Effects of long-standing exposure to heavy-duty diesel vehicle traffic on respiratory symptoms and airway inflammation in older adults.

In the present study, we evaluated the effects of chronic exposure to traffic from a heavy-duty diesel-fueled vehicle area on respiratory symptoms and airway inflammation in a nonsmoking adult and elderly population. Respiratory symptoms were evaluated by the ISAAC questionnaire (International Study of Asthma and Allergies questionnaire), and airway inflammation was assessed by fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Forty volunteers were selected from the 112 volunteers who completed the ISAAC questionnaire for the measurement of FeNO.

Methanol extract of Nigella sativa seed induces changes in the levels of neurotransmitter amino acids in male rat brain regions.

Context: Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae) (NS) has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Different parts of the plant are used to treat many disorders.

Kaurane diterpenes as mitochondrial alterations preventive agents under experimental oxidative stress conditions.

Context: Foliol, linearol, and sidol are the most common diterpenes found in Sideritis L. spp. (Lamiaceae) with a wide range of demonstrated properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Mitochondrial-targeted protective properties of isolated diterpenoids from sideritis spp. in response to the deleterious changes induced by H2O2.

Mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress are considered widely to be central events in many forms of neurodegenerative disease. The current study has evaluated for the first time the potential protective role of three diterpenoids [andalusol (1), conchitriol (2), and lagascatriol (3)] in response to the deleterious H2O2-induced changes on mitochondrial function. U373-MG human astrocytoma cells and PC12 rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells were used as models for evaluating the cytoprotective potential of these compounds.

Opinions and expectations of women in the treatment of cervical and uterine cancer in Spain.

Aim: To know the experiences, needs and expectations of women in the treatment of cervical and uterine cancer in the Andalusian Health Service.

Methods: Focus groups and in-depth interviews with women being treated for cervical-uterine cancer within the Andalusian Health Service. Analysis with Nudist Vivo 1.

Nigella sativa L. seed extract modulates the neurotransmitter amino acids release in cultured neurons in vitro.

Nigella sativa L. (NS) has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of NS dry methanolic extract on cultured cortical neurons and its influence on neurotransmitter release, as well as the presence of excitatory (glutamate and aspartate) and inhibitory amino acids (gamma-aminobutyric acid-GABA-and glycine) in NS extract.

Neuroprotective and neurochemical properties of mint extracts.

Mints are aromatic plants with a tradition as medicinal remedies and culinary herbs. With the aim of investigating potential central nervous system (CNS) activities of traditional medicinal plants, four species and one hybrid of the genus Mentha (M. aquatica, M.

Neuroprotective and neurological properties of Melissa officinalis.

Melissa officinalis has traditionally been used due to its effects on nervous system. Both methanolic and aqueous extracts were tested for protective effects on the PC12 cell line, free radical scavenging properties and neurological activities (inhibition of MAO-A and acetylcholinesterase enzymes and affinity to the GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor). The results suggest that the plant has a significant (P < 0.