deposition of the payload in the deeper strata. The loading in the vesicles potentiated the ability of oil to counteract the damaging effects caused by hydrogen peroxide in keratinocytes and fibroblasts and facilitate their migration in a cell monolayer lesion. Overall findings suggested that the incorporation of lentisk oil in liposomes made from soy lecithin can be an alternative and natural approach to exploit it in pharmaceutical ad cosmetical applications and manufacturing natural products suitable for the treatment of skin lesions

A preliminary study on the use of coatings based on chitosan and efficient microorganisms for postharvest control of the blue mold of oranges

[SPA] Se analizó el efecto antifúngico de recubrimientos a base de quitosano, así como de una mezcla de microorganismos denominados “eficaces” (EM), como posibles tratamientos alternativos a los fungicidas sintéticos para el control de la podredumbre azul de naranjas, evaluándose además los principales aspectos de calidad de las naranjas durante dos semanas de almacenamiento a 25ºC y 85% de humedad relativa. Para ello, se planificaron dos series experimentales. En la primera serie, se evaluó la capacidad antifúngica de la disolución madre de EM y de los siguientes recubrimientos comestibles: quitosano (1% p/p), quitosano (Q)+ metilcelulosa (MC) (1% y 1% p/p), y MC + EM (1% y 5% p/p). Como controles se utilizaron muestras no tratadas (C) y muestras tratadas con tiabendazol (TBZ) al 0.1% (p/p). Para ello, las naranjas (variedad Lane-Late) fueron inoculadas con Penicillium italicum a una dosis de 105 esporas·mL-1, evaluándose la evolución de la infección durante el almacenamiento en condiciones óptimas para el desarrollo fúngico. En la segunda serie experimental, se caracterizaron, al principio y final del almacenamiento, los principales parámetros de calidad de las naranjas tras aplicar los tratamientos con mayor efecto antifúngico. Los resultados mostraron que todos los tratamientos redujeron el crecimiento fúngico en comparación con las muestras no tratadas (C). Por otro lado, sólo las muestras tratadas con la disolución madre de EM y las muestras recubiertas con MC-EM al 5% mejoraron o igualaron, respectivamente, la capacidad antifúngica del TBZ. No se observaron diferencias significativas entre los distintos tratamientos en la pérdida de peso, color (tono y croma) y tasa respiratoria de las naranjas durante el almacenamiento. [ENG] The antifungal effect of coatings based on chitosan and a mixture of efficient microorganisms (EM) was analysed in order to obtain an alternative treatment to synthetic fungicides for the postharvest control of the blue mold decay of oranges. Moreover, fruit quality was evaluated after ten days of storage at 25ºC and 85% relative humidity. Two experimental trials were performed. Firstly, the antifungal effect of a EM commercial stock solution and the following coatings: chitosan (1 wt%), chitosan+methylcellulose (1 wt % and 1 wt%) and methylcelullose (MC) + EM (1% and 5% wt) was evaluated. Control samples were those non-treated samples (C) and treated with thiabendazole (TBZ) at 0.1 wt%. The antifungal effect of these formulations was evaluated in oranges (cv. Lane-Late) that were inoculated with Penicillium italicum spores (105 spores·mL-1) and stored under the optimal fungal growth conditions. In the second trial, fruit quality was analysed in stored oranges that were treated with the formulations that showed antifungal effect. Results showed that all treatments reduced fungal development in comparison with non-treated samples (C). On the other hand, only samples treated with EM stock solution and samples coated with MC-EM at 5% increased or showed the same antifungal effect as the ones treated with TBZ, respectively. After ten days of storage, no significant differences among the treatments were found in terms of weight loss, colour (hue and chroma) and respiration rate of oranges.Las autoras agradecen a la Universidad Politécnica de Valencia la ayuda concedida a través de la Acción Especial (200660345) “Aplicación de la tecnología de los microorganismos eficaces (EM) en la conservación de frutas y hortalizas”

Evaluación de la bioactividad de ciprofloxacino y vancomicina incorporados en cementos óseos poliacrílicos

La inclusión de antibióticos en el cemento óseo destinado a la fijación mecánica de las prótesis constituye un sistema de liberación local de antibiótico que permite minimizar la prevalencia y la gravedad de las reacciones adversas que pueden desencadenar los fármacos cuando éstos se administran por vía sistémica.El objetivo del trabajo es estudiar el mecanismo y cinética de liberación in vitro de ciprofloxacino y vancomicina incorporados en diferentes cementos óseos comerciales y evaluar la bioactividad mediante un ejercicio de simulación farmacocinética.Se prepararon mezclas de los cementos de estudio con ciprofloxacino clorhidrato y vancomicina (40:0,5:0,5). Los estudios de liberación se realizaron en agitación continua en solución salina de tampón fosfatos, pH=7,4, durante dos meses. Las cantidades liberadas acumuladas y las velocidades de elución se evaluaron mediante ANOVA. Con el fin estudiar la bioactividad, se realizó una simulación de Monte Carlo.La cantidad total liberada de ciprofloxacino en un periodo de 8 semanas fue de 0,29±0,06mg desde los cementos Palacos®, 0,44±0,06mg Lima® y 0,18±0,04mg Simplex®.La cantidad total de vancomicina liberada en 24 horas fue de 0,34±0,17mg desde el cemento Palacos®, 0,68±0,16mg Lima® y 0,17±0,02mg Simplex®. Transcurrido este tiempo la liberación cesó.El estudio de simulación, muestra que durante las primeras 72 horas, la cobertura antibiótica dependería tanto del cemento elegido, como de la sensibilidad del microorganismo y el día postquirúrgico. Teniendo en cuenta el drenaje externo, es de prever que tras estas primeras 72 horas, una vez retirado, la bioactividad aumente

Nutriosomes: prebiotic delivery systems combining phospholipid, soluble dextrin and curcumin to counteract intestinal oxidative stress and inflammation

Nutriosomes, new phospholipid nanovesicles specifically designed for intestinal protection were developed by simultaneously loading a water-soluble dextrine (Nutriose® FM06) and a natural antioxidant (curcumin). Nutriosomes were easily fabricated in a one-step, organic solvent-free procedure. The stability and the delivery performances of the vesicles were improved by adding hydroxypropylmetylcellulose. All the vesicles were small in size (mean diameter ~168 nm), negatively charged (zeta potential ~-38 mV, irrespective of their composition), self-assembled predominantly in unilamellar vesicles stabilized by the presence of Nutriose® , which was located in both the inter-lamellar and inter-vesicle medium, as confirmed by cryo-TEM and SAXS investigation. The dextrin acted also as a cryo-protector, avoiding vesicle collapse during the lyophilization process, and as a protector against high ionic strength and pH changes encountered in the gastrointestinal environment. Thanks to the antioxidant properties of curcumin, nutriosomes provided an optimal protective effect against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells. Moreover, these innovative vesicles showed promising efficacy in vivo, as they improved the bioavailability and the biodistribution of both curcumin and dextrin upon oral administration, which acted synergically in reducing colonic damage chemically-induced in rats