Dermoscopy as a clinical tool for the diagnosis of demodicosis: a retrospective intrapatient case-control study.

Dermoscopy has been used for the non-invasive diagnosis of demodicosis. Several studies have evaluated the usefulness of this tool in the diagnosis, however, there are differences in the gold standard (SSSB or KOH test) and criteria of positivity used between studies. Added to this, is the lack of controls and objective quantification of the usefulness of dermoscopic signs in clinically observable and relevant ranges. To validate the usefulness of dermoscopy for the diagnosis of demodicosis by calculating the performance indicators for the different dermoscopic signs. Retrospective intrapatient case-control study, which included adults with suspicion of demodicosis. Dermoscopic photographs and scraping of healthy and lesional skin were obtained. Samples were analyzed microscopically by trained personnel. Photographs were evaluated by determining the presence of Demodex tails (DT), dilated follicular openings (DFO) and dilated blood vessels (DBV) in pre-defined ranges. 64 patients were included (total = 256 samples); the presence of demodex on skin scraping was seen in 69%. Under dermoscopy, the presence of DT in range 11-20/field had a positive likelihood ratio (LR) of 12.10 (95%CI 6.52-22.45) and negative LR 0.32 (95%CI 0.23-0.45). Combined and dichotomized performance for at least one positive sign under dermoscopy (DT > 10/field, DFO > 10/field or DBV > 50% of the field): positive LR 7.14 (95%CI 4.80-10.62) and negative LR 0.11 (95%CI 0.06-0.22). The presence of DT, DFO or DBV has a high correlation with a positive mite test, so the diagnosis of demodicosis could be made only through dermoscopy.

Poisson function and volume ratio of soft anisotropic materials under large deformations.

Accurate transverse deformation measurements are required for the estimation of the Poisson function and volume ratio. In this study, pure silicone and soft composite specimens were subjected to uniaxial tension, and the digital image correlation method was used to measure longitudinal and in- and out-of-plane transverse stretches. To minimize the effects of measurement errors on parameter estimation, the measured transverse stretches were defined in terms of the longitudinal stretch using a new formulation based on Poisson's ratios and two stretch-dependent parameters. From this formulation, Poisson functions and volume ratio for soft materials under large deformations were obtained. The results showed that pure silicone can be considered isotropic and nearly incompressible under large deformations, as expected. In contrast, Poisson's ratio of silicone reinforced with extensible fabric can exceed classical bounds, including negative value (auxetic behavior). The incompressibility assumption can be employed for describing the stress-stretch curve of pure silicone, while volume ratios are required for soft composites. Data of human skin, aortic wall, and annulus fibrosus from the literature were selected and analyzed. Except for the aortic wall, which can be considered nearly incompressible, the studied soft tissues must be regarded as compressible. All tissues presented anisotropic behavior.

Skin injuries in newborns hospitalized in neonatal intensive care: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the skin injuries of hospitalized newborns and identify factors related to the number of lesions. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study carried out over a period of one year in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the west of Paraná. The study included 74 newborns with a score ≥5 on the Newborn Skin Condition Scale. Data analysis by chi-square and Pearson's test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The frequency was 25.4%, 59.4% had more than one lesion, mainly dermatitis and pressure injury. Birth characteristics were not related to the number of lesions. Not using antibiotics and parenteral nutrition, hemoglobin >11g/dl, phototherapy, pain score <4 and hospitalization >30 days were related to the number of lesions. The presence of two injuries led to longer healing time and three to longer hospitalization. A higher score on the Skin Condition Scale was related to healing time and late start of the diet. CONCLUSION: Skin injuries were found to be infrequent among newborns, but there is still a need to improve practices to prevent and maintain skin integrity.

A Natural deep eutectic solvent as an effective material for dual debridement and antibiofilm effects in chronic wound treatment.

In chronic wound treatment, the debridement of devitalized tissue and the eradication of the biofilm must balance aggressiveness with care to protect regenerating tissues. In this study, urea, a potent chaotropic molecule, was modulated through the formation of a Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NADES) with betaine to develop a new debriding material (BU) suitable for application into injured dermal tissues. To evaluate BU's debriding capacity, along with its antibiofilm effect and biocompatibility, pre-clinical to clinical methods were employed. In vitro determinations using artificial and clinical slough samples indicate that BU has a high debriding capacity. Additionally, BU's de-structuring effects lead to a strong antibiofilm capability, demonstrated by a reduced bacterial load compared to the antiseptic PHMB-Betaine or medical honey, evaluated in artificial slough and ex vivo human skin. Furthermore, BU's efficacy was evaluated in a murine model of diabetic wound, demonstrating significant effects on debriding and antibiofilm capacity, similar to those observed in PHMB-Betaine and medical honey-treated animals. Finally, BU was clinically evaluated in leg ulcers, showing superiority in reduction of bacterial load and wound area compared to honey, with no adverse effects. Thus, BU represents a simple and non-biocidal option that could contributes to chronic wound care.

Microemulsions strongly promoted the activity of α-bisabolol against different Leishmania species and its skin permeation.

This study aimed to develop microemulsions (MEs) containing α-bisabolol for the topical treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Initially, pseudoternary phase diagrams were developed using α-bisabolol as the oil phase, Eumulgin® CO 40 as the surfactant, Polymol® HE as the co-surfactant, and distilled water as the aqueous phase. Two transparent liquid systems (TLS) containing 5% of α-bisabolol were selected and characterized (F5E25 and F5EP25). Next, skin permeation and retention assays were performed using Franz cells. The interaction of the formulation with the stratum corneum (SC) was evaluated using the FTIR technique. The cytotoxicity was evaluated in murine peritoneal macrophages. Finally, the antileishmanial activity of microemulsions was determined in promastigotes and amastigotes of L. amazonensis (strain MHOM/BR/77/LTB 0016). As a result, the selected formulations showed isotropy, nanometric size (below 25 nm), Newtonian behavior and pH ranging from 6.5 to 6.9. The MEs achieved a 2.5-fold increase in the flux and skin-permeated amount of α-bisabolol. ATR-FTIR results showed that microemulsions promoted fluidization and extraction of lipids and proteins of the stratum corneum, increasing the diffusion coefficient and partition coefficient of the drug in the skin. Additionally, F5E25 and F5EP25 showed higher activity against promastigotes (IC50 13.27 and 18.29, respectively) compared to unencapsulated α-bisabolol (IC50 53.8). Furthermore, F5E25 and F5EP25 also showed antileishmanial activity against intracellular amastigotes of L. amazonensis, with IC50 50 times lower than free α-bisabolol and high selectivity index (up to 15). Therefore, the systems obtained are favorable to topical administration, with significant antileishmanial activity against L. amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes, being a promising system for future in vivo trials.

Sihler's Staining of the Thoracic Cutaneous Nerve and its Significance / Tinción de Sihler del Nervio Cutáneo Torácico y su Relevancia

SUMMARY: Our team has modified Sihler's intramuscular nerve staining method to allow for calculation of nerve density. Therefore, this study aimed to show the overall distribution pattern of the thoracic cutaneous nerves to provide a morphological basis for selecting and matching sensory reconstruction during skin flap transplantation. Twelve Chinese adult cadavers were dissected; the thoracic skin was removed, and the modified Sihler's staining method was performed. Centered around the nipple, the chest skin was divided into four regions: medial-superior, lateral-superior, lateral-inferior, and medial-inferior. The thoracic skin was not only innervated by the branches of the 1st to 7th intercostal and supraclavicular nerves, but also by a small number of nerves that directly reached the skin and passed through the pectoralis major muscle. There is a phenomenon of cross overlap between the branches of adjacent intercostal nerves. The branches of the 2nd to 7th intercostal nerves were distributed in the breast, and the branches of the lateral and anterior cutaneous branches were densely distributed around the nipple, forming a grid-like anastomosis. There was no cross-overlapping innervation between the anterior cutaneous branches on both sides. The density of nerve distribution in the four regions of the chest was in the order of the medial-superior, lateral-superior, lateral-inferior and medial-inferior region, respectively. These results may be used to map sensory regions when designing thoracic skin flaps for reconstruction surgery to obtain improved sensory recovery.

Nuestro equipo ha modificado el método de tinción nerviosa intramuscular de Sihler para permitir el cálculo de la densidad nerviosa. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo mostrar el patrón de distribución general de los nervios cutáneos torácicos proporcionando una base morfológica para seleccionar y combinar la reconstrucción sensorial durante el trasplante de colgajo de piel. Se diseccionaron 12 cadáveres de individuos adultos chinos. Se eliminó la piel torácica y se realizó el método de tinción de Sihler modificado, centrada alrededor del pezón, la piel del pecho se dividió en cuatro regiones: medial- superior, lateral-superior, lateral-inferior y medial-inferior. La piel torácica no solo estaba inervada por los ramos de los nervios intercostal y supraclavicular 1º a 7º, sino también por un pequeño número de nervios que llegaban directamente a la piel y pasaban a través del músculo pectoral mayor. Existe un fenómeno de superposición cruzada entre los ramos de los nervios intercostales adyacentes. Los ramos de los nervios intercostales 2º a 7º se distribuyeron en la mama, y los ramos de los ramos cutáneos lateral y anterior se distribuyeron densamente alrededor del pezón, formando una anastomosis en forma de rejilla. No hubo inervación cruzada entre los ramos cutáneos anteriores en ambos lados. La densidad de la distribución nerviosa en las cuatro regiones del tórax estaba en el orden de región medial-superior, lateral-superior, lateral-inferior y medial-inferior, respectivamente. Estos resultados pueden ser útiles para mapear regiones sensoriales al diseñar colgajos de piel torácicos para utilizarlos en cirugía de reconstrucción y obtener así una mejor recuperación sensorial.

Effect of feeding black soldier fly larvae meal based diet on canine skin barrier function, organic antioxidant defence and blood biochemistry.

Black soldier fly meal in pet diets is gaining acceptance. This study aimed to assess the use of black soldier fly larvae defatted meal (BSFL) and its impact on blood parameters, biochemical markers, organic antioxidant capacity, skin barrier function and skin and coat quality. A cross-over study involved eight beagle dogs with two periods of 50 days each and a washout period of seven days in between. Two approximately iso-nutritive extruded diets were evaluated, the first containing 29.5% BSFL meal and a control diet containing 26% poultry by-product meal (PBP) as protein source. Skin and coat evaluations and blood collections were conducted before and after each period. Skin barrier function was assessed by measurement of trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) in belly and pinna of the dogs on days 0, 15, 30, and 45 of each period. A trend for higher antioxidant effect significant reduction in serum scavenging capacity was found with PBP for BSFL diet trough malondialdehyde and Vitamin E measurement in dog's serum 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. When fed PBP diet dogs exhibited reduction in serum cholesterol triglycerides and decreased LDL levels after 50 days, while dogs fed BSFL presented significant reduction in ALT. TEWL was significantly reduced in belly and pinna over time when dogs were fed BSFL, and TEWL in belly was significantly lower in dogs fed BSFL in comparison to PBP. while Increased SCH was also higher for the BSFL group observed in the same along the feeding period in comparison to PBP, indicating improved ability of the dogs to retain water and keep skin moisture. Improvement skin barrier function could be related to fatty acids from BSFL and increased sebaceous lipids in skin. These are responsible for to avoid water loss and improve skin protection against microbial insults. Inclusion of BSFL as protein source did not promote negative changes in blood biochemistry and had minor antioxidant effect in healthy dogs. However, it proved effective in improving skin barrier function, making BSFL a valuable alternative protein source for dogs, particularly those with sensitive skin or allergies manifesting on the skin.

Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil in a natural product-based formulation: Antimicrobial and healing effects in Staphylococcus aureus-infected wounds.

Owing to its exposed nature, the skin can be injured by various factors, including by Staphylococcus aureus, which inhabits its innate microbiota. Treatment of infected wounds presents an important challenge, making it imperative to develop new treatment options. Plant-derived formulations, such as those containing Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil (MaEO), are used for wound treatment because of their healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This study presents a cream containing 2% MaEO (2% CMa) and evaluates its effects in an S. aureus-infected wound murine model. The 2% CMa was subjected to quality control testing and pH and analysis of density, organoleptic characteristics, and microbiological effects. The quality control parameters all revealed the good stability of the 2% CMa. The formulation strongly reduced the S. aureus ATCC 6538 colony-forming unit (CFU) count in an ex vivo porcine skin model. In the murine model, daily topical application of 2% CMa reduced the severity and size of S. aureus-infected wounds and the bacterial load. These effects may be due to the presence of terpinen-4-ol, which exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. Based on these findings, the formulation exhibits good quality and safety. We suggest the topical application of this formulation, which exhibited an antimicrobial effect, as an interesting treatment strategy for wound healing.

Effect of diets containing probiotic yeast Cystobasidium benthicum and fruit Cyrtocarpa edulis on growth and immune parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromisniloticus).

This study investigates Cystobasidium benthicum (Cb) probiotic yeast and Cyrtocarpa edulis (Ce) fruit dietary effects, single (0.5 %) or combined (Cb:Ce, 0.25:0.25 %), on growth performance, humoral immunity in serum and skin mucus, and intestinal morphology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after 14 and 28 days. The Cb group presented the highest (P < 0.05) specific growth rate, weight gain, and absolute growth rate with respect to the control group. Immunological assays indicated that Cb, Ce and Cb:Ce groups increased serum nitric oxide concentration compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Cb and Cb:Ce groups showed the highest serum myeloperoxidase enzyme activity at day 14 and 28, respectively (P < 0.05); whereas, Cb:Ce group had the highest (P < 0.05) myeloperoxidase activity in skin mucus. The superoxide dismutase enzyme activity was unaffected. On day 28, Cb, Ce, and Cb:Ce groups showed higher and lower (P < 0.05) catalase enzyme activity in serum and skin mucus, respectively, compared with the control group. Only the Cb group had higher (P < 0.05) total protein concentration in serum (day 14) and skin mucus (day 14 and 28) with respect to the control group. The lysozyme activity in serum (day 28) and skin mucus (day 14) was higher (P < 0.05) in the Cb group compared to the control group. Only the skin mucus of Ce group showed bactericidal activity against Aeromonas dhakensis (P < 0.05). Histological studies indicated that Cb and Cb:Ce groups increased microvilli height, and Cb, Ce and Cb:Ce augmented goblet cell area at day 14 compared to the control group (P < 0.05). At day 28, microvilli height was higher in all groups and the number of intraepithelial leukocytes increased in Cb and Ce groups with respect to the control group (P < 0.05). The ex vivo assay revealed that A. dhakensis in leukocytes decreased cell viability similar to the control group (P < 0.05). A principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed the results. In conclusion, C. benthicum in the diet was the best supplement to improve the growth and immunity of Nile tilapia.

In Vivo Evaluation of Laser-Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOBS) by 1064-nm Nd:YAG Fractional Picosecond Laser With Reflectance Confocal Microscopy and Precise Histopathologic Correlation.

OBJECTIVES: Picosecond lasers with a microlens array can cause laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOBS) and LIC (Intradermal laser-induced cavitation) within high-fluence areas. This study aimed to describe the clinical, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), histopathological findings, and the characteristics of vacuoles caused by LIOBS and LIC in individuals with skin types III and IV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed on six Chilean healthy volunteers, males and females, aged 35-65 years old with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes III-IV. The laser was applied in the inner proximal area of the nondominant arm. RCM evaluation was performed 24 h later; 48 h later, skin biopsies were performed on the laser-treated areas. Clinical, histological, and RCM findings were recorded. RESULTS: Every individual developed a 10 mm2 area of clinical erythema in the treated area. Under RCM, all six volunteers had hyporeflective spherical structures at the level of the epidermis, consistent with intraepidermal vacuoles. Histopathological evaluation revealed different sizes of vacuoles in both the epidermis and dermis. CONCLUSION: The LIOBS and LIC processes and the secondary production of vacuoles could be highly valuable for effective dermal remodeling treatment and aid in promoting the production of new collagen, elastic fibers, and growth factors that could improve skin texture. These structures were visible under RCM and histopathological evaluation.

Bioadhesive Polymeric Films Containing Rhamnolipids, An Innovative Antimicrobial Topical Formulation.

Acne affects most of the world's population, causing an impact on the self-esteem of adolescents and young adults. One of the causes is the presence of the bacteria Cutibacterium acnes which are part of the natural microbiota of the skin. Topical treatments consist of anti-inflammatory and antibiotics, which could select resistant strains. Alternatives to the antibiotic are biocomposites that have antimicrobial activity like biosurfactants which are produced by bacteria. An innovative way of applying these compounds is bioadhesive polymeric films that adhere to the skin and release the active principle topically. Rhamnolipids have great potential to be used in the treatment of acne because they present antimicrobial activity against C. acnes in low and safe concentrations (MIC of 15.62 µg/mL, CBM of 31.25 µg/mL and CC50 of 181.93 µg/mL). Four films with different rhamnolipids concentrations (0.0; 0.1; 0.2; and 0.3%, w/w) were obtained as to visual appearance, mass variation, thickness, density, solubility, pH, water vapor transmission, mechanical properties (folding endurance, bioadhesion strength, tensile strength, elongation at break and Young's modulus), scanning electron microscopy and infrared. The results show that these formulations had a homogeneous appearance; elastic mechanical properties; pH similar to human skin and bioadhesive. The polymeric films containing rhamnolipids were effective against C. acnes, in the in vitro test, at the three concentrations tested, the film with the highest concentration (0.3%, w/w) being the most promising for presenting the highest antimicrobial activity. Thus, the polymeric film containing rhamnolipids has the potential to be used in the treatment of acne.

Chronic Exposure to Petroleum-Derived Hydrocarbons Alters Human Skin Microbiome and Metabolome Profiles: A Pilot Study.

Petroleum-derived substances, like industrial oils and grease, are ubiquitous in our daily lives. Comprised of petroleum hydrocarbons (PH), these substances can come into contact with our skin, potentially causing molecular disruptions and contributing to the development of chronic disease. In this pilot study, we employed mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analyses to explore these effects. Superficial skin samples were collected from subjects with and without chronic dermal exposure to PH at two anatomical sites: the fingers (referred to as the hand) and arms (serving as an intersubject variability control). Exposed hands exhibited higher bacterial diversity (Shannon and Simpson indices) and an enrichment of oil-degrading bacteria (ODB), including Dietzia, Paracoccus, and Kocuria. Functional prediction suggested enriched pathways associated with PH degradation in exposed hands vs non-exposed hands, while no differences were observed when comparing the arms. Furthermore, carboxylic acids, glycerophospholipids, organooxygen compounds, phenol ethers, among others, were found to be more abundant in exposed hands. We observed positive correlations among multiple ODB and xenobiotics, suggesting a chemical remodeling of the skin favorable for ODB thriving. Overall, our study offers insights into the complex dysregulation of bacterial communities and the chemical milieu induced by chronic dermal exposure to PH.

Bioactivity of synthetic peptides from Ecuadorian frog skin secretions against Leishmania mexicana, Plasmodium falciparum, and Trypanosoma cruzi.

Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and malaria are major parasitic diseases disproportionately affecting the underprivileged population in developing nations. Finding new, alternative anti-parasitic compounds to treat these diseases is crucial because of the limited number of options currently available, the side effects they cause, the need for long treatment courses, and the emergence of drug-resistant parasites. Anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) derived from amphibian skin secretions are small bioactive molecules capable of lysing the cell membrane of pathogens while having low toxicity against human cells. Here, we report the anti-parasitic activity of five AMPs derived from skin secretions of three Ecuadorian frogs: cruzioseptin-1, cruzioseptin-4 (CZS-4), and cruzioseptin-16 from Cruziohyla calcarifer; dermaseptin-SP2 from Agalychnis spurrelli; and pictuseptin-1 from Boana picturata. These five AMPs were chemically synthesized. Initially, the hemolytic activity of CZS-4 and its minimal inhibitory concentration against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans were determined. Subsequently, the cytotoxicity of the synthetic AMPs against mammalian cells and their anti-parasitic activity against Leishmania mexicana promastigotes, erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum and mammalian stages of Trypanosoma cruzi were evaluated in vitro. The five AMPs displayed activity against the pathogens studied, with different levels of cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. In silico molecular docking analysis suggests this bioactivity may occur via pore formation in the plasma membrane, resulting in microbial lysis. CZS-4 displayed anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic activities with low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Further studies about this promising AMP are required to gain a better understanding of its activity.IMPORTANCEChagas disease, malaria, and leishmaniasis are major tropical diseases that cause extensive morbidity and mortality, for which available treatment options are unsatisfactory because of limited efficacy and side effects. Frog skin secretions contain molecules with anti-microbial properties known as anti-microbial peptides. We synthesized five peptides derived from the skin secretions of different species of tropical frogs and tested them against cultures of the causative agents of these three diseases, parasites known as Trypanosoma cruzi, Plasmodium falciparum, and Leishmania mexicana. All the different synthetic peptides studied showed activity against one of more of the parasites. Peptide cruzioseptin-4 is of special interest since it displayed intense activity against parasites while being innocuous against cultured mammalian cells, which indicates it does not simply hold general toxic properties; rather, its activity is specific against the parasites.

Indole-3-carbinol loaded-nanocapsules modulated inflammatory and oxidative damages and increase skin wound healing in rats.

This study evaluated the effects of topically applied hydrogels (HG) containing nanoencapsulated indol-3-carbinol (I3C) and its free form in a rat model of skin wounds. Formulations were topically applied twice a day for five days to the wounds. On days 1, 3, and 6, the wound area was measured to verify the % of regression. On the sixth day, the animals were euthanized for the analysis of the inflammatory and oxidative profile in wounds. The nanocapsules (NC) exhibited physicochemical characteristics compatible with this kind of suspension. After five hours of exposure to ultraviolet C, more than 78% of I3C content in the suspensions was still observed. The NC-I3C did not modify the physicochemical characteristics of HG when compared to the HG base. In the in vivo study, an increase in the size of the wound was observed on the 3rd experimental day, which was lower in the treated groups (mainly in HG-NC-I3C) compared to the control. On the 6th day, HG-I3C, HG-NC-B, and HG-NC-I3C showed lower regression of the wound compared to the control. Additionally, HG-NC-I3C exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect (as observed by decreased levels of interleukin-1B and myeloperoxidase), reduced oxidative damage (by decreased reactive species, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation levels), and increased antioxidant defense (by improved catalase activity and vitamin C levels) compared to the control. The current study showed more satisfactory results in the HG-NC-I3C group than in the free form of I3C in decreasing acute inflammation and oxidative damage in wounds.

I3C nanocapsules exhibited characteristics compatible with this kind of suspension;On 3rd day, I3C nanocapsules prevented the increase of wound area;I3C nanocapsules decreased oxidative damage in wound tissue;Inflammatory proteins were decreased in I3C nanocapsules treated group.

Use of rainbow trout skin treated with glutaraldehyde as a mesh for abdominal hernioplasty in rats.

PURPOSE: To test the use of rainbow trout skin as a surgical mesh in abdominal hernioplasties in rats. METHODS: The experiment involved 20 Wistar rats receiving implants of trout skin processed for disinfection in 0.5% glutaraldehyde and preserved in 100% glycerin. The animals were divided into four groups, divided at 7, 15, 30, and 90 days postoperatively. Clinical and infrared thermography evaluations were performed, and after euthanasia, assessments of adhesion formations and sample collection for histological evaluation were conducted. RESULTS: The implant was observed to be intact, ensuring the integrity of the abdominal wall, support for the viscera, and normal mobility for the rats for up to 90 days. Low rates of clinical alterations were observed, with an intense inflammatory reaction up to day 7, chronic inflammation and the onset of angiogenesis at day 15, and a low inflammatory reaction with collagenous infiltrate and fibrosis at day 30. At day 90, the implants showed a collagenous and fibrotic infiltrate with a minimal inflammatory infiltrate. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical mesh of trout skin performed well, making it a potential alternative for surgical procedures in muscle aponeurotic corrections in the abdominal wall.

Host Species and Environment Shape the Skin Microbiota of Mexican Axolotls.

Skin microbiomes in amphibians are complex systems that can be influenced by biotic and abiotic factors. In this study, we examined the effect of host species and environmental conditions on the skin bacterial and fungal microbiota of four obligate paedomorphic salamander species, commonly known as axolotls (Ambystoma andersoni, A. dumerilii, A. mexicanum, and A. taylori), all of them endemic to the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. We found that despite their permanent aquatic lifestyle, these species present a host-specific skin microbiota that is distinct from aquatic communities. We identified skin-associated taxa that were unique to each host species and that differentiated axolotl species based on alpha and beta diversity metrics. Moreover, we identified a set of microbial taxa that were shared across hosts with high relative abundances across skin samples. Specifically, bacterial communities were dominated by Burkholderiales and Pseudomonadales bacterial orders and Capnodiales and Pleosporales fungal orders. Host species and environmental variables collectively explained more microbial composition variation in bacteria (R2 = 0.46) in comparison to fungi (R2 = 0.2). Our results contribute to a better understanding of the factors shaping the diversity and composition of skin microbial communities in Ambystoma. Additional studies are needed to disentangle the effects of specific host associated and environmental factors that could influence the skin microbiome of these endangered species.

Evaluation of Ointments with Daldinia eschscholtzii in Wound Healing in an In Vivo Model.

Fungi are a source of a variety of secondary metabolites of importance in different areas of biotechnology. Several compounds have been characterized with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity from fungi of the division of the Ascomycota, among which is the species Daldinia eschscholtzii, an endophyte fungus of pantropical distribution. In this study, we evaluated the effect of an ointment made with D. eschscholtzii on the wound healing of BALB/c mice. The species was corroborated using a molecular marker Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS1 and ITS4). The extracts and dust of the fungus were considered nontoxic as they caused a mortality of <15% in the nematode Panagrellus redivivus, and experimental ointments had no adverse effects on the skin of BALB/c mice. Wounds treated with the D. eschscholtzii ointments had 99.9-100% wound contraction after 17 days, which was similar to commercial healing (positive control). As such, the ointment of D. eschscholtzii is a natural alternative to improve wound healing.

Histopathological findings and diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis, confirmed by PCR, in an endemic region of Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is difficult, and the correct use of histopathological criteria can be useful in clinical practice. The present study evaluates the association between histopathological findings and the results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in clinically suspected cases of CL. METHODOLOGY: Skin samples were received in a laboratory from an endemic region of Brazil for over nine years. Associations were analyzed by means of the Chi square test with a 5% level of significance. RESULTS: Of the 222 examined samples, 190 (85.6%) tested positive by PCR. All 25 cases identified by microscopic examination also tested positive by PCR. Except for the more intense inflammatory infiltrate, all other evaluated histological variables (ulceration, epidermal hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, presence of granuloma, neutrophils, histiocytes, lymphocytes, plasmocytes, and necrosis) were not significantly associated with PCR positivity. CONCLUSIONS: The intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate is a good indicator of the occurrence of CL. Histopathological aspects are useful to increase the predictive values of CL diagnoses, but PCR is still necessary to confirm or exclude the disease.