On the structural and mechanical properties of mixed coconut and olive oil oleogels and bigels

The interaction of monoglycerides and phytosterols in olive- and coconut oil on the structuring of oleogels was analyzed. Specifically, bigels with gelatin hydrogel in different ratios (40:60 and 60:40 w/w) were formed. The physicochemical and microstructural attributes of these systems were assessed. The olive oil to coconut oil ratio (0-100 w/w) and the added oleogelators affected the crystal structure and the mechanical properties of the oleogels. Polarized light microscopy revealed that the addition of coconut oil created a denser triglycerides crystal network and the presence of phytosterols created more needle-like crystals, enhancing the textural properties of the oleogels and of the resulting bigels. The hardness of the oleogels ranged from 0.50 N to 1.24 N and for bigels was 5.96-36.75 N. Bigels hardness decreased as the oleogel ratio in the bigel increased. Microscopy and FTIR revealed that the addition of coconut oil in oleogels hampered the formation of a distinct crystalline monoglycerides network. Also, the absence of new peaks in the bigels indicated that the two structured phases interact with each other mostly physically, without the formation of new chemical bonds. Consequently, the oleogels and bigels developed, comprise a promising hard fat substitute with improved nutritional profile.

Is apremilast for psoriasis as effective and safe as reported in clinical trials? Five-year experience from a Greek tertiary hospital: long-term real-life efficacy and safety of apremilast in Greece

Apremilast has been approved as an effective and safe treatment for psoriasis, but clinical trial results may differ from real-life data. This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of apremilast in a Greek cohort of adult patients with psoriasis who had received at least one dose of apremilast between March 2016 and January 2021. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients who achieved 75% reduction in Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI75) at Week 16. Absolute PASI, PASI90 (90% reduction) and adverse events were also recorded at various timepoints. In total, 102 patients (29.4% women, 70.6% men) with a mean ± SD age 55.94 ± 15.21 years were included. PASI75 and PASI90 were achieved by 20.8% and 1.98% of patients, respectively, at Week 16. According to our results, PASI90 achievement was significantly lower than that reported in clinical trials. The efficacy of apremilast increased gradually until Week 24, with further improvement noted in good responders up to Week 52.

[Evaluation of day hospital care. Improvement factors and chronicity factors]

From a long term study, the authors analyse the becoming of a 337 psychiatric patients cohort, treated in a day hospital. They examine particularly the correlations between the results (individual and institutional), the primary therapeutic objective and the means employed to reach it. The factor analysis of correspondence (Benzecri's method) permitted them to point out and classify some groups related to the therapeutic projects and their destiny. The relation between the length of stay (cost indicator), the means employed (mean indicator) and the results obtained (result indicator), requires a very thorough analysis to evaluate the possible determinants of health economy studies.

[Instrumental analysis of day hospitals]

The authors, taking the opportunity of an epidemiological study, submit the results of 12 day hospitals functioning, having a similar administrative structure, receiving an homogeneous train of clients but distributed on different points of the national territory and having a different functional organization. They draw conclusions from it, on the day hospital definition, the interest of defining scientific evaluation systems, for a better assessment of the therapeutic functioning, the place and importance of this type of medical service for the evolution of actions in the field of mental health.