Silver Nimesulide Complex in Bacterial Cellulose Membranes as an Innovative Therapeutic Method for Topical Treatment of Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oxidative stress and inflammation act on skin squamous cell carcinoma (SSCC) development and progression. Curative therapy for SSCC patients is mainly based on surgical resection, which can cause various sequelae. Silver ions have in vitro activities over tumor cells, while nimesulide has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a silver(I) complex with nimesulide (AgNMS) incorporated in a sustained release device based on bacterial cellulose membrane, named AgNMS@BCM, on topic SSCC treatment. The antiproliferative effect of AgNMS complex was evaluated in the SCC4, SCC15 and FaDu SCC lines. AgNMS complex activity on exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) residues and multicaspase activation were evaluated on FaDu cells by flow cytometry. The AgNMS@BCM effects were evaluated in a SSCC model induced by 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene/12-o-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (DMBA/TPA) in mice. Toxicity and tumor size were evaluated throughout the study. AgNMS complex showed antiproliferative activity in SCC15 and FaDu lines in low to moderate concentrations (67.3 µM and 107.3 µM, respectively), and induced multicaspase activation on FaDu cells. The AgNMS@BCM did not induce toxicity and reduced tumor size up to 100%. Thus, the application of AgNMS@BCM was effective and safe in SSCC treatment in mice, and can be seen as a potential and safe agent for topic treatment of SSCC in humans.

In vitro activity and formulation of a flavonoid-containing cashew pulp extract for the topical treatment of acne and the protection of skin against premature aging

The cashew nut is an important product in Brazil, both for consumption and export, with the pulp of the cashew fruit being considered a by-product despite its high flavonoid content. In this study, the use of cashew pulp extract as a treatment for acne and in the prevention of early skin damage was investigated. Its flavonoid content was determined using spectrophotometric identification, and its effects on cell and bacterial viability, the migration of keratinocytes, and antioxidant activity in vitro were evaluated. Furthermore, it was incorporated into an emulsion for topical administration, and the physical-chemical stability parameters of the formulation were determined. The cashew pulp contained flavonoids with healing and antioxidant activity, and was not toxic to keratinocyte cells in a viability test. The flavonoid-rich formulation was stable, indicating that this is a promising formulation for use in the treatment of acne and protection of skin against premature damage.

Designing a mobile app to promote healthy behaviors and prevent obesity: analysis of adolescents' preferences

To ensure that adolescents adhere to programmes promoting healthy behaviors, these programmes must be appealing and interesting. This study aims to characterize and assess the devices, operating system and type of mobile apps frequently used by adolescents; understand the features that mHealth apps should have to be appealing; comprehend the facilitators and barriers for adolescents to use mHealth apps. The sample comprised 165 adolescents (12-18 years) from the main population, recruited in 2018. Most participants used smartphones and the Android system. Food and physical activity suggestions were considered the most important features for an mHealth app. 62.6% had never tried an mHealth app. For those who had tried one, 26.0% stated it was to improve health status/lifestyle. Their favorite feature was physical exercise tips/plans (41.8%). Adolescents pointed out that the reasons that made them keep using the app were utility and interest (35.7%). Regarding possible barriers, 48.4% reported a lack of a senseof need/practical utility, and 18.8% considered notifications as their least favorite feature. Lack of interest was pointed out for 38.2% as the main reason for stopping use. Results provide practical information for the planning, design, and implementation of future mHealth apps for the promotion of healthy behaviors - an important implication for future research in this area.

Antioxidant, antiproliferative and healing properties of araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.) peel and seed

Araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.) is a native fruit from Brazilian Cerrado widely used by folk medicine. Nevertheless, the biological effects of its seeds and peel have not been extensively evaluated. We evaluate herein the antioxidant, antiproliferative and healing potential of araticum peel and seeds extracts. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis showed flavonoids, namely epicatechin and quercetin, as the main compounds in peel and seeds extracts, respectively. These extracts showed high content of phenolic compounds (7254.46 and 97.74 µg/g extract) and, as consequence, high antioxidant capacity. Interesting, the seeds extract was more effective than peel extract against all tested cancer cells, especially on NCI-ADR/RES (multidrug resistant ovary adenocarcinoma) cell line. In the cell migration assay by using HaCaT (keratinocyte), the seeds extract induced migration, while the peel extract showed an inhibitory effect. In this way, phenolic content could be related to antioxidant capacity, but it was not related to antiproliferative and healing effect. The araticum seeds extract showed an interesting response to in vitro biological assay although of its low content of phenolic compounds. Unidentified compounds, such as alkaloids and annonaceous acetogenins could be related to it. Araticum has potential to be used as therapeutic plant especially as antiproliferative and healing drug.

In vitro solar protection factor, antioxidant activity, and stability of a topical formulation containing Benitaka grape (Vitis vinifera L.) peel extract

A flavonoid enriched extract (FE) was obtained from grape peels, and in vitro SPF, antioxidant activity, and effects on cell viability of this extract were tested with the intent to develop a cosmetic product. A formulation was developed with the FE, and the stability of this mixture was evaluated in terms of pH, density, viscosity, and SPF (90-days). FE showed no cytotoxicity to human keratinocytes and an in vitro SPF of 18.56 (UV-spectrophotometry). Further, FE showed a UVA protection factor of 3.17 ± 0.2, a critical wavelength of 318.0 ± 0.1 and a UVA/UVB of 0.9. Antioxidant activity assays resulted in 92.08% and 86.85% of activity against DPPH and ABTS (IC₅₀ = 296.90 ± 1.2 µg/mL and 643.13 ± 0.9 µg/mL), respectively. Finally, SPF of formulation with FE was 12.45. Results from the in vitro SPF and product stability tests (especially storage under refrigeration), indicate that FE is a promising compound for use as an innovative sunscreen formulation.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and citric acid solutions for smear layer removal in primary tooth root canals

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate, via scanning electron microscopy, the micromorphology of the dentine walls of primary anterior teeth with focus on the presence of the smear layer after endodontic debridement and final irrigation with different systems.

METHODS

Thirty primary maxillary anterior teeth were assigned to 3 groups according to the final irrigant solution. Group 1 received 1% sodium hypochlorite; Group 2 received 17% EDTA followed by 1% sodium hypochlorite; and Group 3 received 6% citric acid followed by 1% sodium hypochlorite. The canals were debrided using 1% sodium hypochlorite to a size 30 file, and the final irrigation was performed with one of the 3 irrigants as assigned. The teeth were prepared for examination of the canal walls by electron microscopy for the presence or absence of the smear layer.

RESULTS

Group 1 had significantly higher scores for remaining smear layer than Groups 2 and 3 (P<.01), while Groups 2 and 3 presented similar smear layer score values.

CONCLUSIONS

Sodium hypochlorite promoted the formation of a smear layer during shaping, and the use of EDTA and citric acid facilitated smear layer removal.

Short report: comparison of the effects of sublingual nifedipine and isosorbide dinitrate on oesophageal emptying in patients with Chagasic achalasia

The effects of sublingual nifedipine and isosorbide dinitrate on oesophageal emptying were compared in 11 patients with Chagasic achalasia. The oesophageal emptying of a radiolabelled test meal was assessed three times in each patient by a scintigraphic technique. No treatment preceded one of the studies (basal study). Nifedipine (20 mg) by the sublingual route 30 min before the meal, preceded one study. Isosorbide dinitrate, 5 mg by the sublingual route 5 min before the meal, preceded the third study. The order of the studies was allocated randomly for each patient. Oesophageal retention at the completion of the meal was significantly less (P less than 0.01) after isosorbide dinitrate (median: 54%, range: 5-87%) than after sublingual nifedipine (median: 78%, range: 7-99%) or after the control study (median: 83%, range: 5-100%). This difference persisted up to 20 min after the meal. Values measured in the control study and after sublingual nifedipine were not different (P greater than 0.10). These results show that isosorbide dinitrate, but not sublingual nifedipine, enhances oesophageal emptying in Chagasic achalasia.