Nanofibrous ε-Polycaprolactone Matrices Containing Nano-Hydroxyapatite and Humulus lupulus L. Extract: Physicochemical and Biological Characterization for Oral Applications.

Oral bone defects occur as a result of trauma, cancer, infections, periodontal diseases, and caries. Autogenic and allogenic grafts are the gold standard used to treat and regenerate damaged or defective bone segments. However, these materials do not possess the antimicrobial properties necessary to inhibit the invasion of the numerous deleterious pathogens present in the oral microbiota. In the present study, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp), and a commercial extract of Humulus lupulus L. (hops) were electrospun into polymeric matrices to assess their potential for drug delivery and bone regeneration. The fabricated matrices were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), FTIR assay, and in vitro hydrolytic degradation. The antimicrobial properties were evaluated against the oral pathogens Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. The cytocompatibility was proved using the MTT assay. SEM analysis established the nanostructured matrices present in the three-dimensional interconnected network. The present research provides new information about the interaction of natural compounds with ceramic and polymeric biomaterials. The hop extract and other natural or synthetic medicinal agents can be effectively loaded into PCL fibers and have the potential to be used in oral applications.

Drug-Eluting, Bioresorbable Cardiovascular Stents─Challenges and Perspectives.

Globally, the leading causes of natural death are attributed to coronary heart disease and type 1 and type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure levels, high cholesterol levels, smoking, and poor eating habits lead to the agglomeration of plaque in the arteries, reducing the blood flow. The implantation of devices used to unclog vessels, known as stents, sometimes results in a lack of irrigation due to the excessive proliferation of endothelial tissue within the blood vessels and is known as restenosis. The use of drug-eluting stents (DESs) to deliver antiproliferative drugs has led to the development of different encapsulation techniques. However, due to the potency of the drugs used in the initial stent designs, a chronic inflammatory reaction of the arterial wall known as thrombosis can cause a myocardial infarction (MI). One of the most promising drugs to reduce this risk is everolimus, which can be encapsulated in lipid systems for controlled release directly into the artery. This review aims to discuss the current status of stent design, fabrication, and functionalization. Variables such as the mechanical properties, metals and their alloys, drug encapsulation and controlled elution, and stent degradation are also addressed. Additionally, this review covers the use of polymeric surface coatings on stents and the recent advances in layer-by-layer coating and drug delivery. The advances in nanoencapsulation techniques such as liposomes and micro- and nanoemulsions and their functionalization in bioresorbable, drug-eluting stents are also highlighted.

The evolution of nutrition intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic / A evolução da intervenção nutricional durante a pandemia de COVID-19

Abstract COVID-19 has challenged health professionals in widely divergent areas, including innovation of practice, communication, multidisciplinary activities, broader use of technology, and adaptability. The role of the dietitian and other health professionals in dealing with the evolving crisis might be considered essential in treating patients. Given the limited access to various food options, nutrition screening and assessment deserves a high priority to complete a comprehensive nutrition evaluation, identify nutrition risks, prioritize care, and provide early nutrition intervention and support to all patients with or who have had, COVID-19 and are experiencing ongoing symptoms. Such an intervention would benefit the patients and the health system by reducing the length of hospital stay, ameliorating further complications, limiting hospital readmission, enhancing recovery, and assisting in the management of comorbidities and their metabolic alterations. This brief overview outlines the essential role of nutrition intervention and support as part of an integrated, multidisciplinary treatment program for the care of COVID-19 patients during the pandemic. Restrictive movements have changed consultative approaches, and the importance of Telenutrition for the effective communication of health status and recommendations.

Resumo A COVID-19 desafiou profissionais de saúde em diversas áreas, incluindo inovação da prática, comunicação, atividades multidisciplinares, uso amplo de tecnologia e adaptabilidade. O papel do nutricionista e de outros profissionais de saúde para lidar com a crise em expansão pode ser considerado essencial no tratamento de pacientes. Devido ao acesso limitado a várias opções de alimentos, a triagem e a avaliação nutricional devem ser priorizadas para a obtenção de uma avaliação nutricional abrangente, a fim de identificar riscos nutricionais, priorizar atendimento e possibilitar a intervenção nutricional precoce e o apoio a todos os pacientes com, ou que tiveram, COVID-19 e apresentem sintomas contínuos. Tal intervenção traria grande benefício aos pacientes e ao sistema de saúde, ao reduzir o tempo de internação, amenizar complicações posteriores, limitar a readmissão hospitalar, potencializar a recuperação e auxiliar no manejo das comorbidades e suas alterações metabólicas. Esta breve descrição elucida o papel essencial da intervenção nutricional e do apoio como parte de um programa de tratamento multidisciplinar para o cuidado de pacientes com COVID-19 durante a pandemia. Movimentos restritivos mudaram as abordagens consultivas e a importância da telenutrição para a comunicação eficaz do estado de saúde e das recomendações.

COVID-19: the impact on oral health care / COVID-19: o impacto na saúde bucal

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the economic, social, and oral care health inequities in societies, especially in the developing world. Severe restrictions have been imposed on dental practices, limiting prophylactic and routine oral care health, allowing treatment only for emergencies. Since dental care includes procedures that generate aerosols, the risk of infection for dental personnel has increased significantly. In this review, a comprehensive and updated source of information about SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and the impacts it is having on oral health care is presented. The ongoing repercussions in dental practice and in dental education, including the opportunities for practice innovation that are evolving, are also indicated. Also, a discussion of the psychosocial factors that affect health and the quality of life of an individual, such as stress, depression, and anxiety, is provided. This pandemic may be an opportunity to promote the inclusion of well-established prevention measures, together with the use of teledentistry in academic dental curricula, encourage the implementation of new perspectives for the effective instruction and interactions with students, and foster the transition toward e-learning strategies in dental education.

Resumo A pandemia COVID-19 destacou as desigualdades econômicas, sociais e de saúde bucal, especialmente no mundo em desenvolvimento. Severas restrições têm sido impostas para a prática odontológica, limitando a rotina de saúde bucal, permitindo o tratamento apenas em emergências. Como o atendimento odontológico inclui procedimentos que geram aerossóis, o risco de infecção para a equipe odontológica aumentou significativamente. Nesta revisão, é abordada uma fonte abrangente e atualizada de informações sobre o SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 e os impactos que têm nos cuidados de saúde bucal. As repercussões contínuas na profissão odontológica e na educação odontológica, incluindo as oportunidades de inovação da prática. Além disso, é fornecido o efeito de fatores psicossociais que afetam a saúde e a qualidade de vida, como estresse, depressão e ansiedade. Esta pandemia pode ser uma oportunidade para promover a inclusão de medidas de prevenção bem estabelecidas, juntamente com o uso da teledontologia nos currículos acadêmicos de odontologia, trazendo novas perspectivas sobre a forma de ensinar e interagir com os alunos, com a transição para estratégias de e-learning na educação odontológica.

COVID-19: the impact on oral health care.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the economic, social, and oral care health inequities in societies, especially in the developing world. Severe restrictions have been imposed on dental practices, limiting prophylactic and routine oral care health, allowing treatment only for emergencies. Since dental care includes procedures that generate aerosols, the risk of infection for dental personnel has increased significantly. In this review, a comprehensive and updated source of information about SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and the impacts it is having on oral health care is presented. The ongoing repercussions in dental practice and in dental education, including the opportunities for practice innovation that are evolving, are also indicated. Also, a discussion of the psychosocial factors that affect health and the quality of life of an individual, such as stress, depression, and anxiety, is provided. This pandemic may be an opportunity to promote the inclusion of well-established prevention measures, together with the use of teledentistry in academic dental curricula, encourage the implementation of new perspectives for the effective instruction and interactions with students, and foster the transition toward e-learning strategies in dental education.

The evolution of nutrition intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 has challenged health professionals in widely divergent areas, including innovation of practice, communication, multidisciplinary activities, broader use of technology, and adaptability. The role of the dietitian and other health professionals in dealing with the evolving crisis might be considered essential in treating patients. Given the limited access to various food options, nutrition screening and assessment deserves a high priority to complete a comprehensive nutrition evaluation, identify nutrition risks, prioritize care, and provide early nutrition intervention and support to all patients with or who have had, COVID-19 and are experiencing ongoing symptoms. Such an intervention would benefit the patients and the health system by reducing the length of hospital stay, ameliorating further complications, limiting hospital readmission, enhancing recovery, and assisting in the management of comorbidities and their metabolic alterations. This brief overview outlines the essential role of nutrition intervention and support as part of an integrated, multidisciplinary treatment program for the care of COVID-19 patients during the pandemic. Restrictive movements have changed consultative approaches, and the importance of Telenutrition for the effective communication of health status and recommendations.

Dental Applications of Carbon Nanotubes.

Glass ionomer cements and resin-based composites are promising materials in restorative dentistry. However, their limited mechanical properties and the risk of bulk/marginal fracture compromise their lifespan. Intensive research has been conducted to understand and develop new materials that can mimic the functional behavior of the oral cavity. Nanotechnological approaches have emerged to treat oral infections and become a part of scaffolds for tissue regeneration. Carbon nanotubes are promising materials to create multifunctional platforms for dental applications. This review provides a comprehensive survey of and information on the status of this state-of-the-art technology and describes the development of glass ionomers reinforced with carbon nanotubes possessing improved mechanical properties. The applications of carbon nanotubes in drug delivery and tissue engineering for healing infections and lesions of the oral cavity are also described. The review concludes with a summary of the current status and presents a vision of future applications of carbon nanotubes in the practice of dentistry.

Constituents and antioxidant activity of two varieties of coconut water (Cocos nucifera L) / Constituintes químicos e atividade antioxidante de duas variedades de água de coco (Cocos nucifera L)

Uma análise dos componentes da água-de-coco (Cocos nucifera L.) de duas variedades da fruta (verde e amarelo) por hidrodestilação e extração com solvente, mostrou a presença de álcoois, cetonas, tióis, ácidos carboxílicos, fenóis, e ésteres. Significativa atividade antioxidante foi observada, usando o método DPPH, para as amostras obtidas por hidrodestilação e extração de éter de petróleo para ambas as variedades do coco.

An analysis of the constituents of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water from two fruit varieties (green and yellow) by hydrodistillation and solvent extraction showed the presence of alcohols, ketones, thiols, carboxylic acids, phenols, and esters. Substantial antioxidant activity was observed, using the DPPH assay, for the samples obtained by hydrodistillation and petroleum ether extraction of both coconut varieties.

Bioreduction of aldehydes and ketones using Manihot species.

Biocatalysis constitutes an important tool in organic synthesis, especially for the preparation of chiral molecules of biological interest. A series of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes and two ketones were reduced using plant cell preparations from Manihot esculenta and Manihot dulcis roots. The reduced products were typically obtained in excellent yields (80-96%), and with excellent enantiomeric excess (94-98%), except for vanillin. Esters, a nitrile, and an amide were also examined, but were not reduced. Preliminary conversion rate studies are reported. This is the first attempt to perform the biotransformation of carbonyl compounds using Manihot species.

Apoptotic anticancer effect of alvaradoin E isolated from Alvaradoa haitiensis.

Two anthracenone C-glycosides, alvaradoins E and F, isolated from the leaves of Alvaradoa haitiensis Urb. (Simaroubaceae), were found to have potent inhibitory activities with cultured cancer cells. Using the in vivo hollow fiber model, these compounds demonstrated significant growth inhibition at the i.p. site when tested with KB, LNCaP, and Col2 cells. To determine if these anthracenone C-glycosides mediated anticancer activity through an apoptotic pathway, a series of assays were performed with the 10S isomeric compound, alvaradoin E. With a DAPI assay, treatment of LNCaP cells with alvaradoin E at concentrations of 0.4, 2, 10, or 50 microM for 24 or 48 h showed chromatin condensation, a morphological characteristic of apoptosis. Mitochondrial membrane potential, analyzed with a DiOC6 uptake assay, showed that treatment of LNCaP cells with 0.07, 0.14, 0.28, 0.56, 0.86, and 1.12 microM alvaradoin E for 12 h caused dose-dependent membrane depolarization, another indication of early apoptosis. Also, with an annexin V-FITC assay system, treatment of HL-60 cells with 0.07 microM alvaradoin E for 24 h increased annexin V-FITC binding from 3 to 25.9% (8.6-fold). Finally, with the TUNEL assay system, treatment of HL-60 cells with 1.12 microM alvaradoin E for 32 h increased FITC-dUTP binding from 1.2 to 12.1% (10-fold). These data suggest alvaradoin E is an effective anticancer agent that induces apoptosis. Additional studies to establish clinical utility should be of interest.

Cytotoxic withaphysalins from the leaves of Acnistus arborescens.

Three withaphysalins, rel-(17S,20R,22R)-5 beta,6 beta:18,20-diepoxy-4 beta-hydroxy-1,18-dioxowitha-2,24-dienolide(withaphysalin M) (1), rel-(17S,20R,22R)-5 beta,6 beta:18,20-diepoxy-4 beta-hydroxy-18-ethoxy-1-oxowitha-2,24-dienolide (withaphysalin F ethyl ether, withaphysalin O) (2), and rel-(17S,20R,22R)-5 beta,6 beta:18,20-diepoxy-4 beta-hydroxy-1,18-dioxowitha-24-enolide (withaphysalin N) (3), were isolated from the leaves of Acnistus arborescens. The structures were deduced from 1D ((1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, DEPT-(13)C NMR) and 2D (COSY, HMQC, HMBC) NMR analysis and the relative stereochemical assignments based on 1D NOESY correlations and analysis of coupling constants. Compounds 1 and 2 displayed potent cytotoxic activity against a panel of human cancer cell lines.

Anthrone and oxanthrone C-glycosides from Picramnia latifolia collected in Peru.

Cytotoxicity-based, bioassay-guided fractionation of the chloroform-soluble extracts of both the roots and leaves of Picramnia latifolia led to the isolation of two new anthrone C-glycosides, picramniosides G (1) and H (2), two new oxanthrone C-glycosides, mayosides D (3) and E (4), and a new benzanthrone natural product, 6,8-dihydroxy-10-methyl-7H-benz[de]anthracen-7-one (5), together with 10 known compounds, 6,8-dihydroxy-4-methyl-7H-benz[de]anthracen-7-one (6), nataloe-emodin (7), chrysophanein, chrysophanol, 1,5-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-3-methylanthraquinone, pulmatin, 7-hydroxycoumarin, 7-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin, beta-sitosterol, and beta-sitosterol glucoside. The structures of 1-5 were established by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, HRMS, and CD data interpretation. The cytotoxic activity of all isolates was evaluated in a small panel of human cancer cell lines. Compound 7 exhibited significant in vitro cytotoxic activity in the tested cell lines, but no significant activity was observed with an in vivo hollow fiber model at doses of 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg/injection.

Diterpenes from Alomia myriadenia (Asteraceae) with cytotoxic and trypanocidal activity.

Further investigation of the aerial parts of Alomia myriadenia revealed an halimane diterpene identified as ent-8S,12S-epoxy-7R,16-dihydroxyhalima-5(10),13-dien-15,16-olide along with the known ent-16-hydroxylabda-7,13-dien-15,16-olide, ent-12R-hydroxylabda-7,13-dien-15,16-olide, 6,7-methylenedioxycoumarin (ayapin), and kaempferol-7-methylether (rhamnocitrin). Evaluated in a panel of human cancer cell lines, the 16-hydroxylabade diterpene was the most active, showing an ED(50) value of 0.3 mug/ml against Lu1 (human lung cancer) cells. Tested in vitro against Trypanosoma cruzi in infected murine blood, this compound caused lysis of 100% of the parasites at 250 mug/ml.

New bioactive coumarins from Kielmeyera albopunctata.

The CH(2)Cl(2) extract of the stem bark of Kielmeyera albopunctata was subjected to a bioassay-linked LC-MS dereplication procedure using the KB cell line to afford the new coumarins 4-(1-methylpropyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-8-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbutyryl)-6-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)chromen-2-one (1), 9-(1-methylpropyl)-4-hydroxy-5-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbutyryl)-2-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-2,3-dihydrofuro[2,3-f]chromen-7-one (2), and 5,7-dihydroxy-8-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbutyryl)-6-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-4-phenylchromen-2-one (3). Coumarins 1 and 3 showed moderate cytotoxicity, while 2 was inactive at 20 microg/mL. Compound 1was active in vitro against the trypomastigote form of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, killing 80% of the parasites after 24 h contact at 4 degrees C when added at 125 microg/mL to infected murine blood.

Reversal of multidrug resistance by tropane alkaloids from the stems of Erythroxylum rotundifolium.

Six tropane alkaloid esters were isolated from the stems of Erythroxylum rotundifolium. The structures of three new tropane esters, 7beta-hydroxy-6beta-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyloxy)-3alpha-(E)-(3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamoyloxy)tropane (1), 6beta-benzoyloxy-3alpha-(Z)-(3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamoyloxy)tropane (2), and (-)-6beta-benzoyloxy-3alpha-hydroxytropane (3), were established by spectroscopic techniques. When alkaloids 1-6 were evaluated against a panel of human cancer cell lines, the new compound 6beta-benzoyloxy-3alpha-(Z)-(3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamoyloxy)tropane (2) and three known compounds, 6beta-benzoyloxy-3alpha-(3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamoyloxy)tropane (4), 6beta-benzoyloxy-3alpha-(E)-(3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamoyloxy)tropane-7beta-ol (5), and 7beta-acetoxy-6beta-benzoyloxy-3alpha-(E)-(3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamoyloxy)tropane (6), demonstrated greatest activity with multidrug-resistant oral epidermoid carcinoma (KB-V1) cells incubated in the presence of vinblastine. Thus, tropane esters of this type can reverse the multidrug-resistance phenotype, presumably by interacting with P-glycoprotein.

Cytotoxic withanolides from Acnistus arborescens.

Three cytotoxic withanolides, two with new structures, were isolated from the leaves of Acnistus arborescens and their structures determined by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR, mass spectral, and molecular modeling studies. Dereplication analysis of the ethyl ether extract was useful for evaluating the components showing significant cytotoxic activity.