Prevalence of COVID-19 Complications during a Program of Homeopathic Camphora Officinalis Distribution to City Populations of Santa Catarina, Brazil: An Ecological Study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, was declared a pandemic in March 2020, posing significant challenges globally. Homeopathy has historical relevance in epidemic management. In response, the government of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, distributed Camphora 1M as a potential prophylactic intervention for COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the possible effects of Camphora 1M as an adjunctive prophylactic measure in managing COVID-19, focusing on mortality and hospitalization rates, during the period April 28 to July 31, 2020, within designated COVID-19 in-patient units in Santa Catarina. METHODS: An ecological study design was applied to this epidemiological research. Five case municipalities (Itajaí, Atalanta, Entre Rios, Rio do Campo, Trombudo Central) were compared with five control municipalities (São José, Galvão, Pedras Grandes, Grão-Pará, Ascurra). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in predictor variables between municipalities that received Camphora 1M and the respective controls. Similarly, no statistically significant differences were observed in outcomes: deaths (p = 0.879), hospitalized cases (p = 0.537), daily ward admissions (p = 0.730) and ICU admissions (p = 0.072). CONCLUSION: For the first wave of the pandemic in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, city-wide distribution of Camphora 1M was not associated with reduced numbers, severity or mortality among the population hospitalized in designated public hospitals for COVID-19.

Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) Using Lipophilic Extract of Viscum album subsp. austriacum (Wiesb.) Vollm.

Background and Purpose: Natural products are potential sources of anticancer components. Among various species, the lipophilic extract of the Viscum album subsp. austriacum (Wiesb.) Vollm. (VALE) has shown promising therapeutic potential. The present work aimed to qualify the plant source and characterize the extract's chemical profile. In addition, a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) containing VALE (SNEDDS-VALE) was developed. Methods: V. album subsp. austriacum histochemistry was performed, and the chemical profile of VALE was analyzed by GC-MS. After the SNEEDS-VALE development, its morphology was visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), while its stability was evaluated by the average droplet size, polydispersity index (PdI) and pH. Lastly, SNEDDS-VALE chemical stability was evaluated by LC-DAD-MS. Results: The histochemical analysis showed the presence of lipophilic compounds in the leaves and stems. The major compound in the VALE was oleanolic acid, followed by lupeol acetate and ursolic acid. SNEDDS was composed of medium chain triglyceride and Kolliphor® RH 40 (PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil). A homogeneous, isotropic and stable nanoemulsion was obtained, with an average size of 36.87 ± 1.04 nm and PdI of 0.14 ± 0.02, for 14 weeks. Conclusion: This is the first histochemistry analysis of V. album subsp. austriacum growing on Pinus sylvestris L. which provided detailed information regarding its lipophilic compounds. A homogeneous, isotropic and stable SNEDDS-VALE was obtained to improve the low water solubility of VALE. Further, in vitro and in vivo experiments should be performed, in order to evaluate the antitumoral potential of SNEDDS-VALE.

Prevalence and impact of comorbidities in women with chronic pelvic pain / Prevalência e impacto de comorbidades em mulheres com dor pélvica crônica

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common condition in women and there are often associated comorbidities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of comorbidities in patients with CPP and to seek associations between comorbidities and the manifestations of chronic pain. METHODS: Observational case-control study with sociodemographic, behavioral and clinical information, including comorbidities, in 246 women, 123 with CPP and 123 without CPP (control group). RESULTS: Anxiety, depression, migraine and endometriosis were the most frequent comorbidities in women with CPP. The comorbidities assessed in the CPP group were not associated with pain intensity score, history of abortion, physical violence or sexual violence (p>0.05). In the group of women with CPP and endometriosis, the median anxiety and depression score was significantly lower than in the group without endometriosis (14.5; 95% CI: 11.0-14.9) versus (17.0; 95% CI: 14.6-16.7), p=0.012 and (13.0; 95%CI: 11.1-15.9) versus (16.5; 95% CI: 14.5-17.6), p= 0.045, respectively. In patients with migraine, the median depression score was higher in the group of women with CPP compared to the group without CPP (15.0; 95% CI: 14.1-17.8) versus (10.0; 95% CI: 8.5-12.4), p=0.048. CONCLUSION: The most prevalent comorbidities in women with CPP were mental disorders, migraine and endometriosis. Comorbidities were not related to pain intensity, physical violence or sexual violence. Having a diagnosis of endometriosis is associated with lower anxiety and depression scores in patients with CPP. Overlapping migraine and CPP were associated with a worse depression score.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor pélvica crônica (DPC) é uma condição comum em mulheres e frequentemente há comorbidades associadas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de comorbidades em pacientes de DPC e buscar associações entre comorbidades e as manifestações da dor crônica. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional de caso-controle com informações sociodemográficas, comportamentais e clínicas, incluindo comorbidades, em 246 mulheres, sendo 123 com DPC e 123 sem DPC (grupo controle). RESULTADOS: Ansiedade, depressão, enxaqueca e endometriose foram as comorbidades mais frequentes em mulheres com DPC. As comorbidades avaliadas no grupo com DPC não se associaram com o escore de intensidade da dor, com história de aborto, de violência física nem de violência sexual (p>0,05). No grupo de mulheres com DPC e endometriose, a mediana do escore de ansiedade e de depressão foi significativamente menor do que no grupo sem endometriose (14,5; IC 95%: 11,0-14,9) versus (17,0; IC 95%: 14,6-16,7), p=0,012 e (13,0; IC 95%: 11,1-15,9) versus (16,5; IC 95%: 14,5-17,6), p=0,045, respectivamente. Em pacientes com enxaqueca, a mediana do escore de depressão foi maior no grupo de mulheres com DPC em relação ao grupo sem DPC (15,0; IC 95%: 14,1-17,8) versus (10,0; IC 95%: 8,5-12,4), p=0,048. CONCLUSÃO: As comorbidades mais prevalentes em mulheres com DPC foram transtornos mentais, enxaqueca e endometriose. As comorbidades não se associaram à intensidade da dor, violência física ou sexual. O diagnóstico de endometriose associou-se a menores escores de ansiedade e de depressão em mulheres com DPC. A sobreposição de enxaqueca e DPC associou-se a um pior escore de depressão.

Pluronic® F127 Thermoresponsive Viscum album Hydrogel: Physicochemical Features and Cellular In Vitro Evaluation.

Viscum album L., popularly known as mistletoe, is well known for its anti-cancer properties, and the pharmaceutical application of hydroalcoholic dry extracts is still limited due to its low solubility in aqueous media, and physicochemical instability. The Pluronic® F127 is an amphiphilic polymer, which permits the solubilization of lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds. In this investigation, physicochemical features of hydrogel containing V. album dry extract (VADE-loaded-hydrogel) were performed by: dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). VADE-loaded-hydrogel presented nanometer-size micelles with volume distribution ranging from 10.58 nm to 246.7 nm, and a polydispersity index of 0.441. The sample thermal analyses (TG and DSC) showed similar decomposition curves; however, the thermal events indicated an increase in thermal stability in relation to the presence of the extract. In addition to these interesting pharmaceutical features, IC50 values of 333.40 µg/mL and >1000 µg/mL were obtained when tumor (SCC-25) and non-tumor (L929) cells were incubated with VADE-loaded-hydrogel, respectively. The optical and ultrastructural cellular analysis confirmed the tumor selectivity since the following alterations were detected only in SCC-25 cells: disorganization of plasmatic membrane; an increase of cytoplasmatic vacuole size; alteration in the cristae mitochondrial shape; and generation of amorphous cellular material. These results emphasize the promising antitumoral potential of VADE-loaded-hydrogel as an herbal drug delivery system via in vitro assays.

Parenting Styles, Mental Health, and Catastrophizing in Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Case-Control Study.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women is a highly prevalent condition worldwide and requires multimodal treatment. Adverse childhood experiences have been associated with CPP in women, while allodynia and poor outcomes have been linked to pain catastrophizing in these patients. Pain perception has been associated with parenting style during childhood. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between parenting style, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression and CPP in women. A case-control study was conducted between May 2018 and August 2021 with 123 women with CPP and 123 pain-free controls. Questionnaires were used to collect participants' data. The association between parenting style and CPP was assessed using multiple logistic regression, with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) being calculated. The correlation between catastrophizing, pain intensity, pain duration, anxiety, depression, and parenting style in women with CPP was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (r). A higher frequency of low maternal care (60.7% versus 45.2%; p = 0.026), anxiety (79.7% versus 56.9%; p < 0.001), depression (73.2% versus 56.1%; p = 0.008) and physical violence (31.7% versus 14.6%; p = 0.003) was found in the CPP group compared to the controls. There was no association between parenting style and CPP in the adjusted analysis. A positive correlation was found between catastrophizing and pain intensity (r = 0.342; p < 0.001), anxiety (r = 0.271; p = 0.002), depression (r = 0.272; p = 0.002), and maternal overprotection (r = 0.185; p = 0.046). A negative correlation was found between anxiety and maternal (r = -0.184; p = 0.047) and paternal (r = -0.286; p = 0.006) care and between depression and maternal (r = -0.219; p = 0.018) and paternal (r = -0.234; p = 0.026) care. The present results suggest a significant but weak association of parenting style with pain catastrophizing, the mental health of women with CPP, and the way in which they experience pain.

NMR analysis: potential and challenges as a homeopathic basic research tool

Homeopathic ultra-diluted solutions surpass the threshold of matter dispersion and, consequently, their chemical constitution is similar to inert solvent. Nevertheless, randomized clinical trials have shown that the clinical effects of these homeopathic medicines are superior to placebo1. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is one of the most promising techniques to detect physicochemical alterations induced by homeopathic procedures2,3. Aims: To investigate T2 NMR relaxation times of Zincum metallicumand lactose dynamized samples. Methodology: Zincum metallicumsamples were ground until 6dH using lactose as an excipient. Subsequently, these samples were dynamized with ultrapure water to produce 8dH, 9dH, 10dH,and 11dH. Lactose dynamized samples (6dH-11dH) were used as control. Aliquots of 540µl of each sample were diluted with 60µl of deuterated water (D2O) in 5mm tubes. The analyses were carried out in Bruker Ascend TM 500MHZ spectrometer at 288 K. Results and discussion: The Zincum metallicumand lactose T2 relaxation times were very similar, except for Zincum metallicum8dH, which presented a value of 1.226 in comparison to 1.036 of lactose 8dH. The following T2 values were registered: 1.287 -9dH; 1.413 -10dH; 1.467 -11dH, and 1.303 -9dH; 1.400 ­10dH; 1.350 -11dH, for Zincum metallicumand lactose, respectively. The differences detected in 8dH samples are probably due to the presence of lactose in the first dilution step, in which 1 part of the 6dH triturated mixture was diluted in 9 parts of water, to prepare 7dH. Following this homeopathic procedure, 8dH solutions remain around 1% of lactose which could be influenced by the T2 values registered.Conclusion: These preliminary results showed the possibility to apply the NMR technique to evaluate the influence of dynamization in the relaxation parameters. Further studies should be carried out with other potencies and/or other homeopathic substances, in addition to the evaluation of T1 and the T1/T2 parameters, as previously described by other groups.

Comparative analysis for quality control of mother tinctures in Brazilian reports

Quality control of ahomeopathic mother tincture begins with the analysis of the raw material. Once the product is obtained, some organoleptic characteristics and Physicochemical properties such as appearance, colour, odour, density, dry residue, alcohol content,and chemicalmarker are evaluated. In Brazil, mother tinctures from different suppliers may have high variability in terms of the specifications described in the homeopathic pharmacopoeia. Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare mother tinctures' quality control from different pharmaceutical suppliers based on Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia 3rd edition. Methods: Five mother tinctures were selected according to the high number of requests in the pharmacies, also its monographs are in the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia (FHB) 3rd edition. The report of analysis of the product was provided by three homeopathic pharmacies from the city of Rio de Janeiro. The information in the reports wasevaluated and compared to its monograph. Results and discussion: In this study, it was found that the number of laboratories that provide homeopathic pharmaceutical ingredients is rather low. In addition, in some reports, a number of identification tests werenot described properly when compared to the monograph. Besides that, some information diverges from the pharmacopoeia, for example, absence of dry residue testing, replacement of the part of the plant used to prepare the mother tincture,and results that do not meet pharmacopoeia specifications. As can be seen, the quality and effectiveness of homeopathic medicines prepared from these tinctures may be compromised. Conclusion:In order to guarantee consumer protection and the quality and effectiveness of medicines, governments and regulatory agencies should requirea greater commitment from suppliers in the production of homeopathic inputs.

Current Challenges in the Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women: From Bench to Bedside.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects a significant proportion of women worldwide And has a negative impact on several aspects of these women's lives including mental health, work, relationships and sexual function, among others. This set of factors ultimately reflects negatively on quality Of life. The physiopathology of CPP is complex and remains to be fully clarified; however, recent advances have increased understanding of the mechanisms involved in chronic pain in general, and more specifically, CPP. Nonetheless, even when a detailed clinical history is obtained, meticulous physical examination is performed and imaging resources are appropriately used, the organic cause of the pain may still fail to be identified in a substantial number of women with CPP. Management of CPP may therefore be challenging. This narrative review was aimed at adding to the available literature on the subject, presenting and discussing the principal characteristics of CPP in women. The paper highlights gaps in the literature while providing the most up-to-date evidence associated with the physiopathology and classification of pain, its diagnosis and treatment. In addition, current challenges in the management of women with CPP are discussed.

Dysfunctional Parenting Styles Are Associated with Mental Disorders and Low Self-Efficacy Beliefs in Brazilian Undergraduate Medical Students.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between parental bonding styles and anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and self-efficacy beliefs in undergraduate medical students. METHODS: A cross-sectional, self-administered survey involving 315 Brazilian medical students was conducted online. The Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), and the general self-efficacy (GSE) scale were used. The internal consistency of the instruments used in the study was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha. Multiple logistic regression models were applied, and the odds ratios (OR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to determine the association between parental bonding styles and anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and general self-efficacy beliefs. RESULTS: In the analysis adjusted for sociodemographic variables, maternal affectionless control was associated with a greater risk of anxiety (OR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.15-5.33), depression (OR = 7.54; 95% CI: 3.20-17.78), suicidal ideation (OR = 3.62; 95% CI: 1.58-8.27), and low self-efficacy (OR = 3.81; 95% CI: 1.76-8.25), while maternal neglectful parenting was associated with depression (OR = 3.24; 95% CI: 1.17-8.96) and paternal affectionate constraint with suicidal ideation (OR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.36-7.02). CONCLUSIONS: These findings showed dysfunctional parenting styles to be associated with mental illnesses and low self-efficacy in Brazilian undergraduate medical students. This should be taken into consideration when treating medical students with mental disorders.

Multivariate analysis of the distribution and formation of trihalomethanes in treated water for human consumption.

The disinfection of water for human consumption with chlorine or other compounds produces secondary reactions with the organic matter, generating undesirable disinfection by-products (DBPs). Among these are trihalomethanes (THMs), identified as carcinogenic compounds. This work determined the trihalomethanes concentration, both speciated and total, in treated water distributed and stored in tanks of residential condominiums of different social classes. THMs were quantified using static manual Headspace as preconcentration technique, injecting the vapor phase collected in a GC/FID. The results show that the water distributed to the homes already contains THMs, trichloromethane being the major compound. The Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) with 60 water samples showed that there is no significant distinction among samples of treated water distributed water and water stored in tanks. This study warns to the importance of controlling the formation of trihalomethanes in water throughout treatment and distribution for users.

Microplastic pollution in Southern Atlantic marine waters: Review of current trends, sources, and perspectives.

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging and ubiquitous contaminants which have been gaining prominence since the last decade to nowadays. This is due to their possible adverse effects in aquatic ecosystems as well as the huge amount of plastic waste exponentially generated around the globe. Plastics may be introduced either directly to water bodies or indirectly to the aquatic systems by being carried by the wind, from emissions of contaminated effluents, and soil leaching, among other processes. In turn, these debris may interact with organic and inorganic contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and trace constituents, and with microorganisms. Although the abundance of microplastics from South Atlantic waters is among the highest found worldwide, the number of studies in these marine waters regarding MP contamination is still scarce. Additionally, there still are no consensus on the best sampling conditions, which may be underestimating MPs. In this way, adequate MPs studies regarding their distribution, exposure levels, chemical and biological interactions are highly suggested in order to better understand both environmental and human health potential risks. This review assessed advances in sampling, analytical methodologies, characterization and understanding of MP sources in these marine waters in comparison to data from other regions around the globe.

Atypical unilateral multifocal choroiditis in a COVID-19 positive patient.

PURPOSE: To present a case of an atypical unilateral multifocal choroiditis that occurred in temporal association to an acute covid-19 infection. METHOD: A 23-year-old highly myopic man presented with reduced vision in the right eye while under medical quarantine due to direct exposure to COVID-19 infection. Five days after developing mild COVID symptoms (fever, cough and anosmia) he noticed acute painless loss of central vision in his right eye. Systemic evaluation at presentation was positive for SARS-CoV-2 detected via both a pharyngeal swab and serologic titers. Dilated fundus exam was performed, followed by color fundus pictures, optic coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and fluorescein angiography (FA). RESULTS: Fundoscopic examination of the right eye revealed the presence of multiple discrete, slightly elevated yellow-whitish placoid lesions at the posterior pole. The visual acuity was 20/800. The left eye was normal with 20/20 vision. The patient was placed on oral corticosteroids and the lesions rapidly improved. CONCLUSION: The patient had an MFC chorioretinitis around the same time that he had a documented acute covid infection. Though the temporal relationship could be by chance alone, communicating this case to the ophthalmic community is warranted to see if other similar cases are noted.

Executive Functioning: A Mediator Between Sensory Processing and Behaviour in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction, executive functioning, sensory-perceptual abilities and behaviour, such as anxious/depressed states, attention problems, aggression, or somatic complains. However, the dynamic relationship between these dimensions remains to be addressed. Therefore, we explored the link between executive functions, sensory processing and behaviour in 79 children and adolescents with ASD. Results showed significant associations between all dimensions-executive functions, sensory processing and behaviour. Furthermore, using structural equation modelling methods, we observed a mediation effect of executive functioning, specifically the domain pertaining to emotion regulation and control, and in the relationship between sensory processing abnormalities and behavioural problems. We discuss the importance of emotion regulation as a mediator between sensory processing and behavioural impairments and its impact in social competence in ASD.

Multiple Response Optimization of Beeswax-Based Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for the Controlled Release of Vitamin E.

Consumer demand for cosmetics is growing, causing a need to develop new systems to release active ingredients. Among these, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have certain advantages regarding penetration of active compounds in the skin. The study reported here aimed to develop an NLC system for controlled release of vitamin E, a substance that has antioxidant and photoprotective properties. The NLCs containing vitamin E (NLC-VE) were prepared by the melting-emulsionsolidification method, using beeswax as the solid lipid, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), coconut oil or avocado oil as liquid lipids and three different nonionic surfactants. The composition of the system was defined by studying the effect of various experimental factors on the size distribution, average diameter and physical stability of the nanoparticles. The optimization of these characteristics, achieved by a Box-Behnken statistical design, showed that 8% w/w of the nonionic surfactant Tween 80, 24% ultrasound amplitude and processing time of 2 minutes and 16 seconds generated nanoparticles with homogeneous size (PDI = 0.11±0.02), average diameter of 180±20 nm and physical stability of 12 weeks. The NLC-VE systems prepared under the optimal conditions, containing Tween 80, beeswax and MCTs, were formulated as viscous suspensions by adding Pluronic F-127, a poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide) block copolymer, at a concentration of 10% w/w. The colloidal nanosuspension obtained had a viscosity of 222 mPa·s and released 70% of the active substance in 6 hours, indicating it is a promising candidate for controlled release of vitamin E.

Anxiety and depression in women with and without chronic pelvic pain: prevalence and associated factors.

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of anxiety, depression and mixed anxiety and depressive disorder (MADD) and factors associated with these conditions in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) compared to a pain-free control group. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 women with CPP and 100 without CPP. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to evaluate the presence of anxiety and depression. Sociodemographic, behavioral and clinical characteristics were investigated. Fisher's exact test was used to compare characteristics between groups. A log-binomial regression model was used, with adjustment for age, skin color, schooling, body mass index and pain. Prevalence ratios (PR), together with their 95% confidence intervals (CI), were calculated to investigate factors associated with anxiety, depression and MADD. Results: The prevalence of anxiety was 66% in the CPP group and 49% in the controls (p=0.02). Depression was identified in 63% of the women with CPP and in 38% of the controls (p<0.01). MADD was present in 54% of the CPP group and in 28% of the controls (p<0.01). In the adjusted analysis, CPP (PR=1.3; 95%CI: 1.1-1.6), physical abuse (PR=1.5; 95%CI: 1.2-1.8) and sexual abuse (PR=1.5; 95%CI: 1.1-1.8) were independently associated with anxiety. Women of 25 to 34 years of age were less likely to have anxiety (PR=0.6; 95%CI: 0.4-0.8). CPP (PR=1.6; 95%CI: 1.2-2.2), physical abuse (PR=1.3; 95%CI: 1.1-1.7) and sexual abuse (PR=1.7; 95%CI: 1.3-2.2) were independently associated with depression. CPP (PR=1.9; 95%CI: 1.3-2.7), smoking (PR=1.5; 95%CI: 1.1-2.1), physical abuse (PR=1.4; 95%CI: 1.1-1.9) and sexual abuse (PR=1.4; 95%CI: 1.1-1.8) were independently associated with MADD. Conclusions: The prevalence of anxiety, depression and MADD was higher in women with CPP compared to the pain-free controls. Factors associated with mental disorders were identified. The independent association between CPP and anxiety, depression and MADD was noteworthy. These findings suggest that systematic management of psychological factors could contribute towards improving the mental health of these women.

Nanovesicle-based formulations for photoprotection: a safety and efficacy approach.

Vesicular nanosystems are versatile and they are able to encapsulate actives with different solubilities, such as lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds. The most well-known vesicular nanosystems are liposomes and niosomes, the last one is formed by non-ionic surfactants. In the present work, we developed photoprotective niosomes containing sunscreens (octyl methoxycinnamate, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate and phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid), non-ionic surfactants, cholesterol and stearylamine (positive-charged lipid). Studies based on dynamic light scattering techniques, entrapment efficiency and morphology by transmission electron microscopy were performed to characterize the niosomes. In addition, rheology, pH, in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) efficacy and toxicity and in vivo and in vitro safety were determined for the niosome formulations F-N1 and F-N2. The mean sizes of N1 and N2 were 168 ± 5 nm and 192 ± 8 nm, respectively, and their morphologies were spherical, unilamellar and with an entrapment efficiency of more than 45% for each sunscreen. Both formulations, F-N1 and F-N2 presented characteristics of pseudoplastic non-Newtonian fluids, showing declining viscosity with increasing shear rate applied. SPF values were considered satisfactory, 34 ± 8 for formulation F-N1 and 34 ± 5 for F-N2. The formulations did not present toxicity when tested in macrophages and the pH was compatible with skin, which minimizes allergies. The in vitro safety assay showed lipophilic sunscreens greater affinity for the epidermis, since this layer contains natural lipids. In vivo safety assay suggests that the increased skin retention of N2 is directly correlated with the positive charge of stearylamine. Stable photoprotective niosomes were obtained and were shown to be promising nanostructures to be used against solar radiation.

Inorganic and organic contaminants in drinking water stored in polyethylene cisterns.

This work evaluated the presence of contaminants in stored rainwater in 36 polyethylene tanks installed in two rural communities of the semiarid of Bahia, Brazil. Carbonyl compounds were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-UV), BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylenes) by gas chromatoghaphy (GC-FID), and trace elements by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Seven carbonyl compounds were quantified including acrolein (<3-115 µg L-1), which is considered a potent mutagenic agent, above the potability limit in 75% of the cases. Trace elements such as copper, zinc, barium, aluminum and lead, more frequently found, were also quantified, and lead (<0,56-99 µg L-1) was above the tolerable limit for drinking water of 10 µg L-1 in 73% of the cases. The results show that the stored water in polyethylene cisterns in the Brazilian semiarid region does not present satisfactory conditions for human consumption.

Polymeric Nanostructured Systems for Liquid Formulation of Praziquan-tel: Development and in vitro Assessment.

Praziquantel (PZQ) is widely used in the treatment of several parasitic infections in both humans and animals, and is the first choice in the treatment of Schistosomiasis in humans. However, PZQ is a hydrophobic drug, and its low aqueous solubility has been a significant barrier to the development of oral liquid formulations that may provide improved bioavailability, pharmacokinetic profile, and compliance. The aim of this study was thus (i) to develop an oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsion(NE)-based platform for the delivery of PZQ in liquid form; (ii) to study the transport of PZQ formulated in NEs across an in vitro model of the intestinal epithelium; and (iii) to determine the toxicity profile of the NEs and their individual components on the model epithelium. We also sought to compare the toxicity and transport profiles of the proposed formulations, with those of PZQ in a solid nanostructured particle system - PZQ encapsulated within poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs). Two essential oils were selected as the oil phase in the NEs, namely clove and orange. The NEs were prepared with selected non-ionic surfactants and had high solubilization capacity towards PZQ, and average diameters well below 100nm. The NEs also showed long term physical stability at both simulated physiological and gastric conditions. NEs with clove oil (NEC-PZQ) were observed to have a lower cytotoxic profile when compared to the orange oil NEs (NEO-PZQ). The results also showed that the transport of PZQ formulated within such nanostructured systems was much greater and larger rates across confluent and polarized Caco-2 monolayers when compared to free PZQ. Interestingly, little difference in PZQ transport between the NEs and NPs was observed. These results point to NEs as potentially viable strategies for the liquid formulation of PZQ in particular, and more broadly to the formulation of other hydrophobic therapeutics that may be employed in the fight against important neglected diseases such as Schistosomiasis, which alone affects more than 240 million people worldwide.

Micropropagação de umburana de cheiro / Micropropagation of umburana de cheiro

Umburana-de-cheiro é uma espécie nativa da Caatinga, amplamente utilizada pela população local, devido o valor madeireiro, ornamental, forrageiro e, principalmente medicinal. Considerando o significativo risco de extinção e a inexistência de estudos relacionados ao cultivo e propagação, objetivou-se com este trabalho estabelecer um protocolo para micropropagação de Amburana cearensis. Para isso, avaliou-se a influência do regulador vegetal 6-benzilaminopurina (BAP) em cinco concentrações (0,0; 2,22; 4,44; 8,88 e 17,76µM) sobre a multiplicação in vitro de diferentes explantes (segmento nodal, ápice caulinar e segmento cotiledonar) e na etapa de enraizamento testou-se diferentes concentrações de ácido indol butírico (AIB) (0,0; 2,5; 5,0 e 10,0µM) na presença e ausência de 1,0g L-1 de carvão ativado. Maior número de brotos (2,36) foi obtido na presença de 4,44µM de BAP, a partir do segmento cotiledonar e maior porcentagem de enraizamento (92,0%) ocorreu na presença de 10,0µM de AIB na ausência de carvão ativado. Não existiram dificuldades para o estabelecimento do protocolo de micropropagação de A. cearensis.

Umburana de cheiro is a species native to the Caatinga, widely used by local people, because the value of timber, ornamental, forage and especially medicinal. Considering the significant risk of extinction and the ausence of studies related to the cultive and propagation, the aim of this work was to establish a protocol for micropropagation Amburana cearensis. For this, we evaluated the influence of plant growth regulator BAP at five different concentrations (0.0, 2.22, 4.44, 8.88 and 17.76mM) on the in vitro multiplication of different explants (nodal segments, apex cotyledon and stem segment) and the rooting stage we tested different concentrations of IBA (0.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0mM) in the presence and absence of 1.0g L-1 of activated charcoal. Highest number of shoots (2.36) was obtained in 4.44mM of BAP from cotyledonary segment and higher rooting percentage (92.0%) ocurred in 10.0mM of IBA in the absence of activated charcoal. There were no difficulties to the establishment of micropropagation protocol A. cearensis.