Evaluation of Anti-Tyrosinase and Antioxidant Properties of Four Fern Species for Potential Cosmetic Applications

Ferns are poorly explored species from a pharmaceutical perspective compared to other terrestrial plants. In this work, the antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts, together with total polyphenol content, were evaluated in order to explore the potential cosmetic applications of four Spanish ferns collected in the Prades Mountains (Polypodium vulgare L., Asplenium adiantum-nigrum L., Asplenium trichomanes L., and Ceterach officinarum Willd). The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and xanthine/xanthine oxidase (X/XO) assays. The potential to avoid skin hyperpigmentation was tested by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme, as this causes melanin synthesis in the epidermis. All ferns were confirmed as antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase agents, but interestingly hydrophilic extracts (obtained with methanol) were more potent and effective compared to lipophilic extracts (obtained with hexane). Polypodium vulgare, Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, and Ceterach officinarum methanolic extracts performed the best as antioxidants. Polypodium vulgare methanolic extract also showed the highest activity as a tyrosinas

Enhancing commercial antibiotics with trans-cinnamaldehyde in gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria: an in vitro approach

One strategy to mitigate the emergence of bacterial resistance involves reducing antibiotic doses by combining them with natural products, such as trans-cinnamaldehyde (CIN). The objective of this research was to identify in vitro combinations (CIN + commercial antibiotic (ABX)) that decrease the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of seven antibiotics against 14 different Grampositive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, most of them classified as ESKAPE. MIC values were measured for all compounds using the broth microdilution method. The effect of the combinations on these microorganisms was analyzed through the checkboard assay to determine the type of activity (synergy, antagonism, or addition). This analysis was complemented with a kinetic study of the synergistic combinations. Fifteen synergistic combinations were characterized for nine of the tested bacteria. CIN demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the MIC of chloramphenicol, streptomycin, amoxicillin, and erythromycin (94–98%) when tested on Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Pasteurella aerogenes, and Salmonella enterica, respectively. The kinetic study revealed that when the substances were tested alone at the MIC concentration observed in the synergistic combination, bacterial growth was not inhibited. However, when CIN and the ABX, for which synergy was observed, were tested simultaneously in combination at these same concentrations, the bacterial growth inhibition was complete. This demonstrates the highly potent in vitro synergistic activity of CIN when combined with commercial ABXs. This finding could be particularly beneficial in livestock farming, as this sector witnesses the highest quantities of antimicrobial usage, contributing significantly to antimicrobial resistance issues. Further research focused on this natural compound is thus warranted for this reason

A survey of fertility preservation options available to cancer patients around the globe

Purpose: Oncofertility focuses on providing fertility and endocrine-sparing options to patients who undergo life-preserving but gonadotoxic cancer treatment. The resources needed to meet patient demand often are fragmented along disciplinary lines. We quantify assets and gaps in oncofertility care on a global scale. Methods: Survey-based questionnaires were provided to 191 members of the Oncofertility Consortium Global Partners Network, a National Institutes of Health–funded organization. Responses were analyzed to measure trends and regional subtleties about patient oncofertility experiences and to analyze barriers to care at sites that provide oncofertility services. Results: Sixty-three responses were received (response rate, 25%), and 40 were analyzed from oncofertility centers in 28 countries. Thirty of 40 survey results (75%) showed that formal referral processes and psychological care are provided to patients at the majority of sites. Fourteen of 23 respondents (61%) stated that some fertility preservation services are not offered because of cultural and legal barriers. The growth of oncofertility and its capacity to improve the lives of cancer survivors around the globe relies on concentrated efforts to increase awareness, promote collaboration, share best practices, and advocate for research funding. Conclusion: This survey reveals global and regional successes and challenges and provides insight into what is needed to advance the field and make the discussion of fertility preservation and endocrine health a standard component of the cancer treatment plan. As the field of oncofertility continues to develop around the globe, regular assessment of both international and regional barriers to quality care must continue to guide process improvements

Survey of Third-Party Parenting Options Associated With Fertility Preservation Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe

Purpose: In the accompanying article, “Analysis of Fertility Preservation Options Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe,” we showed that specific fertility preservation services may not be offered at various sites around the world because of cultural and legal barriers. We assessed global and regional experiences as well as the legal status of third-party reproduction and adoption to serve as a comprehensive international data set and resource for groups that wish to begin oncofertility interventions. Methods: We provide data on the legalities of third-party assisted reproductive technologies and other family-building options in the 28 oncofertility-practicing countries surveyed. Results: We found regional and country differences that will be important in the development of tailored resources for physicians and for patient brochures that are sensitive to these local restrictions and cultural norms. Conclusion: Because many patients first consult Web-based materials, the formal assessment of the availability of these options provides members of the global oncofertility community with data to which they might otherwise not have ready access to better serve their patients

Survey of third-party parenting options associated with fertility preservation available to patients with cancer around the globe

bstract PURPOSE In the accompanying article, “Survey of Fertility Preservation Options Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe,” we showed that specific fertility preservation services may not be offered at various sites around the world because of cultural and legal barriers. We assessed global and regional experiences as well as the legal status of third-party reproduction and adoption to serve as a comprehensive international data set and resource for groups that wish to begin oncofertility interventions. METHODS We provide data on the legalities of third-party assisted reproductive technologies and other familybuilding options in the 28 oncofertility-practicing countries surveyed. RESULTS We found regional and country differences that will be important in the development of tailored resources for physicians and for patient brochures that are sensitive to these local restrictions and cultural norms. CONCLUSION Because many patients first consult Web-based materials, the formal assessment of the availability of these options provides members of the global oncofertility community with data to which they might otherwise not have ready access to better serve their patients

Evaluation of Anti-Tyrosinase and Antioxidant Properties of Four Fern Species for Potential Cosmetic Applications

Ferns are poorly explored species from a pharmaceutical perspective compared to other terrestrial plants. In this work, the antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts, together with total polyphenol content, were evaluated in order to explore the potential cosmetic applications of four Spanish ferns collected in the Prades Mountains (Polypodium vulgare L., Asplenium adiantum-nigrum L., Asplenium trichomanes L., and Ceterach officinarum Willd). The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and xanthine/xanthine oxidase (X/XO) assays. The potential to avoid skin hyperpigmentation was tested by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme, as this causes melanin synthesis in the epidermis. All ferns were confirmed as antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase agents, but interestingly hydrophilic extracts (obtained with methanol) were more potent and effective compared to lipophilic extracts (obtained with hexane). Polypodium vulgare, Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, and Ceterach officinarum methanolic extracts performed the best as antioxidants. Polypodium vulgare methanolic extract also showed the highest activity as a tyrosinase inhibitor

Desafíos actuales en la clínica de la reproducción humana asistida

Este libro reúne una serie de escritos destinados a pensar el rol, la función y el lugar del/a profesional de la psicología en el ámbito de la reproducción humana asistida. Está organizado en tres partes: teórica, práctica e interdisciplina. La primera parte recoge el aporte de psicólogos y psicoanalistas, que ponen a trabajar nociones teóricas claves, en un intento por deshabitar los lugares comunes de estar a ''favor'' o en ''contra'', en los escenarios producidos por las biotecnologías reproductivas.La segunda parte reúne el trabajo de un colectivo de psicólogas y psicoanalistas que se han dedicado a pensar la mejor manera de sistematizar la evaluación psicológica en el campo de la reproducción humana asistida en Argentina, teniendo en cuenta las particularidades de todos los actores involucrados (donantes de gametos, receptores, comitentes, usuarios y/o pacientes de TRHA). La tercera y última parte de este libro está destinada a presentar una interlocución con otras disciplinas como la Sociología, la Antropología, el Derecho y la Medicina. El dispositivo de la medicina reproductiva se sostiene en un complejo entramado de prácticas y discursos, lo que requiere saberes situados, contextuados y la consolidación del trabajo interdisciplinario. Esta compilación forma parte del Proyecto de Desarrollo Estratégico Circuitos de la reproducción asistida: una matriz de toma de decisiones e intervenciones sobre el origen, financiado por la Secretaria de Ciencia y Técnica de la Universidad de Buenos Aires y dirigido por la Doctora Natacha Salomé Lima (UBA-CONICET).Fil: Alaniz, Rocío B.. Sociedad Argentina de Medicina Reproductiva; Argentina. Sociedad Argentina de Psicología de la Reproducción Humana y Asistida; ArgentinaFil: Barontini, Marta Beatriz. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Saavedra 15. Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones en Psicología Matemática y Experimental Dr. Horacio J. A. Rimoldi; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Sociedad Argentina de Medicina Reproductiva; ArgentinaFil: Gallo, Dolores. Sociedad Argentina de Psicología de la Reproducción Humana y Asistida; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Sociedad Argentina de Medicina Reproductiva; ArgentinaFil: Jadur, Silvia. Centro Argentino de Psicología y Reproducción; Argentina. Sociedad Argentina de Medicina Reproductiva; ArgentinaFil: Johnson, María Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones y Estudio sobre Cultura y Sociedad. Centro de Investigaciones de la Facultad de Psicología - Grupo Vinculado CIPSI; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Jurkowski, Ludmila. Universidad de Belgrano; Argentina. Sociedad Argentina de Medicina Reproductiva; ArgentinaFil: Kletnicki, Armando Benjamín. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Centro de Salud Mental Nro. 3 "Dr. A. Ameghino”; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Rectorado. Secretaria de Ciencia y Técnica; ArgentinaFil: Legarralde, Rocío Magalí. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Rectorado. Secretaria de Ciencia y Técnica; ArgentinaFil: Lima, Natacha Salomé. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Rectorado. Secretaria de Ciencia y Técnica; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Psicología. Instituto de Investigaciones; Argentina. Sociedad Argentina de Medicina Reproductiva; ArgentinaFil: Montesano, Haydée Susana. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales. Carrera de Trabajo Social. Cátedra de Psicología Social Institucional I; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Rectorado. Secretaria de Ciencia y Técnica; ArgentinaFil: Moyano Vargas, Carolina. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Gobierno de la Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires. Ministerio de Salud.; Argentina. Cámara de Comercio de Estados Unidos en la Argentina; ArgentinaFil: Navés, Flavia Andrea. Sociedad Argentina de Medicina Reproductiva; Argentina. Sociedad Argentina de Psicología de la Reproducción Humana y Asistida; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales. Carrera de Trabajo Social. Cátedra de Psicología Social Institucional I; Argentina. Universidad de Belgrano; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Rectorado. Secretaria de Ciencia y Técnica; ArgentinaFil: Pérez, Diana. Sociedad Argentina de Medicina Reproductiva; Argentina. Universidad de Belgrano; ArgentinaFil: Pomba, Chiara. Universidad Abierta Interamericana; ArgentinaFil: Romero, Guadalupe. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Rectorado. Secretaria de Ciencia y Técnica; ArgentinaFil: Rossi, Mariela. Sociedad Argentina de Medicina Reproductiva; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Martín; ArgentinaFil: Rossi, Pamela. Hospital Italiano Regional del Sur; Argentina. Sociedad Argentina de Psicología de la Reproducción Humana y Asistida; ArgentinaFil: Terrado, Guillermo. Sociedad Argentina de Preservación de la Fertilidad; Argentina. Sociedad Argentina de Medicina Reproductiva; ArgentinaFil: Viera Cherro, Mariana. Universidad de la República; UruguayFil: Wang, Laura. Universidad de Belgrano; Argentina. Instituto de Ginecología y Fertilidad; Argentina. Sociedad Argentina de Medicina Reproductiva; Argentin