Bilayer hydrogel dressing with lysozyme-enhanced photothermal therapy for biofilm eradication and accelerated chronic wound repair

Biofilms are closely associated with the tough healing and dysfunctional inflammation of chronic wounds. Photothermal therapy (PTT) emerged as a suitable alternative which could destroy the structure of biofilms with local physical heat. However, the efficacy of PTT is limited because the excessive hyperthermia could damage surrounding tissues. Besides, the difficult reserve and delivery of photothermal agents makes PTT hard to eradicate biofilms as expectation. Herein, we present a GelMA-EGF/Gelatin-MPDA-LZM bilayer hydrogel dressing to perform lysozyme-enhanced PTT for biofilms eradication and a further acceleration to the repair of chronic wounds. Gelatin was used as inner layer hydrogel to reserve lysozyme (LZM) loaded mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) (MPDA-LZM) nanoparticles, which could rapidly liquefy while temperature rising so as to achieve a bulk release of nanoparticles. MPDA-LZM nanoparticles serve as photothermal agents with antibacterial capability, could deeply penetrate and destroy biofilms. In addition, the outer layer hydrogel consisted of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) promoted wound healing and tissue regeneration. It displayed remarkable efficacy on alleviating infection and accelerating wound healing in vivo. Overall, the innovative therapeutic strategy we came up with has significant effect on biofilms eradication and shows promising application in promoting the repair of clinical chronic wounds.

Electrochemical immunosensing of low-density lipoprotein based on sol-gel encapsulation

Abstract Lipoprotein monitoring is desirable in the management of medical conditions such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease, in which controlling the concentration of these chylomicrons is crucial. Current clinical methods are complex and present poor reproducibility between laboratories. For these reasons, recent guidelines discard the assessment of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as a routine analysis during lipid-lowering therapies. Concerning the importance of monitoring this parameter, the authors present an electrochemical immunosensor constructed from a simple and easy-to-reproduce platform that allows detecting and quantifying LDL nanoparticles directly from human serum samples. The performance of the biosensor was studied by scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The biosensing platform displays good stability and linearity between 30 mg dL-1 and 135 mg dL-1 with a detection limit of 20 mg dL-1. The proposed biosensor can be easily employed for monitoring LDL concentration in clinical treatments.

Avaliação morfológica do cólon proximal de ratos diabéticos suplementados com extrato de Agaricus blazei murrill / Morphological evaluation of the proximal colon of diabetic rats supplemented with agaricus blazei murrill extract / Evaluación morfológica del colon proximal de ratas diabéticas suplementadas con extracto de agaricus blazei murrill

O diabetes mellitus tipo I é resultado da absoluta deficiência de insulina, estando associado à anormalidades no metabolismo. Transtornos no trato gastrointestinal, tais como vômitos, disfagia e diarreia são frequentes no diabetes, sendo relacionados a alterações na morfologia intestinal e no sistema nervoso entérico. Compostos ricos em antioxidantes vem sendo utilizados como prevenção ou tratamento do diabetes. Agaricus blazei Murrill possui grande interesse farmacológico pelas propriedades anti-inflamató- rias, hipoglicêmicas e antioxidantes. Neste trabalho, avaliamos a integridade estrutural da parede e inervação intrínseca do cólon proximal em modelo experimental de diabetes induzido por estreptozotocina, tratados ou não com A. blazei. Ratos Wistar foram dividi- dos em grupos: normoglicêmicos (N), diabéticos (D) e com suplementação (NB e DB) por gavagem do extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei (200mg/Kg), por 120 dias. Amostras do cólon proximal foram destinadas à técnicas histológicas para análise mor- fométrica da túnica mucosa, profundidade das criptas, muscular da mucosa, muscular ex- terna e parede total, número de células caliciformes e avaliação morfoquantitativa da pop- ulação mioentérica. O diabetes promoveu redução da muscular externa e muscular da mucosa com aumento na profundidade das criptas e área nuclear neuronal. O extrato promoveu hipertrofia da mucosa e muscular da mucosa. Houve manutenção na espessura da parede total, número de células caliciformes e na população neuronal mioentérica no diabetes e na suplementação. Conclui-se que o diabetes induzido por estreptozotocina e a suplementação com o extrato de Agaricus blazei causam ajustes morfológicos nas túnicas intestinais, sem interferir na parede e inervação mioentérica do cólon proximal, preservando a morfofisiologia absortiva e motora deste segmento

Type I diabetes mellitus is a result of absolute insulin deficiency and is associated with abnormalities in metabolism. Disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, such as vomiting, dysphagia and diarrhea are common in diabetes, being related to changes in intestinal morphology and enteric nervous system. Antioxidant rich compounds have been used as prevention or treatment of diabetes. Agaricus blazei Murrill is highly pharmacologically interested in anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties. In this work, we evaluated the structural integrity of the wall and intrinsic innervation of the proximal colon in an experimental model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, treated or not with A. blazei Wistar rats were divided into groups: normoglycemic (N), diabetic (D) and supplementation (NB and DB) by gavage of the hydroalcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei (200mg / kg) for 120 days. Samples of the proximal colon were used for histological techniques for morphometric analysis of the mucosa, depth of the crypts, muscularis mucosa, external muscular and total wall, number of goblet cells and morpho-quantitative evaluation of the myenteric population. Diabetes promoted reduction of muscularis mucosa and external muscular with increased depth of the crypts and nuclear neuronal area. The extract promoted mucosa and muscular of the mucosa hypertrophy. There were maintenance of total wall thickness, number of goblet cells and in the myenteric neuronal population in diabetes and supplementation. It is concluded that streptozotocin-induced diabetes and supplementation with Agaricus blazei extract cause morphological adjustments in the intestinal tunica, without interfering with the wall and myenteric innervation of the proximal colon, preserving the absorptive and motor morphophysiology of this segment.

La diabetes mellitus tipo I es el resultado de la deficiencia absoluta de insulina y se asocia con anomalías en el metabolismo. Los trastornos del tracto gastrointestinal, como vómitos, disfagia y diarrea son frecuentes en la diabetes, estando relacionados con cambios en la morfología intestinal y en el sistema nervioso entérico. Los compuestos ricos en antioxidantes se han utilizado como prevención o tratamiento de la diabetes. Agaricus blazei Murrill está muy interesado farmacológicamente en propiedades antiinflamatorias, hipoglucémicas y antioxidantes. En este trabajo, se evaluó la integridad estructural de la pared e inervación intrínseca del colon proximal en un modelo experimental de diabetes inducida por estreptozotocina, tratada o no con ratas A. blazei Wistar, divididas en grupos: normoglucémico (N), diabético (D) y suplementación (NB y DB) por sonda del extracto hidroalcohólico de Agaricus blazei (200mg/kg) por 120 días. Se utilizaron muestras del colon proximal para técnicas histológicas de análisis morfométrico de la mucosa, profundidad de las criptas, mucosa muscular, pared externa muscular y total, número de células caliciformes y evaluación morfo-cuantitativa de la población mientérica. La diabetes promovió la reducción de la muscular de la mucosa y de la muscular externa con el aumento de la profundidad de las criptas y del área neuronal nuclear. El extracto promovió la hipertrofia mucosa y muscular de la mucosa. Hubo mantenimiento del espesor total de la pared, número de células caliciformes y en la población neuronal mientérica en diabetes y suplementación. Se concluye que la diabetes inducida por estreptozotocina y la suplementación con extracto de Agaricus blazei causan ajustes morfológicos en la túnica intestinal, sin interferir con la pared e inervación mientérica del colon proximal, conservando la morfofisiología absortiva y motora de este segmento.

Scedosporiosis pulmonar post COVID-19 en paciente diabético: a propósito de un caso

Las especies de Scedosporium son consideradas patógenos oportunistas emergentes, que afectan a pacientes inmunocomprometidos o con respuesta inmunológica normal. La enfermedad invasiva grave supera tasas de mortalidad del 80 %. Se describe caso con afectación pulmonar causada por el complejo de especies de Scedosporium en un paciente masculino de 75 años de edad, procedente de Caracas, Venezuela, con diabetes mellitus tipo 2, infección respiratoria baja, dos infecciones previas por enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) e imagen radiológica de lesión de ocupación de espacio pulmonar basal izquierdo. Se envió al laboratorio de microbiología porción de aproximadamente 1 cm2 de tejido pulmonar, solicitando estudios micológicos y para micobacterias. Al examen directo con KOH al 20 % se observó un fragmento de hifa hialina tabicada. A los 12 días de incubación hubo crecimiento en agar Sabouraud dextrosa más gentamicina de colonias vellosas con pigmentado difusible color amarillo pálido a mostaza. Se realizó examen directo a las colonias con azul de algodón, observándose estructuras compatibles con el complejo de especies de Scedosporium. Scedosporium spp., es el segundo hongo filamentoso, después de Aspergillus spp., causante de infecciones respiratorias bajas. El paciente fue tratado con voriconazol después del diagnóstico micológico con una evolución satisfactoria. Las infecciones por especies de Scedosporium afectan órganos internos como los pulmones, similar al caso descrito. La infección por COVID-19 es un factor predisponente para adquirir infecciones fúngicas poco frecuentes. El laboratorio de microbiología cumple un rol importante en el diagnóstico de micosis causadas por hongos inusuales.

Scedosporium species are considered emerging opportunistic pathogens affecting immunocompromised patients or patients with normal immune response. Mortality rates exceed 80 % in severe invasive disease. We describe a case of lung involvement caused by Scedosporium species complex in a 75-year-old male patient from Caracas, Venezuela, with type 2 diabetes mellitus, lower respiratory tract infection, two previous coronavirus disease infections 2019 (COVID-19) and radiological findings of a left basal lung space-occupying lesion. A piece of lung tissue measuring approximately one cm2 was sent to the microbiology laboratory, requesting mycology and mycobacteria studies. Direct examination with 20 % KOH revealed a hyaline septate hyphal fragment. Growth of hairy colonies with diffusible pale yellow to mustard pigment was observed on Sabouraud dextrose plus gentamicin agar after 12 days of incubation. Structures compatible with the Scedosporium species complex were observed on direct examination of the colonies with cotton blue. Scedosporium spp. is the second most common filamentous fungus causing infections of the lower respiratory tract after Aspergillus spp. The patient was treated with voriconazole after mycological diagnosis with satisfactory outcome. Infections with Scedosporium spp. affect internal organs such as the lungs, similar to the case described. COVID-19 infection predisposes to the acquisition of uncommon fungal infections. The microbiology laboratory plays an important role in the diagnosis of mycoses caused by unusual fungi.

ZnO: SnO2 nanocomposite efficacy for gas sensing and microbial applications

The unique characteristics of 2-dimensional hetero structure offers efficient gas sensing with high selectivity to identify gases from the interference gases which is quite difficult. In the present work, ZnO: SnO2Nano composite clusters (NCC) is prepared. A resistive metal oxide volatile organic compound (VOC) gas sensor is fabricated with nullifying the effect of humidity by increasing temperature optimally. A single-step SOL-GEL (SG) synthesis is used to prepare ZnO: SnO2 NCC with maximum Zn/Sn molar concentration ratio of 3. The morphological studies through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), electrical properties due to oxygen vacancies and energy band variations of Nanocomposite are measured. The enhancement of gas sensor sensitivity due to highly mesoporous nature of the composite is observed. From the findings, the abundant mesopores in the range of 2 nm-14 nm and specific surface area of 54.2 m2 g?1 with the average crystal size of 14.236 nm, and polar surface area of the composite 25.9651Åis achieved. When compared to bare ZnO and SnO2 gas sensors, the present gas sensor offers the higher selectivity with enhanced performance due to the mesoporous structure. Fast repeatability rate of 2200 sec at 350?C to ethanol is attained and the overall selectivity of the sensor increased twice as 2.085. The NCC compound is tested firstly with micro organisms such as B. subtilis (B. S), Bacillus cereus (B. C), B. coagulans (B. C), Pseudonymous auriginosa (P. A) are considered for antimicrobial activity. From the findings, zinc stannate compound showed good efficacy towards B. cereus Gram positive and P.A gram-negative. A bacterial growth is arrested highly with B. cereus.

Effect of trehalose on platelets stored at 4℃ in vitro / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the effect of trehalose added to M-Sol on platelet preservation at 4℃ in vitro. 【Methods】 Seven bags of ABO homotype concentrated platelets were randomly selected and divided into 7 groups according to storage temperature, preservation medium and trehalose concentration: 22℃+ PRP group, PRP group, M-Sol+ PRP group, M-Sol+ PRP+ 1 g/L trehalose group, M-Sol+ PRP+ 5 g/L trehalose group, M-Sol+ PRP+ 15 g/L trehalose group and M-Sol+ PRP+ 25 g/L trehalose group. PRP group and M-Sol preservation groups were stored at 4℃. Plt, PDW, MPV, maximum aggregation, CD62p positive rate, GLU and LAC concentration were detected on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th day after preservation, and the changes of GLU and LAC concentration within 7 days were calculated. 【Results】 With the extension of preservation time, Plt decreased in all groups, and there was no significant difference among groups at the same time (P>0.05). PDW and MPV increased in all groups. When preserved to the 7th day, the PDW 10.22±0.43(fL) and MPV 8.74±0.40(fL) of M-Sol+ PRP+ 5 g/L trehalose group were the lowest, which was significantly different from that of 22℃+ PRP group (P0.05). During the preservation period, the maximum aggregation degree of each group decreased gradually. Except for the PRP group, the maximum aggregation degree of the M-Sol+ PRP+ 5g/L trehalose group was the highest(27.29±6.62), which was significantly higher than that of the 22℃+ PRP group on the 7th day after preservation (P<0.05). On the 7th day after preservation, the positive rate of CD62p in M-Sol+ PRP+ 5g/L trehalose group was the lowest(15.46±2.46), and there was significantly different compared with other groups (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Adding appropriate concentration of trehalose to M-Sol can inhibit platelet activation at 4℃ and reduce platelet storage lesion.

Synthesis of ureasil-polyether film forming materials by using environmentally friendly solvent

Organic inorganic hybrids present several advantages as drug release systems, such as: high flexibility, high mechanical and thermal resistance, transparency, and low water solubility. These hybrids are synthesized through a chemical route named sol-gel that usually uses as solvente tetrahydrofuran (THF). Objetives: To develop film formers from hybrid materials replacing THF with ethanol, a less toxic solvent for skin application and for the environment. Methods: Four polymers were used: two based on polyethylene oxide (PEO) with molecular weight of 500 and 1900 g mol-1 and two based on polypropylene oxide (PPO), with molecular weight of 400 and 2000 g mol-1. The structural analysis was performed by FTIR, 1H-NMR and 29Si-NMR, and the thermal-mechanical analysis by DSC and TG-DTA. Results: The results of the thermo-mechanical analysis revealed that the solvent replacement did not affect the thermal stability and flexibility of the di-ureasil hybrid. Conclusions: Structural characterization confirmed the formation of hybrids both in THF and in ethanol. Therefore, ethanol is an excellent solvent for the synthesis of these hybrid matrices, since it allows obtaining the same material without changing its characteristics, with some advantages, however, over THF. Furthermore, this paper describes the efficiency of ethanol as a solvent, which is environmentally friendly, to replace THF in the physical-chemical characteristics of these filming former materials.

Degrading enzyme modified molecularly imprinted xerogel for selective adsorption and degradation of dopamine / 药学学报

In recent years, the overexpression dopamine (DA) due to the use of addictive drugs has caused concern and urgently needs to be addressed. The method used in our study is known as biomimetic sol-gel synthesis. We undertook the experiment to develop molecularly imprinted xerogel polymers (MIXPs) through template molecules dopamine polymerized with polyethyleneimine (PEI), then self-assembled and crosslinked with tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) in the form of non-covalent hydrogen bonds by using biomimetic sol-gel process, and then eluted template DA will leave a blotting site. Monoamine oxidase immobilized MIXPs (MAO-MIXPs) was obtained by coating monoamine oxidase onto MIXPs. The synthesis optimization of MAO-MIXPs was finally set as the ratio of DA template, PEI and MAO coating (DA 40 mg, PEI 0.6 mL, MAO 2.5 mg·g-1) to achieve highly selective adsorption toward DA in artificial cerebrospinal fluid based on the adsorption performance and degradation performance. The micromorphologies and physical-chemical properties of MAO-MIXPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimeter and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and then amount of adsorption was calculated with adsorption equation. Simultaneously, the Brunner-Emmet-Teller (BET) and Langmuir model were simulated. It was found that the adsorption behavior tended to be monolayer adsorption. This new molecularly imprinted polymer demonstrated potential dopamine expression regulation for highly selective recognition, adsorption and degradation of dopamine.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Textile dye Orange-122 Via Electrospray Mass Spectrometry

Abstract This work reports the study of the potential application of Zn/TiO2 catalysts, obtained by the sol-gel method, in processes of environmental decontamination through the reactions of photodegradation of textile dye, followed by electrospray mass spectrometry. The catalysts synthesis was performed according to a 2² factorial design with repetition at the central point. The characterization techniques used were: N2 adsorption measurements (BET method), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (MEV/EDS), X-ray diffraction and point of zero charge (PZC). The photocatalytic tests were performed in batch in the presence of sunlight, and to evaluate the degradation kinetics study, a rapid direct injection electrospray mass spectrometry (DI-ESI-MS) method has been developed. By the photocatalytic tests, the calcination temperature of 400 °C has shown the best results of discoloration for the reactive Orange-122 dye (99.76%) in a reaction time of 2h. The discoloration kinetics were a pseudo-first order, and a statistical analysis was performed to investigate the effects of the variables and to optimize the conditions of discoloration to the dye. After the reactional time of 2 h, an ion of m/z 441.5 was detected by ESI-MS, indicating that the photocatalytic process was effective for the degradation of the dye to secondary compounds.

Caracterização microbiológica, físico-química e das condições de produção e comercialização da carne de sol de Salinas, Minas Gerais / Microbiological and physical-chemical characterization and conditions of production and commercialization of sun-dried meat from Salinas, Minas Gerais

Para avaliar as condições higiênico-sanitárias e tecnológicas (HST) de produção e comercialização da carne de sol no município de Salinas, na região Norte do estado de Minas Gerais, foram coletadas 40 amostras no comércio local para a realização de análises físico-químicas e microbiológicas. A carne de sol é produzida artesanalmente em estabelecimentos comerciais e considerada uma tradição da região. Nas análises físico-químicas de umidade, proteína, gordura, cinzas, cloretos e pH, foram encontrados valores médios de 70,13%, 22,35%, 2,25%, 5,09%, 3,63% e 5,8, respectivamente. Duas amostras (5%) foram positivas para Salmonella spp. e 16 (40%) apresentaram contagens de S. aureus superiores a 103UFC/g. Os valores encontrados nas análises de mesófilos aeróbicos, bolores e leveduras e coliformes totais e termotolerantes foram de 2,50x107 UFC/g, 1,73x104 UFC/g, 9,1NMP/g e 4,3NMP/g, respectivamente. A carne de sol produzida em Salinas é um produto artesanal, portanto heterogêneo quanto às características de produção, comercialização e de qualidade microbiológica e físico-química. A importância socioeconômica da carne de sol na região é considerável, o que justifica a necessidade de se conhecer melhor suas características para auxiliar no desenvolvimento de eventuais políticas públicas regionais visando ao controle sanitário desse produto.(AU)

In order to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary and technological conditions (HST) of production and commercialization of sun-dried meat, in the city of Salinas, in the North of Minas Gerais, 40 samples of the product were collected in the local commerce for carrying out physicochemical and microbiological analyses. The sun-dried meat is produced in the commercial establishments and considered a tradition of the region. In the physicochemical analyzes of moisture, protein, fat, ash content, chlorides and pH were found values of 70.13%, 22.35%, 2.25%, 5.09%, 3.63% and 5.8, respectively. Two samples (5%) were positive for Salmonella spp. and 16 (40%) had Staphylococcus aureus counts higher than 10 3 CFU/g. The values found for the analyses of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, yeasts and molds and total and thermotolerant coliforms were 2.50 x 10 7 CFU/g, 1.73 x 10 4 CFU/g, 9.1MPN/g and 4.3MPN/g, respectively. The sun-dried meat from Salinas is a handmade product, therefore heterogeneous in terms of production, and physicochemical and microbiological quality. The socioeconomic importance of the sun-dried-meat in the region is considerable, which justifies the need to know its characteristics better to help in the development of regional public policies aiming at sanitary control of the product.(AU)

Oleogels Of Olive Oil And Soybean Oil For Topical Drug Delivery: A Comparative Analysis

Objective: The objective of the present investigation was to develop olive and soybean oil-based oleogels with Span 40 and/or Tween 80 (as gelator and/or surfactant) and determine the critical gelator concentration (CGC), characterise and compare the rheological, thermal properties and drug release profile of the gels formed for topical delivery. Methods: Olive and soybean oil-based Span 40 and Span 40/Tween 80 oleogel formulations were prepared by solid fiber mechanism and subjected to organoleptic evaluation, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, rheological study, kinetic modeling of gelation and drug release. Results: The critical gelator (Span 40) concentration was found to be lower for olive oil (12% w/v) and depend on the type of oil. Tween 80 reduced CGC of soybean oleogels only. Soybean oil-based oleogel containing 18% w/v Span 40 was found to form more flexible, less viscous and thermally less stable formulation with better release of paracetamol as evident from lower melt flow index, Tg value, lower β and higher α value compared to olive oil-based oleogel with 12% w/v Span 40 (CGC). Surfactant addition can be assumed to modify the microarchitecture of the oleogels to a great extent to produce more flexible and thermally stable gels with even better drug release profile. Span-Tween based soybean oleogel formed a gel-matrix whereas matrix in olive oil-based oleogels containing Span only became slightly flexible to release the drug in zero-order fashion on the addition of surfactant cogelator. Conclusion: Nature of oil exerts profound influence on the rheological, thermal and release profile of oleogels containing Span 40 as gelator and/or Tween 80 as surfactant cogelator.

Síntesis y caracterización de nanocompuestos Fe3O4/Ag: su efecto contra Enterobacter aerogenes y Enterococcus faecaiis / Synthesisandcharacterization of nanocompounds Fe3O4/Ag: its effect against Enterobacter aerogenes and Enterococcus faecaiis / Síntese e caracterização de nanocompósitos Fe3O4/Ag: seu efeito contra Enterobacter aerogenes e Enterococcus faecaiis

Resumen En el presente trabajo, se reporta la síntesis y caracterización de nanopartículas magnéticas de magnetita/plata (Fe3O4/Ag) para el estudio de sus propiedades antibacterianas frente a las bacterias Enterobacter aerogenes (Gram-negativa) y Enterococcus faecaiis (Gram-positiva). Las nanopartículas magnéticas de magnetita (MNPs) se sintetizaron por el método de solgel, usando bromuro de cetiltrimetilamonio (CTAB) como surfactante. Posteriormente, en la dispersión coloidal de magnetita, se llevó a cabo la reducción química in situ de iones de plata, usando glucosa como agente reductor y polivinilpirrolidona (PVP) como agente dispersante, para obtener un nanocompuesto magnético Fe3O4/Ag. El análisis morfológico y espectroscópico de las nanopartículas de Fe3O4 y del nanocompuesto de Fe3O4/Ag fue realizado mediante la espectroscopia infrarroja con transformada de Fourier (FTIR), Raman, y Mössbauer (MS), además de la técnica de difracción de rayos X (DRX), la microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM) y espectroscopia de energía dispersiva de rayos X (EDS). Las nanopartículas de Fe3O4 resultaron esféricas con un diámetro medio de 10 nm y el nanocompuesto de Fe3O4/Ag con un tamaño medio de 28 nm, el test antibacteriano indicó que el uso del nanocompuesto de Fe3O4/Ag a una concentración de 5 mg'mL-1 permite una inhibición total del crecimiento de los microorganismos estudiados a partir de una concentración inicial 108 bacterias mL-1.

Abstract In the present study, we report the synthesis and characterization of magnetite/silver magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4/Ag) and the study of their antibacterial properties against the bacteria Enterobacter aerogenes (Gramnegative) and Enterococcus faecaiis (Grampositive). Magnetite magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were prepared by a sol-gel method using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), as a surfactant, followed by in-situ chemical reduction of silver ions by glucose, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), as a dispersive agent, to obtain the antibacterial nanocomposite of Fe3O4/Ag. Morphological and spectroscopic studies of magnetite nanoparticles and nanocomposite were carried out using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Spherical Fe3O4 MNPs showed an average diameter of 10 nm and the average size for nanocomposite was 28 nm. The antibacterial test indicated that the use of the nanocomposite of Fe3O4/Ag at a concentration of 5 mg'mL-1 allowed a total inhibition of the growth of the microorganisms studied from an initial concentration of 108 bacteria mL-1.

Resumo No presente trabalho, relatamos a síntese e caracterização de nanopartículas magnéticas de magnetita/prata (Fe3O4/Ag) e o estudo de suas propriedades antibacterianas contra as bactérias Enterobacter aerogenes (Gram-negativo) e Enterococcus faecaiis (Gram-positiva). Nanopartículas magnéticas de magnetita (MNPs) foram sintetizadas pelo método solgel usando o bromuro de cetiltrimetilamonio (CTAB) como surfactante. Posteriormente, na dispersão coloidal de magnetita, a redução química in situ dos íons de prata foi realizada utilizando-se glicose, como agente redutor, e polivinilpirrolidona (PVP), como agente dispersante, para obter um nanocompósito magnético Fe3O4/Ag. A análise morfológica e espectroscópica das nanopartículas de Fe3O4 e do nanocompuesto de Fe3O4/Ag conduziu-se através da espectroscopia infravermelha com transformada de Fourier (FTIR), Raman, e Mössbauer (MS), además da técnica de raio X da deformação (DRX), a microscopia eletrônica de barrido (SEM) e a espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de raios X (EDS). As nanopartículas de Fe O têm formas esféricas com um diâmetro médio de 10 nm e o nanocompósito de Fe3O4/Ag com um tamanho promédio de 28 nm. O teste antibacteriano indicou que o uso do nanocompósito Fe3O4/Ag na concentração de 5 mg'mL-1 permitiu inibir totalmente o crescimento dos microrganismos estudados a partir de uma concentração inicial de 108 bactérias mL-1.

Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology of space occupying lesions of liver

Background: The liver is a common site for primary and secondary tumors; most often from malignant tumors within the abdomen and from extra-abdominal primary malignant neoplasm, but also for sarcomas and lymphomas. The main indication of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the liver is diagnosis of single or multiple space occupying lesions. This study aims to evaluate the cyto-morphology of primary and secondary neoplasms of liver and non-neoplastic conditions in the smears of ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration of SOL of liver, to evaluate the cytomorphologic features and to evaluate the erroneous diagnosis when compared with cell block preparation of aspirate (tissue diagnosis).Methods: This study is hospital-based prospective study including 57 patients with space occupying lesion of the liver mass. FNAC were carried out under the guidance of sonography and/or computed tomography. The staining performed were conventional for smears of the aspirate. The cell blocks were prepared from the aspirates by the established procedures. The values of correlation were bought out.Results: Males predominated over females. The distribution of cases for cyto-diagnosis were as follows; cirrhosis with hepatic granulosa (3 cases),pyogenic abscess (3 cases), hepatic adenoma (2 cases), Focal nodular hyperplasia (2 cases), hepatoblastoma (1 case), hepatocellular carcinoma (17 cases), adenocarcinoma deposits (20 cases), deposits of small cell carcinoma (3 cases), deposits of ductal carcinoma (2 cases) and 1 case each of deposits of squamous cell carcinoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, neuroendocrine tumor and adeno-squamous carcinoma. Values of correlation were as follows: sensitivity 97.61%, specificity 100%, PPV 100%, NPV 97.82% and diagnostic accuracy of 98.85%.Conclusions: FNAC is concluded to be first rank diagnostic procedure in diagnosis of SOL of liver of varied etiology with high values of NPV and PPV. It is also concluded that it helps in staging of metastatic malignancies.

Research progress on marine Chinese materia medica with antiviral effect / 中草药

Viral diseases caused by virus infection have the characteristics of strong pathogenicity, high incidence of disease and easy to produce drug resistance. At present, chemical drugs are commonly used in clinical treatment to fight viral diseases, but the therapeutic effect of chemical drugs is not significant and most of them have toxic and side effects, which are easy to cause secondary injury to patients. The complexity of the active ingredients of Chinese materia medica makes it play an antiviral role at multiple levels and targets. Marine traditional medicine species are rich and diverse, it has been suggested that they have good antiviral effect and low side effects. The development and application of marine Chinese materia medica with anti-virus effect will attract more attention in the future, and has a broad market prospect. In this paper, 250 kinds of marine Chinese materia medica with antiviral effect recorded in the book "Marine traditional Chinese medicine" were reviewed, hoping to provide some reference for the basic and clinical research of marine Chinese materia medica with antiviral effect.

The effect of Agaricus brasiliensis extract supplementation on honey bee colonies

ABSTRACT This study was done to discover any beneficial effect of a medicinal mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis extract on the honey bee. Firstly, a laboratory experiment was conducted on 640 bees reared in 32 single-use plastic rearing cups. A. brasiliensis extract proved safe in all doses tested (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg/day) irrespective of feeding mode (sugar syrup or candy). Secondly, a three-year field experiment was conducted on 26 colonies treated with a single dose of A. brasiliensis extract (100 mg/kg/day) added to syrup. Each year the colonies were treated once in autumn and twice in spring. The treatments significantly increased colony strength parameters: brood rearing improvement and adult population growth were noticed more often than the increase in honey production and pollen reserves. These positive effects were mainly observed in April. In conclusion, A. brasiliensis extract is safe for the bees and helps maintaining strong colonies, especially in spring.

A non-inferiority randomized controlled clinical trial comparing Unani formulation & psoralen plus ultraviolet A sol in chronic plaque psoriasis

Background & objectives: Though Unani medications have been used for centuries to treat psoriasis, there is paucity of published studies which have systematically evaluated their efficacy and safety. This study was conducted to establish non-inferiority of Unani medications (oral UNIM-401 and topical UNIM-403) vs psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) sol in treatment of moderate-severe chronic plaque psoriasis (CPP) in achieving psoriasis area severity index (PASI) 75 at 12 wk and to estimate proportion of patients who relapsed in follow up period of 12 weeks, after having achieved PASI 50. Methods: In this randomized, controlled trial patients with CPP were block randomized to receive either Unani treatment (147 patients) or PUVA sol (140 patients) for 12 weeks. Percentage reduction in PASI was determined in each patient at 12 wk to calculate number of patients who achieved PASI 75 as also to estimate median of percentage reduction in PASI in each group. All patients who achieved PASI 50 at 12 weeks were followed up for another 12 wk to determine proportion of patients who relapsed. Results: Of the 287 patients randomized, 84 of 147 in Unani group and 67 of 140 in PUVA sol group completed 12 weeks of treatment. On intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the response in patients on Unani medication was not inferior to those receiving PUVA sol, in attaining PASI 75 (16.3% in Unani group vs 15.7% in the PUVA sol group). Median of percentage reduction of PASI at 12 wk from baseline in Unani group (68.2%; ?60, 100) and PUVA sol group (63%; ?15.7, 100) was comparable. Proportion of patients who relapsed at 24 wk was comparable in both groups. However, frequency of clinical side effects was significantly higher (P =0.001) in PUVA sol group (16.4%) compared to Unani group (2%). Interpretation & conclusions: The findings of the present study indicated that oral UNIM-401 and topical UNIM-403 were effective and well tolerated therapeutic options in patients with moderate-severe CPP.

Identification, expression and characterization of the recombinant Sol g 4. 1 protein from the venom of the tropical fire ant Solenopsis geminata

Fire ant venom is a complex mixture consisting of basic piperidine alkaloids, various biologically active peptides and protein components, including a variety of major allergenic proteins. Tropical fire ant Solenopsis geminata is an important stinging ant species that causes anaphylaxis and serious medical problems. Although the biological activities of allergenic venom proteins that are unique to ant venom, particularly Solenopsis 2 and 4, are still unknown, these proteins are believed to play important roles in mediating the effects of the piperidine derivatives in the venom. Methods: In the present study, the cDNA cloning, sequencing and three-dimensional structure of Sol g 4.1 venom protein are described. The recombinant Sol g 4.1 protein (rSol g 4.1) was produced in E. coli , and its possible function as a hydrophobic binding protein was characterized by paralyzing crickets using the 50% piperidine dose (PD50). Moreover, an antiserum was produced in mice to determine the allergenic properties of Sol g 4.1, and the antiserum was capable of binding to Sol g 4.1, as determined by Western blotting. Results: The molecular weight of Sol g 4.1 protein is 16 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE. The complete cDNA is 414 bp in length and contains a leader sequence of 19 amino acids. The protein consists of six cysteines that presumably form three disulfide bonds, based on a predicted three-dimensional model, creating the interior hydrophobic pocket and stabilizing the structure. The rSol g 4.1 protein was expressed in inclusion bodies, as determined by SDS-PAGE. Dialysis techniques were used to refold the recombinant protein into the native form. Its secondary structure, which primarily consists of α-helices, was confirmed by circular dichroism analysis, and the three-dimensional model was also verified. The results of allergenic analysis performed on mice showed that the obtained protein was predicted to be allergenically active. Moreover, we report on the possible role of the Sol g 4.1 venom protein, which significantly reduced the PD50 from 0.027 to 0.013% in paralyzed crickets via synergistic effects after interactions with piperidine alkaloids. Conclusions: The primary structure of Sol g 4.1 showed high similarity to that of venom proteins in the Solenopsis 2 and 4 family. Those proteins are life-threatening and produce IgE-mediated anaphylactic reactions in allergic individuals. The possible function of this protein is the binding of the interior hydrophobic pockets with piperidine alkaloids, as determined by the analysis of the structural model and PD50 test.(AU)

Identification, expression and characterization of the recombinant Sol g 4.1 protein from the venom of the tropical fire ant Solenopsis geminata

Background: Fire ant venom is a complex mixture consisting of basic piperidine alkaloids, various biologically active peptides and protein components, including a variety of major allergenic proteins. Tropical fire ant Solenopsis geminata is an important stinging ant species that causes anaphylaxis and serious medical problems. Although the biological activities of allergenic venom proteins that are unique to ant venom, particularly Solenopsis 2 and 4, are still unknown, these proteins are believed to play important roles in mediating the effects of the piperidine derivatives in the venom. Methods: In the present study, the cDNA cloning, sequencing and three-dimensional structure of Sol g 4.1 venom protein are described. The recombinant Sol g 4.1 protein (rSol g 4.1) was produced in E. coli , and its possible function as a hydrophobic binding protein was characterized by paralyzing crickets using the 50% piperidine dose (PD50). Moreover, an antiserum was produced in mice to determine the allergenic properties of Sol g 4.1, and the antiserum was capable of binding to Sol g 4.1, as determined by Western blotting. Results: The molecular weight of Sol g 4.1 protein is 16 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE. The complete cDNA is 414 bp in length and contains a leader sequence of 19 amino acids. The protein consists of six cysteines that presumably form three disulfide bonds, based on a predicted three-dimensional model, creating the interior hydrophobic pocket and stabilizing the structure. The rSol g 4.1 protein was expressed in inclusion bodies, as determined by SDS-PAGE. Dialysis techniques were used to refold the recombinant protein into the native form. Its secondary structure, which primarily consists of -helices, was confirmed by circular dichroism analysis, and the three-dimensional model was also verified. The results of allergenic analysis performed on mice showed that the...

«98% Anti UV¼ ou bronzeamento natural: novas técnicas ecológicas do corpo? / «98% Anti UV¼ or natural bronze: new ecological techniques of the body?

Neste ensaio refletimos sobre o corpo e sua aparência, considerando-se o contato com o sol, as práticas de proteção solar e as técnicas de bronzeamento. De um lado, os investimentos em torno da proteção contra os raios ultravioletas, não apenas com a proteção de cremes solares, mas de roupas que prometem proteção de 98% da superfície coberta. De outro lado, o bronzeamento natural feito na praia ou em clínicas especializadas. Essas técnicas e práticas aportam elementos para nossa reflexão sobre a ecologia corporal ao nos permitir pensar a respeito da relação entre o corpo íntimo e social, as aparências, o desejo, as significações sociais construídas pela medicina, cosmetologia e pelo lazer.

In this paper we reflect on the body and its appearance, considering the contact with the sun and the tanning and protection practices. On the one hand, investments around protection against ultraviolet rays, not only with the protection of solar creams, but with clothes that promise protection of 98% of the surface covered. On the other hand, the natural tanning done in specialized clinics. These practices provide elements for our reflection on body ecology by allowing us to think about the relationship between the intimate and social body, appearances, desire, social meanings built by medicine, cosmetology and leisure.

Does the Access to Sun Exposure Ensure Adequate Levels of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D? / A exposição ao sol assegura níveis adequados de 25-hidroxivitamina D?

Abstract Objectives To assess the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, altered arterial blood pressure, and serum levels of glucose and lipids in community-dwelling women in the city of Ribeirão Preto, in the southeast of Brazil. Methods Thiswas a cross-sectional studyof women aged40-70years old.Calciumintake and level of sun exposure were assessed by means of a questionnaire. A blood sample was used to determine glucose, lipid profile and 25-hydroxyvitaminD(25[OH]D) concentration. Results Ninety-one women were enrolled (age = 54.2 ± 7.1 years). Themean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 25.7 ± 8.9 ng/mL. A total of 24 (26.4%) women had 25 (OH)D levels < 20 ng/mL. Seventy women (76.9%) had 25(OH)D levels < 30 ng/mL. Seventy-five women (90.4%) had inadequate calcium intake, and 61 women (67%) had appropriate sun exposure, 49 of whom (80.3%) had serum 25(OH)D levels < 30 ng/mL. Conclusion This study indicates that even in community-dwelling women, living in a city with high sun exposure, serum levels of 25(OH)D > 30 ng/ml are hardly reached. Thus, it is probable that other intrinsic factors besides sun exposure may regulate the levels of vitamin D.

Resumo Objetivos Estimar a prevalência de hipovitaminose D, hipertensão arterial, e níveis séricos de glicose e perfil lipídico em uma comunidade de mulheres de Ribeirão Preto, no Sudeste brasileiro. Métodos Estudo transversal com mulheres de 40 a 70 anos de idade, submetidas a um questionário para determinar ingestão diária de cálcio e nível de exposição solar, e coleta de sangue para determinar glicose, perfil lipídico e concentração de 25- hidroxivitamina D (25[OH]D). Resultados Noventa e uma mulheres foram incluídas (idade = 54,2 ± 7,1 anos). O nível sérico médio de 25(OH)D foi 25,7 ± 8,9 ng/mL. Um total de 24 (26,4%) mulheres teve níveis de 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL. Setenta mulheres (76.9%) tiveram níveis de 25 (OH)D < 30 ng/mL. Setenta e uma mulheres (90.4%) tiveram uma ingesta inadequada de cálcio e 61 mulheres (67%) tiveram exposição solar adequada; 49 das quais (80.3%) tiveram níveis séricos de 25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL. Conclusão Este estudo indica que mesmo morando em uma cidade com exposição solar adequada, níveis séricos de 25(OH)D > 30 ng/mL dificilmente são atingidos por mulheres climatéricas. Logo, é provável que outros fatores intrínsecos podem regular o nível de vitamina D.