Predicting Polygonum capitatum distribution in China across climate scenarios using MaxEnt modeling.

Climate change affects the geographical distribution of species. Predicting the future potential areas suitable for certain species is of great significance for understanding their distribution characteristics and exerting their value. Based on the data of 276 effective distribution points of Polygonum capitatum and 20 ecological factors, the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model and the ArcGIS software were employed to predict the areas suitable for P. capitatum growth, and the main environmental factors affecting the geographical distribution of this species were explored. Under the current climatic conditions, the areas highly suitable for P. capitatum are mainly distributed in southwestern China, with a small number of sites in coastal areas and most sites in Guizhou Province. Under different climate scenarios, the suitable areas were reduced to varying degrees. The dominant environmental variables affecting the distribution of P. capitatum were precipitation in the driest month, annual precipitation, and elevation, with a cumulative contribution rate of 84.1%. Against the background of a changing climate, the areas suitable for P. capitatum in China will be widely distributed in the southwestern region, with Guizhou Province and Yunnan Province as the main distribution areas; some sites will also be distributed throughout the southwest of Tibet Autonomous Region, the south of Sichuan Province, the north of Guangxi Autonomous Region, and the coastal area of Fujian Province. Optimal conditions for P. capitatum include a dry month precipitation range of 13.4 to 207.3 mm, elevations from 460.3 to 7214.3 m, and annual precipitation between 810 and 1575 mm. Given these insights, we recommend enhanced conservation efforts in current prime habitats and exploring potential cultivation in newly identified suitable regions to ensure the species' preservation and sustainable use.

Three New Ionone Glycosides from Rhododendron capitatum Maxim.

Six ionone glycosides (1-3 and 5-7), including three new ones, named capitsesqsides A-C (1-3), together with an eudesmane sesquiterpenoid glycoside (4) and three known triterpenoid saponins (8-10) were isolated from Rhododendron capitatum. The structures of these compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic techniques (MS, UV, 1D-NMR, and 2D-NMR) and comparison with data reported in the literature. The absolute configurations were determined by comparison of the experimental and theoretically calculated ECD curves and LC-MS analyses after acid hydrolysis and derivatization. The anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds were evaluated in the LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Molecular docking demonstrated that 2 has a favorable affinity for NLRP3 and iNOS.

[First Hungarian report of Geotrichum capitatum/Saprochaete capitata infection in an immunocompromised child]. / Geotrichum capitatum/Saprochaete capitata fertozés elso hazai esete egy immunszupprimált gyermekben.

Patients with leukemia may occasionally suffer from rare opportunistic fungal infections with poor prognosis. Fungal infection caused by Geotrichum captitatum has not yet been described in Hungary. With this case report, we would like to draw attention to the fungal infection caused by G. capitatum. The 1.5-year-old girl with acute myeloid leukemia was treated for relapse diagnosed +120 days after a sibling donor bone marrow transplantation. High-grade, fluctuating fever began 11 days after the start of chemotherapy which did not decrease despite combined treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics and antifungals (posaconasole). Due to worsening respiratory symptoms, a chest CT-scan was performed, raising suspicion of an invasive fungal infection. Blood culture confirmed G. capitatum infection. Initial empiric treatment with liposomal amphotericin B was combined with voriconazole based on international experience. However, we did not observe any improvement, and a few days later the patient passed away due to progression of the underlying disease. G. capitatum (presently known as Saprochaete capitata) is an ubiquitous yeast that can cause an infection with a poor prognosis, mainly in patients with leukemia. Its symptoms primarily appear in the skin and respiratory tract. The accurate identification of this pathogen is essential because the standard diagnostic tests do not give a specific reaction. Based on the limited international experience, the combination of amphotericin B and voriconazole can play a fundamental role in the treatment, however, even with adequate therapy 50% of the cases are fatal. By describing the first Hungarian case caused by G. capitatum, we draw attention to the importance of this rare, opportunistic fungal species with a poor prognosis that develops in immunosuppressed patients. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(26): 1034-1038.

Paediatric fractures of carpal bones other than the scaphoid.

OBJECTIVES: Fractures of carpal bones other than the scaphoid are rare in children. The aim of this study was to analyze results and identify risk factors for an unfavorable outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Children and adolescents up to the age of 16 years who sustained a carpal fracture other than in the scaphoid between 2004 and 2021 were reviewed in this single-center retrospective study. RESULTS: In a series of 209 children and adolescents with carpal fractures, 22 had fractures other than the scaphoid. Mean age was 13 years (range 8-16) years, with a total of 41 fractures, with highest incidences for the capitate (10), trapezium (6), triquetrum (4) and pisiform (4). Twenty-nine of these 41 fractures were missed on initial X-ray. Non-displaced fractures were treated with a short arm spica cast including the thumb. Four patients were operated on for displacement fracture or carpometacarpal subluxation. All fractures united, and patients returned to full activities. At the final consultation at a median 14 months (range 6-89) post-injury, all patients with non-displaced fractures were free of symptoms, with excellent Mayo Wrist Scores (MWS). However, three patients with operated trapezium fractures developed early radiological signs of osteoarthritis, two of them with residual pain and MWS rated only good. CONCLUSION: Non-displaced pediatric carpal fractures treated by forearm cast have excellent prognosis. Fractures of the trapezium with displacement or first carpometacarpal subluxation incur a risk of osteoarthritis despite anatomical reduction and internal fixation.

Phytochemical analysis on the aerial parts of Teucrium capitatum L. with aspects of chemosystematics and ethnobotany.

The phytochemical analysis on the aerial parts of Teucrium capitatum L. collected from a new population in Central Italy, led to the identification of eight compounds, i.e. pheophytin a (1), poliumoside (2), apigenin (3), luteolin (4), cirsimaritin (5), cirsiliol (6), 8-O-acetyl-harpagide (7) and teucardoside (8) belonging to four different classes of secondary metabolites. Pheophytin a (1) represents a newly identified compound in the genus whereas compounds (7-8) are newly identified compound in the species. The chemotaxonomic and ethnobotanical aspects relative to the presence of these compounds were widely discussed suggesting important conclusions for both.

Pharmacodynamic evaluation of Polygonum capitatum nanofiber functional dressing / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of the functional dressing of Polygonum capitatum nanofibers （P-PVP-PCL）. METHODS P-PVP-PCL were prepared by electrospinning technology， and the microstructure of P-PVP-PCL was observed. The antibacterial activity and antioxidant activity of P-PVP-PCL and its effects on the survival rate， adhesion and migration rate of mouse fibroblast L929 cells were investigated. The effects of medical gauze dressing， blank nanofiber dressing （PVP-PCL） and P- PVP-PCL on the healing rate of the wound were investigated by establishing the back skin wound model of rats. The pathological changes of the wound tissue and collagen fiber deposition were observed， as well as the number of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 （CD31） positive blood vessels and the expression of transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β） protein in wound tissue. RESULTS P-PVP-PCL had a smooth surface and a double-layer structure at the cross-section. The inhibition rates of P-PVP-PCL against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were （98.88±0.66）% and （94.75±1.41）% ， respectively. The antioxidant activity of P-PVP-PCL was （83.69±1.56）%， and the cell activity of the P-PVP-PCL group was significantly higher than those of the control group and PVP-PCL group （P＜0.05）. Compared with medical gauze dressings， P-PVP-PCL was more conducive to L929 cell adhesion； at 48 hours， the cell scratches in this group had basically healed. Compared with the medical gauze dressing group， the wound healing rates of the PVP-PCL group and the P-PVP-PCL group were significantly increased （P＜0.05）. On the 14th day of intervention， the wounds in the P-PVP-PCL group had basically healed， there was no dermal necrosis in the wound tissue， and the collagen fibers were arranged relatively neatly and the density was relatively uniform. The number of CD31 positive blood vessels and the expression of TGF-β protein showed a downward trend compared with the 7th day of intervention， and the number of CD31 positive blood vessels was significantly lower than those of the medical gauze dressing group and PVP-PCL group （P＜0.05）， but the protein expression of TGF- β was significantly higher than those of the medical gauze dressing group and the PVP-PCL group （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS P-PVP-PCL has good antibacterial and antioxidant activity in E-mail：444096585@qq.com vitro， and can promote the proliferation， adhesion and migration of L929 cells. It can promote wound healing of rats in vivo.

Mechanism of Polygonum capitatum in treatment of Helicobacter Pylori associated gastritis by network pharmacology, microarray data analysis and molecular docking / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the mechanism of Polygonum capitatum(PC)in the treatment of Helicobacter Pylori associated gastritis(HAG). Methods The databases were used to identify the target of PC active compounds and HAG-related genes,and the intersection was taken to obtain the potential targets of PC treatment of HAG. The interaction network diagram of “drug-active compound-target-disease” and the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network of potential target protein interaction in HAG treated by PC were constructed by software Cytoscape 3.6.0. The important nodes in the network were screened by several topological indexes,and the GO and KEGG enrichment were analyzed by STRING database to obtain the potential signaling pathway of PC in the treatment of HAG. The binding ability of PC active components with key target proteins was observed by molecular docking method. On this basis,the related targets of PC in the treatment of HAG were verified in vivo and in vitro experiments. Results The PC active compounds and targets were identified through the database,and the “drug-active compound-target-disease” network diagram and the PPI network of potential target proteins were constructed. Combined with several topological indexes,the PPI network of potential target-protein interaction was analyzed,and 52 hub genes were screened. Further bioinformatics analysis and high-throughput sequencing revealed that PC exerted an effect on HAG through the Akt/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway. Based on this,it was found that PC could reduce IL-18 and IL-1β in HAG GES-1 cells and HAG SD rats,up-regulate Akt and its phosphorylation level and reduce NF-κB expression,inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammatory body,so as to improve HAG inflammatory response. Conclusions PC could exert a therapeutic effect on HAG by activating Akt and its phosphorylation level,and inhibiting the expression of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome related factors. This study provides a theoretical basis for explaining the mechanism of PC in the treatment of HAG.

Pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions: Altered systemic exposure and tissue distribution of ciprofloxacin, a substrate of multiple transporters, after combined treatment with Polygonum capitatum Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don extracts.

Background: Combination of Polygonum capitatum Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don extract (PCE) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) was commonly prescribed in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Their pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions (HDIs) were focused in this study to assess potential impact on the safety and effectiveness. Methods: A randomized, three-period, crossover trial was designed to study the pharmacokinetic HDI between PCE and CIP in healthy humans. Their pharmacokinetic- and tissue distribution-based HDIs were also evaluated in rats. Gallic acid (GA) and protocatechuic acid (PCA) were chosen as PK-markers of PCE in humans and rats. Potential drug interaction mechanisms were revealed by assessing the effects of PCE on the activity and expression of multiple transporters, including OAT1/3, OCT2, MDR1, and BCRP. Results: Concurrent use of PCE substantially reduced circulating CIP (approximately 40%-50%) in humans and rats, while CIP hardly changed circulating GA and PCA. PCE significantly increased the tissue distribution of CIP in the prostate and testis of rats, but decreased in liver and lungs. Meanwhile, CIP significantly increased the tissue distribution of GA or PCA in the prostate and testis of rats, but decreased in kidney and heart. In the transporter-mediated in vitro HDI, GA and PCA presented inhibitory effects on OAT1/3 and inductive effects on MDR1 and BCRP. Conclusion: Multiple transporter-mediated HDI contributes to effects of PCE on the reduced systemic exposure and altered tissue distribution of CIP. More attention should be paid on the potential for PCE-perpetrated interactions.

Polygonum capitatum, the Hmong Medicinal Flora: A Comprehensive Review of Its Phytochemical, Pharmacological and Pharmacokinetic Characteristics.

Polygonum capitatum, known as "Tou Hua Liao" (Chinese name), is a crucial source of Hmong medicinal plants that has benefited human health for a long time. This folk-medicinal plant is widely distributed in the south-west of China for the treatment of various urologic disorders including urinary tract infections, pyelonephritis, and urinary calculus. The purpose of this paper was to provide a systematic and comprehensive overview of the traditional usages, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and clinical applications of this flora. Up until the end of 2022, at least 91 compounds had been reported from P. capitatum, mainly covering the classes of flavonoids, lignanoids, phenols and other components. The compounds and extracts isolated from P. capitatum exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, analgesic, hypothermic, diuretic and other pharmacological effects. Qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses were also covered. Furthermore, the possible development trends and perspectives for future research on this medicinal plant were also discussed.

Invasive Fungal Infection Caused by Magnusiomyces capitatus in an Immunocompromised Pediatric Patient with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Mexico City: A Case Report.

Magnusiomyces capitatus (also denominated "Geotrichum capitatum" and "the teleomorph stage of Saprochaete capitata") mainly affects immunocompromised patients with hematological malignancies in rare cases of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). Few cases have been reported for pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in part because conventional diagnostic methods do not consistently detect M. capitatus in infections. The current contribution describes a systemic infection in a 15-year-old female diagnosed with ALL. She arrived at the Children's Hospital of Mexico City with a fever and neutropenia and developed symptoms of septic shock 4 days later. M. capitatus ENCB-HI-834, the causal agent, was isolated from the patient's blood, urine, bile, and peritoneal fluid samples. It was identified with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and a phylogenetic reconstruction using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 28S ribosomal sequences. The phylogenetic sequence of M. capitatus ENCB-HI-834 clustered with other M. capitatus-type strains with a 100% identity. In vitro antifungal testing, conducted with the Sensititre YeastOne susceptibility system, found the following minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values (µg/mL): posaconazole 0.25, amphotericin B 1.0, fluconazole > 8.0, itraconazole 0.25, ketoconazole 0.5, 5-flucytosine ≤ 0.06, voriconazole 0.25, and caspofungin > 16.0. No clinical breakpoints have been defined for M. capitatus. This is the first clinical case reported in Mexico of an IFI caused by M. capitatus in a pediatric patient with ALL. It emphasizes the importance of close monitoring for a timely and accurate diagnosis of neutropenia-related IFIs to determine the proper treatment with antibiotics, antifungals, and chemotherapy for instance including children with ALL.

Joint-sparing arthroscopic management of avascular necrosis of the capitate.

Avascular necrosis of the proximal pole of the capitate is an exceedingly rare pathology with few therapeutic solutions. The largest published series concerned a cohort of 6 cases over 10 years. The present case concerns our experience with avascular necrosis of the capitate in a 20-year-old woman. Due to her age and high functional demand, we opted for a minimally invasive solution using arthroscopy. We performed an X-shaped palmaris longus tendon interposition arthroplasty at the midcarpal joint between the capitate and the lunate. We here report 2 years' follow-up.

Systematically Exploring the Chemical Ingredients and Absorbed Constituents of Polygonum capitatum in Hyperuricemia Rat Plasma Using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS.

Polygonum capitatum as an ethnic medicine has been used to treat urinary tract infections, pyelonephritis and urinary calculi. In our previous study, P. capitatum was found to have anti-hyperuricemia effects. Nevertheless, the active constituents of P. capitatum for treating hyperuricemia were still unclear. In this study, an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole/orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was used to comprehensively detect the chemical ingredients of P. capitatum and its absorbed constituents in the plasma of hyperuricemia rats for the first time. Xcalibur 3.0 and Compound Discoverer 2.0 software coupled to mzCloud and ChemSpider databases were utilized for qualitative analysis. A total of 114 chemical components including phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, phenylpropanoids, amino acids, amides and others were identified or tentatively characterized based on the exact mass, retention time and structural information. Compared to the previous P. capitatum study, an additional 66 different components were detected. Moreover, 68 related xenobiotics including 16 prototype components and 52 metabolites were found in the plasma of hyperuricemia rats. The metabolic pathways included ring fission, hydrolysis, decarboxylation, dehydroxylation, methylation, glucuronidation and sulfation. This work may provide important information for further investigation on the active constituents of P. capitatum and their action mechanisms for anti-hyperuricemia effects.

Invasive infections due to Magnusiomyces capitatus: case report and review of its prevalence in China.

Magnusiomyces capitatus is an emerging opportunistic yeast, thus far mainly reported from the Western world where fungemia is the most frequent presentation in immunocompromised patients with high mortality. We described a rare case of Magnusiomyces capitatus infection from our hospital in China and reviewed six further cases published to date in Chinese literature. It is noted that half more of the cases (4/7) presented with fungemia in younger, immunosuppressed patients, whereas the remaining cases were with pneumonia in elderly, immunocompetent patients. All seven Chinese cases had favourable outcome with antifungal therapy. Based on the limited in vitro and clinical data, a combination of amphotericin B either with 5-fluorocytosine or voriconazole for fungemia in immunocompromised patients, and although fluconazole is not recommended as first-line therapy in the guideline, in our study, fluconazole alone or with 5-fluorocytosine for local pulmonary infection in immunocompetent patients is effective with good outcome.

Exploring the molecular mechanism of action of Polygonum capitatum Buch-Ham. ex D. Don for the treatment of bacterial prostatitis based on network pharmacology and experimental verification.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE: Polygonum capitatum Buch-Ham. ex D. Don (CNPC2009), a traditional Miao-national herbal medicine, has been widely used with considerable therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of various urologic disorders including prostatitis. However, the molecular mechanism of action (MOA) remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS and Network pharmacological methods were used to explore the underlying molecular MOA of Polygonum capitatum Buch-Ham. Ex D. Don (P.capitatum) for the treatment bacterial prostatitis (BP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS technique was used to identify the chemical components of P. capitatum. Databases such as SwissTargetPrediction, Gene Cards, and OMIM were used to predict the targets of P. capitatum for the treatment of BP. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) was used to analyze the protein-protein interaction (PPI) and construct a PPI network, and the Metascape was used for Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. In addition, experimental treatment of Escherichia coli (E.coli)-induced BP was verified. RESULTS: A total of 31 molecular components were identified by UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS. Network pharmacology revealed that P. capitatum may act on the AKT1, PI3K, MTO, EGFR and other targets through active components such as Gallic acid, Quercetin, Luteolin, Protocatechuic Acid, Kaempferol and thereby regulate PI3K-AKT, ErbB, AMPK, HIF-1, and other signaling pathways to intervene in the pathological mechanism of BP. Verification through experimental results showed that compared with the model group, treatment with P. capitatum could significantly inhibit bacterial growth in prostate tissues, lowered the prostate index, down-regulated the levels of inflammatory mediators(IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) in prostate tissues, and down-regulate the protein expression and mRNA expression levels of AKT and PI3K. CONCLUSION: This study preliminarily revealed the MOA of P. capitatum for treating BP with multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways, especially affecting the PI3K-AKT signaling pathways.

Lung infection caused by Blastoschizomyces capitatus without immunodeficiency: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Blastoschizomyces capitatus infection is a rare fungal infection; mainly occurring in immunodeficient patients, which can cause multiple organ involvement. At present, there is no clear designated treatment regimen. This case was a rare example of Blastoschizomyces capitatus lung infection in patient with normal immune function, which was effectively controlled by combined antifungal therapy. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a 67-year-old male smoker, who, after cleaning a small bungalow for a long period, without any protective measures, developed cough with expectoration, fever and dyspnea. Pre-admission anti-infective medication (amoxicillin and roxithromycin) had little effect, and the patient's condition worsened. He had a past history of pulmonary tuberculosis with pleurisy 6 years before. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed evidence of old tuberculosis in the right upper lobe and inflammation in both lower lobes. White blood cell count was 14.51×109/L, neutrophils was 13.39×109/L and C-reactive protein (CRP) was 170 mg/L. Broad-spectrum antibiotics piperacillin sodium 4.0 g and tazobactam sodium 0.5 g q8h were administered empirically for 5 days. Blastoschizomyces capitatus infection was confirmed by next generation of macro genome sequencing (NGS) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and mass spectrum analysis of sputum. He was then switched to voriconazole antifungal therapy combined with aerosol inhalation of amphotericin B. His temperature normalized, expectoration and dyspnea were relieved. Total white cell count fell to 8.10×109/L, neutrophils to 5.81×109/L, and CRP to 76.8 mg/L. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates that Blastoschizomyces capitatus infection can occur in patients with normal immune function. Mass spectrometry and metagenomic NGS methods may have an advantage over traditional methods in identifying this fungal infection. In addition, the combination of voriconazole and nebulized amphotericin B can be employed as a novel regimen for treating Blastoschizomyces capitatus infection. For pulmonary infection with a history of environmental exposure, early pathogen identification and culture, and appropriate antibiotic treatment are key to optimizing outcome.

Bio-Guided Isolation of Two New Hypoglycemic Triterpenoid Saponins from Polygonum capitatum.

PURPOSE: Diabetes is a common disease caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, which was the top three diseases threatening human health. Therefore, it is necessary to seek more efficient hypoglycemic drugs. The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential hypoglycemic effects of compounds from Polygonum capitatum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our experiments were divided into three steps: (1) α-amylase test and oral starch tolerance test (OSTT) for screening the biological extract part of P. capitatum; (2) chemical isolation and identification using various separation techniques, and spectrum methods; and (3) evaluation of α-amylase inhibitory activity of isolates and in silico analysis for mechanism investigation. RESULTS: The n-butanol fractioned part of P. capitatum was confirmed to be the biological part according to α-amylase test. Then, two new triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the n-butanol part, which were also the first isolated triterpenoid saponins from P. capitatum. The activities of compounds 1 and 2 against α-amylase were 51.9±2.8% and 38.1±2.2%, respectively, which was consistent with the molecular docking analysis. In which, 1 and 2 showed the binding affinity energy for α-amylase was -9.4 kcal/mol and -7.8 kcal/mol, respectively. CONCLUSION: Two new triterpenoid saponins were firstly isolated from P. capitatum, and displays potency as a hypoglycemic agent through blocking α-amylase.

Don't Stop Beleafing: A Unique Case of Fungal Infective Endocarditis.

We present the case of a 60-year-old man who was successfully treated for obstructive fungal infective endocarditis of the ascending aorta caused by Geotrichum capitatum. This extremely rare cause of fungal infective endocarditis required surgical and prolonged medical management, facilitated by effective multidisciplinary cooperation. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Radial shortening osteotomy vs partial capitate shortening osteotomy in Kienböck's disease: Medium-term radiological and clinical results.

This study aimed to compare medium-term results for partial capitate shortening (PCS) and radial shortening (RS) osteotomies on lunate bone revascularization and disease progression in patients with stage II or IIIA Kienböck's disease. Patients who underwent surgery for Kienböck's disease between March 2010 and July 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical evaluation included assessment of pain, joint range of motion, strength, DASH, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS), satisfaction and time to return to work, with comparison as appropriate to the contralateral side. Preoperative and postoperative plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used for radiological evaluation. Lichtman staging and signal changes in the lunate were evaluated using MRI. Group 1 (PCS) included 14 patients and Group 2 (RS) 14. Mean follow-up was 57.8 months (range 24-102) in Group 1 and 49.4 months (range 36-73) in Group 2. Clinical evaluation included pain on VAS, DASH score, MMWS, range of motion, and grip, palmar and key pinch strength. Regarding lunate bone vascularization, increased signal on final follow-up MRI was observed in 10 of the 14 patients in Group 1 and 7 of the 14 patients in Group 2. There was a positive correlation between revascularization and final follow-up MMWS (p = 0.006). The present study thus showed that functional scores were improved by revascularization in Kienböck's disease. Both osteotomies had clinically and radiologically satisfactory results. However, we believe that PCS osteotomy is preferable, as it leads to higher revascularization rates without increasing ulnolunate load.

The Essential Oil Compositions of Three Teucrium Taxa Growing Wild in Sicily: HCA and PCA Analyses.

The chemical composition and the qualitative and quantitative variability of the essential oils of three taxa belonging to the Teucrium genus were studied. The investigated taxa, that grow wild in Sicily, were Teucrium flavum L. (section Chamaedrys (Mill.) Scheb.), Teucrium montanum and Teucrium capitatum L. of section Polium (Mill.) Scheb. Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. In total, 74 compounds were identified. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were found to be the main group for T. flavum (48.3%). T. capitatum consisted essentially of monoterpene hydrocarbons (72.7%), with α-pinene (19.9%), ß-pinene (27.6%) and sylvestrene (16.6%) as the most abundant compounds whereas ledene oxide (12.1%), epiglobulol (13.5%) and longifolenaldehyde (14.5%) were identified as the main constituents among the oxygenated sesquiterpenes (63.5%) of T. montanum. Furthermore, a complete literature review on the composition of the essential oils of all the other accessions of these Teucrium taxa, studied so far, was performed. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and Principal Component Analyses (PCA) were used in order to demonstrate geographical variations in the composition of the essential oils.

Synergistic activity of Pelargonium capitatum and Cymbopogon martini essential oils against C. albicans.

The antifungal activity of Pelargonium capitatum essential oil (PCEO) and Cymbopogon martini essential oil (CMEO) against C.albicans were evaluated. The main components of essential oils were ß-cytronellol 58.81% and geraniol 83.94% in PCEO and CMEO, respectively. PCEO was more activity than CMEO for all C.albicans strains tested with values MIC50 or MIC90 of 780 µg/ml. PCEO used in combination with fluconazole or CMEO shows synergistic effect with FICI values ≤ 0.5. Moreover both essential oils are able to inhibit the major virulence factor of C.albicans as the germ tube formation at sub-inhibitory concentration of 195 µg/ml. In conclusion, it is possible to hypothesize that PCEO can be used in combination with fluconazole or CMEO. Further studies are in due course to confirm these results.