Search

Balneology is one of the oldest fields of medicine related to the use of natural raw materials (medicinal waters, medicinal gases, peloids, climatic values) in the treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of many diseases but also increasingly in cosmetology. Currently, balneotherapy (spa therapy) combines tradition and modernity. The interest in spa treatments, the popularity of a healthy lifestyle, as well as the constant search for active substances of a natural origin for cosmetics make peloids, medicinal, and mineral waters very popular in the cosmetics industry. The main aim of this review was to present current, scientifically proven knowledge about the potential use of peat, huic substances, and sulfurous water in cosmetology. The work describes the potential possibilities of using medicinal waters, especially sulfurous waters, as well as peats and humic compounds, which are the source of active substances with biological activity e.g., antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant, and possess a positive effect on psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or acne. The therapeutic effects of these substances have been well documented in the literature; however, the validity of their use in cosmetology requires further confirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marrubium vulgare (Lamiaceae) is a plant which has long been known and used in traditional medicine for various purposes. However, few recent studies have documented its chemical composition and biological properties. The present study investigated the phytochemical composition of horehound, as well as its protective, antioxidant, and antimicrobial potential. GC-MS analysis revealed that the major components of horehound essential oil are E-caryophyllene (35.7%), germacrene D (25.2%), and bicyclogermacrene (10.6%). The biological activity of horehound hydroethanolic herb extract derives from multiple chemical compounds, including polyphenols (55.72 mg/mL), flavonoids (11.01 mg/mL), phenolic acids (4.33 mg/mL), and tannins (4.46 mg/mL). Chromatographic analyses of the extract identified 12 phenolic compounds, of which ferulic acid, catechin, quercetin, protocatechuic acid, rutin, and syringic acid (35.42, 24.69, 20.65, 18.70, 14.46, and 12.69 mg/mL, respectively) were the main constituents. Its DPPH radical scavenging ability was 68.29%, while its antioxidant properties, determined by the FRAP method, were at the level of 1.22 mmol/L. Moreover, M. vulgare extract decreased the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species in the fibroblasts and keratinocytes in vitro, achieving the strongest antioxidant effect at a concentration of 2.5% in the case of both types of skin cells. Extracts from the horehound herb showed significant antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity, confirming the plant's potential in therapeutic applications against various microbial pathogens (gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi). The research results demonstrate the protective effect of horehound extract on the viability of both fibroblasts and keratinocytes in vitro. To sum up, M. vulgare, as a valuable natural material with high preventive and therapeutic effectiveness, is a potential candidate for new applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α‐Pinene, α‐terpineol, and 1,8‐cineole are compounds naturally present in essential oils, although their amounts vary from oil to oil. Although several studies have reported their antibacterial and antioxidant effects, there are few reports on the synergistic or antagonistic effects of their combinations. The objective of this study was to investigate the combined antibacterial effect of these three compounds. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the prediction of their optimal combination using the mixture design approach. The experimental antibacterial activity of the α‐pinene, α‐terpineol, and 1,8‐cineole mixtures depended on the proportion of each compound in the mixture and the target strain, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 0.31 to 1.85 mg/mL. Using the increased simplex‐centroid mixture design, the mixture containing 0.33% of each molecule proved to be the most effective against Bacillus cereus and had the lowest MIC values. In addition, α‐pinene, α‐terpineol, and 1,8‐cineole showed significant antioxidant activity against 2,2‐picryl‐1‐hydrazyl radical (DPPH), with IC50 values of 24.53 ± 0.05, 65.63 ± 0.71, and 63.58 ± 0.01 μg/mL, respectively. Statistical planning and the development of utility profiles of the substance mixtures can predict the optimal composition that will exhibit the highest antibacterial activity against B. cereus as well as antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of the mixtures can contribute significantly to their successful use as natural preservatives in various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-origin oils are an essential element of the diet, affecting the preservation of health, but also of significant importance for the care of skin and its appendages. Among fats of plant origin, oils from fruit seeds are an important group. They are a rich source of fatty acids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids, flavonoids, phytosterols and other bioactive compounds that have positive effect in relation to specific functions of the human body. Fruit seed oils play an important role in health prophylaxis, because they prevent the development of diseases of civilisation, alleviate the effects of stress and slow down the ageing process of the body. Due to the beneficial effects on the skin, they are also used in cosmetology. In formulations of cosmetic preparations, plant oils are the basis for the administration of other active ingredients, but they are also used due to their biological properties. The article discusses in detail the composition, dietary and cosmetic importance of oil from the seeds of raspberries, blackcurrants, rose hips and grapes.

INTRODUCTION: At home, the parents take care of the child's safety, but when the child is in school or kindergarten, it is the educator that takes care of the child. The awareness of dangers the child is exposed to at every moment of his or her activity during the day obliges educators to have up-to-date knowledge of first aid. The marked differences in anatomy, physiology and mechanisms of life-threatening conditions make the principles of first aid differ from those of an adult. First aid courses organised for both educators and pedagogy students should focus on highlighting these differences and learning how to deal with individuals of all ages. The aim of the study is to assess the level of knowledge and practical skills among pedagogy students and to identify aspects requiring adjustments to the curriculum of future teachers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 2022 at the Institute of Pedagogy at the University of Siedlce, Poland. Sixty-three pedagogy students participated in it. For the purpose of the study, a survey questionnaire covering the principles of first aid for children and a practical task evaluation sheet were created. Practical skills were assessed using the Resusci Junior QCPR simulator and a 0-15 point rating scale. RESULTS: The study included as many as 63 students of early childhood and pre-school pedagogy. The mean score achieved on the theory test was M=11.49 out of a possible 14 points (SD±1.24). The highest number of correct answers were given by students for the following questions: actions performed when assessing the child's breathing (n=63; 100%) and placing the child in the safe position (n=61; 96.8%). In contrast, the fewest correct answers were related to the rate of chest compressions (n=27; 42.9%). In the practical task, as many as 15 child CPR activities were considered. The average points scored by students on the practical task was M=6.73 out of a possible 15 points (SD±2.73). The average quality of compressions performed was M=28.59% (SD±30.41), breaths M=17.7% (SD±17.70) and chest compression depth was M=20.29% (SD±27.98). CONCLUSIONS: The level of theoretical knowledge and practical skills of pedagogy students is clearly insufficient to provide effective first aid to children. Significant differences were observed among students taking first aid classes onsite versus remotely. Having theoretical knowledge does not translate into practical skills. It seems that it is necessary to modify the curriculum for training future educators in first aid for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the computational studies of microstructure- and topography- related features of suspension plasma sprayed (SPS) coatings of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The study mainly covers the porosity assessment, provided by ImageJ software analysis. The influence of boundary conditions, defined by: (i) circularity and (ii) size limits, on the computed values of porosity is also investigated. Additionally, the digital topography evaluation is performed: confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) operating in Shape from Shading (SFS) mode measure surface roughness of deposited coatings. Computed values of porosity and roughness are referred to the variables of the spraying process, which influence the morphology of coatings and determines the possible fields of their applications.

Plasma sprayed ceramic coatings serve as protective layers and are frequently exposed to aggressive wear, corrosion, or high-temperature environment. Currently, alumina and alumina-titania are some of the most popular protective ceramic composite coatings used in the industry. The present work deals with the investigation of the influence of TiO2 content in the feedstock powder on the resulting microstructure and properties of Al2O3, Al2O3 + 3 wt% TiO2, Al2O3 + 13 wt% TiO2 and Al2O3 + 40 wt% TiO2 coatings developed via atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). Specifically, the phase composition, morphology, and microstructure, as well as the mechanical and tribological performance of the coatings were examined. Results revealed that higher content of TiO2 induced the transformation of phases, leading to the formation of intermediary Al2TiO5 and Al2-xTi1-xO5 phases. Also, the dominant α-Al2O3 to γ-Al2O3 transformation confirmed the formulation of well-melted lamellas within the coating structure. It was also shown that the increase in TiO2 content decreased the micro-hardness of the coatings due to the formation of the intermediary phases as mentioned above and thus, affected their tribological performance. The lowest volumetric wear, equal to 7.2x10-5 mm3/(N. m), was reported for Al2O3 + 13 wt% TiO2 coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aromatherapy massage is a treatment in which essential oils are used. It combines the beneficial effects of manual massage technique, essential and carrier oils. Base oils are the mediators of aromatherapy; they improve contact between the masseur's hands and the patient's body and have nurturing properties. The present paper focuses on plant oils used for aromatherapy massages, such as olive, sesame, jojoba, almond, wheat germ, grape seed or peach oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Modern Nursing & Health Care / Wspolczesne Pielegniarstwo i Ochrona Zdrowia is the property of Wydawnictwo Continuo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)