Surface modification of poly(methyl-methacrylate) with farnesol to prevent Candida biofilm formation.

Candida albicans promotes biofilm formation on dentures, which compromises the use of poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA) as a dental material. Farnesol (FAR), a natural compound that prevents C. albicans filamentation and biofilm formation, was incorporated into the PMMA matrix, to obtain antifungal PMMA_FAR materials. The tested concentrations (0·0125% and 0·4%) of FAR, 24 h after incubation on YPD agar, inhibited filamentation of C. albicans. PMMA was modified with different FAR concentrations (3-12%), and physicochemical properties, antifungal activity and cytotoxicity of these modified materials (PMMA_FAR) were tested. The presence of FAR in PMMA_FAR composites was verified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Incorporation of FAR into the polymeric matrix significantly decreased hydrophilicity at all tested concentrations and significantly reduced biofilm and planktonic cells metabolic activity in the early stage of biofilm formation at ≥6% FAR in PMMA. PMMA_FAR composites with <9% FAR were non-toxic. Modification of PMMA with FAR is a good strategy for reducing C. albicans biofilm formation on dentures.

[Bamboo nodes of vocal folds: case report and review of literature]. / Bamboo nodes des cordes vocales: description d'un cas clinique et revue de La literature.

Bamboo nodes are sub mucous lesions localized in the vocal folds. Their aspect reminds of the nodes in a bamboo, which gives them their name. The diagnosis is made by laryngoscopy. Those lesions are always associated with autoimmune diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, Hashimoto, progressive systemic sclerosis. The treatment is not clearly described in literature. It is recommended to start with systemic steroids and speech therapy. If the regression of laryngeal lesions is not suf- ficient, it is advised to complete with local steroid injections. Surgery should be consi- dered as the last treatment. We describe a clinical case of bamboo nodes and make a review of literature.