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In the natural products research, a valuable approach is the prospection of uncommon sources and unexplored habitat. Special attention has been given to endophytic fungi because of their ability to produce new and interesting secondary metabolites, which have several biological applications. The endophytes establish exclusive symbiotic relationships with plants and the metabolic interactions may support the synthesis of some similar valuables compounds. Among secondary metabolites, phenol-derived structures are responsible for several bioactivities such as antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, among others. Phenolic compounds might be biosynthesized from the shikimate pathway. Although shikimic acid is a common precursor in plants, it is described as rare in microorganisms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review about phenolic compounds produced by endophytic fungi and a comparison has been made with those produced by the plant host. This review covers 124 phenolic secondary metabolites produced by endophytic fungi. Considering the data analyzed by us, only seven of such compounds were isolated from fungi and from their hosts. These observations claim for more attention to phenolic compounds produced by endophytic fungi with a view to understand the real importance of these compounds to endophytes survival.

Carcinoma cuniculatum is a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma originally described on the sole of the foot and for a long time believed to be restricted to the skin. However, since its first description in 1954, several cases have been reported at other sites. Carcinoma cuniculatum characteristically invades the underlying subcutaneous, submucosal, or bone tissues, forming so-called "rabbit burrows," with crypts filled with keratin that are of utmost importance for distinguishing this neoplasm from other variants of squamous cell carcinoma. Oral carcinoma cuniculatum is an even rarer entity that is frequently misdiagnosed initially, a phenomenon described in about one-third of previously reported cases. The aim of this report is: (1) to describe the clinicopathologic features of 2 new cases of oral carcinoma cuniculatum, initially misdiagnosed as infected orthokeratinized cyst and abscess, respectively; and (2) to review the related English language literature., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Oral leukoplakia is the main potentially malignant oral lesion, and oral squamous cell carcinoma accounts for more than 95% of all malignant neoplasms in the oral cavity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the immunoexpression of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins in dysplastic oral lesions and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed on 6 inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia, 28 oral leukoplakia, and 15 oral squamous cell carcinoma paraffin-embedded samples. Immunoperoxidase reaction for NF-κB and COX-2 was applied on the specimens, and the positivity of the reactions was calculated for 1000 epithelial cells. Using the analysis of variance and the Tukey post hoc statistical analyses, a significantly increased immunoexpression for NF-κB was observed when oral squamous cell carcinoma samples were compared with the other groups studied. However, using the Kruskal-Wallis and the Dunn post hoc tests, a statistically significant result for COX-2 expression was obtained only when the moderate dysplasia group was compared with the inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia group. Nuclear factor κB may participate in the malignant phenotype acquisition process of the oral squamous cell carcinoma in its late stages, whereas COX-2 may be involved in the early stages of oral carcinogenesis process., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Rhipicephalus sanguineus are bloodsucking ectoparasites, whose main host is the domestic dog, thus being present in urban areas and closely located to people. Eventually, this tick species parasitize humans and can become a potential vector of infectious diseases. Methods to control this type of pest have been the focus of many research groups worldwide. The use of natural products is increasingly considered nowadays, due to the low toxicity levels to the host and low waste generation to the environment. This study tested the effect of ricinoleic acid esters from castor oil (as an potential acaricide) on the reproductive system of R. sanguineus females, more specifically on the vitellogenesis process. For this, two groups were established: the control group (CG) and the treatment group (TG) with five rabbits in each (New Zealand White), used as hosts. NaCl and ester were added to rabbits' food and offered to the hosts. After full engorgement, the females were collected and had their ovaries extracted. The ticks ovaries were submitted to histochemical techniques so the effects of esters could be observed over polysaccharides, proteins and lipids yolk. Changes in the deposition of yolk components were observed. This caused modifications on elements of polysaccharide origin and on glycoprotein compounds, interfering in the final yolk synthesis and compromising the development of the future embryo., (Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Chondrosarcoma (CHS) is a malignant neoplasm characterized by the formation of cartilaginous matrix by neoplastic cells, with a high propensity for local recurrences. Head and neck CHS is rare, accounting for less than 12% of all cases of CHS, usually affecting the maxilla. The majority of affected patients are in the fourth decade of life, with a slight predilection for male patients. A painless swelling is commonly the most frequent complaint. Surgery with wide en-bloc resection is the preferred treatment for CHS; radiotherapy and chemotherapy are usually palliative options. Owing to its rarity, there are few clinical series evaluating the biological behaviour of head and neck CHS. The aim of this study is to analyse the clinicopathological characteristics of head and neck CHS by reporting 3 new cases of this neoplasia affecting the jaw bones and reviewing the clinical series previously published in the English literature., (Copyright © 2011 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)