Antifungal activity of terpenes isolated from the Brazilian Caatinga: a review.

Terpenoids, also named terpenes or isoprenoids, are a family of natural products found in all living organisms. Many plants produce terpenoids as secondary metabolites, and these make up a large part of essential oils. One of most important characteristic is that the compounds are volatile, have odor and can be used in a variety of applications in different industrial segments and traditional medicine. Brazil has a rich and diverse flora that can be used as a source of research for obtaining new molecules. Within the Brazilian flora, it is worth mentioning the Caatinga as an exclusively Brazilian biome where plants adapt to a specific series of weather conditions and therefore become a great storehouse of the terpenoid compounds to be described herein. Fungal infections have become increasingly common, and a great demand for new agents with low toxicity and side effects has thus emerged. Scientists must search for new molecules exhibiting antifungal activity to develop new drugs. This review aims to analyze scientific data from the principal published studies describing the use of terpenes and their biological applications as antifungals.

Theoretical study on the decomposition mechanism of bisphenol A polycarbonate induced by the combined effect of humidity and UV irradiation.

Polycarbonate (PC) is a good material for covering and protecting cultural heritage sites because of its durability, mechanical properties, and transparency. When bisphenol A polycarbonate is subjected to weathering conditions this polymer shows several degradation processes depending on the irradiation wavelength, humidity and temperature. In particular, the combined effects of humidity and UV irradiation speed up the PC molecular weight reduction. In this work, the decomposition mechanisms associated to the hydrolysis process are scrutinized and the effects of UV irradiation on the hydrolysis process are evaluated throughout the Density Functional Theory (DFT) approach. It was found that under UV irradiation the hydrolysis process is speeded up because of the geometrical rearrangement due to the photo-Fries process induced by the UV light.

Oxylipin profiling in endothelial cells in vitro - Effects of DHA and hydrocortisone upon an inflammatory challenge.

Omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids have been shown to have beneficial effects on several inflammatory-driven endpoints such as cardiovascular diseases. The anti-inflammatory effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are largely mediated through various oxylipins. Yet, mechanistic insights are limited. Here, we measured 53 oxylipins using LC-MS/MS in an in vitro model of endothelial cell inflammation, and compared the changes induced by DHA to hydrocortisone, a well-established anti-inflammatory drug. DHA modified several oxylipins derived from different precursors such as DHA, AA, LA and EPA. In response to a TNFα and IL-1-ß challenge, DHA clearly reduced many COX-derived pro-inflammatory oxylipins, yet to a minor extent when compared to hydrocortisone. DHA also upregulated metabolites from the CYP and LOX pathways as opposed to hydrocortisone. Thus, DHA reduced pro-inflammation and enhanced pro-resolution, while hydrocortisone blunted both the pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways. Our results may fuel further research on the mitigation of corticosteroids adverse side-effects.

Psoriasis linear y liquen estriado: una asociación rara entre dos dermatosis lineares / Linear psoriasis and lichen striatus: a rare association between two linear dermatoses

Resumen: La psoriasis linear y el liquen estriado son dos dermatosis de distribución linear por su localización sobre las líneas de Blaschko. Aunque estas dos enfermedades comparten algunas características, su asociación no es común y su diagnóstico en algunas ocasiones puede ser un reto. Presentamos el caso de una paciente pediátrica que desarrolló las dos patologías, con adecuada respuesta al tratamiento con corticoides tópicos.

Abstract: Linear Psoriasis and Lichen Striatus are known as linear dermatoses for their distribution along the Blaschko lines. Although they share some characteristics, their association is not common and accurate diagnosis can sometimes be a challenge. We present the case of a girl who develops two linear dermatoses, with adequate response to topical corticosteroids.

Tongue pressure measurement in children with mouth-breathing behaviour.

The tongue plays an important role in oral functions. Reduced tongue strength is often noted among children with mouth-breathing behaviour. The purposes of this study were to measure the tongue pressure in children with mouth-breathing behaviour, to compare these values to those of children with nasal-breathing behaviour and to analyse the relationship between age and tongue pressure in children with a mouth-breathing pattern and in children with a nasal-breathing pattern. In this cross-sectional analytical observational study, we enroled 40 children aged 5-12 years who either exhibited mouth-breathing behaviour (n = 20) or nasal-breathing behaviour (gender- and age-matched [±2 years] controls; n = 20). Tongue pressure was evaluated using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument; 3 measurements were recorded for each participant, with a 30-seconds rest interval. The average tongue pressure in the mouth-breathing group was lower than that in the nasal-breathing group. There was no difference in tongue pressure between genders. There was a strong and direct correlation between tongue pressure and age in the nasal-breathing group. The breathing pattern impacts tongue pressure development.

Tratamiento con electrocirugía del rinofima moderado-grave / Electrosurgery for the Treatment of Moderate or Severe Rhinophyma

El rinofima se considera el estado final de la rosácea, siendo una condición desfigurante progresiva y poco común. Existen diferentes alternativas quirúrgicas como la dermoabrasión, la criocirugía, la escisión con escalpelo, la electrocirugía y el láser CO2. Estas 2 últimas técnicas son las más efectivas en el manejo del rinofima. Se describe una serie de casos de pacientes con rinofima moderado-grave que recibieron manejo con electrocirugía de alta frecuencia en el Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Simón Bolívar y práctica privada entre 2012 y 2016. Todos los pacientes mostraron respuesta estética satisfactoria basada en el criterio médico y la percepción del paciente. Tres pacientes presentaron cicatrices hipertróficas manejadas con infiltraciones y bandas de silicona. Dos pacientes presentaron eritema persistente. Ningún caso requirió un segundo tiempo quirúrgico, ni infección grave. La electrocirugía es una de las técnicas vigentes más coste-efectivas y de fácil realización por el dermatólogo para el tratamiento del rinofima

Rhinophyma, a rare and progressive disfiguring condition, is thought to be the final stage of rosacea. Several surgical treatments are available, including dermabrasion, cryosurgery, scalpel excision, electrosurgery, and carbon dioxide laser. The last 2 techniques are the most effective for the management of rhinophyma. We describe a series of cases of moderate or severe rhinophyma treated with high-frequency electrosurgery in the dermatology department of Hospital Simón Bolivar and in private clinics in Bogota, Colombia, between 2012 and 2016. The cosmetic result, as assessed by both the clinicians and the patients, was satisfactory in all cases. Three patients presented hypertrophic scars that were treated with steroid injections and silicone gel sheeting. Two patients presented persistent erythema. However, there were no serious infections and none of the patients required further surgery. Electrosurgery is one of the simplest and most cost-effective techniques currently available for the treatment of rhinophyma by dermatologists

Craniomaxillofacial morphology alterations in children, adolescents and adults with neurofibromatosis 1: A cone beam computed tomography analysis of a Brazilian sample.

BACKGROUND: Oral manifestations are common in neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), and include jaws and teeth alterations. Our aim was to investigate the craniomaxillofacial morphology of Brazilian children, adolescents and adults with NF1 using cone beam computed tomography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was conducted with 36 Brazilian individuals with NF1 with ages ranging from 4 to 75. The participants were submitted to anamnesis, extra and intraoral exam and cephalometric analysis using cone beam computed tomography. Height of the NF1 individuals was compared to the length of jaws and skull base. The results of the cephalometric measurements of the NF1 group were compared with a control group paired by age, gender and skin color. RESULTS: Individuals with NF1 had lower maxillary length (p<0.0001), lower mandibular length (p<0.0001), lower skull base length (p<0.0001). In children and adolescents, the mandible was more posteriorly positioned (p=0.01), when compared with the control group. There was no association between jaws and skull base length with the height of the individuals with NF1. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian children, adolescents and adults with NF1 have short mandible, maxilla and skull base. Moreover, children and adolescents present mandibular retrusion.

Electrosurgery for the Treatment of Moderate or Severe Rhinophyma. / Tratamiento con electrocirugía del rinofima moderado-grave.

Rhinophyma, a rare and progressive disfiguring condition, is thought to be the final stage of rosacea. Several surgical treatments are available, including dermabrasion, cryosurgery, scalpel excision, electrosurgery, and carbon dioxide laser. The last 2 techniques are the most effective for the management of rhinophyma. We describe a series of cases of moderate or severe rhinophyma treated with high-frequency electrosurgery in the dermatology department of Hospital Simón Bolivar and in private clinics in Bogota, Colombia, between 2012 and 2016. The cosmetic result, as assessed by both the clinicians and the patients, was satisfactory in all cases. Three patients presented hypertrophic scars that were treated with steroid injections and silicone gel sheeting. Two patients presented persistent erythema. However, there were no serious infections and none of the patients required further surgery. Electrosurgery is one of the simplest and most cost-effective techniques currently available for the treatment of rhinophyma by dermatologists.

Platelet rich fibrin in the management of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a clinical and histopathological evaluation.

Bisphosphonates are antiresorptive pharmacological agents used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Recently, osteonecrosis of the jaw has been recognized as a potential side effect in patients on long-term bisphosphonate therapy. This condition, popularly called bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), has been rechristened as MRONJ (medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw) to accommodate the increasing number of cases of osteonecrosis of jaws associated with various other antiresorptive and antigiogenic pharmacological therapies. The aim of the present study was to assess the outcome of using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) for the treatment of MRONJ in a single study group. Twenty-three consecutive patients (15 females and 8 males; aged 52-73 years) with MRONJ were enrolled in this study. These patients presented a history of bisphosphonate medication of varying duration, presence of exposed bone in the maxillofacial region for more than eight weeks, and no history of radiation therapy to the jaws. These patients were managed by surgical curettage and application of platelet rich fibrin (PRF). The outcomes were assessed using clinical and histopathological methods. On the basis of the present findings, we can conclude that PRF can act as an effective barrier membrane between the alveolar bone and the oral cavity and may offer a fast, easy and effective alternative method for the closure of bone exposure in MRONJ patients.

An innovative protocol for schwann cells extracellular matrix proteins extraction.

The evidence that extracellular matrix (ECM) components could represent new targets for drugs designed to approach degenerative disease, requires their analysis. Before the analysis, proteins should be extracted from ECM and solubilized. Currently, few protocols for ECM proteins extraction and solubilization are available in literature, and most of them are based mainly on the use of proteolytic enzymes, such as trypsin, which often lead to proteins damage. Moreover, no methods have been so far proposed to solubilize Schwann Cell ECM, which may represent an important target for the therapy of neurodegenerative disorders. In our study, we propose to solubilize SC ECM through the use of surfactants and urea. We compared our method of solubilization, with one of that proposed in literature for a general ECM, mainly based on the use of enzymes. We want to highlight the benefit of solubilizing SC ECM, avoiding the use of proteolytic enzymes. To compare the amount of proteins extracted with both methods, MicroBCA assay was used, while the quality of the proteins extracted was observed through the SDS-PAGE. The results obtained confirm a better solubilization of SC ECM proteins with the proposed protocol, both quantitatively and qualitatively, showing a higher concentration of proteins extracted and a better enrichment of protein fractions, if compared to the enzyme-based protocol. Our results show that SC ECM could be efficiently solubilized through the use of surfactant and urea, avoiding the use of enzyme-base methods. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 3175-3180, 2016.

Early ovarian follicular development in prepubertal Wistar rats acutely exposed to androgens.

Androgens may directly modulate early ovarian follicular development in preantral stages and androgen excess before puberty may disrupt this physiological process. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of follicular morphology and circulating androgen and estradiol levels in prepubertal Wistar rats acutely exposed to androgens. Prepubertal female Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: control, equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) intervention and eCG plus dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) intervention (eCG+DHEA). Serum DHEA, testosterone and estradiol levels were determined, and ovarian morphology and morphometry were assessed. The eCG+DHEA group presented increased serum estradiol and testosterone levels as compared with the control group (P<0.01), and higher serum DHEA concentration v. the eCG-only and control groups (P<0.01). In addition, the eCG+DHEA group had a higher number of, and larger-sized, primary and secondary follicles as compared with the control group (P<0.05). The eCG group presented intermediate values for number and size of primary and secondary follicles, without significant differences as compared with the other two groups. The number of antral follicles was higher in the eCG+DHEA and eCG groups v. controls (P<0.05). The number of primordial, atretic and cystic follicles were similar in all groups. In conclusion, the present experimental model using an acute eCG+DHEA intervention was useful to investigate events involved in initial follicular development under hyperandrogenic conditions, and could provide a reliable tool to study defective follicular development with possible deleterious reproductive consequences later in life.

Adolescence and polycystic ovary syndrome: current concepts on diagnosis and treatment.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a time characterised by changes in reproductive hormones and menstrual patterns, which makes it difficult to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in this population. The diagnosis of PCOS has a great physical and psychosocial impact on the young person. Despite the importance of a diagnosis of PCOS at adolescence, data available are limited. AIMS: This review focuses on analysing markers of PCOS diagnosis and possible treatments in adolescence. RESULTS: Although, during adolescence, diagnosis criteria of PCOS overlap with physiological changes including clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism (acne and hirsutism), oligo/amenorrhoea, anovulation and ovarian microcysts, there is agreement that irregular menses and hyperandrogenaemia should be used to diagnose PCOS in this population. Moreover, considering that PCOS phenotype could change through the reproductive age and that adolescents display heterogeneous ovarian morphology, it has been proposed that diagnosis of PCOS should be confirmed after the age of 18. The first-line treatment for menstrual irregularity and hirsutism are oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) and for obesity and metabolic abnormalities are lifestyle changes. Insulin-sensitizer drugs, such as metformin, may be added to the treatment in the presence of metabolic alterations. Antiandrogen drugs may also be associated for treating moderate to severe hirsutism. During adolescence, physiological changes overlap with signs and symptoms of PCOS; thus the diagnosis criteria should be carefully considered. Regarding the treatment of adolescents with PCOS, non-pharmacological interventions include lifestyle changes. Pharmacological treatments comprise OCPs, antiandrogens and metformin, used isolated or combined. CONCLUSIONS: During adolescence, physiological changes overlap with signs and symptoms of PCOS; thus the diagnosis criteria should be carefully considered. Regarding the treatment of adolescents with PCOS, non-pharmacological interventions include lifestyle changes. Pharmacological treatments comprise OCPs, antiandrogens and metformin, used isolated or combined.

Influence of scaffold properties on the inter-relationship between human bone marrow derived stromal cells and endothelial cells in pro-osteogenic conditions.

One of the significant challenges in bone tissue engineering is the integration of biomaterials designed to facilitate and stimulate mineralization with a simultaneously rapid rate of angiogenesis and vascularization of the tissue construct, a challenge complicated by our lack of knowledge of the interactions among key cell types and scaffold properties. This study compared functional activity of human bone marrow-derived stromal cells (hMSC) seeded onto a porous salt-leached poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) scaffolds, with and without the incorporation of silk fibroin fibers and then further investigated their co-culture with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cell viability, proliferation, and alkaline phosphatase activity were measured for a range of time points in culture, with osteogenic and angiogenic marker immunolocalization and gene expression at selected stages. Our findings suggest that, despite similar porosity and pore size distribution exhibited by the PDLLA and PDLLA plus silk fibroin scaffolds, there were marked differences in cell distribution and function. In the absence of fibers, a highly osteogenic response was observed in hMSCs in the scaffolds co-cultured with endothelial cells, greater than that observed with hMSCs alone or in either of the scaffolds with fibers added. However, fiber presence clearly better supported endothelial cell cultures, as determined by greater levels of endothelial marker expression at both the gene and protein level after 3 weeks of culture. The design of composite scaffolds integrating beneficial components of differing structures and materials to facilitate appropriate biological responses appears a promising yet challenging avenue of research. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A significant challenge in bone tissue engineering is to promote a rapid vascularization of the tissue construct in parallel to the extracellular matrix mineralization. The design of composite scaffolds integrating beneficial components of differing structures and materials to facilitate appropriate biological responses appears a promising yet challenging avenue of research. Here we investigated cultures of hMSCs and HUVECs on a silk fibroin enhanced PDLLA scaffold, showing that the final output of this in vitro system is not the linear sum of the effects of the single variables. These results are of interest as they demonstrate how the addition of endothelial cells can affect hMSC phenotype and that the output can be further modulated by the introduction of silk fibroin fibers.

Novel strategies in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy affecting reproductive-aged women. PCOS has been recognized as a syndrome combining reproductive and metabolic abnormalities with lifelong health implications. Cardiometabolic alterations require regular screening and effective and targeted lifestyle advice to lose weight as well as to prevent weight gain. Pharmacological therapy includes insulin-sensitizer drugs and agents that act directly on metabolic comorbidities, such as statins and antiobesity drugs. Bariatric surgery may be an option for severely obese women with PCOS Regarding reproductive aspects, ovulation induction with antiestrogens such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole is the first-line medical treatment. Exogenous gonadotropins and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are recommended as second-line treatment for anovulatory infertility. Laparoscopic ovarian diathermy may be used in special cases and metformin is no longer recommended for ovulation induction. Combined oral contraceptives (OCs) are the first-line treatment for the management of menstrual irregularities in women not seeking pregnancy, also providing endometrial protection and contraception. Progestin-only pills or cyclical progestins are recommended for those with contraindications to OCs. Metformin is also considered a second-line choice for improving menstrual cycles in women presenting insulin-resistance and dysglicemia. Hirsutism requires cosmetic procedures and medical treatment with OCs. More severe cases may need anti-androgen drugs added to the OCs. In conclusion, strategies regarding the management of reproductive issues in PCOS encompass a tailored approach to individual needs of each patient.