Inhibitory Activity of Essential Oils of Mentha spicata and Eucalyptus globulus on Biofilms of Streptococcus mutans in an In Vitro Model.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory activity of the commercially available essential oils of Mentha spicata (spearmint) and Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus) on Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 biofilms in vitro, emulating dental plaque conditions. The composition of the essential oils (EOs) was determined using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), with the main metabolites being Carvone (57.93%) and Limonene (12.91%) for Mentha spicata and 1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol) (65.83%) for Eucalyptus globulus. The inhibitory activity was evaluated using the methods of agar-well diffusion and colorimetric microdilution. The inhibition halos were 18.3 ± 0.47 mm and 27.0 ± 0.82 mm, and the MICs were 1.8484 mg/mL and 1.9168 mg/mL for the EOs of Mentha spicata and Eucalyptus globulus, respectively. The activity against the biofilms was evaluated on a substrate of bovine enamel pieces using a basal mucin medium (BMM) in anaerobic conditions with daily sucrose exposition cycles in order to emulate oral cavity conditions. The EOs were applied in a concentration of 0.5% in a sterile saline vehicle with 1% polysorbate 20. After 72 h of cultivation, a significant reduction was observed (p < 0.001%) on the biofilm biomass, which was evaluated by its turbidity in suspension and using a count of the recoverable organisms with regards to the control. The effects of the Eos were not significantly distinct from each other. The EOs showed antimicrobial activity against both the Streptococcus mutans planktonic and biofilm cultures. Thus, EOs may have great potential for the development of pharmaceutical and sanitary products for oral health.

Experiencia académica sobre la presentación de trabajos científicos en la IV Conferencia Internacional: Desafíos clínicos y terapéuticos en psicosis / Academic experience on the presentation of scientific papers at the IV International Conference: Clinical and therapeutic challenges in psychosis

Dentro de los desafíos de la investigación en psicosis en Chile y el mundo se encuentra el desarrollo de polos académicos de investigación en estados mentales de riesgo (EMARS). En este artículo se realiza un análisis descriptivo de los trabajos científicos presentados en la IV conferencia internacional: Desafíos Clínicos y terapéuticos en Psicosis realizada en octubre del 2022. Métodos: Se realizó una selección y premiación del mejor trabajo de acuerdo a un sistema de puntuación realizado por un comité científico ad-hoc. Luego se sistematizó la información en una tabla resumen para su posterior análisis descriptivo cualitativo. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 5 trabajos. El 100% de los trabajos seleccionados abordan el tema de la detección precoz e intervención temprana en psicosis, en particular en la temática EMARS. Asimismo, la mayoría de los trabajos presentados provienen de la región metropolitana. El 80% de los trabajos realizan un diseño experimental con reclutamiento de pacientes y el 20% usaron una metodología cualitativa. Conclusión: Así como años anteriores, los trabajos seleccionados dan cuenta de la importancia por el mejoramiento en la prevención, diagnóstico e intervención temprana en Psicosis. Se debe potenciar en Chile y latinoamerica el desarrollo académico y clínico en el campo de los EMARS.

Among the challenges of research in psychosis in Chile and the world, is the development of academic hubs for research in at-risk mental states (ARMS). This article presents a descriptive analysis of the summaries of the scientific works presented at the IV international conference: Clinical and Therapeutic Challenges in Psychosis held in October 2022. Methods: A selection and award were made for the best work according to a scoring system developed by an ad-hoc scientific committee. Then the information was systematized in a summary table for its subsequent qualitative descriptive analysis. Results: 5 works were selected. 100% of the selected works address the issue of early detection and early intervention in psychosis, particularly in the ARMS. Most of the papers presented come from the metropolitan region. 80% of the works carried out an experimental design with patient recruitment and 20% used a qualitative methodology. Conclusion: As in previous years, the selected works show the importance of improving prevention, diagnosis, and early intervention in psychosis. Research and clinical work in Chile and Latinoamerica should be strengthened in the field of ARMS.

First, do no harm: why anti-immigrant policies in the United States are a public health concern.

It can be argued that anti-immigrant policies, such as the 287(g) program, can have a direct impact on the health and well-being of the immigrant community in general, particularly undocumented immigrants in the United States. While there is yet to be a comprehensive and conclusive empirical assessment of this issue, what is known is that the immigrant community faces many stress factors and structural barriers that negatively impact health. We argue that it is urgent that public health responds to the unique experiences and challenges of the undocumented and wider immigrant community. In doing so, we propose three recommendations for addressing this issue: (1) Assess the causal relationship between anti-immigration policies and immigrant health, (2) Increase funding and access to health care services for immigrant communities in jurisdictions implementing anti-immigrant policies, and (3) For public health to engage in a conscious effort to service the undocumented immigrant community. Even though we focus specifically on the United States, our recommendations are applicable on a global scale since anti-immigration policies are prevalent across nations and are a pervasive human rights issue around the world.