Topical Usage Research Articles

Foreigners’ and stateless persons’ crime in Ukraine: the results of law enforcement officers’ survey

Dynamic processes of international migration, including Ukraine as a participant, produce real and potential security threats. One of such threats is foreigners’ and stateless persons’ crime. That’s why studding crime of this people with the aim of its prevention, orients a researcher to use different methods of scientific research.Most of criminological researches are based on the official statistics data. But for the comprehensive view of the topic usage of only crime statistics isn’t enough. Researcher can get the outstanding information through different surveys that belong to the statistical methods of scientific research. The goal of this paper is to expound the results of law enforcement officers survey, conducted by the author, as for latency, determination and prevention of foreigners’ and stateless persons’ crime in Ukraine.The investigators and agents of the National police and Security Service of Ukraine, district police officers of the National police from Kyiv and Kyiv Region, Kharkiv and Kharkiv Region, Dnipro and Dnipropetrovsk Region, Odesa and Odesa Region, Chernihiv and Chernihiv Region, Chernivtsi and Chernivtsi Region, Uzhhorod and Zakarpattya Region have been the respondents of our survey. For our survey we had worked up two forms: the first for investigators and agents of the National police and Security Service of Ukraine and the second one for district police officers of the National police of Ukraine. The first form included questions about: how often foreigners and stateless persons commit crimes in Ukraine; the level and reasons of the latency of these crimes; the most widespread difficulties of the investigation of such crimes; possible connection between nationality and kind of crimes; determination and prevention measures of foreigners’ and stateless persons’ crime. Form for district police officers was rather different than for investigators and agents. We had asked them about quantity of foreigners and stateless persons on their district, facts of crime committing by them, claims from local people on them, determination and prevention this type of crimes.The main conclusion of the paper is that without such methods of scientific research like surveys, any criminological study isn’t complete and has not enough practical orientation.

Study of prescribing pattern of topical corticosteroids in dermatology out patients department in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Puducherry

Background: Topical corticosteroids have been used as the mainstay of treatment in many inflammatory and autoimmune dermatological conditions like psoriasis, lichen plannus, SLE etc. Keeping a constant watch on the rationality of these prescriptions is needed due to many known side effects of long term use of steroids and the high prevalence of such conditions with economical burden. The data pertaining to topical corticosteroids usage patterns in skin conditions are particularly lacking. Objective: This study aims to evaluate and analyze the prescribing pattern of topical corticosteroids among dermatology outpatients in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Dermatology outpatient Department of a tertiary care hospital, Puducherry, India for 3 months in patients prescribed with topical corticosteroids. The collected data were analyzed and results are expressed using descriptive statistics. Result: A total of 200 prescriptions were analyzed, among which males and females were 43% and 57% respectively .The common indications for topical steroids were eczema (13.5%) followed by psoriasis vulgaris (12%). Clobetasol propionate was prescribed in 34.5% followed by mometasone furoate (24 %), betamethasone dipropionate (18%) and halobetasol (11%). Cream formulation was prescribed in 44.5%. Average drug per prescription was 3.5. 54% were prescribed drugs in generic names, but specification of strength and quantity were lacking. Instructions regarding usage were specified in 48% for area of application, 61.5% for route of administration, and 92% for frequency of administration. Conclusion: Periodical analysis of prescriptions for a year with an emphasis on rational prescription with proper instructions to be followed for a good and quick therapeutic outcome which can reduce the economical and mental stress to the patients.

Topical Antibiotic Use Coselects for the Carriage of Mobile Genetic Elements Conferring Resistance to Unrelated Antimicrobials in Staphylococcus aureus.

ABSTRACTTopical antibiotics, such as mupirocin and fusidic acid, are commonly used in the prevention and treatment of skin infections, particularly those caused by staphylococci. However, the widespread use of these agents is associated with increased resistance to these agents, potentially limiting their efficacy. Of particular concern is the observation that resistance to topical antibiotics is often associated with multidrug resistance, suggesting that topical antibiotics may play a role in the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. New Zealand (NZ) has some of the highest globally recorded rates of topical antibiotic usage and resistance. Using a combination of Pacific Biosciences single-molecule real-time (SMRT) whole-genome sequencing, Illumina short-read sequencing, and Bayesian phylogenomic modeling on 118 new multilocus sequence type 1 (ST1) community Staphylococcus aureus isolates from New Zealand and 61 publically available international ST1 genome sequences, we demonstrate a strong correlation between the clinical introduction of topical antibiotics and the emergence of MDR ST1 S. aureus. We also provide in vitro experimental evidence showing that exposure to topical antibiotics can lead to the rapid selection of MDR S. aureus isolates carrying plasmids that confer resistance to multiple unrelated antibiotics, from within a mixed population of competitor strains. These findings have important implications regarding the impact of the indiscriminate use of topical antibiotics.

Medication use in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis in Germany - a large retrospective patient-based study.

The aim of the present study was to provide an insight into medical treatment practices among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in Germany. An investigation of ICD codes and ATC classes of CRS patients in general and otolaryngology offices in Germany should reveal the prevalent treatment behaviors of German physicians. The present study used data from the Disease Analyzer database (IQVIA). The study sample included patients from 940 general (GP) and 106 otolaryngology (ENT) practices who were coded as having chronic sinusitis (ICD-10: J32) or nasal polyps (ICD-10: J33) in 2015 (index date). The primary outcome measures were the number of patients with these diagnoses per practice as well as the proportion of patients with prescriptions for topical corticosteroids, systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics, antihistamines, and local decongestants within 365 days after the first diagnosis. This retrospective study included 26,768 patients with coding for chronic sinusitis (ICD-10: J32) and 516 patients for nasal polyps (ICD-10: J33) in 940 GP practices and 19,826 patients with coding for chronic sinusitis (ICD-10: J32) and 1,773 patients for nasal polyps (ICD-10: J33) in 106 ENT practices. In patients coded as having chronic sinusitis (ICD-10: J32), topical corticosteroids were prescribed at a low rate (GP: 12.3%, ENT: 34.3%). In patients coded as having nasal polyps (ICD-10: J33), topical corticosteroid usage was higher in GP practices (27.3%) and in ENT practices (71.2%). Topical corticosteroid usage in CRS patients in GP practices in Germany is as low as in other Western countries. Increased usage of topical corticosteroids in CRS patients with polyposis should be encouraged in GP and ENT practices.

Use of topical steroids on the face among university students in Saudi Arabia

Background: Topical corticosteroids are widely used to treat dermatological problems. The aim of this study is to assess the scale of topical steroid usage on the face among the university students. Methods: An online questionnaire has been sent by e-mail to all students of King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia). It included questions about the use of topical steroids on the face for the last 5 y. Different photos of commonly used topical steroids including combination formulas were shown and asked if they have been used. Results: 1626 students responded. Only 56 responded as they have used topical steroids on the face in the previous 5 y. At least 189 had used one of the presented photos (which contained steroids) and 637 said that they did not know that they contained steroids. Sources of prescription included dermatologists, other doctors, pharmacists, friends and relatives, beauticians or saloon staff and others. Different recognized side effects were reported. Conclusion: Considerable number of university students use topical steroids on the face without knowing its nature. Additionally, Topical steroids are being prescribed and advised by non-medical personnel. Public awareness actions can be implemented to warn against the use of topical steroids without proper medical consultation.

The efficiency of topical anesthetics as antimicrobial agents: A review of use in dentistry.

Topical anesthetics are commonly used in oral & maxillofacial surgery to control pain in the oral cavity mucosa before local anesthetic injection. These anesthetic agents come in many forms, developed for different usages, to minimize adverse reactions, and for optimal anesthetic efficiency. Earlier studies have revealed that these agents may also limit the growth of microorganisms in the area of anesthetic application. Many topical anesthetic agents show different levels of antimicrobial activity against various bacterial strains and Candida. The dosage of local anesthetic agent used in some clinical preparations is too low to show a significant effect on microbial activity. Efficiency of antimicrobial activity depends on the local anesthetic agent's properties of diffusion within the bloodstream and binding efficiency with cytoplasmic membrane, which is followed by disruption of the bacterial cell membrane. The antimicrobial properties of these agents may extend their usage in patients to both control pain and infection. To develop the topical local anesthetic optimal usage and antimicrobial effect, a collaborating antiseptic agent may be used to benefit the local anesthetic. However, more research is required regarding minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of topical local anesthetic agents with drug interaction between anesthetics and antiseptic agents.

Does topical tranexamic acid reduce postcoronary artery bypass graft bleeding?

Background:Postoperative bleeding is a common problem in cardiac surgery. We tried to evaluate the effect of topical tranexamic acid (TA) on reducing postoperative bleeding of patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.Materials and Methods:One hundred and twenty-six isolated primary CABG patients were included in this clinical trial. They were divided blindly into two groups; Group 1, patients receiving 1 g TA diluted in 100 ml normal saline poured into mediastinal cavity before closing the chest and Group 2, patients receiving 100 ml normal saline at the end of operation. First 24 and 48 h chest tube drainage, hemoglobin decrease and packed RBC transfusion needs were compared.Results:Both groups were the same in baseline characteristics including gender, age, body mass index, ejection fraction, clamp time, bypass time, and operation length. During the first 24 h postoperatively, mean chest tube drainage in intervention group was 567 ml compared to 564 ml in control group (P = 0.89). Mean total chest tube drainage was 780 ml in intervention group and 715 ml in control group (P = 0.27). There was no significant difference in both mean hemoglobin decrease (P = 0.26) and packed RBC transfusion (P = 0.7). Topical application of 1 g TA diluted in 100 ml normal saline does not reduce postoperative bleeding of isolated on-pump CABG surgery.Conclusion:We do not recommend topical usage of 1 g TA diluted in 100 ml normal saline for decreasing blood loss in on-pump CABG patients.

Proprietary Herbal Extract Downregulates the Gene Expression of IL-1α in HaCaT Cells: Possible Implications Against Nonscarring Alopecia.

BackgroundCurrently while, topical minoxidil and oral finasteride are the only medications approved in androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the cause oriented treatment and immunsupressive treatment are being performed in telogen effluvium (TE) and alopecia areata (AA) respectively. Considering the inflammatory factors in the pathogenesis of these three nonscarring alopecia forms, we have formulated a mixture for topical usage composed of six different herbal extracts (HE) which have already known antiinflammatory and antioxidant features.Materials and MethodsIn addition to performing the phytochemical analysis of HE, we detected the gene expression level of IL-1α, the crucial hair loss mediator, for the putative efficacy in nonscarring alopecia. Cell proliferation assay was performed by XTT reagent. After determination of non-cytotoxic concentration, HaCaT cells were treated with HE. RNA isolations were carried out from both non-treated and treated cell groups by using TRI-reagent. Gene expressions of IL-1α and as control GAPDH were determined by RT-qPCR analysis.ResultsResults were represented as “IL-1α/GAPDH Fold Change”. HE solution caused statistically significant downregulation of IL-1α gene expressions (p<0.0001), compared to untreated control cells. HE treatment ended up with 0.1900 fold change for IL-1α.ConclusionIL-1α is a direct growth inhibitory agent in hair follicles and an important actor in the pathogenesis of AGA , TE, and AA. Considering together the vitamins, flavonoids, and trace elements identified in the phytochemical analyses and downregulation of IL-1α in HaCaT cells, our HE may be an auxiliary agent in the therapy of these three nonscarring alopecia forms.

An Examination of the Self-directed Online Leadership Learning Choices of Public Health Professionals: The Maternal and Child Health Public Health Leadership Institute Experience.

To assess the self-selected asynchronous leadership module-based learning choices of public health professionals participating in the Maternal and Child Health Public Health Leadership Institute (MCH PHLI). Online module completion and evaluation data were used to determine the topics most utilized by the Fellows; whether the topics and mode of training were acceptable, relevant, and practical; and whether participant characteristics explained any usage patterns. A total of 109 enrolled Fellows in the MCH PHLI program. Module frequency of selection by Fellows; Fellows' rating scores in regard to relevance, practicality, and acceptability of module topics. All program titles were highly rated. The 5 most frequently selected module topics were employee engagement (87.2%), talent acquisition strategies (84.4%), employee motivation (79.8%), emotional intelligence (78.9%), and workforce development strategies (68.8%). The least accessed topics focused on cultural competence (15.6%), social marketing (25.7%), effective communication and advocacy (25.7%), family partnerships (25.9%), and creating learning organizations (31.2%). All module topics provided were rated as relevant, practical, and acceptable to these public health leaders. Self-directed computer-based learning was rated strongly by the MCH public health leaders in this study. Such an approach can be used to customize training to individual needs and interests. These findings suggest that inclusion of skills that enable public health leaders to effectively work with and through others was of core interest in the MCH PHLI. The finding of higher usage of topics related to workforce management can provide guidance for those developing leadership development programs for maternal and child health professionals. In addition, leadership needs and interests should be assessed regularly to ensure that competency-based leadership development guidelines are adapting to the evolving and complex challenges faced by leaders. While these results were tested in MCH professionals, they may be generalizable to other disciplines within the field of public health.

155 Topical Vancomycin Reduces Surgical-site Infections After Craniotomy

Abstract INTRODUCTION Surgical site infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in neurosurgical patients. Topical antibiotics are one potential method to reduce the incidence of these infections. This study examined the efficacy of topical vancomycin applied within the wound during craniotomy in a large prospective cohort study at a major academic center. METHODS 355 patients were studied prospectively in this cohort study. 205 patients received 1 g of topical vancomycin powder in the subgaleal space while 150 matched control patients did not. Patients otherwise received identical care. The primary outcome variable was surgical-site infection rate factored by cohort. Secondary analysis examined cost-savings from vancomycin usage estimated from hospital costs associated with SSI in craniotomy patients. RESULTS &gt;The addition of topical vancomycin was associated with a significantly lower rate of surgical site infections than standard of care alone (0.49% (1/205) vs. 6% (9/150), P = 0.002). Based on the costs of revision surgery for infections, topical vancomycin usage was estimated to save $1367,446 per 1000 craniotomy patients. No adverse reactions occurred. CONCLUSION Topical vancomycin is a safe, effective, and cost-saving measure to prevent surgical-site infections following craniotomy. These results have broad implications for standard of care in craniotomy.

Topical ROR Inverse Agonists Suppress Inflammation in Mouse Models of Atopic Dermatitis and Acute Irritant Dermatitis

The retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors RORα and RORγ are critical for the functions of specific subsets of T cells and innate lymphoid cells, which are key drivers of inflammatory disease in barrier tissues. Here, we investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of SR1001, a synthetic RORα/γ inverse agonist, in mouse models of atopic dermatitis and acute irritant dermatitis. Topical treatment with SR1001 reduces epidermal and dermal features of MC903-induced atopic dermatitis-like disease and suppresses the production of type 2 cytokines and other inflammatory mediators in lesional skin. In the epidermis, SR1001 treatment blocks MC903-induced expression of TSLP and reverses impaired keratinocyte differentiation. SR1001 is also effective in alleviating acute dermatitis triggered by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Overall, our results suggest that RORα/γ are important therapeutic targets for cutaneous inflammation and suggest topical usage of inhibitory ligands as an approach to treating skin diseases of inflammatory etiology.

Topical treatment of psoriasis: questionnaire results on topical therapy accessibility and influence of body surface area on usage.

Topical treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis is first-line treatment and exhibits varying degrees of success across patient groups. Key factors influencing treatment success are physician topical treatment choice (high efficacy, low adverse events) and strict patient adherence. Currently, no formalized, international consensus guidelines exist to direct optimal topical treatment, although many countries have national guidelines. To describe and analyse cross-regional variations in the use and access of psoriasis topical therapies. The study was conducted as an observational cross-sectional study. A survey was distributed to dermatologists from the International Psoriasis Council (IPC) to assess topical therapy accessibility in 26 countries and to understand how body surface area (BSA) categories guide clinical decisions on topical use. Variation in the availability of tars, topical retinoids, dithranol and balneotherapy was reported. The vast majority of respondents (100% and 88.4%) used topical therapy as first-line monotherapy in situations with BSA < 3% and BSA between 3% and 10%, respectively. However, with disease severity increasing to BSA > 10%, the number of respondents who prescribe topical therapy decreased considerably. In addition, combination therapy of a topical drug and a systemic drug was frequently reported when BSA measured >10%. This physician survey provides new evidence on topical access and the influence of disease severity on topical usage in an effort to improve treatment strategies on a global level.

Resveratrol: from diet to topical usage.

The stilbene derivative resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-stilbene; RESV) has become the subject of interest of many researchers and the pharmaceutical industries due to its well-acclaimed beneficial biological activities. Although earlier research tended to focus on the effects of RESV on cardiovascular disorders, many other studies have described the beneficial effects of RESV in the areas of cancer chemoprevention and inflammation and interest of researchers on this compound is still increasing. It is now well accepted that the effect of RESV is not just due to its so called "antioxidant" activity but mainly (if not only) because of the ability of this compound to trigger cell signaling pathways and gene expression involved in cellular defense systems. Many "in vitro" studies on RESV did not take into account that although its oral absorption is about 75% it undergoes rapid metabolism and the concentration in the blood stream is almost undetectable. For this reason interest in the topical usage of RESV by cosmeceutical skin care brands has exponentially increased in the last decade reporting in general very promising results on its beneficial effect in protecting the skin from outdoor insults, but there is still some controversy on its topical usage mainly surrounding the concentration used. Therefore, more basic research on the topical application of RESV should be performed to better understand the way it prevents cutaneous damage and whether it could be recommended as a preventive skin aging agent for all skin insults.

Structural Alteration in Dermal Vessels and Collagen Bundles following Exposure of Skin Wound to Zeolite-Bentonite Compound.

Background. This study examines the impact of one-time direct application of haemostatic agent zeolite–bentonite powder to wounded skin on the healing process in rats. Materials and Methods. 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 12): (1) the rats whose wounds were washed only with sterile normal saline (NS-treated) and (2) those treated with zeolite–bentonite compound (ZEO-treated). The wound was circular, full-thickness, and 2 cm in diameter. At the end of the 12th day, six animals from each group were randomly selected and terminated. The remaining rats were terminated after 21 days. Just after scarification, skin samples were excised and sent for stereological evaluation. Results. The results showed a significant difference between the two groups regarding the length density of the blood vessels and diameter of the large and small vessels on the 12th day after the wound was inflicted. Besides, volume density of both the dermis and collagen bundles was reduced by 25% in the ZEO-treated rats in comparison to the NS-treated animals after 21 days. Conclusions. One-time topical usage of zeolite–bentonite haemostatic powder on an animal skin wound might negatively affect the healing process through vasoconstriction and inhibition of neoangiogenesis.

A Comparison of the Effects of Alpha and Medical-Grade Honey Ointments on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Rats.

Introduction. This study compared the healing efficacy and possible adverse effects of topical Alpha and medical-grade honey ointments on cutaneous wounds in rats. Methods. To conduct the study, 22 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into two equal groups: (1) rats with Alpha ointment applied to the wound surface area and (2) rats with medical-grade honey ointment applied to their wounds. The ointments were applied daily during the 21-day study period. Wound contraction was examined photographically with images taken on days 0, 7, and 21 after wounding. The healing process was histopathologically assessed using skin biopsies taken from the wound sites on days 7 and 21. Results. No statistically significant difference in mean wound surface area was observed between the two study groups. According to histopathological assessment, a significant reduction in the amount of collagen deposition (P value: 0.007) and neovascularisation (P value: 0.002) was seen in the Alpha-treated rats on day 21. No tissue necrosis occurred following the application of Alpha ointment. Conclusion. Daily topical usage of Alpha ointment on a skin wound can negatively affect the healing process by inhibiting neovascularization. Topical Alpha ointment can reduce the possibility of excessive scar formation by reducing collagen deposition.

Association of Moisturization and Topical Corticosteroid Usage During and After Whole-Breast Radiation Therapy: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Association of Moisturization and Topical Corticosteroid Usage During and After Whole-Breast Radiation Therapy: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Let Us Use LET: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

Well-managed pain is associated with faster recovery, fewer complications, and decreased use of resources. In children, pain relief is also associated with higher patient and parent satisfaction. Studies have shown that there are deficiencies in pediatric pain management. LET gel (lidocaine 4%, epinephrine 0.1%, and tetracaine 0.5%) is a topical anesthetic that is routinely used before laceration repair. The aim of this study was to determine if educational initiatives as part of a quality improvement initiative lead to increased rates of early topical anesthetic usage in a large urban pediatric emergency department. The initiative consisted of an educational session and a triage booth poster. We then reviewed the charts of patients with facial and scalp lacerations for the month before the initiative, the month after the initiative, and 1 year after the initiative. We assessed if LET gel usage and time to administration improved and were sustainable. We reviewed 138 charts. Before the initiative, only 57.4% received LET gel before facial laceration repair with a mean time to application of 58.3 minutes. One month after the initiative, there was an increase in LET gel application by 20.1% with a reduction in time to application by 35.9 minutes (P < 0.05). In addition, these improvements were significantly sustainable. One year after the interventions, 82.4% received LET before facial laceration repair, and the time to LET application was 27.8 minutes. Simple educational initiatives can improve the use of topical anesthetics. By using educational tools as part of a quality improvement initiative, we were able to significantly improve the rates of LET gel application for facial lacerations in children and decrease the time to administration.

Preliminary investigation of the effects of topical mixture of Lawsonia inermis L. and Ricinus communis L. leaves extract in treatment of osteoarthritis using MIA model in rats.

BackgroundMany plants have been introduced in Iranian traditional medicine for treatment of different joint problems including knee pain. Topical application of the mixture of Lawsonia inermis L. leaves (Henna) with aqueous extract of Ricinus communis L. leaves have been mentioned to have significant effects on reducing knee pain. The present study was designed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the mixture of these two herbs in male rats.MethodsWe induced knee osteoarthritis as a model of chronic pain by intra-articular injection of mono sodium iodoacetate (MIA). Mechanical allodynia, hotplate latency test, spontaneous movements and gait analysis were used for the evaluation of analgesic activity. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring the diameter and the volume of the injected paw compared to contralateral paw. These tests were monitored at days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 of MIA administration. Histopathological evaluations were also used to assess the efficacy of the treatment on inflammation and lesions in knee tissue. In all tests, diclofenac topical gel was used as a positive control. The herbal extracts, their mixture, and vehicle or diclofenac gel were administered daily for 14 days by topical route.ResultsThe mixture of these two extracts significantly reduced the knee joint width and volume of the injected paws and also improved foot prints in gait analysis after 3 days of MIA injection. Analysis of mechanical allodynia (after 21 days), hotplate latency test (after 10 days), spontaneous movements (after 7 days) and in positive control group (after 3 days in all tests and in mechanical allodynia after 14 days) compared to the vehicle group, showed significant effects. Topical usage of the selected formulation made significant histopathological changes on the knee of the rats. Compared to the vehicle group, the tests and diclofenac groups showed less reactions characterized by negligible edema and a few scattered inflammatory lymphoid cells.ConclusionThe present findings showed that the present formulation not only was able to mitigate pain and inflammation in the paws but also made significant histopathological changes on the knee of the rats. Further studies are necessary to confirm the effect of the formulation.

Taurine Bromamine: Reactivity of an Endogenous and Exogenous Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Amino Acid Derivative.

Taurine bromamine (Tau-NHBr) is produced by the reaction between hypobromous acid (HOBr) and the amino acid taurine. There are increasing number of applications of Tau-NHBr as an anti-inflammatory and microbicidal drug for topical usage. Here, we performed a comprehensive study of the chemical reactivity of Tau-NHBr with endogenous and non-endogenous compounds. Tau-NHBr reactivity was compared with HOBr, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and taurine chloramine (Tau-NHCl). The second-order rate constants (k2) for the reactions between Tau-NHBr and tryptophan (7.7 × 102 M−1s−1), melatonin (7.3 × 103 M−1s−1), serotonin (2.9 × 103 M−1s−1), dansylglycine (9.5 × 101 M−1s−1), tetramethylbenzidine (6.4 × 102 M−1s−1) and H2O2 (3.9 × M−1s−1) were obtained. Tau-NHBr demonstrated the following selectivity regarding its reactivity with free amino acids: tryptophan > cysteine ~ methionine > tyrosine. The reactivity of Tau-NHBr was strongly affected by the pH of the medium (for instance with dansylglycine: pH 5.0, 1.1 × 104 M−1s−1, pH 7.0, 9.5 × 10 M−1s−1 and pH 9.0, 1.7 × 10 M−1s−1), a property that is related to the formation of the dibromamine form at acidic pH (Tau-NBr2). The formation of singlet oxygen was observed in the reaction between Tau-NHBr and H2O2. Tau-NHBr was also able to react with linoleic acid, but with low efficiency compared with HOBr and HOCl. Compared with HOBr, Tau-NHBr was not able to react with nucleosides. In conclusion, the following reactivity sequence was established: HOBr > HOCl > Tau-NHBr > Tau-NHCl. These findings can be very helpful for researchers interested in biological applications of taurine haloamines.

Topical anti-inflammatory phytomedicine based on Sphagneticola trilobata dried extracts

Context: The aerial parts of Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski (Asteraceae) are popularly used to treat topical inflammation, but have not been fully investigated.Objective: To identify polar compounds in S. trilobata extracts and develop a new topical phytomedicine based on the kaurenoic acid (KA) content while monitoring and demonstrating its topical anti-inflammatory activity.Materials and methods: Ethanol spray-dried extract of S. trilobata was analysed by LC-MS while the KA content from semisolid was analysed by LC-UV. The extent of ear edema induced by applying 20 μL of croton oil (2.5%), arachidonic acid (AA; 2 mg/ear) and decanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA; 2.5 mg/ear) in mice was used to evaluate the biological activity of the semisolids, which were applied 30 min before the phlogistic agents.Results: Eight phenylpropanoids and four oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins were identified, majority of them reported for the first time in this species, in addition to KA. The semisolid containing 1.0% of dried extract reduced the ear edema induced by croton oil [77.2 ± 4.5%; ID50 = 0.49 (0.28–0.87%)], TPA (81.5 ± 2.4%) and AA (39.1 ± 6.9%), with decreasing effect at higher KA concentrations. This was accompanied by neutrophil migration inhibition as investigated by biochemical and histological assays.Discussion and conclusion: The anti-inflammatory effects were (at least in part) due to the interference in protein kinase C (PKC) activation, AA-cascade products and neutrophil migration inhibition, demonstrating the efficacy of the folk topical usage of this plant. The results support the development of a novel topical anti-inflammatory phytomedicine properly standardized to treat inflammatory dermatological diseases.