Joabe Lima Araújo

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising minimally invasive approach for melanoma; however, many photosensitizers lose activity in aqueous media due to aggregation-induced quenching effects. Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop and characterize castor oil–based nanoemulsions containing chlorophyll (NFs-Chl) and to evaluate their in vitro photodynamic potential against melanoma cells (B16-F10), as well as their selectivity compared with human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Methods: NFs-Chl were prepared by spontaneous emulsification. Physicochemical characterization was carried out using dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. In vitro assays included MTT for cell viability (IC₅₀ determination), real-time cell proliferation (RealTime-Glo™), and cell migration analysis (scratch assay). All photodynamic treatments were performed under irradiation at 660 nm. Results: NFs-Chl exhibited homogeneous nanometric sizes (≈24–31 nm) and a low polydispersity index (≈0.25–0.40), indicating a narrow size distribution. UV–Vis spectra confirmed the preservation of the characteristic absorption peaks of chlorophyll after encapsulation. In B16-F10 cells, NFs-Chl associated with PDT significantly reduced cell viability and metabolic activity over 48 h. Furthermore, NFs-Chl inhibited the migratory capacity of B16-F10 cancer cells. Cell migration assays revealed a clear inhibition of B16-F10 cell migration following treatment with NFs-Chl + PDT. Conclusions: Encapsulation of chlorophyll into castor oil nanoemulsions protected the photosensitizer, improved its cellular delivery, and enhanced its photodynamic cytotoxic effect against melanoma cells, while relatively preserving normal keratinocytes in vitro.

Melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer intricately linked to genetic and environmental factors, is predicted to reach 100,000 new cases worldwide by 2040, underscoring the need for effective and safe treatment options. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of a photosensitizer called Chlorophyll A (Chl-A) incorporated into hydrogels (HGs) made of chitosan (CS) and poloxamer 407 (P407) for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) against the murine melanoma cell line B16-F10. The HG was evaluated through various tests, including rheological studies, SEM, and ATR-FTIR, along with cell viability assays. The CS- and P407-based HGs effectively released Chl-A and possessed the necessary properties for topical application. The photodynamic activity of the HG containing Chl-A was evaluated in vitro, demonstrating high therapeutic potential, with an IC₅₀ of 25.99 µM—an appealing result when compared to studies in the literature reporting an IC₅₀ of 173.8 µM for cisplatin, used as a positive control drug. The developed formulation of CS and P407-based HG, serving as a thermosensitive system for topical applications, successfully controlled the release of Chl-A. In vitro cell studies associated with PDT exhibited potential against the melanoma cell line.

Breast cancer comprises approximately 20% of all malignant neoplasm cases globally. Due to the limitations associated with conventional therapeutic approaches, extensive investigations have been undertaken to develop novel treatments that exhibit enhanced specificity and minimized adverse effects. Consequently, the application of polymeric nanoformulations for targeted drug delivery has gained significant attention within the biomedical field. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to explore the inherent advantages and efficacy of employing polymeric nanoformulations for drug delivery in breast cancer treatment, as compared to traditional therapies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across prominent databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus, utilizing specific search strings. This meticulous approach yielded a total of 12 relevant articles for in-depth analysis and discussion. The findings from the selected studies underscore the effectiveness of employing polymeric nanoparticles as a drug delivery strategy, showcasing noteworthy improvements in cellular uptake and sustained intracellular retention of encapsulated therapeutic agents. Additionally, these nanoformulations exhibited superior efficacy, safety, and drug delivery capabilities. The utilization of polymeric nanoparticles in drug delivery has demonstrated a substantial enhancement in treatment efficacy, with the ability to achieve higher concentrations of active ingredients within tumor tissues, augment cellular uptake and drug concentrations, and sustain intracellular retention. Consequently, this innovative approach prolongs drug release in lower quantities, ultimately contributing to improved treatment outcomes.

SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2) is the causative agent for the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It raises serious biosecurity questions due to its high contagious potential, thereby triggering rapid and efficient responses by the scientific community to take necessary actions against viral infections. Cumulative scientific evidence suggests that natural products remain one of the main sources for pharmaceutical consumption. It is due to their wide chemical diversity that they are able to fight against almost all kinds of diseases and disorders in humans and other animals. Knowing the overall facts, this study was carried out to investigate the chemical interactions between the active constituents of a promising medicinal plant, Myracrodruon urundeuva, and some specific proteins of SARS-CoV-2. For this, we used molecular docking to predict the most appropriate orientation by binding a molecule (a ligand) to its receptor (a protein). The best results were evaluated by screening their pharmacokinetic properties using the online tool pkCSM. Findings suggest that among 44 chemical compounds of M. urundeuva, agathisflavone, which is abundantly present in its leaf, exhibited excellent molecular affinity (−9.3 to −9.7 kcal.mol⁻¹) with three functional proteins, namely, Spike, M^Pro, and RBD of SARS-CoV-2. In conclusion, M. urundeuva might be a good source of antiviral agents. Further studies are required to elucidate the exact mechanism of action of the bioactive compounds of M. urundeuva acting against SARS-CoV-2.

Background: Infusion Pumps (IP) are medical devices that were developed in the 1960s and generate fluid flow at pressures higher than that of normal blood pressure. Various hospital sectors make use of them, and they have become indispensable in therapies requiring continuity and precision in the administration of medication and/or food. As they are classified Class III (high risk) equipment, their maintenance is crucial for proper performance of the device, as well as patient and operator safety. The principal consideration of the pump is the volume infused, and the device demands great attention to detail when being calibrated. A lack of necessary care with this equipment can lead to uncertainty in volume and precision during the administration of substances. Because of this, it is essential to evaluate its reliability, to prevent possible failures at time of execution. This control aims at the quality of the intended infusion result, becoming an indication of quality. Methods: This systematic review summarizes studies done over the last 10 years (2011 to December 2021) that address the reliability and accuracy of hospital infusion pumps, in order to identify planning of maintenance and/or other techniques used in management of the equipment. The Prisma method was applied and the databases utilized were Embase, MEDLINE/Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Science Direct. In addition, similar reviews were studied in Prospero and the Cochrane Library. For data analysis, softwares such as Mendeley, Excel, RStudio, and VOSviewer were used, and Robvis helped in plotting risk of bias results for studies performed with Cochrane tools. Results: The six databases selected produced 824 studies. After applying eligibility criteria (inclusion and exclusion), removing duplicates, and applying filters 1 and 2, 15 studies were included in the present review. It was found that the most relevant sources came from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and that the most relevant keywords revolved around the terms (“device failure”, “infusion pumps”, “adverse effects”, “complications”, etc.). These results made clear that there remains substantial room for improvement as it relates to the study of accuracy and reliability of infusion. Conclusions: We verified that the reliability and precision analysis of hospital infusion pumps need to be performed in a more detailed and consistent way. New developments, considering the model and IP specification, are intended, clearly explaining the adopted methodology.

A energia é considerada questão estratégica de um páis e a proporção de seu uso sempre esteve diretamente associada ao desenvolvimento industrial. Com a descoberta do petróleo no início do século XIX, foi intensificado ainda mais o processo de industrialização, provocando uma intensa modificação do espaço ocupado pelo homem. Mas a escassez iminente, a geração de energia por meio de combustíveis fósseis, como o petróleo, não pode fornecer indefinidamente a energia exigida pela população mundial. Nesse contexto, o biodiesel surge como um promissor biocombustível substituto para combustíveis fósseis derivados de oleaginosas ou gorduras animais compostas por ésteres alquílicos que podem substituir total ou parcialmente o diesel. No entanto, contém uma quantidade significativa de ácido graxo insaturado, é suscetível à degradação oxidativa mediada pelo calor, principalmente na presença de oxigênio, o que pode afetar negativamente a estabilidade do biodiesel. compostos fenólicos submetidos à reação eletroquímica do biodiesel obtido a partir do óleo de soja, através da reação eletrolítica buscou-se realizar alterações estruturais para melhorar a atividade antioxidante técnica do LCN, utilizando metanol e hidroquinona como solvente e como eletrólito. O LCCHQ foi o produto dessa reação cuja eficiência antioxidante como aditivo para biodiesel foi medida pelo "Schaal Oven Storage Stability Test" - método de oxidação acelerada e posteriormente, analisado por espectroscopia de absorção molecular na região do UV (240 a 300 nm) e método Rancimat. O antioxidante os resultados de atividade do LCCHQ foram satisfatórios em retardar o progresso da oxidação quando comparados ao CNSL em todos os testes técnicos.

Deficiency in sanitary sewage services, mainly in sewage collection and treatment services, results in inadequate sewage disposal in receiving water bodies. This work analyzes the physicochemical and microbiological conditions of Grajaú river for the preponderant bathing conditions established for bathing defined by CONAMA Resolution 274/00. Grajaú, Prainha (P1), Canecão (P2) and Porto do Limoeiro (P3). Physicochemical analyzes of color, chloride, total hardness, alkalinity, pH and microbiological were carried out, through the indicators of the group of total coliforms and (E. coli), using the ALFAKIT methodology in the points. The result was close to 3uH, which allows us to say that the color of the water is within the references required by Conama 357/05. The total alkalinity was 300 mg.L^-1 CaCO₃, which allows us to conclude that the water of the Grajaú river is hard. The pH in the three samples did not change, it remained 8.0 in the three points, in view of this, these parameters are in accordance with the references of CONAMA n° 274/00. Through this study it was possible to observe that the river waters, based on the indicator, are within the accepted standards for bathing. Still, through this study, it was possible to conclude that it becomes increasingly necessary to monitor the public power facing the Grajaú river, considering that it can be observed that leisure spots are much sought after by the population.

Em Wuhan, China, no final do ano de 2019 ocorreu um surto de pneumonia viral de causa desconhecida, até que em 7 de Janeiro de 2020 foi identificado o agente etiológico desta doença pelo Centro Chinês de Controle e Prevenção de Doenças (CDC), em que se tratava de uma Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave por Coronavírus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) conhecida como coronavírus 19 (COVID-19). Esse vírus já infectou até o dia 01 de junho de 2021 cerca de 170.814.464 pessoas, levando 3.551.884 a óbito, além de gerar uma série de problemas sociais e econômicos no mundo. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo documentar informações referentes ao SARS-CoV-2 contidas na literatura cientifica, bem como, os impactos gerados na sociedade pelo novo coronavírus. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados: PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO e BVS utilizando filtro de buscas de artigos a partir de Dezembro de 2019 a Maio de 2021, que são os meses que compreendem de estudos referente ao SARS-CoV-2. As buscas bibliográficas foram realizadas no mês de Maio de 2021 utilizando os descritores “COVID-19 and Impacts”, “COVID-19 and Information”, “Complication and COVID-19” e “COVID-19 and Fake News”. Foram levados em considerações apenas achados no idioma inglês (americano e britânico). Dessa forma, esperamos que este estudo reforce o conhecimento dos leitores com informações sobre a COVID-19 e seus impactos na sociedade, também se almeja mensurar e identificar o vasto material cientifico que já temos disponível na literatura.

A quimioterapia é um dos principais tratamentos oncológicos, no qual acarreta diversos efeitos colaterais, dentre os quais têm-se a mucosite. A rutina pertence à classe dos flavonoides e apresenta clinicamente funções relevantes, potencialmente benéficas na prevenção de doenças e atividade antioxidante. Portanto, objetivou-se com esse estudo, realizar um monitoramento científico e tecnológico acerca das propriedades farmacológicas da rutina e sua relação como possível agente terapêutico no controle da mucosite intestinal. O monitoramento foi realizado através das bases Science direct e Web of Science e, bases tecnológicas, Instituto Europeu de Patentes e Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Intelectual. Os descritores foram: “Rutin, Rutin” e “ulcer, Rutin” e “biological activity”, “Rutin and pharmacology” e “Rutin and câncer”. As buscas foram realizadas em outubro de 2019, sendo consideradas publicações dos últimos 10 anos. Pode-se verificar que houve um crescimento de estudos relacionados à rutina na última década, podendo destacar diversas atividades farmacológica do composto.