Vapour Application of Sage Essential Oil Maintain Tomato Fruit Quality in Breaker and Red Ripening Stages

Consumers seek safe, high-nutritional-value products, and therefore maintaining fresh produce quality is a fundamental goal in the food industry. In an effort to eliminate chemical-based sanitizing agents, there has been a shift in recent decades toward the usage of eco-friendly, natural solutions (e.g., essential oils-EOs). In the present study, tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Dafni) at breaker and red ripening stage were exposed to sage essential oils (EO: 50 μL L−1 or 500 μL L−1) for 2, 7 and 14 days, at 11 °C and 90% relative humidity (RH). Quality-related attributes were examined during (sustain effect—SE) and following (vapour-induced memory effect—ME; seven days vapours + seven days storage) vapour treatment. In breaker tomatoes, EO-enrichment (sustained effect) retained fruit firmness, respiration rates, and ethylene emission in low EO levels (50 μL L−1). In contrast, breaker fruit metabolism sped up in high EO levels of 500 μL L−1, with decreased firmness, increased rates of respiration and ethylene, and effects on antioxidant metabolism. The effects were more pronounced during the storage period of 14 days, comparing to the fruit exposed to common storage-transit practice. In red fruits, the EOs impacts were evidenced earlier (at two and seven days of storage) with increased rates of respiration and ethylene, increased β-carotene, and decreased lycopene content. In both breaker and red ripening fruit, EO application decreased weight losses. Considering the fruits pre-exposed to EOs, quality attributes were more affected in green fruits and affected to a lesser level in the red ones. Furthermore, based on appearance, color, and texture evaluations, organoleptic trials demonstrated an overwhelming preference for EO-treated red fruit during choice tests. EOs had lower effects on total phenolics, acidity, total soluble solids, and fruit chroma, with no specific trend for both breaker and red tomatoes. Natural volatiles may aid to retain fruit quality in parallel with their antimicrobial protection offered during storage and transportation of fresh produce. These effects may persist after the EO is removed from the storage conditions.

The Use of Innovative Materials in the Organization of Clinical Treatment in Dentistry

The article examines the features of the use of innovative materials in the organization of clinical treatment in dentistry. In modern conditions, solving the problem of patient safety is one of the main conditions for the functioning of medicine in general and dentistry in particular. For this reason, the search for innovations in the field of antimicrobial protection and, together with it, the functionality of various materials is one of the main tasks of researchers in the field of dentistry. Nanomaterials, which are made on the basis of graphene, are able to demonstrate excellent antimicrobial properties. These materials have the ability to disrupt the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). These materials are widely used in the manufacture of dentures, they are incorporated in the composition of composite resins and luting cements in the organization of restorative treatment, are used for the manufacture of adhesive materials. Many experts recognize that these materials are the future of dental practice, since they have the ability to provide a high level of functionality and safety.

Complex Evaluation of Tissue Factors in Pediatric Cholesteatoma

The aim of this study was to describe the appearance and distribution of tissue remodeling markers (MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-2, TIMP-4), Sonic hedgehog gene protein (Shh), pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL–1, IL–10), transcription factor (NF-κβ), proliferation marker (Ki–67), angiogenetic factor (VEGF), tissue defensins (HβD–2, HβD–4) of the pediatric cholesteatoma. Sixteen cholesteatoma samples were obtained from children, eleven skin controls from cadavers. Tissues were stained for MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-2, TIMP-4, Shh, IL–1, IL–10, NF-κβ, Ki–67, VEGF, HβD–2, HβD–4. Non-parametric statistic, Mann–Whitney, and Spearman’s coefficient was used. A statistically significant difference was seen between Shh and HβD–2 in perimatrix and control connective tissue, between NF-κβ in cholesteatoma and control skin, and between HβD–4 in matrix and skin epithelium. Complex intercorrelations between MMPs, NF-κβ and VEGF cause the intensification of angiogenesis in cholesteatoma. The persistent increase in Shh gene protein expression in cholesteatoma perimatrix suggests the stimulation of the cholesteatoma growth in children. Similar expression of IL-1 and IL-10 and their intercorrelation, proves there is a balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. NF-κβ, and not Ki-67, seems to be the main inducer of cellular proliferation. The main antimicrobial protection is provided by HβD-2.

Features of phagocytosis function in children of preschool age depending on the incidence of acute respiratory diseases

Background. Recently, with the emergence of new pathogenic viruses’ variants, attention is drawn to the functioning status of innate immunity components, which are able to neutralize unknown microorganisms at the early stages of infection. Therefore, the study of phagocytosis disorders in children with respiratory recurrent infectious diseases will supply the scientific data on the processes of age-dependent formation of antimicrobial protection. The purpose: to improve the diagnosis of innate immune disorders in preschool children with respiratory recurrent infectious on the background of new data on phagocytosis parameters. Materials and methods. Sixty children aged from 2 to 5 years were observed. Two groups were formed: 1) children with respiratory tract acute infectious more than 6 times per year (n = 30); 2) children with respiratory acute infectious 6 or fewer times per year (n = 30). Results. The children of group 1 presented with statistically significantly increased cases of low phagocytic counts (by 60.0 %, p < 0.05), phagocytic index (by 56.0 %, p < 0.05), index of phagocytosis completeness (70.0 %, p < 0.05), neutrophil phagocytic activity stimulated by Staphylococcus (50.0 %, p < 0.05) and high rates of spontaneous neutrophil phagocytic activity (43.3 %, p < 0.05), increased serum level of interleukin-1β (46.7 %, p < 0 05), interleukin-6 (43.3 %, p < 0.05), interleukin-10 (by 30.0 %, p < 0.05), TNF (by 46.7 %, p < 0.05). Conclusions. In children aged 2–5 years with respiratory acute infectious diseases more than 6 times per year, phagocytic dysfunction was established. It is manifested itself in a decrease of phagocytosis absorption and stimulated metabolic activity on the background of increased pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines serum level, ie cytokine imbalance.

The Antimicrobial Properties of Modified Pharmaceutical Bentonite with Zinc and Copper

Pharmaceutical grade bentonite, containing a high amount of montmorillonite, enriched with zinc (Zn) or copper (Cu) (ZnBent and CuBent, respectively) was used as the main component for the creation of formulations for cutaneous use and tested for their antimicrobial capacity. Bentonite (Bent) with added phenoxyethanol (PH) as a preservative and unmodified bentonite were used as control groups. The mineralogical composition, structural state, and physical or chemical properties, before and after the modification of the samples, were characterized utilizing X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques, and Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM, SEM-EDS) analyses. In addition, the profile of zinc and copper concentration from two types of surfaces ZnBent and CuBent, and into Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS) are discussed. Finally, the formulations in the form of basic pastes were challenged against bacteria, molds, and yeasts, and their performance was evaluated based on the European Pharmacopeia criteria. The Cu-modified bentonite performed excellently against bacteria and yeasts, while the Zn-modified bentonite only showed great results against yeasts. Therefore, Cu-modified bentonite formulations could offer antimicrobial protection without the use of preservatives.

ABSORPTION OF CALCIUM IN SMALL INTESTINE OF RATS AFTER IMPACT OF VARIOUS XENOBIOTICS

Relevance. Pathology of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, diseases of the digestive system, blood system, etc, as well as application of medications used for their treatment can result in the condition which is characterised by reduction of bone density – secondary osteoporosis. The aim of the research was to determine absorption of calcium in the small intestine of rats under impact of various xenobiotics. Materials and methods. The research was performed on white rats of herd breeding which, depending on the group obtained during 60 days: 1) cefoperazone (p/o, 180 mg/kg per day) and amoxiclav (p/o, 135 mg/kg per day); 2) mercazolil (p/o, 25 – 40 mg/kg per day); 3) L-thyroxine (p/o, 10 mg/kg per day); 4) hydrazine sulphate (50 mg/kg 2 times per week for 90 days). Calcium absorption was studied in an isolated loop of the small intestine of the animals. The condition of the small intestine mucous membrane was estimated in accordance with inflammation markers (elastate and acid phosphatase activity, index of the degree of opportunistic microbiota (urease activity), index of non-specific antimicrobial protection of mucous membranes (lysozyme activity). Long-term application of antibiotics contributed to reduction of calcium absorption in the small intestine of rats by 25.0 %, of mercazolil – by 29.7 %, of thyroxine – by 11.4 %, of hydrazine sulphate – by 34.5 %. The increase of elastase and acid phosphatase activity in the mucous membrane of the small intestine under the action of xenobiotics, as well as increase of urease activity and reduction of lysozyme activity testify to the change in the small intestine condition. Сonclusions. So, the significant reduction of calcium absorption after long-term application of xenobiotics can be first of all connected with inhibition of antimicrobial protection of the small intestine mucous membrane under the action of antibiotics, mercazolil, thyroxine and hydrazine sulphate. More active multiplication of opportunistic bacteria, presence of dysbiosis, and, after application of antibiotics and hydrazine sulphate, development of inflammation can be the consequence of lysozyme activity reduction.

The role of antimicrobial defense factors in the pathogenesis of immune disorders in deviated septum

The article presents the data from Russian and foreign literature on the state of humoral and cellular factors of local antimicrobial protection of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in the pathogenesis of immune disorders in deviated septum. The role of cellular, humoral factors, and interreceptor interactions of cells of the respiratory, glandular epithelium, phagocytes, lymphocytes in pathological conditions of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses was analyzed. The role of immune mechanisms in the development of pathological reactions in deviated septum is shown. The presented review will expand the understanding of the role of antimicrobial factors in the pathogenesis of immune disorders in deviated septum.

Features of the immune status in patients with chronic and complicated pyodermas: choice of a therapeutic correction method

Introduction: To compare the features of the immune status in patients with chronic and complicated pyoderma in the course of complex pharmacotherapy using immunomodulators based on transfer factors and glucosaminylmuramyldipeptide. Materials and methods: A clinical examination of 107 patients with pyoderma, divided into three groups, was carried out. All individuals underwent immunological examination before and after etiopathogenetic treatment. The patients of the first group were additionally treated with a drug containing signaling immunoactive molecules (transfer factor) as an immunomodulator; the patients of the second group received glucosaminylmuramyldipeptide; and the patients of the third group received standard antibacterial therapy. Results and discussion: Prior to the beginning of pathogenetic therapy, the patients were found to lack non-specific mechanisms of antimicrobial protection; there was a decrease in the activity and intensity of phagocytosis: phagocytic index and phagocytic number of neutrophils by 1.2 and 1.3 times; the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 increased by 2.3 times, IL-8 –by 2.1 times, and TNFa – by 2.4 times. The study of immunological parameters after the inclusion of immunomodulators into the therapy revealed an increase in the phagocytic activity of neutrophils, and the indicators of the NST test were close to the control ones. The production of proinflammatory cytokines in the blood serum was restored to the level of the healthy individuals. Normalization of the number of CD4+-, CD8+-, CD19+-cells was observed in 86.0 ± 3% of the patients. At the same time, against the background of the use of glucosaminylmuramyldipeptide, a more intensive recovery of all links of anti-infectious immunity was recorded in comparison with the group where transfer factor molecules were used. Conclusion: A drug based on glucosaminylmuramyldipeptide can be recommended as the drug of choice in non-specific immunocorrection for complex pharmacotherapy of pyoderma accompanied by secondary immune insufficiency, in comparison with a drug containing transfer factors.

Possibilities of restoring of the morphofunctional state and microbiome of the skin with complex cosmeceutical care

Дефицит жироподобных компонентов приводит к истончению гидролипидной пленки рогового слоя эпидермиса и повышению его проницаемости, развитию сухости кожи за счет увеличения трансэпидермальной потери влаги. У лиц с сухой и чувствительной кожей, склонной к раздражению, нарушение синтеза церамидов приводит не только к разрушению защитной липидной мантии, но и к снижению антимикробной защиты кожного покрова, изменению микробиоты кожи за счет колонизации условно-патогенными и патогенными бактериями. В статье обобщен клинический опыт комплексного применения новых косметических средств для ухода за сухой и чувствительной кожей лица, склонной к раздражению. Динамические клинические наблюдения, а также результаты оценки морфофункционального состояния кожи (увлажненность, питание, трансэпидермальная потеря влаги, рН-метрия, эластичность) доказывают целесообразность использования линейки специализированных косметических средств для восстановления защитной функции кожи и их благотворное влияние на видовой состав микробиома кожи лица. A deficiency of fat-like components leads to a thinning of the hydrolipidic film of the stratum corneum of the epidermis and an increase in its permeability, the development of dry skin due to an increase in transepidermal moisture loss. In persons with dry and sensitive skin prone to irritation, a violation of ceramide synthesis leads not only to the destruction of the protective lipid mantle, but also to a decrease in the antimicrobial protection of the skin, changes in the skin microbiota due to colonization by opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria. The article summarizes the clinical experience of the complex application of new cosmetics for the face for the care of dry and sensitive skin prone to irritation. Dynamic clinical observations, as well as the results of the assessment of the morphofunctional state of the skin (hydration, nutrition, transepidermal moisture loss, pH-metric, elasticity), prove the feasibility of using a line of specialized cosmetics to restore the protective function of the skin and a beneficial effect on the species composition of the microbiome of the facial skin.