The study of galactomannans with different molecular weights and their ability to form microparticles suitable for pulmonary delivery.

The influence of locust bean gum (LBG) galactomannans (GMs) molecular weight (Mw) to assemble microparticulate systems was evaluated, and carriers for deep lung delivery were developed. A commercial batch of LBG with a mannose/galactose (M/G) ratio of 2.4 (batch 1) was used to study the influence of different microwave partial acid hydrolysis conditions on carbohydrate composition, glycosidic linkages, and aqueous solutions viscosity. The microwave treatment did not affect the composition, presenting 4-Man (36-42 %), 4,6-Man (27-35 %), and T-Gal (24-25 %) as the main glycosidic linkages. Depolymerization led to a viscosity reduction (≤0.005 Pa·s) with no major impact on polysaccharide debranching. The structural composition of the LBG galactomannans were further elucidated with sequence-specific proteins using carbohydrate microarray technologies. A second batch of LBG (M/G 3.3) was used to study the impact of GMs with different Mw on microparticle assembling, characteristics, and insulin release kinetics. The low-Mw GMs microparticles led to a faster release (20 min) than the higher-Mw (40 min) ones, impacting the release kinetics. All microparticles exhibited a safety profile to cells of the respiratory tract. However, only the higher-Mw GMs allowed the assembly of microparticles with sizes suitable for this type of administration.

Percepção de mulheres no momento do trabalho de parto no período da Pandemia de COVID-19 / Women's perception at the time of labor in the COVID-19 Pandemic's period

A Pandemia de COVID-19 trouxe prejuízos irreparáveis para toda a sociedade. Para as mulheres grávidas, além das dúvidas sobre a gravidez, surgiram mais questionamentos relacionados ao risco de exposição e contaminação pelo novo Coronavírus. Grávidas contaminadas pela COVID-19 podem ter manifestações clínicas leves até casos mais graves que, quando associados a algumas comorbidades, aumentam a possibilidade de um parto cesariano de emergência ou um parto prematuro. Diante disso, o presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a percepção de mulheres no momento do trabalho de parto no período da Pandemia de COVID-19. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa, realizado em Unidade de Saúde da Família, da cidade do Recife. Houve predominância de mulheres de raça/cor parda, primíparas, com renda mensal de até um salário mínimo, que estavam em uma união estável, com ensino médio completo e que não trabalhavam fora de casa. Observou-se a discrepância entre a expectativa para o momento do parto e a realidade como este de fato aconteceu; as repercussões emocionais, como medo, ansiedade e depressão, associadas aos distúrbios de imagem, também foram fatores abordados. Os resultados obtidos contribuem para que o processo de trabalho da Atenção Básica possa ser repensado e o conhecimento adquirido acerca desse tema possa ajudar a equipe de Saúde da Família a proporcionar uma assistência à saúde de qualidade e direcionada ao acompanhamento deste público.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has brought irreparable damage to the whole society. For pregnant women, in addition to doubts about pregnancy, more questions appeared regarding the risk of exposure and contamination by the new Coronavirus. Pregnant patients contaminated by COVID-19 can have mild clinical manifestations to more severe cases, which when associated with some comorbidities increase the possibility of an emergency cesarean or premature delivery. In light of this, the objective of the present study was to know the women's perception at the time of labor in the COVID-19 Pandemic's period. This is an exploratory and descriptive study, with a qualitative approach, carried out in a Family Health Unit in Recife city. There was a predominance of women of brown race/color, primiparous, with a monthly income up to one minimum wage, who were in a stable union, had completed high school and who did not work outside the home. It could be observed the discrepancy between the expectation for the moment of delivery and the reality as it actually happened. The emotional repercussions, such as fear, anxiety, depression, associated with image disorders were also factors addressed. The obtained results contribute so that the work process of Primary Health Care can be rethought and the knowledge acquired on this topic can help the Family Health Team to provide quality health care and directed to the follow-up of this public.

Hydrophobic DES Based on Menthol and Natural Organic Acids for Use in Antifouling Marine Coatings.

Marine biofouling negatively impacts industries with off-shore infrastructures, such as naval, oil, and aquaculture. To date, there are no ideal sustainable, economic, and environmentally benign solutions to deal with this phenomenon. The advances achieved in green solvents, as well as its application in different industries, such as pharmaceutical and biotechnology, have promoted the emergence of deep eutectic systems (DES). These eutectic systems have applications in various fields and can be revolutionary in the marine-based industrial sector. In this study, the main objective was to investigate the potential use of hydrophobic DES (HDES) based on menthol and natural organic acids for their use as marine antifouling coatings. Our strategy encompassed the physicochemical characterization of different formulations, which allowed us to identify the most appropriate molar ratio and intermolecular interactions for HDES formations. The miscibility of the resulting HDES with the marine coating has been evaluated and proven to be successful. The Men/OL (1:1) system proved to be the most promising in terms of cost-production and thus was the one used in subsequent antifouling tests. The cytotoxicity of this HDES was evaluated using an in vitro cell model (HaCat cells) showing no significant toxicity. Furthermore, the application of this system incorporated into coatings that are used in marine structures was also studied using marine species (Mytilus edulis mussels and Patella vulgata limpets) to evaluate both their antifouling and ecotoxicity effects. HDES Men/OL (1:1) incorporated in marine coatings was promising in reducing marine macrofouling and also proved to be effective at the level of microfouling without viability impairment of the tested marine species. It was revealed to be more efficient than using copper oxide, metallic copper, or ivermectin as antifouling agents. Biochemical assays performed on marine species showed that this HDES does not induce oxidative stress in the tested species. These results are a strong indication of the potential of this HDES to be sustainable and efficiently used in marine fouling control technologies.

Polysaccharide-Based Carriers for Pulmonary Insulin Delivery: The Potential of Coffee as an Unconventional Source.

Non-invasive routes for insulin delivery are emerging as alternatives to currently painful subcutaneous injections. For pulmonary delivery, formulations may be in powdered particle form, using carriers such as polysaccharides to stabilise the active principle. Roasted coffee beans and spent coffee grounds (SCG) are rich in polysaccharides, namely galactomannans and arabinogalactans. In this work, the polysaccharides were obtained from roasted coffee and SCG for the preparation of insulin-loaded microparticles. The galactomannan and arabinogalactan-rich fractions of coffee beverages were purified by ultrafiltration and separated by graded ethanol precipitations at 50% and 75%, respectively. For SCG, galactomannan-rich and arabinogalactan-rich fractions were recovered by microwave-assisted extraction at 150 °C and at 180 °C, followed by ultrafiltration. Each extract was spray-dried with insulin 10% (w/w). All microparticles had a raisin-like morphology and average diameters of 1-5 µm, which are appropriate for pulmonary delivery. Galactomannan-based microparticles, independently of their source, released insulin in a gradual manner, while arabinogalactan-based ones presented a burst release. The microparticles were seen to be non-cytotoxic for cells representative of the lung, specifically lung epithelial cells (A549) and macrophages (Raw 264.7) up to 1 mg/mL. This work shows how coffee can be a sustainable source of polysaccharide carriers for insulin delivery via the pulmonary route.

Flebite associada ao cateter venoso periférico em cardiologia: incidência, fatores de risco e custos associados / Phlebitis associated with peripheral venous catheter in cardiology: incidence, risk factors and associated costs

Objetivo: Determinar a incidência de flebite, fatores de risco associados e custos diretos de tratamento. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, correlacional, com análise de custo direto. Utilizaram-se dados da documentação dos enfermeiros entre janeiro 2019 e agosto 2021. Resultados: Incluíram-se 2.374 pessoas com cateter venoso periférico, com internamento na cardiologia. A incidência de flebite foi de 12,38%, das quais 78,23% eram de grau 1 de severidade. Verificou-se associação estatística entre o desenvolvimento de flebite e a administração de amiodarona endovenosa, dias de hospitalização e serviço de internamento. Estimaram-se 1662€ de custos adicionais ao tratamento da flebite, em material clínico e horas de cuidados de enfermagem. Conclusão: Os cuidados de enfermagem são eficazes na identificação precoce e tratamento da flebite, promovendo redução de custos adicionais e garantindo melhores cuidados e ganhos em saúde.

Objective: This study aimed to identify the incidence rate of phlebitis, associated risk factors and treatment direct costs. Methods: Descriptive, correlational study with direct cost analisys. Data from the nurses' clinical records between January 2019 and August 2021 were used. Results: Included 2,374 files of people with peripheral venous catheter who were admitted to Cardiology. The phlebitis incidence rate was 12.38% and regarding severity 78.23% were grade 1. The phlebitits was significantly related with intravenous amiodarone administration, length of stay and physical department. This represents €1662 of additional treatment costs, in clinical supplies and nursing time. Conclusion: Nursing care is effective in the early identification and treatment of phlebitis, reducing costs and improve clinical and economic outcomes.

In Vivo Effect of a Nisin-Biogel on the Antimicrobial and Virulence Signatures of Canine Oral Enterococci.

Periodontal disease is a relevant oral disease in dogs and nisin-biogel has been previously proposed to be used in its control. Enterococci, as inhabitants of the oral cavity with a high genetic versatility, are a reliable bacterial model for antimicrobial studies. Our goal was to evaluate the in vivo influence of the long-term dental application of the nisin-biogel on the virulence and antimicrobial signatures of canine oral enterococci. Twenty dogs were randomly allocated to one of two groups (treatment group-TG with nisin-biogel dental application, or control group-CG without treatment) and submitted to dental plaque sampling at day 0 and after 90 days (T90). Samples were processed for Enterococcus spp. isolation, quantification, identification, molecular typing and antimicrobial and virulence characterization. From a total of 140 enterococci, molecular typing allowed us to obtain 70 representative isolates, mostly identified as E. faecalis and E. faecium. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the virulence index of the isolates obtained from samples collected from the TG and CG at T90. At T90, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0008) was observed in the antimicrobial resistance index between the isolates from the TC and CG. Oral enterococci were revealed to be reservoirs of high resistant and virulent phenotypes.

Brassica oleracea Var italica by-Products Prevent Lipid Accumulation and Cell Death in a Liver Cell Model of Lipid Toxicity.

Obesity, a rising concern in the Eastern world, encompasses several co-morbidities, namely non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Potential natural-based interventions to decrease the burden of obesity complications are being investigated. Many of the edible parts of plants are not sold for consumption and end up as massive waste, losing nutritional potential. In fact, a sizeable amount of waste is generated within the different steps of the food supply chain, representing a massive loss of both plant material and natural resources. A good example is Brassica by-products (BBPs). The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of three different extracts from broccoli (Brassica oleracea var italica) by-products in an in vitro model of free fatty acid (FFA)-induced lipotoxicity using human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Broccoli leaf, stalk, and inflorescence extracts induced a dose-dependent decrease in the cell viability of HepG2 cells. However, the maximal non-lethal concentrations of leaves, stalks, and inflorescences (10 µg/mL) did not compromise mitochondrial function or neutral lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. The extracts significantly decreased FFA-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells either in a co-incubation or pre-incubation strategy. The broccoli extracts' capacity to prevent the FFA-induced decrease in catalase activity in HepG2 may explain the observed effects.

Structural shifts in sea ice prokaryotic communities across a salinity gradient in the subarctic.

Current knowledge of the processes that shape prokaryotic community assembly in sea ice across polar ecosystems is scarce. Here, we coupled culture-dependent (bacterial isolation on R2A medium) and culture-independent (high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing) approaches to provide the first comprehensive assessment of prokaryotic communities in the late winter ice and its underlying water along a natural salinity gradient in coastal Hudson Bay, an iconic cryo-environment that marks the ecological transition between Canadian Subarctic and Arctic biomes. We found that prokaryotic community assembly processes in the ice were less selective at low salinity since typical freshwater taxa such as Frankiales, Burkholderiales, and Chitinophagales dominated both the ice and its underlying water. In contrast, there were sharp shifts in community structure between the ice and underlying water samples at sites with higher salinity, with the orders Alteromonadales and Flavobacteriales dominating the ice, while the abovementioned freshwater taxa dominated the underlying water communities. Moreover, primary producers including Cyanobium (Cyanobacteria, Synechococcales) may play a role in shaping the ice communities and were accompanied by known Planctomycetes and Verrucomicrobiae taxa. Culture-dependent analyses showed that the ice contained pigment-producing psychrotolerant or psychrophilic bacteria from the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota, likely favored by the combination of low temperatures and the seasonal increase in sunlight. Our findings suggest that salinity, photosynthesis and dissolved organic matter are the main drivers of prokaryotic community structure in the late winter ice of coastal Hudson Bay, the ecosystem with the fastest sea ice loss rate in the Canadian North.

Polysaccharide-based formulations as potential carriers for pulmonary delivery - A review of their properties and fates.

Polysaccharides can be elite carriers for therapeutic molecules due to their versatility and low probability to trigger toxicity and immunogenic responses. Local and systemic therapies can be achieved through particle pulmonary delivery, a promising non-invasive alternative. Successful pulmonary delivery requires particles with appropriate flowability to reach alveoli and avoid premature clearance mechanisms. Polysaccharides can form micro-, nano-in-micro-, and large porous particles, aerogels, and hydrogels. Herein, the characteristics of polysaccharides used in drug formulations for pulmonary delivery are reviewed, providing insights into structure-function relationships. Charged polysaccharides can confer mucoadhesion, whereas the ability for specific sugar recognition may confer targeting capacity for alveolar macrophages. The method of particle preparation must be chosen considering the properties of the components and the delivery device to be utilized. The fate of polysaccharide-based carriers is dependent on enzyme-triggered hydrolytic and/or oxidative mechanisms, allowing their complete degradation and elimination through urine or reutilization of released monosaccharides.

Influence of the dental topical application of a nisin-biogel in the oral microbiome of dogs: a pilot study.

Periodontal disease (PD) is one of the most widespread inflammatory diseases in dogs. This disease is initiated by a polymicrobial biofilm in the teeth surface (dental plaque), leading to a local inflammatory response, with gingivitis and/or several degrees of periodontitis. For instance, the prevention of bacterial dental plaque formation and its removal are essential steps in PD control. Recent research revealed that the antimicrobial peptide nisin incorporated in the delivery system guar gum (biogel) can inhibit and eradicate bacteria from canine dental plaque, being a promising compound for prevention of PD onset in dogs. However, no information is available regarding its effect on the dog's oral microbiome. In this pilot study, the influence of the nisin-biogel on the diversity of canine oral microbiome was evaluated using next generation sequencing (NGS), aiming to access the viability of nisin-biogel to be used in long-term experiment in dogs. Composite toothbrushing samples of the supragingival plaque from two dogs were collected at three timepoints: T1-before any application of the nisin-biogel to the animals' teeth surface; T2-one hour after one application of the nisin-biogel; and T3-one hour after a total of three applications of the nisin-biogel, each 48 hours. After that, microbial profiling was performed by NGS of the V3V4 16s rRNA region. After only one application of the nisin-biogel to the oral cavity of dogs, a statistically significant reduction in microbial diversity was observed (T2) as well as a reduction of some bacterial species potentially related with distinct stages of PD, when compared with samples collected before any application (T1). However, after a total of three nisin-biogel applications (T3), a recovery of the microbial diversity was detected. In conclusion, the nisin-biogel may influence the canine oral microbiome. A reduction in some bacterial species potentially related with distinct stages of PD was observed. This pilot study will help to design a controlled in vivo clinical trial to evaluate nisin-biogel effect on dental plaque progression and canine periodontal indices evolution in a long-term application period.

The mitochondrial permeability transition pore: an evolving concept critical for cell life and death.

In this review, we summarize current knowledge of perhaps one of the most intriguing phenomena in cell biology: the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). This phenomenon, which was initially observed as a sudden loss of inner mitochondrial membrane impermeability caused by excessive calcium, has been studied for almost 50 years, and still no definitive answer has been provided regarding its mechanisms. From its initial consideration as an in vitro artifact to the current notion that the mPTP is a phenomenon with physiological and pathological implications, a long road has been travelled. We here summarize the role of mitochondria in cytosolic calcium control and the evolving concepts regarding the mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) and the mPTP. We show how the evolving mPTP models and mechanisms, which involve many proposed mitochondrial protein components, have arisen from methodological advances and more complex biological models. We describe how scientific progress and methodological advances have allowed milestone discoveries on mPTP regulation and composition and its recognition as a valid target for drug development and a critical component of mitochondrial biology.

O impacto económico da prevenção de úlceras de pressão num hospital universitário / The economic impact of pressure ulcers prevention in a university hospital

Objetivo: As úlceras de pressão constituem uma condição evitável que se traduz numa diminuição da qualidade de vida do doente. Simultaneamente representam um acréscimo nos custos para os serviços de saúde, associados ao aumento do tempo de internamento. A investigação é fundamental para justificar a prevenção enquanto medida de sustentabilidade e melhoria dos cuidados de saúde. O estudo visa estimar o efeito individual das diferentes categorias das úlceras de pressão no incremento do tempo de internamento hospitalar e os ganhos em saúde que derivam da intervenções autónomas e independentes dos enfermeiros do domínio da prevenção das UP. Métodos: A determinação do impacto incremental das diferentes categorias das UP no tempo de internamento é obtida por uso de um modelo econométrico concebido para esse fim. Os ganhos em saúde são determinados com o uso da equação preconizada pela ordem profissional dos enfermeiros (OE). Resultados: O impacto incremental das diferentes categorias de UP no internamento hospitalar é por ordem crescente de severidade clínica da UP de 1,05 dias; 1,64 dias; 3,53 dias e 10,29 dias. Estima-se que tenha sido prevenido o incremento de 2977,61 dias de internamento hospitalar, em resultado da prevenção das úlceras de pressão. Conclusão: É possível incrementar os ganhos em saúde e contribuir na redução do impacto das UP no internamento hospitalar ao clinicamente indispensável através da maximização na efetividade diagnóstica.

Objective: Pressure ulcers are an avoidable condition that results in a decrease in the health related quality of life of the client. At the same time, they represent an increase in costs for health services associated with an increase in length of hospital stay. Research in this area is fundamental to justify prevention as a measure of sustainability and improvement of health care. The study aims to estimate the individual effect of the different categories of pressure ulcers on the increase of hospitalization time and the health gains derived from autonomous and independent interventions of nurses in the field of PU prevention. Methods: The determination of the incremental impact of the different UP categories in the length of stay is obtained by using an econometric model designed for this purpose. Health gains are determined using the equation recommended by the professional order of nurses (OE). Results: The incremental impact of the different categories of PU on hospital admission is in ascending order of clinical severity of PU of 1.05 days; 1.64 days; 3.53 days and 10.29 days. It is estimated that an increase of 2977.61 days of hospitalization was prevented, as a result of the prevention of pressure ulcers. Conclusion: It is possible to increase the health gains and contribute in reducing the impact of PUs in hospital admission to the clinically indispensable by maximizing the diagnostic effectiveness.

Urothelial melanosis of the bladder.

Urothelial melanosis is a rare finding characterized by abnormal pigmentation noted on cystoscopic evaluation and histologically defined by melanin deposition in the urothelium. Although generally considered benign, few cases of urothelial melanosis have been reported in the literature and the risk of recurrence or progression remains largely unknown. Four cases associated with urothelial cell carcinoma have been previously described. Here, we report a case of urothelial melanosis and review previously published cases in the literature.

Preventive behaviors and knowledge of tick-borne illnesses: results of a survey from an endemic area.

CONTEXT: Lyme disease (LD) is the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the United States. With physically and economically burdensome effects, it is a concern of public health officials. OBJECTIVES: To assess knowledge and preventive behaviors of individuals in the endemic area of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, to better understand how sociodemographic data and knowledge correlate with preventive behaviors, and to update previous island studies. DESIGN: A 30-item paper-based anonymous survey in either English or Portuguese based on language preference. SETTING: The island of Martha's Vineyard and the ferry between island and mainland. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 946 participants were recruited at 1 of 4 island locations. The majority of participants were traveling by ferry to and from Martha's Vineyard. To reach 2 populations potentially at high risk, that is, youths and outdoor workers, 3 additional venues included the island high school, an English-as-a-Second-Language class, and a local Brazilian church. OUTCOME MEASURES: Four specific preventive behaviors as well as an overall composite prevention score. RESULTS: Participants' knowledge of tick-borne illnesses was poor, and the frequency of practicing preventive behaviors was low; the most commonly reported behavior was checking one's skin for ticks (45%). Approximately one-third of respondents (37%) stated that they did not know the late symptoms of untreated LD, nor did they know early LD treatment options (49%). The 2 high-risk groups reported little participation in preventive measures. In multivariate analyses, only 4 characteristics-older age, confidence in telling deer tick from wood tick, seeing tick-borne illness as a serious threat, and certainty in ability to identify LD symptoms-attained significance associated with preventive behavior as an overall composite score. CONCLUSIONS: Public health interventions focusing on accurately communicating risk, improving knowledge both of LD symptoms and of ticks that carry the disease, as well as teaching preventive behaviors may help reduce tick-borne illness rates.

Epidemiology and demographics of the underactive bladder: a cross-sectional survey.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and awareness of symptoms suggestive of underactive bladder (UAB) in a heterogeneous, non-specific population to garner additional epidemiologic information about UAB. After IRB approval, an 18-item survey was mailed to 5,000 people living in metro Detroit to collect demographic data and questions regarding clinical urinary symptoms and familiarity with UAB. A total of 633 subjects (13; 54 % men, 46 % women) returned the survey. Nearly one quarter (23 %, n = 137) of respondents reported difficulty emptying his/her bladder, yet only 11 % (n = 70) had ever heard of UAB. The study results indicated that patient-reported bladder emptying symptoms are prevalent, as common in women as men, and significantly associated with comorbidity and poor self-reported health. The results suggest that the burden and impact of UAB might be significant and that a syndromic concept of UAB warrants research to determine the true burden of disease, increase awareness, and broaden efforts to investigate therapeutic directions.