Endodontic irrigants from a comprehensive perspective.

This review article explores the fundamental principles of modern endodontics with a focus on root canal cleaning and shaping. It reviews commonly used endodontic irrigant, namely sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), herbal extracts, chlorhexidine (CHX), and chelating agents, highlighting their properties, applications, and potential drawbacks. NaOCl, a key antimicrobial agent, demonstrates effectiveness against various microorganisms but poses challenges such as high cytotoxicity. Herbal extracts, gaining recognition in endodontics, present an alternative with potential advantages in preserving dentin integrity. CHX, known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, is discussed in both liquid and gel formulations, emphasizing its role in reducing smear layer formation and preserving hybrid layer durability. Chelating agents, specifically ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and citric acid, play a vital role in removing the smear layer, enhancing dentin permeability, and facilitating the penetration of antimicrobial agents. The review article underscores the importance of careful application and consideration of each irrigant's properties to ensure safe and effective endodontic procedures. It serves as a valuable guide for clinicians in selecting appropriate irrigants based on specific treatment requirements.

A Comparative Analysis of the Venom System between Two Morphotypes of the Sea Anemone Actinia equina.

The current study investigates the venom-delivery system of green and red morphotypes of the sea anemone Actinia equina to disclose its potential as a source of bioactive compounds. We compared the two morphotypes using electron and optical microscopy, proteomics, and toxicity assessment on zebrafish embryos. Specialized venom-injecting cells (nematocysts) are equally distributed and found in the tentacles of both varieties. Proteomics revealed proteins of interest in both red and green Actinia, yielding the three most abundant Gene Ontology (GO) terms related to the biological processes "proteolysis", "hemolysis in another organism" and "lipid catabolic process". Neurotoxins and cytolytic toxins similar to known cnidarian toxins like PsTX-60A and AvTX-60A, for instance, were identified in both types. Extracts from green and red anemones were toxic to zebrafish embryos, with green anemone venom appearing to be more potent. The findings highlight the presence of proteinaceous toxins in A. equina and the potential for different varieties to possess distinct bioactive compounds. Notably, pore-forming toxins are suggested for molecular probes and immunotoxins, making them valuable assets for potential biotechnological and biomedical purposes.

Correlation between Tooth Position Parameters and Apical Fenestration: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between apical fenestration-a defect in the alveolar bone involving the root apex-and tooth position in all tooth groups, excluding the third molars, utilizing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. A total of 800 CBCT scans (400 maxillary and 400 mandibular) from patients undergoing various treatments were examined by a single professional (radiologist and endodontist). Statistical analyses, including the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, were conducted using R software 2.7.3 (R Foundation, Vienna, Austria). Results indicated a significant association (p ≤ 0.05) between apical fenestration and tooth position. In the upper teeth, apical fenestrations were notably present in the mesio-buccal (17.17%) and disto-buccal (11.07%) roots of the first molars. Conversely, apical fenestrations in the lower teeth were relatively less frequent. The study revealed a negative correlation between apical fenestration and mesial inclination, rotation, and extrusion in the upper teeth. However, a positive correlation was observed between apical fenestration and lingual inclination in the upper teeth. In conclusion, this study illuminates the distribution of apical fenestration and its correlation with tooth positions, offering insights into factors influencing this defect in dental anatomy. The findings enhance our understanding of nuanced relationships between tooth position and apical fenestration in the upper and lower dental arches.

Treatment of moderate-to-severe alopecia areata in patients over the age of 65†years with baricitinib.

Baricitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor that has been approved by the US Food and Drugs Administration for the treatment of severe alopecia areata (AA) in adults. However, the clinical trials that demonstrated the efficacy of baricitinib in the treatment of severe AA did not include men aged > 60 years or women aged > 70 years. We retrospectively assessed the efficacy and safety of baricitinib in 14 patients aged ≥ 65 years with moderate-to-severe AA. After a mean (SD) duration of 18.5 (11.9) months, a 72% reduction in mean Severity of Alopecia Tool score from baseline was observed. Partial or complete eyebrow and eyelash hair was observed in 57% and 43% of patients, respectively. The adverse effects of baricitinib were mild. No cases of venous thromboembolism, major adverse cardiovascular events or malignancy were reported.

Bacterial microbiota shifts in vacuum-packed beef during storage at different temperatures: Impacts on blown pack spoilage.

We aimed to evaluate the bacterial growth and diversity in vacuum-packed beef bags stored at different temperatures and to monitor blown-pack spoilage. We used culture-based methods and high-throughput sequencing to study the development of the main bacterial groups naturally present in beef stored at 4 and 15 °C for 28 days. The growth of sulfite-reducing clostridium (SRC) was impaired in beef bags stored at 4 °C; significant differences among SRC counts were observed in beef bags stored at 4 and 15 °C on days 14, 21, and 28 (P = 0.001). Blown pack was observed in most beef bags stored at 15 °C, from day 14 to day 28, but not in beef bags stored at 4 °C. A storage temperature of 4 °C was able to maintain a stable bacterial microbiota (most prevalent: Photobacterium, Hafnia-Obesumbacterium, and Lactococcus). Remarkable changes in microbial abundance occurred at 15 °C from day 14 to day 28, with a predominance of strict anaerobes (Bacteroides) and the presence of Clostridium spp. The relative frequencies of strict anaerobes and Clostridium were statistically higher in the beef bags stored at 15 °C (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). The temperature influenced the microbial counts and relative abundance of spoilage bacteria, leading to blown pack spoilage.

Principais motivos de descarte de córneas para transplante na Paraíba: por que o anti-HBc merece atenção?* / Main reasons for discarding corneas for transplant in Paraíba: why does anti-HBc deserve attention?*

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar o perfil dos doadores de tecidos oculares humanos na área de atuação do Banco de Olhos da Paraíba, destacando o impacto da sorologia positiva para hepatite B no descarte dos tecidos para transplante. Métodos: O estudo é transversal e utilizou dados do Banco de Olhos da Paraíba entre janeiro de 2013 e dezembro de 2022. Dados sobre procedência, idade, sexo, causa do óbito, tempo entre óbito e enucleação, resultados sorológicos e motivo de descarte das córneas dos doadores foram coletados. Resultados: O maior motivo de descarte foi por sorologia positiva (56,5%), sendo positivadas as sorologias positivas para hepatite B e HBsAg em 11,1% e 4,75% dos pacientes, respectivamente. Conclusão: A sorologia positiva para hepatite B como um critério de descarte absoluto é responsável por grande parcela de descartes, apesar da pouca informação sobre suas repercussões e representação de infectividade nos receptores do transplante.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the profile of human ocular tissue donors in the area covered by the Eye Bank of Paraíba (PB), highlighting the impact of positive serology for hepatitis B (anti-HBc) in the disposal of tissues for transplantation. Methods: This is a cross-sectional that uses data from the Eye Bank of Paraíba (PB) between January 2013 and December 2022. Data on origin, age, sex, cause of death, time between death and enucleation, serological results, and reason for discarded donor corneas were collected. Results: The main reason for discarding was due to positive serology (56.5%), with positive anti-HBc and HBsAg serology in 11.1% and 4.75% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: Anti-HBc positive serology as an absolute disposal criterion is responsible for great part of disposals, despite little information about its repercussions and representation of infectivity in transplant recipients.

Antiparasitic properties of 4-nerolidylcatechol from Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq. (Piperaceae) in vitro and in mice models with either prepatent or patent Schistosoma mansoni infections.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Roots of Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq. are used in traditional medicine of Africa and South America for the treatment of malaria and helminthiasis. However, neither P. umbellata nor its isolated compounds have been evaluated against Schistosoma species. AIMS OF THIS STUDY: To investigate the antischistosomal effects of P. umbellata root extracts and the isolated compound 4-nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) against Schistosoma mansoni ex vivo and in murine models of schistosomiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The crude hydroalcoholic (PuE) and hexane (PuH) extracts of P. umbellata roots were prepared and initially submitted to an ex vivo phenotypic screening against adult S. mansoni. PuH was analyzed by HPLC-DAD, characterized by UHPLC-HRMS/MS, and submitted to chromatographic fractionation, leading to the isolation of 4-NC. The anthelmintic properties of 4-NC were assayed ex vivo against adult schistosomes and in murine models of schistosomiasis for both patent and prepatent S. mansoni infections. Praziquantel (PZQ) was used as a reference compound. RESULTS: PuE (EC50: 18.7 µg/mL) and PuH (EC50: 9.2 µg/mL) kill adult schistosomes ex vivo. The UHPLC-HRMS/MS analysis of PuH, the most active extract, revealed the presence of 4-NC, peltatol A, and peltatol B or C. After isolation from PuH, 4-NC presented remarkable in vitro schistosomicidal activity with EC50 of 2.9 µM (0.91 µg/mL) and a selectivity index higher than 68 against Vero mammalian cells, without affecting viability of nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In patent S. mansoni infection, the oral treatment with 4-NC decreased worm burden and egg production in 52.1% and 52.3%, respectively, also reducing splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. 4-NC, unlike PZQ, showed in vivo efficacy against juvenile S. mansoni, decreasing worm burden in 52.4%. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that P. umbellata roots possess antischistosomal activity, giving support for the medicinal use of this plant against parasites. 4-NC was identified from P. umbellata roots as one of the effective in vitro and in vivo antischistosomal compound and as a potential lead for the development of novel anthelmintics.

Analysis of two sampling treatments of beef for microbiome studies based on metataxonomic.

Microbial enumeration by serial dilution is one of the best resources to estimate cellular density for microbiological analysis. However, for metataxonomic analysis, it is not clear if serially diluted samples may accurately be used for metataxonomic analysis to represent species composition in beef samples. In this study, the effect of sampling preparation of beef samples on the bacterial composition was evaluated by the comparison of dilution and exudate. Based on the obtained results, data obtained from the exudate of the samples were more robust in terms of number of generated reads, but no significant differences in terms of biological diversity were observed (P < .05, Wicoxon Test). Besides, both sample preparation procedures evidenced equivalent results of bacterial composition as well as its relative abundances. In conclusion, the use of exudate allows bacterial enumeration and metataxonomic analysis, which is interesting for the point of view of food microbiologists as cellular loads and microbial composition of culturable and unculturable bacteria could be compared.

Antifungal Action of Herbal Plants' Glycolic Extracts against Candida Species.

Candida spp. cause fungal infection that affects patients' oral health. This study aimed to evaluate the isolated and synergistic antifungal effect of Rosa centifolia L., Curcuma longa L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., and Punica granatum L. glycolic extracts against Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei planktonic and biofilm forms. The plant extracts were chemically characterized and the main compounds were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) analysis. The minimum inhibitory and minimum fungicidal concentrations of the extracts were determined, and antibiofilm activity was evaluated by MTT assay. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests, and by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests, considering a significance level of 5%. The main compounds identified in each of the extracts were: p-coumaric acid (2153.22 µg/100 mL) in the rosemary extract, gallotannins (4318.31 µg/100 mL) in the pomegranate extract, quercetin derivatives (3316.50 µg/100 mL) in the extract of white roses, and curcumin (135.09 µg/100 mL) in the turmeric extract. The combination of R. centifolia and C. longa glycolic extracts was effective against C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, and C. tropicalis biofilms over different periods (p < 0.05). The combination of R. officinalis and P. granatum glycolic extracts was effective against C. albicans and C. krusei biofilms after 30 min, and against C. tropicalis after 24 h, with all combinations showing an average reduction of 50% in cell viability (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the combined plant extracts have antifungal and antibiofilm action against Candida spp. in different concentrations and times of action.

Envelhecimento e vulnerabilidade: perspectivas das pessoas idosas LGBTQIA+ / Aging and vulnerability: perspectives of LGBTQIA+ elderly persons

RESUMO Objetivo compreender a percepção da pessoa idosa LGBTQIA+ sobre vulnerabilidade social e programática. Métodos estudo qualitativo desenvolvido com dez idosos. A coleta se deu por meio de entrevista subsidiada por um instrumento semiestruturado. Foram incluídos idosos de ambos os sexos ou não binários atendidos em um centro de referência. Adotou-se a análise de conteúdo por meio da modalidade temática para sistematização dos dados. Resultados o envelhecimento humano suscitou discussões acerca das necessidades específicas, como sexualidade. Tratados como tabus, indivíduos idosos que pertenciam a grupos de minorias sexuais sofriam dupla invisibilidade, sobretudo nos serviços de saúde. Ademais, a falta de apoio social e familiar resultou em sofrimento psíquico e vulnerabilidade social. Conclusão por meio dos relatos, é possível identificar lacunas importantes na assistência à pessoa idosa LGBTQIA+, como dificuldade de acesso e práticas de saúde genéricas, que não consideram as particularidades dessa população, além de discriminação e ausência de espaços de convivência. Contribuições para a prática: o envelhecimento populacional suscita discussões acerca da adequação dos serviços de saúde diante das demandas específicas da pessoa idosa, sobretudo no que concerne a sexualidade e às minorias sexuais e de gênero.

ABSTRACT Objective to understand the perception of the LGBTQIA+ elderly person about social and programmatic vulnerability. Methods qualitative study developed with ten elderly persons. The collection was done through an interview supported by a semi-structured instrument. Elderly people of both sexes and non-binary assisted in a reference center were included. We adopted content analysis through the thematic modality for data systematization. Results human aging raised discussions about specific needs, such as sexuality. Treated as taboos, elderly individuals who belonged to sexual minority groups suffered double invisibility, especially in health services. Furthermore, the lack of social and family support resulted in psychological suffering and social vulnerability. Conclusion through the reports, it is possible to identify important gaps in the assistance to the LGBTQIA+ elderly person, such as difficulty of access and generic health practices, which do not consider the particularities of this population, as well as discrimination and lack of spaces for coexistence. Contributions to practice: population aging raises discussions about the adequacy of health services in the face of the specific demands of the elderly, especially regarding sexuality and sexual and gender minorities.

Endodontia e plantas medicinais: uma revisão integrativa / Endodontics and medicinal plants: an integrative review / Endodoncia y plantas medicinales: una revisión integradora

Um dos principais objetivos do tratamento endodôntico é a limpeza dos canais radiculares e o desenvolvimento de novas soluções irrigadoras é de grande importância. Os fitoterápicos são grandes aliados nesse processo pois apresentam inúmeros efeitos biológicos que favorecem o sucesso da terapia endodôntica. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão integrativa da literatura a fim de fazer um levantamento sobre o estado atual da temática "Endodontia e plantas medicinais", buscando avaliar quais os principais fitoterápicos que apresentam resultados promissores para serem aplicados na endodontia. A busca de artigos foi feita nas bases de dados BVS, Scielo, PubMed e Google Acadêmico, com os descritores em inglês e português: "herbal medicine", "dentisty", "phytotherapy" e "endodontics" combinados pelo operador booleano "AND". Os dez principais fitoterápicos que se destacaram foram: própolis, aroeira-da-praia, gengibre, extrato de alho, malva, camomila, copaíba, romã, unha-de-gato e cravo-da-Índia. E as principais atividades biológicas descritas que favorecem o tratamento endodôntico foram a atividade anti-inflamatória, antibacteriana, antisséptica, cicatrizante, analgésica e antifúngica. Conclui-se que os fitoterápicos são uma boa opção para continuação dos estudos científicos e podem ser considerados potentes candidatos para o desenvolvimento de uma formulação para irrigação ou medicação intracanal com futura aplicação nos tratamentos endodônticos.

One of the main goals of endodontic treatment is root canal cleaning and the development of new irrigation solutions is of great importance. Phytotherapeutics are great allies in this process because they have numerous biological effects that favor the success of endodontic therapy. The aim of this study was to carry out an integrative literature review in order to survey the current status of the topic "Endodontics and medicinal plants", seeking to evaluate which are the main phytotherapeutics that present promising results to be applied in endodontics. The search for articles was conducted in the VHL, Scielo, PubMed and Google Academic databases, with the English and Portuguese descriptors "herbal medicine", "dentistry", "phytotherapy" and "endodontics" combined by the Boolean operator "AND". The top ten herbal medicines that stood out were: propolis, mastic, ginger, garlic extract, mallow, chamomile, copaiba, pomegranate, cat's claw, and clove. And the main biological activities described that favor the endodontic treatment were the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, healing, analgesic and antifungal activity. It is concluded that phytotherapeutics are a good option for further scientific studies and can be considered potent candidates for the development of a formulation for irrigation or intracanal medication with future application in endodontic treatments.

Uno de los principales objetivos del tratamiento endodóntico es la limpieza del conducto radicular y el desarrollo de nuevas soluciones de irrigación es de gran importancia. Los fitoterápicos son grandes aliados en este proceso ya que poseen numerosos efectos biológicos que favorecen el éxito de la terapia endodóntica. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una revisión bibliográfica integradora para relevar el estado actual del tema "Endodoncia y plantas medicinales", buscando evaluar cuáles son los principales fitoterápicos que presentan resultados promisorios para ser aplicados en endodoncia. La búsqueda de artículos se realizó en las bases de datos BVS, Scielo, PubMed y Google Académico, con los descriptores en inglés y portugués "herbal medicine", "dentistry", "phytotherapy" y "endodontics" combinados por el operador booleano "AND". Las diez principales hierbas medicinales que destacaron fueron: propóleo, lentisco, jengibre, extracto de ajo, malva, manzanilla, copaiba, granada, uña de gato y clavo de olor. Y las principales actividades biológicas descritas que favorecen el tratamiento endodóntico fueron la actividad antiinflamatoria, antibacteriana, antiséptica, cicatrizante, analgésica y antifúngica. Se concluye que los fitoterápicos son una buena opción para futuros estudios científicos y pueden ser considerados potentes candidatos para el desarrollo de una formulación para irrigación o medicación intracanal con futura aplicación en tratamientos endodónticos.

Antimicrobial action of psidium guajava l. extract against enterococcus faecalis and candida albicans strains: a pilot study / Ação antimicrobiana do extrato de psidium guajava l. contra as cepas de enterococcus faecalis e candida albicans: um estudo piloto / Acción antimicrobiana de la extracción de psidium guajava l. contra los cepes de los enterococcus faecalis y los candida albicans: un estudio piloto

Endodontic treatment consists of decontamination of the root canal using irrigants like Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl). However, some microorganisms resist conventional therapies, causing relapse and secondary infections. Substances with microbicidal power and potential to become new irrigants need to be studied. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of Psidium guajava L. (guava tree) extract against clinical and standard (ATCC) strains of Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. For this purpose, the extract was produced from the raw material (leaves and shoots) diluted in the hydroethanolic vehicle (EtOH: H2O / 50:50) for subsequent microbiological analysis. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Microbicidal Concentration (MMC) of the plant extract were tested, according to the Clinical and laboratory standards institute (CLSI) guidelines, on four strains: E. faecalis (ATCC and clinic) and C. albicans (ATCC and clinic). The extract of P. guajava did not produce antifungal action on C. albicans, however, it showed microbicidal potential against strains of E. faecalis, showing MIC of 0.20%. This concentration was lower than the MIC of NaOCl which was 0.31%, a solution that is commonly used in dental clinics. In conclusion, the hydroethanolic extract of P. guajava presents bactericidal action against E. faecalis, being a natural product with potential for future studies regarding the development of new endodontic irrigants.

O tratamento endodôntico consiste na descontaminação do canal radicular com emprego de soluções irrigadoras, como por exemplo, o Hipoclorito de Sódio (NaOCl). Contudo, alguns microrganismos resistem as terapias convencionais, causando recidiva e infecções secundárias. Substâncias com poder microbicida e potencial para se tornarem novas soluções irrigadoras precisam ser estudadas. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano do extrato de Psidium guajava L. (goiabeira) contra cepas clínicas e padrão (ATCC) de Enterococcus faecalis e Candida albicans. Para tanto, o extrato foi produzido a partir da matéria bruta (folhas e brotos) diluído no veículo hidroetanólico (EtOH: H2O / 50:50) para posterior análise microbiológica. Foram testadas a Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e Concentração Microbicida Miníma (CMM) do extrato vegetal, de acordo com as normas da Clinical and laboratory standards institute (CLSI), sobre quatro cepas: E. faecalis (ATCC e clínica) e C. albicans (ATCC e clínica). O extrato de P. guajava não produziu ação antifúngica sobre C. albicans, contudo, apresentou potencial microbicida contra cepas de E. faecalis, exibindo CIM de 0,20%. Esta concentração foi menor que a CIM do NaOCl que foi de 0,31%, uma solução que é comumente utilizada nas clínicas odontológicas. Em conclusão, o extrato hidroetanólico de P. guajava apresenta ação bactericida contra E. faecalis, sendo um produto natural com potencial para futuros estudos quanto ao desenvolvimento de novos irrigantes endodônticos.

El tratamiento endotónico consiste en la descontaminación del canal raíz con el uso de soluciones de irrigación, como el Hipoclorito de Sodio (NaOCl). Sin embargo, algunos microorganismos se resisten a las terapias convencionales, causando recaídas e infecciones secundarias. Es necesario estudiar las sustancias con poder de microbicida y el potencial para convertirse en nuevas soluciones de riego. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el potencial antimicrobiano del extracto de Psidium guajava L. (guava) frente a cepas clínicas y estándar (ATCC) de Enterococcus faecalis y Candida albicans. Con este fin, el extracto se produjo a partir de la materia prima (hojas y brotes) diluida en el vehículo hidroetanólico (EtOH: H2O / 50:50) para análisis microbiológicos posteriores. La Concentración Mínima Inhibidora (CMI) y la Concentración de Microbicidas Minima (CCM) del extracto vegetal se probaron de acuerdo con el Clinical and laboratory standards institute (CLSI) en cuatro cepas: E. faecalis (ATCC y clínico) y C. albicans (ATCC y clínico). El extracto de P. guajava no produjo acción antifúngica sobre C. albicans, sin embargo mostró potencial microbicida frente a cepas de E. faecalis, presentando CIM 0,20%. Esta concentración fue menor que la CMI de NaOCl, que fue del 0,31%, una solución comúnmente utilizada en clínicas dentales. En conclusión, el extracto hidroetanólico de P. guajava muestra una acción bactericida frente a E. faecalis, siendo un producto natural con potencial para futuros estudios sobre el desarrollo de nuevos irrigantes endotónicos.

Therapeutic Potential of Deflamin against Colorectal Cancer Development and Progression.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes that play a crucial role in tumor microenvironment remodeling, contributing to inflammatory and angiogenic processes, and ultimately promoting tumor maintenance and progression. Several studies on bioactive polypeptides isolated from legumes have shown anti-migratory, anti-MMPs, and anti-tumor effects, potentially constituting novel strategies for both the prevention and progression of cancer. In this work, we investigated the anti-tumor role of deflamin, a protein oligomer isolated from white lupine seeds (Lupinus albus) reported to inhibit MMP-9 and cell migration in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. We found that deflamin exerts an inhibitory effect on tumor growth and metastasis formation, contributing to increased tumor apoptosis in the xenotransplanted zebrafish larvae model. Furthermore, deflamin resulted not only in a significant reduction in MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity but also in impaired cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro. Using the xenograft zebrafish model, we observed that deflamin inhibits collagen degradation and angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment in vivo. Overall, our work reveals the potential of deflamin as an agent against CRC development and progression.

Identification of Asiaticoside from Centella erecta (Apiaceae) as Potential Apyrase Inhibitor by UF-UHPLC-MS and Its In Vivo Antischistosomal Activity.

Schistosomiasis, caused by parasites of the genus Schistosoma, is a neglected disease with high global prevalence, affecting more than 240 million people in several countries. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug currently available for the treatment. S. mansoni NTPDases (known as SmNTPDases, ATP diphosphohydrolases or ecto-apyrases) are potential drug targets for the discovery of new antischistosomal drugs. In this study, we screen NTPDases inhibitors from Centella erecta (Apiaceae) using an ultrafiltration combined UHPLC-QTOF-MS method and potato apyrase, identifying asiaticoside as one of the apyrase-binding compounds. After isolation of asiaticoside from C. erecta extract, we assessed its in vivo antischistosomal activities against Schistosoma mansoni worms and its in vitro enzymatic apyrase inhibition. Also, molecular docking analysis of asiaticoside against potato apyrase, S. mansoni NTPDases 1 and 2 were performed. Asiaticoside showed a significant in vitro apyrase inhibition and molecular docking studies corroborate with its possible actions in potato apyrase and S. mansoni NTPDases. In mice harboring a patent S. mansoni infection, a single oral dose of asiaticoside (400 mg/kg. p.o.) showed significantly in vivo antischistosomal efficacy, markedly decreasing the total worm load and egg burden, giving support for further exploration of apyrase inhibitors as antischistosomal agents.

The Effect of Aloe vera and Chlorhexidine as Disinfectants on the Success of Selective Caries Removal Technique: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Aloe vera and chlorhexidine "CHX" as disinfectants on the success of selective caries removal technique in deep carious lesions. A total of 60 patients with: (I) deep class II carious lesion diagnosed with reversible pulpitis; (II) good oral hygiene; (III) no gingival recession or periodontal diseases; (IV) no antibiotic or antifungal treatment in the last three months; and (V) no systematic disease or pregnancy were included in the study. Sixty patients were distributed randomly to three experimental groups (n = 20): Group 1: no disinfectant solution was applied (control group); group 2: the cavity was filled with 2% CHX for 5 mins and then dried with a sterilized cotton pellet; group 3: the cavity was filled with Aloe vera extract for 5 mins and then dried with sterilized cotton pellet. One week later, only teeth with vital pulp characteristics were restored definitely with resin composite. After 18 months, clinical and radiographic examination was performed by using a blinded separated evaluator. The data were tabulated and analyzed using the chi-square test by SPSS 13.0 with a significance level (p ≤ 0.05). It was observed that 13 teeth of the control group, 14 teeth of the CHX group, and 16 teeth of the Aloe vera group were diagnosed with healthy vital pulp after 18 months. There was no significant difference between the CHX and the control group; however, there was a significant difference between the Aloe vera and control group (p ≤ 0.007). Aloe vera extract as a cavity disinfectant increases the success rate of selective caries removal technique of deep carious lesions.

Cardamonin Presents in Vivo Activity against Schistosoma mansoni and Inhibits Potato Apyrase.

Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma species, harms over 250 million people in several countries. The treatment is achieved with only one drug, praziquantel. Cardamonin, a natural chalcone with in vitro schistosomicidal activity, has not been in vivo evaluated against Schistosoma. In this work, we evaluated the in vivo schistosomicidal activities of cardamonin against Schistosoma mansoni worms and conducted enzymatic apyrase inhibition assay, as well as molecular docking analysis of cardamonin against potato apyrase, S. mansoni NTPDase 1 and S. mansoni NTPDase 2. In a mouse model of schistosomiasis, the oral treatment with cardamonin (400 mg/kg) showed efficacy against S. mansoni, decreasing the total worm load in 46.8 % and reducing in 54.5 % the number of eggs in mice. Cardamonin achieved a significant inhibition of the apyrase activity and the three-dimensional structure of the potato apyrase, obtained by homology modeling, showed that cardamonin may interact mainly through hydrogen bonds. Molecular docking studies corroborate with the action of cardamonin in binding and inhibiting both potato apyrase and S. mansoni NTPDases.

Alopecia Areata Mimicking Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia.

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune nonscarring alopecia that has variable clinical patterns, most commonly patchy disease. We report a case of AA with unusual involvement of the frontal hairline, mimicking frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), a form of scarring alopecia. Dermoscopic findings and response to treatment favored a diagnosis of AA. These findings highlight the major role of trichoscopy as well as the importance of including AA in the differential diagnosis for FFA.