Oral administration of PEDV-dissolved Alg-CS gel induces high and sustained mucosal immunity in mice.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is a serious disease in piglets that leads to high mortality. An effective measure that provides higher IgA levels in the intestine and milk is required to decrease losses. Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) was dissolved in calcium alginate (Alg) and combined with chitosan (CS) via electrostatic interactions between cationic chitosan and anionic alginate to create a porous gel (Alg-CS+PEDV). The gel was used to immunize mice orally or in combination with subcutaneous injections of inactivated PEDV vaccine. At 12 and 24 days after immunization, levels of IgA and IgG in Alg-CS+PEDV were higher than with normal PEDV oral administration. At 24 days after immunization, the concentration of IFN-γ in Alg-CS+PEDV was higher than with normal PEDV oral administration. Furthermore, oral administration combining subcutaneous immunization induced higher levels of IgG and IgA than oral administration alone. Our study provides a new method for the preparation and administration of oral vaccines to achieve enhanced mucosal immunity against PEDV.

A Novel Collagen Aerogel with Relevant Features for Topical Biomedical Applications.

Collagen-based aerogels have great potential for topical biomedical applications. Collagen's natural affinity with skin, biodegradability, and gelling behavior are compelling properties to combine with the structural integrity of highly porous matrices in the dry form (aerogels). This work aimed to produce a novel collagen-based aerogel and to perform the material's solid-state and physicochemical characterization. Aerogels were obtained by performing different solvent exchange approaches of a collagen-gelled extract and drying the obtained alcogels with supercritical CO2. The resulting aerogels showed a sponge-like structure with a relatively dense mesoporous network with a specific surface area of 201-203 m2/g, a specific pore volume of 1.08-1.15 cm3/g, and a mean pore radius of ca. 14.7 nm. Physicochemical characterization confirmed that the obtained aerogels are composed of pure collagen, and the aerogel production process does not impact protein tertiary structure. Finally, the material swelling behavior was assessed at various pH values (4, 7, and 10). Collagen aerogels presented a high water uptake capacity up to ~2700 wt. %, pH-dependent stability, and swelling behavior in aqueous media. The results suggest that this collagen aerogel could be a promising scaffold candidate for topical biomedical applications.

Liposomal anesthetic gel for pain control during periodontal therapy in adults: a placebo-controlled RCT

Abstract Periodontal therapy usually requires local anesthesia. If effective, a non-invasive, liposomal anesthetic gel could increase the levels of acceptance of patients in relation to periodontal therapy. Objective: This study investigated the efficacy of liposomal anesthetic gel for pain control during periodontal therapy. Methodology: Forty volunteers with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were recruited, of which at least three sextants required periodontal therapy. At least one of the selected teeth had one site with a probing depth of ≥4 mm. The volunteers received the following three gels: a placebo, lidocaine/prilocaine (Oraqix®), or a liposomal lidocaine/prilocaine, which were applied to different sextants. Pain frequency was registered during treatment and the volunteers received a digital counter to register any painful or uncomfortable experiences. At the end of each session, the volunteers indicated their pain intensity using rating scales (NRS-101 and VRS-4). The volunteers had their hemodynamic parameters measured by a non-invasive digital monitor. Results: Pain frequency/intensity did not show statistical difference between intervention groups. The tested gels did not interfere with the hemodynamic indices. Dental anxiety, suppuration and probing depth could influence pain during periodontal therapy. Conclusion: Our results suggest limited indications for the use of non-invasive anesthesia when used for scaling and root planing. Intra-pocket anesthetic gel could be a good option for anxious patients, or those who have a fear of needles.

The application of Compont gel in chronic obstructive jaundice rats model

Abstract Purpose: To establish a new rat model, the pathogenesis of which is closer to the clinical occurrence of chronic obstructive jaundice with liver fibrosis. Methods: 90 SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A common bile duct ligation, group B common bile duct injection compont and group C injection saline. The serum of three groups was extracted, and the liver function was detected by ELISA. HE staining, Masson staining and immunohistochemistry were used to detect liver pathology. Results: Group B showed a fluctuant development of jaundice, obstructive degree reached a peak at 2 weeks, and decreased from 3 weeks. HA, LA and PCIII were significantly higher than control group. 3 weeks after surgery, liver tissue fibrosis occurred in group B, and a wide range of fiber spacing was formed at 5 weeks. Immunohistochemistry showed that hepatic stellate cells were more active than the control group. Conclusion: Intra-biliary injection of Compont gel is different from the classic obstructive jaundice animal model caused by classic bile duct ligation, which can provide an ideal rat model of chronic obstructive jaundice with liver fibrosis.

Repair of surgical wounds in rats using a 10% unripe Musa sapientum peel gel

PURPOSE:To investigate the efficacy of a 10% gel of unripe banana (Musa sapientum) peel in treating surgical wounds in rats.METHODS:A longitudinal, prospective, randomized triple-blind study was conducted with 60 Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) weighing approximately 400g. The animals were randomly divided into: control group (treated with gel containing no active ingredient) and study group (treated with 10% gel of unripe banana peel). The gel was applied every three days to a 4x4-cm surgical wound created on the back of each animal (day 0) in both groups. Tissue samples were collected for histological analysis on days 14, 21 and 28.RESULTS:On day 14, more extensive vascular proliferation (p=0.023), presence of mononuclear cells (p=0.000), fibroblast proliferation (p=0.012), re-epithelialization (p=0.000), and decreased presence of polymorphonuclear cells (p=0.010) were observed in the study group than in controls. No significant between-group difference in the presence of polymorphonuclear cells was found on day 21. Fibroblast proliferation was significantly greater (p=0.006) in the study group than in the control group on day 28.CONCLUSION:The 10% gel of unripe banana peel showed anti-inflammatory activity and stimulated wound healing in rat skin when compared with a gel containing no active ingredient.

Design and optimization of novel in situ gel of mercaptopurine for sustained drug delivery

Mercaptopurine is a purine antagonist, belonging to the class of antimetabolites. Its oral absorption is erratic and variable throughout GIT, with bioavailability of 5-37% and belongs to Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) class IV. The focus of the present study was to improve solubility of mercaptopurine and to release the drug uniformly throughout the GIT by formulating into a novel in situ gel tablet. By in vitro swelling studies, xanthan gum was selected as the best gelling polymer and the tablets were prepared by direct compression. Sodium chloride was used as a release modifier to improve the release of drug from the tablet. A 32 full factorial design was applied to optimize the percentage of xanthan gum and sodium chloride to get desired swelling index and release profile. Tablets were evaluated for weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration time, drug content, in vitro swelling studies and in vitro dissolution studies. The best optimized formulation showed good swelling index and extended the release up to 12 h, where as conventional tablet released the drug within 45 min. The results indicate that mercaptopurine loaded in situ gel tablet could be effective in sustaining drug release for a prolonged period of time throughout the GIT, which can possibly improve the oral bioavailability.

Mercaptopurine é um antagonista da purina, pertencente à a classe dos antimetabólitos. A sua absorção oral é errática e variável através do TGI, com biodisponibilidade de 5-37 % e pertence à classe IV, de acordo com o Sistema de Classificação Biofarmacêutica. O foco do presente estudo foi melhorar a solubilidade da mercaptopurina e liberar o fármaco uniformemente através do TGI, por meio da nova formulação de comprimidos que se tornam gel in situ. Por meio de estudos de inchamento, a goma xantana foi selecionada como o o melhor polímero gelificante e os comprimidos foram preparados por compressão direta. O cloreto de sódio também foi usado como agente modificador de liberação para aprimorar a liberação do fármaco do comprimido. Aplicou-se planejamento fatorial 32 para otimizar a porcentagem de goma xantana e de cloreto de sódio para se alcançar o índice de inchamento e o perfil de liberação desejáveis. Os comprimidos foram avaliados quanto à variação de peso, dureza, friabilidade, tempo de desintegração, conteúdo de fármaco, estudos in vitro de inchamento e de dissolução. A formulação mais bem otimizada mostrou bom índice de inchamento e liberação prolongada acima de 12 h, em comparação com um comprimido convencional, que libera o fármaco em 45 minutos. Os resultados indicam que a 6-mercaptopurina carregada no comprimido de gelificação in situ poderia ser eficaz para a liberação controlada por período de tempo prolongado através do TGI, o que pode, possivelmente, aprimorar a biodisponibilidade oral.

Efficacy of 1.23% APF gel applications on incipient carious lesions: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

The aim of this double-blind randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of 1.23% APF gel application on the arrest of active incipient carious lesions in children. Sixty 7- to 12-year-old children, with active incipient lesions were included in the study. Children were divided randomly into 2 groups: 1.23% APF gel and placebo gel applications. Each group received 8 weekly applications of treatment. The lesions were re-evaluated at the 4th and 8th appointments. Poisson regression analysis was used to estimate relative risks of the presence of active white spot lesions. Groups showed similar results (PR = 1.67; CI 95% 0.69–3.98). The persistence of at least 1 active lesion was associated with a higher number of lesions in the baseline (PR = 2.67; CI 95% 1.19–6.03), but not with sugar intake (PR = 1.06; CI 95% 0.56–2.86) and previous exposure to fluoride dentifrice (PR = 1.26; CI 95% 0.49–2.29). The trial demonstrates the equivalence of the treatments. The use of the APF gel showed no additional benefits in this sample of children exposed to fluoridated water and dentifrice. The professional dental plaque removal in both groups may also account for the resulting equivalence of the treatments.

Gel from unripe Musa sapientum peel to repair surgical wounds in rats / Gel da casca de Musa sapientum verde no reparo de lesões operatórias em ratos

PURPOSE: To determine the optimum concentration of a gel obtained from unripe banana (Musa sapientum) peel for wound treatment in rats. METHODS: A randomized triple blind study was conducted with 40 Wistar rats, which were divided into 4 groups: CG, control group; G2 percent, 2 percent gel concentration group; G4 percent, 4 percent gel concentration group; and G10 percent, 10 percent gel concentration group. The banana peel gel was applied daily, for 7 days, to a 4-cm² wound created on the back of each animal of all groups. After this period, the wounds were biopsied. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Kruskal-Wallis test complemented by the Student-Newman-Keuls test. RESULTS: Macroscopic examination revealed that partial epithelialization occurred in all groups. Wound contraction was also observed in all groups and ranged from 1.38 to 1.57 mm in the study groups, and from 1.03 to 1.10 mm in the control group, with significant differences (p < 0.05) between the groups: CG and G10 percent, G2 percent and G4 percent, G2 percent and G10 percent. The interquartile deviation was smaller between the groups CG and G4 percent. CONCLUSION: The 4 percent gel obtained from unripe banana peel (G4 percent) resulted in better epithelialization of wounds healed by secondary intention compared with other gel concentrations.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a concentração ideal do gel da casca de Musa sapientum verde no tratamento de feridas em ratos. MÉTODOS: Estudo randomizado, triplo cego, com 40 ratos da linhagem Wistar divididos em quatro grupos: GC controle, G2 por cento gel a 2 por cento, G4 por cento gel a 4 por cento, G10 por cento gel a 10 por cento. Realizou-se aplicação diária do gel nas diferentes concentrações, durante sete dias, em uma ferida de 4 cm² realizada no dorso de cada rato. Após este período, as lesões foram biopsiadas. Para analise dos dados utilizou-se o teste de Kruskal-Wallis complementado pelo teste de Student-Newman-Keuls. RESULTADOS: Os achados macroscópicos demonstraram reepitelização parcial em todos os grupos. A contração da área da ferida variou entre 1,38 a 1,57 mm nos grupos de estudo, e entre 1,03 a 1,10 mm no grupo controle. Houve diferença significante (p < 0,05) entre os grupos: GC e G10 por cento, G2 por cento e G4 por cento, G2 por cento e G10 por cento, sendo o desvio interquartílico menor entre os grupos GC e G4 por cento. CONCLUSÃO: O gel a 4 por cento da casca de M. sapientum verde promoveu maior área de epitelização em feridas com cicatrização por segunda intenção, em relação ao gel nas outras concentrações testadas.

Low compliance with alcohol gel compared with chlorhexidine for hand hygiene in ICU patients: results of an alcohol gel implementation program

Although the introduction of alcohol based products have increased compliance with hand hygiene in intensive care units (ICU), no comparative studies with other products in the same unit and in the same period have been conducted. We performed a two-month-observational prospective study comparing three units in an adult ICU, according to hand hygiene practices (chlorhexidine alone-unit A, both chlorhexidine and alcohol gel-unit B, and alcohol gel alone-unit C, respectively). Opportunities for hand hygiene were considered according to an institutional guideline. Patients were randomly allocated in the 3 units and data on hand hygiene compliance was collected without the knowledge of the health care staff. TISS score (used for measuring patient complexity) was similar between the three different units. Overall compliance with hand hygiene was 46.7 percent (659/1410). Compliance was significantly higher after patient care in unit A when compared to units B and C. On the other hand, compliance was significantly higher only between units A (32.1 percent) and C (23.1 percent) before patient care (p=0.02). Higher compliance rates were observed for general opportunities for hand hygiene (patient bathing, vital sign controls, etc), while very low compliance rates were observed for opportunities related to skin and gastroenteral care. One of the reasons for not using alcohol gel according to health care workers was the necessity for water contact (35.3 percent, 12/20). Although the use of alcohol based products is now the standard practice for hand hygiene the abrupt abolition of hand hygiene with traditional products may not be recommended for specific services.

Determinaçäo de padröes de crescimento de células em cultura / Growth patterns for cells in culture

Os padröes de crescimento de linhagens estáveis de células normais e cancerosas, cultivadas em monocamada e em géis de colágeno, foram caracterizados utilizando-se a distribuiçäo de tamanhos de agregados celulares. Células HN-5 (cancerosas) apresentam, tanto em monocamada quanto em gel, distribuições regidas por leis de potência durante todo o tempo que permaneceram em cultura, enquanto que nas células MDCK (normais) e HEp-2 (cancerosas) observa-se uma transiçäo de um comportamento exponencial para um regido por uma distribuiçäo em leis de potência. Estes resultados sugerem que as transições nos regimes de crescimento de MDCK e HEp-2 podem estar associadas a alterações no controle da replicaçäo ou nos padröes de expressäo de moléculas de adesividade celular de junções célula-célula ou célula-matriz extracelular, relacionadas com sinalizaçäo intracelular. Estas transições säo irreversíveis e parecem corresponder a uma resposta adaptativa das células às restrições ao crescimento impostas por uma elevada densidade populacional ou por uma longa permanência em cultura

Estudos de liberaçäo de rolitetraciclina suportada em gel injetável de colágeno aniônico: ramsana / Delivery studies of supported rolitetracycline in injectable gel of anion collagen: ramsana

Um Gel injetável de colágeno: ramasana (75:1) foi estudado como suporte para liberação de antibióticos para o tratamento de doenças periodontais. Os resultados mostraram que nas condições estudadas e na presença do antibiótico rolitetraciclina, a liberação ocorreu por meio de um processo difusional normal, com um valor de n igual a 0,47 + 0,02. A liberação sustentada se manteve por um período de 10 dias, com uma taxa de liberação de cerca de 90 por cento nesse período, tempo compatível para o controle da flora bacteriana junto ao periodonto.