In vitro UV absorption properties and radical scavenging capacity of Morella parvifolia (Benth. ) Parra-Os. extracts

The goal of this research was to identify major compounds of the aerial parts of M. parvifolia (Benth.) Parra-Os., that could enhance its possible application as additive in dermocosmetic products, as well as evaluate the antioxidant properties. The extracts agreed with the broad-spectrum UVB/UVA absorption detected and could act as broad-spectrum sunscreens, covering the UVA and UVB range. Methanolic extracts showed an important antiradical capacity (0.46 and 0.47 g/µmol DPPH), TPC (37.58 and 51.41mg GAE/g DS) and TAC (1.12 and 3.31 mg C3GE/g DS) in fruits and leaves, respectively. M. parvifolia could be considered as a prospective source of natural UV-radiation absorbers with antioxidant capacity. Although the results have clearly demonstrated the potential photoprotection capacity, more studies are needed to enhance its application as an additive in pharmaceutical and medicinal formulations.

Controversias sobre el rastreo de los niveles séricos de vitamina D y su suplementación / Controversies about serum vitamin D levels screening and its supplementation

Si bien los niveles bajos de vitamina D se han asociado con varios resultados de interés en salud, aún resulta motivo de controversia qué significa un nivel bajo, cual es la utilidad de su suplementación y cuales son sus potenciales efectos adversos. En ese contexto, se realizó en el Servicio de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria del Hospital Italiano un taller de discusión denominado "Actividad ECCO" (Evidencia Científica en la Clínica Cotidiana) en la que fueron presentados los resulta-dos de estudios identificados que hubieran comparado el uso de vitamina D (con o sin suplementación de calcio) ver-sus placebo, con el objetivo de discutir cuál es la evidencia actual para el rastreo de deficiencia de vitamina D y para, eventualmente, recomendar o no su suplementación. Este artículo resume la evidencia identificada y las conclusiones consensuadas en dicha actividad. (AU)

Although low levels of vitamin D have been associated with several health outcomes, it is controversial what a low level means, the usefulness of its supplementation and its potential adverse effects. In this context, a workshop called "ECCO Activity" (Scientific Evidence in the Daily Clinic) was held in the Family and Community Medicine Division of Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, where the results of identified studies that compared the use of vitamin D (with or without calcium supplementation) versus placebo, with the aim of discussing what is the current evidence for screening of vitamin D deficiency and to, eventually, recommend or not its supplementation. This article summarizes the identified evidence and the agreed conclusions in that activity. (AU)

Curso de atualização em emergências médicas: aula 9: conjuntivites infecciosas agudas / Updating medical emergencies course: class 9: acute infectious conjunctivitis

Conjuntivite é todo processo inflamatório que envolve a membrana conjuntiva, independente da causa. A hiperemia conjuntival é um achado clínico sempre presente, podendo estar associado à secreção. Entretanto, a maior parte dos sinais clínicos só pode ser bem identificada com auxílio da microscopia clínica. Pode ser causada por agentes bacterianos ou virais, mas também por irritantes químicos como medicamentos, filtros solares e cremes faciais.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory disease affecting conjunctive membrane, independet of etiology. Conjunctival hyperemia is always present and might come together with ophthalmic discharge. Nevertheless, the majority of clinical signs can only be recognized using microscopy. The acute disease may be due to bacterial or viral infection. Other causes include chemical irritants as drugs, suscreen of facial lotion.

Photoprotection.

The deleterious effect of ultraviolet radiation on humans has increased the need for photoprotection. Sunscreens are widely used as photo protective agents. They are divided into chemical sunscreens which absorb high-energy ultraviolet rays and physical blockers which reflect or scatter light. Effectiveness of sunscreens depends upon sun protection factor and its substantivity. Clothing is also important for sun protection and its effectiveness is measured by Ultraviolet Protection Factor. There are many other agents with photo protective properties, which range from antioxidants to plant extracts to DNA repair enzymes. Usage of wide brimmed hats and sunglasses, avoidance of solar exposure at times of peak intensity, use of cover-up garments and sunscreen lotions are effective for photo protection of the skin.

Filtros solares: normas de utilizaçäo / Solar filters: standards for utilization

As radiaçöes solares alcançam a Terra em forma de ondas. De maior interesse säo as ondas ultravioletas situadas no espectro de 200 a 400 nanômetros, por seu potencial carcinogênico sobre a pele, assim como pela produçäo de fotoenvelhecimento cutâneo e imunodepressäo. Os efeitos dessas radiaçöes sobre a pele dependem da interaçäo de fatores ambientais com fatores de sensibilidade individuais, como fototipo e fotossuscetibilidade. Os fotoprotetores säo agentes com açäo física ou química, que atenuam o efeito da radiaçäo UV por mecanismos de absorçäo, reflexäo ou dispersäo da radiaçäo. A qualidade de um fotoprotetor depende de seu fator de proteçäo solar (FPS) e de suas propriedades físico-químicas (formaçäo de uma película ideal sobre a pele, estabilidade, baixa hidrossolubilidade e hipoalergenicidade). Novos princípios ativos estäo sendo pesquisados, visando a minorar os efeitos adversos desses produtos, como a melanina sintética, o óxido de ferro e as vitaminas antioxidantes. Paralelas à importância da qualidade de um fotoprotetor estäo a reeducaçäo de hábitos e a orientaçäo de seu uso adequado