Correction: Braga et al. Cyclodextrins in Antiviral Therapeutics and Vaccines. Pharmaceutics 2021, 13, 409

In the original publication [...]

Coordination Compounds As Multi-Delivery Systems for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis therapies leveraging bisphosphonates and mineral components (e.g., magnesium, calcium, and strontium) have been raising attention because of their potential for managing this ever-growing disease. The administration of multicomponent therapeutics (combined therapy) in elderly patients is complex and suffers from low patient adherence. Herein, we report an all-in-one combination of four antiosteoporotic components into a new family of coordination complexes: [M₂(H₄alen)₄(H₂O)₂]·1.5H₂O [where M²⁺ = Mg²⁺ (1), (Mg_0.535Ca_0.465)²⁺ (2) and (Mg_0.505Ca_0.450Sr_0.045)²⁺ (3)]. These solid-state complexes were prepared, for the first time, through microwave-assisted synthesis. It is demonstrated that the compounds are capable of releasing their antiosteoporotic components, both in conditions that mimic the path along the gastrointestinal tract and in long periods under physiological conditions (pH ∼7.4). More importantly, when administered in low concentrations, the compounds did not elicit a cytotoxic effect toward liver, kidney, and osteoblast-like cell lines. Besides, it is important to highlight the unique coordination complex with four bone therapeutic components, [(Mg_0.505Ca_0.450Sr_0.045)₂(H₄alen)₄(H₂O)₂]·1.5H₂O (3), which significantly promoted osteoblast metabolic activity up to ca. 1.4-fold versus the control group. These findings bring this type of compounds one-step closer to be considered as an all-in-one and more effective treatment for managing chronic bone diseases, prompting further research on their therapeutic properties.

Bisphosphonates, Old Friends of Bones and New Trends in Clinics

Bisphosphonates, used for a long time in osteoporosis management, are currently the target of intensive research, from pre-formulation studies to more advanced stages of clinical practice. This review presents an overview of the contributions of this family of compounds to human health, starting with the chemistry and clinical uses of bisphosphonates. Following this, their pharmacology is described, highlighting administration-borne handicaps and undesirable effects. The last three sections of the review describe the research efforts that seek to curb delivery-related issues and expand bisphosphonate use. Innovative routes and strategies of administration, such as nano-encapsulation for oral intake or injectable cements for local or in-bone delivery are presented, as well as the latest results of case studies or preclinical studies proposing new therapeutic indications for the clinically approved bisphosphonates. Finally, a selection of anti-infectious bisphosphonate new drug candidates is shown, with focus on the molecules reported in the last two decades.

Empowering the Medicinal Applications of Bisphosphonates by Unveiling their Synthesis Details

Bisphosphonates (BPs), well-known medicinal compounds used for osteoporosis management, are currently the target of intensive research, from basic pre-formulation studies to more advanced stages of clinical practice. The high demand by the pharmaceutical industry inherently requires an easy, efficient and quick preparation of BPs. Current synthetic procedures are, however, still far from ideal. This work presents a comprehensive compilation of reports on the synthesis of the commercially available bisphosphonates that are pharmaceutical active ingredients. Current limitations to the conventional synthesis are assessed, and paths towards their improvement are described, either through the use of alternative solvents and/or by selecting appropriate ratios of the reactants. Innovative processes, such as microwave-assisted synthesis, are presented as more environmental-friendly and effective methods. The main advantages and setbacks of all syntheses are provided as a way to clarify and promote the development of simpler and improved procedures. Only in this way one will be able to efficiently respond to the future high demand of BPs, mostly due to the increase in life span in occidental countries.

Infrared thermography assessment of patients with temporomandibular disorders

OBJECTIVES

To assess patients with and without temporomandibular disorders (TMD) infrared thermography according to the differences in thermal radiance using quantitative sensitivity and specificity tests; and to evaluate the thermal asymmetry and the correlation of the thermal intensity with the intensity of pain upon palpation.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study performed a quantitative evaluation of clinical and thermographic examinations. The volunteers were evaluated for the presence of TMD using RDC/TMD (Diagnostic Research Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders), and were divided into two groups: TMD group (n = 45); control group (n = 41), composed of volunteers without TMD, according to the Fonseca Anamnestic Index. The images were assessed for selected regions of interest for the masseter, anterior temporal and TMJ muscles. The mean values ​​of the areas of both groups were compared under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Spearman correlation analysis (non-parametric data) between pain level and mean temperature, by region, and the Pearson's χ² test was used to verify the association between the presence of temperature and pain asymmetry. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Both Groups, with and without TMD, presented with absolute and non-dimensional mean temperature without statistical differences (p>0.05). When correlating temperature with intensity of pain upon palpation, a negative correlation was observed for the masseter muscle.

CONCLUSION

Infrared Thermography resulted in low area under the curve, making it difficult to differentiate TMD via thermographic analysis. The intensity of pain upon palpation in patients with TMD may be accompanied by a decrease in local temperature.

One-dimensional ladder gallium coordination polymer

The one-dimensional [Ga(HPDC)(OH)(H₂O)]_n ladder-type coordination polymer can be prepared using three distinct synthetic approaches (hydro­thermal, microwave-assisted and a one-pot process) with crystallite size varying according to the method employed.

A one-dimensional ladder-type coordination polymer, poly[[(μ₂-hydroxido)(μ₂-1H-pyrazole-3,5-di­carboxyl­ato)gallium(III)] monohydrate], [Ga(C₅H₂N₂O₄)(OH)(H₂O)]_n or [Ga(HPDC)(OH)(H₂O)]_n, I, isotypic with a V³⁺ coordination polymer previously reported by Chen et al. [J. Coord. Chem. (2008). 61, 3556–3567] was prepared from Ga³⁺ and pyrazole-3,5-di­carb­oxy­lic acid monohydrate (H₃PDC·H₂O). Compound I was isolated using three distinct experimental methods: hydro­thermal (HT), microwave-assisted (MWAS) and one-pot (OP) and the crystallite size should be fine-tuned according to the method employed. The coordination polymeric structure is based on a dimeric Ga³⁺ moiety comprising two μ₂-bridging hydroxide groups, which are inter­connected by HPDC²⁻ anionic organic linkers. The close packing of individual polymers is strongly directed by the supra­molecular inter­actions, namely several O—H⋯O and N—H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter­actions.

Ultrafast sonochemistry-based approach to coat TiO2 commercial particles for sunscreen formulation

TiO₂ is a common inorganic filter used in sunscreens due to its photoprotective effect on the skin against UV radiation. However, the use of this kind of material in cosmetics is limited by its inherent photocatalytic activity. It is known that coating on TiO₂ surface can improve some features. Although, many of the methodologies used for this purpose are still laborious and time-consuming. Thus, this work reports a novel, easy, cheap and fast strategy to coat TiO₂ particles by using a sonochemistry approach, aiming to decrease photocatalytic activity and to enhance colloidal stability. For this proposal, SiO₂, Al₂O₃, ZrO₂ and sodium polyacrylate (PAANa) were used to tune the surface of commercial TiO₂ particles and they were applied in a sunscreen formulation. The samples were characterized by XRPD, FT-IR, DLS, EDS, SEM and TEM. The photocatalytic activity and UV-shielding ability were also evaluated. The sunscreen formulations were prepared and characterized by zeta potential, DLS, and Sun Protection Factor (SPF). FT-IR, EDS, and charge surface of the particles confirmed the success of the sonochemistry coating. Additionally, TiO₂@Al₂O₃, TiO₂@SiO₂ and TiO₂@PAANa show a lower photocatalytic activity than original TiO₂ with similar UV-shielding ability. The sunscreens produced with the coated TiO₂ have similar SPF to the one with commercial TiO₂. Specifically, the sunscreen with TiO₂@PAANa shows an increase in colloidal stability. Herein, the incorporation of the sonochemical-coated TiO₂ particles in sunscreen formulations may produce sunscreens with better aesthetic appearance and a greater health security due to its lower free radicals production.

Genotoxicity assessment in aquatic environment impacted by the presence of heavy metals

The aim of this study was to access the genotoxic potential of Extremoz Lake waters in Northeastern Brazilian coast, using the Allium cepa system, piscine micronucleus test and comet assay. In addition, heavy metal levels were quantified by atomic absorption flame spectrometry. The results of the A. cepa system showed significant changes in the frequency of chromosome aberrations and in the mitotic index compared to negative control. No significant changes were observed in micronuclei frequency in the erythrocytes of Oreochromis niloticus. The comet assay showed a statistically significant alteration in the level of DNA breaks of O. niloticus. Chemical analysis detected an increase in heavy metal levels in different sampling periods. These results point out a state of deterioration of water quality at Extremoz Lake, caused by heavy metal contamination and genotoxic activity. It is recommended to establish a monitoring program for the presence of genotoxic agents in this water lake.

Multi-Layered Films Containing a Biomimetic Stimuli-Responsive Recombinant Protein

Electrostatic self-assembly was used to fabricate new smart multi-layer coatings, using a recombinant elastin-like polymer (ELP) and chitosan as the counterion macromolecule. The ELP was bioproduced, purified and its purity and expected molecular weight were assessed. Aggregate size measurements, obtained by light scattering of dissolved ELP, were performed as a function of temperature and pH to assess the smart properties of the polymer. The build-up of multi-layered films containing ELP and chitosan, using a layer-by-layer methodology, was followed by quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring. Atomic force microscopy analysis permitted to demonstrate that the topography of the multi-layered films could respond to temperature. This work opens new possibilities for the use of ELPs in the fabrication of biodegradable smart coatings and films, offering new platforms in biotechnology and in the biomedical area.

Rizatriptan combined with rofecoxib vs. rizatriptan for the acute treatment of migraine: an open label pilot study

Rizatriptan is an effective and fast acting drug for the acute treatment of migraine. As with any other acute treatment for migraine, headache recurrence may occur in up to one-third of responders. Combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) seems to reduce the incidence of headache recurrence in clinical practice. Rofecoxib is a member of a new class of NSAIDs, which selectively inhibits the COX-2 enzyme and therefore is associated with a lower risk of gastrointestinal side-effects; the drug has a long plasma half-life (17 h). This open label study compared rizatriptan with rizatriptan plus rofecoxib in the acute treatment of migraine. Fifty-six triptan naive patients from a tertiary centre (37 women and 19 men, ages 16-55 years, mean 35 years) with International Headache Society migraine were randomized into two groups. They were instructed to treat three consecutive moderate or severe attacks with either 10 mg rizatriptan (group 1: 18 women and 10 men) or with 10 mg rizatriptan plus 25 mg rofecoxib (group 2: 19 women and 9 men). The presence of headache and nausea at 1, 2 and 4 h, and of side-effects, use of rescue medication and recurrence were compared. Fifty-four patients completed the study. Group 1 treated 76 attacks and group 2 treated 81 attacks. Absence of headache at 1 h was seen in 19 attacks (25%) in group 1 and in 34 attacks (42%) in group 2 (P=0.082); at 2 h absence of headache was seen in 60% of group 1 attacks and in 76% of group 2 attacks (P=0.115). At 4 h, 75% of group 1 attacks and 88% of group 2 attacks were pain free (P=0.122). With regard to nausea, of those who had nausea at baseline, 31% and 49% of attacks in groups 1 and 2, respectively, were nausea free at 1 h (P=0.091), 75% and 79% at 2 h (P=0.736) and 82% and 91% (P=0.479) at 4 h. Recurrence, based on all attacks of those patients who achieved pain free at 4 h, was observed in 53% of group 1 and 20% of group 2 attacks (P<0.001). Sustained pain-free rates (for the 4-h time point) were 45.6% of group 1 and 78.9% of group 2 attacks. There were no significant differences with regard to rescue medication consumption after 4 h and side-effects in both groups. There was a non-significant trend for the combination group to have a higher response rate. The group treated with rizatriptan and rofecoxib had a lower recurrence rate than the group treated with rizatriptan. This study demonstrated that combining a fast acting triptan such as rizatriptan with rofecoxib reduced headache recurrence rates, was well tolerated and may be more effective than the use of rizatriptan alone. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are necessary to confirm these observations.

Dexamethasone decreases migraine recurrence observed after treatment with a triptan combined with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Triptans are effective drugs for the acute treatment of migraine. However, 30-40% of the patients commonly present recurrence before 24 hours therefore requiring another dose. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as tolfenamic acid and naproxen sodium combined with sumatriptan have demonstrated efficacy in reducing recurrence observed with the single use of this drug. Steroids also have been suggested to treat refractory migraine and status migranosus. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether patients presenting frequent recurrence with the combination triptan plus NSAID, would decrease it with the association of dexamethasone.

METHOD

Twenty three patients, 17 women and 6 men with migraine according to IHS criteria were prospectively studied. All patients presented frequent recurrence (> or= 60%, mean recurrence rate 74,8%) with the single use of sumatritpan 100 mg or zolmitriptan 2,5 mg or rizatriptan 10mg in at least 5 consecutive attacks, and didn't present a reduction of the recurrence rate superior than 20% with the combination of tolfenamic acid 200 mg or rofecoxib 25 mg in at least 5 other consecutive attacks (mean recurrence rate 60%). The patients had to treat 6 consecutive moderate or severe migraine attacks with their usual combination plus 4 mg of dexamathasone with a maximum of twice a week, and fill out a diary reporting headache parameters.

RESULTS

Twenty patients, 16 women and 4 men completed the study. Of those who completed the study, 11 took rizatriptan plus rofecoxib, 4 rizatriptan plus tolfenamic acid, 3 zolmitriptan plus rofecoxib, 1 zolmitriptan plus tolfenamic acid and 1 patient took sumatriptan plus tolfenamic acid, having the 20 patients taken as a third medication, a single tablet of 4 mg of dexamethasone. All patients took oral formulations and none presented vomiting after that. Among all 20 patients, one female and one male patient presented recurrence in 3 out of the 6 attacks (50%) while the remaining 18 patients revealed recurrence in 1 or 2 treated attacks (mean 23,4%) (p<0,001).

CONCLUSION

We concluded that the judicious use of oral dexamethasone might be useful for a limited population of migraine patients still presenting recurrence with the combination of a triptan and a NSAID. Case-control studies and studies with a randomized double-blind design are necessary to confirm these observations.

Oral lysine clonixinate in the acute treatment of migraine: a double-blind placebo-controlled study

Several oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective to treat migraine attacks. Lysine clonixinate (LC) is a NSAID derived from nicotinic acid that has proven to be effective in various pain syndromes such as renal colic and muscular pain. The aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral LC compared to placebo in the acute treatment of migraine. Sixty four patients with the diagnosis of migraine, according to the IHS criteria, were studied prospectively. Patients received LC or placebo once the headache reached moderate or severe intensity for 6 consecutive attacks. With regard to the moderate attacks, LC was superior than placebo after 1, 2 and 4 hours. The consumption of other rescue medications after 4 hours was significantly higher in the placebo group. With regard to the severe attacks, there was no difference between the active drug group and the placebo group concerning headache intensity and consumption of other rescue medications. We conclude that the NSAID lysine clonixinate is effective in treating moderately severe migraine attacks. It is not superior than placebo in treating severe migraine attacks.

Prednisone as initial treatment of analgesic-induced daily headache

The majority of the patients who seek medical care in tertiary headache centres present with transformed migraine, and convert to daily headache, as a result of excessive intake of symptomatic medications (SM). This study aimed to analyse the possibility of using a short course of oral prednisone for detoxifying patients with chronic daily headache due to medication overuse in an out-patient setting. Four hundred patients with headache occurring more than 28 days per month for longer than 6 months were studied (mean baseline frequency of 0.96). Symptomatic medications were stopped suddenly and prednisone was initiated in tapering doses during 6 days, followed by the introduction of preventive treatment. Withdrawal symptoms and the frequency, intensity and duration of the headache, as well as the consumption of rescue medications, were analysed during the first 16 and 30 days of withdrawal. Eighty-five percent of the patients experienced a reduction in headache frequency and no patients presented severe attacks during the first 6 days. With regard to the following 10 days, 46% of the patients experienced at least 2 days without headache and 58% less intense attacks. Most of the patients noticed attacks with longer duration. After the 30-day period there was a significant decrease in headache frequency (mean 0.83, P<0.001), and no patients returned to overuse of SM. This study demonstrates that it is possible to detoxify patients suffering from rebound headaches, using oral prednisone during the first days of withdrawal, in an out-patient setting.

[Clinical features of transformed migraine]

Most daily headache patients seen in specialized clinics present a past history of migraine. Some authors refer to it as transformed migraine and emphasize its milder intensity and clinical characteristics different from migraine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical presentation of the daily headache in patients with prior history of migraine. We studied retrospectively 215 patients. We observed that a significant percentage of the patients presenting the so-called transformed migraine, reported frontal and/or temporal bilateral pain and had pressure or tightening pain, which is a characteristic of chronic tension-type headache. It emphasizes the loss or changing of the standard migraine features. The pulsatile pain quality remained as an important feature, specially for those with intermittent typical migraine attacks.