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Aim: To unveil a putative correlation between phage genome flexibility and virion morphogenesis yield. Materials & methods: A deeper analysis of the mechanical properties of three Pseudomonas aeruginosa lytic phage genomes was undertaken, together with full genome cyclizability calculations. Results & conclusion: A putative correlation was established among phage genome flexibility, eclipse timeframe and virion particle morphogenesis yield, with a more flexible phage genome leading to a higher burst size and a more rigid phage genome leading to lower burst sizes. The results obtained are highly relevant to understand the influence of the phage genome plasticity on the virion morphogenesis yield inside the infected bacterial host cells and assumes particular relevance in the actual context of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Purpose. This work aimed at evaluating the possibility of performing renal exams of dynamic renal (DRS) and static renal (SRS) scintigraphy on the same day (one-day protocol, ODP), exams that are currently performed in two days. Approach. 25 infants (50 kidneys) of both genders, aged 8.4 ± 5.9 years, underwent an F+20 DRS protocol with [99mTc]TcDTPA2- followed by [99mTc]TcDMSA2- administration for the performance of SRS images at 3, 6 and 24 h. Dynamic images (DRS) were classified as dilated (D), undetermined (U), and non-dilated (P). Static images (SRS) were classified as: depressed in accented degree (DA); depressed in moderate degree (DM); depressed in mild degree (DL) and normal (NL). Results. Out of the 25 patients (50 kidneys), 7 (14 kidneys) were excluded by functional exclusion, hence 18 patients (36 kidneys) were clinically compared regarding their static images after 3, 6 and 24 h, resulting in 33.0% of dilated and 66.7% non-dilated. Only two patients of the dilated group were classified as obstructed. At the group with non-dilated and dilated but non-obstructed kidneys, 100% of them had the same clinical classification at 6 and 24 h images. Conclusions. Performance of both DRS and SRS exams in a single day for pediatric patients, when medical requests are carried out jointly, is feasible in a population with or without dilatation, when the difference between dynamic and static images is of at least 6 h. Due to the small number of obstructed kidneys in this study, further evaluation in this population is needed.

Some chemical elements released in nature due to anthropogenic actions are harmful to living beings, and finding efficient and low-cost ways to measure their presence is a challenge. The major goal of this work was to use the barks of urban trees as bioindicators of the presence of these elements. For this purpose, tree barks of sixteen individual trees were collected, including Ipê (Bignoniaceae Family); Sibipiruna (Fabaceae Family); Pine (Pinaceae Family), in the city of Sorocaba, SP, Brazil, in three different districts. Two samples, one of Ipê and another of Sibipiruna, collected in the Mata Atlântica forest in Juquitiba, SP, Brazil, were used as control samples. They were also analyzed; six soil samples were collected in the same places as the tree barks in Sorocaba. The samples were analyzed using the Energy Dispersion X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy technique. The elements studied ranged from Al to Bi. The results were submitted to univariate and multivariate statistical analysis showing that Sibipiruna presented a high concentration of the element Ca. At the same time, Ipê and Pine showed high concentrations of K. In the identified elements, the probable sources of contamination were pointed out, such as elements from the dust of braking automobiles (Al, Si, S, Ti, Fe, Cu, and Ba), elements from the paint used to paint the asphalt (Si, Ca, Cr and Pb) and elements from the tire tread wear (Al, S, Ca and Zn). From the analysis of soil samples and trees, it was found that there was high pollution by the element Pb in the specimens collected in front of the old Saturnia battery factory, located in the district of Éden in the city of Sorocaba, SP, Brazil (Coordinates: Lat 23K253141 m E; Long 23K7405583 m S).

Aim: A sodium alginate-based biohydrogel was prepared integrating choline oleate deep euthetic solvent as facilitator of transdermal delivery and a cocktail of lytic bacteriophages for Acinetobacter baumannii, aiming at treating soft-tissue infections by the aforementioned pathogen. Materials & methods: Two bacteriophages were isolated from a hospital sewage and a wastewater treatment plant sewage in Sorocaba (Brazil), and characterized via SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, transmission electron microscope and evaluation of lytic spectra of the bacteriophage cocktail. The biohydrogel was prepared and characterized by DSC, FTIR, XRD, DESEM, XRT and transdermal permeation of the bacteriophage cocktail. Results & conclusion: The physico-chemical characterization of the biohydrogel produce indicated adequate structural characteristics and ability to promote/facilitate transdermal delivery of bacteriophage particles, thus showing potential for biopharmaceutical applications.

Production of bacterial nanocellulose was pursued as a matrix system for the stabilization of human insulin. The biomembranes produced by Gluconacetobacter hansenii were washed with 2% aqueous sodium dodecylsulfate solution, rinsed with ultrapure water and immersed in 1 mol L-1 NaOH aqueous solution at 60 °C for 90 min until neutralization. For the insulin adsorption assays, the biomembranes were soaked in a buffered solution of human insulin until no protein could be detected in the supernatant. The membranes with adsorbed insulin were characterized via mechanical resistance (resilience, relaxation, perforation), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermal Gravimetrical Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analyses. The FESEM photomicrographs of the surface of the biomembranes showed a rugged surface without cracks. The biomembranes exhibited adequate mechanical characteristics. The infrared spectra indicated that the chemical aspect of the protein moiety was preserved during adsorption onto the BNC biomembranes. According to the XRD analyses, the biomembranes showed a generalized amorphous behavior. Thermal analyses indicated an adequate thermal stability for a pharmaceuticals product. Hence, an elastic and malleable biomembrane was produced, suitable for incorporation of human insulin, aiming at transdermal delivery.

Aim: Two lytic phages were isolated using P. aeruginosa DSM19880 as host and fully characterized. Materials & methods: Phages were characterized physicochemically, biologically and genomically. Results & conclusion: Host range analysis revealed that the phages also infect some multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. Increasing MOI from 1 to 1000 significantly increased phage efficiency and retarded bacteria regrowth, but phage ph0034 (reduction of 7.5 log CFU/ml) was more effective than phage ph0031 (reduction of 5.1 log CFU/ml) after 24 h. Both phages belong to Myoviridae family. Genome sequencing of phages ph0031 and ph0034 showed that they do not carry toxin, virulence, antibiotic resistance and integrase genes. The results obtained are highly relevant in the actual context of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

The major goal of this research work was to use the dry extract of the fruits of Jussara palm tree (Euterpe edulis Martius) in the development of a tinting shampoo (0.3% (w/v) anthocyanin extract) and an exfoliating beauty cream integrating granules from the seeds of the fruit (1%, w/v). The dry extract was characterized via determination of the content of anthocyanins by the differential pH method, antioxidant activity by the phospho-molybdenum complex methodology, and antimicrobial activity by the disc-diffusion method. The extraction yield was 2.3% (w/w) (2.25 g dry extract/100 g fruit), with an antioxidant activity of 139.0 ± 5.5% relative to that of ascorbic acid, indicating a high antioxidant capacity. The anthocyanin extract did not exhibit antimicrobial activity. The physico-chemical stability characteristics of both the tinting shampoo and the exfoliating cream were evaluated via accelerated stability studies at 0, 30, 60 and 90 days of storage at 40 ± 2 °C and 75 ± 5% relative humidity. The cosmetic products prepared were stable in relation to the physico-chemical characteristics under the conditions studied.

Foram desenvolvidas tres formulacoes de barras de cereais com alto teor de fibra a base de aveia ( Avena sativa L). Na formulacao considerada a mais adequada (12,7% de fibras (m/m)) adicionou-se extrato de antocianina de frutos da palmeira Jussara ( Euterpe edulis Martius) na concentracao de 0; 0,25; 1.0; 2,0% (m/m). O teor de antocianinas no extrato foi obtido pelo metodo diferencial de pH. A composicao centesimal das barras de cereais foi realizada e a atividade antioxidante, no extrato antocianinico e nas barras de cereais, foi determinada pelo metodo de captura de radicais livres. Foi realizado teste afetivo de aceitabilidade para verificar qual a barra de cereal de maior aceitacao. As barras de cereais apresentaram teor de umidade, 11,1-12,2% (m/m); cinzas, 1,3-2,3% (m/m); lipideos, 4,4-6,0% (m/m); proteinas, 4,2-6,0% (m/m); fibra alimentar, 12,7-15,1% (m/m); carboidratos, 58,3-64,5% (m/m); e valor energetico de 78,4-82,2 kcal / bar. O conteudo de antocianina no extrato seco foi de 17,64 ± 1,13 mg de antocianina/100g de fruta e a atividade antioxidante foi de cerca de 90% na concentracao de 0,5 mg ml -1 . As barras de cereais apresentaram atividade antioxidante de 74,7; 87,8; e 86,6 com adicao de 0,25; 1.0; e 2,0% de extrato, respectivamente, indicando boa capacidade antioxidante. A barra de cereais desenvolvida contendo extrato de antocianina a 2,0% (p/p) foi considerada a mais adequada apos analise sensorial.

Over the last years, the global production and trade of kiwifruit has been severely impacted by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), a phytopathogen that causes a disease in kiwifruit plants known as bacterial canker. The available treatments for this disease are still scarce, with the most common involving frequently spraying the orchards with disinfectants, copper-based bactericides and/or antibiotics. Moreover, these treatments should be avoided due to their high toxicity to the environment and promotion of bacterial resistance. Phage therapy may be an alternative approach to inactivate Psa. The present study investigated the potential application of the already commercially available bacteriophage (or phage) ϕ6 to control Psa infections. The inactivation of Psa was assessed in vitro, using liquid culture medium, and ex vivo, using artificially contaminated kiwifruit leaves with two biovar 3 (a highly aggressive pathogen) strains (Psa CRA-FRU 12.54 and Psa CRA-FRU 14.10). In the in vitro experiments, the phage ϕ6 was effective against both strains (maximum reduction of 2.2 and 1.9 CFU/mL for Psa CRA-FRU 12.54 and Psa CRA-FRU 14.10, respectively). In the ex vivo tests, the decrease was lower (maximum reduction 1.1 log and 1.8 CFU/mL for Psa CRA-FRU 12.54 and Psa CRA-FRU 14.10, respectively). The results of this study suggest that the commercially available phage ϕ6 can be an effective alternative to control Psa infections in kiwifruit orchards.

Ginoid hydrolipodystrophy (HDLG) or "cellulite" involves alteration of the cutaneous relief and occurs in 80-90% of the female population. Several topical treatments are available with the use of substances capable of stimulating lipolysis, such as caffeine. However, the effectiveness of topical therapy is related to the processes of release and permeation of the active in skin cells. In this sense, ionic liquids, such as choline geranate, are considered to facilitate topical permeation agents. In this way, the aim of this research was to develop and evaluation of the effectiveness of a cosmetic product for topical treatment of cellulite with caffeine in association with choline geranate. The choline geranate was synthesized by the reaction between geranic acid and choline hydroxide [1: 2]. The gel was prepared using 2% Carpobol 940®, 5% caffeine, and 1% choline geranate. Preliminary and accelerated stability tests were performed by checking pH, spreadability, and organoleptic characteristics. The transdermal permeation capacity of caffeine in vitro was evaluated by the Franz cell permeation assay, and the gel cytotoxicity by the MTS method. To prove the efficacy in the treatment of cellulite, a pilot type 1 clinical trial was carried out. The formulation was considered stable and the product maintained your characteristics during 180 days of storage. The product showed moderate cytotoxicity and high skin permeation capacity. In the clinical trial, it showed results superior to the caffeine gel without ionic liquid. The developed gel favored the cutaneous permeation of caffeine, showing a promising product in the treatment of cellulite.

In the present research work, we addressed the changes in skin by which deep eutectic solvents (DES) enhanced transdermal permeation of bioactive compounds and propose a rationale for this mechanism. Several studies showed that these unusual liquids were ideal solvents for transdermal delivery of biomolecules, but to date, no histological studies relating the action of DES to changes in the structure of the outer skin barrier have been reported. In the research effort described herein, we presented an in-depth analysis of the changes induced in the skin by choline geranate DES, a compound with proven capabilities of enhancing transdermal permeation without deleterious impacts on the cells. The results obtained showed that a low percentage of DES acted as a transient disruptor of the skin structure, facilitating the passage of bioactive compounds dissolved in it.

During the last decennium, it has become widely accepted that ubiquitous bacterial viruses, or bacteriophages, exert enormous influences on our planet’s biosphere, killing between 4–50% of the daily produced bacteria and constituting the largest genetic diversity pool on our planet. Currently, bacterial infections linked to healthcare services are widespread, which, when associated with the increasing surge of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, play a major role in patient morbidity and mortality. In this scenario, Pseudomonas aeruginosa alone is responsible for ca. 13–15% of all hospital-acquired infections. The pathogen P. aeruginosa is an opportunistic one, being endowed with metabolic versatility and high (both intrinsic and acquired) resistance to antibiotics. Bacteriophages (or phages) have been recognized as a tool with high potential for the detection of bacterial infections since these metabolically inert entities specifically attach to, and lyse, bacterial host cells, thus, allowing confirmation of the presence of viable cells. In the research effort described herein, three different phages with broad lytic spectrum capable of infecting P. aeruginosa were isolated from environmental sources. The isolated phages were elected on the basis of their ability to form clear and distinctive plaques, which is a hallmark characteristic of virulent phages. Next, their structural and functional stabilization was achieved via entrapment within the matrix of porous alginate, biopolymeric, and bio-reactive, chromogenic hydrogels aiming at their use as sensitive matrices producing both color changes and/or light emissions evolving from a reaction with (released) cytoplasmic moieties, as a bio-detection kit for P. aeruginosa cells. Full physicochemical and biological characterization of the isolated bacteriophages was the subject of a previous research paper.

Phage-based biocontrol strategies can be an effective alternative to control Psa-induced bacterial canker of kiwifruit. The global production of kiwifruit has been seriously affected by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) over the last decade. Psa damages both Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa (green kiwifruit) but specially the susceptible Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis (gold kiwifruit), resulting in severe economic losses. Treatments for Psa infections currently available are scarce, involving frequent spraying of the kiwifruit plant orchards with copper products. However, copper products should be avoided since they are highly toxic and lead to the development of bacterial resistance to this metal. Antibiotics are also used in some countries, but bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a serious worldwide problem. Therefore, it is essential to develop new approaches for sustainable agriculture production, avoiding the emergence of resistant Psa bacterial strains. Attempts to develop and establish highly accurate approaches to combat and prevent the occurrence of bacterial canker in kiwifruit plants are currently under study, using specific viruses of bacteria (bacteriophages, or phages) to eliminate the Psa. This review discusses the characteristics of Psa-induced kiwifruit canker, Psa transmission pathways, prevention and control, phage-based biocontrol strategies as a new approach to control Psa in kiwifruit orchards and its advantages over other therapies, together with potential ways to bypass phage inactivation by abiotic factors.

Ginoid hydrolipodystrophy (HDLG) or "cellulite" involves alteration of the cutaneous relief and occurs in 80-90% of the female population. Several topical treatments are available with the use of substances capable of stimulating lipolysis, such as caffeine. However, the effectiveness of topical therapy is related to the processes of release and permeation of the active in skin cells. In this sense, ionic liquids, such as choline geranate, are considered to facilitate topical permeation agents. In this way, the aim of this research was to develop and evaluation of the effectiveness of a cosmetic product for topical treatment of cellulite with caffeine in association with choline geranate. The choline geranate was synthesized by the reaction between geranic acid and choline hydroxide [1: 2]. The gel was prepared using 2% Carpobol 940®, 5% caffeine, and 1% choline geranate. Preliminary and accelerated stability tests were performed by checking pH, spreadability, and organoleptic characteristics. The transdermal permeation capacity of caffeine in vitro was evaluated by the Franz cell permeation assay, and the gel cytotoxicity by the MTS method. To prove the efficacy in the treatment of cellulite, a pilot type 1 clinical trial was carried out. The formulation was considered stable and the product maintained your characteristics during 180 days of storage. The product showed moderate cytotoxicity and high skin permeation capacity. In the clinical trial, it showed results superior to the caffeine gel without ionic liquid. The developed gel favored the cutaneous permeation of caffeine, showing a promising product in the treatment of cellulite.

In the present research work, we propose a new antimicrobial treatment for pyoderma via cutaneous permeation of bacteriophage particles conveyed in a hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) gel integrating ionic liquid as a permeation enhancer. Ionic liquids are highly viscous fluids constituted exclusively by ions, that are usually hydrolytically stable and promote solubilization of amphipathic molecules such as proteins, hence serving as green solvents and promoting the transdermal permeation of biomolecules. In the research effort entertained herein, the synthesis and use of choline geranate for integrating a HEC gel aiming at the structural and functional stabilization of a cocktail of isolated lytic bacteriophage particles was sought, aiming at transdermal permeation in the antimicrobial treatment of animal pyoderma. The results obtained showed a high ability of the ionic liquid in enhancing transdermal permeation of the bacteriophage particles, with concomitant high potential of the HEC gel formulation in the antimicrobial treatment of animal skin infections.

Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) is a phytopathogen responsible for bacterial canker in kiwifruit plants and can be disseminated through pollen. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the inactivation of Psa on kiwifruit pollen using New Methylene Blue (NMB) and Methylene Blue (MB) in the presence/absence of potassium iodide (KI). Pollen germination assays were also performed to evaluate if it was affected by aPDT. Higher reduction of Psa was achieved using NMB (5.0 &mu, M) combined with KI (100 mM) in vitro (ca. 8 log CFU mL&minus, 1 after 90 min of irradiation), while NMB alone promoted a lower reduction (3.7 log CFU mL&minus, 1). The most efficient NMB concentration with KI was used to study the photodynamic efficiency of MB (5.0 &mu, M). MB with KI photo-inactivated Psa more efficiently than NMB, causing the same bacterial reduction (ca. 8 log CFU mL&minus, 1) in half the irradiation time (45 min). Therefore, MB was selected for the subsequent ex vivo aPDT assays in pollen. Almost all the Psa cells added artificially to the pollen (3.2 log CFU mL&minus, 1) were photo-inactivated (3.1 log CFU mL&minus, 1), whereas aPDT had a low effect on pollen natural microorganisms. When KI was added, a significant increase in aPDT effectiveness was observed (4.5 log CFU mL&minus, 1). No negative effects were observed in the pollen germination after aPDT. The results show aPDT is an effective and safe method to Psa inactivation on kiwifruit pollen, and MB use is a promising alternative in the control of Psa transmission.

Bacteriophage particles are the most abundant biological entities on our planet, infecting specific bacterial hosts in every known environment and being major drivers of bacterial adaptive evolution. The study of bacteriophage particles potentially sheds light on the development of new biotechnology products. Bacteriophage therapy, although not new, makes use of strictly lytic phage particles as an alternative in the antimicrobial treatment of resistant bacterial infections and is being rediscovered as a safe method due to the fact that these biological entities devoid of any metabolic machinery do not have affinity to eukaryotic cells. Furthermore, bacteriophage-based vaccination is emerging as one of the most promising preventive strategies. This review paper discusses the biological nature of bacteriophage particles, their mode(s) of action and potential exploitation in modern biotechnology. Topics covered in detail include the potential of bacteriophage particles in human infections (bacteriophage therapy), nanocages for gene delivery, food biopreservation and safety, biocontrol of plant pathogens, phage display, bacterial biosensing devices, vaccines and vaccine carriers, biofilm and bacterial growth control, surface disinfection, corrosion control, together with structural and functional stabilization issues., Project funding by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP, São Paulo, Brazil) (FAPESP Refs. No. 2016/08884- 3 (Project PneumoPhageColor) and 2016/12234-4 (Project TransAppIL)), is hereby gratefully acknowledged. Funding by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo(FAPESP Ref. No. 2016/ 16641-3) in the form of an M.Sc. fellowship granted to Liliam Harada is hereby gratefully acknowledged. This work also received support from CNPq, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development Brazil, in the form of Research Productivity (PQ) fellowships granted to Victor M. Balcão (Refs. No. 306113/2014-7 and 308208/2017-0). Financial support to Krystyna Dąbrowska by the National Science Centre in Poland (Grant UMO-2012/05/E/NZ6/03314) is also gratefully acknowledged. The authors have no conflicts of interest whatsoever to declare., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

In the present research effort, production of crude sericin extracts from Bombyx mori silk cocoons was attempted using two different approaches. Sericin was extracted from cocoons by high-temperature autoclaving followed either by lyophilization or freezing-thawing precipitation, to obtain a crude sericin powder. The physico-chemical and biological characteristics of the crude sericin extracts were evaluated in detail, via FTIR, XRD, XRF, XRT, UVvis scanning, TGA and DSC, protein quantification, antimicrobial activity, free radical scavenging activity, cytotoxic activity, potential for inducing chromosomal aberrations via Allium cepa assays, and genotoxicity via Comet analyses. The molecular weight distribution of the crude sericin extracts was also investigated, via sodium dodecyl sulfatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDSPAGE), and the results duly compared to standard sericin. The results gathered clearly suggest that the crude sericin extracts had both obvious radical scavenging effects with the 2.2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) assay, and antibacterial activity, further suggesting that this protein might be a valuable addition for either food and biopharmaceutical applications., Project funding by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP, São Paulo, Brazil; Refs. No. 2016/08884-3 (Project PneumoPhageColor) and 2016/12234-4 (Project TransAppIL)), is hereby gratefully acknowledged. Funding by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP Ref. No. 2016/16641-3) in the form of a M.Sc. fellowship granted to Liliam Harada is hereby gratefully acknowledged. Funding by the University of Sorocaba (UNISO, Sorocaba, Brazil) for Laura Favaro is hereby gratefully acknowledged. This work also received support from CNPq, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development − Brazil, in the form of Research Productivity (PQ) fellowships granted to Victor M. Balcão (Ref. No. 306113/2014-7) and Renata Lima (Ref. No. 303967/2015-3)., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Development and optimization of a bioorigami film with silk sericin was pursued for skin regeneration. Several formulations were produced, with varying integrated sericin contents, viz. 0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 mgsericin mLfilm-1. The physico-chemical characteristics of the bioorigami films produced were evaluated via infrared spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray transmission, X-ray fluorescence, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, transdermal protein permeation, kinetics of protein release from the bioorigami films and free radical scavenging activities. The mechanical resistance was also evaluated. The results by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) assay suggest that the bioorigami films integrating crude sericin extract had capacity to sequester free radicals, exhibited prolonged release of the bioactive protein, good physico-chemical characteristics and adequate mechanical resistance. Specifically, the bioorigami film with 10 mgsericin mLfilm-1 proved to be able to release all the bioactive protein in a 12 h timeframe. The results suggest potential for use in biopharmaceutical application, specifically, as material for use in hydrogels.

Cateteres centrais de insercao periferica (CCIP) sao amplamente utilizados em neonatos internados em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN). O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar as caracteristicas fisicas de CCIP, por meio da aplicacao das normas ABNT NBR ISO 10555-1: 2003 e ABNT NBR ISO 105553: 2003, e comparar os resultados produzidos na analise de CCIP no inicio de seu processo de producao (somente cateteres extrusados) com os obtidos na analise do produto acabado. Testes experimentais foram realizados em CCIP fabricados por um fabricante nacional entre os anos de 2011 e 2012. Os dados foram coletados a partir de testes realizados em ambos os cateteres que foram apenas extrusados, ou seja, sem pintar as demarcacoes, cortes e outros processos relacionados com garantia de qualidade, e cateteres apos a conclusao do processo geral de fabricacao. No presente estudo, incluiram-se todos os estagios do processo de producao do cateter que podem gerar algum tipo de modificacao no produto que poderia gerar riscos aos pacientes que necessitam utiliza-los. Os cateteres foram analisados quanto a resistencia a ruptura, radiopacidade, caracteristicas de fluxo, vazamento de fluido sob pressao e ocorrencia de vazamento de ar na montagem do tubo de succao, conforme preconizado pelas normas NBR ISO 10555-1: 2003 e NBR ISO 10555-3: 2003. Os resultados obtidos foram satisfatorios em todas as analises realizadas, com excecao da resistencia a ruptura, que nao atendeu as especificacoes preconizadas pelos padroes para cateteres de silicone. Examinaram-se tambem cateteres feitos de poliuretano, que por sua vez cumpriram os padroes no que diz respeito a resistencia a ruptura. Como as normas nao especificam pontos importantes a serem levados em conta para a realizacao de testes inequivocamente, foram feitas sugestoes para a revisao dessas normas. Palavras-chave: Teste mecânico. Teste de tensao. Refletividade de raios X. Deformacao. Propriedades elasticas. Polimeros

In this research project, synthesis and characterization of ionic liquids and their subsequent utilization as facilitators of transdermal delivery of human insulin was pursued. Choline geranate and choline oleate ionic liquids (and their deep eutectic solvents) were produced and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), water content, oxidative stability, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assays, and ability to promote transdermal protein permeation. The results gathered clearly suggest that all ionic liquids were able to promote/facilitate transdermal permeation of insulin, although to various extents. In particular, choline geranate 1:2 combined with its virtually nil cyto- and geno-toxicity was chosen to be incorporated in a biopolymeric formulation making it a suitable facilitator aiming at transdermal delivery of insulin.

The increasing and alarming panorama of bacterial infections and associated morbidities that occur during medical and hospital procedures makes the development of technologies that aid in controlling such bacterial infections of utmost importance. Recent studies have shown that formulations with metal nanoparticles exhibit good antibacterial properties against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. Moreover, it was demonstrated that some biologically active polymeric materials, when applied in combination with chemical antimicrobial agents, enhance the therapeutic action of the latter. The research effort entertained herein aimed at the physico-chemical characterisation of silver nanoparticles obtained by chemical reduction, stabilised by bioactive polymers polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone, and further co-stabilised by pluronic F68. Scanning electron microscopy images of the nanoparticles produced, coated with different stabilisers, have shown that the chemical nature of the stabilisation effect promoted incorporation of pluronic in the nanoparticles and was closely related to an increase in the silver concentration in the nanoparticle samples obtained via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The study described herein also shows that the nature of the stabiliser favours the interaction of pluronic F68 with samples containing silver nanoparticles., Project funding by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP, São Paulo, Brazil) (FAPESP Ref. No., 10/51933-9; 51933-9), is hereby gratefully acknowledged. This work received support from FAPESP and CNPq, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development – Brazil, in the form of Productivity in Research (PQ) fellowships granted to Victor M. Balcão and Marco V. Chaud. The authors are also grateful to CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Brazil) for financial support. The authors have no conflicts of interest whatsoever to declare., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

"Available online 09 September 2016", Cigarette smoking is a serious public health problem. According to data from the World Health Organization, it is estimated that currently more than 1.2 billion people worldwide do tobacco use and that smoking-related diseases are responsible for about 6 million deaths each. With attention to this, it is necessary to seek preventive and prognostic of trying to reduce these numbers and alert the public in general about the danger and the harm caused by its use. Thus, the objective of the research work undertaken was to evaluate and compare the chemical composition of collected saliva samples of smokers and nonsmokers by X-ray Fluorescence analyses. 32 individuals were selected, 16 of which used cigarette on a daily basis and the other 16 had never smoked. Saliva was collected with the help of a (sterile) disposable Pasteur pipette and samples sent to the Applied Nuclear Physics Laboratory at UNISO (LAFINAU), where analyzes were carried out. Individuals who agreed to participate in the study answered a questionnaire to define their profile of inclusion and signed an informed consent form (CEP Protocol n° 831.753 of 09/10/2014). The results clearly showed that there are differences in the concentrations of chemical elements in the saliva of smokers and non-smokers. The biggest discrepancies were found at concentrations of the chemical elements Sulfur, Phosphorus, Chlorine and Potassium, and smaller differences in the concentration of the elements Calcium, Manganese, Iron, Copper, Titanium, Vanadium and Nickel. In only one saliva sample, and in quite low amounts, arsenic was detected. The results indicate that smoking produces more significant changes in the saliva of women than in men, increasing the concentration of some elements in the saliva of female smokers, much more than in the male smokers. The cigarette usage time also appears to exert a greater influence on the composition of the saliva of women than in men, indicating that the damage caused by cigarette use may in fact be higher in women than in men., Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP, São Paulo, Brazil) (FAPESP Refs. no. 2012/ 15651-4 and 2013/03181-6), CNPq, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development – Brazil, in the form of Research Productivity (PQ) fellowships - Ref. no. 306113/2014-7, Ref. No. 309598/2014-1

The aqueous-core enclosed in lipid nanoballoons integrating multiple emulsions of the type water-in-oil-in-water mimic, at least in theory, the environment within viable cells, thus being suitable for housing hydrophilic protein entities such as bioactive proteins, peptides and bacteriophage particles. The research effort entertained in this paper reports a full physicochemical characterization of optimized biomimetic aqueous-core lipid nanoballoons housing hydrophilic (BSA) protein entities, evolved from a statistical 23x31 factorial design study (three variables at two levels and one variable at three levels) that was the subject of the first paper of a series of three, aiming at full stabilization of the three-dimensional structure of protein entities attempted via housing said molecular entities within biomimetic aqueous-core lipid nanoballoons integrating a multiple (W/O/W) emulsion. The statistical factorial design followed led to production of an optimum W/O/W multiple emulsion possessing quite homogeneous particles with an average hydrodynamic size of (186.2 ± 2.6) nm and average Zeta potential of (-36.5 ± 0.9) mV, and exhibiting a polydispersity index of 0.206 ± 0.014. Additionally, the results obtained for the diffusion coefficient of the lipid nanoballoons integrating the optimized W/O/W multiple emulsion were comparable and of the same order of magnitude (1012 m2.s1) as those published by other authors since, typically, diffusion coefficients for molecules range from 1010 to 107 m2.s1, but diffusion coefficients for nanoparticles are typically of the order of magnitude of 1012 m2.s1., This work also received support from CNPq, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development – Brazil, in the form of Research Productivity (PQ) fellowships granted to Victor M. Balc~ao (Ref. No. 306113/2014–7) and Marco V. Chaud (Ref. No. 309598/ 2014–1).

Owing to its hygroscopicity biodiesel may accumulate water during storage, which becomes favorable to the growth of microorganisms. In order to control microbial contamination, use of various chemical biocides has been studied. However, the addition of a natural substance simultaneously with antioxidant and microbial growth inhibition could prove advantageous in the prevention of biodiesel oxidation and microbial contamination. Curcumin and pyrocatechol are antioxidant agents, which also exhibit microbial growth inhibition abilities. This research effort aimed at evaluating the addition of curcumin and pyrocatechol to biodiesel produced from various vegetable sources (waste frying oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, sesame oil, macaúba almond oil and microalgae oil). The combined addition of 1% (w/w) water and curcumin (viz. 0.2% (w/w) for biodiesel from spent frying oil, 0.5% (w/w) for biodiesel from soybean oil, 0.1% (w/w) for biodiesel from cotton seed oil, 0.5% (w/w) for biodiesel from sesame seed oil, 0.2% (w/w) for biodiesel from macaúba almond oil, and 0.2% (w/w) for biodiesel from microalgae oil) were those processing variables that promoted the best fungistatic and antioxidant effects, allowing maintenance of an unfavorable environment for microbial growth in biodiesel inoculated with the ubiquitous filamentous mold Paecilomyces variotii Bainier., Project funding by CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development - Brazil) (CNPq Ref. No. 404808/ 2013-1, Project ‘Studies on Biodiesel: Development of analytical methods for the characterization and quality control, and research of new natural additives to improve the quality of this biofuel’), is hereby gratefully acknowledged. This work received support from CNPq, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development Brazil, in the form of Research Productivity (PQ) fellowships granted to Victor M. Balcão (Ref. No. 306113/2014-7) and Marco V. Chaud (Ref. No. 309598/2014-1). The authors have no conflicts of interest whatsoever to declare.

Background : Evacuation disorders are common in industrialized countries, affecting an average of 15% to 20% of the healthy adult population. Probiotic therapy can reduce functional constipation and increase both the number of weekly bowel movements and quality of stools. Based on the hypothesis that a combination of more strains may provide better results for constipation and facilitate adherence to treatment, this study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination of different strains of Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp. in functional constipation. Methods : A single-centre trial of adults aged 20 to 80 years with intestinal constipation will be conducted at a Gastroenterology Clinic in Sorocaba, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Participants will be allocated into 3 groups receiving: 1. mixture of 3 probiotics: [Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (3 × 109 CFU)]; 2. mixture of 8 probiotics [Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus defensis, Bifidobacterium animallis (8 × 109 CFU)]; or 3. placebo, for 4 weeks. The outcomes of interest will be change in frequency of weekly bowel movements, change in stool quality according to the 4–6 Bristol scale, number of volunteer withdrawal, number of adverse events and number of serious adverse effect. Discussion: The probiotic products are expected to induce beneficial changes in the intestinal microbiota, thereby increasing intestinal frequency to over 3 times a week and improving stool quality. The results can guide patients and healthcare practitioners and help in decision-making in the treatment of functional constipation. Trial registration and registry name: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04437147: The Effect of Probiotics on Functional Constipation in Adults: Study protocol for Double blind, Randomized, Placebo controlled Study Protocol Version: Version 01 August 30, 2020.

Infectious human diseases acquired from bivalve shellfish consumption constitute a public health threat. These health threats are largely related to the filter-feeding phenomenon, by which bivalve organisms retain and concentrate pathogenic bacteria from their surrounding waters. Even after depuration, bivalve shellfish are still involved in outbreaks caused by pathogenic bacteria, which increases the demand for new and efficient strategies to control transmission of shellfish infection. Bacteriophage (or phage) therapy represents a promising, tailor-made approach to control human pathogens in bivalves, but its success depends on a deep understanding of several factors that include the bacterial communities present in the harvesting waters, the appropriate selection of phage particles, the multiplicity of infection that produces the best bacterial inactivation, chemical and physical factors, the emergence of phage-resistant bacterial mutants and the life cycle of bivalves. This review discusses the need to advance phage therapy research for bivalve decontamination, highlighting their efficiency as an antimicrobial strategy and identifying critical aspects to successfully apply this therapy to control human pathogens associated with bivalve consumption.

O cimento Portland e o componente basico do concreto. A espectroscopia de fluorescencia de raios X e uma tecnica analitica estabelecida usada em fabricas de cimento em todo o mundo. Um estudo comparativo dos constituintes elementares presentes em cimentos Portland produzidos no Brasil foi realizado atraves da analise via EDXRF. Os principais elementos identificados e quantificados nas amostras de cimento foram Al, Ca, Fe, K, Si, S, Ti, Mn, Zn e Sr. Os principais componentes do cimento sao cal (CaO), silica (SiO 2 ), alumina (Al 2 O 3 ), oxido de ferro (Fe 2 O 3 ), magnesia (MgO), alcalis (Na 2 O e K 2 O) e sulfatos (SO 3 ). Os componentes C 3 S, C 2 S, C 3 A e C 4 AF foram calculados pela formula de Bogue. Foram feitas argamassa com agua, cimento e areia para cada marca de cimento e foram realizadas analises para avaliar a resistencia a compressao mecânica. Os corpos foram quebrados apos a cura nos seguintes prazos: 1, 3, 7, 28 e 91 dias. Os resultados dos ensaios mecânicos foram correlacionados com os componentes encontrados nas diferentes marcas de cimento. Nossos resultados indicam que a resistencia a compressao inicial pode variar muito de uma marca para outra e os valores para os potenciais do Bogue mostram grandes diferencas para C 3 S e C 2 S. Foi demonstrado por testes de resistencia como e possivel prever o comportamento das argamassas feitas com esses cimentos. Os cimentos provaram ser bons para a fabricacao de argamassas e atendem as especificacoes Brasileiras.

Contract grant sponsor: FAPESP, Sao Paulo, Brazil; contract grant numbers: 2013/03181-6; 2013/19300-4Contract grant sponsor: FINEP Innovation and Research; contract grant number: 01.13.0286.00

Development and optimization of a hydrogel with impregnated silver sulfadiazine was pursued, for antimicrobial topical applications. The selected hydrogel exhibited a homogeneous appearance, with whitish colloration and devoid of any fractures or cracks. The content in impregnated silver sulfadiazine was within established limits (1%, w/w) with a standard deviation of up to 1.28%. The hydrogel presented a good characteristic in relation to release of the active antimicrobial principle, verified through swelling tests and antimicrobial activity. The swelling tests indicated a higher increase in weight during the first 6 h of contact with a moist environment, with a maximum value of 266.00 ± 0.81, and with maintenance of the original shape of the hydrogel. The impregnated silver sulfadiazine presented antimicrobial activity, as expected, indicating a prolonged release of the drug. The infrared spectra of the hydrogel with impregnated silver sulfadiazine indicated that the drug did not engage in any bonds with the polymeric matrix, which otherwise could have reduced its antimicrobial activity. The mechanical resistance tests produced good results, indicating that the hydrogels may be utilized in different locations of the human body with skin lesions., Project funding by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP, São Paulo, Brazil) (FAPESP Ref. Nos. 2012/15651-4, 2013/03181-6, and 2014/21122-0) is hereby gratefully acknowledged. This work also received support from CNPq in the form of a Research Productivity (PQ) fellowship

Over the last few years, researchers have started to explore a particular class of compounds defined as ionic liquids (ILs) in attempts to use their unique characteristics. Since ILs have a very low vapor pressure, these fascinating compounds hold great potential as high performance chemicals for several applications in the (bio)pharmaceutical industry. In general, and unlike common organic solvents with comparable polarities, ILs are quite compatible with enzymes (enhancing their structural and chemical stability) and other proteins, since they can promote higher selectivities, faster reaction rates and greater enzyme stabilities in biocatalytic reactions providing, at the same time, a path for the structural and functional stabilization of protein entities. ILs appear to enhance the delivery of macromolecules, particularly protein entities, and their interactions with ILs will be tackled in detail in this review paper., Project funding by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP, São Paulo, Brazil) (FAPESP Refs. No. 2016/08884-3 (Project PneumoPhageColor) and 2016/12234-4 (Project TransAppIL)) is hereby gratefully acknowledged. Funding by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP Ref. No. 2016/16641-3) in the form of an MSc fellowship granted to Liliam Harada is hereby gratefully acknowledged. This work also received support from CNPq, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, Brazil, in the form of Research Productivity (PQ) fellowships granted to Victor M. Balcão (Refs. No. 306113/2014-7 and 308208/2017-0)., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion