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This study aimed to investigate the free radicals scavenging, inhibition of acetylhydrolase and antimicrobial activity of five mixtures of hydrolates obtained by hydrodistillation of Lamiaceae plants, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Lavandula angustifolia. Chemical composition of hydrolates was analysed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for volatiles and UV-VIS spectrophotometry for total phenolic and flavonoid content. The results of free radicals scavenging and acetylhydrolase inhibition activity have shown improved effect of selected hydrolates mixtures, compared to individual hydrolates. The effect was in accordance to their polyphenolic content, indicating synergistic action of the combined biologic active compounds from different extracts of rosemary, sage and lavender. In turn, the antimicrobial activity of hydrolates mixtures was similar to that of individual hydrolates in Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Rhizoctonia solani cultures, revealing no synergistic effect of volatiles, as mainly responsible compounds. In conclusion, selected mixtures of aromatic plant hydrolates can provide added value to these by-products through further development of natural pesticide and/or fungicide products useful for the ecological crop protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the main volatiles and polyphenolic compounds in hydrosols extracted from three Romanian Lamiaceae plants, sage (Salvia officinalis), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) by steam distillation. The antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibition capacity of hydrosols were assessed for their further use as biopesticides. The results have shown that sage and rosemary hydrosols presented better antioxidant activity than lavender hydrosol in all free radical scavenging and metal chelating assays. A strong relationship between the antioxidant activity of hydrosols' and their total phenolic and flavonoid content was found based on Pearson correlation coefficients. Sage and rosemary hydrosols exerted higher acetylcholinesterase inhibition than lavender hydrosol, but this activity was moderate correlated to phenolic content and low correlated to flavonoid content. These results suggested that volatiles and other compounds present in hydrosols were also involved in this process. In conclusion, Lamiaceae plant hydrosols could be further tested, as such or mixed, as natural products for the control of pests in eco-agrosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our paper aims to present three cases of committed suicide in SARS-CoV-2 infection during the quarantine period. We investigated if there is a role for the infection itself in triggering the suicidal act or if it is augmented by other risk factors such as fear, psychosocial stress, lifestyle changes, and social isolation. To this goal, we analyzed the clinical, paraclinical, histopathological, toxicological records, mental health conditions, psychological, social, cultural, and economic aspects in detail. One patient committed suicide at home, by hanging, while the other two during hospitalization in the red zone, within the Sibiu County Emergency Clinical Hospital, hanging and falling from a height, respectively. The autopsy was carried out within the restricted area for COVID-19 in Sibiu County Forensic Medicine Service. Patients' medical histories were analyzed based on the available medical reports. Additionally, we interviewed a family member, applying the so-called psychological autopsy method, based on open-ended questions and standardized instruments (questionnaire) to point out the motives and behavioral changes that might explain the committed suicide. With this data, we could fulfill a design to elucidate and outline the reasons for the suicidal act. Our findings showed that the mental state deteriorated progressively, both in preexisting depressive and non-depressive backgrounds. Furthermore, we highlight the COVID-19 psychological impact in the suicidal acts. Further on, we reviewed the risk factors presented in the literature that are associated with mental health problems and behavioral changes such as stress, anxiety, depressions, sleep disorders, impulsivity, loneliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the properties of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) hydrosols in terms of the antioxidant activity and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, in order to be used in novel formulas of biopesticides for preventing aphid infestation of crops. Sage hydrosols were obtained as by-products of steam and reflux distillation, respectively, after essential oil extraction from dried aerial parts of the plant. The hydrosols were analyzed for terpenes and polyphenols composition by GC/MS and HPLC. The antioxidant activity of sage hydrosols was evaluated using Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical inhibition assay and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assay (CUPRAC). Their pesticide potential was assessed using an experimental model in vitro and colorimetric measurement of acetylcholinesterase inhibition kinetics. The results showed that sage hydrosols contained significant amounts of phenolic acids and flavonoids, exhibiting a positive correlation with the antioxidant activity values. At the same time, sage hydrosols were responsible for acetylcholinesterase inhibition in a dosedependent manner. In conclusion, sage hydrosols are natural effective products recommended for pest management solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy Psychology (EP) comprises a set of innovative and powerful techniques that can be used to enhance treatment progress and outcomes for addiction and co-occurring disorders, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This article identifies the limitations of the current addiction treatment paradigm and presents a variety of ways in which one dual diagnosis treatment program for women addresses these limitations with the EP approach. Research on EP and its mechanism of action is presented, along with specific examples of how the tools are used at the treatment facility, case studies, client and therapist feedback, treatment guidelines, and outcome data. Data for 123 clients in the program collected over a 3.5-year period include reductions in mental health symptomology during treatment as follows: depression scores from 79% at intake to 16% at last survey, p < .001; anxiety scores from 73% to 8%, p < .001; trauma symptoms from 76% to 30%, p < .001; suicidality from 53% to 11%, p < .001; binge eating from 33% to 11%, p = .01; and compensatory eating disorder behaviors from 41% to 11%, p = .074. The evidence presented indicates that EP can be a very empowering and effective adjunct to treatment for co-occurring disorders, particularly for emotional self-regulation, cognitive restructuring, and trauma processing. The data and clinical results from Avery Lane are consistent with those derived from meta-analyses, clinical trials, and experiences at other treatment centers. This body of literature demonstrates that EP is a powerful, evidence-based approach that sets the standard for effective addiction treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The by-product resulting from the production of the sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) juice may be a functional food ingredient, being a valuable source of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, minerals, and fatty acids. For checking this hypothesis, two extracts were obtained by two different methods using 50% ethyl alcohol solvent, namely through maceration–recirculation (E-SBM) and through ultrasound extraction (E-SBUS), followed by concentration. Next, sea-buckthorn waste (SB sample), extracts (E-SBM and E-SBUS samples) and the residues obtained from the extractions (R-SBM and R-SBUS samples) were characterized for the total polyphenols, flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, mineral contents, and fatty acids profile. The results show that polyphenols and flavonoids were extracted better by the ultrasound process than the other methods. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the E-SBUS sample was 91% higher (expressed in Trolox equivalents) and approximately 45% higher (expressed in Fe2+ equivalents) than that of the E-SBM sample. Regarding the extraction of minerals, it was found that both concentrated extracts had almost 25% of the RDI value of K and Mg, and also that the content of Zn, Mn, and Fe is significant. Additionally, it was found that the residues (R-SBM and R-SBUS) contain important quantities of Zn, Cu, Mn, Ca, and Fe. The general conclusion is that using the ultrasound extraction method, followed by a process of concentrating the extract, a superior recovery of sea-buckthorn by-product resulting from the juice extraction can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses teaching information evaluation and critical thinking skills in physics classes. A study was conducted by the authors to assess the school training received in selecting information resources. It is stated that the contextual approach is successful in fostering critical thinking and information evaluation in physics. The authors share that focus on literacy skills is growing as shown in the "Report of the Joint APS-AAPT Task Force on Graduate Education in Physics."

An enriched syllabus has been experimentally introduced to undergraduate level students enrolled in a geotechnical engineering course. Two research assignments have been integrated in the course, which require students to find information on a geotechnical engineering topic using both print and electronic resources available at the university library and on the Internet. Aiming to foster the development of technical information literacy and communication skills, the students are required to prepare a report based on a specific set of guidelines, followed by oral presentations of the topics researched. Between the two assignments, a lecture on the subject of identifying and using information resources for geotechnical engineering is included in the syllabus. Preliminary results of the study are presented along with directions for designing and implementing an enriched curriculum for geotechnical engineering courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]