Study on Analytical Method of Leachable Substances of Allogeneic Products / 中国医疗器械杂志

Products made from allogeneic tissue are largely used in clinical treatment due to its wide source compared with autologous tissue, causing less secondary trauma of patients and the good biocompatibility. Various organic solvents and other substances introduced in the production process of allogeneic products will leach down into the human through clinical treatment, thus bringing varying degrees of harm to patients. Therefore, it is very necessary to detect and control the leachables in such products. Based on the classification and summary of leachable substances existing in the allogeneic products, the preparation of extract and the establishment of the detection techniques for known and unknown leachable are briefly introduced in this study, in order to provide research method for the study of leachable substances of allogeneic products.

Neurotoxicidad en trabajadores petroquímicos con bajos índices de exposición a disolventes orgánicos / Neurotoxicity among petrochemical workers with low exposure indexes to organic solvents

Resumen: Objetivo: Estimar el desempeño neuropsicológico y su asociación con la exposición a disolventes orgánicos (DO) en trabajadores petroquímicos en México. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal en 203 trabajadores: 102 expuestos a DO y 101 no expuestos. Se evaluó el desempeño neuropsicológico con Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery y la exposición a DO con la medición de metabolitos de exposición para tolueno, xilenos y benceno. Resultados: Los trabajadores expuestos presentaron un peor desempeño en todas las pruebas (p<0.05), excepto en la prueba de Santa Ana. Esto se corroboró con modelos de regresión; los trabajadores expuestos a DO tuvieron un mayor número de errores y realizaron las pruebas en mayor tiempo (p<0.05), además de presentar mayores probabilidades de padecer síntomas de neurotoxicidad (OR: 2.93; IC95%: 0.96, 8.96). Conclusiones: La exposición ocupacional a disolventes orgánicos, aun a niveles permitidos por la normatividad mexicana vigente, se relacionó con un menor desempeño neuropsicológico.

Abstract: Objective: To estimate the neuropsychological performance and its association with exposure to organic solvents (OS) among petrochemical workers in Mexico. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study including 203 workers: 102 exposed to OS and 101 non-exposed. Neuropsychological performance was evaluated with Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery. Exposure to OS was evaluated with the metabolites from exposure to toluene, xylenes and benzene. Results: Exposed workers presented with a worse performance in all tests (p<0.05), except for Santa Ana test. This was corroborated with regression models; workers exposed to OS had a higher number of mistakes and performed the tests in longer time (p<0.05), together with having greater odds of neurotoxicity symptoms (OR: 2.93; 95%CI: 0.96, 8.96). Conclusions: Occupational exposure to organic solvents, even at levels allowed by current Mexican standards, was related to an impaired neuropsychological performance.

Association of solvents improves selected properties of experimental dental adhesives

Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate how the association of solvents (tetrahydrofuran [THF], dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO], ethanol [ET] or acetone [ACT]) with experimental dental adhesives affects selected properties of experimental dental adhesives and dentin bond durability. Six adhesive combinations were prepared containing: 30 % ET, 30 % ACT, 30 % THF, 28 % ET + 2 % DMSO (ET+DMSO), 15 % ethanol + 15 % THF (ET+THF), or 28 % THF + 2 % DMSO (THF+DMSO). Thirty-six molars (n = 6) were cut to expose the coronary dentin, and were randomly divided according to the adhesives. They were restored, and then cut into resindentin sticks (1 mm²), and stored in distilled water for 24 h or 6 months, until conducting the microtensile bond strength and nanoleakage tests. Other experiments performed with adhesives included viscosity assessment using a rheometer, and degree of conversion using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The data were analyzed statistically using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). The adhesive formulated exclusively with THF showed the highest viscosity, followed by ET+THF, which obtained the highest degree of conversion compared to ET, and THF alone. ET+DMSO obtained the highest 24-h and aged bond strengths (p < 0.05). ET+THF increased the nanoleakage slightly after 6 months, but attained the only gap-free adhesive interface among all the groups. The combination of alternative solvents, particularly THF, with conventional ones (ET) has improved chemical properties, and the dentin bonding of experimental simplified adhesives.

Optimization of natural deep eutectic solvent extraction of phenylethanoid glycosides from Cistanche deserticola by response surface methodology coupled with genetic algorithm / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To optimize the extraction technology fo r phenylethanol glycosides from Cistanche deserticola by natural deep eutectic solvents （NADESs），and to provide reference for the development and utilization of C. deserticola . METHODS The optimal NADESs was selected using total extraction efficiency of echinacoside ，acteoside and isoacteoside as indexes. Based on single factor test ，response surface methodology was used to select the optimal NADESs molar ratio ，the optimal NADESs water content ，the optimal liquid-solid ratio ；and the results were optimized by genetic algorithm . Using vitamin C （VC） as positive control ，the extraction effects of NADESs and traditional solvent （50％ methanol）were compared in respects of extraction efficiency and antioxidant activities. RESULTS The optimal extraction solution was NADES- 11 composed of 1， 4-butanediol and malonic acid. The optimal extraction technology was as follows as the molar ratio of 1，4-butanediol-malonic acid was 1 ∶ 2.5，water content of NADES- 11 was 18％，liquid-solid ratio was 30 mL/g，extraction time was 30 min and extraction temperature was 30 ℃. The extraction efficiency of NADES- 11 was significantly higher than that of 50％ methanol（P＜0.05）. IC 50 values of NADES- 11 extract（261.17 and 744.34 µg/mL）to 1，1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine radical and hydroxyl radical were all lower than those of 50％ methanol extract （420.97 and 1 175.12 μg/mL）. Ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity of Δ 基金项目 内蒙古自治区科技创新引导项目（No.00120209）；内 NADES-11 extract（17.19 and 360.80 mg VC/g ）was higher 蒙古自治区自然科学基金资助项目 （No.2021MS08011）；内蒙古自治 than that of 50％ methanol extract （10.67 and 228.54 mg 区医疗卫生科技计划项目（No.202201367）；包头医学院“花蕾计划”项 VC/g）. CONCLUSIONS The optimized extraction process of 目（No.HL2021046） phenylethanol glycosides from C. deserticola using NADESs is ＊第一作者 硕士研究生。研究方向：中蒙药药效成分。E-mail： environmental，stable and feasible. dongjiani369@126.com

Why the "sugars" in traditional Unani formulations are a pivotal component: A viewpoint perspective / 中西医结合学报

Traditional medicine systems around the globe, like Unani, Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, include a number of sugar-based formulations, which contain a large amount of saccharide-containing sweetener, such as honey, sucrose or jaggery. With pervasive lifestyle disorders throughout the world, there have been discussions to consider alternative sweetening agents. Here, from the perspective of Unani medicine, we discuss how the saccharide-based sweeteners may be an essential component of these traditional preparations, like electuaries, which may be deprived of their bioactivities without these saccharides. With contemporary researches, it is known that apart from their own therapeutic effects, saccharides also form deep eutectic solvents which help in enhancing the bioactivity of other ingredients present in crude drugs. In addition, they provide energy for fermentation which is essential for biotransformation of compounds. Interestingly, the sugars also increase the shelf-life of these compound drugs and act as natural preservatives. On the basis of this review, we strongly believe that saccharide-based sweeteners are an essential component of traditional medicines and not merely an excipient.

Isolation of Polyphenols from Soursop Annona muricata L Leaves Using Green Chemistry Techniques and their Anticancer Effect

HIGHLIGHTS Isolate, fractionate and characterize extracts obtained from soursop leaves. Use of emerging green technologies such as microwave-ultrasound hybridization. The extracts contain kaempferol, procyanidins, catechin, and quercetin. The total ethanolic extract demonstrates cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells.

Abstract Cervical cancer is classified as the fourth most common malignancy in women. Natural compounds are a therapeutic alternative in cancer therapy. The aim of the study is to isolate, fractionate, and characterize extracts obtained from soursop leaves (Annona muricata L.) and determine their cytotoxic effect against HeLa cervical cancer cells and non-carcinogenic fibroblast 3T3 cells. The phytochemicals of soursop leaves were extracted through emerging green technologies such as the novel use of microwave-ultrasound hybridization and the use of environmentally friendly solvents (water and ethanol), in addition to the purification of extracts enriched in polyphenols by liquid chromatography with Amberlite XAD-16. Total aqueous and ethanolic extract were purified, as well as the fraction one of each extract. The extracts recovered from soursop leaves contained kaempferol and its isomers, procyanidins, catechin, and quercetin. The viability of the cells was determined with the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. HeLa and 3T3 cells were exposed to concentrations of 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, and 250 ppm of a solution of soursop leaf extract powder. The MTT assay showed that soursop leaf extracts were toxic to both cell lines in general, however, the ethanolic extract at 25 and 50 ppm demonstrated inhibition in cell viability against the HeLa cancer line and low cytotoxicity for 3T3 fibroblast cells. In conclusion, the novel microwave-ultrasound hybridization technology allows the extraction of polyphenols that may have a potential cytotoxic effect on cancer cells.

Effect of Dietary Challenges on the Flexural Properties of Resin-based Composites

@#This study aims to compare flexural strength and flexural modulus of different resin-based composites (RBCs) and to determine the impact of dietary solvents on flexural properties. Forty specimens (12x2x2mm) for each of two conventional (Aura Easy [AE]; Harmonize [HN]) and one bulk fill (Sonic Fill 2 [SF2]) were fabricated using customised plastic moulds. Specimens were light-cured, measured and randomly divided into four groups. The groups (n=10) were conditioned for 7 days at 37°C: in one of media: air (control), artificial saliva (SAGF), 0.02N citric acid and 50% ethanol–water solution. After conditioning, the specimens subjected to flexural testing. Two-way ANOVA and one-way ANOVA (post hoc: Tukey’s or Dunnett T3 tests) were used at =0.05. Significant differences in flexural properties were observed between materials and conditioning media. Flexural strength and modulus values ranged from 124.85MPa to 51.25MPa; and 6.76GPa to 4.03GPa, respectively. The highest flexural properties were obtained with conditioning in air. Exposure to aqueous solutions generally reduced flexural properties. In conclusion, the effect of dietary solvents on flexural properties were material and medium dependent. For functional longevity of restorations, patients’ alcohol intake should be considered during material selection. Dietary advice (reduce alcohol consumption) should be given to patients post operatively.

Intoxicación por tolueno / Toluene poisoning

Resumen El ser humano está inmerso en un entorno donde inhala, ingiere o absorbe muchas sustancias químicas, de las cuales toman relevancia las exposiciones en los lugares de trabajo y las que causan la muerte en la práctica médico forense. El tolueno es un inhibidor neuronal asociado con daño progresivo del sistema nervioso central y periférico, su toxicidad puede ocurrir por inhalación involuntaria o deliberada y puede llevar incluso a la muerte. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en diferentes bases de datos, de los artículos publicados referentes al tema de los últimos ocho años, con el objetivo de revisar las características del químico, el metabolismo, las intoxicaciones agudas y las crónicas, así como sus implicaciones letales. Se concluye que para mejorar la pericia médico legal, al valorar casos de intoxicacion por tolueno se deben de contemplar los criterios de causalidad en los casos de enfermedad laboral y en sospecha de causa de muerte es fundamentantal el resultado toxicológico ante la ausencia de hallazgos específicos en la autopsia.

Abstract The human being is immersed in an environment where he inhales, ingests or absorbs many chemical substances, in forensic medical practice the exposures in the workplace and those that cause death take on relevance. Toluene is a neuronal inhibitor associated with progressive damage of the central and peripheral nervous system, its toxicity can occur by involuntary or deliberate inhalation and can even lead to death. A bibliographic review was carried out in different databases, of the published articles referring to the subject of the last eight years, with the objective of reviewing the characteristics of the chemical, the metabolism, both acute and chronic poisoning and its lethal implications. It is concluded that to improve the legal medical expertise when assessing cases of toluene poisoning, causality criteria must be considered in cases of occupational disease and in suspected cases of death the toxicology result is fundamental in the absence of specific findings in the autopsy.

Evaluación de riesgo de cáncer en personas expuestas ocupacionalmente a solventes orgánicos / Cancer risk evaluation in individuals occupationally exposed to organic solvents

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la frecuencia de micronúcleos (MN) e influencia de los polimorfismos en los genes del metabolismo GSTM1 y GSTT1 como biomarcadores de riesgo de cáncer en pintores de carros (n=152) con respecto a individuos no expuestos (n=152). Métodos Estudio Epidemiológico Molecular, tipo Corte Transversal analítico, interacción gen-ambiente. La evaluación de MNs y polimorfismos genéticos se determinó con pruebas moleculares en linfocitos de los individuos objeto de estudio. Resultados Se determinó que la frecuencia de MNs es 1.6 más alta en el grupo expuesto con relación al grupo referente (1.39±0.92 versus 0,87±0.78, p<0,0001). No se determinó un incremento en la frecuencia de MNs asociado a los polimorfismos en GSTM1 y GSTT1. Conclusiones El incremento de MNs en pintores de carros sirve para alertar al incremento de riesgo de cáncer en esta población expuesta a solventes orgánicos. Estos resultados pueden servir en Programas de Vigilancia Epidemiológica Ocupacional, como estrategia de prevención y en otros países con un amplio sector informal de individuos expuestos a estos químicos para reducir el riesgo de cáncer.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the frequency of micronuclei (MNs) and influence of GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms as biomarkers of cancer risk in car painters (n=152) compared to unexposed individuals (n=152). Methods Molecular epidemiology study, cross-sectional analysis of gen and environment interaction. The evaluation of MN and genetic polymorphisms was determined by molecular tests in lymphocytes from subjects involved in the study. Results It was determined that the frequency of MNs is 1.6 higher in the exposed group compared to the reference group (1.39 ± 0.92 versus 0.87 ± 0.78, p<0.0001). There was no increase in the frequency of MNs associated with the polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1. Conclusions The increase of MNs in car painters serves to alert the increased risk of cancer in this population exposed to organic solvents. These results can be used in Occupational Epidemiological Surveillance Programs, as a prevention strategy and policies to regulate and control the use of solvents at a national level and in other countries with a large informal sector of individuals exposed to these chemicals to reduce the risk of cancer.(AU)

Research progress on deep eutectic solvents in extraction of Chinese materia medica ingredients / 中草药

Traditional solvents have the shortcomings of toxic, easy to cause environmental pollution, volatile and low extraction rate. In recent years, there have been a lot of researches focusing on deep eutectic solvents (DESs) studies in the field of Chinese materia medica (CMM), especially in the extraction of active ingredients and improvement of stability of unstable compounds. This paper mainly reviews and sorts out the researches on DESs in the field of CMM reported at home and abroad in recent years, so as to provide references for the application of DESs in the field of CMM in the future.

Application of deep eutectic solvents in Chinese materia medica / 中草药

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), as a class of novel green solvents, show the promising applications in many fields due to their unique properties such as simple preparation, low cost, environmental friendliness, low volatility, high dissolution power, feasibility of structural design and biodegradability. Recently, DESs have been applied for the extraction, separation and chromatography of active components (flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, alkaloids, quinones, phenolic acids, volatile oil, etc) from Chinese materia medica. This article introduced the preparation and properties of DESs, reviewed the development of DESs applications in the field of traditional Chinese medicine, discussed the existing problems and outlined the general trends as well.

Antimicrobial activity of propolis extract fractions against Staphylococcus spp. isolated from goat mastitis / Atividade antimicrobiana de frações do extrato de própolis frente à Staphylococcus spp. isolados de mastite caprina

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in the treatment of caprine mastitis causes the appearance of resistant microorganisms, besides leaving residues in milk, putting at risk to human health. In this way, propolis is an alternative in the treatment of diseases because it has antimicrobial activity, mainly because of the presence of flavonoids in its composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of propolis to Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from cases of goat mastitis and qualify the crude ethanoic extract by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In this study, the minimum bactericidal concentration values of propolis extracts in ethanol, ethyl acetate and hexane showed that the best concentrations capable of promoting the highest mortality of the isolates of Staphylococcus spp. from mastitis in goats, were 6250, 3125 and 1562.5µg/mL, respectively. By the microplate adherence test, it was found that 20.78% isolates were not able to form biofilm, 14.70% were classified as moderate and 64.70% were weak and none as a strong biofilm producer. Propolis in its different diluents was able to affect the formation of biofilm and showed a pronounced marked antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus spp. strains and may be indicated for use in in vivo studies.(AU)

O uso indiscriminado de antibióticos no tratamento de mastite caprina leva ao desenvolvimento de micro-organismos resistentes que poderão estar presentes em alimentos, colocando em risco a saúde humana. Dessa forma, a própolis surge como uma alternativa para o tratamento de doenças por possuir uma ação antimicrobiana, principalmente pela presença de flavonoides em sua composição. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano da própolis frente à Staphylococcus spp. isolados de casos de mastite caprina e qualificar o extrato etanoico bruto por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE-DAD). Neste estudo, os valores de concentração bactericida mínima (CBM) dos extratos de própolis em álcool etílico, acetato de etila e hexano nos isolados foram de 6250, 3125 e 1562,5µg/mL, respectivamente. Pelo teste de aderência à microplacas, observou-se que 20,78% dos microorganismos, não foram capazes de formar biofilme, 14,70% foram classificados como moderados, 64,70% em fracos e nenhum como forte produtor de biofilme. A própolis em seus diferentes diluentes foi capaz de afetar a formação de biofilme e apresentou significativa atividade antimicrobiana frente a cepas de Staphylococcus spp., podendo ser indicada para utilização em estudos "in vivo".(AU)

Neuropsychological effects among workers exposed to organic solvents / Efectos neuropsicológicos en trabajadores expuestos a disolventes orgánicos

Abstract: Objective: To assess neuropsychological performance among workers at a paint factory in Mexico City. Materials and methods: During 2004 and 2005 we assessed the neuropsychological performance of 208 workers who were exposed to organic solvents at a paint factory, mainly toluene and xylene. We categorized workers into low and high exposure groups using a cumulative index for toluene, based on times spent in different tasks. We evaluated cognitive and motor functions with 13 neuropsychological tests. Results: We found lower attention, longer time to complete the test β=5.5 (R2=12.3%), and a lower score in the motor-cognitive test β=-15.7 (R2=19.5%) in the high exposure group through multiple linear regression model analysis, with adjustment for age and education. Conclusion: Our results are similar to the ones reported in the literature, but the effects are less severe, probably due to lower exposure to organic solvents.

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar el desempeño neuropsicológico de los trabajadores de una fábrica de pintura en la Ciudad de México. Material y métodos: Se evaluó el desempeño neuropsicológico de 208 trabajadores expuestos a disolventes orgánicos, principalmente tolueno y xileno, en una fábrica de pintura en la Ciudad de México durante 2004 y 2005. Se categorizaron en grupos de baja y alta exposición con un índice acumulado de tolueno con base en el tiempo empleado por actividad. Se evaluaron funciones motoras y cognitivas con 13 pruebas neuropsicológicas. Resultados: Se registró un tiempo más largo para completar la prueba β=5.5 (R2=12.3%) y una puntuación baja en la prueba motor-cognitiva de β=-15.7 (R2=19.5%) en el grupo de alta exposición en los modelos de regresión lineal múltiple, ajustados por confusores. Conclusión: Los presentes resultados son similares a los reportados en la literatura, aunque los efectos son menos graves, probablemente debido a la baja exposición.

Comparison of the Chemical Compositions of Two Different Non-polar Extracts of Heliotropium sudanicum Aerial Parts from Sudan

Aim: Heliotropium (Boraginaceae) is a widely spread genus of plants found in the Central and Northern parts in the Sudan and used for the treatment of inflammations, and rheumatism from ancient times. The aim of this work is to provide answers to impending research questions on compounds present in petroleum ether and n-hexane extracts of the aerial parts of H. sudanicum. Methodology: Phytochemical analysis of plant extracts was performed by using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer. Various constituents were identified after matching their mass fragmentation pattern with data available in Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer library of National Institute of Standards Technology (NIST). Results: Petroleum ether extract of H. sudanicum was characterized by abundance of 1,6,10,14,18,22- Tetracosahexaen-3-ol, 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-, (all-E)- (33.99%), Squalene (20.94%) , Phytol (7.62%) and Hexatriacontane (7.49%). The constituents of the extract were fatty acid derivatives (15.24%), hydrocarbons (8.41%) and terpenoids (28.56%). H. sudanicum n-hexane extract was characterized by abundance of 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-,methyl ester (15.14%), 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester (14.67%), Cholesterol (11.12%), Fucosterol (10.30%), gamma.-Sitosterol (9.59%) and1,6,10,14,18,22- Tetracosahexaen-3-ol, 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-, (all-E)- (7.73%). Conclusion: The resulted compounds in this study provide evidence for the utilization of the plant as alternative natural resource of medicinal and industrial interest. To best of our knowledge this is the first report that directly compares the two extraction solvents for active compounds from Heliotropium sudanicum aerial parts shows that petroleum ether should be the solvent of choice.

Eficacia disolvente y citotoxicidad del aceite de cáscara de limón (Citrus limon) / Solvent efficiency and cytotoxicity of lemon peel oil (Citrus limon)

Objetivo: Evaluar in vitro el efecto disolvente y tóxico del aceite de cáscara de limón (Citrus limon) según tiempo de exposición e identificar sus componentes a través de la cromatografía de gases. Material y métodos: El estudio fue de tipo experimental in vitro. Para determinar el efecto disolvente se utilizaron conos de gutapercha estandarizados de endodoncia número 80 con conicidad 0,02; los disolventes utilizados fueron: xilol, aceite esencial de cáscara de limón y naranja; éstos fueron sumergidos en 2, 5 y 10 minutos (n=8). Se registró el peso antes y después de la inmersión a las sustancias evaluadas para determinar la pérdida de masa. Para evaluar la toxicidad se emplearon Artemias franciscanas a través de la concentración letal media; la cromatografía de gases se utilizó para obtener los componentes de cada aceite. Para comparar el efecto disolvente entre las sustancias se empleó el análisis ANOVA/Tukey. Resultados: No se encontró diferencia significativa para disolver la gutapercha con el aceite esencial de cáscara de limón, de naranja y xilol (p>0.05). El tiempo no tuvo influencia para la disolución de la gutapercha (p>0.05). Todos los aceites fueron tóxicos, a excepción del aceite de limón 25%. Conclusiones: El Limoneno y el D limoneno fueron los componentes con mayor porcentaje en el aceite de limón y de naranja, respectivamente. El aceite de limón podría ser una considerada como alternativa para ser utilizado como disolvente de gutapercha de uso endodóntico, por tener efecto similar que el aceite naranja.

Objective: To evaluate in vitro the solvent and toxic effect of lemon peel oil (Citrus limon) according to exposure time. Its components were identified through gas chromatography. Material and Methods: The study was of experimental type in vitro. To determine the solvent effect, standardized gutta-percha cones of endodontic number 80 with taper 0.02 were used; solvents used were: xylol, lemon and orange peel essential oil; these were immersed in 2, 5 and 10 minutes (n = 8). The weight was recorded before and after the immersion to the substances evaluated to determine the loss of mass. To evaluate the toxicity, Artemias Franciscan were used through the medium lethal concentration; Gas chromatography was used to obtain the components of each oil. The ANOVA / Tukey analysis was used to compare the solvent effect between the substances. Results: No significant difference was found to dissolve the gutta-percha with the lemon, orange and xylol essential oil (p> 0.05). Time did not influence the dissolution of gutta-percha (p> 0.05). All oils were toxic, with the exception of 25% lemon oil. Conclusions: Limonene and D limonene were the components with the highest percentage in lemon and orange oil, respectively. Lemon oil could be considered as an alternative to be used as a gutta-percha solvent for endodontic use, because it has a similar effect as orange oil.

Simultaneous Determination of 9 Kinds of Organic Solvents Residues in Total Flavonoids Extracts from Abelmoschus manihot by Headspace GC / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To establish a method for simultaneous determination of 9 kinds of organic solvents residues in total flavonoids extracts from Abelmoschus manihot. METHODS： Headspace GC was adopted to determine the contents of 9 kinds of organic solvents residues in total flavonoids extracts from A. manihot， such as benzene， acrylonitrile， methyl methacrylate， toluene， 1，2-dichloroethane， xylene， chlorobenzene， styrene and divinylbenzene. The determination was performed on Agilent DB-WAX capillary column （30 m×0.25 mm， 0.25 μm） through temperature-programmed route. The inlet temperature and FID detector temperature were set at 250 ℃. The carrier gas was nitrogen with the flow rate of 1.2 mL/min. The split ratio was 10 ∶ 1. The containers of headspace injector were in equilibrium at 90 ℃ for 45 min and the sample size was 1 mL. RESULTS： The separation degree among the peaks of 9 components was greater than 1.5， and the blank solvent （10％ N-methyl pyrrolidone aqueous solution） had no interference. The linear ranges of them were 0.16-1.21， 0.80-6.03， 1.61-12.09，1.62-12.12， 0.16-1.21， 1.60-12.01， 0.81-6.11， 1.60-12.03， 0.80-6.03 μg/mL， respectively （r≥0.999 4）. The limits of quantitation were 0.162 08， 0.201 08， 0.080 6， 0.080 768， 0.161 92， 0.400 36， 0.040 712， 0.026 736， 0.013 395 μg/mL； the limits of detection were 0.040 52， 0.040 216， 0.026 87， 0.026 9，0.040 48， 0.080 072， 0.013 57， 0.008 912， 0.004 465 μg/mL， respectively. RSDs of precision （n＝5） and reproducibility （n＝6） tests were all lower than 5％. Average recoveries were 99.41％-111.27％（RSD＜9％， n＝9）. Above 9 residual solvents were not detected in 3 batches of total flavonoids extracts from A. manihot. CONCLUSIONS： Established method is simple， accurate and reliable， and can be applied for simultaneous detection of 9 kinds of organic solvents residues in total flavonoids extracts from A. manihot.

Systematic Review on Sanitary Pads and Female Health / 이화의대지

The majority of South Korean females use sanitary pads, which contain various organic solvents which could be excreted before and during their menstruation. However, they are not provided with findings from studies about the health effects of sanitary pads. Therefore, this study aims to establish a list of potential health hazards of sanitary pads and address the need for further extensive research by pointing out the limitations of the previous literature. A systematic review was adopted to conduct quantitative and qualitative reviews based on the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses). Studies from electronic databases such as PubMed, RISS, and Google Scholar were retrieved for the final analyses. In accordance with our findings, we proposed a set of limitations of the previous studies. A systematic review revealed that there were effects of sanitary pads on vaginal or vulvar skin, endometriosis, and vaginal microflora. The review also revealed that organic solvents, which sanitary pads are composed of, bring potential harmful effects on pregnancy, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, and neurological development. Social environments such as hygiene use or puberty education also turned out to affect female health. It was inferred that a lack of non-occupational and domestic studies reflecting the distinguishing features of sanitary pads with a reliable sample size remains as an important limitation. This study suggests that organic solvents in sanitary pads may increase some health risks bringing reproductive, autoimmune, cardiovascular, and neurological effects. Due to a lack of studies, a more extensive study can contribute to the public health of South Korean females.

Controlling Painters' Exposure to Volatile Organic Solvents in the Automotive Sector of Southern Colombia

BACKGROUND: Painters in the automotive sector are routinely exposed to volatile organic solvents, and the levels vary depending on the occupational health and safety controls enforced at the companies. This study investigates the levels of exposure to organic vapors and the existence of controls in the formal economy sector in southern Colombia. METHODS: This is an exploratory study of an observational and descriptive character. An analysis of solvents is conducted via the personal sampling of painters and the analysis of samples using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 1501 method. The amount of solvents analyzed varied according to the budget allocated by the companies. The person in charge of the occupational safety and health management system was interviewed to learn about the exposure controls implemented at the companies. RESULTS: A medium exposure risk for toluene was found in one company. Another presented medium risk for carbon tetrachloride, xylene, ethylbenzene, and n-butanol. The others showed low risk of exposure and that the controls implemented were not sufficient or efficient. CONCLUSION: These results shed light on the working conditions of these tradespeople. The permissible limits established by Colombian regulations for the evaluated chemical contaminants were not exceeded. However, there were contaminants that exceeded the limits of action. The analysis of findings made it possible to propose improvements in occupational safety and health management systems to allow the optimization of working conditions for painters, prevent the occurrence of occupational diseases, and reduce costs to the country's health system.

The influence of nanofillers on the properties of ethanol-solvated and non-solvated dental adhesives

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different concentrations of nanofillers on the chemical and physical properties of ethanol-solvated and non-solvated dental adhesives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight experimental adhesives were prepared with different nanofiller concentrations (0, 1, 2, and 4 wt%) and 2 solvent concentrations (0% and 10% ethanol). Several properties of the experimental adhesives were evaluated, such as water sorption and solubility (n = 5, 20 seconds light activation), real-time degree of conversion (DC; n = 3, 20 and 40 seconds light activation), and stability of cohesive strength at 6 months (CS; n = 20, 20 seconds light activation) using the microtensile test. A light-emitting diode (Bluephase 20i, Ivoclar Vivadent) with an average light emittance of 1,200 mW/cm2 was used. RESULTS: The presence of solvent reduced the DC after 20 seconds of curing, but increased the final DC, water sorption, and solubility of the adhesives. Storage in water reduced the strength of the adhesives. The addition of 1 wt% and 2 wt% nanofillers increased the polymerization rate of the adhesives. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of nanofillers and ethanol improved the final DC, although the DC of the solvated adhesives at 20 seconds was lower than that of the non-solvated adhesives. The presence of ethanol reduced the strength of the adhesives and increased their water sorption and solubility. However, nanofillers did not affect the water sorption and strength of the tested adhesives.

Relação entre desempenho neurocognitivo e composição corporal de homens e mulheres expostos a solventes orgânicos / Relación entre desempeño neurocognitivo y composición corporal de hombres y mujeres expuestos a solventes orgánicos / Relationship between neurocognitive performance and body composition of men and women exposed to organic solvents

Resumo Investigou-se o efeito dos solventes orgânicos sobre o desempenho neurocognitivo de homens e mulheres com e sem exposição crônica a solventes orgânicos, e verificou correlações entre o desempenho neurocognitivo e índices de composição corporal. Participaram 14 homens e 14 mulheres expostos e 14 homens e 14 mulheres não expostos. Utilizou-se o Trail Making Test (TMT) A e B, Figura Complexa de Rey (FCR), Cópia e Memória, questionário sociodemográfico e avaliação de bioimpedância. A comparação entre mulheres expostas e não expostas mostrou diferença significativa em todos os testes. A comparação entre os homens expostos e não expostos mostrou diferença significativa no TMT-A, FCR-Cópia, FCR-Memória. Contudo, na comparação entre homens e mulheres expostos os resultados não mostraram diferenças significantes. Já na correlação entre o desempenho neurocognitivo com índices de composição corpórea, as mulheres expostas apresentaram correlação significante entre FCR-Cópia com água corporal, peso, massa gorda, massa magra corporal. Os homens expostos apresentaram correlação significante entre o TMT-B com a Relação Cintura-Quadril e gordura visceral. No geral, os solventes orgânicos podem afetar o desempenho neurocognitivo e os efeitos da exposição crônica dependem da precisão do teste neurocognitivo e do índice de composição corpórea.

Resumen Se investigo el efecto de solventes orgánicos sobre el rendimiento neurocognitivo de hombres y mujeres con y sin exposición crónica a solventes orgánicos, además de verificar la correlación entre el rendimiento neurocognitivo y los índices de composición corporal. Participaron 14 hombres y 14 mujeres expuestas y 14 hombres y 14 mujeres no expuestas. Se utilizaron los siguientes tests: Trail Making Test (TMT) A y B, el test Figura Compleja de Rey (FCR; Copia y Memoria), cuestionario sociodemográfico y la evaluación de bioimpedancia. Hubo diferencia significativa entre las mujeres expuestas y las no expuestas, en todos los tests. La comparación de los hombres expuestos con los que no fueron expuestos mostró diferencia significativa en el TMT-A, FCR-Copia y FCR-Memoria. Sin embargo, no hubo diferencias significativas entre los sexos. Con relación a la comparación del rendimiento neurocognitivo con los índices de composición corporal, para las mujeres expuestas hubo correlación significativa entre la FCR-Copia y el agua, peso, masa corporal grasa y masa corporal magra. Para los hombres expuestos hubo correlación significativa entre la TMT-B y la relación cintura/cadera (RCC) y grasa visceral. En general, los solventes orgánicos pueden afectar el desempeño neurocognitivo y los efectos de la exposición crónica dependen de la precisión del test neurocognitivo y del índice de composición corporal.

Abstract It was investigate the effect of organic solvents on the neurocognitive performance of men and women with and without chronic exposure to organic solvents and verify correlations between neurocognitive performance and body composition indices. Participants included 14 men and 14 exposed women and 14 men and 14 unexposed women. The Trail Making Test (TMT) A and B, the Rey Complex Figure (RCF; Copy and Memory), sociodemographic questionnaire, and bioimpedance evaluation were used. There was a significant difference between exposed and non-exposed women in all tests. Comparison between exposed and non-exposed men showed a significant difference in TMT-A, RCF-Copy, and RCF-Memory. However, there was no significant difference between sexes. Regarding the comparison between neurocognitive performance and body composition indices, for exposed women, there was a significant correlation between RCF- Copy and water, body weight, fat mass, and lean mass. Regarding the exposed men, there was a significant correlation between TMT-B and WHR (waist-hip ratio) and visceral fat. In general, organic solvents can affect neurocognitive performance and the effects of chronic exposure depend on the accuracy of the neurocognitive test and the body composition index.