Effect of Degradation on the Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Extruded Films of Poly(lactic acid) and Chitosan.

This study addresses the fabrication of extruded films using poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and chitosan, with and without maleic anhydride as a compatibilizing agent, for potential applications in disposable food packaging. These films underwent controlled conditions of UV irradiation, water condensation, and temperature variations in an accelerated weathering chamber. The investigation analyzed the effect of different exposure periods on the structural, morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties of the films. It was observed that PLA films exhibited a lower susceptibility to degradation compared to those containing chitosan. Specifically, the pure PLA film showed an increase in elastic modulus and strength during the initial 144 h of exposure, associated with cross-linking induced by UV radiation. On the other hand, film Q2 composed of PLA, chitosan, and maleic anhydride and Q1 without maleic anhydride experienced a tensile strength loss of over 50% after 244 h of exposure. The Q2 film exhibited greater homogeneity, leading to increased resistance to degradation compared to that of Q1. As the degradation time increased, both the Q1 and Q2 films demonstrated a decline in thermal stability. These films also exhibited alterations in crystallinity attributed to the chemo-crystallization process, along with fluctuations in the glass transition temperature and crystallization, particularly at 288 h.

Magnesium Transporter MgtA revealed as a Dimeric P-type ATPase.

Magnesium (Mg2+) uptake systems are present in all domains of life given the vital role of this ion. Bacteria acquire Mg2+ via conserved Mg2+ channels and transporters. The transporters are required for growth when Mg2+ is limiting or during bacterial pathogenesis, but, despite their significance, there are no known structures for these transporters. Here we report the first structure of the Mg2+ transporter MgtA solved by single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Using mild membrane extraction, we obtained high resolution structures of both a homodimeric form (2.9 Å), the first for a P-type ATPase, and a monomeric form (3.6 Å). Each monomer unit of MgtA displays a structural architecture that is similar to other P-type ATPases with a transmembrane domain and two soluble domains. The dimer interface consists of contacts between residues in adjacent soluble nucleotide binding and phosphotransfer regions of the haloacid dehalogenase (HAD) domain. We suggest oligomerization is a conserved structural feature of the diverse family of P-type ATPase transporters. The ATP binding site and conformational dynamics upon nucleotide binding to MgtA were characterized using a combination of cryo-EM, molecular dynamics simulations, hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, and mutagenesis. Our structure also revealed a Mg2+ ion in the transmembrane segments, which, when combined with sequence conservation and mutagenesis studies, allowed us to propose a model for Mg2+ transport across the lipid bilayer. Finally, our work revealed the N-terminal domain structure and cytoplasmic Mg2+ binding sites, which have implications for related P-type ATPases defective in human disease.

Preparation and Characterization of Extruded PLA Films Coated with Polyaniline or Polypyrrole by In Situ Chemical Polymerization.

Conductive polymers, such as polypyrrole and polyaniline, have been extensively studied for their notable intrinsic electronic and ionic conductivities, rendering them suitable for a range of diverse applications. In this study, in situ chemical polymerization was employed to coat extruded PLA films with PPy and PANi. Morphological analysis reveals a uniform and compact deposition of both polyaniline and polypyrrole after polymerization periods of 3 and 1 h, respectively. Furthermore, the PLA-PANi-3h and PLA-PPy-1h composites exhibited the highest electrical conductivity, with values of 0.042 and 0.022 S cm-1, respectively. These findings were in agreement with the XPS results, as the polyaniline-coated film showed a higher proportion of charge carriers compared to the polypyrrole composite. The elastic modulus of the coated films showed an increase compared with that of pure PLA films. Additionally, the inflection temperatures for the PLA-PANi-3h and PLA-PPy-1h composites were 368.7 and 367.2 °C, respectively, while for pure PLA, it reached 341.47 °C. This improvement in mechanical and thermal properties revealed the effective interfacial adhesion between the PLA matrix and the conducting polymer. Therefore, this work demonstrates that coating biopolymeric matrices with PANi or PPy enables the production of functional and environmentally friendly conductive materials suitable for potential use in the removal of heavy metals in water treatment.

Ballistic Behavior of Bioinspired Nacre-like Composites.

In this paper, the ballistic performance of a multilayered composite inspired by the structural characteristics of nacre is numerically investigated using finite element (FE) simulations. Nacre is a natural composite material found in the shells of some marine mollusks, which has remarkable toughness due to its hierarchical layered structure. The bioinspired nacre-like composites investigated here were made of five wavy aluminum alloy 7075-T651 (AA7075) layers composed of ~1.1-mm thick square tablets bonded together with toughened epoxy resin. Two composite configurations with continuous layers (either wavy or flat) were also studied. The ballistic performance of the composite plates was compared to that of a bulk monolithic AA7075 plate. The ballistic impact was simulated in the 300-600 m/s range using two types of spherical projectiles, i.e., rigid and elastoplastic. The results showed that the nacre plate exhibited improved ballistic performance compared to the bulk plate and the plates with continuous layers. The structural design of the nacre plate improved the ballistic performance by producing a more ductile failure and enabling localized energy absorption via the plastic deformation of the tablets and the globalized energy dissipation due to interface debonding and friction. All the plate configurations exhibited a better ballistic performance when impacted by an elastoplastic projectile compared to a rigid one, which is explained by the projectile plastic deformation absorbing some of the impact energy and the enlarged contact area between the projectile and the plates producing more energy absorption by the plates.

Assessing the Effect of Cellulose Nanocrystal Content on the Biodegradation Kinetics of Multiscale Polylactic Acid Composites under Controlled Thermophilic Composting Conditions.

This work studied the effect of cellulose nanocrystal (NCC) content on the biodegradation kinetics of PLA-based multiscale cellulosic biocomposites (PLAMCBs). To facilitate biodegradation, the materials were subjected to thermo-oxidation before composting. Biodegradation was carried out for 180 days under controlled thermophilic composting conditions according to the ASTM D 5338 standard. A first-order model based on Monod's kinetics under limiting substrate conditions was used to study the effect of cellulose nanocrystal (NCC) content on the biodegradation kinetics of multiscale composite materials. It was found that thermo-oxidation at 70 °C for 160 h increased the biodegradability of PLA. Also, it was found that the incorporation of cellulosic fibrous reinforcements increased the biodegradability of PLA by promoting hydrolysis during the first stage of composting. Likewise, it was found that partial substitution of micro cellulose (MFC) by cellulose nanocrystals (NCCs) increased the biodegradability of the biocomposite. This increase was more evident as the NCC content increased, which was attributed to the fact that the incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals facilitated the entry of water into the material and therefore promoted the hydrolytic degradation of the most recalcitrant fraction of PLA from the bulk and not only by surface erosion.

The performance of the MODY calculator in a non-Caucasian, mixed-race population diagnosed with diabetes mellitus before 35 years of age.

BACKGROUND: A maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) calculator has been described and validated for use in European Caucasians. This study evaluated its performance in Brazilians diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) before 35 years of age. METHODS: The electronic records of 391 individuals were reviewed in 2020 at the diabetes clinic of a quaternary hospital in São Paulo were analyzed: 231 with type 1 DM (T1DM), 46 with type 2 (T2DM) and 114 with MODY. The MODY calculator was applied to the three groups. A receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to obtain cut-off points for this population. RESULTS: The principal differences between the MODY and the T1DM and T2DM groups were body mass index, a positive family history of diabetes and mean HbA1c level. Age at diagnosis in the MODY group was only significantly different compared to the T2DM group. Specificity and sensitivity were good for the cut-off points of 40%, 50% and 60%, with the accuracy of the model for any of these cut-off points being > 95%. CONCLUSION: The capacity of the calculator to identify Brazilian patients with MODY was good. Values ≥ 60% proved useful for selecting candidates for MODY genetic testing, with good sensitivity and specificity.

Anacardium occidentale L. (cajueiro) in the healing of skin wounds: an experimental study in rats.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of Anacardium occidentale Linn on the healing of skin wounds. METHODS: Twenty Wistar male rats were distributed into four groups (with five animals each one): negative control group (NCG), treated with saline solution; cashew tree group (CG), treated with hydroalcoholic extract of the bark of A. occidentale Linn; manipulated cashew tree group (MCG), with the ointment of extract of the bark of A. occidentale Linn; positive control group (PCG), treated with sunflower oil. All animals were examined daily, observing the macroscopic aspects of the surgical wound. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used for tissue morphology analysis and Masson's trichrome for better collagen fiber characterization. RESULTS: On day 7, the MCG group had the expansion of the surgical wound covered by crust, exceeding the initial limits. On day 21, the wounds were observed to be completely closed and epithelialized in the NCG and CG groups. PCG and MCG still had remnants of crusts on the wound. The NCG was the only one not to present an abscess in histopathological analysis. CONCLUSIONS: There was a prolongation of the healing phase of the animals treated with the extract, and the animals in the NCG showed a better outcome by histological analysis.

Genetic and clinical features of neonatal and early onset diabetes mellitus in a tertiary center cohort in Brazil.

Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is defined as the occurrence of severe hyperglycemia in infants under 6 months old and may be permanent (PNDM) or transient (TNDM). When diabetes is diagnosed at 6-12 months of age (early onset diabetes [EOD]), the etiology may be monogenic; however, most cases consist of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Molecular diagnosis was determined in a cohort of 35 unrelated Brazilian patients with NDM or EOD based on targeted next-generation sequencing panel and/or chromosome 6q24 abnormalities. The impact of genetic testing on treatment and follow-up was evaluated. Overall, 24 patients had NDM: with 18 (75.0%) having PNDM, 5 TNDM (20.8%) and 1 case in which this information was unknown. Eleven patients had EOD. Genetic testing was positive in 20/24 patients with NDM (83.3%) and in 18.2% of cases of EOD. The commonest causes were ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel genes, and GCK and IPEX mutations (37.1%, 11.4% and 5.7%, respectively). Patients with PNDM due to KCNJ11 and ABCC8 mutations transitioned successfully to sulfonylureas in almost 60% of cases, reinforcing the benefit of performing genetic testing in NDM as early as possible. This report refers to the largest series of cases of NDM (TNDM and PNDM) and EOD in Brazil in which patients were submitted to molecular investigation and in which the clinical impact of genetic diagnosis was also evaluated.

Regulatory Pathways Supporting Expedited Drug Development and Approval in ICH Member Countries.

Regulators and pharmaceutical companies across the world are intensifying efforts to get increasingly complex and innovative drugs to patients with high unmet medical need in the shortest possible time frame. This article reviews pathways to expedite drug development and approval available in member countries of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use and Australia. It is concluded that the increasing availability of expedited regulatory pathways and associated modernisation of regulatory systems changes the current regulatory paradigm and requires sponsors to rethink drug development and regulatory strategy. A transformation of the current sequence of regulatory submissions, favouring those countries/collaborations that are best regulatory equipped to make innovative medical need drugs available to patients in the shortest time frame is imminent.

Tensile Behavior of 3D Printed Polylactic Acid (PLA) Based Composites Reinforced with Natural Fiber.

Natural fiber-reinforced composite (NFRC) filaments for 3D printing were fabricated using polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with 1-5 wt% henequen flour comprising particles with sizes between 90-250 µm. The flour was obtained from natural henequen fibers. NFRCs and pristine PLA specimens were printed with a 0° raster angle for tension tests. The results showed that the NFRCs' measured density, porosity, and degree of crystallinity increased with flour content. The tensile tests showed that the NFRC Young's modulus was lower than that of the printed pristine PLA. For 1 wt% flour content, the NFRCs' maximum stress and strain to failure were higher than those of the printed PLA, which was attributed to the henequen fibers acting as reinforcement and delaying crack growth. However, for 2 wt% and higher flour contents, the NFRCs' maximum stress was lower than that of the printed PLA. Microscopic characterization after testing showed an increase in voids and defects, with the increase in flour content attributed to particle agglomeration. For 1 wt% flour content, the NFRCs were also printed with raster angles of ±45° and 90° for comparison; the highest tensile properties were obtained with a 0° raster angle. Finally, adding 3 wt% content of maleic anhydride to the NFRC with 1 wt% flour content slightly increased the maximum stress. The results presented herein warrant further research to fully understand the mechanical properties of printed NFRCs made of PLA reinforced with natural henequen fibers.

Handgrip strength, functional capacity and cognitive status of centenarians / Força de preensão manual, capacidade functional e estado cognitivo em centenários

Objective: To compare and correlate handgrip strength (HGS) with functional capacity and cognitive status in centenarians. Method: This is a cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of 127 centenarians, of which 78 met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 101.7 ± 2.52 years. Cognitive status was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and functional capacity using the Katz Scale. To investigate HGS, we used a manual dynamometer. The level of significance was 5%. Results: Centenarian men have higher right (p= 0.005) and left (p<0.001) HGS compared to women. About functional capacity, centenarians more functional present higher right and left HGS (p<0.001) when compared to intermediate and less functional. Furthermore, when analyzing cognition, centenarians with preserved cognitive status have higher right and left HGS (p<0.001) than cognitively impaired elderly. In the relationship analysis, it was possible to verify that the lower the MMSE score, the higher the right (rho= 0.59; p<0.001) and left (rho= 0.57; p<0.001) HGS. Furthermore, the lower the Katz Scale score, the higher the right (rho= -0.53; p<0.001) and left (rho= -0.57; p<0.001) HGS. Conclusion: Our results show that male centenarians, more functional and with preserved cognitive status have higher HGS in both hands. Moreover, we found a moderate negative relationship between HGS and functional capacity and a moderate positive relationship between HGS and cognitive status of centenarians.

Objetivo: Comparar e correlacionar a força de preensão manual (HGS) com a capacidade funcional e o estado cognitivo em centenários. Método: Este é um estudo de corte transversal. A população do estudo consistiu em 127 centenários, dos quais 78 preenchiam os critérios de inclusão, com uma idade média de 101,7 ± 2,52 anos. O estado cognitivo foi avaliado utilizando o Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) e a capacidade funcional utilizando a Escala Katz. Para investigar o HGS, utilizamos um dinamômetro manual. O nível de significância foi de 5%. Resultados: Os homens centenários têm o HGS mais alto à direita (p= 0,005) e à esquerda (p<0,001) em comparação com as mulheres. Quanto à capacidade funcional, os centenários mais funcionais apresentam HGS mais altos à direita e à esquerda (p<0,001) quando comparados com os intermediários e menos funcionais. Além disso, ao analisar a cognição, os centenários com estado cognitivo preservado têm HGS direito e esquerdo mais elevados (p<0,001) do que os idosos com deficiência cognitiva. Na análise da relação, foi possível verificar que quanto mais baixa a pontuação MMSE, mais alta a direita (rho= 0,59; p<0,001) e esquerda (rho= 0,57; p<0,001) HGS. Além disso, quanto mais baixa a pontuação da Escala Katz, mais alta a direita (rho= -0,53; p<0,001) e esquerda (rho= -0,57; p<0,001) HGS. Conclusão: Os nossos resultados mostram que os centenários masculinos, mais funcionais e com estatuto cognitivo preservado, têm HGS mais elevado em ambas as mãos. Além disso, encontramos uma relação negativa moderada entre HGS e capacidade funcional e uma relação positiva moderada entre HGS e estado cognitivo dos centenários.

Comparação entre os domínios da função cognitiva e a capacidade funcional de centenários / Relationship between the domains of cognitive function and functional capacity in centenarians

Objetivo: Comparar os domínios da função cognitiva com a capacidade funcional para as atividades básicas de vida diária de centenários. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo com 66 idosos com 100 anos ou mais de idade, 45 do sexo feminino e 21 do masculino, com média de idade 102,14 ± 2,71 anos, residentes na Grande Florianópolis/SC. Foram avaliados os domínios da função cognitiva (Mini Exame do Estado Mental- MEEM) e a capacidade funcional (escala de Katz) dos centenários. Os dados foram tratados por meio do Kruskal-Wallis e o post hoc de Bonferroni, com nível de significância de 5%. Também analisou-se com o modelo de regressão multinominal, com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados: Houve diferença significativa entre os centenários MF (Mais Funcional) e Mf (Menos Funcional) em todos os domínios do MEEM: orientação temporal (p<0,001), orientação espacial (p<0,002), memória imediata (p<0,001), atenção e cálculo (p<0,013), memória e evocação (p<0,012) e linguagem (p<0,001) e, os Mf e com FI nos domínios do MEEM memória imediata (p<0,004) e linguagem (p<0,004). Conclusão: Os domínios da função cognitiva estão relacionados à capacidade funcional, ou seja, centenários que apresentam uma boa funcionalidade nas atividades da vida diária básica, possuem uma boa função cognitiva, no que diz respeito a orientação temporal e espacial, memória, cálculo, evocação e linguagem.

Objective: To verify the relationship between the domains of cognitive function and functional capacity for basic activities of daily living in centenarians. Methods: This is a descriptive study with 66 elderly aged 100 years or more, 45 females and 21 males, mean age 102.14 ± 2.71 years, residents in Greater Florianópolis/SC. The domains of cognitive function (Mini Mental State Examination - MMSE) and functional capacity (Katz scale) of the centenarians were evaluated. The data were treated by Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni post hoc, with a 5% significance level. Results: There was significant difference between MF and Mf centenarians in all domains of MMSE: temporal orientation (p<0.001), spatial orientation (p<0.002), immediate memory (p<0.001), attention and calculation (p<0.013), memory and recall (p<0.012) and language (p<0.001) and, Mf (More Functional) and with FI (Less Functional) in the domains of MMSE immediate memory (p<0.004) and language (p<0.004). Conclusion: the domains of cognitive function are related to functional capacity, that is, centenarians who have good functionality have good cognitive function, with respect to temporal and spatial orientation, memory, calculation, evocation and language.

Clinical and genetic characterization and long-term evaluation of individuals with maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY): The journey towards appropriate treatment.

AIMS: To describe the clinical and genetic characteristics and long-term follow-up of a cohort with maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), and to evaluate how molecular diagnosis impacted on treatment. METHODS: A large observational, retrospective, cohort study included individuals referred to the University of São Paulo's Monogenic Diabetes Unit between 2011 and 2020. Comprehensive clinical and genetic evaluations were performed. RESULTS: Overall, 228 individuals (190 GCK-MODY and 38 HNF1A-MODY) were enrolled. Sixty-two different GCK gene mutations (5 novel) and 17 HNF1A gene mutations (2 novel) were found. Data were available on treatment status for 76 index individuals with GCK-MODY. Before molecular diagnosis, nutritional intervention alone was used in 41 cases (53.9%). After molecular diagnosis, this number increased to 72 (94.8%). Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) remained stable over the 6-year follow-up period: 6.5% (47 mmol/mol) at the first and 6.3% (45 mmol/mol) at the final visit (p = 0.056). Prior to molecular diagnosis, 7/21 (33.3%) HNF1A-MODY individuals were using sulfonylurea compared to 17/21 (81%) after testing. After a median of 5 years on sulfonylureas, HbA1c values improved from 7.5% (58 mmol/mol) to 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Molecular diagnosis resulted in appropriate adjustment of treatment in approximately 80% of participants with GCK-MODY or HNF1A-MODY.

Frailty and physical activity in centenarians: a systematic review

There is a lack of studies evaluating frailty and physical activity in people aged 100 years or older. This review aimed to synthesize the evidence on frailty and physical activity in centenarians. A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. We searched the PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Lilacs databases for articles published until 18 June 2020. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020162913). Five studies were included in this review according to the eligibility and exclusion criteria. In summary, the reviewed studies show that centenarians are fragile and that frailty increases with age; however, women are frailer than men. The most common frailty criteria were low physical activity level (78% to 72.5%), muscle weakness (84.2% to 66%), and slow walking speed (77.6% to 48.4%). Most centenarians perform less exercise than younger older adults, have a low physical activity level, live in nursing homes, and exhibit functional disability. Regarding the methodological quality of the studies, one article was classified as regular and the other four as poor. Frailty and a low physical activity level are common in centenarians. Experimental studies with better methodological quality are necessary to better understand the causal relationship between variables.

Sintomas depressivos e perspectivas de vida, mediante o nível de atividade física de centenários / Depressive symptoms and perspectives of life, according to the level of physical activity of centennials

Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever as características dos centenários quanto aos sintomas depressivos e as perspectivas futuras de vida, mediante ao nível de atividade física. É de cunho descritivo qualitativo, constituído por 20 centenários com cognição preservada, residentes em Santa Catarina. Foi aplicado aos idosos a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (GDS-15) para verificar os sintomas depressivos, com perguntas abertas quanto as perspectivas futuras de vida e o pedômetro para verificar o nível de AF. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. Percebe-se que a heterogeneidade no número de passos e média geral de sintomas depressivos é baixa (4,3 ± 3,02). A maioria atribuiu sua perspectiva de quantos anos quer viver a Deus, alguns querem viver somente com saúde e outros não querem mais viver. Conclui-se que a AF não influencia os idosos na percepção de quantos anos querem viver, porém faz diferença na suspeita de depressão.

This study aims to describe the characteristics of centenarians in terms of depressive symptoms and future life prospects, according to the level of physical activity. It is of a qualitative descriptive nature, consisting of 20 centenarians with preserved cognition, residing in Santa Catarina. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was applied to the elderly to check depressive symptoms, with open questions about future life prospects and the pedometer to check the level of PA. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. It is noticed that the heterogeneity in the number of steps and the general average of depressive symptoms is low (4.3 ± 3.02). Most attributed their perspective of how old they want to live to God, some want to live only in health and others do not want to live anymore. It is concluded that PA does not influence the elderly in the perception of how many years they want to live, but it does make a difference in the suspicion of depression.

Centenarian caregivers: perception of burden, sociodemographic data and physical activity

This study aimed to understand centenarian caregivers' perception of care burden according to sociodemographic characteristics and physical activity level. This is a descriptive study that used a mixed data (quantitative and qualitative) approach. Sixty-seven caregivers of centenarians from municipalities in Santa Catarina participated in this study. Interviews were held for application of questions about sociodemographic data, transport-related and leisure-time physical activity, caregiver burden, and suggestions for improving care. The data were collected in the centenarian's home where the caregiver worked. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and qualitative data by content analysis. The results showed that 58.2% of the caregivers were overburdened. Of these, 92.3% were females, 56.4% were 60-75 years old, 48.7% had 7 to 11 years of schooling, 53.8% were married, 66.7% were children of centenarians, the caregiving duration ranged from 1 to 5 years in 35.9%, and 69.2% cared for the older adult 24 hours/day. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.01) between the level of leisure-time physical activity and caregiving burden, with 64.9% of insufficiently active caregivers tending to be overburdened with the care demand. The suggestions of caregivers for improving centenarian care included having help from health professionals and relatives for care, infrastructure, and financial resources. Most burdened caregivers are insufficiently active and need assistance in taking care of their own health.

Impact of Social Isolation on Physical Activity and Factors Associated With Sedentary Behavior in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The objective was to analyze the impact of social isolation on moderate physical activity and factors associated with sedentary behavior of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional study involving 111 older adults (aged 71.0 ± 6.87 years). The data were collected at two time points: in November 2019 and in June 2020. There was a decline in moderate physical activity when the minutes/week were compared before and during social isolation (p < .001). Sedentary behavior was associated with the condition of living alone. Older adults who lived alone were 3.29 times more likely to spend 4 hr or more in sedentary behavior than those who lived with a partner (95% confidence interval [1.01, 10.74]). Government agencies must establish PA-related health promotion strategies, especially in developing and low-income countries. Therefore, home exercises need to be encouraged to prevent the consequences of this pandemic period.

Can Patients With Metal Hypersensitivity Requiring TMJ Total Joint Prostheses be Successfully Treated With All-Titanium Alloy Mandibular Components?

PURPOSE: Patients with documented metal hypersensitivity to cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy with trace nickel requiring temporomandibular joint (TMJ) total joint prosthesis (TJP) may have adverse reactions to the metals in the standard TMJ Concepts TJP. This study aimed to determine if these patients can be successfully treated by eliminating CoCrMo alloy and constructing the mandibular components of all-titanium (Ti) alloy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study evaluated metal hypersensitive patients (MHG) that received the TMJ Concepts TJP modification of all-Ti alloy mandibular components with outcome results compared to a control group (CG) of non-metal-sensitive patients that received the standard TMJ Concepts prostheses. The primary predictor variables were the 2 groups, MHG and CG. Primary variables evaluated using Likert scales included TMJ pain, headache, jaw function, diet, and disability. Maximum incisal opening and quality of life were measured. Secondary variables included: age, gender, effect of the number and type of prior TMJ surgeries. Scores for pre- and postsurgery parameters (nonparametric variables) were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The MHG (n = 30) received the Ti alloy TJP and CG (n = 46) received the standard TJP, with statistically significant improvements in all variables in both groups and no statistically significant difference in outcome variables between the 2 groups. Patients with 0 to 1 previous TMJ surgeries had better outcomes in all parameters except maximum incisal opening compared to patients with 2 or more previous TMJ surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with documented hypersensitivity to CoCrMo alloy, requiring TMJ Concepts TJP may experience improvement in TMJ pain, headache, jaw function, diet, disability, jaw opening, and quality of life when the mandibular components are manufactured from all-Ti alloy, eliminating the CoCrMo alloy. The larger the number of previous TMJ surgeries and exposure to failed alloplastic implants, the less improvement in treatment outcomes.

Essential oils of Taxandria fragrans and Melaleuca alternifolia have effective antidermatophytic activities in vitro and in vivo that are antagonised by ketoconazole and potentiated in gold nanospheres.

The investigation of the effects of three essential oils (EOs) from Taxandria fragrans (FRA), Melaleuca alternifolia (TTO) and Boswellia serrata (IF), alone and combined with ketoconazole (KTZ), and their functionalised gold nanoparticles (AuNP) against Trichophyton interdigitale both in vitro and in vivo indicated that EOs presented activity against T. interdigitale. The combination of EOs and KTZ was antagonistic. FRA, TTO, gold nanoparticles capped with T. fragrans (AuNPFRA) and gold nanoparticles capped with M. alternifolia (AuNPTTO) presented antidermatophytic activity in vivo, with the capacity to reduce fungal burden and to preserve tissue architecture; however, combination treatment with KTZ increased fungal burden and caused tissue damage. The combination of EO with KTZ exhibited antagonistic activity and was histologically harmful. In contrast, FRA, TTO, AuNPFRA and AuNPTTO are promising treatments for dermatophytosis.

Electrochemical evidence of nitrate release from the nitrooxy compound 4-((nitrooxy) methyl)-3-nitrobenzoic acid and its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in mice.

Considering the many biological activities of nitric oxide (NO), some lines of research focused on the modulation of these activities through the provision of this mediator by designing and synthesizing compounds coupled with an NO donor group. Thus, the objectives of the present study were to carry out an electrochemical investigation of the nitrooxy compound 4-((nitrooxy) methyl)-3-nitrobenzoic acid (1) and evaluate its activities and putative mechanisms in experimental models of pain and inflammation. Voltammetric studies performed in aprotic medium (mimetic of membranes) showed important electrochemical reduction mechanisms: nitroaromatic reduction, self-protonation, and finally reductive elimination, which leads to nitrate release. Systemic administration of the nitrooxy compound (1) inhibited the nociceptive response induced by heat and the tactile hypersensitivity and paw edema induced by carrageenan in mice. The activities in the models of inflammatory pain and edema were associated with reduced neutrophil recruitment and production of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and CXCL-1, and increased production of IL-10. Concluding, electrochemical analysis revealed unequivocally that electron transfer at the nitro group of the nitrooxy compound (1) results in the cleavage of the organic nitrate, potentially resulting in the generation of NO. This electrochemical mechanism may be compared to a biochemical electron-transfer mediated nitrate release that, by appropriate in vivo bioreduction (enzymatic or not) would lead to NO production. Compound (1) exhibits activities in models of inflammatory pain and edema that may be due to reduced recruitment of neutrophils and production of inflammatory cytokines and increased production of IL-10. These results reinforce the interest in the investigation of NO donor compounds as candidates for analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs.