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The cutaneous toxicity of the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, such as erlotinib, is associated with a wide range of manifestations, such as papulopustular eruptions, xerosis, paronychia, and changes in the growth pattern of hair and nails. Hair manifestations are seen in 10%-20% of the patients. A female patient taking erlotinib for lung cancer for 8 months noticed that her scalp hair became rough on palpation and that her eyelashes were elongated. Some scalp hairs were cut and proximal and distal portions were examined in natura with scanning electron microscopy. Torsions and important grooving were seen in the proximal portions, but not in distal hair portions. Erlotinib-induced hair changes are pili torti et canaliculi., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2020 International Journal of Trichology.)

A new series of amphiphilic η 6 -areneruthenium(II) compounds containing phenylazo ligands (group I: compounds 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b) and phenyloxadiazole ligands (group II: compounds 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b) were synthesized and characterized for their anti-glioblastoma activity. The effects of the amphiphilic η 6 -areneruthenium(II) complexes on the viability of three human glioblastoma cell lines, U251, U87MG and T98G, were evaluated. The azo-derivative ruthenium complexes (group I) showed high cytotoxicity to all cell lines, whilst most oxadiazole-derivative complexes (group II) were less cytotoxic, except for compound 4a. The cationic complexes 2a, 2b and 4b were more cytotoxic than the neutral complexes. Compounds 2a and 2b caused a significant reduction in the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase, with concomitant increases in the G2/M phase and fragmented DNA in the T98G cell line. The η 6 -areneruthenium(II) compounds were also tested in cell lines that overexpress the multidrug ABC transporters P-gp, MRP1 and ABCG2. Compounds 2b and 4a were substrates for the P-gp protein, with resistance indexes of 8.6 and 1.9, respectively. Compound 2b was also a substrate for ABCG2 and MRP1 proteins, with lower resistance indexes (1.8 and 1.6, respectively). The contribution of multidrug ABC transporters to the cytotoxicity of compound 2b in T98G cells was evidenced, since verapamil (a characteristic inhibitor of MRP1) increased the cytotoxicity of compound 2b at concentrations up to 20 μmol L -1 , whilst GF120918 and Ko143 (specific inhibitors of P-gp and ABCG2, respectively) had no significant effect. In addition, we showed that compound 2b interacts with glutathione (GSH), which could explain its cellular efflux by MRP1. Our results showed that the amphiphilic η 6 -areneruthenium(II) complexes are promising anti-glioblastoma compounds, especially compound 2b, which was cytotoxic for all three cell lines, although it is transported by the three main multidrug ABC transporters., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Seven countries in Latin America and the Caribbean report on (2010 and 2011) the susceptibility of 2235 isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to 6 antibiotics. Thirteen isolates had ceftriaxone minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.125 to ≥ 0.25 mg/L. The percentage of resistant isolates to the following antibiotics was: azithromycin, 1.0% to 1.7%; ciprofloxacin, 42.1% to 36.2%; penicillin, 31% to 35%; tetracycline, 21.8% to 22.6%.

Background/objectives: Homocysteine (Hcy) is a key intermediate in methionine metabolism. A high plasma concentration of Hcy is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases among other determinants. In this study, we aimed to investigate the interactions between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme gene (MTHFR) polymorphisms and lifestyle variables (smoking, alcohol intake and physical activity) on Hcy concentrations in a young Brazilian population., Subjects/methods: The study population comprised 3803 individuals from the Pelotas Birth Cohort, aged 22-23 years. Allelic discrimination assays and chemiluminescence immunoassays were performed for genotyping and serum Hcy measurements, respectively. Linear regression models were used to explore the effect of gene-lifestyle interactions on Hcy concentrations., Results: Men carrying the MTHFR 677TT genotype, who were also smokers and drinkers (⩾15 g of alcohol per day), had the highest concentration of Hcy (P-value for the interaction <0.001 for smoking and 0.002 for alcohol intake). In contrast, high folate concentrations attenuated the effects of the MTHFR C677T genotype on serum Hcy concentrations (P-value for interaction <0.001). Also, among males, blood folate concentration was the only lifestyle variable able to modify the influence of MTHFR A1298C genotypes on Hcy concentrations (P-value for the interaction <0.001). There was no strong evidence of an interaction between the MTHFR genotypes and the lifestyle variables in women., Conclusions: In summary, our study demonstrates a sex difference in Hcy concentrations among Brazilian young adults regarding MTHFR C677T-lifestyle interactions that are worsened under conditions of low blood folate. Identification of potentially modifiable factors related to an increase in homocysteine in young adults, especially in those who are genetically susceptible, is important to prevent negative health consequences in the future.

We synthesized 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene (HHTP), characterized it by electrochemistry, spectroelectrochemistry, and electron paramagnetic resonance techniques, and evaluated its cytotoxicity to human cancer cell lines. The results revealed that HHTP has accessible higher-oxidation states, especially the tris-semiquinone monoradical. This species is stable and is formed after being stored for months. HHTP exhibited cytotoxic effects on 5 human cancer cell lines, including glioma and lung cancer cells. The cytotoxic effect was evaluated based on the decrease in cell viability, increases in the percentage of cells with fragmented DNA, and elevated numbers of annexin V-PI-positive cells after HHTP treatment.

General patterns of forest dynamics and productivity in the Andes Mountains are poorly characterized. Here we present the first large-scale study of Andean forest dynamics using a set of 63 permanent forest plots assembled over the past two decades. In the North-Central Andes tree turnover (mortality and recruitment) and tree growth declined with increasing elevation and decreasing temperature. In addition, basal area increased in Lower Montane Moist Forests but did not change in Higher Montane Humid Forests. However, at higher elevations the lack of net basal area change and excess of mortality over recruitment suggests negative environmental impacts. In North-Western Argentina, forest dynamics appear to be influenced by land use history in addition to environmental variation. Taken together, our results indicate that combinations of abiotic and biotic factors that vary across elevation gradients are important determinants of tree turnover and productivity in the Andes. More extensive and longer-term monitoring and analyses of forest dynamics in permanent plots will be necessary to understand how demographic processes and woody biomass are responding to changing environmental conditions along elevation gradients through this century.

Surgical resection of traumatic cysts by means of laparoscopy in two female patients is reported. The patients had sustained severe trauma in the left upper quadrant, were symptomatic and developed large splenic cysts found by computerized tomography, with an average diameter of 8.5 cm. Both patients were submitted to puncture and capsule removal by means of videolaparoscopy and diathermy; splenic parenchyma was preserved and the cyst's bed drained. No intra or postoperative complications occurred. After an average 21 months postoperative follow-up, both patients are symptom-free and no late recurrences were found on tomographic studies. The advantages of this technique over others that have been reported are the preservation of splenic parenchyma, its easy performance and efficient relief of symptoms, as well as being minimally invasive, associated with minimal postoperative pain, shorter length of hospital stay, and no early recurrences.

Otological involvement in Histiocytosis X, although infrequent, may be present in any of the forms of this entity. The otologist must keep Histiocytosis X in mind in the differential diagnosis of cases presenting with post-aural swelling, non purulent otorrhea and absence of fever and pain in children under three-years old. Some aspects of clinical presentation and treatment are discussed.