Is Camphor the Future in Supporting Therapy for Skin Infections?

The aim of this review is to present the potential application of camphor-a bicyclic monoterpene ketone-in the prevention of skin infections. Skin diseases represent a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by prolonged symptoms that significantly diminish the quality of life. They affect the dermis, the epidermis, and even subcutaneous tissue. They very often have a bacterial or fungal background. Therapy for dermatological skin disorders is difficult and long-term. Therefore, it is important to find a compound, preferably of natural origin, that (i) prevents the initiation of this infection and (ii) supports the skin's repair process. Based on its documented anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-acne, anesthetic, strengthening, and warming properties, camphor can be used as a preventative measure in dermatological infectious diseases and as a component in medical and cosmetic products. This work discusses the structure and physicochemical properties of camphor, its occurrence, and methods of obtaining it from natural sources as well as through chemical synthesis. The use of camphor in industrial preparations is also presented. Additionally, after a detailed review of the literature, the metabolism of camphor, its interactions with other medicinal substances, and its antimicrobial properties against bacteria and fungi involved in skin diseases are discussed with regard to their resistance.

Interaction of selected alkoxy naringenin oximes with model and bacterial membranes.

Naringenin is a flavonoid found in many fruits and herbs, most notably in grapefruits. In recent years, this compound and its derivatives have been of great interest due to their high biological activity, including fungicidal and bactericidal effects, also in relation to multidrug-resistant bacteria. Membrane interactions of naringenin oxime (NO) and its 7-O-alkyl (7-alkoxy) derivatives, such as methyl (7MENO), ethyl (7ETNO), isopropyl (7IPNO), n-butyl (7BUNO) and n-pentyl (7PENO) were studied. Thermotropic properties of model membranes were investigated via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the influence on lipid raft mimicking giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) via fluorescence microscopy, and membrane permeability via measuring calcein leakage from liposomes. Molecular calculations supplemented the study. The influence of naringenin oximes on two strains of multidrug resistant bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus KJ and Enterococcus faecalis 37VRE was also investigated. In DSC studies all compounds reduced the temperature and enthalpy of main phase transition and caused disappearing of the pretransition. NO was the least active. The reduction in the area of surface domains in GUVs was observed for NO. Compounds NO and 7BUNO resulted in very low secretion of calcein from liposomes (permeability < 3 %). The highest results were observed for 7MENO (88.4 %) and 7IPNO (78.5 %). When bacterial membrane permeability was investigated all compounds caused significant release of propidium iodide from S. aureus (31.6-87.0 % for concentration 128 µg/mL). In the case of E. faecalis, 7ETNO (75.7 %) and NO (28.8 %) were the most active. The rest of the tested compounds showed less activity (permeability < 13.9 %). The strong evidence was observed that antibacterial activity of the tested compounds may be associated with their interaction with bacterial membrane.

Analysis of functional efficiency and risk of falls in patients with different types of dementia - preliminary observations.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Dementia is a multifactorial neurological disease that affects 50 million people worldwide. It is a disorder that impairs cognitive functions, functional efficiency, balance and gait. It contributes to an increased risk of falls, reduces independence in everyday activities and deepens disability. The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between dementia and independence related to functional efficiency and risk of falls in the elderly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The eligibility criterion for participation in the study was age over 60, the presence of cognitive disorders, including dementia, and the ability to move with the use of orthopaedic equipment or independently. A total of 51 people participated in the study, including 13 people who underwent rehabilitation procedures. Each subject was evaluated once for cognitive abilities using two types of tests: the ADL scale, MMSE (Mini-Mental state Examination) and three physical fitness tests: SPPB (Short Physical Performance Battery), TUG (Timed Up & Go) and FRT (Functional Reach Test). RESULTS: The average score of the MMSE test was 13.29±6.23 points, the average of the ADL scale was 4.20±1.23 points. A positive correlation was found between the level of dementia and the independence of the examined person, as well as a positive relationship between the MMSE test and the result of the Functional Reach Test, and the relationship between the ADL scale and the SPPB and 'Get-Up and Go' tests. CONCLUSIONS: It has been demonstrated inter alia that static balance and functional efficiency depends on the patient's independence in everyday activities, and the level of dementia may suggest the patient's dynamic balance. In addition, the need for a broader analysis of targeted studies was recognized to confirm the conclusions obtained.