Alginate Hydrogel Formulation with Ketorolac for the Treatment of Pain Related Sialolithiasis

Sialolithiasis mainly affects the oral salivary glands due to the presence of small stones that obstruct the secretion of saliva. The treatment and control of pain and inflammation during the course of this pathology is essential to guarantee the patient’s comfort. For this reason, a ketorolac calcium cross-linked alginate hydrogel was developed, and it was then applied in the area of the buccal cavity. The formulation was characterized (swelling and degradation profile, extrusion, extensibility, surface morphology, viscosity, and drug release). The drug release was studied ex vivo in static Franz cells and with a dynamic ex vivo method under artificial saliva continuous flow. The product exhibits adequate physicochemical properties considering the intended purpose, and the drug concentrations retained in the mucosa were high enough to deliver a therapeutic local concentration able to reduce the pain associated with the patient’s conditions. The results confirmed the suitability of the formulation for application in the mouth

Gel Formulations with an Echinocandin for Cutaneous Candidiasis: The Influence of Azone and Transcutol on Biopharmaceutical Features

Caspofungin is a drug that is used for fungal infections that are difficult to treat, including invasive aspergillosis and candidemia, as well as other forms of invasive candidiasis. The aim of this study was to incorporate Azone in a caspofungin gel (CPF-AZ-gel) and compare it with a promoter-free caspofungin gel (CPF-gel). An in vitro release study using a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and ex vivo permeation into human skin was adopted. The tolerability properties were confirmed by histological analysis, and an evaluation of the biomechanical properties of the skin was undertaken. Antimicrobial efficacy was determined against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida tropicalis. CPF-AZ-gel and CPF-gel, which had a homogeneous appearance, pseudoplastic behavior, and high spreadability, were obtained. The biopharmaceutical studies confirmed that caspofungin was released following a one-phase exponential association model and the CPF-AZ gel showed a higher release. The CPF-AZ gel showed higher retention of caspofungin in the skin while limiting the diffusion of the drug to the receptor fluid. Both formulations were well-tolerated in the histological sections, as well as after their topical application in the skin. These formulations inhibited the growth of C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis, while C. albicans showed resistance. In summary, dermal treatment with caspofungin could be used as a promising therapy for cutaneous candidiasis in patients that are refractory or intolerant to conventional antifungal agents

Caspofungin-Loaded Formulations for Treating Ocular Infections Caused by Candida spp

Fungal keratitis causes corneal blindness worldwide. The treatment includes antibiotics, with Natamycin being the most commonly used; however, fungal keratitis is difficult to treat, so alternative therapies are needed. In situ gelling formulations are a promising alternative; this type of formulation has the advantages of eye drops combined with the advantages of ointments. This study was designed to develop and characterize three formulations containing 0.5% CSP: CSP-O1, CSP-O2, and CSP-O3. CSP is an antifungal drug that acts against a diverse variety of fungi, and Poloxamer 407 (P407) is a polymer of synthetic origin that is able to produce biocompatible, biodegradable, highly permeable gels and is known to be thermoreversible. Short-term stability showed that formulations are best stored at 4 C, and rheological analysis showed that the only formulation able to gel in situ was CSP-O3. In vitro release studies indicated that CSP-O1 releases CSP most rapidly, while in vitro permeation studies showed that CSP-O3 permeated the most. The ocular tolerance study showed that none of the formulations caused eye irritation. However, CSP-O1 decreased the cornea’s transparency. Histological results indicate that the formulations are suitable for use, with the exception of CSP-O3, which induced slight structural changes in the scleral structure. All formulations were shown to have antifungal activity. In view of the results obtained, these formulations could be promising candidates for use in the treatment of fungal keratitis.Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), project no. 202080E231University of Barcelona and the University of Granada (Official State Gazette 311, on 27 November 2020

Properties of the spatial Wigner function of entangled photon pairs

In this paper we analyze some important characteristics of the spatial Wigner function of entangled photon pairs. We show that the Wigner description of quantum states that live in the infinite-dimensional spacemomentum degree of freedom proves to be particularly useful. We propose an experimental configuration that can be used to retrieve the Wigner function of paired photons entangled in the spatial degree of freedom. In particular, it allows the full characterization of the paired photons emitted from a spontaneous parametric down-conversion source.Postprint (published version

Effortful control is associated with children's school functioning via learning-related behaviors

The goal of the current study was to identify factors that contribute to individual differences in school functioning. We proposed a model including direct effects of Effortful Control (EC) on Spanish 6- to 12-year olds' (N = 142) academic achievement and social adaptation at school, with these relations partially mediated by learning-related behaviors (LRBs). Parents rated children's EC; teachers reported children's LRBs and children' social adaptation in school; children' social preference was assessed through classmates' nominations. Children's academic achievement was measured through standard tests and grades. Analyses were run using structural equation models, controlling by gender, intelligence, age, socioeconomic status, and school. EC was positively and directly related to social adaptation in school. EC was also indirectly related to academic achievement and social adaptation through LRBs. The findings highlight the potential relevance of children's EC and LRBs for adjustment in elementary school

Assessing children’s empathy through a Spanish adaptation of the Basic Empathy Scale: parent’s and child’s report forms

The aim of the current research was to study cognitive and affective empathy in children aged 6–12 years old, and their associations with children’s family environment and social adjustment. For this purpose, we developed the Spanish version of the Basic Empathy Scale (BES), self- and parent-report forms. Factorial analyses confirmed a two-component model of empathy in both self- and parent-report forms. Concordance between parent–child measures of empathy was low for cognitive and affective factors. Analyses of variance on the cognitive and affective components brought a significant effect of age for self-reported cognitive empathy, with older children scoring higher than younger ones. Gender brought out a significant principal effect for self-reported affective empathy, with girls scoring higher than boys. No other main effects were found for age and gender for the rest of the factors analyzed. Children’s empathy was associated with socioeconomic status and other family socialization processes, as well as children’ social behaviors. Overall the new measures provided a coherent view of empathy in middle childhood and early adolescence when measured through self and parent reports, and illustrate the similarity of the validity of the BES in a European-Spanish culture

Microwave-assisted extraction of Ulva spp. including a stage of selective coagulation of ulvan stimulated by a bio-ionic liquid

Microwave-assisted hydrothermal processing was proposed to recover high valuable compounds with antioxidant and gelling features from Ulva spp. green seaweed. The influence of the extraction conditions on the solubles, ulvan fraction and residual solid phase was studied to achieve a global valorization of the seaweed. A particular emphasis was placed on the selective coagulation of ulvan stimulated by a bio-ionic liquid during the extraction process. The achieved outcomes indicated that the selected microwave treatment exhibited a notable impact on the phytochemical properties of the soluble extracts, with the highest values of sulfate and protein content at 160 °C, and the highest antioxidant features at 200 °C. The most prominent molecular weight distributions were also identified for systems hydrothermal treated at 160 °C. The ulvan analyses showed that those extracted after microwave treatment at 160 °C showed the highest yields, molecular weight and the strongest gel features from the rheological point of view. The presence of the chloride chlorine during the extraction process favored the ulvan performance and the enhancement of the corresponding viscoelastic properties.Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. RYC2018-024454-IXunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431F 2020/01ED481D-2022/018Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade de Vigo/CISU

Valorisation of Camellia sinensis branches as a raw product with green technology extraction methods

This work deals with the study of tea stalks from pruning debris using environmental friendly extraction technology to offer new healthy properties. In the manufacturing tea industry, tea trees require to be pruned every year and most of their remains are discarded as a waste with no economic value. Microwave aqueous extraction and pressurized hot water extraction process (autohydrolysis) were used to recover bioactive compounds from the tea branches. Operating at a fixed solid: liquid ratio (1:15), the effect of the maximum heating temperatures from 140 to 220 °C was studied. Liquid extracts were analysed for total phenolic, oligosaccharides, protein, mineral and heavy metals content, as well as for antioxidant capacity. The antitumoral possibilities were also determined for selected samples. The obtained results indicated that both processes could be used as an alternative to recover bioactive compounds from tea wastes, although microwave-assisted extraction allowed saving time when compared with autohydrolysis processing. The temperature exhibited a relevant effect on the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, decreasing with the microwave treatment and increasing with the autohydrolysis temperature. The obtained extracts could be adequate for incorporation in food and non-food fields.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad | Ref. IJCI-2016-27535Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades | Ref. RYC2018- 024454-