Karaya/Gellan-Gum-Based Bilayer Films Containing 3,3'-Diindolylmethane-Loaded Nanocapsules: A Promising Alternative to Melanoma Topical Treatment.

This study aimed to incorporate nanocapsules containing 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) with antitumor activity into a bilayer film of karaya and gellan gums for use in topical melanoma therapy. Nanocarriers and films were prepared by interfacial deposition of the preformed polymer and solvent casting methods, respectively. Incorporating DIM into nanocapsules increased its antitumor potential against human melanoma cells (A-375) (IC50 > 24.00 µg/mL free DIM × 2.89 µg/mL nanocapsules). The films were transparent, hydrophilic (θ < 90°), had homogeneous thickness and weight, and had a DIM content of 106 µg/cm2. Radical ABTS+ scavenger assay showed that the DIM films presented promising antioxidant action. Remarkably, the films showed selective bioadhesive potential on the karaya gum side. Considering the mechanical analyses, the nanotechnology-based films presented appropriate behavior for cutaneous application and controlled DIM release profile, which could increase the residence time on the application site. Furthermore, the nanofilms were found to increase the permeation of DIM into the epidermis, where melanoma develops. Lastly, the films were non-hemolytic (hemolysis test) and non-irritant (HET-CAM assay). In summary, the combination of karaya and gellan gum in bilayer films that contain nanoencapsulated DIM has demonstrated potential in the topical treatment of melanoma and could serve as a viable option for administering DIM for cutaneous melanoma therapy.

Qualidade de vida e imagem corporal após cirurgia bariátrica e de contorno corporal / Quality of life and body image after bariatric and body contouring surgery

Introdução: A procura pela cirurgia de contorno corporal após a cirurgia bariátrica se deve em grande parte a uma insatisfação com a imagem corporal prejudicada pela flacidez e excesso de pele decorrente da grande perda ponderal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade de vida e a imagem corporal de pacientes submetidos a cirurgia bariátrica e posteriormente a cirurgia de contorno corporal em uma clínica privada. Método: Este estudo transversal comparou 4 grupos distintos de 21 pacientes cada, pareados por índice de massa corporal e idade antes de realizarem a cirurgia bariátrica. Foram divididos nos tempos antes/depois da cirurgia bariátrica e antes/depois da cirurgia de contorno corporal, formando assim os grupos A, B, C e D, respectivamente. Foi utilizado o questionário SF-36 para avaliação da qualidade de vida e a Escala de Silhuetas proposta por Kakeshita para avaliação da imagem corporal. Para o nível de significância, foi escolhido p<0,05. Resultados: Houve melhora em todos os domínios do SF-36 após a cirurgia bariátrica. Os pacientes que procuraram a cirurgia de contorno corporal apresentaram o menor valor do componente de saúde mental, com pouca alteração após a cirurgia de contorno corporal. Quase todos os grupos superestimaram a sua silhueta, exceto para o grupo de 6 meses após a cirurgia bariátrica, que se viu menor. Conclusão: Pacientes bariátricos que procuram a cirurgia de contorno corporal apresentam escores inferiores de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde mental e que permanecem menores após a cirurgia de contorno corporal. A distorção da imagem corporal e expectativas irreais podem justificar esse achado.

Introduction: The demand for body contouring surgery after bariatric surgery is largely due to dissatisfaction with body image impaired by sagging and excess skin resulting from massive weight loss. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life and body image of patients undergoing bariatric surgery and body contouring surgery in a private clinic. Method: This cross-sectional study compared 4 groups of 21 patients, matched by body mass index and age before undergoing bariatric surgery. They were divided into times before/after bariatric surgery and before/after body contouring surgery, thus forming groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. The SF-36 questionnaire assessed the quality of life, and the Silhouette Scale proposed by Kakeshita to assess body image. For the significance level, p<0.05 was chosen. Results: There was an improvement in all SF-36 domains after bariatric surgery. Patients who sought body contouring surgery had the lowest mental health component value, with little change after body contouring surgery. Almost all groups overestimated their silhouette, except for the group of 6 months after bariatric surgery, which saw itself as smaller. Conclusion: Bariatric patients seeking body contouring surgery have lower mental health-related quality of life scores that remain lower after body contouring surgery.

Locust bean gum hydrogels are bioadhesive and improve indole-3-carbinol cutaneous permeation: influence of the polysaccharide concentration

Abstract The locust bean gum (LBG) is a polysaccharide with thickening, stabilizing and gelling properties and it has been used in the preparation of pharmaceutical formulations. Hydrogels (HGs) are obtained from natural or synthetic materials that present interesting properties for skin application. This study aimed to develop HGs from LBG using indole-3-carbinol (I3C) as an asset model for cutaneous application. HGs were prepared by dispersing LBG (2%, 3% and 4% w/v) directly in cold water. The formulations showed content close to 0.5 mg/g (HPLC) and pH ranging from 7.25 to 7.41 (potentiometry). The spreadability factor (parallel plate method) was inversely proportional to LBG concentration. The rheological evaluation (rotational viscometer) demonstrated a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic flow behavior (Ostwald De Weale model), which is interesting for cutaneous application. The HET-CAM evaluation showed the non-irritating characteristic of the formulations. The bioadhesive potential demonstrated bioadhesion in a concentration-dependent manner. Permeation in human skin using Franz cells showed that the highest LBG concentration improved the skin distribution profile with greater I3C amounts in the viable skin layers. The present study demonstrated the feasibility of preparing HGs with LBG and the formulation with the highest polymer concentration was the most promising to transport active ingredients through the skin.

Desconforto mamário após mamoplastia de aumento: relato de caso / Breast discomfort after augmentation mammoplasty: a case report

RESUMO A mamoplastia com próteses é uma das cirurgias plásticas mais realizadas no mundo. O processo cicatricial ao redor do implante e a presença de um biofilme pode acarretar o desenvolvimento de patologias como contratura capsular e seroma. Essas patologias parecem estar relacionadas fisiopatologicamente com o desenvolvimento do linfoma associado aos implantes mamários (BIA-ALCL), sendo este também um diagnóstico diferencial. A proposta deste trabalho é relatar o caso de uma paciente com desconforto mamário, que após 2 cirurgias prévias para drenagem de seroma e troca de próteses, apresentava desconforto mamário e alteração em exames de imagens da mama esquerda. Sendo submetida a uma capsulectomia em bloco da mama esquerda e completa à direita, tendo suas próteses substituídas. Os exames para investigação de BIA-ALCL foram negativos e os achados patológicos foram sugestivos de contratura capsular à esquerda e formação de dupla cápsula à direita. O trabalho enfatiza a importância do diagnóstico diferencial em patologias mamárias, o acompanhamento a longo prazo e medidas de profilaxia na formação do biofilme.

Abstract Mammoplasty with prostheses is one of the most performed plastic surgeries in the world. However, the healing process around the implant and the presence of a biofilm can lead to the development of pathologies such as capsular contracture and seroma. These pathologies seem to be physiologically related to the development of lymphoma associated with breast implants (BIA-ALCL), which is also a differential diagnosis. The purpose of this study is to report the case of a patient with breast discomfort who, after two previous surgeries for seroma drainage and prosthesis replacement, presented breast discomfort and alteration in imaging of the left breast. She was, submitted to a capsulectomy in a block of the left breast and complete on the right, having her prostheses replaced. Bia-ALCL investigation tests were negative and pathological findings were suggestive of left capsular contracture and double capsule formation on the right. The study emphasizes the importance of differential diagnosis in mammary pathologies, long-term follow-up, and prophylaxis measures in biofilm formation.

Dermolipectomia higiênica em infecção por micobactéria não tuberculosa: relato de caso / Hygienic dermolipectomy in infeccion by non-tuberculous mycobacteria: case report

Introdução: A incidência de infecção por micobactéria não tuberculosa está aumentando em todo o mundo. No Brasil, já tivemos dois grandes surtos dessa infecção após cirurgias plásticas. Isso tem chamado a atenção de cirurgiões quanto ao diagnóstico e ao tratamento da micobacteriose. Fisiopatologia: As estações de tratamento de água são os reservatórios das micobactérias. As mesmas acabam por contaminar equipamentos médicos. Após o contato do paciente com o material, este desenvolve a infecção. Tratamento: É realizado por meio do uso de antibióticos. Às vezes, a ressecção das lesões acelera o tratamento. Relato do caso: Relatamos o caso de um paciente ainda obeso, com abdome em avental após perda ponderal acentuada, e com múltiplas lesões por micobactéria disseminadas por todo o abdome. A fonte de infecção foi uma colecistectomia convencional. Como forma de ressecar todas as lesões macroscópicas do abdome, optamos por realizar uma dermolipectomia higiênica após marcação do abdome em âncora. Conclusão: A melhor maneira de nossos pacientes não adquirirem esse tipo de infecção é assegurarmos a higiene adequada de nosso material cirúrgico.

Introduction: The incidence of non tuberculous mycobacterial disease is increasing worldwide. In Brazil, we had two big outbreaks of this bacterial infeccion after plastic surgeries. This has drawn the attention of surgeons to the diagnosis and treatment of mycobacteriosis. Physiopatologhy: Water supplies are now recognized as a reservoir for mycobacterias. These bacterias end up contaminating medical equipment. After the contact of the patients with the material, they develop the infeccion. Treatment: Mycobacterial lesions are primarily treated using antimicrobial agents. However, removal of the lesion may speed resolution. Case report: We reported a case of a patient still obese, with massive hanging pannus after important weigtht loss and multiple injuries by mycobacteria spread throughout the abdomen. The source of infection was a conventional cholecystectomy. As a way to resect all macroscopic lesions of the abdomen, we choose to perform a hygienic dermolipectomy after marking in anchor. Conclusion: The best way of our patients not to acquire this type of infection is through the appropriate hygiene of our surgical material.