Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA), medical treatment of severe systemic compromise: case report

Case description: A 42-year-old woman with severe pulmonary and mediastinal inflammatory involvement, secondary to infiltration of a silicone-related allogenic material with systemic migration. Clinical findings: The patient developed esophageal and bronchial stenosis, recurrent infections, malnutrition, and respiratory deterioration, making surgical removal of the allogenic material impossible. Treatment and outcome: Clinical and radiological improvement was achieved after treatment with multiple intravenous and oral immunomodulators. Clinical relevance: Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) is a heterogeneous disease resulting from exposure to allogenic substances in a susceptible subject. These substances cause autoimmune or autoinflammatory phenomena. Since ASIA was described ten years ago, its diagnostic criteria are still under discussion, with an uncertain prognosis. The ideal therapy is based on eliminating the causative substance, but this is not always possible. Therefore, it is necessary to start an immunomodulatory treatment, using it in this patient, a scheme that had not been previously reported in the literature.

Descripción del caso: Mujer de 42 años con compromiso inflamatorio pulmonar y mediastinal severo, secundario a infiltración de un material alogénico relacionado con la silicona con migración sistémica. Hallazgos clínicos: La paciente desarrolló estenosis esofágica y bronquial, infecciones recurrentes, desnutrición y deterioro respiratorio, imposibilitando la extracción quirúrgica del material alogénico. Tratamiento y resultado: Mejoría clínica y radiológica lograda tras un tratamiento con múltiples inmunomoduladores intravenosos y orales. Relevancia clínica: El síndrome autoinmune / inflamatorio inducido por adyuvantes (ASIA) es una enfermedad heterogénea que resulta de la exposición a sustancias alógenas en un sujeto con susceptibilidad genética. Estas sustancias inducen fenómenos autoinmunitarios o autoinflamatorios. Desde que ASIA fue descrito hace 10 años, sus criterios diagnósticos continúan en discusión, con un pronóstico incierto. El tratamiento idóneo se basa en eliminar la sustancia causante, pero no siempre es posible, por lo cual se hace necesario iniciar un tratamiento inmunomodulador, empleándose en esta paciente un esquema que no había sido reportado previamente en la literatura.

Hydroxyapatite and Biopolymer Composites with Promising Biomedical Applications

ABSTRACT The purpose of tissue engineering (regenerative medicine) is to develop materials that replace human tissue, having as main characteristics' biodegradability, biocompatibility, no toxicity, osteoconductivity, which lead to cell maturation and proliferation. Due to the importance of the development of this type of materials, several researchers have used biopolymers and calcium phosphate salts (hydroxyapatite) as composites to be used in this area as drug releases, scaffolds, implants, among others. Different biopolymers can be suitable for this type of application, in this work we have described the most widely used biopolymers for biomedical purposes, such as alginate, collagen, gellan gum, chitosan, and polylactic acid, in addition to a detailed description of hydroxyapatite, biopolymers, as well as biopolymer/hydroxyapatite composites, to highlight their potential and the most relevant characteristics of these materials.

Reacción granulomatosa de tipo sarcoideo secundaria a biopolímeros: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Biopolymer sarcoid-like foreign-body granulomas: Case report and literature review

La alogenosis iatrogénica es la enfermedad causada por la aplicación de biopolímeros con fines estéticos. Sus manifestaciones clínicas pueden presentarse entre las seis horas y los 30 años posteriores a la aplicación, con síntomas locales o sistémicos. El principal rasgo de la histopatología es la presencia de granulomas por cuerpo extraño con reacción de tipo sarcoideo, la cual es difícil de Interpretar por su asociación con la sarcoidosis. Se reporta aquí el caso de una paciente con lesiones granulomatosas de tipo sarcoideo por reacción a cuerpo extraño, secundaria a la aplicación de múltiples sustancias desconocidas en cara y glúteos.

Iatrogenic allogenosis is a disease caused by the injection of biopolymers with esthetic purposes. Clinical manifestations can occur between six hours and 30 years after the procedure with local and/or systemic symptoms. The pathological findings are characterized by the presence of foreign body granulomas with a sarcoid-like reaction. Its Interpretation Is difficult given Its association with sarcoidosis. We report the clinical case of a female patient with granulomatous lesions In reaction to a foreign body secondary to the multiple application of unknown substances on the face and buttocks.

Biopelículas activas de extracto acuosos de Gliricidia sepium y su influencia en la vida útil microbiológica del queso costeño / Active biofilms of aqueous extract of Gliricidia sepium and its influence on the microbiological shelf life of coastal cheese

RESUMEN La elaboración de biopelículas con propiedades bioactivas es un área interesante en el campo de los empaques alimentarios. El objetivo de este estudio fue obtener biopelículas activas (BPA) a base de extracto acuoso de hojas de Gliricidia sepium y determinar su efecto en la vida útil microbiológica del queso costeño. Para la fabricación de las BPA, el extracto acuoso fue microencapsulado, mediante gelación iónica y, posteriormente, incorporado en las biopelículas. La determinación de la vida útil de muestras de queso costeño, se llevó a cabo mediante microbiología predictiva, utilizando el modelo de Monod Hinshelwood. Las microcápsulas utilizadas tuvieron un diámetro promedio de 273,786µm. Los resultados mostraron un aumento en la vida útil microbiológica de 26,7 días, en quesos con BPA, almacenado a 7°C, en comparación con una muestra control (sin BPA), confirmando que las BPA investigadas ejercen un efecto inhibitorio sobre los microorganismos, causantes de deterioro en quesos. Por tal motivo, la metodología aquí planteada puede ser una alternativa en la conservación de un producto perecedero, como el queso costeño.

ABSTRACT The elaboration of biofilms with bioactive properties is an interesting area in the field of food packaging. The aim of this study was to obtain active biofilms (AB) based on aqueous extract of Gliricidia sepium leaves and determine their effect on the microbiological shelf life of coastal cheese. For the manufacture of the AB, the aqueous extract was microencapsulated by means of ionic gelation and later incorporated in the biofilms. The coastal cheese's shelf life was carried out by means of predictive microbiology using the Monod Hinshelwood model. The microcapsules had an average diameter of 273.786µm. The results showed an increase in the microbiological shelf life of 26.7 days in cheeses with AB stored at 7°C compared with control sample (without AB) confirming that the AB investigated exerts an inhibitory effect on the microorganisms causing deterioration in cheeses. For this reason, the methodology proposed here can be an alternative in the conservation of a perishable product such as coastal cheese.

Efectos adversos de las sustancias modelantes en Cali, Colombia / Adverse effects of modeling substances in Cali, Colombia

Resumen | Introducción. El deseo de mejorar la apariencia física mediante métodos sencillos y económicos, ha generado la aplicación indiscriminada de sustancias modelantes y, con ello, el surgimiento de la alogenosis iatrogénica, enfermedad cada vez más prevalente en Latinoamérica. Objetivo. Describir las características epidemiológicas y los efectos adversos de las sustancias modelantes en un grupo de pacientes de Cali, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo una revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de los pacientes que acudieron a consulta por complicaciones producidas por sustancias modelantes durante un sexenio. Resultados. Se incluyeron 1.322 pacientes, 95,5 % de ellos mujeres. Las edades oscilaron entre los 19 y los 83 años, con una media de 39 años. El sitio anatómico de infiltración con sustancias modelantes con mayor frecuencia de efectos adversos, fueron los glúteos. La asimetría y el aumento del volumen en el sitio infiltrado fueron los signos más comunes, en tanto que el dolor, las alteraciones del ánimo y la depresión o la ansiedad fueron los síntomas más percibidos. El 33,6 % de los pacientes desconocía la sustancia aplicada y el 28,1 % refirió haberse aplicado biopolímeros. La mayoría de estos procedimientos estuvo a cargo de personal sin la debida formación. Conclusiones. Estos pacientes requieren la atención de equipos multidisciplinarios para establecer alternativas de tratamiento que mejoren su calidad de vida. Además, se necesitan la regulación de los establecimientos, y las medidas de vigilancia, inspección y control en la importación y el uso de estas sustancias.

Abstract | Introduction: The desire to improve one's physical appearance through simple and economical methods has resulted in the indiscriminate application of modeling substances. As a result, iatrogenic allogenosis has emerged as an increasingly prevalent disease in Latin America. Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics and adverse effects arising from the use of modeling substances in a group of patients from Cali, Colombia. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of patients who consulted for complications arising from the use of modeling substances during a six-year period. Results: A total of 1,322 patients were included of whom 95.5% were women. Patients' ages ranged from 19 to 83 years, with an average of 39 years. The most infiltrated anatomical site showing adverse effects due to modeling substances was the buttocks. The asymmetry and increased volume of the infiltrated site were the most common signs while pain, mood disturbances, and depression or anxiety were the most commonly perceived symptoms. A total of 41.8% of patients ignored what substances they had received, and 28.5% received biopolymers; these procedures were mostly performed by non-qualified personnel. Conclusions: The care of these patients requires multidisciplinary teams to establish treatment alternatives to improve their quality of life. In addition, the regulation of establishments, as well as the surveillance, inspection, and control of the imports and use of these substances should be warranted.

Fibrin biopolymer sealant and aquatic exercise association for calcaneal tendon repair

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of fibrin biopolymer sealant (FS) associated or not to aquatic exercise (AE) on the calcaneal tendon repair. Methods Forty-four female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups: Lesion control (L), Lesion and FS (LS), Lesion and AE (LE) and Lesion and FS associated to AE (LSE). The edema volume (EV), collagen ratio, and histopathological analysis were evaluated after 7, 14, and 21 days of partial tendon transection. Results The EV was statistically reduced for all treatment groups after 7 and 21 days when compared to L group. The LS and LSE had the highest EV reduction after 21 days of treatment. The FS group didn't induce tissue necrosis or infections on the histopathological analysis. It was observed tenocytes proliferation, granulation tissue and collagen formation in the tendon partial transection area in the FS group. The LSE demonstrated higher amount of granulation tissue and increased the collagen deposition at the injury site. Conclusions Our data suggests that the therapeutic potential of the association of heterologous fibrin biopolymer sealant with aquatic exercise program should be further explored as it may stimulate the regeneration phase and optimize calcaneal tendon recovery.

Hallazgos quirúrgicos en pacientes con alogenosis iatrogénica / Surgical findings in patients with iatrogenic allogenosis

INTRODUCCION: los biopolímeros son macromoléculas cuyo uso como sustancias de relleno con fines estéticos ha ido en aumento en los últimos años. Esto ha generado un incremento de complicaciones por alogenosis iatrogénica de difícil tratamiento. OBJETIVO: describir los hallazgos intraoperatorios en las pacientes con alogenosis iatrogénica intervenidas quirúrgicamente en el Departamento de Cirugía Plástica del Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras. METODO: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, longitudinal y monocéntrico con 15 pacientes femeninas que recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico para extracción de sustancias modelantes desde enero 2017 a diciembre 2019. RESULTADOS: el rango de edad predominante fue entre los 19 y 29 años con un 66.6% y entre los 30 y 40 años de edad con un 33.3%. El procedimiento quirúrgico fue realizado bajo anestesia general en el 33.3% de las pacientes; de ellos el 20% fue en la región mamaria, 40% glúteos y 40% genitales y pubis. Se empleó anestesia local en el 66.6%, distribuidas en 20% en la región frontal y glabelar, 30% en los párpados y 50% en los labios. El 100% mostró hallazgos intraoperatorios similares. CONCLUSIONES: independientemente del producto inyectado, la región anatómica y la expresión clínica de la enfermedad, los hallazgos transoperatorios son los mismos. Tanto en las zonas más inyectadas que fueron la región glútea, genital y púbica como en la de menor frecuencia que correspondió a las zonas frontales y glabelar, la extracción del producto resultó en múltiples nódulos en forma de perlas de pequeño tamaño y cavernas.

INTRODUCTION: biopolymers are macromolecules whose use as fillers for aesthetic purposes has been increasing in recent years. This has generated an increase in complications due to iatrogenic alogenosis that is difficult to treat. OBJECTIVE: to describe the intraoperative findings in patients with iatrogenic alogenosis who underwent surgery at the Department of Plastic Surgery of the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital. METHODS: a descriptive, prospective, longitudinal, single-center study was conducted with 15 female patients who received surgical treatment for removal of modeling substances from January 2017 to December 2019. RESULTS: the predominant age range was between 19 and 29 years old with 66.6% and between 30 and 40 years old with 33.3%. The surgical procedure was performed under general anesthesia in 33.3% of the patients; of them 20% were in the breast region, 40% buttocks and 40% genitalia and pubis. Local anesthesia was used in 66.6%, distributed in 20% in the frontal and glabellar region, 30% in the eyelids and 50% in the lips. 100% showed similar intraoperative findings. CONCLUSIONS: regardless of the product injected, the anatomic region and the clinical expression of the disease, the transoperative findings are the same. Both in the most injected areas which were the gluteal, genital and pubic region and in the less frequently injected areas which corresponded to the frontal and glabellar areas, the extraction of the product resulted in multiple nodules in the form of small pearls and caverns.

Respiration in Azotobacter vinelandii and its relationship with the synthesis of biopolymers

Azotobacter vinelandii is a gram-negative soil bacterium that produces two biopolymers of biotechnological interest, alginate and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), and it has been widely studied because of its capability to fix nitrogen even in the presence of oxygen. This bacterium is characterized by its high respiration rates, which are almost 10-fold higher than those of Escherichia coli and are a disadvantage for fermentation processes. On the other hand, several works have demonstrated that adequate control of the oxygen supply in A. vinelandii cultivations determines the yields and physicochemical characteristics of alginate and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate). Here, we summarize a review of the characteristics of A. vinelandii related to its respiration systems, as well as some of the most important findings on the oxygen consumption rates as a function of the cultivation parameters and biopolymer production.

Biosurfactant produced by Candida utilis UFPEDA1009 with potential application in cookie formulation

BACKGROUND: Biosurfactants are biomolecules that have the potential to be applied in food formulations due to their low toxicity and ability to improve sensory parameters. Considering the ability of yeasts to produce biosurfactants with food-friendly properties, the aim of the present study was to apply a biosurfactant produced by Candida utilis in the formulation of cookies. RESULTS: The biosurfactant was obtained with a yield of 24.22 ± 0.23 g/L. The characterization analysis revealed that the structure of a metabolized fatty acid with high oleic acid content (68.63 ± 0.61%), and the thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated good stability at temperatures lower than 200°C, potential for food applications. The biosurfactant also exhibited satisfactory antioxidant activity at concentrations evaluated, without cytotoxic potential for cell strains, L929 and RAW 264.7, according to the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2- yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The incorporation of the surfactant into the dough of a standard cookie formulation to replace animal fat was carried out, achieving a softer, spongier product without significantly altering the physical and physicochemical properties or energy value. CONCLUSION: The thermal stability and antioxidant activity of the biosurfactant produced by C. utilis were verified, besides the positive contribution in the texture analysis of the cookies. Therefore, this biomolecule presents itself as a potential ingredient in flour-based sweet food formulations.

Actividad antitumoral de biopolímeros aislados de Vibrio sp. en cáncer de mama inducido en ratas / Antitumor activity of vibrio sp. isolated biopolymers in induced breast cancer in rats

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la actividad antitumoral del extracto crudo de biopolímeros aislados de la bacteria marina Vibrio sp. en cáncer de mama inducido por N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) en ratas. Materiales y métodos: Se cultivó la bacteria marina Vibrio sp. durante siete días, luego se filtró, precipitó y concentró el sobrenadante crudo. Se administró una dosis única de MNU 50 mg/kg a 39 ratas Holtzman y fueron tratadas diariamente durante nueve semanas por vía oral: G1 (n=13): suero fisiológico 0,1 mL/100g; G2 (n=13): extracto crudo de biopolímeros de Vibrio sp. 20 mg/kg; G3 (n=13): tamoxifeno 100 mg/kg. El G4 (n=11) solo recibió suero fisiológico 0,1 mL/100g. Se valoró semanalmente el peso corporal y la aparición de tumores mamarios identificados mediante palpación; así como el examen histopatológico al final del tratamiento. Resultados: El 77% de las ratas del grupo G1 desarrollaron tumores a partir de la séptima semana en un promedio de 2,2 tumores por cada animal; en contraste al grupo tratado con el extracto crudo de biopolímeros y tamoxifeno; donde solo una rata (8%) en cada grupo desarrolló tumores y posterior a la semana nueve de la inducción (p=0,001). Los resultados histopatológicos sostienen que todos los tumores extirpados corresponden a adenocarcinoma ductal de mama con distintos patrones: sólido, papilar y quístico. Asimismo, se evidenciaron focos necróticos en el 30% de los tumores del grupo G1. Conclusión: El extracto crudo de biopolímeros aislados de Vibrio sp. presentan efecto antitumoral en cáncer de mama inducido en ratas.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the antitumor activity of the raw extract from biopolymers isolated from the Vibrio sp. marine bacteria in breast cancer induced by N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) in rats. Materials and methods: The Vibrio sp. marine bacteria was cultured for seven days, then the raw supernatant was filtered, precipitated and concentrated. MNU was administered in a single dose of 50 mg/kg to 39 Holtzman rats and were daily treated for 9 weeks orally: G1 (n = 13): 0.1 mL/100 g of saline solution; G2 (n = 13): 20 mg/kg of raw extract from Vibrio sp. biopolymers; G3 (n = 13): 100 mg/kg of tamoxifen; G4 (n = 11) received no MNU and only 0.1 mL/100 g of saline solution. Body weight and the appearance of breast tumors identified by palpation were assessed weekly, as well as histopathological examination at the end of treatment. Results: Seventy-seven percent of the rats in the G1 group developed tumors from week 7 onwards in an average of 2.2 tumors per animal; in contrast to the group treated with the raw biopolymer extract and tamoxifen; where only one rat (8%) in each group developed tumors after week nine of induction (p = 0.001). The histopathological results support that all the removed tumors correspond to breast ductal adenocarcinoma with different patterns: solid, papillary and cystic. Likewise, necrotic foci were evidenced in 30% of the tumors of the G1 group. Conclusion: The raw extract of biopolymers isolated from Vibrio sp. present antitumor effect in breast cancer induced in rats.

Efecto del pH sobre propiedades mecánicas, fisicoquímicas y morfológicas en películas comestibles multicomponentes / Effect of pH on mechanical, physicochemical and morphological properties in multicomponent edible films

RESUMEN El pH es un parámetro fundamental a considerarse en el momento de diseñar películas multicomponentes, debido a que interviene en la compatibilidad e interacciones que se generan entre los componentes de la matriz, determina la funcionalidad de las mismas y como se demuestra en este estudio, el pH tiene una influencia significativa en las propiedades mecánicas, fisicoquímicas y morfologías de las películas. Con ese objetivo, se sometieron películas a base de goma gellan, gelatina, caseinato de calcio, aceite de canola, glicerol, tween 80 y natamisina, a cuatro niveles de pH T1:6,6 T2:6,2 T3:5,8 T4:5,4 para evaluar y determinar la influencia del pH en las propiedades finales de las películas. Como resultado obtenido en las propiedades, se presentaron diferencias significativas (α=0,05), influenciadas por la modificación del pH, de modo que, en las películas sometidas a un pH de T4=5,4 se generó una mejor compatibilidad de los componentes, por las condiciones del medio que permitieron obtener interacciones por fuerzas electrostáticas entre los polímeros y el aceite, evidenciándose en el mejor comportamiento mecánico con una elongación de 10,6 ± 1,8%, mayor permeabilidad al vapor de agua, solubilidad de 51 ± 0,02% y un contenido de humedad de 9 ± 3,0%; a diferencia de las películas de T1, en las cuales, predominaron las interacciones a través de los enlaces de hidrógeno, afectando la permeabilidad y el comportamiento mecánico de las mismas. En películas multicomponentes a base polímeros y lípidos para garantizar mayor compatibilidad e interacciones que se reflejan en mejores propiedades mecánicas, fisicoquímicas y morfológicas entre los componentes se deben elaborar películas a pH de 5,4 o, en caso contrario, en los cuales, las propiedades deban permitir mayores interacciones entre grupos polares de los componentes utilizar pH más básicos, como pH de 6,6.

ABSTRACT pH is a fundamental parameter to be considered when designing multicomponent films, because it intervenes in the compatibility and interactions that are generated between the components of the matrix, determines their functionality and as demonstrated in this study the pH has a significant influence on the mechanical, physicochemical and morphological properties of films. With this objective, films based on gellan gum, gelatin, calcium caseinate and canola oil were subjected to four levels of pH T1 = 6.6 T2 = 6.2 T3 = 5.8 T4 = 5.4 to evaluate and determine the influence of pH on the final properties of the films. As a result obtained in the properties there were significant differences (α = 0.05) influenced by the modification of the pH so that in the films subjected to a pH of T4 = 5.4 a better compatibility of the components was generated by the conditions of the medium that allowed to obtain interactions by electrostatic forces between the polymers and the oil, being evident in the best mechanical behavior with an elongation of 10.6 ± 1.8%, greater water vapor permeability, solubility of 51 ± 0.02% and a moisture content of 9 ± 3.0%; unlike the T1 films in which the interactions through hydrogen bonds predominated, affecting their permeability and mechanical behavior. Finally, as a conclusion in multi-component films based on polymers and lipids to ensure greater compatibility and interactions that are reflected in better mechanical, physicochemical and morphological properties between the components, films at pH 5.4 or otherwise in the which properties should allow greater interactions between polar groups of the components to use more basic pH such as pH 6.6.

Effect of Chitosan Addition in Whey-based Biodegradable Films

Abstract Whey, a by-product of dairy industry, is a feedstock widely employed in the production of biodegradable films. However, these films present some limitations when considering the performance of synthetic polymers, especially biological transformation by decomposition. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of chitosan addition to whey-based films to improve films physical-chemical properties and resistance to microbial degradation. The results showed that there was an interaction effect between the chitosan concentration and the storage time for the physical-chemical properties of elongation at break and opacity. There was statistical difference among the formulations; however, for the moisture content and film thickness, there was no interaction effect between the formulation and the storage time. The films with 1.5 and 3.0 wt.% chitosan presented a yellowish hue, characteristic of the polysaccharide; this could also be detected by SEM analysis. The films presented an excellent biodegradability, being decomposed in about 8 days. Considering all chitosan contents tested had similar performances, the chitosan content of 0.15 wt.% was the one with the better cost-benefit relation.

Chronic venous ulcers: a review on treatment with fibrin sealant and prognostic advances using proteomic strategies

Venous ulcers are the main causes of chronic lower-limb ulcers. The healing difficulties encourage the research and development of new products in order to achieve better therapeutic results. Fibrin sealant is one of these alternatives. Besides being a validated scaffold and drug delivery system, it possesses excellent healing properties. This review covered the last 25 years of the literature and showed that the fibrin sealant is used in various clinical situations to promote the healing of different types of ulcers, especially chronic ones. These are mostly venous in origin and usually does not respond to conventional treatment. Commercially, only the homologous fibrin sealants obtained from human blood are available, which are highly efficient but very expensive. The heterologous fibrin sealant is a non-commercial experimental low-cost product and easily produced due to the abundance of raw material. The phase I/II clinical trial is already completed and showed that the product is safe and promisingly efficacious for the treatment of chronic venous ulcers. In addition, clinical proteomic strategies to assess disease prognosis have been increasingly used. By analyzing liquid samples from the wounds through proteomic strategies, it is possible to predict before treatment which ulcers will evolve favorably and which ones will be difficult to heal. This prognosis is only possible by evaluating the expression of isolated proteins in exudates and analysis using label-free strategies for shotgun. Multicentric clinical trials will be required to evaluate the efficacy of fibrin sealant to treat chronic ulcers, as well as to validate the proteomic strategies to assess prognosis.(AU)

Biopolymers augment viral vectors based gene delivery

The success of viral vectors mediated gene therapy is still hampered by immunogenicity and insufficient transgeneexpression. Alternatively, non-viral vectors mediated gene delivery has the advantage of low immunogenicity despiteshowing low transgene expression. By carefully considering the advantages of each approach, hybrid vectors are currentlybeing developed by modifying the viral vectors using non-viral biopolymers. This review provides an overview of thehybrid vectors currently being developed.

Evaluación del quitosano como coagulante para el tratamiento de efluentes piscícolas / Evaluation of chitosan as a natural coagulant for fish effluents treatment

RESUMEN El uso de polímeros orgánicos para el tratamiento de aguas residuales a través de procesos de coagulación/floculación presenta ventajas sobre el uso de coagulantes inorgánicos, debido a la biodegradabilidad y la baja toxicidad en el agua de estos. El quitosano es un biopolímero que se ha utilizado como coagulante en el tratamiento de aguas residuales. En este estudio, se evaluó el quitosano como coagulante natural utilizado en la clarificación de efluentes piscícolas en tecnología biofloc (BFT) y en sistema de recirculación acuícola (RAS). Se implementó un diseño experimental completamente aleatorizado, de una vía, con efectos fijos. Los ensayos del agua se llevaron a cabo por el método de jar-test, donde se aplicaron dosis de quitosano de 3, 6, 9, 12 y 15 mg/L. Se analizó el efecto estadístico de la dosis de quitosano en la eliminación de la turbidez, sólidos suspendidos totales (SST) y sólidos suspendidos volátiles (SSV) del agua. Se encontró efecto del quitosano sobre la turbidez, dosis de 9 mg/L logró remociones del 88% y valores de 3.9 NTU (con error < 0.05). Sin aplicar quitosano al efluente, se lograron remociones de 78.2 y 76.7% para SST, SSV respectivamente. El quitosano permitió eliminar turbidez del efluente (BFT).

ABSTRACT Using organic polymers for wastewater treatment through coagulation/flocculation processes is more advantageous than current approach based on inorganic coagulants, due to the former's biodegradability and low toxicity in the water. Chitosan is a biopolymer that has been used as coagulant in wastewater treatment. In this study, chitosan was evaluated as a natural coagulant used in the clarification of fish effluents in biofloc technology (BFT) and aquaculture recirculation system (RAS). A one-way completely randomized experimental design with fixed effects was implemented. The water clarification tests were conducted using the jar test method with chitosan doses of 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 mg/L. The chitosan dose effect was analyzed as natural coagulant on the removal of the water's turbidity, total suspended solids (SST) and volatile suspended solids (SSV). The effect of the chitosan load on the turbidity removal was found, as optimal dose of 9 mg/L for 88% with final turbidity value of 3.9 NTU (with significance < 0.05). In absence of chitosan, only values of 78.2 and 76.7% for SST and SSV were reached, respectively. Chitosan allowed the removal of turbidity from the water (BFT).

Aplicaciones biotecnológicas de los microorganismos / Biotechnological applications of microorganisms

Resumen La biodiversidad de los microorganismos así como la naturaleza única y las capacidades biosintéticas en condiciones ambientales específicas hacen que los microorganismos sean los probables candidatos para resolver problemas de escases de alimentos, contro de plagas, biodegradación de los xenobióticos, descomposición de la basura, las pilas de desechos producidas, entre otros. Los microorganismos ofrecen un gran potencial para la exploración de moléculas y procesos, y el conocimiento de las especies no convencionales, especialmente dentro del grupo Archaea, ha estimulado la investigación molecular de genes de interés. Estos nuevos genes pueden incorporarse mediante tecnología recombinante en especies biológicamente conocidas, como E. coli y S. cerevisiae, para la síntesis a gran escala de productos. La microbiología tecnológica tiene grandes potenciales para explorar y obstáculos por superar. Por lo tanto, solo la investigación en esta área resulta prometedora para científicos en todo el mundo. En la presente revisión se presentan las aplicaciones más significativas de los microorganismos en la industria de alimentos, la agricultura, compuestos químicos, combustibles, farmacología y materiales.

Abstract The biodiversity of microorganisms as well as the unique nature and biosynthetic capabilities in specific environmental conditions make microorganisms the likely candidates to solve problems of food shortages, pest control, biodegradation of xenobiotics, decomposition of garbage, batteries of produced waste, among others. Microorganisms offer great potential for the exploration of molecules and processes, and knowledge of non-conventional species, especially within the Archaea group, has stimulated the molecular investigation of genes of interest. These new genes can be incorporated by recombinant technology into biologically known species, such as E. coli and S. cerevisiae, for the large-scale synthesis of products. Technological microbiology has great potentials to explore and obstacles to overcome. Therefore, only research in this area is promising for scientists around the world. In this review we present the most significant applications of microorganisms in the food industry, agriculture, chemical compounds, fuels, pharmacology and materials.

Curativo com filme e gel de biopolímero de celulose bacteriana no tratamento de feridas isquêmicas após revascularização de membros inferiores / Bacterial cellulose biopolymer film and gel dressing for the treatment of ischemic wounds after lower limb revascularization

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o uso do curativo de filme e gel de biopolímero de celulose bacteriana no tratamento de pacientes com feridas isquêmicas submetidos à revascularização dos membros inferiores. Métodos: ensaio clínico randomizado realizado no ambulatório de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, entre janeiro de 2017 e dezembro de 2018. Foram acompanhados 24 pacientes após revascularização de membros inferiores, divididos em dois grupos: Experimental, tratado com filme e gel de biopolímero de celulose bacteriana, e Controle, tratado com ácidos graxos essenciais. Os pacientes foram acompanhados em consultas semanais para troca dos curativos e o processo de cicatrização das feridas foi avaliado em um período de 90 dias. Resultados: a redução da área das feridas isquêmicas no período de 30 dias foi de 4,3cm2 (55%), em média, para o grupo experimental, e de 5,5cm2 (48,5%) para o grupo controle (p>0,05). A taxa de cicatrização completa, em 90 dias, foi de 34,8%, sendo 50% no grupo experimental e 18,2% no grupo controle (p=0,053). Conclusão: o filme de biopolímero de celulose bacteriana associada a gel pode ser utilizado como curativo no tratamento de feridas isquêmicas de pacientes submetidos à revascularização de membros inferiores

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the use of a bacterial cellulose biopolymer film and gel dressing in the treatment of patients with ischemic wounds submitted to lower limb revascularization. Methods: we conducted a randomized clinical trial in the Angiology and Vascular Surgery outpatient clinic of the Clinics Hospital of the Federal University of Pernambuco, between January 2017 and December 2018. We followed 24 patients after lower limb revascularization, divided into two groups: Experimental, treated with bacterial cellulose biopolymer film and gel, and Control, treated with essential fatty acids. Patients attended weekly appointments to change dressings and had their wound healing processes evaluated over a period of 90 days. Results: the reduction of the ischemic wounds' areas after 30 days was 4.3cm2 (55%) on average for the experimental group, and the 5.5cm2 (48.5%) for the control group (p>0.05). The complete healing rate at 90 days was 34.8%, 50% in the experimental group and 18.2% in the control group (p=0.053). Conclusion: the bacterial cellulose biopolymer film associated with gel can be used as a dressing in the treatment of ischemic wounds of patients undergoing revascularization of the lower limbs.

Bacterial cellulose to reinforce urethrovesical anastomosis. A translational study

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of the cellulosic exopolysaccharide membrane (CEM) as a urethral reinforcement for urethrovesical anastomosis. Methods: Twenty eight rabbits were submitted to urethrovesical anastomosis with or without CEM reinforcement. The animals were divided into 4 groups: C7, CEM7, C14 and CEM14: (C= only anastomosis or CEM = anastomosis + CEM), evaluated after 7 weeks, and 14 weeks. The biointegration and biocompatibility of CEM were evaluated according to stenosis, fistula, urethral wall thickness, urethral epithelium, rate of inflammation and vascularization. Results: Between the two experimental groups, the difference in the number of stenosis or urinary fistula was not statistically significant. The morphometric analysis revealed preservation of urethral lumen, well adhered CEM without extrusion, a controlled inflammatory process and implant vascularization. The urothelium height remained constant over time after CEM reinforcement and the membrane wall was thicker, statistically, after 14 weeks. Conclusion: The absence of extrusion, stenosis or urinary fistula after 14 weeks of urethrovesical anastomosis demonstrates cellulosic exopolysaccharide membrane biocompatibility and biointegration with tendency to a thicker wall.

Alogenosis iatrogénica y enfermedades reumáticas / Latrogenic alogenosis and rheumatic diseases

La aplicación de sustancias con fines estéticos de forma indiscriminada como aceites minerales, hidrocarburos, silicona industrial, entre otros, llevan a producir enfermedades en el organismo bien sea locales y/o sistémicas. La asociación entre el uso de estas sustancias y la aparición de enfermedades autoinmunes aún no está clara. No obstante, se han descrito series de pacientes con antecedentes de inyección por materiales de relleno con fines cosméticos, que posteriormente presentaron patologías autoinmunes como: la esclerosis sistémica, el lupus eritematoso sistémico, la artritis reumatoidea, el síndrome de Sjögren, fibromialgia y presencia aislada de algunos síntomas inespecíficos como artralgias, mialgias, deterioro cognitivo, malestar general y fiebre. La reacción inflamatoria excesiva que pueden desencadenar estas sustancias y sus graves consecuencias para el organismo y teniendo en cuenta el aumento de estas prácticas a nivel global, hace necesario concientizar que sólo a través de una adecuada educación a la comunidad y la preparación del personal de la salud, podrá combatirse el terrible daño que provocan en la población(1)

The application of substances with aesthetic purpose in an indiscriminate way as oils minerals, hydrocarbons, industrial silicon, and others, they take to produce illnesses well in the body it is local and/or systemic. The association between the use of these substances and the appearance of autoimmunity diseases is not still clear. Nevertheless cases series have been described patient with antecedent of injection for filler materials with cosmetics purpose that later presented defined autoimmunity such as systemic sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and the isolated presence of some symptoms nonspecific. The excessive inflammatory reaction that can cause these substances and their serious consequences for the organism, and keeping in mind the increase from these practices to global level is necessary to inform that alone through an appropriate education to the community and the preparation of the health professionals will be able to prevent and combat the terrible damage in the population(1)

Cardiac tissue engineering: current state-of-the-art materials, cells and tissue formation / Engenharia de tecidos cardíacos: atual estado da arte a respeito de materiais, células e formação tecidual

ABSTRACT Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of death worldwide. The heart has limited capacity of regeneration, therefore, transplantation is the only solution in some cases despite presenting many disadvantages. Tissue engineering has been considered the ideal strategy for regenerative medicine in cardiology. It is an interdisciplinary field combining many techniques that aim to maintain, regenerate or replace a tissue or organ. The main approach of cardiac tissue engineering is to create cardiac grafts, either whole heart substitutes or tissues that can be efficiently implanted in the organism, regenerating the tissue and giving rise to a fully functional heart, without causing side effects, such as immunogenicity. In this review, we systematically present and compare the techniques that have drawn the most attention in this field and that generally have focused on four important issues: the scaffold material selection, the scaffold material production, cellular selection and in vitro cell culture. Many studies used several techniques that are herein presented, including biopolymers, decellularization and bioreactors, and made significant advances, either seeking a graft or an entire bioartificial heart. However, much work remains to better understand and improve existing techniques, to develop robust, efficient and efficacious methods.

RESUMO Doenças cardiovasculares são responsáveis pelo maior número de mortes no mundo. O coração possui capacidade de regeneração limitada, e o transplante, por consequência, representa a única solução em alguns casos, apresentando várias desvantagens. A engenharia de tecidos tem sido considerada a estratégia ideal para a medicina cardíaca regenerativa. Trata-se de uma área interdisciplinar, que combina muitas técnicas as quais buscam manter, regenerar ou substituir um tecido ou órgão. A abordagem principal da engenharia de tecidos cardíacos é criar enxertos cardíacos, sejam substitutos do coração inteiro ou de tecidos que podem ser implantados de forma eficiente no organismo, regenerando o tecido e dando origem a um coração completamente funcional, sem desencadear efeitos colaterais, como imunogenicidade. Nesta revisão, apresentase e compara-se sistematicamente as técnicas que ganharam mais atenção nesta área e que geralmente focam em quatro assuntos importantes: seleção do material a ser utilizado como enxerto, produção do material, seleção das células e cultura de células in vitro. Muitos estudos, fazendo uso de várias das técnicas aqui apresentadas, incluindo biopolímeros, descelularização e biorreatores, têm apresentado avanços significativos, seja para obter um enxerto ou um coração bioartifical inteiro. No entanto, ainda resta um grande esforço para entender e melhorar as técnicas existentes, para desenvolver métodos robustos, eficientes e eficazes.