Oral and Topical Anti-Inflammatory and Antipyretic Potentialities of Araucaria bidiwillii Shoot Essential Oil and Its Nanoemulsion in Relation to Chemical Composition

Different parts of Araucaria bidiwillii (bunya pin) trees, such as nuts, seeds, bark, and shoots, are widely used in cooking, tea, and traditional medicines around the world. The shoots essential oil (EO) has not yet been studied. Herein, the chemical profile of A. bidiwillii shoots EO (ABSEO) was created by GC–MS analysis. Additionally, the in vivo oral and topical anti-inflammatory effect against carrageenan-induced models, as well as antipyretic potentiality of ABSEO and its nanoemulsion were evaluated. Forty-three terpenoid components were identified and categorized as mono- (42.94%), sesqui- (31.66%), and diterpenes (23.74%). The main compounds of the ABSEO were beyerene (20.81%), α-pinene (16.21%), D-limonene (14.22%), germacrene D (6.69%), β-humulene (4.14%), and sabinene (4.12%). The ABSEO and its nanoemulsion exhibited significant inflammation suppression in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model, in both oral (50 and 100 mg/kg) and topical (5% in soyabean oil) routes, compared to the control and reference drugs groups. All the results demonstrated the significant inflammation reduction via the inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL8), nitrosative (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) supported by the histopathological studies and immunohistochemical assessment of MMP-9 and NF-κβ levels in paw tissues. Moreover, the oral administration of ABSEO and its nanoemulsion (50 and 100 mg/kg) exhibited antipyretic activity in rats, demonstrated by the inhibition of hyperthermia induced by intramuscular injection of brewer’s yeast. These findings advised that the use of ABSEO and its nanoemulsion against numerous inflammatory and hyperthermia ailments that could be attributed to its active constituents.

Vascular injury in macroscopically normal skin of patients with severe COVID-19 infection: clinical-pathologic correlations

Objectives: Taking into account that the documentation of the histopathological features in severe disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been scarce due to the avoidance of performing autopsies, the aim of the study was to detect the microscopic changes associated with severe COVID-19 infection in normal-appearing skin, without prominent dermatologic signs of a generalized microvascular thrombotic disorder, in accordance with the clinical evolution of disease. Methods: In this morphological and immunohistochemical study we included cutaneous biopsy samples from 12 symptomatic patients with severe and critical type SARS-CoV-2 infection (with the admission date between February and June 2020), treated in the Intensive Therapy Unit Care of Emergency County Hospital Targu-Mures, Romania. Results: The average age of our patients was 65.18 ± 14.21 years (range 41 to 83), and 66.67% of the patients were male. The histological and immunohistochemical assessment of cutaneous biopsies: in 4 cases the histological examination revealed small fibrin thrombi in deep-seated venules and small veins of subcuticular adipose tissue, and also 4 cutaneous biopsies showed occlusive vascular thrombosis in association with massive perivascular inflammatory infiltrate destroying and compromising the integrity of the vessel wall. The immunohistochemical examination of the composition of perivascular inflammatory infiltrate showed a predominance of CD3 positive lymphocytes, admixed with CD68 positive Mo/ MF, some of them activated with FXIII expression. In the perivascular infiltrate, the presence of granulocytes and B lymphocytes was not characteristic. Conclusion: According to our observations, in severe COVID-19, the cutaneous tissue is involved even in the absence of clinically obvious changes. Due to the relatively easy accessibility of skin samples, these could be applied to determine the severity of the patient’s clinical status, and to predict the necessity for anti-complement or anticoagulant treatments in the early stages of a severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Clinical and immunohistochemical assessment of proliferative activity in uterine myoma

A tumor of the uterus, consisting of smooth muscles, is called myoma and fibroids, and in practice, the terms are used synonymously. Myoma of the uterus is a common disease in women of childbearing age. The frequency of its detection without regard to age is 2.45%. With age, its prevalence increases and reaches 8.31% by the age of 50. The estimate of the final probability of contracting uterine fibroids in the population throughout life is 9.7%. According to sectional data, uterine fibroids, including small nodes, occur in 20% of women. In 50% of cases, these tumors are manifested by clinically pronounced disorders that lead a woman to a doctor.

Avaliação quantitativa da expressão da proteína PCNA e das AgNORs em ameloblastomas

In order to assess the proliferative behaviour of the ameloblastoma epithelium nine cases of this neoplasm were retrieved from the files of the Oral Pathology Service laboratory of Rio Grande do Sul Federal University School of Dentistry. Two proliferation marker techniques were employed: the AgNor - argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions staining and the proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical assessment technique. Each case was submitted to a quantitative and comparative statistical analysis of the results obtained for the two techniques. The conclusion arrived at shows ameloblastoma presenting benign behavior, an average AgNOR index of 1.612, and a PCNA proteindependent proliferative activity with average immunoreactivity of 51.61%. The histological patterns analyses of the neoplastic epithelial component demonstrates that cells resembling pre-ameloblasts have obtained figures statistically higher to those obtained for cells resembling the stellate reticulum of the enamel organ, in both techniques employed. Therefore, it might be inferred that cells resembling pre-ameloblasts hold the proliferative potential of ameloblastomas and are probably responsible for the growth characteristics and infiltrative ability of this tumour.

Immunoxpression of MMPs -9, -13 and TIMP-3 after Using Etch-and-rinse Adhesive

The aim of the present study was to determine the expression of MMP-9, MMP-13 and TIMP-3 after using the XP Bond ™ (Dentsply) dentin-bonding agent on 21 human teeth. Class I deep cavities were prepared and restored. After 01, 07, 14, 21, 30, 90 and 120 days, the teeth were extracted and processed for an immunohistochemical assessment (n=3). Immunohistochemical staining was performed using the monoclonal antibody anti-MMP-9, and polyclonal antibodies anti-MMP-13 and anti-TIMP-3. The immunoreactivity of metalloproteinases 9 and 13 was considered intense and moderate in the first storage intervals, before decreasing over time. In contrast, the immunoreactivity of TIMP-3 was considered absent in dentin and weak in pulp in the first time intervals, and completely absent in the subsequent intervals. MMP-9 expression in dentin and in pulp was prevalent in the dentinal tubules and odontoblastic layer, respectively. MMP-13 expression in dentin and in pulp was predominant in the pre-dentine region and odontoblastic layer, respectively. TIMP-3 expression was absent in dentin and predominantly located in the odontoblastic layer for pulp. In conclusion, the expression patterns of MMP-9, MMP-13 and TIMP-3 altered in the different time intervals studied. The increased expression of TIMP-3 in the first time intervals could suggest a synchronous response to the increased expression of MMPs in the same periods. The results confirmed the low performance of TIMP-3 in the physiological processes of the pulp-dentin complex for the conditions and materials tested herein.

Malignant Sinonasal Tumors: Update on Histological and Clinical Management

Tumors of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (TuNSs) are rare and heterogeneous malignancies, presenting different histological features and clinical behavior. We reviewed the literature about etiology, biology, and clinical features of TuNSs to define pathologic features and possible treatment strategies. From a diagnostic point of view, it is mandatory to have high expertise and perform an immunohistochemical assessment to distinguish between different histotypes. Due to the extreme rarity of these neoplasms, there are no standard and evidence-based therapeutic strategies, lacking prospective and large clinical trials. In fact, most studies are retrospective analyses. Surgery represents the mainstay of treatment of TuNSs for small and localized tumors allowing complete tumor removal. Locally advanced lesions require more demolitive surgery that should be always followed by adjuvant radio- or chemo-radiotherapy. Recurrent/metastatic disease requires palliative chemo- and/or radiotherapy. Many studies emphasize the role of specific genes mutations in the development of TuNSs like mutations in the exons 4–9 of the TP53 gene, in the exon 9 of the PIK3CA gene and in the promoter of the TERT gene. In the near future, this genetic assessment will have new therapeutic implications. Future improvements in the understanding of the etiology, biology, and clinical features of TuNSs are warranted to improve their management.