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In the present study, two A. melanocarpa berry extracts were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). After the optimization of synthesis, the AgNPs were characterized using UV–Vis, FTIR, EDX, DLS, and STEM analyses. The stability in different media, phytotoxicity, as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were also evaluated. The ideal synthesis conditions were represented by a 3 mM AgNO3 concentration, 1:9 extract:AgNO3 volume ratio, alkaline medium, and stirring at 40 °C for 120 min. The synthesis was confirmed by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 403 nm, and the strong signal at 3 keV from the EDX spectra. FTIR analysis indicated that polyphenols, polysaccharides, and amino acids could be the compounds responsible for synthesis. Stability tests and the negative zeta potential values showed that phytocompounds also play a role in the stabilization and capping of AgNPs. The preliminary phytotoxicity studies on T. aestivum showed that both the extracts and their corresponding AgNPs had an impact on the growth of roots and shoots as well as on the microscopic structure of leaves. The synthesized AgNPs presented antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. Moreover, considering the results obtained in the lipoxygenase inhibition, the DPPH and hydroxyl scavenging activities, and the ferrous ion chelating assay, AgNPs exhibit promising antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects around 2–3% of the world's population. The treatment for this autoimmune disease still remains centered around conventional methods using synthetic substances, even though more recent advancements focus on biological therapies. Given the numerous side effects of such treatments, current research involves plant extracts and constituents that could prove useful in treating psoriasis. The aim of this narrative review is to highlight the most known representatives belonging to classes of natural compounds such as polyphenols (e.g., astilbin, curcumin, hesperidin, luteolin, proanthocyanidins, and resveratrol), alkaloids (e.g., berberine, capsaicin, and colchicine), coumarins (psoralen and 8-methoxypsoralen), and terpenoids (e.g., celastrol, centelloids, and ursolic acid), along with plants used in traditional medicine that could present therapeutic potential in psoriasis. The paper also provides an overview of these compounds' mechanisms of action and current inclusion in clinical studies, as well as an investigation into their potential incorporation in various nanotechnological systems, such as lipid-based nanocarriers or polymeric nanomaterials, that may optimize their efficacy during treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, phytofunctionalized AgNPs have attracted great interest due to their remarkable biological activities. In the present study, AgNPs were synthesized using Abies alba and Pinus sylvestris bark extracts. The chemical profile of these bark extracts was analyzed by LC-HRMS/MS. As a first step, the synthesis parameters (pH, AgNO3 concentration, ratio of bark extract and AgNO3, temperature, and reaction time) were optimized. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, DLS, SEM, EDX, and TEM. Their antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antibacterial properties were evaluated by the DPPH, ABTS, MTT, and broth microdilution assays, respectively. Abies alba and Pinus sylvestris bark extract-derived AgNPs were well-dispersed, spherical, small (average particle size of 9.92 and 24.49 nm, respectively), stable (zeta potential values of −10.9 and −10.8 mV, respectively), and cytotoxic to A-375 human malignant melanoma cells (IC50 = 2.40 ± 0.21 and 6.02 ± 0.61 μg/mL, respectively). The phytosynthesized AgNPs also showed antioxidant and antibacterial effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inverse opal structures present very good mechanical and optical properties, like high mechanical strength and Young modulus, important photoluminescence and stimulated Brillouin scattering. Enhancement of the optical properties of the metamaterials based on different types of inverse opal can be obtained by controlling the stopband of the 3D periodic structure. SiO2, TiO2 and CeO2 photonic crystals with inverse opal structures have been studied, presenting voids of 100 – 280 nm. The stopband dependence on the physical and geometrical parameters of the matrix has been analyzed (ions nature, voids diameter, photoelastic constant). The study was performed by structural simulation methods, using the HFSS program. The test configuration was set for the visible light domain. The effective refraction index n and the stimulated Brillouin scattering coefficient gP have been determined and represented on parametrical graphs. Results were compared with the theoretic calculated values. By varying different structural parameters and the stopband control, superior values of the optical parameters have been obtained, in comparison with the data given in literature. We report an increasing of the photoluminescence with about 7%, respectively and enhancement of the stimulated Brillouin scattering coefficient of 11 % when parameters are correlated.

Poultry meat occupies an important place in the human diet, due to the fact that it is easily prepared and at low cost in the market compared to other sources of protein of animal origin, having nutritional and dietary characteristics. Currently, there is a consumer tendency to turn to meat obtained in a traditional system, to the detriment of that obtained in an industrial system. The motivation for this trend is represented by the suspicion of the presence of growth hormones and antibiotics in meat, the welfare and protection of birds, but also the impact of intensive farms on the environment. The traditional system is geared towards slow, open-air growth with late slaughter and discretionary feeding. The consumption of poultry products from free range or organic production systems has increased in recent years in various countries. Meat products from free range systems have been associated with improved flavor and high nutritional value by consumers, lower fat content and higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals in meat products. In addition, free-range broiler production systems can have a positive impact on animal welfare. This paper addresses the different aspects that influence the quality and safety of poultry meat obtained in an intensive system compared to the traditional one, such as the presence of microbial contamination with Salmonella and Campylobacter, the effects of thermal stress on the quality of the meat, the presence of pectoral myopathies, but also the presence of pesticide residues and antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polyphenol-rich diet protects against chronic pathologies by modulating numerous physiological processes, such as cellular redox potential, enzymatic activity, cell proliferation and signaling transduction pathways. However, polyphenols have a low oral bioavailability mainly due to an extensive biotransformation mediated by phase I and phase II reactions in enterocytes and liver but also by gut microbiota. Despite low oral bioavailability, most polyphenols proved significant biological effects which brought into attention the low bioavailability/high bioactivity paradox. In recent years, polyphenol metabolites have attracted great interest as many of them showed similar or higher intrinsic biological effects in comparison to the parent compounds. There is a huge body of literature reporting on the biological functions of polyphenol metabolites generated by phase I and phase II metabolic reactions and gut microbiota-mediated biotransformation. In this respect, the review highlights the pharmacokinetic fate of the major dietary polyphenols (resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, rutin, genistein, daidzein, ellagitannins, proanthocyanidins) in order to further address the efficacy of biometabolites as compared to parent molecules. The present work strongly supports the contribution of metabolites to the health benefits of polyphenols, thus offering a better perspective in understanding the role played by dietary polyphenols in human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Silver nanoparticles synthesized using plant extracts as reducing and capping agents showed various biological activities. In the present study, colloidal silver nanoparticle solutions were produced from the aqueous extracts of Picea abies and Pinus nigra bark. The phenolic profile of bark extracts was analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was monitored using UV-Vis spectroscopy by measuring the Surface Plasmon Resonance band. Silver nanoparticles were characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and transmission electron microscopy analyses. The antimicrobial and cytogenotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles were evaluated by disk diffusion and Allium cepa assays, respectively. Picea abies and Pinus nigra bark extract derived silver nanoparticles were spherical (mean hydrodynamic diameters of 78.48 and 77.66 nm, respectively) and well dispersed, having a narrow particle size distribution (polydispersity index values of 0.334 and 0.224, respectively) and good stability (zeta potential values of −10.8 and −14.6 mV, respectively). Silver nanoparticles showed stronger antibacterial, antifungal, and antimitotic effects than the bark extracts used for their synthesis. Silver nanoparticles obtained in the present study are promising candidates for the development of novel formulations with various therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils, also known as volatile oils, have a series of uses in the food and cosmetic industries, being extensively used in aromatherapy as well. Among the most popular ones are those obtained from lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), bergamot (Citrus aurantium var. bergamia), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), frankincense (Boswellia caterii), tea tree (Malaleuca alternifolia) and peppermint (Mentha piperita var. vulgaris) 1 . Depending on the content, form of presentation and intended use, essential oils are subjected to various European requirements. The main guideline regarding essential oils used in cosmetics for the European Union is the Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of The European Parliament and of The Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products, which aims to ensure their high quality in order to protect the health and safety of consumers2 . It is generally known that volatile oils present important antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, given their high content in terpenoids. Other indication areas have been included, such as digestive, immune, nervous, vascular and respiratory systems3 . Nevertheless, some essential oils possess an important sensitizing potential, therefore their correct use is vital 4 . Essential oils can be administered through different routes such as inhalation or dermal application through massages. These two forms of administration used in the treatment of stress, anxiety or as to improve concentration and well-being represent the fundamentals of aromatherapy. The available scientific literature, as well as the traditional use of essential oils have suggested them to be helpful in diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer and sleep disorders5 . Through multiple and complex mechanisms involving the sense of smell, essential oils have a great impact on the limbic system and the entire brain. The role of such compounds is just beginning to be understood, but evidence so far suggests they could play an important part as complementary treatment in several neurological diseases6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common diseases of gastro-enterology, associating abdominal pain, transit disorders and changes in the consistency of the stools. Material and method. The study included 200 patients suffering from IBS, selected from a total of 2,300 patients of a family medicine practice in urban area. For diagnosis and classification, Rome III criteria andBristol scale were used. For a subgroup was applied a questionnaire for the evaluation of quality of life, QoL. Treatment was initiated on three levels. Results. The incidence of the disease during the 3 years of study (2013-2016) was 2.9%. The type of IBS most often encountered was the one with dominance of constipation (IBS-C 32.5%), followed by the alternating form (IBS-A 26%), mixed (IBS-M-24%) and the dominance of diarrhea (IBS-D 18.5%). Form with more severe impact on the quality of life is IBS-C - 52.24 score, and most easily tolerated IBS-A - 69 score. Treatment was initiated at the on level I at 33% of the patients at the on level II to 36 %, and on level III to 31% of the patients. Maximum efficiency of treatment scores were obtained from patients on treatment level III. Complete remission of symptoms is obtained only in 9.5% of total patients. Conclusions. SII is a common condition in family medicine practice, due to changes in the modern diet. The diagnosis can be facilitated by the application of questionnaires, and treatment is based on changes in lifestyle and on pharmacological agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study reports a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method to obtain silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an aqueous extract of Quercus robur bark., Methods: AgNPs synthesis conditions such as silver nitrate concentration, extract:AgNO 3 volume ratio, pH, temperature, and reaction time have been examined. After optimizing the synthesis, the obtained AgNPs were characterized by different methods such as UV-Vis, TEM, EDX, and FTIR. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using lipoxygenase inhibition capacity and inhibition of erythrocyte hemolysis mediated by peroxyl free radicals tests. The antimicrobial potential of the samples was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans., Results: The AgNPs synthesis process is influenced by reaction conditions, the optimum established values being, in this case: concentration of 3 mM AgNO 3 , 1:9 extract: AgNO 3 volume ratio, pH value of 6, 60 ºC temperature, and 90 minutes stirring time. The shape of the synthesized AgNPs was predominantly spherical, with an average size of 50 nm. The SPR band at 432 nm, the strong EDX signal at ~ 3 keV and the zeta potential of -13.88 mV revealed the formation of AgNPs and electrostatic stabilization of the colloidal solution. FTIR analysis confirmed the participation of molecules from the extract in the synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs. The obtained nanoparticles showed improved antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial activities compared to the extract., Conclusion: The results open the possibility of exploring new applications of nanoparticles obtained via green synthesis., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)