Modulating the phototoxicity and selectivity of a porphyrazine towards epidermal tumor cells by coordination with metal ions.

Porphyrazines (Pzs) are porphyrin derivatives that show potential application as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT), but are still far less explored in the literature. In this work, we evaluate how the photophysics and phototoxicity of the octakis(trifluoromethylphenyl)porphyrazine (HPz) against tumor cells can be modulated by coordination with Mg(II), Zn(II), Cu(II) and Co(II) ions. Fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yields for the Pzs were measured in organic solvents and in soy phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes suspended in water.

Comparison of Splenic Artery Aneurysms in Patients with and without Portal Hypertension.

Background: Splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) are rare but seem to have higher incidence in patients with portal hypertension (PH). The present article aims to analyze the interference of PH in the natural history of these aneurysms.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of data recorded prospectively.

Downmodulation of Regulatory T Cells Producing TGF-β Participates in Pathogenesis of Leprosy Reactions.

Leprosy reactions are an acute and systemic manifestation, which occurs suddenly, can be severe and lead leprosy patients to disability. Reactional episodes are observed among half of the multibacillary patients, mainly in borderline lepromatous and lepromatous forms. They may begin at any time during multidrug therapy, and even before the treatment.

Metal-Cocatalyst Interaction Governs the Catalytic Activity of M-Porphyrazines for Chemical Fixation of CO.

Chemical fixation of CO to produce cyclic carbonates can be a green and atomic efficient process. In this work, a series of porphyrazines (Pzs) containing electron-withdrawing groups and central M ions (where M = Mg, Zn, Cu, and Co) were synthesized and investigated as catalysts for the cycloaddition of CO to epoxides. Then, the efficiency of the Pzs was tested by varying cocatalyst type and concentration, epoxide, temperature, and pressure.

Presence of Senescent and Memory CD8+ Leukocytes as Immunocenescence Markers in Skin Lesions of Elderly Leprosy Patients.

Leprosy is an infectious disease that remains endemic in approximately 100 developing countries, where about 200,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Moreover, multibacillary leprosy, the most contagious form of the disease, has been detected at continuously higher rates among Brazilian elderly people. Due to the so-called immunosenescence, characterized by several alterations in the quality of the immune response during aging, this group is more susceptible to infectious diseases.

Increased oxidative stress in elderly leprosy patients is related to age but not to bacillary load.

Background: Leprosy continues to be a public health problem in Brazil. Furthermore, detection rates in elderly people have increased, particularly those of multibacillary (L-Lep) patients, who are responsible for transmitting M. leprae.