RESUMO Fibroína (FB) e nanocelulose bacteriana (BC) são produtos naturais que podem ser usados na biomedicina, nas indústrias eletrônicas e de alimentos e outras áreas. Todos eles apresentam biocompatibilidade, podendo ser utilizados para diversos fins. A mistura de fibroína e nanocelulose bacteriana foi projetada para produzir um material biocompatível para ser aplicado com um dispositivo médico. Por esse motivo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as propriedades estruturais da mistura de BC e FB. Assim, FB foi extraída do Bombyx mori e a BC foi produzida por processo de fermentação utilizando Gluconacetobacter xylinus. As membranas compostas de BC-FB foram produzidas por contato de imersão por 24 horas, a 25 °C, em 100 rpm, sem agente reticulante. Após a produção, as amostras de membrana foram secas e caracterizadas por espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier (espectroscopia FTIR), propriedades mecânicas, eficiência de intumescimento, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e microtomografia computadorizada (µCt). Os resultados indicam que as membranas porosas com ligações de hidrogênio obtidas apresentaram morfologia porosa anisiotrópica, fechada e interconectada. As características morfométricas, que se assemelham a um favo de mel e consistem em uma estrutura longa com alta conectividade e alta porosidade total, amplificam as áreas de aplicações da mistura BC-FB, com potencial utilização com dispositivos optoeletrônicos, em áreas que variam desde ambiental à engenharia tecidual. Além disso, a produção por contato de imersão permitirá o processo de alta qualidade e o desenvolvimento de material de rótulo verde.

ABSTRACT Fibroin (FB) and bacterial nanocellulose (BC) are natural products, being used in biomedicine, electronics, food industries and other areas. Both show biocompatibility, able to be used for many different purposes. The blending of fibroin and bacterial nanocellulose was design to produce a biocompatible material to be applied with a medical device. For this reason, the objective of this work was to evaluate the structure properties of the blending of BC and FB. Thus, FB was extracted from Bombyx mori and BC was produced by fermentation process utilizing Gluconacetobacter xylinus. The membranes composed of BC-FB were produced by immersion contact for 24 hours, at 25°C, in 100rpm; without crosslinking agent. After the production the membrane samples were dried and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR spectroscopy), mechanical proprieties, swelling efficiency, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and computerized microtomography (µCt). Results indicate that the hydrogen-bonded porous membranes obtained displayed anisiotropic, closed and interconnected porous morphology. The morphometric characteristics, which resemble a honeycomb and consist of a long structure with high connectivity and high total porosity, amplify the areas of BC-FB blend applications, with potential utilization with optoelectronic devices, in areas ranging from environmental to tissue engineering. Furthermore, the production by immersion contact will allow the upscale process and the development of green label material.

RESUMO Cateteres centrais de inserção periférica (CCIP) são amplamente utilizados em neonatos internados em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN). O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar as características físicas de CCIP, por meio da aplicação das normas ABNT NBR ISO 10555-1: 2003 e ABNT NBR ISO 10555-3: 2003, e comparar os resultados produzidos na análise de CCIP no início de seu processo de produção (somente catéteres extrusados) com os obtidos na análise do produto acabado. Testes experimentais foram realizados em CCIP fabricados por um fabricante nacional entre os anos de 2011 e 2012. Os dados foram coletados a partir de testes realizados em ambos os catéteres que foram apenas extrusados, ou seja, sem pintar as demarcações, cortes e outros processos relacionados com garantia de qualidade, e catéteres após a conclusão do processo geral de fabricação. No presente estudo, incluiram-se todos os estágios do processo de produção do catéter que podem gerar algum tipo de modificação no produto que poderia gerar riscos aos pacientes que necessitam utilizá-los. Os catéteres foram analisados quanto à resistência à ruptura, radiopacidade, características de fluxo, vazamento de fluido sob pressão e ocorrência de vazamento de ar na montagem do tubo de sucção, conforme preconizado pelas normas NBR ISO 10555-1: 2003 e NBR ISO 10555-3: 2003. Os resultados obtidos foram satisfatórios em todas as análises realizadas, com exceção da resistência à ruptura, que não atendeu às especificações preconizadas pelos padrões para catéteres de silicone. Examinaram-se também catéteres feitos de poliuretano, que por sua vez cumpriram os padrões no que diz respeito à resistência à ruptura. Como as normas não especificam pontos importantes a serem levados em conta para a realização detestes inequivocamente, foram feitas sugestões para a revisão dessas normas.

ABSTRACT Peripherally-inserted central catheters (PICC) are widely used in neonates hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). The aim of the study entertained herein was to evaluate the physical characteristics of PICC, through application of the standards ABNT NBR ISO 10555-1:2003 and ABNT NBR ISO 10555-3:2003, and compare the results produced in the analysis of PICC at the beginning of their production process (extruded catheters only) with those obtained in the analysis of the finished product. Experimental tests were performed in PICC manufactured by a domestic manufacturer between the years 2011 and 2012. The data was gathered from tests performed on both catheters that were just extruded, i.e. without painting the demarcations, cutting and other processes related with quality assurance, and on catheters after completion of the overall manufacturing process. In the present study, one included all stages of the catheter production process that can generate some type of modification in the product that could impart risks to the patients needing to use them. The catheters were analyzed for strength to rupture, radiopacity, flow characteristics, leakage of fluid under pressure, and occurrence of air leak in the suction tube assembly, as advocated by the NBR ISO 10555-1:2003 and NBR ISO 10555-3:2003 standards. The results obtained were satisfactory in all analysesperformed, except for the resistance to rupture, which did not meet the specifications advocated by the standards for catheters made of silicone. One has also examined catheters made of polyurethane, which in turn did meet the standards with regard to resistance to rupture. As standards do not specify important points to be taken into account for conducting tests unequivocally, suggestions were made for revision of those standards.

Schistosomiasis mansoni presents many clinical manifestations during migration of schistosomes in their hosts, including diarrhea, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, liver abscesses, skinlesions, brain tumors and myeloradiculopathy. No lesions have been reported in skeletal striated muscles due to schistosomiasis mansoni in the literature. This short communication reports the histopathological findings on skeletal musculature in a murine model of neuroeschistosomiasis mansoni. Lesions were found in the tongue, masseter muscle, buccinator muscle, digastric muscle and temporalis muscle. Worm recovery was carried out to confirm the infection. We describe here, for the first time in the literature, injuries in the skeletal musculature due to Schistosoma mansoni nfection.

Abstract Objectives: The physicochemical characteristics of bran of cassava starch flour and bran of cassava flour (viz. organoleptic characteristics, pH value, moisture content, total ashes, lipid, protein, starch and fiber contents) and biopharmacotechnical parameters (viz. granulometry, flow capacity, angle at rest, outflow time and apparent density) were evaluated aiming at assessing their potential use as tablet excipients. Methodos: Three tablet formulations of venlafaxine hydrochloride were proposed, having as excipients bran of cassava flour, bran of cassava starch flour and Starch 1500®. The tablets were produced using two different pressures (98±5 MPa and 32±6 Mpa) and their mechanical (hardness and friability) and dissolubility characteristics were evaluated. Results and Conclusions: The tablets produced with both cassava flours, using higher pressures, presented similar physicochemical characteristics to those obtained with the excipient Starch1500®, thus indicating that cassava flours possess the potential to be used as disintegrating agents in tablets.

Resumen Objetivos: Se evaluaron características físico-químicas del salvado de harina y del salvado de la fécula de mandioca (características organolépticas, pH, humedad, cenizas totales y contenido de lípidos, proteínas, almidones y fibras) y biofarmacotécnicas (granulometría, capacidad de flujo, ángulo en reposo, tiempo de salida y densidad aparente) con el objetivo de evaluar el uso de estos residuos como excipientes para comprimidos. Métodos: Se propusieron tres formulaciones en comprimidos de venlafaxina teniendo como excipientes salvado de harina de mandioca, salvado de fécula de mandioca y Starch 1500 ®. Las pastillas se produjeron utilizando dos presiones diferentes (98 ± 5 MPa y 32 ± 6 Mpa). Las características mecánicas (dureza y friabilidad) y de disolución de los comprimidos se evaluaron. Resultados y Conclusiones: Los comprimidos producidos con ambos salvados de mandioca, utilizando las presiones más elevadas, presentaron características físico-químicas similares a las obtenidas con el excipiente Starch1500®, indicando que las harinas de mandioca poseen potencial para ser utilizadas como agentes desintegrantes en comprimidos.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Leishmaniasis is a global public health concern. Currently available treatments are associated with considerable side effects. The use of nanotechnology has shown promise for improving efficacy and bioavailability and minimizing side effects. METHODS: This study investigated available literature, including patents and scientific articles, to identify advances in the use of nanotechnology for the treatment of leishmaniasis. RESULTS: Our findings revealed a stable number of patents and scientific articles published over the past five years. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to intensify research on the use of nanotechnology for the treatment of leishmaniasis.

The Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 listed schistosomiasis among the leading 100 causes of death in Brazil, responsible for 3.6% of the estimated total of deaths globally. Eye and adnexa are very rarely affected by schistosomiasis mansoni, with limited documentation of ocular pathology in this setting. This short communication reports ocular histolopathological findings in a murine model of neuroschistosomiasis mansoni. Lesions were found in the bulbar conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, choroid and corneoscleral limbus.

ABSTRACT Zidovudine (AZT) mucoadhesive solid dispersions (SD) were prepared using a sodium starch glycolate (SSG) and hypromellose phthalate (HPMCP) mixtures as carrier to enhance the intestinal permeability and bioavailability of zidovudine. SDs were prepared using the co-precipitation method followed by solvent evaporation and characterized according to their physicochemical properties such as particle size, crystallinity, thermal behavior, and liquid uptake ability. In vitro drug dissolution, mucoadhesiveness and AZT intestinal permeability were also determined. Thermal behavior and X-ray diffraction patterns demonstrated the amorphous state of AZT in SD systems. The HPMCP polymer restricted the liquid uptake ability in the acid medium; however, this property significantly increased with higher pH values. SDs allowed drug dissolution to occur in a controlled manner. HPMCP decreased the dissolution rates in the acid medium. The mucoadhesiveness of SDs was demonstrated and the permeability of AZT carried in solid dispersions was significantly improved. The effect of the SD carrier polymers on blocking efflux pump can be an important approach to improve the bioavailability of AZT.

A bupropiona é um antidepressivo utilizado no tratamento do tabagismo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi a preparação de filmes hidrogelatinosos de liberação controlada para administração bucal de bupropiona. Os filmes foram preparados utilizando carboximetilcelulose sódica ultrapurificada, hidroxipropilmetilcelulose K4M e quitosana de média viscosidade. As características físico-químicas dos filmes foram avaliadas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, teor de bupropiona, resistência mecânica (perfuração, relaxação, resiliência e tração) e citotoxicidade. Os resultados mostraram que os filmes em bicamada apresentaram teor de bupropiona de 121 mg por 9 cm2 de filme e que a bupropiona modifica a resistência mecânica dos filmes, sem, no entanto, inviabilizar o uso desta forma farmacêutica. Os estudos de citotoxicidade mostraram que as formulações dos filmes contendo bupropiona não causam dano celular. Este estudo mostrou que a bupropiona veiculada na forma de filme hidrogelatinoso pode ser uma alternativa útil no tratamento do tabagismo.

Bupropion is an antidepressant used in the treatment of smoking. The purpose of this study was to prepare controlled-release hydrogel films for buccal administration of bupropion and investigate its physicochemical and cytotoxic properties. The films were prepared from ultrapure sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M, and medium-viscosity chitosan. Evaluation of film physicochemical characteristics was based on scanning electron microscopy, bupropion content, mechanical strength (burst strength, relaxation, resilience, and traction), and cytotoxicity. Bupropion content in bilayer films was 121 mg per 9 cm2. The presence of bupropion modified film mechanical strength, but did not compromise the use of this pharmaceutical form. As shown by the cytotoxicity results, films containing bupropion did not cause cellular damage. Bupropion administration in the form of hydrogel films is a potentially useful alternative in the treatment of smoking.

A solubilidade de fármacos ainda é um dos principais desafios no desenvolvimento de formulações farmacêuticas. As dispersões sólidas (DS) apresentam grande potencial para melhorar a solubilidade de fármacos. O praziquantel é o fármaco de primeira escolha no tratamento da esquistossomose, contudo a baixa solubilidade em água restringe seu uso à administração pela via oral. Apesar da baixa solubilidade, o PZQ é bem absorvido através do trato gastrintestinal, mas doses orais elevadas são requeridas para garantir concentrações suficientes de fármaco para o tecido alvo. O objetivo deste estudo foi melhorar a solubilidade, a dissolução e avaliar a absorção do PZQ. As DS foram formuladas com óleo de castor hidrogenado - PEG 60 (CR-60), pelo uso dos métodos de fusão e evaporação do solvente. PZQ puro, mistura física (MF) e DS de CR-60-PZQ (1:2; 1:1; 2:1) foram comparados quanto à solubilidade, dissolução e absorção intestinal. Os resultados experimentais mostraram aumento na solubilidade, na taxa de dissolução e na absorção intestinal do PZQ nas DS. A solubilidade do PZQ foi maior em meio ácido, mostrando uma dependência do pH. O aumento na solubilidade do PZQ nas DS com CR-60 foi atribuída a fatores como aumento da molhabilidade, solubilização local, redução granulométrica e redução da cristalinidade ou, ainda, a ocorrência de uma solução sólida intersticial.

The solubility behavior of drugs remains one of the most challenging aspects in formulation development. Solid Dispersion (SD) has tremendous potential for improving drug solubility. Although praziquantel (PZQ) is the first drug of choice in the treatment of schistosomiasis, its poor solubility has restricted its delivery oral route. In spite of its poor solubility, PZQ is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, but large doses are required to achieve adequate concentration at the target sites. The aim of this study was to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of PZQ and to evaluate its intestinal absorption. SDs were formulated with PEG-60 castor oil hydrogenated (CR-60) using a fusion and evaporation method. Pure PZQ and physical mixtures (PM) and PZQ-CR-60 (2:1; 1:1; 1:2 ratios) were compared as regards their solubility, dissolution and intestinal absorption. The experimental results demonstrated the improvement in the solubility, dissolution rate and intestinal absorption. In addition, the solubility behavior showed pH dependency and that the solubility of PZQ was slower in acidic medium than in neutral and basic mediums. The increase in PZQ solubility of the SD with the CR-60 could be attributed to several factors such as improved wettability, local solubilization, drug particle size reduction and crystalline or, interstitial solid solution reduction.

This paper describes a project, construction and test of a low cost air pycnometer, developed to be used preferentially in pharmaceutical research. A complete discussion of the construction, test and calibration of this equipment is presented and some measurements are made using pharmaceutical powders and dry granulations. The equipment performance has been estimated through its calibration curve, and the obtained value to its volume resolution is about 1%. This equipment is accomplished at the Applied Nuclear Physics Laboratory of University of Sorocaba (LAFINAU) in Sorocaba, SP, Brazil and it was denominated "Picnômetro a Ar Uniso - PICNAU".