Development of a biodegradable prosthesis through tissue engineering, for the organ-replacement or substitution of the extrahepatic bile duct.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There are different situations in which an extrahepatic bile duct replacement or substitute is needed, such as initial and localized stages of bile duct cancer, agenesis, stenosis, or bile duct disruption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prosthesis obtained by electrospinning composed of Poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PGLA) - Polycaprolactone (PCL) - Gelatin (Gel) was developed, mechanical and biological tests were carried out to evaluate resistance to tension, biocompatibility, biodegradability, cytotoxicity, morphological analysis and cell culture. The obtained prosthesis was placed in the extrahepatic bile duct of 15 pigs with a 2-year follow-up. Liver function tests and cholangioscopy were evaluated during follow-up. RESULTS: Mechanical and biological evaluations indicate that this scaffold is biocompatible and biodegradable. The prosthesis implanted in the experimental model allowed cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation, maintaining bile duct permeability without altering liver function tests. Immunohistochemical analysis indicates the presence of biliary epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: A tubular scaffold composed of electrospun PGLA-PCL-Gel nanofibers was used for the first time to replace the extrahepatic bile duct in pigs. Mechanical and biological evaluations indicate that this scaffold is biocompatible and biodegradable, making it an excellent candidate for use in bile ducts and potentially in other tissue engineering applications.

Synthesis of hydrogels from biomaterials and their potential application in tissue engineering.

In this study, a series of hydrogels were synthesized from chitosan(s) that was crosslinking with glutaraldehyde at different concentrations. Ascorbic acid in an acidic medium was used to facilitate non-covalent interactions. The chitosan(s) was obtained from shrimp cytoskeleton; while ascorbic acid was extracted from xoconostle juice. The hydrogel reaction was monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy (550 nm) to determine the reaction kinetics and reaction order at 60 °C. The hydrogels structures were characterized by NMR, FT-IR, HR-MS and SEM, while the degree of cross-linking was examined with TGA-DA. The extracellular matrices were obtained as stable hydrogels where reached maximum crosslinking was of 7 %, independent of glutaraldehyde quantity added. The rheological properties showed a behavior of weak gels and a dependence of crosslinking agent concentration on strength at different temperatures. The cytotoxicity assay showed that the gels had no adverse effects on cellular growth for all concentrations of glutaraldehyde.

Reducing citrus effluent toxicity: Biological-electrochemical treatment with diamond anode.

One challenge of the citrus industry is the treatment and disposal of its effluents due to their high toxicity, substantial organic load, and consequent resistance to conventional biotechnological processes. This study introduces a novel approach, using electrochemical oxidation with a boron-doped diamond anode to efficiently remove organic compounds from biodegraded pulp wash (treated using the fungus Pleurotus sajor-caju.) The findings reveal that employing a current density of 20 mA cm-2 achieves notable results, including a 44.1% reduction in color, a 70.0% decrease in chemical oxygen demand, an 88.0% reduction in turbidity, and an impressive 99.7% removal of total organic carbon (TOC) after 6 h of electrolysis. The energy consumption was estimated at 2.93 kWh g-1 of removed TOC. This sequential biological-electrochemical procedure not only significantly reduced the mortality rate (85%) of Danio rerio embryos but also reduced the incidence of morphologically altered parameters. Regarding acute toxicity (LC50) of the residue, the process demonstrated a mortality reduction of 6.97% for D. rerio and a 40.88% lethality decrease for Lactuca sativa seeds. The substantial reduction in toxicity and organic load observed in this study highlights the potential applicability of combined biological and electrochemical treatments for real agroindustrial residues or their effluents.

Antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of fucoidan from the brown alga Lessonia trabeculata (Lessoniaceae) on breast cancer spheroids / Actividad antitumoral e inmunomoduladora de fucoidan del alga parda Lessonia trabeculata (Lessoniaceae) en esferoides de cáncer de mama

Abstract Introduction: The therapeutic benefits of the brown algae fucoidan in the treatment of breast cancer have attracted considerable interest in recent years. However, research using spheroids which provide relevant results in trials for antitumor and immunomodulatory products because they adequately simulate the tumor microenvironment, is limited. Objective: To evaluate the antitumor and immunomodulatory activity of Lessonia trabeculata fucoidan (LtF), native to the Peruvian Sea, on two types of multicellular tumor spheroids. Methods: The study was conducted from January to December 2021. Two types of spheroides were elaborated: from 4T1 tumor cells (MTS), and from 4T1 tumor cells+mouse splenocytes (MTSs). The antitumor activity of LtF was evaluated in MTS by quantifying cell viability with MTT. Immunomodulatory activity was determined in MTSs using the IC50 for two types of treatment: simple, fucoidan alone (LtF) and combined, fucoidan+doxorubicin (LtF+Dox). Pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10, TGF-β) cytokine production was quantified by sandwich ELISA 72 h after treatment. Dox was used as positive control in all assays. Results: LtF exerted antitumor activity as evidenced by increased necrotic zone and cell debris formation compared to the untreated control. Antitumor activity was concentration dependent between 100 and 6 000 μg/ml. In MTSs, simple treatment increased IL-6 and decreased IL-10 and TGF-β production. The combined treatment significantly reduced TGF-β production. In both treatments and Dox, there was an increase in IL-6 compared to the untreated control. The highest production of IL-10 and TGF-β was observed in the untreated control, compatible with a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Conclusions: LtF is a good candidate for the treatment of breast cancer and can immunomodulate the tumor microenvironment alone or in combination with Dox.

Resumen Introduccción: Los beneficios terapéuticos del fucoidan de algas pardas en el tratamiento del cáncer de mama han despertado gran interés en los últimos años. Sin embargo, las investigaciones con esferoides son limitadas, éstos proporcionan resultados relevantes en ensayos de productos antitumorales e inmunomoduladores porque simulan adecuadamente el microambiente tumoral. Objetivo: Evaluar la actividad antitumoral e inmunomoduladora del fucoidan de Lessonia trabeculata (LtF), nativa del Mar Peruano, en dos tipos de esferoides tumorales multicelulares. Métodos: El estudio se realizó de enero a diciembre de 2021. Se elaboraron dos tipos de esferoides: con células tumorales 4T1 (MTS) y con células tumorales 4T1+esplenocitos de ratón (MTSs). La actividad antitumoral de LtF se evaluó en MTS cuantificando la viabilidad celular con MTT. La inmunomodulación se determinó en MTSs utilizando la IC50 para dos tipos de tratamiento: simple, fucoidan solo (LtF) y combinado, fucoidan+doxorubicina (LtF+Dox). La producción de citoquinas proinflamatorias (TNF-α, IL-6) y antiinflamatorias (IL-10, TGF-β) se cuantificó mediante ELISA sándwich 72 h post-tratamiento. En todos los ensayos se utilizó Dox como control positivo. Resultados: En los MTS, el LtF ejerció actividad antitumoral evidenciada por aumento de la zona necrótica y formación de restos celulares respecto al control no tratado. La actividad antitumoral fue concentración-dependiente entre 100 y 6 000 μg/ml. En los MTSs, con el tratamiento simple se incrementó IL-6 y disminuyeron IL-10 y TGF-β. El tratamiento combinado redujo significativamente la producción de TGF-β. Los dos tratamientos y Dox incrementaron IL-6 respecto al control no tratado. La mayor producción de IL-10 y TGF-β se observó en los no tratados, compatible con un microambiente tumoral altamente inmunosupresor. Conclusiones: El LtF es un buen candidato para tratar el cáncer de mama y puede inmunomodular el microambiente tumoral solo o en combinación con Dox.

Adjuvant Vaccination with Allogenic Dendritic Cells Significantly Prolongs Overall Survival in High-Grade Gliomas: Results of a Phase II Trial.

Immunotherapy for cancer treatment has gained increased attention in recent years. Recently, our group reported the case of a patient with glioblastoma who underwent vaccination based on dendritic cells and experienced a strong Th1 immune response together with near-complete tumor remission. Here we report the results of a phase I/II prospective, non-controlled clinical trial with 37 patients harboring glioblastoma or grade 4 astrocytomas. At the time of first recurrence after surgery, patients began receiving monthly intradermal injections of allogenic DC-autologous tumor cell hybridomas. Overall survival, quality of life, and immunological profiles were assessed prospectively. Compared with patients in the Genomic Data Commons data bank, overall survival for vaccinated patients with glioblastoma was 27.6 ± 2.4 months (vs. 16.3 ± 0.7, log-rank p < 0.001, hazard ratio 0.53, 95%CI 0.36-0.78, p < 0.01), and it was 59.5 ± 15.9 for vaccinated astrocytoma grade 4 patients (vs. 19.8 ± 2.5, log-rank p < 0.05, hazard ratio 0.18, 95%CI 0.05-0.62, p < 0.01). Furthermore, seven vaccinated patients (two IDH-1-mutated and five wild type) remain alive at the time of this report (overall survival 47.9 months, SD 21.1, range: 25.4-78.6 months since diagnosis; and 34.2 months since recurrence, range: 17.8 to 40.7, SD 21.3). We believe that the data reported here can foster the improvement of treatment protocols for high-grade gliomas based on cellular immunotherapy.

Near-Complete Remission of Glioblastoma in a Patient Treated with an Allogenic Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccine: The Role of Tumor-Specific CD4+T-Cell Cytokine Secretion Pattern in Predicting Response and Recurrence.

Immunotherapy has brought hope to the fight against glioblastoma, but its efficacy remains unclear. We present the case of CST, a 25-year-old female patient with a large right-hemisphere glioblastoma treated with a dendritic-tumor cell fusion vaccine. CST showed a near-complete tumor response, with a marked improvement in her functional status and simultaneous increases in tumor-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Two months before recurrence, the frequency of tumor-specific T cells decreased, while that of IL-17 and CD4+ T cells increased. CST passed away 15 months after enrollment. In this illustrative case, the tumor-specific CD4+ T-cell numbers and phenotype behaved as treatment efficacy biomarkers, highlighting the key role of the latter in glioblastoma immunotherapy.

Effective adsorption of diclofenac and naproxen from water using fixed-bed column loaded with composite of heavy sugarcane ash and polyethylene terephthalate.

The contamination of water by pharmaceutical pollutants is a major issue these days due to excessive use of these ingredients in modern life. This study evaluated the adsorption and effectiveness of a low-cost composite prepared from heavy sugarcane ash (HSA) fused with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and functionalized with iron (Fe3+) in a dynamic system through a fixed-bed column. The solution of synthetic drugs was prepared and placed in a reservoir, using a peristaltic pump the solution is run onto the fixed bed column at a flow rate of 2 mL min-1. Saturation time and adsorption capacity were evaluated by centrifugation and extraction after a regular interval of 2 h from the adsorption column. The samples were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the data was modeled for quantification. For DIC removal, an adsorption capacity of 324.34 µg. g-1 and a saturation time of 22 h were observed, while the adsorption capacity of NAP was 956.49 µg. g-1, with a saturation time of 8 h. Thus, the PETSCA/Fe3+ adsorbent proved to be quite efficient for removing the pharmaceutical pollutants, with a longer period of operation for DIC removal. These findings suggested that a highly efficient bed column made from a less expensive waste material and could be used to remove hazardous pharmaceutical contaminants.

Diclofenac removal in water supply by adsorption on composite low-cost material.

This work objective was to evaluate batch adsorption processes using polyethylene terephthalate composite (PTC) material, sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) functionalized with iron oxide (Fe3+) (PTCSBA/ Fe3+) in the adsorption of 1000 µg  L-1 of diclofenac sodium (DIC) in synthetic solution, simulating water supply. The batch test was started by determining the adsorbent mass (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 g) to remove 1000 µg L-1 of DIC, followed by the adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherm assays, evaluating the reaction rate and adsorption capacity, respectively. The PTCSBA/ Fe3+ mass that had the best efficiency in the DIC removal was 0.3 g, the pseudo second-order kinetic model (PSO) was the one that best fit the study having a determination coefficient (R2) equals to 0.97. The PTCSBA/ Fe3+ has good characteristics for DIC adsorption, achieving a 93% removal rate of sodium diclofenac. The composite is a low-cost adsorbent, 0.08 cents per kilogram of material, becoming a material with satisfactory characteristics for the removal of DIC. Therefore, it is recommended to use PTCSBA/ Fe3+ as adsorbent material in small water filter systems in order to remove DIC due to the low cost of the composite.

Electrochemical oxidation of indanthrene blue dye in a filter-press flow reactor and toxicity analyses with Raphidocelis subcapitata and Lactuca sativa.

Alternative routes to degrade dyes are of crucial importance for the environment. Hence, we report the electrochemical removal of indanthrene blue by using a boron-doped diamond anode, focusing on the toxicity of the treated solutions. Different operational conditions were studied, such as current density (5, 10, and 20 mA cm-2) and electrolyte composition (Na2SO4, Na2CO3, and NaNO3). Besides, the pH was monitored throughout the experiment to consider its direct influence on the ecotoxicity effects. The highest electrochemical oxidation efficiency, measured as color removal, was seen in the 180 min condition of electrolysis in 0.033 M Na2SO4, applying 20 mA cm-2, resulting in a color removal of nearly 91% and 40.51 kWh m-3 of energy consumption. The toxicity towards Lactuca sativa depends solely on pH variations being indifferent to color removal. While the inhibition concentration (IC50) for Raphidocelis subcapitata increases 20% after treatment (in optimized conditions), suggesting that the byproducts are more toxic for this specific organism. Our data highlight the importance of analyzing the toxicity towards various organisms to understand the toxic effect of the treatment applied.

Sequential degradation of raw vinasse by a laccase enzyme producing fungus Pleurotus sajor-caju and its ATPS purification.

This study evaluated simultaneously the raw vinasse degradation, an effluent from the sugar-alcohol industry, the laccase production by Pleurotus sajor-caju and its purification using aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS). To improve laccase production, different concentrations of inducers (ethanol and CuSO4) were added. The higher laccase production promoted an increase of 4-fold using 0.4 mM of CuSO4 as inducer, with maximum enzymatic activity of 539.3 U/L on the 3rd day of fermentation. The final treated vinasse had a decolorization of 92% and turbidity removal of 99% using CuSO4. Moreover, the produced laccase was then purified by ATPS in a single purification step, reaching 2.9-fold and recovered ≈ 99,9 %, in the top phase (PEG-rich phase) using 12 wt% of PEG 1500 + 20 wt% of citrate buffer + enzyme broth + water, at 25 °C. Thus, an integrated process of vinasse degradation, laccase production and purification with potential industrial application was proposed.

Characterization of a tubular electrochemical reactor for the degradation of the commercial diuron herbicide.

After designing and constructing an electrochemical reactor with concentric electrodes and tangential feed (RECT), it is necessary to characterize it and to study its performance. The experimental study of the residence time distribution (RTD) was conducted for flow rates of 2.78 × 10-6 m3 s-1, 8.33 × 10-6 m3 s-1 and 13.9 × 10-6 m3 s-1. According to the values obtained from the Pe number (0.67-1.52), the RECT fits as tubular with great dispersion. The determined empirical correlation (Sh = 18.16 Re0.50 Sc0.33) showed a laminar flow behavior in the range of Reynolds number (Re) between 23 and 117. In order to use RECT in effluent treatment, an electrochemical oxidation study of the Diuron model molecule (Nortox®) was performed to analyze reactor performance in a closed system with total reflux. A decay kinetics of pseudo-first order was associated with the decay of the concentration of diuron and 30% mineralization in 180 min of process were obtained, having a total volume of 4 × 10-3 m3 and an initial concentration of commercial Diuron in 215.83 mg dm-3. Eleven by-products were identified by HPLC-MS analysis and, from this, it was possible to propose a route of degradation of the diuron. From these observations, it can be inferred that the studied electrochemical reactor had applicability in the degradation of recalcitrant compounds, as is the case of commercial diuron. Make some changes in the electrochemical reactor studied and other advanced oxidative processes, such as electro-Fenton, can be associated with the studied system to achieve a better conversion efficiency.

Pulp wash: a new source for production of ligninolytic enzymes and biomass and its toxicological evaluation after biological treatment.

Pulp wash was used as substrate for the activity of ligninolytic enzymes of the fungus Pleurotus sajor-caju. Activity of laccase (Lac) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) as well as fungal biomass occurred under four conditions: different pulp wash concentrations, pH variation at the optimal pulp wash concentration, different glucose concentrations, and different concentrations of ammonium nitrate. The best enzyme activity and biomass production were obtained with in natura pulp wash and pH corrected to 5.0 (4884 IU/L Lac; 82 IU/L MnP; 25 g/100 mL biomass). However, the addition of glucose and ammonium nitrate to the pulp wash was not necessary for increasing the enzyme activity and biomass production. Efficient removal of pulp wash chemical oxygen demand (99.66%) and biochemical oxygen demand (83.27%) occurred after the mycoremediation with P. sajor-caju in the optimized conditions. Lactuca sativa L. seeds germination bioassay showed a four-fold reduction in the residue toxicity (EC50 28.72%) after the treatment with the fungus. Our findings are consistent with the notion that pulp wash is an excellent substrate for inducing the activity of ligninolytic enzymes and producing fungal biomass, and that the biological treatment is efficient to reduce effluent toxicity.

Ocorrência de diclofenaco e naproxeno em água superficial no município de Três Lagoas (MS) e a influência da temperatura da água na detecção desses anti-inflamatórios / Occurence of diclofenac and naproxen in surface water in the Três Lagoas (MS) city and water temperature influence in the detection of these anti-inflammatories

RESUMO Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar a presença e a concentração dos anti-inflamatórios diclofenaco e naproxeno em um córrego urbano localizado no município de Três de Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul, que recebe efluente de uma estação de tratamento de esgoto; e verificar a influência da temperatura da água na ocorrência dos fármacos em águas superficiais. Foi realizado monitoramento dos anti-inflamatórios e dos parâmetros temperatura, pH e oxigênio dissolvido na água durante 12 meses consecutivos (outubro de 2008 a setembro de 2009). Foram coletadas amostras de água mensalmente em seis pontos, representando diferentes seções do córrego. As amostras foram submetidas ao processo de extração em fase sólida e analisadas por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Para verificar a influência da temperatura da água na ocorrência dos anti-inflamatórios diclofenaco e naproxeno nos ambientes aquáticos, utilizou-se um modelo de regressão logística do Statistical Analysis System versão 9.0. Os anti-inflamatórios diclofenaco e naproxeno foram detectados nos diferentes pontos monitorados no Córrego da Onça. Os demais parâmetros avaliados neste estudo foram comparados com os padrões de qualidade de água estabelecidos pela Resolução CONAMA nº 357/2005. A maior concentração do diclofenaco foi detectada no ponto localizado à jusante da estação de tratamento de esgoto do município, enquanto a maior concentração de naproxeno foi registrada na foz do córrego. A temperatura da água influencia de forma inversamente proporcional a ocorrência dos dois anti-inflamatórios no córrego, ou seja, quanto maior a temperatura do corpo hídrico, menor a probabilidade de detecção dos fármacos diclofenaco e naproxeno.

ABSTRACT The aims of this study were to evaluate the presence and concentration of the anti-inflammatory drugs diclofenac and naproxen in an urban stream located in Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, that receives effluent from a wastewater treatment plant; and to evaluate the influence of water temperature in the occurrence of these drugs into surface waters. Monitoring of both anti-inflammatory and the parameters temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen was held in this water body during 12 consecutive months (October 2008 to September 2009). Water samples were collected monthly at six points representing different sections of the stream. The samples were subjected to solid phase extraction procedure and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. To check the influence of water temperature on the occurrence of the anti-inflammatory drugs diclofenac and naproxen in aquatic environments, it was used a logistic model of regression, the Statistical Analysis System version 9.0. The anti-inflammatory drugs diclofenac and naproxen were detected at different points in the Stream of Onça. The other parameters evaluated in this study were compared with the water quality standards established by the CONAMA Resolution 357/2005. The highest concentration of diclofenac was detected in the point located downstream of the wastewater treatment plant of the city, while the largest concentration of naproxen was recorded at the mouth of the stream. The water temperature influence, in an inversely proportional way, the occurrence of both anti-inflammatory in the stream, the higher the temperature the lower the water body probability of detection of drug diclofenac and naproxen.

Detection of hormones in surface and drinking water in Brazil by LC-ESI-MS/MS and ecotoxicological assessment with Daphnia magna.

The growing use of pharmaceutical drug is mainly due to several diseases in human and in animal husbandry. As these drugs are discharged into waterways via wastewater, they cause a major impact on the environment. Many of these drugs are hormones; in which even at low concentrations can alter metabolic and physiological functions in many organisms. Hormones were found in surface water, groundwater, soil, and sediment at concentrations from nanograms to milligrams per liter of volume--quantities known to cause changes in the endocrine system of aquatic organisms. This study aimed to develop a methodology for hormone detection (estriol, estrone, 17ß-estradiol, 17α-ethinylestradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) on surface and treated water samples. Sample toxicity was assessed by ecotoxicology tests using Daphnia magna. A liquid chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization source (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was used for the analysis. The results showed that samples were contaminated by the hormones estriol, estrone, progesterone, 17ß-estradiol, and 17α-ethinylestradiol during the sampling period, and the highest concentrations measured were 90, 28, 26, 137, and 194 ng · L(-1), respectively. This indicates the inflow of sewage containing these hormones at some points in the Piracicaba River in the State of Sao Paulo-Brazil. Results indicated little toxicity of the hormone estriol in D. magna, indicating that chronic studies with this microcrustacean are necessary.

Stents biodegradables en cardiología / Biodegradable stents in cardiology

La cardiopatía isquémica constituye la principal causa de muerte en la sociedad cubana actual. Una de las opciones terapéuticas más prometedora, es sin duda, la angioplastia coronaria transluminal percutánea con colocación de stents. Los stents han evolucionado en los últimos años, en cuanto a su estructura y composición, desde los metálicos hasta los liberadores de droga; pero la trombosis se mantiene como una complicación frecuente e importante que ensombrece el éxito de este proceder y que puede llevar al paciente a una nueva intervención e incluso a la muerte, sin mencionar el costo económico de estos. En este trabajo se realizó una revisión bibliográfica acerca de un nuevo modelo de stent que promete eliminar las limitaciones de sus antecesores y a la vez incluye mejoras que permiten la búsqueda del stent ideal(AU)

Ischemic cardiopathy is the main cause of death in current Cuban society. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with stent placement is no doubt one of the most promising therapeutic options. Stents have evolved in recent years in their structure and composition, from metallic to drug eluting. However, thrombosis is still a common and important complication that overshadows the success of the procedure and may lead patients to a new surgical intervention or even death, not to mention the economic cost. A bibliographic review was conducted about a novel stent model that promises to do away with the limitations of preceding models and introduces improvements which further the search for the ideal stent(AU)

Stents biodegradables en cardiología / Biodegradable stents in cardiology

La cardiopatía isquémica constituye la principal causa de muerte en la sociedad cubana actual. Una de las opciones terapéuticas más prometedora, es sin duda, la angioplastia coronaria transluminal percutánea con colocación de stents. Los stents han evolucionado en los últimos años, en cuanto a su estructura y composición, desde los metálicos hasta los liberadores de droga; pero la trombosis se mantiene como una complicación frecuente e importante que ensombrece el éxito de este proceder y que puede llevar al paciente a una nueva intervención e incluso a la muerte, sin mencionar el costo económico de estos. En este trabajo se realizó una revisión bibliográfica acerca de un nuevo modelo de stent que promete eliminar las limitaciones de sus antecesores y a la vez incluye mejoras que permiten la búsqueda del stent ideal.

Ischemic cardiopathy is the main cause of death in current Cuban society. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with stent placement is no doubt one of the most promising therapeutic options. Stents have evolved in recent years in their structure and composition, from metallic to drug eluting. However, thrombosis is still a common and important complication that overshadows the success of the procedure and may lead patients to a new surgical intervention or even death, not to mention the economic cost. A bibliographic review was conducted about a novel stent model that promises to do away with the limitations of preceding models and introduces improvements which further the search for the ideal stent.

Determinação de hormônios e antimicrobianos no Rio Piracicaba e testes de toxicidade aguda com Daphnia magna / Determination of hormones and antimicrobials in Piracicaba River and acute toxicity tests to Daphnia magna

É crescente a utilização de fármacos mundialmente, principalmente devido às inúmeras doenças existentes, tanto humanas quanto para a criação de animais. Contudo, estes compostos podem causar um grande impacto no ambiente, pois são descarregados nos cursos d'água através dos efluentes. Com isto, os fármacos podem contaminar também o solo e o sedimento, devido ao fato de serem desenvolvidos para apresentarem propriedades persistentes, como é o caso dos antimicrobianos e hormônios. Estes poluentes foram encontrados em estudos com água superficial, subterrânea, solo e sedimento em concentrações que variaram de ng.L-1 a 'mü'g.L-1, e são capazes de provocar alterações no sistema endócrino de muitos organismos aquáticos, resistência microbiana, além de prejuízos à saúde humana. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivos realizar um levantamento bibliográfico sobre os aspectos relacionados à presença de fármacos no ambiente, e as metodologias de detecção dos mesmos em amostras ambientais. Assim como determinar a presença de hormônios (estriol, estrona, 17'beta' -estradiol, 17'alfa'- etinilestradiol, progesterona e testosterona) e antimicrobianos (ciprofloxacina, norfloxacina, eritromicina e enrofloxacina) em amostras de água superficial e tratada; e também analisar a toxicidade destes antibióticos e hormônios em Daphnia magna. E, de acordo com o levantamento bibliográfico, concluiu-se que é necessário um aumento no volume de estudos destes compostos no ambiente, e principalmente, uma avaliação dos efeitos sinérgicos destes compostos nos organismos que têm contato com as matrizes ambientais como água, solo e sedimento. Para a detecção dos fármacos em amostras de água superficial e tratada, amostras foram coletadas ao longo do Rio Piracicaba (6 pontos) e em uma residência na cidade de Piracicaba, de março de 2011 a dezembro de 2012. Para as análises foi utilizado um cromatógrafo líquido acoplado a um espectrômetro de massas com fonte de ionização electrospray [...]

There is a growing use of drugs worldwide due to the numerous diseases both human and in animal husbandry. However, these compounds can have a big impact on the environment as they are discharged into waterways via wastewater. With this, drugs can also contaminate soil and sediment due to the fact that they are developed for presenting persistent properties, as is the case of antibiotics and hormones. These pollutants were found in studies with surface water, groundwater, soil and sediment concentrations from ng.L-1 to 'mü'g.L-1, being able to cause changes in the endocrine system of many aquatic organisms, microbial resistance, and damage to human health. Thus, this study aimed to conduct a literature survey on the aspects related to the presence of pharmaceuticals in environment, and methods of detection thereof in environmental samples. As determine the presence of hormones (estriol, estrone, 17'beta'-estradiol, 17'alfa'-ethinylestradiol, progesterone and testosterone) and antimicrobials (ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, enrofloxacin and erythromycin) on surface samples and treated water, and also assess toxicity of antimicrobials and hormones in Daphnia magna. And, according to literature review, it was concluded that an increase in studies volume of these compounds in environment, and especially, a review of synergistic effects of these compounds in organisms that have contact with environmental matrices such as water, soil and sediment. For detection of drugs in surface and treated water samples were collected from March 2011 to December 2012, at 6 points along the Piracicaba River and in one point was collected treated water in a residence in the city of Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. For analyzes a liquid chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization source (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was used. [...]

Desreguladores endócrinos noambiente e seus efeitos na biota saúde humana / Endocrine disrupters in the environment and its effects on biota and human health

O presente artigo teve como objetivo efetuar revisão de literaturasobre os desreguladores endócrinos. Os tópicos abordados incluíram a caracterização e a classificação dos desreguladores endócrinos, sua ocorrência no ambiente, possíveis efeitos na biota e na saúde humana. De acordo com a pesquisa bibliográfica, ainda existem poucos estudos no Brasil relatando a ocorrência de desreguladores endócrinos no ambiente e seus possíveis efeitos nos seres vivos.Tais trabalhos se concentram em países desenvolvidos, localizados na maioria das vezes em regiões temperadas. Essas pesquisas indicam que mesmo em baixas concentrações, os desreguladoresendócrinos afetam toda a biota e causam prejuízos à saúde humana, interferindo principalmente no sistema reprodutor dos organismos. O estudo dos desreguladores endócrinos torna-se importante para definição de medidas que minimizem sua liberação no ambiente e para o desenvolvimento de metodologias que reduzam ou removamessas substâncias das matrizes ambientais