Porphyrin-apidaecin conjugate as a new broad spectrum antibacterial agent.

The conjugation of the cationic antimicrobial peptide, apidaecin Ib, to the anionic photosensitizer, 5(4'-carboxyphenyl)-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin (cTPP), afforded a new antibacterial agent effective, under light activation, against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. At low concentrations (1.5-15 μM) the conjugate was able to reduce the survival of Escherichia coli cells by 3-4 log10, and most notably, it resulted photoactive also against hard-to-treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa, although at higher concentration (60 μM).

[Otorhinological evaluations of patients undergoing rapid disjunction of the median palatine suture].

Seven young patients, who had been diagnosed to be oral breathers by an orthodontist, have been submitted to an ETN specialist examination, before and after the rapid expansion of the mid-palatal suture. Five of these patients had an actual reduction of nasal breathing capacity. Four patients presented a significant enlargement of the adenoids.