75 research outputs found
Guidelines for the Development of Herbal-Based Sunscreen
Sun protection is a complex topic, which involves various classes of compounds. The photoprotective effectiveness of a sunscreen involves many biological activities, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation filter properties and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimutagenic effects. Formulation strategy is also a key factor. Several studies have examined the role of natural molecules as photoprotective compounds, and a considerable number of commercially available sunscreens contain herbal extracts but not as sunfilters. Indeed, the process of evaluation of UV-filtering and photoprotective activity of herbal compounds presents certain specific difficulties and needs in vitro and in vivo studies. Nowadays, no natural compound or vegetal extract has been approved by any country as official UV filter for sunscreen. With these premises, the aim of this chapter is to define a set of tests, which can help to evaluate the efficacy of an herbal extract in the field of sun protection; in other words, we propose a rational approach to the discovery of natural UV-filtering extract and molecules. The following electronic databases have been used as a source of information: SciFinder, PubMed, Google Scholar, ISI-Web of Science, and Scopus
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in a 14-year-old atopic boy: a case report
Background: Corticosteroids are widely used in medicine. Few cases of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) have been reported following topical corticosteroid administration. We describe the first case of pediatric CSC related to topical corticosteroid administration. Case presentation: A 14-year-old boy presented with decreased vision, pigment epithelial detachments, and serous retinal detachments in the right eye after starting treatment for atopic dermatitis with Betamethasone Valerate 0.1% topical ointment. His condition resolved 2 weeks after discontinuing the steroid and administering Bromfenac 0.9 mg/ml eyedrops. Conclusions: Although the pathogenesis of CSC is poorly understood, ophthalmologists should be informed about the potential link between CSC and topical corticosteroid treatment, and they should be aware that CSC might, albeit infrequently, affect children
Colorimetric Detection of Perfluorinated Compounds by All-Polymer Photonic Transducers
We report on the highly sensitive optical and
colorimetric detection of perfluorinated compounds in the
vapor phase achieved by all-polymer dielectric mirrors. High
optical quality and uniformly distributed Bragg reflectors were
fabricated by alternating thin films of poly(N-vinylcarbazole)
and Hyflon AD polymers as high and low refractive index
medium, respectively. A new processing procedure has been
developed to compatibilize the deposition of poly(N-vinylcarbazole)
with the highly solvophobic Hyflon AD polymer
layers to achieve mutual processability between the two
polymers and fabricate the devices. As a proof of principle,
sensing measurements were performed using the Galden
HT55 polymer as a prototype of the perfluorinated
compound. The Bragg stacks show a strong chromatic response upon exposure to this compound, clearly detectable as both
spectral and intensity variations. Conversely, Bragg mirrors fabricated without fluorinated polymers do not show any detectable
response, demonstrating that the Hyflon AD polymer acts as the active and selective medium for sensing perfluorinated species.
These results demonstrate that organic dielectric mirrors containing perfluorinated polymers can represent an innovative
colorimetric monitoring system for fluorinated compounds, suitable to improve both environmental safety and quality of life
Comparative Study of SPA Mud from "Bacino Idrominerario Omogeneo dei Colli Euganei (B.I.O.C.E.)-Italy" and Industrially Optimized Mud for Skin Applications
The term "Salus per aquam (SPA) therapies" refers to therapeutic pathways that includes mud therapy. The therapeutic efficacy of a peloid depends on its chemical and mineralogical composition, as well as its technological properties. Considering the increasing use of clay-based products, it becomes essential to characterize peloids from a qualitative and quantitative point of view. Therefore, this research project aimed to develop a protocol that allows characterization of the chemical-physical composition of sludges collected from different areas of the Homogeneous Euganean Hills Hydromineral Basin (B.I.O.C.E.). The study established a comparative study both between different matrices and between the same matrices at different maturation times, including also a comparison with an industrialized product, that can be used at home, which maintains the characteristics of a natural mud. This research was developed studying the pH, grain size distribution, and chemical and mineralogical composition. Peloids are characterized by a neutral/basic pH and are divided into two categories from a granulometric point of view: The chemical composition allowed observation of numerous correlations between oxides present in the samples and to quantify the presence of heavy metals. Mineralogical analysis made it possible to identify and compare the composition of each sample, also according to the maturation time. Thanks to the methods adopted, important correlations were achieved
Multi-Messenger Astronomy with Extremely Large Telescopes
The field of time-domain astrophysics has entered the era of Multi-messenger
Astronomy (MMA). One key science goal for the next decade (and beyond) will be
to characterize gravitational wave (GW) and neutrino sources using the next
generation of Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs). These studies will have a
broad impact across astrophysics, informing our knowledge of the production and
enrichment history of the heaviest chemical elements, constrain the dense
matter equation of state, provide independent constraints on cosmology,
increase our understanding of particle acceleration in shocks and jets, and
study the lives of black holes in the universe. Future GW detectors will
greatly improve their sensitivity during the coming decade, as will
near-infrared telescopes capable of independently finding kilonovae from
neutron star mergers. However, the electromagnetic counterparts to
high-frequency (LIGO/Virgo band) GW sources will be distant and faint and thus
demand ELT capabilities for characterization. ELTs will be important and
necessary contributors to an advanced and complete multi-messenger network.Comment: White paper submitted to the Astro2020 Decadal Surve
Return to sport soccer after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: ISAKOS consensus
Many factors can affect the return to pivoting sports, after an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Prehabilitation, rehabilitation, surgical and psychological aspects play an essential role in the decision to return to sports. The purpose of this study is to reach an international consensus about the best conditions for returning to sports in soccer-one of the most demanding level I pivoting sports after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
Long Range Plan: Dense matter theory for heavy-ion collisions and neutron stars
Since the release of the 2015 Long Range Plan in Nuclear Physics, major
events have occurred that reshaped our understanding of quantum chromodynamics
(QCD) and nuclear matter at large densities, in and out of equilibrium. The US
nuclear community has an opportunity to capitalize on advances in astrophysical
observations and nuclear experiments and engage in an interdisciplinary effort
in the theory of dense baryonic matter that connects low- and high-energy
nuclear physics, astrophysics, gravitational waves physics, and data scienceComment: 70 pages, 3 figures, White Paper for the Long Range Plan for Nuclear
Scienc
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