Exploring high-throughput synchrotron X-Ray powder diffraction for the structural analysis of pharmaceuticals.

Synchrotron radiation offers a host of advanced properties, surpassing conventional laboratory sources with its high brightness, tunable phonon energy, photon beam coherence for advanced X-ray imaging, and a structured time profile, ideal for capturing dynamic atomic and molecular processes. However, these benefits come at the cost of operational complexity and expenses. Three decades ago, synchrotron radiation facilities, while technically open to all scientists, primarily served a limited community. Despite substantial accessibility improvements over the past two decades, synchrotron measurements still do not qualify as routine analyses. The intrinsic complexity of synchrotron science means experiments are pursued only when no alternatives suffice. In recent years, strides have been made in technology transfer offices, intermediate synchrotron-based analytical service companies, and the development of high-throughput synchrotron systems at various facilities, reshaping the perception of synchrotron science. This article investigates the practical application of synchrotron X-Ray Powder Diffraction (s-XRPD) techniques in pharmaceutical analysis. By utilizing concrete examples, we demonstrate how high-throughput systems have the potential to revolutionize s-XRPD applications in the pharmaceutical industry, rapidly generating XRPD patterns of comparable or superior quality to those obtained in state-of-the-art laboratory XRPD, all in less than 5 s. Additional cases featuring well-established pharmaceutical active ingredients (API) and excipients substantiate the concept of high throughput in pharmaceuticals, affirming data quality through structural refinements aligned with literature-derived unit cell parameters. Synchrotron data need not always be state-of-the-art to compete with lab-XRPD data. The key lies in ensuring user-friendliness, reproducibility, accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and the streamlined efforts associated with synchrotron instrumentation to remain highly competitive with their laboratory counterparts.

Clinical efficacy of new α-bisabolol mouthwashes in postoperative complications of maxillofacial surgeries: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of α-bisabolol (BISA)-based mouthwashes in the oral hygiene of patients submitted to oral and maxillofacial surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind clinical trial was conducted with 30 patients, undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery. Three types of mouthwashes were developed, based at 0.12% chlorhexidine, 0.5% BISA, and 0.12% chlorhexidine + 0.5% BISA. The patients were evaluated in the preoperative and postoperative period, divided into three groups according to the mouthwash to be used. In the postoperative period, the oral hygiene quality of the patients was evaluated through the simplified oral hygiene index; the healing of the wounds was evaluated observing the presence of suture dehiscence and/or infection, and the pain was established using the Visual Analogue Scale. The antiseptic effect of the mouthwashes was evaluated in vitro. RESULTS: There were no differences in the efficacy of BISA-containing mouthwashes for oral hygiene, healing, and pain, compared to chlorhexidine based at 0.12%. There were no differences in the antiseptic activity of chlorhexidine and chlorhexidine + α-bisabolol-based mouthwashes. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that BISA-based mouthwashes have clinical efficacy, in the improvement of oral hygiene and wound healing, as well as in the reduction of postoperative pain. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Considering that BISA has analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, it is relevant to evaluate the efficacy of BISA-based mouthwashes in the oral hygiene of patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery, seeking a better postoperative recovery.

Frequency of enterotoxins, toxic shock syndrome toxin-1, and biofilm formation genes in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from cows with mastitis in the Northeast of Brazil.

Staphylococcus aureus is among the microorganisms more frequently associated with subclinical bovine mastitis. S. aureus may produce several virulence factors. This study aimed at determining the frequency of virulence factors such as enterotoxins, toxic shock syndrome toxin 1, and ica adhesion genes. In addition, we assessed antimicrobial drug resistance in S. aureus isolated from clinical and subclinical cases of mastitis. A total of 88 cows with clinical or subclinical mastitis were sampled, resulting in 38 S. aureus isolates, from which 25 (65.78%) carried toxin genes, including seb, sec, sed, tst, and icaD adhesion gene. These S. aureus isolates belong to 21 ribotypes and three S. aureus strains belonged to the same ribotype producing ica adhesion gene. Approximately 90% of S. aureus strains obtained in our study demonstrated multiple resistance to different antimicrobial agents. The most efficacious antimicrobial agents against the isolates were gentamicin, amoxicillin, and norfloxacin. Gentamicin was the most efficacious agent inhibiting 78.95% of the S. aureus isolates. The least efficacious were penicillin, streptomycin, and ampicillin. Our results can help in understanding the relationship between virulence factors and subclinical mastitis caused by S. aureus. Further research about diversity of S. aureus isolates and genes responsible for the pathogenicity of subclinical mastitis is essential.

Caracterização histomorfológica do sistema tegumentar auricular de cateto - Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758) / Histomorphological characterization of collared peccary (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758) ear integumentary system

A criopreservação de tecido somático derivado da pele de catetos consiste numa alternativa para a conservação da biodiversidade por meio da associação com a transferência nuclear. Nesse contexto, a manipulação de tecidos da pele é uma etapa crucial para o sucesso dessa biotécnica. Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo, foi caracterizar o sistema tegumentar auricular periférico de catetos, visando aprimorar a conservação tecidual. Para tanto, fragmentos auriculares de oito animais foram avaliados quanto às camadas teciduais, aos componentes, à atividade proliferativa e à viabilidade metabólica, usando-se as colorações hematoxilina-eosina e tricrômico de Gomori, quantificação de AgNORs e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Assim, tamanhos de 104,2µm e 222,6µm foram observados para epiderme e derme, com uma proporção volumétrica de 36,6% e 58,7%, respectivamente. Além disso, na epiderme, foram evidenciadas as camadas basal (22,5µm), intermediárias (53,5µm) e córnea (28,2µm), com valores médios de 65,3 células epidermais, 43,4 melanócitos e 14,8 halos perinucleares. Já a derme apresentou 127 fibroblastos, com 2,5 AgNORs/nucléolo. Adicionalmente, a atividade metabólica foi de 0,243. Em conclusão, o sistema tegumentar auricular periférico de catetos possui algumas marcantes variações em relação a outros mamíferos, quanto ao número de camadas e espessura da epiderme, quantidade de células epidermais, melanócitos e parâmetros proliferativos.(AU)

The cryopreservation of somatic tissue derived from skin of collared peccaries is an alternative for biodiversity conservation through association with nuclear transfer. In this context, tissue manipulation of skin is a critical step for the success of this biotechnique. Therefore, the aim was to characterize the peripheral ear integumentary system derived from collared peccaries, directing to improve tissue conservation. Thus, ear fragments of eight animals were evaluated for tissue layers, components, proliferative activity and metabolic viability, using hematoxylin-eosin and Gomori Trichrome, AgNORs quantification and transmission electronic microscopy. Hence, sizes of 104.2 µm and 222.6 µm were observed in the epidermis and dermis, with a volumetric ratio of 36.6% and 58.7%, respectively. Moreover, basal layer (22.5 µm), intermediate (53.5 µm) and cornea (28.2 µm), with mean values of 65.3 epidermal cells, 43.4 melanocytes and 14.8 perinuclear halos were evidenced in the epidermal. Already the dermis has 127 fibroblasts with 2.5 AgNORs/nucleolus. Additionally, the metabolic activity was 0.243. In conclusion, the peripheral ear integumentary system derived from collared peccaries possessed some important variations compared to other mammals, as the number of layers and thickness of the epidermis, number of epidermal cells, melanocytes and proliferative parameters.(AU)

Utilização da técnica in vitro semiautomática de produção de gases na avaliação da fermentação microbiana do ceco de suínos / Use of the semi-automatic in vitro gas production technique for the evaluation of swine cecal microbial fermentation

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o os padrões de fermentação microbiana do ceco de suínos, utilizando-se um modelo aplicado na técnica in vitro de produção de gases para ruminantes. Três tipos de inóculo foram utilizados: ceco de suínos criados ao ar livre (CSF), ceco de suínos criados confinados (CSC) e líquido ruminal de bovino (LRB). Os substratos utilizados derivaram de uma dieta de suínos à base de farelo de soja e de grãos de milho, atendendo as exigências nutricionais dos suínos. Para composição dos substratos, foram estabelecidos diferentes níveis de substituição da dieta basal pela torta da amêndoa da Acrocomia aculeata (AA), coproduto da produção do biodiesel, sendo: BAS - 100% de dieta basal; M10 - 90% de dieta basal e 10% AA; M20 - 80% de dieta basal e 20% AA e o TF - feno de Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.). A produção de gases foi avaliada nos tempos zero, três, seis, nove, 12, 16, 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas após a incubação. Foram analisados o potencial máximo de produção de gás (A) e o tempo de colonização (L). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 4 x 3. Os dados de A e L foram submetidos à análise de variância, e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5%. Comparando os inóculos para A (mL/gMS), LRB e CSF apresentaram valores similares, diferindo apenas para TF. O tempo de colonização (L) entre inóculos, o CSC e o CSF apresentaram os menores tempos de colonização quando a ração foi BAS. Com os substratos M10 e M20, o inóculo LRB apresentou o menor tempo, CSF o maior tempo e CSC não diferiu de ambos. Não houve diferença significativa entre os inóculos para o substrato TF. A técnica de produção de gases utilizada para o ceco de suínos apresentou resultados semelhantes aos encontrados para ruminantes. O modelo matemático usado foi adequado para descrever a curva de fermentação no ceco de suínos, mostrando semelhanças entre as microbiotas do ceco e do rúmen.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the microbial fermentation patterns of the pig ceca using the technique of in vitro gas production for ruminants. Three types of inoculums were used: swine ceca raised in a free range system (CSF), swine ceca raised in a conventional confined system (CSC) and bovine rumen fluid (LRB). The substrates used were derived from pig's diet with soybean meal and corn grits, according to the nutritional requirements of swine. The substrates were composed by different set levels of substitution of basal diet by meal almond Acrocomia aculeata (AA), as: BAS - 100% of basal diet; M10 - 90% of basal diet and 10% AA (M10); M20 - 80% of basal diet and 20% AA (M20) and TF - Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.).The gas production was evaluated at times 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after incubation. The study analyzed the maximum potential of gas production (A) and lag time (L). The experimental design was completely randomized in a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement. The A and L data were submitted to analysis of variance and the averages compared by Tukey 5% test. Comparing the inoculum for A (ml / gDM), LRB, and CS, they showed similar values, differing only for TF. The lag time (L) between inoculum, the CSC and CSF had the lowest colonization times when the meal was BAS. With M10 and M20 substrates, the LRB inoculum showed the lowest time, CSF had the longest time and CSC did not differ from both. There was no significant difference between the inoculum for TF substrate. The gas production technique used for the ceca of pigs showed similar results to those for ruminants. The mathematical model used was adequate to describe the fermentation curve in the ceca of pigs, showing similarities between the microbiota of the ceca and the rumen.(AU)

Aspectos parasitológicos da traíra (Hoplias malabaricus ) proveniente da cidade de São Bento, MA / Parasitologic aspects of traíra (Hoplias malabaricus) from the São Bento city, MA

The aim of this study was to verify the parasitologycal aspects of fish (Hoplias malabaricus), coming from São Bento city, Maranhão state. For this, 70 fish were used, verifying the parasitism indexes and coefficients. For the parasitological results nematodeos were identified, with zoonotical potential of the Contracaecum spp, Pseudoterranova spp, Eustrongylides spp; monogenetics Gyrodactirus spp, Dactylogirus spp and larva Acanthella of Acanthocephalo. Of the 70 (100%) fishes, 64 (91.4%) were sponged, with prevalence of 82.8% (58) for the nematodeo Contracaecum spp, 65.7% (46), Pseudoterranova spp, 7.1% (5), Eustrongylides spp, 71.4% (50), monogenetics and larva Acanthella of Acantocephalo, respectively. A maior amplitude de intensidade (1-30), coeficiente de variação foi verificado para o nematódeo Pseudoterranova spp., a intensidade média (7,3), índice de abundância (6,7), coeficiente de dominância (36,4) foi ao Contacaecum spp., todos os parasitos estavam no mesentério da cavidade abdominal, encistados em forma larval.The largest intensity width (1-30), variation coefficient was verified for the nematodeo Pseudoterranova spp, the medium intensity (7,3), abundance index (6,7), dominance coefficient (36,4) it went to the Contacaecum spp, all of the parasites were in the mesenterio of the abdominal cavity, encysted in larval form. The results show that fish from this region presented unsatisfactory sanitary conditions in parasitological aspect and can expose consumers to the risks of foodborne illnesses.(AU)

Integrated assessment of biomarker responses and microbiological analysis of oysters from São Luís Island, Brazil.

This study was conducted to evaluate the use of biochemical biomarkers and microbiological analysis to identify levels of oyster contamination at different ports in São Luís Island (Maranhão), Brazil. Oysters were analyzed for total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli and Aeromonas spp. In addition, tissue was removed from the digestive gland to determine the glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) activity. The highest percentage of microbiological contamination of oyster samples occurred during the rainy season. The activity of GST and catalase in oysters was also higher in the rainy season, coinciding with the greatest abundance of total and thermotolerant coliforms. Among the prospective biomarkers, GST showed the best results for identification of areas with higher levels of contamination.

First isolation and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii from free-range chickens on São Luis island, Maranhão state, Brazil, with a new genotype described.

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan with worldwide distribution that infects warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans. Toxoplasma is considered to be monospecific, but three classical clonal lineages (Types I-III) have been described, especially for isolates from North America and Europe. However, recently, several studies have shown that many isolates, particularly from South America, are different from the classic types and highly diverse, with the presence of specific clonal lineages and non-archetypal genotypes. In order to isolate and genotypically characterize T. gondii, 60 free-range naturally infected chickens (Gallus domesticus) from four municipalities on São Luis island, state of Maranhão, Brazil, were first serologically screened for IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies by means of the immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT≥1:16). Heart and brain samples from seropositive chickens were bioassayed in mice. The isolates obtained from bioassaying were genotyped by means of PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) using 11 markers and by microsatellites (MS) using 15 markers. The frequency of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the chickens examined was 25.0% (15/60). Five isolates of T. gondii were obtained and named TgCkBrMA1 to 5. Four genotypes were described. One of them is reported for the first time. No classic clonal lineages of types I, II or III were found, but the Brazilian clonal lineage BrI was identified. MS analysis revealed five genotypes. The results corroborate studies already developed in other regions of Brazil, thus indicating that T. gondii has high genetic diversity in Brazil.

Detecção de Salmonella Albany, Staphylococcus coagulase positivos e micro-organismos mesófilos em carcaças de frango in natura / Decteccion of Salmonella Albany, Coagulase positive Staphylococcus e mesophilic microrganisms in carcasses chicken in natura

Com o objetivo de avaliar as condições higiênico-sanitárias das carcaças de frango in natura comercializadas em mercados públicos do Município de São Luís, MA, foram colhidas quarenta amostras de carcaças de frango e analisadas quanto à pesquisa de Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus coagulase positivos e contagem padrão de micro-organismos mesófilos pelos métodos convencionais. Do total de amostras analisadas, 18 (45%) apresentaram contaminação por Staphylococcus coagulase positivos, 5 (12,5%) estavam contaminadas por Salmonella spp., identificadas como Salmonella Albany. A contagem padrão de micro-organismos mesófilos variou de 103 a 107 UFC/g no alimento analisado. Os resultados obtidos indicam que as condições higiênico-sanitárias das carcaças de frango in natura analisadas são insatisfatórias e que este produto pode ser um importante veículo de toxi-infecção alimentar.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary conditions of in natura broiler carcasses commercialized in the market from São Luiz City, MA. Forty samples were collected and analyzed to research of Salmonella spp., coagulase positive Staphylococcus and of mesophilic microorganisms count. Among the analyzed samples, eighteen (45%) were contaminated with coagulase positive Staphylococcus, five (12,5%) were contaminated with Salmonella sp, being identified Salmonella Albany and counting of 103 to 107 UFC/g of mesophilic microorganisms. The results showed the hygienic-sanitary conditions samples analyzed were unsatisfactory and the consumption of this products can lead to an intoxication.

Bactérias do gênero Aeromonas em abatedouro de frangos / Contamination by Aeromonas spp. in poultry slaughterhouse

Analisaram-se 200 amostras de diferentes produtos e locais do fluxograma de abate de frangos com o objetivo de identificar os pontos de contaminaçäo da carne de frango por Aeromonas. Das 25 amostras analisadas para cada um dos oito pontos estudados foram isoladas Aeromonas spp. em nove (36 por cento) amostras de penas, em 14 (56 por cento) de fezes, em 18 (72 por cento) de carcaças näo evisceradas, evisceradas e resfriadas e em 20 (80 por cento) de água do pré-resfriamento. Näo foram isoladas Aeromonas spp. da água de abastecimento da indústria e da água do tanque de escaldagem. Foram identificadas as espécies, Aeromonas hydrophila em 39 (15,2 por cento) amostras, A. sobria em 69 (26,9 por cento), A. caviae em 87 (34 por cento), A. veronii em 18 (7 por cento), A. schubertii em três (1,2 por cento), A. trota em duas (0,8 por cento) e A. jandaei em uma (0,4 por cento). O resultado sugere que independente do controle higiênico-sanitário adotado na indústria, as carcaças de frangos podem se contaminar já a partir de sua obtençäo, determinando o aparecimento de Aeromonas em carcaças resfriadas e prontas para a comercializaçäo

[Freire's education model applied to a program of teaching of nursing practice]. / O modelo freireano de educação aplicado ao programa da disciplina prática de ensino de enfermagem.

The present study is a qualitative research supported by Paulo Freire's writings. It presents the structure of a discipline-Nursing Teaching Practice-which searches for an amplification of opportunities provided by the Nursing School in order to improve the student's consciousness of his/her role as a future educator.