Synopsis
In recent decades, considerable and continuous growth in consumer demand in the cosmetics field has spurred the development of sophisticated formulations, aiming at high performance, ...attractive appearance, sensorial benefit and safety. Yet despite increasing demand from consumers, the formulator faces certain restrictions regarding the optimum equilibrium between the active compound concentration and the formulation base taking into account the nature of the skin structure, mainly concerning to the ideal penetration of the active compound, due to the natural skin barrier. Emulsion is a mixture of two immiscible phases, and the interest in nanoscale emulsion has been growing considerably in recent decades due to its specific attributes such as high stability, attractive appearance and drug delivery properties; therefore, performance is expected to improve using a lipid‐based nanocarrier. Nanoemulsions are generated by different approaches: the so‐called high‐energy and low‐energy methods. The global overview of these mechanisms and different alternatives for each method are presented in this paper, along with their benefits and drawbacks. As a cosmetics formulation is reflected in product delivery to consumers, nanoemulsion development with prospects for large‐scale production is one of the key attributes in the method selection process. Thus, the aim of this review was to highlight the main high‐ and low‐energy methods applicable in cosmetics and dermatological product development, their specificities, recent research on these methods in the cosmetics and consideration for the process selection optimization. The specific process with regard to inorganic nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles and nanocapsule formulation is not considered in this paper.
Résumé
Au cours des dernières décennies, la croissance considérable et continue de la demande des consommateurs dans le domaine des cosmétiques a stimulé le développement de formulations sophistiquées, visant à haute performance, de belle apparence, de l'avantage sensoriel et de la sécurité. Pourtant, malgré la demande croissante des consommateurs, le formulateur est confronté à certaines restrictions concernant l'équilibre optimal entre la concentration en substance active et la base de la formulation, en tenant compte de la nature de la structure de la peau, concernant principalement à la pénétration idéale de la substance active, en raison de la nature barrière de la peau. Une émulsion est un mélange de deux phases non miscibles, et l'intérêt en émulsion à l'échelle nanométrique a augmenté considérablement au cours des dernières décennies en raison de ses attributs spécifiques tels que grande stabilité, les propriétés d'apparence et de vectorisation d'actifs attrayantes; par conséquent, on peut attendre une amélioration des performances par l'utilisation d'un nanocarrier à base de lipides. Les nanoémulsions sont générées par différentes approches: les méthodes dites de haute énergie et de faible énergie. La vue d'ensemble de ces mécanismes et différentes alternatives pour chaque méthode sont présentés dans ce document, ainsi que leurs avantages et inconvénients. Le développement de nano‐émulsion avec des perspectives de production à grande échelle est l'un des attributs clés dans le processus de sélection de la méthode. Ainsi, le but de cet examen est de mettre en évidence les principales méthodes de haute et basse énergie applicables dans les cosmétiques et le développement de produits dermatologiques, leurs spécificités, des recherches récentes sur ces méthodes dans les cosmétiques, et de considération pour l'optimisation des processus de sélection. Le processus spécifique en ce qui concerne des nanoparticules inorganiques, des nanoparticules de polymère et de la formulation de nanocapsules n'est pas considéré dans le présent document.
InterPro in 2022 Paysan-Lafosse, Typhaine; Blum, Matthias; Chuguransky, Sara ...
Nucleic acids research,
01/2023, Letnik:
51, Številka:
D1
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
The InterPro database (https://www.ebi.ac.uk/interpro/) provides an integrative classification of protein sequences into families, and identifies functionally important domains and conserved sites. ...Here, we report recent developments with InterPro (version 90.0) and its associated software, including updates to data content and to the website. These developments extend and enrich the information provided by InterPro, and provide a more user friendly access to the data. Additionally, we have worked on adding Pfam website features to the InterPro website, as the Pfam website will be retired in late 2022. We also show that InterPro's sequence coverage has kept pace with the growth of UniProtKB. Moreover, we report the development of a card game as a method of engaging the non-scientific community. Finally, we discuss the benefits and challenges brought by the use of artificial intelligence for protein structure prediction.
The conformers of 2-cyanophenol (2CP) and their interconversions were studied by infrared (IR) spectroscopy after trapping the monomers of the gaseous compound into low-temperature (15 K) argon (Ar) ...and nitrogen (N2) matrixes. To assist in the interpretation of the experimental results, B3LYP, MP2, and QCISD electronic structure calculations were carried out for the 2CP molecule. Two planar conformers, cis and trans (orientation of OH with respect to the cyano group), are predicted with gas-phase populations at the sublimation temperature of ∼98 and ∼2%, respectively. The most stable form (cis) was experimentally identified in both cryomatrixes, whereas the less stable one (trans) was not detected in Ar but could be observed in the N2 matrix with an abundance of ∼15%. Selective and bidirectional conversion between the two identified conformers was achieved upon irradiating the compound trapped in N2 matrix with near-infrared (NIR) laser light tuned at the wavenumbers of the 2ν(OH) transitions of the respective conformers. The conformational composition of 2CP was also found to be affected by the broad-band IR radiation emitted by the spectrometer source. This effect could be suppressed, partially or completely, by using different long-pass IR filters, with cutoff values of approximately 2200, 1590, and 1170 cm–1. The observed conformational changes are rationalized in terms of a competition between the over-the-barrier (light-induced) and through-the-barrier (hydrogen atom tunneling) effects. Very interestingly, both effects occur on the same time scale.
In the last years, nanostructured biomaterials have raised a great interest as platforms for delivery of drugs, genes, imaging agents and for tissue engineering applications. In particular, hydrogel ...nanoparticles (HNP) associate the distinctive features of hydrogels (high water uptake capacity, biocompatibility) with the advantages of being possible to tailor its physicochemical properties at nano-scale to increase solubility, immunocompatibility and cellular uptake. In order to be safe, HNP for biomedical applications, such as injectable or ophthalmic formulations, must be sterile. Literature is very scarce with respect to sterilization effects on nanostructured systems, and even more in what concerns HNP. This work aims to evaluate the effect and effectiveness of different sterilization methods on chitosan (CS) hydrogel nanoparticles. In addition to conventional methods (steam autoclave and gamma irradiation), a recent ozone-based method of sterilization was also tested. A model chitosan-tripolyphosphate (TPP) hydrogel nanoparticles (CS-HNP), with a broad spectrum of possible applications was produced and sterilized in the absence and in the presence of protective sugars (glucose and mannitol). Properties like size, zeta potential, absorbance, morphology, chemical structure and cytotoxicity were evaluated. It was found that the CS-HNP degrade by autoclaving and that sugars have no protective effect. Concerning gamma irradiation, the formation of agglomerates was observed, compromising the suspension stability. However, the nanoparticles resistance increases considerably in the presence of the sugars. Ozone sterilization did not lead to significant physical adverse effects, however, slight toxicity signs were observed, contrarily to gamma irradiation where no detectable changes on cells were found. Ozonation in the presence of sugars avoided cytotoxicity. Nevertheless, some chemical alterations were observed in the nanoparticles.
Summary
Guidance is provided in an international setting on the assessment and specific treatment of postmenopausal women at low, high and very high risk of fragility fractures.
Introduction
The ...International Osteoporosis Foundation and European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis published guidance for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in 2019. This manuscript seeks to apply this in an international setting, taking additional account of further categorisation of increased risk of fracture, which may inform choice of therapeutic approach.
Methods
Clinical perspective and updated literature search.
Results
The following areas are reviewed: categorisation of fracture risk and general pharmacological management of osteoporosis.
Conclusions
A platform is provided on which specific guidelines can be developed for national use to characterise fracture risk and direct interventions.
The dietary inflammatory index (DII) is a new tool to assess the inflammatory potential of the diet. In the present study, we aimed to determine the association between the DII and BMI, waist ...circumference and waist:height ratio (WHtR). We conducted a cross-sectional study of 7236 participants recruited into the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea trial. Information from a validated 137-item FFQ was used to calculate energy, food and nutrient intakes. A fourteen-item dietary screener was used to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDiet). Sex-specific multivariable linear regression models were fitted to estimate differences (and 95 % CI) in BMI, waist circumference and WHtR across the quintiles of the DII. All nutrient intakes, healthy foods and adherence to the MeDiet were higher in the quintile with the lowest DII score (more anti-inflammatory values) except for intakes of animal protein, saturated fat and monounsaturated fat. Although an inverse association between the DII and total energy was apparent, the DII was associated with higher average BMI, waist circumference and WHtR after adjusting for known risk factors. The adjusted difference in the WHtR for women and men between the highest and lowest quintiles of the DII was 1·60 % (95 % CI 0·87, 2·33) and 1·04 % (95 % CI 0·35, 1·74), respectively. Pro-inflammatory scores remained associated with obesity after controlling for the effect that adherence to a MeDiet had on inflammation. In conclusion, the present study shows a direct association between the DII and indices of obesity, and supports the hypothesis that diet may have a role in the development of obesity through inflammatory modulation mechanisms.
The studies that correlate the results obtained by different typing methodologies rely solely on qualitative comparisons of the groups defined by each methodology. We propose a framework of measures ...for the quantitative assessment of correspondences between different typing methods as a first step to the global mapping of type equivalences. A collection of 325 macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes isolates associated with pharyngitis cases in Portugal was used to benchmark the proposed measures. All isolates were characterized by macrolide resistance phenotyping, T serotyping, emm sequence typing, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), using SmaI or Cfr9I and SfiI. A subset of 41 isolates, representing each PFGE cluster, was also characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The application of Adjusted Rand and Wallace indices allowed the evaluation of the strength and the directionality of the correspondences between the various typing methods and showed that if PFGE or MLST data are available one can confidently predict the emm type (Wallace coefficients of 0.952 for both methods). In contrast, emm typing was a poor predictor of PFGE cluster or MLST sequence type (Wallace coefficients of 0.803 and 0.655, respectively). This was confirmed by the analysis of the larger data set available from http://spyogenes.mlst.net and underscores the necessity of performing PFGE or MLST to unambiguously define clones in S. pyogenes.
This paper is focused on demonstrating that it is possible to reduce the thermal conductivity of polymeric foams by reducing the average cell size below the micron. For this purpose, a wide set of ...samples with cell sizes from 90 nm to 100 μm and relative densities from 0.12 to 0.6 has been produced and analyzed. In addition, a characterization procedure that allows identifying independently some of the heat transfer mechanisms in polymeric foams has been developed. As a result, it has been demonstrated that Knudsen effect takes place in nanocellular polymeric foams, being this effect very positive to reduce the overall heat transfer.
Through the understanding of the underlying mechanisms it has possible to model the thermal conductivity behavior of these materials in the entire range of cell sizes, and overall porosities. It has been proved that the reduction of the cell size has an effect on the thermal conductivity through the solid phase, this contribution is reduced due to an increment of the tortuosity of the cellular structure and/or a confinement effect in the polymeric matrix.
Display omitted
•It has been demonstrated the presence of the Knudsen effect in nanocellular polymeric foams.•It has been developed and experimental procedure to quantify the contribution of the gas phase.•The reduction of the cell size to the nanometer range reduces the thermal conductivity of the solid phase.•Thermal conductivity of nanocellular foams has been also modeled.
This study assessed the effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), individually and in combination with exogenous enzymes, on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of broiler ...chickens. One hundred and twenty Ross 308 male chickens were allocated into 40 battery brooders, with 3 birds per cage, and fed ad libitum a corn-based diet during the first 21 D of the trial. The experimental period lasted from day 21 to 35, during which birds were fed 4 different diets: a corn-soybean basal diet, taken as the control group, a basal diet containing 15% Spirulina (MA), a basal diet containing 15% Spirulina plus 0.005% Rovabio Excel AP (MAR), and a basal diet containing 15% Spirulina plus 0.01% lysozyme (MAL). Body weight gain (P < 0.001) and feed conversion rate (P < 0.001) were improved in control chickens, when compared with those fed with Spirulina. In addition, Spirulina increased the length of duodenum plus jejunum in relation to the other treatment (P < 0.01). Chickens on the MAL diet showed a considerable increase in digesta viscosity (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Breast and thigh meats from chickens fed with Spirulina, with or without the addition of exogenous enzymes, had higher values of yellowness (b*) (P < 0.001), total carotenoids (P < 0.001), and saturated fatty acids (P < 0.001), whereas n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (P < 0.01) and α-tocopherol (P < 0.001) decreased, when compared with the control. In conclusion, the incorporation of 15% Spirulina in broiler diets, individually or combined with exogenous enzymes, reduced birds' performance through a higher digesta viscosity, which is likely associated with the gelation of microalga indigestible proteins. In addition, cell wall of Spirulina was successfully broken by the addition of lysozyme, but not by Rovabio Excel AP. Therefore, we anticipate that the combination of lysozyme with an exogenous specific peptidase could improve the digestibility of proteins from this microalga and avoid their detrimental gelation.
This paper proposes a new methodology for fretting fatigue life assessment. It uses a combination of multiaxial fatigue criteria, the theory of critical distances and a node-displacement wear ...algorithm to account for the initiation life under fretting. Further, the extended finite element method is considered to compute the propagation life. A new method is also introduced to predict the crack propagation path under nonproportional loading conditions. To validate the analysis, available fretting fatigue data using an Al 2024-T3 alloy was considered. All the total lives estimated by the proposed approach fell within a scatter band 2, with an error between 11% and −39%. An analysis of the energy dissipated on the contact surface was performed and showed that for certain cases the inclusion of wear in the modeling of the problem is indeed essential to obtain more accurate fretting fatigue life assessments.
•Fretting fatigue in partial slip regime life assessment is carried out for Al2024-T3.•The numerical method proposed including wear effects and crack propagation life.•A new method based on the critical plane to predict the crack propagation angle.•The methodology proposed obtained more accurate predictions than simple methods.•The maximum energy dissipated has shown to be a parameter capable to identify when is necessary to compute wear or not.
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