Experimental evaluation of intra-abdominal adhesions comparing two different intraperitoneal meshes and the effect of a natural anti-inflammatory product on their formation.

PURPOSE: In laparoscopic incisional hernia repair, meshes with a tissue-separating barrier are positioned intraperitoneally. Despite this property, the close contact between mesh and viscera involves a risk of adhesion formation. Some natural products, such as red propolis (RP), could reduce these adhesions owing to their anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to compare two different intraperitoneal meshes with respect to their characteristics of adhesion formation, histological findings and evaluate the role of RP in the development of these adhesions. METHODS: 40 Wistar rats received placement of two different meshes (Symbotex and Dynamesh IPOM) on peritoneum. The animals were divided into two groups: control group (mesh) and treatment group (mesh and RP). After 7 and 14 days, 20 animals of each group underwent midline laparotomy to determine the adhesions and histological characteristics. RESULTS: Out of the 40 animals, there were two deaths in the test group and two in the control group. All animals in both groups developed adherence to the mesh. At postoperative day (POD) 7, two Symbotex meshes presented firm adhesions and at POD 14, two Dynamesh meshes had firm adhesions as well. The comparison between the meshes under the effect of RP in relation to the control group showed no statistical difference. CONCLUSIONS: Both meshes showed intraperitoneal adhesions in all evaluated samples with similar results on the characteristics of adhesions. RP showed no effect on the incidence or gradation of intraperitoneal adhesions with the mesh.

Experimental evaluation of intra-abdominal adhesions comparing two different intraperitoneal meshes and the effect of a natural anti-inflammatory product on their formation

Abstract Purpose: In laparoscopic incisional hernia repair, meshes with a tissue-separating barrier are positioned intraperitoneally. Despite this property, the close contact between mesh and viscera involves a risk of adhesion formation. Some natural products, such as red propolis (RP), could reduce these adhesions owing to their anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to compare two different intraperitoneal meshes with respect to their characteristics of adhesion formation, histological findings and evaluate the role of RP in the development of these adhesions. Methods: 40 Wistar rats received placement of two different meshes (Symbotex and Dynamesh IPOM) on peritoneum. The animals were divided into two groups: control group (mesh) and treatment group (mesh and RP). After 7 and 14 days, 20 animals of each group underwent midline laparotomy to determine the adhesions and histological characteristics. Results: Out of the 40 animals, there were two deaths in the test group and two in the control group. All animals in both groups developed adherence to the mesh. At postoperative day (POD) 7, two Symbotex meshes presented firm adhesions and at POD 14, two Dynamesh meshes had firm adhesions as well. The comparison between the meshes under the effect of RP in relation to the control group showed no statistical difference. Conclusions: Both meshes showed intraperitoneal adhesions in all evaluated samples with similar results on the characteristics of adhesions. RP showed no effect on the incidence or gradation of intraperitoneal adhesions with the mesh.

Development, Cytotoxicity and Eye Irritation Profile of a New Sunscreen Formulation Based on Benzophenone-3-poly(ε-caprolactone) Nanocapsules.

The objective of this work was to characterize the toxicological profile of a newly developed sunscreen formulation based on polymeric nanocapsules (NCs) loading benzophenone-3 (BZP3). NCs composed of poly(ε-caprolactone) carrot oil and Pluronic® F68 were produced by emulsification-diffusion method. Their mean particle size (Z-Ave) ranged from 280 to 420 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) was below 0.37, while zeta potential (ZP) reached about |+11 mV|. No cytotoxic effects were observed in L929 fibroblast cell line for the blank (i.e., non-loaded) NCs and BZP3-loaded NCs (BZP3-NCs). The semi-solid sunscreen formulation was stable over time (centrifugation testing) and exhibited non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behavior, which is typical of products for topical application onto the skin. The sun protection factor (SPF) value reached 8.84, when incorporating BZP3-NCs (SPF of 8.64) into the semi-solid formulation. A synergistic effect was also observed when combining the formulation ingredients of nanocapsules, i.e., SPF of carrot oil was 6.82, blank NCs was 6.84, and BZP3-loaded NCs was 8.64. From the hen's egg-chorioallantoic membrane test (HET-CAM) test, the non-irritation profile of the developed formulations could also be confirmed. The obtained results show a promising use of poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocapsules to be loaded with lipophilic sunscreens as benzophenone-3.

Biochemical and biological characterization of the Hypanus americanus mucus: A perspective on stingray immunity and toxins.

Stingrays skin secretions are largely studied due to the human envenoming medical relevance of the sting puncture that evolves to inflammatory events, including necrosis. Such toxic effects can be correlated to the biochemical composition of the sting mucus, according to the literature. Fish skin plays important biological roles, such as the control of the osmotic pressure gradient, protection against mechanical forces and microorganism infections. The mucus, on the other hand, is a rich and complex fluid, acting on swimming, nutrition and the innate immune system. The elasmobranch's epidermis is a tissue composed mainly by mucus secretory cells, and marine stingrays have already been described to present secretory glands spread throughout the body. Little is known about the biochemical composition of the stingray mucus, but recent studies have corroborated the importance of mucus in the envenomation process. Aiming to assess the mucus composition, a new non-invasive mucus collection method was developed that focused on peptides and proteins, and biological assays were performed to analyze the toxic and immune activities of the Hypanus americanus mucus. Pathophysiological characterization showed the presence of peptidases on the mucus, as well as the induction of edema and leukocyte recruitment in mice. The fractionated mucus improved phagocytosis on macrophages and showed antimicrobial activity against T. rubrumç. neoformans and C. albicans in vitro. The proteomic analyses showed the presence of immune-related proteins like actin, histones, hemoglobin, and ribosomal proteins. This protein pattern is similar to those reported for other fish mucus and stingray venoms. This is the first report depicting the Hypanus stingray mucus composition, highlighting its biochemical composition and importance for the stingray immune system and the possible role on the envenomation process.

Innovative nanocompounds for cutaneous administration of classical antifungal drugs: a systematic review.

Nanomedicine manipulates materials at atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale, with at least one dimension within the nanometer range, for biomedical applications. The resulting nanoparticles have been consistently shown beneficial effects for antifungal drugs delivery, overcoming the problems of low bioavailability and high toxicity of these drugs. Due to their unique features, namely the small mean particle size, nanoparticles contribute to the enhanced drug absorption and uptake by the target cells, potentiating the therapeutic drug effect. The topical route is desirable due to the adverse effects arising from oral administration. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the use of nano compounds for the current treatment of topical fungal infections. A special emphasis is given to the employment of lipid nanoparticles, due to their recognized efficacy, versatility, and biocompatibility, attracting the major attention as novel topical nanocompounds used for the administration of antifungal drugs.

Biochemical and biological characterization of the Hypanus americanus mucus: a perspective on stingray immunity and toxins

Stingrays skin secretions are largely studied due to the human envenoming medical relevance of the sting puncture that evolves to inflammatory events, including necrosis. Such toxic effects can be correlated to the biochemical composition of the sting mucus, according to the literature. Fish skin plays important biological roles, such as the control of the osmotic pressure gradient, protection against mechanical forces and microorganism infections. The mucus, on the other hand, is a rich and complex fluid, acting on swimming, nutrition and the innate immune system. The elasmobranch's epidermis is a tissue composed mainly by mucus secretory cells, and marine stingrays have already been described to present secretory glands spread throughout the body. Little is known about the biochemical composition of the stingray mucus, but recent studies have corroborated the importance of mucus in the envenomation process. Aiming to assess the mucus composition, a new non-invasive mucus collection method was developed that focused on peptides and proteins, and biological assays were performed to analyze the toxic and immune activities of the Hypanus americanus mucus. Pathophysiological characterization showed the presence of peptidases on the mucus, as well as the induction of edema and leukocyte recruitment in mice. The fractionated mucus improved phagocytosis on macrophages and showed antimicrobial activity against T. rubrumç. neoformans and C. albicans in vitro. The proteomic analyses showed the presence of immune-related proteins like actin, histones, hemoglobin, and ribosomal proteins. This protein pattern is similar to those reported for other fish mucus and stingray venoms. This is the first report depicting the Hypanus stingray mucus composition, highlighting its biochemical composition and importance for the stingray immune system and the possible role on the envenomation process.

Biochemical and biological characterization of the Hypanus americanus mucus: a perspective on stingray immunity and toxins

Stingrays skin secretions are largely studied due to the human envenoming medical relevance of the sting puncture that evolves to inflammatory events, including necrosis. Such toxic effects can be correlated to the biochemical composition of the sting mucus, according to the literature. Fish skin plays important biological roles, such as the control of the osmotic pressure gradient, protection against mechanical forces and microorganism infections. The mucus, on the other hand, is a rich and complex fluid, acting on swimming, nutrition and the innate immune system. The elasmobranch's epidermis is a tissue composed mainly by mucus secretory cells, and marine stingrays have already been described to present secretory glands spread throughout the body. Little is known about the biochemical composition of the stingray mucus, but recent studies have corroborated the importance of mucus in the envenomation process. Aiming to assess the mucus composition, a new non-invasive mucus collection method was developed that focused on peptides and proteins, and biological assays were performed to analyze the toxic and immune activities of the Hypanus americanus mucus. Pathophysiological characterization showed the presence of peptidases on the mucus, as well as the induction of edema and leukocyte recruitment in mice. The fractionated mucus improved phagocytosis on macrophages and showed antimicrobial activity against T. rubrumç. neoformans and C. albicans in vitro. The proteomic analyses showed the presence of immune-related proteins like actin, histones, hemoglobin, and ribosomal proteins. This protein pattern is similar to those reported for other fish mucus and stingray venoms. This is the first report depicting the Hypanus stingray mucus composition, highlighting its biochemical composition and importance for the stingray immune system and the possible role on the envenomation process.

Perfil Epidemiológico e Qualidade de Vida dos Estudantes de Medicina Portadores de Hiperidrose Primária / Epidemiological Profile and Quality of Life of Medicine Students with Primary Hyperhidrosis

RESUMO Hiperidrose é a produção excessiva de suor pelo corpo, podendo ser primária ou secundária e generalizada ou localizada. As regiões craniofacial, axilar, palmar, dorso, face interna das coxas, plantar são comumente afetadas. A hiperidrose primária (HP), embora seja uma doença benigna, apresenta um eminente impacto negativo na qualidade de vida do paciente. Essa doença é classificada quantitativamente de acordo com a Escala de Gravidade da Doença da Hiperidrose, com base em como ela pode afetar as atividades diárias, podendo ser de leve a grave intensidade. Os acadêmicos de medicina enfrentam situações desgastantes físicas e emocionais durante seus afazeres e, quando portadores de doenças crônicas como a HP, podem ser estigmatizados como inseguros na sua profissão. Objetivou-se definir a prevalência, os critérios diagnósticos, a gravidade e o impacto na qualidade de vida que a HP proporciona nos âmbitos profissional e extracurricular dos acadêmicos de medicina. Trata-se de um estudo transversal de abordagem quantitativa de caráter descritivo, que inclui 300 acadêmicos do curso de Medicina da Universidade Tiradentes, em Aracaju/SE, no período de agosto a novembro de 2017. Utilizaram-se frequências absolutas e relativas no caso de variáveis categóricas e medidas de tendência e variabilidade central no caso de variáveis numéricas. O valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado significativo. A prevalência de HP em estudantes de medicina foi de 18% sem diferença entre os sexos e com predomínios das cores branca e parda. A doença ocorreu principalmente em sítios combinados, como palmoplantar, sendo a região palmar a mais acometida. Os sintomas iniciaram-se, principalmente, durante a infância e adolescência, com prejuízo importante nas atividades diárias pessoais e laborativas, e exacerbação do suor com situações de estresse. A gravidade da HP mais encontrada foi a moderada, sendo o impacto negativo na qualidade de vida principalmente relatado nos graus mais avançados da doença, dificultando as atividades acadêmicas. É importante a inclusão do conhecimento da HP no currículo médico para uma maior divulgação da doença, de modo a permitir um diagnóstico precoce e relacionado à intensidade da sudorese na sua abordagem terapêutica.

ABSTRACT Hyperhidrosis is the excessive production of sweat by the body, which can be primary or secondary and generalized or localized. The craniofacial, axillary, palmar, dorsum, inner thigh, and plantar regions are commonly affected. Primary hyperhidrosis (HP), although a benign disease, has an imminent negative impact on the patient's quality of life. This disease is quantitatively classified according to the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale, based on how the disease affects daily activities, ranging from mild to severe intensity. Medical undergraduate students face physical and emotional stressful situations during their tasks, and when they have a chronic illness such as HP, they can be stigmatized as unsafe for their profession. The objective was to define HP prevalence, diagnostic criteria, severity and impact on the quality of life in the professional and extracurricular scenario of undergraduate medical students. This is a cross-sectional quantitative study of a descriptive nature, including 300 students from the Tiradentes University medical school, in Aracaju-SE, from August to November 2017. Absolute and relative frequencies were used in the case of categorical variables and measures of central tendency and variability were used for numerical variables; p value was considered significant when p <0.05. The prevalence of HP in medical students was 18%, with no difference between the genders and with the predominance of white and brown ethnicities. The disease occurred mainly in combined sites, such as palmar-plantar, with the palmar region being the most affected one. The symptoms began mainly during childhood and adolescence, with significant impairment in daily personal and work activities, with disease exacerbation under stress situations. The most common HP severity was moderate, with a negative impact on quality of life, mainly reported at the more advanced stages of the disease, hindering academic activities. It is important to include the knowledge of HP in the medical curriculum for a greater dissemination of information on the disease, allowing its early diagnosis and related to the intensity of sweating in its therapeutic approach.

Congenital syphilis in a philanthropic maternity of the state of Sergipe: still a challenge / Sífilis congênita em maternidade filantrópica do estado de Sergipe: ainda um desafio

Introduction: Syphilis is a bacterial disease whose main means of contamination are the transplacental and sexual pathways. Its high prevalence in pregnancy in Brazil makes it a national public health issue. Objective: To evaluate the positivity of the mandatory testing recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MoH) in children of VDRL-positive mothers, using data from a congenital syphilis clinic in a Philanthropic Maternity of Aracaju, Sergipe (SE). Methods: Observational, longitudinal and descriptive design, following the MoH' congenital syphilis elimination program protocol (2006). Live births of VDRL-positive mothers were included from January 2010 to December 2014. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v21.0. Results: A total of 428 newborns (NB) were evaluated; 395 long-bone r-rays were carried out, of which, 7.3% had radiological alterations. VDRL positivity was found in cerebrospinal fluid (2.7%) and in peripheral blood (70.3%). The ear testing was altered in 3.0% and the examination of the eye fundus altered in 2.5%. The chance of having bone changes was greater in those who were born weighing from 1 to 2.5 kg and in those who presented with syphilis symptoms. Cerebrospinal fluid positivity was higher in those who had bone changes, were symptomatic, and whose partners were not treated. Maternal treatment decreased the chance of bone changes in infants. Conclusion: The non-treponemal test, VDRL, in peripheral blood was the most significant in the identification of the vertical transmission, corresponding to 70.3% of the identified samples, suggesting that its use had a greater diagnostic sensitivity, being the long bones radiography, ear test, and eye fundus test complementary in screening children of VDRL-positive mothers. In addition, the outpatient follow-up was statistically significant (p<0.01) in reducing the patients' morbidity and mortality. This reinforces the importance of updating the guidelines for Congenital Syphilis management by the Ministry of Health, used in the institution at the time of the study, aiming to eradicate this disease that still persists despite almost seven decades of penicillin usage

Introdução: A sífilis é uma doença bacteriana que tem como principais meios de contaminação a via transplacentária e a sexual. Sua alta prevalência na gestação no Brasil a torna um problema de saúde pública. Objetivo: Avaliar a positividade dos exames preconizados pelo Ministério da Saúde (MS) em filhos de mães Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) positivo, mediante dados do ambulatório de sífilis congênita numa maternidade filantrópica de Aracaju (SE). Métodos: Design observacional, longitudinal e descritivo, seguindo o protocolo do programa de eliminação de sífilis congênita do MS de 2006. Foram incluídos nascidos vivos de mães VDRL positivo, no período de janeiro de 2010 a dezembro de 2014. Na análise de dados, utilizou-se o software SPSS® versão 21.0. Resultados: Foram avaliados 428 recém-nascidos (RN); 395 realizaram radiografia de ossos longos, dos quais 7,3% tinham alterações radiológicas. O VDRL foi positivo no liquor em 2,7% e no sangue periférico em 70,3% deles. O teste da orelhinha e o exame de fundo de olho foram alterados em 3,0 e 2,5%, respectivamente. A chance de ter alterações ósseas foi maior naqueles que nasceram com peso entre 1 e 2,5 kg e naqueles que apresentaram sintomas de sífilis. A positividade do liquor foi maior naqueles que tinham alterações ósseas, eram sintomáticos e cujos parceiros não foram tratados. O tratamento materno diminuiu a chance de alterações ósseas nos bebês. Conclusão: O teste não treponêmico, o VDRL, em sangue periférico foi o mais significativo na identificação da transmissão vertical, correspondendo a 70,3% das amostras identificadas, sugerindo-se que sua utilização teve maior sensibilidade diagnóstica, tendo a radiografia de ossos longos, o teste da orelhinha e o exame de fundo de olho um papel complementar no rastreio dos filhos de mães VDRL positivo. Além disso, o acompanhamento ambulatorial dos pacientes foi estatisticamente significativo (p<0,01) para redução de morbimortalidade dos pacientes avaliados. Isso reforça a importância da manutenção das guidelines para manejo de sífilis congênita do MS, utilizadas na instituição na época do estudo, objetivando erradicar essa doença que ainda persiste apesar de quase sete décadas do uso da penicilina

Morphological development of larvae and juveniles of Prochilodus argenteus / Desenvolvimento morfológico de larvas e jovens de Prochilodus argenteus

ABSTRACT: Prochilodus argenteus is an endemic fish species from the São Francisco River basin that is of high economic and environmental importance. The present study aimed to contribute with information to the taxonomic identification of larvae and juveniles of this species. Larvae , obtained from induced spawning of wild animals, were reared in ponds. Individuals were collected daily and classified into larval stages or juvenile phase. Morphological descriptions and morphometric measurements were performed, together with a piece wise linear regression analysis of the body proportions throughout the development process. Individuals in the preflexion stage had a standard length (SL) of 4.48 to 6.64mm, long to moderate body (BH/SL), small to moderate head (HL/SL), and a small to moderate eye (ED/HL). In the flexion stage, the SL varied from 6.60 to 11.00mm, long to moderate body, moderate head, and small to moderate eye. Larvae in the postflexion stage presented SL of 10.54-19.93mm, moderate body, moderate to big head and small eye. The juvenile phase included specimens with a SL of 18.27 to 42.21mm which presented a moderate to high body, big head and small to moderate eye. Regression analysis showed significant moments of change in rate of increase of the body proportions, presenting a change in the growth pattern from allometry to isometry during the early development.

RESUMO: Prochilodus argenteus é uma espécie de peixe endêmica da bacia do Rio São Francisco, com importância econômica e ecológica para a região. O objetivo deste trabalho foi contribuir com informações para a identificação taxonômica de larvas e jovens da espécie. As larvas foram obtidas através de reprodução induzida de animais selvagens e cultivadas em viveiros. Os peixes foram coletados diariamente e classificados nos estágios larvais e fase juvenil. Foi realizada a descrição morfológica e medidas morfométricas, além de uma análise de regressão linear segmentada das proporções corporais ao longo do desenvolvimento. O estágio de pré-flexão apresentou indivíduos com comprimento padrão (CP) de 4,48 a 6,64mm, corpo longo a moderado (AC/CP), cabeça pequena a moderada (CC/CP) e olho pequeno a moderado (DO/CC). Em flexão, o CP variou de 6,60 a 11,00mm com corpo longo a moderado, cabeça moderada e olho pequeno a moderado. No estágio de pós-flexão, as larvas apresentaram CP de 10,54 a 19,93mm, corpo moderado, cabeça moderada a grande e olho pequeno. A fase juvenil compreendeu indivíduos de 18,27 a 42,21mm CP, corpo moderado a alto, cabeça grande e olho pequeno a moderado. As análises de regressão evidenciaram os momentos significativos de mudança no ritmo de incremento das proporções corporais, demonstrando uma mudança no padrão de crescimento de alométrico para isométrico durante o desenvolvimento inicial.