Effects of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa extract on virulence factors of Candida albicans and human neutrophil function

Publication date: Available online 10 December 2017
Source:Archives of Oral Biology
Author(s): Jutharat Hmoteh, Khadar Syed Musthafa, Supayang Piyawan Voravuthikunchai
Objective: Candida albicans has become a major problem of oral candidiasis due to increase in antibiotic resistance. Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, a medicinal plant possessing several phytochemical constituents, has been considered as a potential source of antimicrobial and immunomodulatory agents. The aim of this study was to investigate anti-virulence and immunostimulatory activity of R. tomentosa ethanolic leaf extract against C. albicans.MethodsThe effects of the extract on C. albicans were assessed on germ tube production, adherence of the organisms to surfaces, and biofilm. In addition, the effects of the extract on phagocytosis and killing activity of neutrophils against the pathogen were investigated.ResultsSuppression of germ tube production following 30min exposure to the extract at 256μg/mL was significantly increased in comparison with that of the unexposed cells (p <0.05). The pathogens demonstrated a significant reduction in adherence ability to surfaces in a dose dependent manner, compared with the control (p <0.05). At 48h, the extract at 512−1024μg/mL significantly reduced biofilm forming ability of the organisms up to 42.31−64.58% (p <0.05). Compared with the control group, a significant inhibition of mature biofilm after treated with the extract at 256μg/mL was observed (p<0.05). The extract at 50μg/mL significantly enhanced phagocytosis and killing activity of neutrophils against the organism, compared with the control (p<0.05).ConclusionsThe findings suggest that R. tomentosa extract displayed a dual mode of action, inhibiting virulence factors of C. albicans and enhancing neutrophil functions. Further pharmaceutical development of the extract might be useful as an alternative therapeutic agent against oral candidiasis.



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Reliability of a new test food to assess masticatory function

Publication date: Available online 9 December 2017
Source:Archives of Oral Biology
Author(s): Laura Khoury-Ribas, Raul Ayuso-Montero, Bernat Rovira-Lastra, Maria Peraire, Jordi Martinez-Gomis.
ObjectiveThis study assessed the reliability and validity of masticatory function assessment using a new test food, Optozeta.DesignThirty-five adults participated in the cross-sectional clinical part of the study; ten of them performed a retest. They performed two free-style masticatory tests consisting of five trials of 20 cycles each chewing three pieces of Optosil or Optozeta placed in a latex bag. Optozeta was created by mixing 50% Optosil with 50% of Zetalabor. Masticatory performance, masticatory laterality and chewing rate were assessed. Reliability and construct validity were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman correlations, respectively.ResultsHigher ICC values were observed for each aspect of masticatory function as assessed using Optozeta compared with Optosil. All the participants showed a lower median particle size value using Optozeta than Optosil. For each masticatory parameter, a high correlation was observed between using Optosil or Optozeta.ConclusionsOptozeta seems to have good construct validity and appears to be more reliable than Optosil as a test food to assess masticatory function.



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Dysphagia and Pharyngeal Obstruction in a Nonsmoker.

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Dysphagia and Pharyngeal Obstruction in a Nonsmoker.

JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017 Dec 07;:

Authors: Nuyen BA, Berry G, Megwalu U

PMID: 29222562 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Association of Age-Related Hearing Loss With Cognitive Function, Cognitive Impairment, and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

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Association of Age-Related Hearing Loss With Cognitive Function, Cognitive Impairment, and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017 Dec 07;:

Authors: Loughrey DG, Kelly ME, Kelley GA, Brennan S, Lawlor BA

Abstract
Importance: Epidemiologic research on the possible link between age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and cognitive decline and dementia has produced inconsistent results. Clarifying this association is of interest because ARHL may be a risk factor for outcomes of clinical dementia.
Objectives: To examine and estimate the association between ARHL and cognitive function, cognitive impairment, and dementia through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Data Sources and Study Selection: A search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and SCOPUS from inception to April 15, 2016, with cross-referencing of retrieved studies and personal files for potentially eligible studies was performed. Keywords included hearing, cognition, dementia, and Alzheimer disease. Cohort and cross-sectional studies published in peer-reviewed literature and using objective outcome measures were included. Case-control studies were excluded.
Data Extraction and Synthesis: One reviewer extracted and another verified data. Both reviewers independently assessed study quality. Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses of study-level characteristics were performed.
Main Outcomes and Measures: Hearing loss measured by pure-tone audiometry only and objective assessment measures of cognitive function, cognitive impairment, and dementia. Cognitive function outcomes were converted to correlation coefficients (r value); cognitive impairment and dementia outcomes, to odds ratios (ORs).
Results: Forty studies from 12 countries met our inclusion criteria. Of these, 36 unique studies with an estimated 20 264 unique participants were included in the meta-analyses. Based on the pooled maximally adjusted effect sizes using random-effects models, a small but significant association was found for ARHL within all domains of cognitive function. Among cross-sectional studies, a significant association was found for cognitive impairment (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.39-2.89) and dementia (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.24-4.72). Among prospective cohort studies, a significant association was found for cognitive impairment (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.09-1.36) and dementia (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.02-1.59) but not for Alzheimer disease (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 0.72-4.00). In further analyses, study, demographic, audiometric, and analyses factors were associated with cognitive function. Vascular dysfunction and impaired verbal communication may contribute to the association between hearing loss and cognitive decline.
Conclusions and Relevance: Age-related hearing loss is a possible biomarker and modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline, cognitive impairment, and dementia. Additional research and randomized clinical trials are warranted to examine implications of treatment for cognition and to explore possible causal mechanisms underlying this relationship.

PMID: 29222544 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Sensory Changes and the Hearing Loss-Cognition Link: The Cognitive Ear.

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Sensory Changes and the Hearing Loss-Cognition Link: The Cognitive Ear.

JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017 Dec 07;:

Authors: Panza F, Quaranta N, Logroscino G

PMID: 29222539 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://ift.tt/2nINY32

Angioleiomyoma of the Auricle: An Unusual Tumor on a Rare Location

Cutaneous angioleiomyomas (ALMs) (also known as vascular leiomyomas or angiomyomas) are unusual benign tumors of the skin deriving from the muscle layer of dermal blood vessels. They usually manifest as tender subcutaneous nodules, mostly encountered on the legs of adult women in their fifth or sixth life decade. ALMs rarely develop on the head/neck area, and even more rarely (

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Is Neutrophilic Desquamative Erythroderma a Form of Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis?

Abstract

Delayed-type hypersensitivity to systemically administered corticosteroids is rare. Corticosteroids are unique allergens, potentially leading to atypical manifestations. They are commonly used for treatment of allergic, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases because of intrinsically immunosuppressive and immune-modulatory properties (1). These properties may counterbalance, mask and delay allergic reactions as has been shown (1). It has been speculated that allergic reactions to corticosteroids may remain unrecognized due to their broad clinical variability or frequently atypical presentation (1).

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