The Effect of Peppermint and Thyme Oils on Stabilizing the Fatty Acid Profile of Sunflower Oil.

Presently, there is an increasing shift towards the utilization of natural antioxidants and compounds with protective attributes for fatty acids in order to replace synthetic counterparts that may pose health risks. This transition aligns with the growing emphasis on promoting healthy and organic food choices. Essential oils stand out in this context due to scientific validations of their antioxidant properties. There are few published research results concerning changes in the fatty acid composition in model systems with the addition of essential oils. This study aims to investigate the impact of incorporating peppermint and thyme oils on inhibiting changes in the fatty acid profile of sunflower oil stored at both room temperature with exposure to daylight and in a thermostat set at 40 °C. The experimental procedure involved the addition of peppermint and thyme oils, along with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), to batches of sunflower oil. The samples were then stored for 11 months. The study observed a detrimental influence of storage conditions on the quantitative changes in the fatty acid profile of the sunflower oil. The addition of BHA stabilized the content of linoleic acid in the sunflower oil (approximately 53 g/100 g of linoleic acid compared to approximately 58 g/100 g in the control sample). Meanwhile, the model system of sunflower oil with the addition of peppermint and thyme oils (40 °C) exhibited a statistically significant decrease in the concentration of linoleic acid to approximately 8 g/100 g after eleven months of thermostating. Similar trends to those observed for linoleic acid were noted for the total fatty acid content in the sunflower oil. Notably, the efficacy of the selected substances in inhibiting adverse transformations in fats was contingent upon their concentration and the storage temperature.

Antinociceptive Effect of a p-Cymene/ß-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex in a Murine Cancer Pain Model: Characterization Aided through a Docking Study.

Pain is one of the most prevalent and difficult to manage symptoms in cancer patients, and conventional drugs present a range of adverse reactions. The development of ß-cyclodextrins (ß-CD) complexes has been used to avoid physicochemical and pharmacological limitations due to the lipophilicity of compounds such as p-Cymene (PC), a monoterpene with antinociceptive effects. Our aim was to obtain, characterize, and measure the effect of the complex of p-cymene and ß-cyclodextrin (PC/ß-CD) in a cancer pain model. Initially, molecular docking was performed to predict the viability of complex formation. Afterward, PC/ß-CD was obtained by slurry complexation, characterized by HPLC and NMR. Finally, PC/ß-CD was tested in a Sarcoma 180 (S180)-induced pain model. Molecular docking indicated that the occurrence of interaction between PC and ß-CD is favorable. PC/ß-CD showed complexation efficiency of 82.61%, and NMR demonstrated PC complexation in the ß-CD cavity. In the S180 cancer pain model, PC/ß-CD significantly reduced the mechanical hyperalgesia, spontaneous nociception, and nociception induced by non-noxious palpation at the doses tested (p < 0.05) when compared to vehicle differently from free PC (p > 0.05). Therefore, the complexation of PC in ß-CD was shown to improve the pharmacological effect of the drug as well as reducing the required dose.

Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oil of Piper tuberculatum Jacq. Fruits against Multidrug-Resistant Strains: Inhibition of Efflux Pumps and ß-Lactamase.

Antimicrobial resistance has become a growing public health concern in recent decades, demanding a search for new effective treatments. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the phytochemical composition and evaluate the antibacterial activity of the essential oil obtained from the fruits of Piper tuberculatum Jacq. (EOPT) against strains carrying different mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Phytochemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antibacterial activity of EOPT and its ability to inhibit antibiotic resistance was evaluated through the broth microdilution method. The GC-MS analysis identified 99.59% of the constituents, with ß-pinene (31.51%), α-pinene (28.38%), and ß-cis-ocimene (20.22%) being identified as major constituents. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EOPT was determined to assess its antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (IS-58, 1199B, K2068, and K4100). The compound showed a MIC of ≥ 1024 µg/mL, suggesting a lack of intrinsic antibacterial activity. However, when the EOPT was associated with antibiotics and EtBr, a significant decrease in antibiotic resistance was observed, indicating the modulation of efflux pump activity. This evidence was corroborated with the observation of increased fluorescent light emission by the bacterial strains, indicating the involvement of the NorA and MepA efflux pumps. Additionally, the significant potentiation of ampicillin activity against the S. aureus strain K4414 suggests the ß-lactamase inhibitory activity of EOPT. These results suggest that the essential oil from P. tuberculatum fruits has antibiotic-enhancing properties, with a mechanism involving the inhibition of efflux pumps and ß-lactamase in MDR S. aureus strains. These findings provide new perspectives on the potential use of EOPT against antibiotic resistance and highlight the importance of Piper species as sources of bioactive compounds with promising therapeutic activities against MDR bacteria. Nevertheless, further preclinical (in vivo) studies remain necessary to confirm these in vitro-observed results.

Antibacterial Activity and Anxiolytic Effect in Adult Zebrafish of Genus Lippia L. Species.

Species belonging to the genus Lippia are used worldwide as foods, beverages, and seasonings. Studies have demonstrated that these species have antioxidant, sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities. This work aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity and anxiolytic effect by different pathways of essential oils and ethanolic extracts of three species of Lippia (Lippia alba, Lippia sidoides, and Lippia gracilis). The ethanolic extracts were characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn and their phenolics were quantified. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by determining the minimal inhibitory concentration and modulation of antibiotic activity, and toxic and anxiolytic effects were evaluated in the zebrafish model. The extracts showed compositions with a low ratio and shared compounds. L. alba and L. gracilis showed higher amounts of phenols and flavonoids, respectively. All extracts and essential oils presented antibacterial activity, especially those obtained from L. sidoides. On the other hand, L. alba extract presented the most significant antibiotic-enhancing effect. The samples were not toxic after 96 h of exposure, but showed an anxiolytic effect through modulation of the GABAA receptor, while L. alba extract acted via modulation of the 5-HT receptor. This new pharmacological evidence opens horizons for therapeutic approaches targeting anxiolytic and antibacterial therapies and food conservation using these species and their constituents.

Antifungal Potency of Amaranth Leaf Extract: An In Vitro Study.

Plant diseases are a serious problem for agricultural crops, the food industry and human health. Significant efforts have been made in recent years to find natural products that could reduce the growth of plant pathogens and improve food quality. At present, there is an increased interest in plants as a source of biological active compounds that can protect crops from diseases. Important sources of these phytochemicals are lesser-known pseudocereals such as amaranth. The objective of this study was to determine the antifungal activity of leaf extracts of four amaranth species (A. cruentus, A. hypochondriacus × hybridus, A. retroflexus and A. hybridus). The antifungal potency of amaranth extracts was analyzed against selected strains of fungi. The results suggested that the antimicrobial properties of the tested extracts varied depending on the amaranth species and the fungal strain. The studied extracts inhibited the growth of Fusarium equiseti, Rhizoctonia solani, Trichoderma harzianum and Alternaria alternata. A lower inhibitory effect of the extracts was recorded against F. solani, while no inhibitory effect was observed against F. oxysporum and Colletotrichum coccodes.

Synergistic Antioxidant Activity of Four-Component Mixture of Essential Oils: Basil, Cedarwood, Citronella and Thyme for the Use as Medicinal and Food Ingredient.

Mixture design is a statistical tool used to obtain the maximum desired effect using the minimum number of experiments. The aim of the presented work was the optimization of the composition of a mixture of essential oils from basil, citronella, cedarwood and thyme using simplex-lattice mixture design method. The optimized parameter was an antioxidant activity measured in DPPH assay and expressed as effective concentration (EC50). The test results showed an interesting synergy between the components of essential oils. The prepared binary and quaternary mixtures were characterized by higher activity than simple average activity. The designed mixture with approximated highest antioxidant activity was composed of: 54.4% citronella essential oil, 33.0% thyme essential oil, 9.2% cedarwood essential oil and 3.4% basil essential oil and its approximated activity was in agreement with experimental values. This work confirmed that it is possible to approximate the best antioxidant composition of four essential oils used as a potential medicinal and food ingredient.

Influence of Methods of Corn Starch Modification and Used Sweetener on the Functional Properties of Blackberry Jelly-like Dessert.

A study was conducted on selected physicochemical properties of blackberry jelly-like desserts (kissel) prepared from physically modified starches (with various degrees of inhibition) and chemically modified starches (with various degrees of cross-linking). The desserts were conventionally sweetened with saccharose (S) or, as a dietary alternative, xylitol (X). The characteristics of changes in the viscosity of the kissels as a function of temperature and time were determined. It was noted that regardless of the sweetener used, the viscosity of the kissels increased with the decreasing degree of inhibition (high < medium < low). Regardless of the kind of modification of the starch used for the preparation of the kissels and of the kind of sweetener, thixotropy was observed. Desserts prepared from inhibited starch with xylitol (CL + X) were characterised by the biggest range of their hysteresis loop. Progressing retrogradation was noted with the decrease in the temperature of the experiment (+20 °C and +4 °C). After 7 days of storage, kissels sweetened with saccharose were characterised by a low transparency, which may indicate retarded retrogradation; however, on day 28, the transparency significantly increased, exceeding the values of transmittance for samples sweetened with xylitol. The tendency towards syneresis was tested at +4 °C and −22 °C. The substitution of saccharose with xylitol only caused a slight modification of viscosity. Regardless of the sweetener used and of the level of starch inhibition, lower ranges of the hysteresis loop were noted (apart from CL + X) than in the case of kissels obtained from chemically modified starches. Distinctly lower values of kissel "aging" indices were noted in the case of samples obtained from inhibited starches, and their colour did not significantly differ in relation to the dessert prepared from native starch.

LC-MS Analysis and Antifungal Activity of Turnera subulata Sm.

Fungi of the Candida genus are responsible for invasive candidiasis, which affects people all over the world and has high mortality rates. This is due to their virulence factors, which give them great resistance and pathogenicity. In addition, the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains makes it difficult to treat these infections. In this way, natural products have emerged as an alternative to standard drugs, where plants known for their medicinal properties such as Turnera subulata become attractive to research. The present work aimed to analyze the ethanol extract of Turnera subulata leaves against standard strains of Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis using broth microdilution techniques. The identification of the compounds in T. subulata leaves by LC-MS revealed the presence of a wide variety of substances such as carboxylic acids and terpenes, with flavonoids and fatty acids being more evident. The antifungal assays showed that the extract was not able to inhibit the growth of the tested strains at concentrations with a clinical relevance. However, at higher concentrations, it was able to inhibit the fungal dimorphism of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. It is possible that the T. subulata extract has potential as an inhibitor of fungal virulence factors without affecting the cell viability. Further research should be carried out in order to assess its inhibitory potential for other fungal virulence factors.

Antifungal Effect and Inhibition of the Virulence Mechanism of D-Limonene against Candida parapsilosis.

Yeasts from the Candida parapsilosis complex are clinically relevant due to their high virulence and pathogenicity potential, such as adherence to epithelial cells and emission of filamentous structures, as well as their low susceptibility to antifungals. D-limonene, a natural compound, emerges as a promising alternative with previously described antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antifungal activity; however, its mechanisms of action and antivirulence activity against C. parapsilosis complex species have not been elucidated. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the antifungal and antivirulence action, as well as the mechanism of action of D-limonene against isolates from this complex. D-limonene exhibited relevant antifungal activity against C. parapsilosis complex yeasts, as well as excellent antivirulence activity by inhibiting yeast morphogenesis and adherence to the human epithelium. Furthermore, the apoptotic mechanism induced by this compound, which is not induced by oxidative stress, represents an important target for the development of new antifungal drugs.

Ide (Leuciscus idus) sperm short-term storage: Effects of different extenders and dilution ratios.

In cyprinids, Tyrode's (TLP) and Volckaert's (VRT) solutions are the most frequently used extenders for short-term sperm storage. The effectiveness of TLP and VRT on ide (Leuciscus idus) sperm short-term storage was analyzed using a × 4 (sperm:extender) dilution ratio over 48 h. A × 4 (1:3) dilution ratio was compared to a × 10 (1:9) dilution ratio for ide sperm storage using TLP supplemented with antibiotics and was tested for a 14-day period. Sperm motility (MOT, %), progressively motile sperm (PRG, %), curvilinear velocity of sperm (VCL, µm s-1), movement linearity (LIN, %), beat cross frequency (BCF, Hz), and the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, µm) were verified using a CASA system. After 48 h, most CASA parameters were significantly higher in TLP compared to VRT. The dilution ratio also had a significant impact (P < 0.0001) on the efficiency of ide sperm short-term storage over 14 d in comparison to undiluted sperm (control). Ide sperm diluted with TLP supplemented with penicillin/streptomycin and stored short term, regardless of the dilution ratio used, retained motility and fertilization capacity over 14 d at 4 °C. The highest embryo survival rates of 70% and 73% were noted using sperm diluted with TLP at × 4 and × 10 dilution ratios compared to 48% for raw sperm that was not stored short term.

Anxiolytic-like Effect of Quercetin Possibly through GABA Receptor Interaction Pathway: In Vivo and In Silico Studies.

Scientific evidence suggests that quercetin (QUR) has anxiolytic-like effects in experimental animals. However, the mechanism of action responsible for its anxiolytic-like effects is yet to be discovered. The goal of this research is to assess QUR's anxiolytic effects in mouse models to explicate the possible mechanism of action. After acute intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment with QUR at a dose of 50 mg/kg (i.p.), behavioral models of open-field, hole board, swing box, and light-dark tests were performed. QUR was combined with a GABAergic agonist (diazepam) and/or antagonist (flumazenil) group. Furthermore, in silico analysis was also conducted to observe the interaction of QUR and GABA (α5), GABA (ß1), and GABA (ß2) receptors. In the experimental animal model, QUR had an anxiolytic-like effect. QUR, when combined with diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.), drastically potentiated an anxiolytic effect of diazepam. QUR is a more highly competitive ligand for the benzodiazepine recognition site that can displace flumazenil (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.). In all the test models, QUR acted similar to diazepam, with enhanced effects of the standard anxiolytic drug, which were reversed by pre-treatment with flumazenil. QUR showed the best interaction with the GABA (α5) receptor compared to the GABA (ß1) and GABA (ß2) receptors. In conclusion, QUR may exert an anxiolytic-like effect on mice, probably through the GABA-receptor-interacting pathway.

Chemical Profile and Biological Activities of Essential Oil from Piper arboreum for Development and Improvement of Mouthwash.

Studies show that more consumers are using natural health products in the modern world. We have noticed a growing demand in markets and the professional community for mouthwashes that contain natural compounds. The objective of this study was to assess the chemical characterization and microbiological potential of the essential oil Piper arboreum (EOPa) to provide data to enable the development of a low-cost mouthwash. The evaluation of the antibacterial and bacterial resistance modulating activity was performed by the microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. The chemical components were characterized by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, which identified 20 chemical constituents, with caryophyllene oxide being one of the major compounds. The EOPa showed an MIC ≥ 1024 µg/mL for all bacterial strains used in the tests. When evaluating the modulating activity of EOPa combined with chlorhexidine, mouthwash and antibiotics against the bacterial resistance, the oil limited synergistic activity between the MIC of the products tested in combination (37% to 87.5%). Therefore, we recommend expanding the tests with greater variation in the EOPa concentration and the products used, as well as toxicity assessments and in vivo testing, with the purpose of the development of a possible low-cost mouthwash base that is accessible to the most vulnerable populations.

GC-MS Chemical Characterization and Antibacterial Effect of the Essential oil of Piper mosenii.

Commercialized mouthwashes are generally expensive for the most financially vulnerable populations. Thus, several studies evaluate the antimicrobial potential of herbal products, such as essential oils, to reduce the activity of microorganisms in the mouth. The objective of this research was to carry out the chemical characterization and antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Piper mosenii (EOPm), providing data that enable the development of a low-cost mouthwash formulation aimed at vulnerable communities. The analysis of the antibacterial potential and modulator of bacterial resistance was verified by the microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration-MIC. The chemical components were characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, where 23 chemical constituents were detected, with α-pinene, being the major compound. The EOPm showed a MIC ≥ 1024 µg/mL for all bacterial strains used in the tests. When the EOPm modulating activity was evaluated together with chlorhexidine, mouthwash and antibiotics against bacterial resistance, the oil showed a significant synergistic effect, reducing the MIC of the products tested in combination, in percentages between 20.6% to 96.3%. Therefore, it is recommended to expand the tests with greater variation of EOPm concentration and the products used in this research, in addition to the evaluation of toxicity and in vivo tests, seeking the development of a possible formulation of mouthwash accessible to the vulnerable population.

Optimalisation of the Activation Medium and Effect of Inhibiting Activities of Acid Phosphatase, Lactate Dehydrogenase and ß-N-Acetylglucosaminidase on the Fertilisation Success of Eurasian Perch (Perca fluviatilis L.).

Although methods for the artificial reproduction of perch have been developed, a lack of information remains regarding the enzymes present in its semen, as well as their role in the fertilisation process. In this study, we first select the optimal activating solution for perch fertilisation and then determine the inhibition effect of enzymes that have already been reported as present in the sperm of teleosts-acid phosphatase (AcP), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and ß-N-acetylglucosaminidase (ß-NAGase)-on the percentage of motile spermatozoa and fertilised eggs. Of the 8 studied activation media, a solution composed of 80 mM NaCl, 20 mM KCl, 10 mM Tris, with pH 8.0 and 206 mOsm/kg proved to be optimal for perch gametes. The addition of ammonium molybdate (AcP inhibitor) caused no significant reduction in the percentage of fertilised eggs. On the other hand, the addition of 0.25 mM gossypol (LDH inhibitor) and 0.125 M acetamide (ß-N-acetylglucosaminidase inhibitor) significantly decreased the fertilisation percentage to 41.1% and 52.4%, respectively, in contrast to the control (89.9 %). Both LDH and ß-NAGase thus seem to play a very important role in the perch fertilisation process.

UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF Analysis and Antifungal Activity of Aqueous Extracts of Spondias tuberosa.

This study aimed to identify the chemical composition of the Spondias tuberosa aqueous leaf and root extracts (EALST and EARST) and to evaluate their effect, comparatively, against opportunistic pathogenic fungi. Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to a Quadrupole/Time of Flight System (UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF) was employed for chemical analysis. Candida albicans and C. tropicalis standard strains and clinical isolates were used (CA INCQS 40006, CT INCQS 40042, CA URM 5974, and CT URM 4262). The 50% Inhibitory Concentration for the fungal population (IC50) was determined for both the intrinsic action of the extracts and the extract/fluconazole (FCZ) associations. The determination of the Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) and the verification of effects over fungal morphological transitions were performed by subculture in Petri dishes and humid chambers, respectively, both based on micro-dilution. UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF analysis revealed the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The association of the extracts with fluconazole, resulted in IC50 values from 2.62 µg/mL to 308.96 µg/mL. The MFC of the extracts was ≥16,384 µg/mL for all tested strains, while fluconazole obtained an MFC of 8192 µg/mL against C. albicans strains. A reduction in MFC against CA URM 5974 (EALST: 2048 µg/mL and EARST: 1024 µg/mL) occurred in the extract/fluconazole association.

Trace Elements and Heavy Metal Contents in West Algerian Natural Honey.

Analysis of trace elements and heavy metals in honey is essential for honey quality and safety and also monitoring environmental pollution. This study aimed to evaluate the composition of thirty-seven honey samples of different botanical origins (14 multifloral and 23 unifloral) obtained from beekeepers located in the west region of Algeria. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) methods were used to determine the levels of 19 elements in honey (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, V, Cr, Co, As, Ru, Rh, Cd, W, Pt, Au, and Pb). Ru, Rh, Pt and, Au were not detected in any of the tested honey samples. The most abundant minerals were K, Ca, Na, and Mg ranging within 153.00-989.00 mg/kg, 33.10-502.00 mg/kg, 13.30-281.00 mg/kg, and 20.80-162.00 mg/kg, respectively. Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu were the most abundant heavy metals while Pb, V, Cr, W, Co, and Cd were the lowest ones (<1 mg/kg) in the honey samples surveyed. Several honey types, lavender, rosemary, mild white mustard, thyme, milk thistle, carob tree, orange tree, Euphorbia, Eucalyptus, camphor, jujube tree, sage, and harmal, were studied, and the statistical analysis was carried out using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) techniques to evaluate the data. The results showed that the analyses of mineral content were sufficient to determine the floral origin and their variability may be related to geochemical and geographical differences. On other hand, all elements detected were at levels below safe thresholds.

Optimization of Glycerol-Water Extraction of Selected Bioactive Compounds from Peppermint and Common Nettle.

Current trends in the industry indicate that extraction solvents should conform with the ideals of so-called "green chemistry". Therefore, the objective of the presented study was to optimize the conditions for the extraction of polyphenols, flavonoids and chlorophyll from peppermint leaves (Mentha × piperita L., Lamiaceae) and from common nettle leaves (Urtica dioica L., Urticaceae) via green chemistry. The obtained experimental results were subjected to modelling by means of the multiple regression method, while the optimization of the system was addressed via the application of the desirability function. As a result of the use of glycerol-water systems for the extraction of the tested active compounds from mint leaves and nettle leaves, extracts with higher concentrations of polyphenols, flavonoids and chlorophyll were most often obtained, when compared with the use of classical solvents such as water and ethanol. In this work, we demonstrate that the extraction temperature has significant influence on the concentration of the determined components in the extracts. To obtain the highest values of the analysed parameters, leaves of peppermint should be extracted with glycerol-water mixture at the proportions of 30.5:69.5 at a temperature of 50 °C, while the optimal conditions for the extraction of leaves of common nettle were the glycerol-water proportions of 12.5:87.5 and extraction temperature of 20 °C. Comparing the average percentage differences between the highest values of the analysed parameters obtained in the experiment and the approximated values for various temperatures with the level of desirability, one can note a high correlation that, in the analysed examples, amounted to 0.9681. The study showed that glycerol can be an alternative solvent in the extraction of polyphenols, flavonoids and chlorophyll, replacing, e.g., ethanol-which, for various reasons, cannot always be used.

The Effect of Water Mineralization on the Extraction of Active Compounds from Selected Herbs and on the Antioxidant Properties of the Obtained Brews.

The objective of the study was to analyze the effect of total content of minerals in waters on the effectiveness of extraction of polyphenols and flavonoids and on the antioxidant properties of brews from leaves of green and black tea, leaves of peppermint, chamomile inflorescences, leaves of sage, and flowers of lavender. The process of brewing was conducted at an initial temperature of 95 °C, under cover, for 15 min, with the use of 10 waters differing in terms of mineral components. The content of total polyphenols and total flavonoids was determined in the brews obtained. The antioxidant properties were assayed with the use of stable DPPH radicals and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) reagent. A significant effect of water mineralization on the extraction of phenolic compounds and on the antioxidant properties of the brews obtained was observed. In the majority of cases, the highest concentrations of polyphenols and flavonoids were obtained in brews prepared with the use of deionized water and waters with medium levels of mineralization. It was also demonstrated that there was a significant reduction of antioxidant properties in brews prepared with the water that had the highest level of mineralization (2896 ppm), at 70% and 93%, respectively, for green and black teas.

A Case of Endocarditis Following Endophthalmitis After XEN45 Gel Stent Implantation.

INTRODUCTION: We report a case of endophthalmitis and endocarditis that developed after stent perforation following a XEN45 Gel Stent implantation 10 months ago. CASE REPORT: A 79-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of endophthalmitis of the right eye. The patient had undergone XEN45 Gel Stent implantation in the same eye 10 months ago. On examination, the conjunctiva was perforated by the stent, and it was no longer covered by the conjunctiva. A 27-G pars plana vitrectomy with intravitreal antibiotic injection was performed. Moreover, the patient received intravenous antibiotic treatment and local anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious therapy. Streptococcus gordonii was identified as a bacterial cause of the endophthalmitis. Therefore, transesophageal echocardiography was performed, which revealed aortic valve endocarditis. DISCUSSION: Although not proven, it is possible that the exposed XEN45 Gel Stent served as an entry point for S. gordonii, which caused the exogenous endophthalmitis and subsequent endocarditis. S. gordonii belongs to the viridans group streptococci, which is the etiological agent for endocarditis which is a severe and potentially life-threatening infection. Ophthalmologists should therefore consider the risk of systemic infections as endocarditis after endophthalmitis, particularly caused by the viridans group streptococci, which are known etiological agents of endocarditis.

Myorelaxant Effect of the Dysphania ambrosioides Essential Oil on Sus scrofa domesticus Coronary Artery and Its Toxicity in the Drosophila melanogaster Model.

PURPOSE: Alternative methods for the use of animals in research have gained increasing importance, due to assessments evaluating the real need for their use and the development of legislation that regulates the subject. The principle of the 3R's (replacement, reduction and refinement) has been an important reference, such that in vitro, ex vivo and cord replacement methods have achieved a prominent place in research. METHODS: Therefore, due to successful results from studies developed with these methods, the present study aimed to evaluate the myorelaxant effect of the Dysphania ambrosioides essential oil (EODa) using a Sus scrofa domesticus coronary artery model, and the toxicity of both the Dysphania ambrosioides essential oil and its major constituent, α-terpinene, against Drosophila melanogaster in toxicity and negative geotaxis assays. RESULTS: The EODa relaxed the smooth muscle of swine coronary arteries precontracted with K+ and 5-HT in assays using Sus scrofa domesticus coronary arteries. The toxicity results presented LC50 values of 1.546 mg/mL and 2.282 mg/mL for the EODa and α-terpinene, respectively, thus showing the EODa and α-terpinene presented toxicity to these dipterans, with the EODa being more toxic. CONCLUSIONS: Moreover, the results reveal the possibility of using the EODa in vascular disease studies since it promoted the relaxation of the Sus scrofa domesticus coronary smooth muscle.