Nanoemulsions of essential oils against multi-resistant microorganisms: An integrative review.

Microbial resistance to drugs continues to be a global public health issue that demands substantial investment in research and development of new antimicrobial agents. Essential oils (EO) have demonstrated satisfactory and safe antimicrobial action, being used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food formulations. In order to improve solubility, availability, and biological action, EO have been converted into nanoemulsions (NE). This review identified scientific evidence corroborating the antimicrobial action of nanoemulsions of essential oils (NEEO) against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Using integrative review methodology, eleven scientific articles evaluating the antibacterial or antifungal assessment of NEEO were selected. The synthesis of evidence indicates that NEEO are effective in combating multidrug-resistant microorganisms and in the formation of their biofilms. Factors such as NE droplet size, chemical composition of essential oils, and the association of NE with antibiotics are discussed. Furthermore, NEEO showed satisfactory results in vitro and in vivo evaluations against resistant clinical isolates, making them promising for the development of new antimicrobial and antivirulence drugs.

Association between COVID-19 and the incidence of type 1 diabetes in Portugal - a registry study.

BACKGROUND: Viral respiratory infections may precipitate type 1 diabetes (T1D). A possible association between the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, and the incidence of T1D is being determined. This study was carried out using Portuguese registries, aiming at examining temporal trends between COVID-19 and T1D. METHODS: Hospital data, comparing the incidence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, from children and young adults diagnosed with new-onset T1D, was acquired beginning in 2017 and until the end of 2022. Data was obtained from nine different Portuguese hospital units. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning in March 2020, was assessed comparing the annual numbers of new-onset T1D cases. The annual median levels of glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting C-peptide at T1D diagnosis were compared. The annual number of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) episodes among new T1D cases was also assessed at two centers. RESULTS: In total, data from 574 newly diagnosed T1D patients was analyzed, including 530 (92.3%) children. The mean ages for child and adult patients were 9.1 (SD 4.4) and 32.8 (SD 13.6) years, respectively. 57.8% (331/573) were male, one patient had unknown sex. The overall median (25-75 percentiles) levels of glucose, HbA1c and fasting C-peptide at diagnosis were 454 mg/dL (356-568), 11.8% (10.1-13.4) and 0.50 µg/L (0.30-0.79), respectively. DKA at T1D diagnosis was present in 48.4% (76/157). For eight centers with complete 2018 to 2021 data (all calendar months), no overall significant increase in T1D cases was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, i.e. 90 cases in 2018, 90 cases in 2019, 112 in 2020 and 100 in 2021 (P for trend = 0.36). Two of the centers, Faro (CHUA) and Dona Estefânia (CHULC) hospitals, did however see an increase in T1D from 2019 to 2020. No significant changes in glucose (P = 0.32), HbA1c (P = 0.68), fasting C-peptide (P = 0.20) or DKA frequency (P = 0.68) at the time of T1D diagnosis were observed over the entire study period. CONCLUSION: The T1D incidence did not increase significantly, when comparing the years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, nor did key metabolic parameters or number of DKA episodes change.

The WMI Rat of Premature Cognitive Aging Presents Intrinsic Vulnerability to Oxidative Stress in Primary Neurons and Astrocytes Compared to Its Nearly Isogenic WLI Control.

The primary neuronal and astrocyte culture described here is from the stress-hyperreactive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) More Immobile (WMI) rat with premature aging-related memory deficit, and its nearly isogenic control, the Less Immobile (WLI) strain. Primary WMI hippocampal neurons and cortical astrocytes are significantly more sensitive to oxidative stress (OS) generated by administration of H2O2 compared to WLI cells as measured by the trypan blue cell viability assay. Intrinsic genetic vulnerability is also suggested by the decreased gene expression in WMI neurons of catalase (Cat), and in WMI cortical astrocytes of insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2), synuclein gamma (Sncg) and glutathione peroxidase 2 (Gpx2) compared to WLI. The expressions of several mitochondrial genes are dramatically increased in response to H2O2 treatment in WLI, but not in WMI cortical astrocytes. We propose that the vulnerability of WMI neurons to OS is due to the genetic differences between the WLI and WMI. Furthermore, the upregulation of mitochondrial genes may be a compensatory response to the generation of free radicals by OS in the WLIs, and this mechanism is disturbed in the WMIs. Thus, this pilot study suggests intrinsic vulnerabilities in the WMI hippocampal neurons and cortical astrocytes, and affirm the efficacy of this bimodal in vitro screening system for finding novel drug targets to prevent oxidative damage in illnesses.

Optimization of HS-SPME/GC-MS Method for Determining Volatile Organic Compounds and Sensory Profile in Cocoa Honey from Different Cocoa Varieties (Theobroma cacao L.).

This study aimed to develop an analytical method using HS-SPME/GC-MS to determine the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles and evaluate the sensory attributes of cocoa honey from four cocoa varieties (CCN51, PS1319, SJ02, and Parazinho). Using a multivariate factorial experimental design, the HS-SPME/GC-MS method was optimized to determine the VOC profiles. Twenty previously trained tasters participated in the ranking descriptive analysis, while 108 consumers participated in the acceptance and purchase intention tests. A total of 84 volatile organic compounds were identified from various chemical classes, including acids, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, monoterpenes, oxygenated monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenes, and oxygenated sesquiterpenoids. Palmitic acid was the compound found in the highest concentration in all varieties (5.13-13.10%). Multivariate analysis tools identified key compounds for differentiation and grouping of the samples. The results revealed that the variety significantly influenced both the VOCs' concentrations and sensory profiles. The CCN51, PS1319, and SJ02 varieties exhibited the highest diversity of VOCs and sensory attributes. Notably, the SJ02 and CCN51 varieties demonstrated superior acceptability and purchase intention, with means ranging from 7.21 and 7.08 to 3.71 and 3.56, respectively. These results indicate their potential as promising sources of cocoa honey for the food industry.

Hydroethanolic extracts from Bauhinia guianensis: a study on acute toxicity in Zebrafish embryos and adults.

CONTEXT: The botanical species Bauhinia guianensis Aublet (Leguminosae-Cercidoideae) is traditionally used in the Amazon for medicinal purposes. OBJECTIVE: The acute toxicity of the hydroethanolic extracts from B. guianensis leaves and stems (HELBg and HESBg) was evaluated in zebrafish (Danio rerio), with emphasis on the embryonic developmental stage and adult alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracts were analyzed on LC-DAD-MS/MS. Zebrafish eggs were inoculated individually with concentrations of HELBg and HESBg (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.5 µg/mL), observed for 96 h. Adult zebrafish were treated with a single oral dose (100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) of HELBg and HESBg, observed for 48 h. RESULTS: HELBg and HESBg analysis detected 55 compounds. Both extracts exhibited toxicity, including embryo coagulation at higher doses of HELBg and absence of heartbeats in embryos at all doses of HESBg. Behavioral variations were observed; tissue alterations in adult zebrafish were found at the highest doses, primarily in the liver, intestine, and kidneys because of HELBg and HESBg effects. The LD50 of HESBg was 1717 mg/kg, while HELBg exceeded the limit dose of 2000 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS: The study on acute toxicity of B. guianensis extracts exhibits significant toxic potential, emphasizing effects on embryonic and adult zebrafish. The results suggest relative safety of the species preparations, encouraging further clinical trials on potential biological activities.

Anti-inflammatory potential of baicalein combined with silk fibroin protein in a zebrafish model (Danio rerio).

Baicalein (BA) is a flavonoid with wide-ranging pharmacological activity. However, its biological evaluation is hampered by its low solubility in aqueous medium, making forms of incorporation that improve its solubility necessary. In the present study, BA was combined with a solution of silk fibroin protein (SF), a biomaterial used too as a drug carrier, to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of this combination, in vivo, in an experimental model, zebrafish (Danio rerio). Baicalein-silk fibroin (BASF) improved the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) free radical scavenging rate (95%) in comparison with BA in solution. The acute toxicity study and histopathological analysis in zebrafish showed that BASF has low cytotoxic potential, except for the maxim dose of 2000 mg/kg. The use of BA in combination with SF enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect of flavonoids by inducing inflammatory peritoneal edema through carrageenan and achieved 77.6% inhibition of abdominal edema at a dose of 75 mg/kg. The results showed that the BASF, significantly increases the bioavailability and therapeutic effect of flavonoids and several results observed in this study may help in the development of new drugs.

The effect of phytosphingosine associated with tooth brushing on color change, surface roughness, and microhardness of dental enamel - an in vitro and in situ study.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the in vitro and in situ effects of phytosphingosine (PHS) associated with tooth brushing on color stability, surface roughness, and microhardness of dental enamel. METHODS: Sixty-four specimens of bovine teeth (6 × 6 × 2 mm) were separated into 8 groups (n = 8): S + TB: PHS (spray) + tooth brushing; TB + S: tooth brushing + PHS (spray); I + TB: PHS (immersion) + tooth brushing; TB + I: tooth brushing + PHS (immersion); TB: tooth brushing; S: PHS spray; I: immersion in PHS solution, and Saliva: immersion in saliva. Tooth brushing simulation (Mavtec, Brazil) was performed (356 rpm on 3.8 cm area by the toothbrush - Soft Tek) for 1, 7, 15, and 30 days. PHS remained in contact with specimens for 15 min. The specimens were evaluated before and after tooth brushing for color alteration (Easy Shade, VITA), and surface roughness (Model SJ-201P Mitutoyo), and Knoop microhardness (HMV-2, Shimadzu Corporation). For the in situ analyses, 8 participants were recruited and received an intraoral device with 6 fragments of bovine enamel (6 × 6 × 2 mm). The properties evaluated were the same as those of the in vitro study. Participants were randomized following best results of in vitro tested protocols, for 15 days: TB, TB + S, I + TB. Data obtained by in vitro (two-way ANOVA, Tukey, p < .05) and in situ (one-way ANOVA, Tukey, p < .05) studies were analyzed. RESULTS: The in vitro study showed that greater color change was found after 30 days. The greatest differences in surface roughness occurred between the initial value and after 1 day. Regarding microhardness, the highest values occurred after 15 and 30 days, which showed similar results. The in situ study showed greater color changes for the TB and I + TB, and greater surface roughness changes for TB as well as a similar increase in microhardness for the PHS protocols, which were higher than TB. CONCLUSIONS: Phytosphingosine leads to an increase in performance regarding color stability, surface roughness, and microhardness when applied. In general, the application of PHS after brushing showed a positive impact on its performance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Phytosphingosine proved to be interesting for compound prevention formulations in the dentistry field.

Anti-Melanogenic Potential of Natural and Synthetic Substances: Application in Zebrafish Model.

Melanogenesis is a biosynthetic pathway for the formation of the pigment melanin in human skin. A key enzyme in the process of pigmentation through melanin is tyrosinase, which catalyzes the first and only limiting step in melanogenesis. Since the discovery of its methanogenic properties, tyrosinase has been the focus of research related to the anti-melanogenesis. In addition to developing more effective and commercially safe inhibitors, more studies are required to better understand the mechanisms involved in the skin depigmentation process. However, in vivo assays are necessary to develop and validate new drugs or molecules for this purpose, and to accomplish this, zebrafish has been identified as a model organism for in vivo application. In addition, such model would allow tracking and studying the depigmenting activity of many bioactive compounds, important to genetics, medicinal chemistry and even the cosmetic industry. Studies have shown the similarity between human and zebrafish genomes, encouraging their use as a model to understand the mechanism of action of a tested compound. Interestingly, zebrafish skin shares many similarities with human skin, suggesting that this model organism is suitable for studying melanogenesis inhibitors. Accordingly, several bioactive compounds reported herein for this model are compared in terms of their molecular structure and possible mode of action in zebrafish embryos. In particular, this article described the main metabolites of Trichoderma fungi, in addition to substances from natural and synthetic sources.

High frequency of increased triclosan MIC among CC5 MRSA and risk of misclassification of the SCCmec into types.

BACKGROUND: Typing of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) elements is commonly used for studies on the molecular epidemiology of MRSA. OBJECTIVES: To perform an investigation centred on uncovering the reasons for misclassification of MRSA clonal complex 5 (CC5) SCCmec type II clinical isolates in our laboratory. METHODS: MRSA isolates from CC5 were subjected to WGS and SCCmec typing. RESULTS: This investigation led to the discovery that the classification failure was due to an insertion of IS1272 carrying the fabI gene on a transposable element (TnSha1) that confers increased MIC to the biocide triclosan. Genomic analysis revealed that fabI was present in 25% of the CC5 MRSA isolates sampled. The frequency of TnSha1 in our collection was much higher than that observed among publicly available genomes (0.8%; n = 24/3142 CC5 genomes). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that genomes in different CC5 clades carry TnSha1 inserted in different integration sites, suggesting that this transposon has entered CC5 MRSA genomes on multiple occasions. In at least two genotypes, ST5-SCCmecII-t539 and ST5-SCCmecII-t2666, TnSha1 seems to have entered prior to their divergence. CONCLUSIONS: Our work highlights an important misclassification problem of SCCmecII in isolates harbouring TnSha1 when Boye's method is used for typing, which could have important implications for molecular epidemiology of MRSA. The importance of increased-MIC phenotype is still a matter of controversy that deserves more study given the widespread use of triclosan in many countries. Our results suggest expanding prevalence that may indicate strong selection for this phenotype.

Remineralization of caries-affected dentin and color stability of teeth restored after treatment with silver diamine fluoride and bioactive glass-ceramic.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microhardness of caries-affected dentin and color stability of teeth restored after treatments with silver diamine fluoride (SDF) associated to potassium iodide (KI) and Biosilicate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Different samples from bovine teeth were obtained. For color readings, 80 cavities (6 mm × 6 mm × 2 mm) were prepared, and for microhardness, teeth were flattened into dentine to obtain 40 samples. All samples were submitted to cariogenic challenge and separated in 4 groups, according to the treatment used: 12% SDF + KI; 38% SDF; Biosilicate and control (no treatment). Cavities were restored with resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC, Vitremer, 3 M ESPE) or composite resin (CR, Z350, 3 M ESPE). After restoration, the samples were submitted to thermo-mechanical cycling (TMC) for 1,200,000 cycles. Color readings (EasyShade, Vita) were performed after restorations, after TMC, and 30 days after TMC. Knoop microhardness was evaluated on the planned samples before and after cariogenic challenge, after treatments, and after 30 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluated the dentine surface after treatments. Data were analyzed (ANOVA, Bonferroni, p < .05). RESULTS: The results showed a higher color alteration for RMGIC than CR. The time of analysis was significant (p < .05) for the 12% SDF + KI and control group. There was no difference (p < .05) in microhardness between groups. However, there was evidence of dentin remineralization after treatments. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the samples treated with Biosilicate resulted in a color alteration similar to control. The treatments presented dentin remineralizing potential for microhardness, below the demineralization level, caused by the cariogenic challenge. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Considering the remineralizing potential presented by Biosilicate, this agent is a promising alternative that overcomes the SDF adverse effects such as tooth staining.

Acute Toxicity and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Trattinnickia rhoifolia Willd (Sucuruba) Using the Zebrafish Model.

The species Trattinnickia rhoifolia Willd, (T. rhoifolia), which belongs to the Burseraceae family, is widely used in ethnopharmacological cultural practices by traditional Amazonian people for anti-inflammatory purposes, sometimes as their only therapeutic resource. Although it is used in teas, infusions, macerations and in food, the species is still unexplored in regard to its pharmacophoric potential and chemical profile. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a phytochemical characterization of the hydroethanolic extract of T. rhoifolia leaves (HELTr) and to evaluate the acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of this species using zebrafish (Danio rerio). The extract was analyzed by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The evaluation of the acute toxicity of the HELTr in adult zebrafish was determined using the limit test (2000 mg/kg), with behavioral and histopathological evaluations, in addition to the analysis of the anti-inflammatory potential of HELTr in carrageenan-induced abdominal edema, followed by the use of the computational method of molecular docking. The phytochemical profile of the species is chemically diverse, suggesting the presence of the fatty acids, ester, alcohol and benzoic acid classes, including propanoic acid, ethyl ester and hexadecanoic acid. In the studies of zebrafish performed according to the index of histopathological changes (IHC), the HELTr did not demonstrate toxicity in the behavioral and histopathological assessments, since the vital organs remained unchanged. Carrageenan-induced abdominal edema was significantly reduced at all HELTr doses (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg) in relation to the negative control, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), while the 200 mg/kg dose showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in relation to the positive control (indomethacin). With these activities being confirmed by molecular docking studies, they showed a good profile for the inhibition of the enzyme Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), as the interactions established at the sites of the receptors used in the docking study were similar to the controls (RCX, IMN and CEL). Therefore, the HELTr has an acceptable degree of safety for acute toxicity, defined in the analysis of behavioral changes, mortality and histopathology, with a significant anti-inflammatory action in zebrafish at all doses, which demonstrates the high pharmacophoric potential of the species. These results may direct future applications and drug development but still require further elucidation.

Multidrug-Resistant Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Associated with Bacteremia and Monocyte Evasion, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

We typed 600 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates collected in 51 hospitals in the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, metropolitan area during 2014-2017. We found that multiple new clonal complex (CC) 5 sequence types had replaced previously dominant MRSA lineages in hospitals. Whole-genome analysis of 208 isolates revealed an emerging sublineage of multidrug-resistant MRSA, sequence type 105, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec II, spa t002, which we designated the Rio de Janeiro (RdJ) clone. Using molecular clock analysis, we hypothesized that this lineage began to expand in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area in 2009. Multivariate analysis supported an association between bloodstream infections and the CC5 lineage that includes the RdJ clone. Compared with other closely related isolates, representative isolates of the RdJ clone more effectively evaded immune function related to monocytic cells, as evidenced by decreased phagocytosis rate and increased numbers of viable unphagocytosed (free) bacteria after in vitro exposure to monocytes.

Epidemiological aspects and spatial patterns of human visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil.

Human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) cases are important public health problems due to their zoonotic aspect, with high rates of morbidity and mortality in Brazil. The aim of this this study was to identify spatial patterns in both rates of HVL cases in Brazilian states during the period from 2006 to 2015. This is an ecological study, using geoprocessing tools to create choropleth maps, based on secondary data from open access platforms, to identify priority areas for control actions of the disease. Data were collected in 2017 and analysed according to the global and local Moran's I, using TerraView 4.2.2 software. Similar clusters were observed in neighbouring municipalities in thematic maps of HVL, suggesting spatial similarity in the distribution of the disease in humans mainly in the North and Northeast Regions, which concentrate the states with the highest rates of HVL. Heterogeneous spatial patterns were observed in the distribution of HVL, which show municipalities that need higher priority in the intensification of disease surveillance and control strategies.

The effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil and its nanoemulsion on dyslipidemic Wistar rats.

Dyslipidemias are lipid metabolism alterations that cause increased levels of serum lipoprotein, cholesterol, and triglycerides. These alterations are associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases and are a risk factor for atherosclerosis development. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil (EORO, 100 mg/kg) and its nanoemulsion (NEORO, 500 µg/kg) on Triton and coconut saturated-fat-induced (CSF) dyslipidemias using Wistar rats. The phytochemical evaluation of EORO performed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) revealed 1,8-cineole (33.70%), camphor (27.68%), limonene (21.99%), and α-pinene (8.13%) as its major compounds. Triton-induced dyslipidemia significantly increased total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides levels. On the other hand, the groups treated with EORO and NEORO had significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides compared to the group treated only with Triton. Similar results were observed on the positive control treated with simvastatin. Dyslipidemia induced with coconut saturated-fat (CSF) caused abdominal fat gain, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, increased LDL levels, and atherogenesis in the aorta. In contrast, the groups treated with EORO, NEORO, and simvastatin had significantly reduced hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, reduced abdominal fat gain, and absence of atherogenesis in the vascular endothelium. Overall, in the Triton-induced dyslipidemia model, EORO treatment had superior values than NEORO's (and simvastatin), although the differences were not too high, while in the CSF model, the values were mixed. In this manner, our results show an anti-dyslipidemic and anti-atherogenic activity effect by EORO and NEORO.

Ceftazidime-Avibactam as Salvage Therapy for Infections Caused by Enterobacteriales Coresistant to Carbapenems and Polymyxins.

In this article, we report a case series of patients with infections caused by Enterobacteriales coresistant to carbapenems and polymyxins who were treated with ceftazidime/avibactam (CAZ-AVI) salvage therapy on a compassionate-use protocol. We enrolled 29 adult patients in 3 centers that had an infection due to a resistant microorganism and for whom the treatments available were considered ineffective, treated them with CAZ-AVI, and assessed clinical and microbiological cure at the end of treatment and all-cause mortality at 14 days and 30 days. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile was determined using broth microdilution, and total genomic DNA was sequenced. Twelve (41.4%) patients had bacteremia, and 48.3% (14/29) of the infections were treated with combination therapy. All strains were producers of KPC-2 and were susceptible to CAZ-AVI (MIC90, 1 µg/ml). Clinical success was high (24/29 [82.7%; 95% confidence interval, 64.2 to 94.2%]), even for the bacteremic cases (75%). The 14-day and 30-day mortality rates were 9/29 (31%) and 15/29 (51.7%), respectively. The 14-day mortality rate for pneumonia was the same as that for bloodstream infections (33.3%) and although not significant, we found that patients with renal impairment that received adjusted doses of CAZ-AVI had high mortality (4/9 [44%]; P = 0.22). We concluded that CAZ-AVI is an option for the treatment of severe infections due to difficult-to-treat drug-resistant Enterobacteriales.

A promising antibiotic, synergistic and antibiofilm effects of Vernonia condensata Baker (Asteraceae) on Staphylococcus aureus.

Vernonia condensata Baker is traditionally used to treat several inflammatory and infectious processes. So, this study evaluated the antibiotic, synergistic and antibiofilm effects, and the mode of action of ethyl acetate fraction from V. condensata leaves (Vc-EAF) against Staphylococcus aureus. Five S. aureus ATCC® and five methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) routine strains were used to determine Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration. The combinatory effect was evaluated by checkerboard and time kill methods; the mode of action through the bacterial cell viability and leakage of compounds absorbing at 280 nm; and the antibiofilm action by quantifying the percentage of adhesion inhibition. Vc-EAF was active against S. aureus (ATCC® 6538™), (ATCC® 25923™), (ATCC® 29213™), (ATCC® 33591™), (ATCC® 33592™), MRSA 1485279, 1605677, 1664534, 1688441 and 1830466, with MIC of 625 µg/mL for ATCC®, and 1250, 1250, >2500, 2500 and 2500 µg/mL for MRSA, in this order, with bacteriostatic effect for both ATCC® and MRSA strains. Vc-EAF plus ampicillin revealed a total synergic effect on MRSA 1485279, and Vc-EAF combined with chloramphenicol, a partial synergic action against S. aureus (ATCC® 29213™) and (ATCC® 25923™). The time kill data agreed with checkerboard results, and the treated cells number was reduced with release of bacterial content. An expressive bacterial adhesion inhibition for S. aureus (ATCC® 25923™) and MRSA 1485279 was detected. These results showed that V. condensata is a promising natural source of active substances against S. aureus, including multiresistant strains, interfering with their antibacterial growth and hampering their adhesion to surfaces.

Binocular temporal visual processing in myopia.

Our ability to utilize binocular visual information depends on the visibility of the retinal images in each eye, which varies with both their spatial and temporal frequency content. Although the effects of spatial information on binocular function have been established, the effects of temporal frequency on binocularity are less well understood. These factors may also vary with refractive error if spatiotemporal sensitivity is affected by structural changes during the emmetropization process that may differentially affect distinct ganglion cells. In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated the potential effects of temporal and spatial frequency on binocularity in young individuals with emmetropia or myopia. Stereopsis and binocular balance were measured as a function of temporal (0-12 Hz) and spatial (1-8 c/deg) frequency. Stereopsis thresholds were measured by determining the minimum disparity at which subjects accurately identified the depth of bandpass-filtered rings. Binocular balance was measured by determining the relative contrast at which subjects reported dichoptic bandpass-filtered letters with equal frequency. Stereopsis thresholds were temporal but not spatial frequency dependent whereas binocular balance was spatial and temporal frequency dependent. There were no differences in monocular spatiotemporal contrast sensitivity between refractive groups in our sample. However, individuals with myopia showed reduced stereopsis with flickering stimuli and greater binocular imbalance at higher spatial and lower temporal frequencies compared to emmetropes. Differences in binocular vision between emmetropia and corrected myopia depend on temporal as well as spatial frequency and may be the cause or consequence of abnormal emmetropization during visual development.

Cavernous Hemangioma Between the Elastomer and Fibrous Capsule of a Breast Implant.

Hemangiomas are described in many locations, but breast hemangioma (BH) is rare, accounting for only 0.4% of all breast tumors. These tumors are difficult to diagnose preoperatively using conventional imaging modalities because they lack pathognomonic characteristics. Mammographic and sonographic appearances of BH were described in just a few case reports, and breast implant-related hemangiomas are even rarer. We report a case of the tumor arising in an atypical location-between the elastomer and fibrous capsule of a breast implant.Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Hypertonic Saline as a Useful Tool for Sputum Induction and Pathogen Detection in Cystic Fibrosis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the qualitative and semi-quantitative detection of pathogens in the airway secretions of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and the sputum induction capacity before and after inhalation of 7% hypertonic saline solution (HSS). METHODS: The study enrolled 64 patients with CF. Airway secretions were collected from all enrolled patients with CF before and after inhalation of 7% HSS, and the samples were screened for pathogens. RESULTS: Inhalation of 7% HSS increased the probability of producing sputum from 36 to 52% (p = 0.002) in children with CF. The effect was most in children under 11 years. Inhalation of 7% HSS improved qualitative pathogen identification (p = 0.008). Inhalation of 7% HSS increased the mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p = 0.002) and non-mucoid P. aeruginosa in the semi-quantitative analysis (p = 0.035). Four new pathogens (Aspergillus fumigatus, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Ochrobactrum anthropi, and Elizabethkingia meningoseptica) were identified in the sputum samples collected from the airways of patients with CF following 7% HSS. CONCLUSIONS: Inhalation of 7% HSS increased sputum production and pathogen identification in children with CF. The inhalation of 7% HSS was feasible and should be implemented for routine pathogen detection in the airways of patients with CF, particularly in those patients who do not produce sputum.

Development, stability and in vitro delivery profile of new loratadine-loaded nanoparticles.

Purpose: Loratadine is used as antihistaminic without side effects in nervous systems. This drug is a weak base and it is absorbed from the intestine. The nitrogen of the pyridine ring is protonated in the stomach affecting the oral bioavailability. The aim of this paper was obtaining, characterize and evaluate the release profiles and the stability of a gastroresistant loratadine nanosuspension. Methods: The nanosuspension was prepared by the solvent displacement evaporation method, using three different polymers (Eudragit® L 100 55, Kollicoat® MAE 100P and PEG 4000) and Polysorbate 80. Dynamic Light Scattering was used for evaluating the particle size (PS), zeta potential, and conductivity of the nanosuspension. Loratadine release profiles were evaluated in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. The shelf and accelerated stability were assessed during three months. Results: Nanosuspension particle size was 45.94 ± 0.50 nm, with a low polydispersion index (PdI, 0.300). Kollicoat® MAE 100P produced a hard and flexible coating layer. In simulated intestinal fluids, the 100 percent of loratadine was released in 40 min, while in simulated stomach fluids the release was lesser than 5%. Nanosuspension presented a good physicochemical stability showing a reduction in PS and PdI after three months (43.29 ± 0.16 and 0.250; respectively). Conclusions: A promissory loratadine nanosuspension for loratadine intestinal delivery was obtained, by using a low energy method, which is an advantage for a possible scale up for practical purpose.