Identification and Characterization of Rotigotine Degradation Products by HPLC Coupled DAD and CAD Detectors and HRMS Through Q-Orbitrap and Electrospray Ionization.

Rotigotine (RTG) is a dopamine agonist used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. As it is susceptible to oxidation, stability studies must be carefully designed for the identification and characterization of all possible degradation products. Here, RTG degradation was evaluated according to the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines under various stress conditions, including acidic and basic hydrolysis, oxidative, metallic, photolytic, and thermal conditions. Additionally, more severe stress conditions were applied to induce RTG degradation. Significant degradation was only observed under oxidative and photolytic conditions. The samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detectors, charged aerosol, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Chromatographic analyses revealed the presence of eight substances related to RTG, four of which were already described and were qualified impurities (impurities B, C, K and E) and four new degradation products (DP-1 - DP-4), whose structures were characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry through Q-Orbitrap and electrospray ionization. In the stress testing of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in solid form, significant RTG degradation was observed in the presence of the oxidative matrix. The results corroborate the literature that confirm the high susceptibility of RTG to oxidation and the importance of using different detectors to detect degradation products in forced degradation studies.

Use of Local Melatonin with Xenogeneic Bone Graft to Treat Critical-Size Bone Defects in Rats with Osteoporosis: A Randomized Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of local administration of melatonin (MLT) on molecular biomarkers and calvaria bone critical defects in female rats with or without osteoporosis, associated or not with a xenogeneic biomaterial. Forty-eight female rats were randomly divided into two groups: (O) ovariectomized and (S) placebo groups. After 45 days of osteoporosis induction, two critical-size defects (5 mm diameter) were created on the calvaria. The groups were subdivided according to the following treatment: (C) Clot, MLT, MLT associated with Bio-Oss® (MLTBO), and Bio-Oss® (BO). After 45 days, the defect samples were collected and processed for microtomography, histomorphometry, and biomolecular analysis (Col-I, BMP-2, and OPN). All animals had one femur harvested to confirm the osteoporosis. Microtomography analysis demonstrated a bone mineral density reduction in the O group. Regarding bone healing, the S group presented greater filling of the defects than the O group; however, in the O group, the defects treated with MLT showed higher mineral filling than the other treatments. There was no difference between the treatments performed in the S group (p = 0.05). Otherwise, O-MLT had neoformed bone higher than in the other groups (p = 0.05). The groups that did not receive biomaterial demonstrated lower levels of Col-I secretion; S-MLT and S-MLTBO presented higher levels of OPN, while O-C presented statistically lower results (p < 0.05); O-BO showed greater BMP-2 secretion (p < 0.05). In the presence of ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis, MLT treatment increased the newly formed bone area, regulated the inflammatory response, and increased OPN expression.

Bacaba, Pracaxi and Uxi Oils for Therapeutic Purposes: A Scoping Review.

Fruits such as bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba Mart), pracaxi (Pentaclethra macroloba Kuntze) and uxi (Endopleura uchi (Huber) Cuatrec), from the Amazon rainforest, are potentially interesting for studies of natural products. The current article aims at mapping and characterizing studies on the bacaba, pracaxi and uxi species. This review reports the main bioactive compounds identified in these species and discusses their therapeutic potential. Searches were performed in MEDLINE (Via Pubmed) and Web of Science. Thirty-one studies that described or evaluated the development of formulations aimed at the therapeutic use of the species were included. The findings suggest that species have the potential for the development of pharmaceutical formulations due to their therapeutic properties. However, further studies are required to assess safety and efficacy of these products. Therefore, it is suggested that new research studies propose strategies so that technological development is based on awareness and preservation of the biome.

Development of SEDDS formulation containing caffeine for dermal delivery.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to develop a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) containing caffeine for the treatment of cellulite. METHODS: SEDDS were prepared using the solution method. 0.5% (w/v) caffeine was added to the previously selected excipients. The system was characterized by droplet size, zeta potential, emulsification time and long-term stability. In vitro release and skin permeation were investigated using Franz-type diffusion cells. The cytotoxicity was evaluated on normal human keratinocytes. RESULTS: Caffeine SEDDS were thermodynamically stable, with a zeta potential less than - 22 mV and droplet size around 30 nm, and were long-term stable. The permeation study showed that the formulation promoted caffeine accumulation in the skin layers, suggesting an increase in local circulation. Cytotoxicity studies on HaCaT cells were not conclusive as the surfactant used indicated false-positive results due to its high molar mass. CONCLUSION: It was possible to obtain a stable SEDDS that could cause an increase in blood flow in the applied area, resulting in cellulite reduction.

OBJECTIF: L'objectif de ce travail était de développer un système d'administration de médicaments auto-émulsifiants (SEDDS) contenant de la caféine pour le traitement de la cellulite. MÉTHODES: Les SEDDS ont été préparés par la méthode en solution. 0,5 % (p/v) de caféine a été ajouté aux excipients préalablement sélectionnés. Le système a été caractérisé par la taille des gouttelettes, le potentiel zêta, le temps d'émulsification et la stabilité à long terme. La libération in vitro et la perméation cutanée ont été étudiées dans des cellules de diffusion de type Franz. La cytotoxicité était évaluée sur des kératinocytes humains normaux. RÉSULTATS: Les SEDDS de caféine étaient thermodynamiquement stables, avec un potentiel Zeta inférieur à -22 mV et une taille de gouttelettes d'environ 30 nm, et stables à long terme. L'étude de perméation a montré que les formulations favorisent l'accumulation de caféine dans les couches de la peau, suggérant une augmentation de la circulation locale. Les études de cytotoxicité sur les cellules HaCaT n'ont pas été concluantes car le surfactant utilisé indique des résultats faussement positifs dus à une masse molaire élevée. CONCLUSION: Il a été possible d'obtenir un SEDDS stable qui peut provoquer une augmentation du flux sanguin dans la zone appliquée, entraînant une réduction de la cellulite.

Development of a validation protocol method for nucleic acid testing to detect human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus.

The concern about the risks of viral infections transmission through blood transfusion has led into a search for improvements on screening tests used for the selection of blood donors. Molecular biology techniques applied in researches of viral genomes, known as Nucleic Acid-amplification-Test (NAT), represent a technology capable of increasing transfusion safety by shortening the diagnostic window period. In Brazil, the implementation of this technology for the detection of HIV, HCV and HBV occurred due to the implantation of the NAT Kit - produced by Immunobiological Technology Institute (Biomanguinhos-FIOCRUZ), in the Brazilian blood centers. The National Health Surveillance Agency attaches great importance to validation, since it standardizes, disciplines and regulates criteria for the registration of health products. This work aims to establish a protocol of performance validation by real-time PCR method, taking as the object of study the Bio-Manguinhos NAT Kit, in order to update the product registration or to meet any future needs to ensure all regulatory requirements for the performance validation of the real-time PCR diagnostic kit. The protocol developed followed the ICH recommendations. The results revealed that the adopted methodology contemplates the necessary requirements for compliance with the Brazilian legislation, as well as the established validation parameters.

Copaiba Oil Resin Exerts an Additive Effect to Babassu Oil on Behavioral Changes in Human Endometriotic Cell Cultures.

BACKGROUND: Current drugs for the treatment of endometriosis are not able to completely cure the condition, and significant side effects hinder the continuation of treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to search for new drug candidates. In the present paper, the use of plant extracts is highlighted. Babassu oil and Copaiba oil resin have several therapeutic properties. We investigated the in vitro effects of two nanoemulsions containing oil extracted from Babassu (Orbignya speciosa) nuts (called SNEDDS-18) and/or oil resin extracted from Copaiba trunk (Copaifera langsdorffii) (called SNEDDS-18/COPA) on cultured human eutopic endometrium stromal cells from endometrial biopsies of patients without (CESC) and with (EuESC) endometriosis as well as human stromal cells from biopsies of endometriotic lesions (EctESC). METHODS: CESC, EuESC, and EctESC were taken and treated with SNEDDS-18 and SNEDDS-18/COPA to evaluate their effects on cytotoxicity, cell morphology, proliferation, and signaling pathways. RESULTS: After 48 h of incubation with SNEDDS-18 and SNEDDS-18/COPA, cell viability and proliferation were inhibited, especially in EctESC. The lowest concentration of both nanoemulsions reduced cell viability and proliferation and broke down the cytoskeleton in EctESCs. After 24 h of treatment a decrease in IL-1, TNF-α, and MCP-1 was observed, as well as an increase in IL-10 production. CONCLUSIONS: Both nanoemulsions can affect endometriotic stromal cell behaviors, thus revealing two potential candidates for new phytotherapeutic agents for the management of endometriosis.

Lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides used in the management of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) on the predator Cycloneda sanguinea L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

BACKGROUND: The application of synthetic insecticides is the main strategy used to reduce the damage caused by the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella in commercial Brassica crops. However, incorrect insecticide use can cause biological and ecological disturbances in agroecosystems. Cycloneda sanguinea is a generalist voracious predator and is distributed widely in cultivated and noncultivated ecosystems. This study investigated the efficiency of four insecticides for the control of P. xylostella and the lethal and sublethal effects of these insecticides on C. sanguinea. RESULTS: Spinosad (92% mortality) and chlorfenapyr (76% mortality) were highly toxic to P. xylostela. However, chlorantraniliprole (10% mortality) and methomyl (no mortality) were ineffective against this pest. Chlorantraniliprole was the only insecticide that was highly toxic to C. sanguinea by contact (90% mortality), however, it was nontoxic following the ingestion of chlorantraniliprole-contaminated aphids. Interestingly, ingestion of prey contaminated with methomyl and chlorfenapyr was highly toxic (100% mortality) to C. sanguinea. Spinosad was nontoxic to C. sanguinea via exposure to contaminated surfaces and following ingestion of contaminated prey. However, direct contact of the insects with both methomyl and spinosad significantly affected C. sanguinea flight activity (vertical flight and free-fall flight), whereas chlorfenapyr impacted vertical flight only. CONCLUSION: These findings showed that chlorantraniliprole was not only ineffective for the control of P. xylostela, but was also highly toxic to C. sanguinea. The results indicated that spinosad was efficient against P. xylostela and was of low toxicity to C. sanguinea; however, the deleterious effects of this insecticide on flight behavior could result in reduced predatory efficiency. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

MALDI-TOF MS identification of Prototheca algae associated with bovine mastitis.

We evaluated the use of MALDI-TOF MS for the identification of 3 major, dairy-associated Prototheca species, namely, Prototheca bovis (formerly P. zopfii genotype 2), P. blaschkeae, and P. ciferrii (formerly P. zopfii genotype 1). The MALDI-TOF MS spectra established for those species were introduced into the reference spectra library of the Bruker Biotyper MALDI-TOF MS analysis software. Next, 31 Prototheca isolates from Holstein cows with mastitis, from herds located in the midwestern area of São Paulo State, Brazil, were subjected to MALDI-TOF MS profiling. MALDI-TOF MS allowed identification of 22 of 27 P. bovis and 3 of 4 P. blaschkeae isolates with scores >2.0, with 5 of 27 P. bovis and 1 of 4 P. blaschkeae isolates identified only to the genus level. With our extended algae database, MALDI-TOF MS can contribute to quick and effective speciation of Prototheca from mastitis cases.

Effect of xylitol tablets with and without red propolis on salivary parameters, dental biofilm and sensory acceptability of adolescents: a randomized crossover clinical trial.

The effect of xylitol tablets with (XPT) and without (XT) red propolis on salivary parameters, dental biofilm and acceptability of adolescents was evaluated through a blinded randomized crossover clinical trial. Healthy volunteers were allocated in the XPT and XT groups with a 30-day washout period for consumption of two tablets/dayfor seven days. An increase in salivary parameters was only observed immediately after tablet consumption, without differences between XPT and XT. The results for total microorganisms were similar, but XT was better in controlling Streptococcus spp. Rothia dentocariosa and Streptococcus salivarius were the most frequent in the biofilm and saliva, respectively. XPT and XT showed similar acceptability, with the highest purchase intention for XT. Although propolis did not enhance the properties of XT, further studies testing different protocols and follow-up are necessary; XT controlled Streptococcus spp. in biofilms, which demonstrate its potential for clinical application.

In Silico studies of novel Sildenafil self-emulsifying drug delivery system absorption improvement for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Sildenafil is a potent selective inhibitor of phosphosdiesterase-5 previously used in erectile dysfunction and subsequently approved in 2005 for pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment. Since oral administration of sildenafil shows pharmacokinetic problems with mean absolute bioavailability of 41%, the goal of this work was to develop a novel sildenafil self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) for oral absorption improvement and management of dosage. One pharmaceutical solution and four SEDDS containing sildenafil were successfully obtained and SEDDS formed O/W nanoemulsion with droplet size less than 300 nm. The stability studies evidenced that the SEDDS containing 3.3% w/w of sildenafil yielded the best results. The safety of 2-pyrrolidone/isobutanol in oral formulations was assessed in mice and no lethality was achieved in the placebo groups with LD50 of 490 mg/Kg for SEDDS II-3.3, suggesting it as a safe excipient for humans. Therewithal, in silico studies using PBPK models provided the pharmacokinetic profile of sildenafil SEDDS. Subsequently, in silico evaluation indicated that the sildenafil SEDDS droplet size influenced its bioavailability, enhancing absorption, assuring a good pharmacokinetic profile. These findings suggest that the formulations developed here presented the potential to enhance drug oral absorption with the possibility to control drug dosage as they are liquid pharmaceutical formulations.

Forced degradation studies of norepinephrine and epinephrine from dental anesthetics: Development of stability-indicating HPLC method and in silico toxicity evaluation.

Injectable solutions containing epinephrine (EPI) and norepinephrine (NE) are not stable, and their degradation is favored mainly by the oxidation of catechol moiety. As studies of these drugs under forced degradation conditions are scarce, herein, we report the identification of their degradation products (DP) in anesthetic formulations by the development of stability-indicating HPLC method. Finally, the risk assessment of the major degradation products was evaluated using in silico toxicity approach. HPLC method was developed to obtain a higher selectivity allowing adequate elution for both drugs and their DPs. The optimized conditions were developed using a C18 HPLC column, sodium 1-octanesulfonate, and methanol (80:20, v/v) as mobile phase, with a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min, UV detection at 199 nm. The analysis of standard solutions with these modifications resulted in greater retention time for EPI and NE, which allow the separation of these drugs from their respective DPs. Then, five DPs were identified and analyzed by in silico studies. Most of the DPs showed important alerts as hepatotoxicity and mutagenicity. To the best of our acknowledgment, this is the first report of a stability-indicating HPLC method that can be used with formulations containing catecholamines.

New Daily Persistent Headache Following Dengue Fever: Report of Three Cases and an Epidemiological Study.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue fever is currently a significant public health problem as an emerging pandemic-prone viral disease in many parts of the world. Up to 100 million individuals, distributed in over 100 countries, are estimated to be infected annually, putting nearly half of the world's population at risk. The headache associated with dengue fever is considered to be very intense, bilateral, throbbing, frontal, and retro-orbital. New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is a relatively rare headache entity. It has already been reported that systemic infectious disease may precede the onset of NDPH. We report the data of an epidemiologic study analyzing the cases of NDPH among 450 subjects who had dengue fever. METHOD: The study was performed in a medium-size town in southeastern Brazil (Franca, population 370,000). During the year 2015, 600 cases of dengue fever were reported to the Franca Health Authority. All these patients were contacted by telephone, and 450 of the patients were located and interviewed. RESULTS: Of these 450 interviews, three possible cases of NDPH were identified. CONCLUSION: The observed prevalence of NDPH attributed to dengue fever was 1:150 cases of dengue fever (0.67%).

Protein and mRNA detection of classic cytokines in corresponding samples of serum, gingival tissue and gingival crevicular fluid from subjects with periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the correspondence of cytokines detected among the different biological matrices used in periodontal research and whether locally-detected cytokine mRNA can also be identified at the translated protein level. The aims of this study were to compare: (a) the detection of classic cytokines at protein level in corresponding samples of serum, gingival tissue and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in subjects with periodontitis and (b) the detection of cytokines at protein level in GCF and tissue with their detection at mRNA level in tissue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Protein concentrations of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α were measured in corresponding samples of GCF, gingival tissue and serum from 125 subjects with chronic periodontitis by multiplex immunoassay. The mRNA levels of these cytokines were evaluated in the same gingival tissue by qPCR. RESULTS: The mean protein concentrations of IL-1ß and TNF-α were higher in tissue and GCF than in serum (P < 0.05). The mean protein concentration of IL-6 was higher in tissue, followed by serum and GCF, respectively (P < 0.05). Using serum as the gold standard, detection of IL-1ß in GCF and IL-6 in tissue had the highest sensitivity (100%), while detection of IL-6 in the GCF had the lowest sensitivity (77.9%). Using tissue as the gold standard, the detection sensitivities of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α were 93.6%, 78.4% and 94.2%, respectively, in GCF. Using mRNA as the gold standard, the detection of IL-1ß and IL-6 at the protein level in tissue (100.0%) had the highest sensitivity, while the detection of IL-6 in GCF (77.9%) had the lowest sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Tissue and GCF exhibited overall higher protein concentrations of cytokines than serum. GCF presented good reliability for identifying the target cytokines at protein level, when compared with detecting tissue cytokines at protein level. GCF and tissue presented high sensitivities for detecting cytokines at the protein level, when compared with detecting tissue cytokines at the mRNA level. The sensitivity for the identification of cytokines in the GCF depended on the target cytokine, where IL-6 was the least likely cytokine to be detected in this matrix.

Spatial variability and seasonal toxicity of dredged sediments from Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): acute effects on earthworms.

The toxicity of dredged sediments from Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) was evaluated using acute bioassays with Eisenia andrei and metal determination. The sediments were collected in August 2014 (winter) and February 2015 (summer) and in five areas distributed along the Bay: Port of Rio de Janeiro, Port of Niterói, Meriti River mouth, Iguaçu River mouth, and the Environmental Protection Area (APA) of Guapimirim. The sediments were mixed with a ferralsol (a representative Brazilian tropical soil) in proportions varying between 0 (pure soil) and 30%. The acute bioassays with E. andrei followed a standard protocol (ISO 11268-2:2012). Total metal determination in the sediments was performed by ICP-OES. The medium lethal earthworm concentration (LC50) was estimated through PriProbit analysis. The sediments from the APA of Guapimirim, which is a control area at the Guanabara Bay, were the only ones whose total metal concentrations were in agreement with the limits established by Brazilian law for land disposal of dredged sediments. However, the sediments collected in the APA of Guapimirim were the most toxic ones among the study areas due to very high contents of salts in these materials. Winter sediments were generally more toxic compared to the summer ones due to the increase of metal concentrations and salt precipitation to bottom sediments during the winter. The exceptions were (i) the sediments from APA of Guapimirim, where the toxicity in the summer (LC50 = 3.99%) and winter (LC50 = 4.60%) were relatively similar to each other, since the toxicity is linked to salt in excess; and (ii) the Iguaçu River mouth, where the presence of mangrove areas might be associated with the filtering of pollution sources (winter LC50 = 12.67%; summer LC50 = 11.58%). In the Port of Rio de Janeiro, LC50 obtained in the winter (7.30%) was almost three times lower than that found in the summer (19.64%). The sediments from Meriti River mouth showed the highest total metal concentrations, were the most toxic sediments among the study areas (excluding the APA of Guapimirim), and its winter LC50 (6.64%) was almost twice lower than that obtained in the summer (12.55%). By following the same tendency, summer LC50 (17.52%) found for the sediment collected in the Port of Niterói was also higher than the value found in the winter (12.34%). Finally, the dredged sediments from Guanabara Bay were toxic to earthworms in mixtures with pure ferralsol and winter samples were generally more toxic than the summer ones, in agreement with the increase of metal and salt concentrations during the winter.

Structural and thermal analyses of zinc and lactose in homeopathic triturated systems.

BACKGROUND: A series of different experimental approaches was applied in Zincum metallicum (Zinc met.) samples and lactose controls. Experiments were designed to elucidate the effect of zinc trituration and dynamization on physicochemical properties of homeopathic formulations, using lactose as excipient. METHODS: Zinc met. potencies (Zinc met 1-3c) were triturated and dynamized using lactose as excipient, according to Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. Lactose samples (LAC 1-3c) were also prepared following the same protocol and used as controls. The samples were analyzed structurally by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and thermodynamically by Thermogravimetry (TG) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). RESULTS: AAS analysis detected 97.0 % of zinc in the raw material, 0.75 % (Zinc met 1c) and 0.02% (Zinc met 2c). XRD analysis showed that inter-atomic crystalline spacing of lactose was not modified by dynamization. Amorphous and crystalline lactose spheres and particles, respectively, were observed by TEM in all samples, with mean size from 200 to 800 nm. EDX obtained with TEM identified zinc presence throughout the amorphous matter but individualized zinc particles were not observed. SEM images obtained from dynamized samples (LAC 1c and Zinc met 1c) with electron backscattering could not identify zinc metal grains. The dynamization process induced Derivatives of Thermal Gravimetric (DTg) peak modification, which was previously centered near 158°C to lactose, to a range from 140 to 170°C, suggesting the dynamization process modifies the temperature range of water aggregation. Thermal phenomena were analyzed and visualized by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) statistics. Both indicated that fusion enthalpy of dynamized samples (DynLAC 1-3c; DynZn 1-3c) increased 30.68 J/g in comparison to non-dynamized lactose (LAC; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested no structural changes due to the trituration and dynamization process. However, TG and DSC analyses permit the differentiation of dynamized and non-dynamized groups, suggesting the dynamization process induced a significant increase in the degradation heat. These results call for further calorimetric studies with other homeopathic dilutions and other methodologies, to better understand the dynamics of these systems.

Development and Characterization of Nisin Nanoparticles as Potential Alternative for the Recurrent Vaginal Candidiasis Treatment.

The aim of this work was the development and characterization of nisin-loaded nanoparticles and the evaluation of its potential antifungal activity. Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida sp. considered as one of the major public health problem currently. The discovery of antifungal agents that present a reduced or null resistance of Candida sp. and the development of more efficient drug release mechanisms are necessary for the improvement of candidiasis treatment. Nisin, a bacteriocin commercially available for more than 50 years, exhibits antibacterial action in food products with potential antifungal activity. Among several alternatives used to modulate antifungal activity of bacteriocins, polymeric nanoparticles have received great attention due to an effective drug release control and reduction of therapeutic dose, besides the minimization of adverse effects by the preferential accumulation in specific tissues. The nisin nanoparticles were prepared by double emulsification and solvent evaporation methods. Nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Antifungal activity was accessed by pour plate method and cell counting using Candida albicans strains. The in vitro release profile and in vitro permeation studies were performed using dialysis bag method and pig vaginal mucosa in Franz diffusion cell, respectively. The results revealed nisin nanoparticles (300 nm) with spherical shape and high loading efficiency (93.88 ± 3.26%). In vitro test results suggest a promising application of these nanosystems as a prophylactic agent in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and other gynecological diseases.

Preparation and Evaluation of Chitosan Submicroparticles Containing Pilocarpine for Glaucoma Therapy.

The objective of the present study was to optimize the preparation of chitosan submicroparticles and to assess whether they enhanced ocular permeation of pilocarpine. Submicroparticles were produced by spray drying and characterized to determine process yield, encapsulation efficiency, morphology, size distribution, drug-polymeric matrix interaction, porcine sclera permeation as well as ocular irritancy and drug retention. Quantification of pilocarpine using High Performance Liquid Chromatography was found to be selective, linear, precise, accurate and robust. The spray drying method proved to be simple and reproducibly produced particles with satisfactory yields, thus showing potential for industrial scale applications. The pilocarpine-loaded chitosan particles exhibited adequate morphological characteristics as well as high encapsulation efficiency. The particles produced were on a submicrometric scale and compatible with intraocular administration. In pilocarpine-loaded particles, the interaction between pilocarpine and chitosan polymeric matrix resulted in delayed release of the drug, attributed to formation of a reservoir system. The best fit for drug release was obtained using the Higuchi equation. The chitosan submicroparticles enhanced the permeation effect and increased the passage of pilocarpine through porcine sclera and also demonstrated low irritancy potential. Therefore, the particles produced can be considered a promising system for the ocular delivery of pilocarpine.

Laminados cerâmicos – Parte I: planejamento, cirurgia periodontal, preparações dentais e provisórios / Ceramic laminates – Part I: planning, periodonthic surgery, dental preparation and temporaries

A obtenção de resultados satisfatórios dependem de vários fatores, desde um correto planejamento, até a cimentação adesiva e controle posterior. É de fundamental importância que o cirurgião dentista conheça cada etapa a fundo, buscando otimizar os resultados do tratamento. O objetivo deste artigo é mostrar de forma segura, cada etapa, com o intuito de elucidar questões do dia a dia

Laminados cerâmicos: parte II; moldagem e cimentação / Ceramic veneers - part II: impression and luting

Para a harmonização do sorriso com laminados cerâmicos, as etapas de moldagem e cimentação são muito importantes, já que podem comprometer o assentamento da restauração cerâmica. É fundamental que o dentista conheça essas etapas a fundo, buscando aperfeiçoar os resultados do tratamento. Dessa forma, o objetivo desse artigo é mostrar de forma segura as etapas de moldagem e cimentação de laminados cerâmicos, para um resultado final satisfatório do tratamento conservador estético

Impacto da fortificação das farinhas com ferro no controle da anemia em gestantes: estudo em um serviço público de saúde do município de São Bernardo do Campo / The impact of iron fortification flour on controlling iron deficiency anemia in pregnant: a public health service study in São Bernardo do Campo city

Introdução - A anemia por deficiência de ferro é a desordem nutricional de maior prevalência tanto em países desenvolvidos como em países em desenvolvimento. Crianças pequenas e mulheres em idade fértil são grupos populacionais mais expostos a esta deficiência. Objetivo - Comparar o perfil de concentração de hemoglobina das gestantes atendidas em um serviço público de saúde de São Bernardo do Campo, no período anterior à implantação do programa de fortificação das farinhas de trigo e de milho com ferro e após pelo menos um ano de sua efetiva implantação. Métodos - Trata-se de um subprojeto do estudo Impacto da Fortificação das farinhas de trigo e de milho com ferro e ácido fólico, na concentração de hemoglobina de gestantes atendidas em serviços de saúde da rede pública. Este estudo utilizou dados secundários coletados de prontuário das gestantes freqüentadoras do Programa de Atendimento Pré-Natal do município de São Bernardo do Campo. A amostra foi constituída por dois grupos: GRUPO NÃO FORTIFICADO (NF) formado por gestantes que freqüentaram os serviços de pré-natal e tiveram o parto realizado antes de junho de 2004, e GRUPO FORTIFICADO (F) - formado por gestantes cuja data da última menstruação (DUM) foi posterior a junho de 2005. O diagnóstico de anemia foi efetuado pela [Hb] segundo critério único da OMS; e de acordo com modelos de evolução de Hb por idade gestacional de gestantes não anêmicas e não ferro deficientes e recebendo ferro suplementar durante todo o período gravídico. A severidade da anemia foi classificada segundo o nível de [Hb]: grave - abaixo de 7,0 g/dL; moderada - entre 7,0 g/dL e 10,0 g/dL; leve - níveis entre 10,0 g/dL e 11,0 g/dL. Resultados A classificação do estado nutricional apontou em ambos os grupos diminuição da desnutrição.e aumento do sobrepeso/obesidade. A prevalência de anemia foi de 14,3 por cento no Grupo NF e de 8,1 por cento no Grupo F sendo essa diferença estatisticamente significativa. A anemia severa esteve ausente e...