ABSTRACT Purpose: This study investigates the protective effect of cilostazol on the development and evolution of diabetic retinopathy in rats. Methods: Sixty male rats were divided into four groups: untreated nondiabetic rats, untreated diabetic rats, cilostazol-treated nondiabetic rats, and cilostazol-treated diabetic rats. The thickness of the internal limiting membrane to the outer limiting membrane, inner plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, and outer nuclear layer were measured. The number of cell nuclei per 50-μm length in retinal sections was counted to quantify the degree of retinal cell loss. Results: The number of nuclei in the ganglion cell layer was significantly higher in untreated nondiabetic rats (p<0.05). The mean number of nuclei in the cilostazol-treated nondiabetic rats was significantly higher than that in the cilostazol-treated diabetic rats (p<0.05). The cilostazol-treated nondiabetic rats had a significantly higher mean nuclei count in the inner nuclear layer and inner plexiform layer as compared with the other groups (p<0.05). The total mean retinal thickness of the cilostazol-treated nondiabetic rats was significantly higher than that of cilostazol-treated diabetic rats and untreated diabetic rats (p<0.05). Conclusion: By decreasing the loss of ganglion cells and reducing the sensorineural atrophy in the internal retinal layers, cilostazol had a protective effect against changes caused by diabetic retinopathy in diabetic rats.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito protetor do cilostazol no desenvolvimento e na evolução da retinopatia diabética em ratos. Métodos: Sessenta ratos machos foram divididos em 4 grupos: ratos não-diabéticos não-tratados, ratos diabéticos não-tratados, ratos não-diabéticos tratados com cilostazol e ratos diabéticos tratados com cilostazol. A espessura da membrana limitante interna à membrana limitante externa, a camada plexiforme interna, a camada nuclear interna e a camada nuclear externa foram medidas. Para quantificar o grau de perda de células da retina, foi contado o número de núcleos de células por 50 μm de comprimento em secções retinianas. Resultados: O número de núcleos no GCL foi significativamente maior em Ratos não-diabéticos não-tratados com cilostazol (p<0,05). O número médio de núcleos em Ratos não-diabéticos tratados com cilostazol foi significativamente maior do que em Ratos diabéticos tratados com cilostazol (p<0,05). A contagem média de núcleos em camada nuclear interna e camada plexiforme interna de ratos não-diabéticos tratados com cilostazol foi significativamente maior do que nos outros grupos (p<0,05). A espessura retiniana média total de Ratos não-diabéticos tratados com cilostazol foi significativamente maior do que em Ratos diabéticos tratados com cilostazol e Ratos diabéticos não-tratados (p<0,05). Conclusão: Os resultados demonstraram que o cilostazol teve um efeito protetor contra as alterações causadas pela retinopatia diabética em ratos diabéticos, diminuindo a perda de células ganglionares e reduzindo a atrofia neurossensorial nas camadas retinianas internas.

RESUMEN: Introducción: La Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) es un ambiente donde los pacientes críticos deben ser tratados por un equip multidisciplinario. Es de suma importancia reconocer el perfil clínico epidemiológico para evaluar individualmente los pacientes. Objetivo: Analizar el perfil epidemiológico de los pacientes ingresados en una UCI de un Hospital Universitario y su relación con la escala de Fugulin. Método: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, con enfoque cuantitativo, que realizó un análisis del perfil epidemiológico, desenlaces y variables asociadas a la morbimortalidad, a través de relatos de pacientes hospitalizados de marzo a agosto de 2020. Resultados: Se observó que la mayoría de estos pacientes hospitalizados era del sexo masculino, remitidos por el Servicio de Atención Médica de Urgencias, se les diagnosticó con mayor frecuencia: insuficiencia respiratoria aguda, sepsis e insuficiencia renal aguda, con un desenlace prevalente en muertes, habiéndose observado correlación de la escala de Fugulin con la mortalidad y puntuaciones de gravedad de estos pacientes. Conclusión: Ante la complejidad en el cuidado del paciente crítico, el estudio demuestra que la escala de Fugulin puede ser una alternativa en la práctica clínica, relacionando la necesidad de cuidado con la gravedad y mortalidad de los pacientes en uma UCI.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is an environment where critical patients must be treated by a multidisciplinary team. What becomes extremely important to recognize the clinical epidemiological profile to evaluate individually. Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile of patients admitted to an ICU of a University Hospital and its relationship with the Fugulin scale. Method: This is a retrospective, descriptive study with a quantitative approach, which carried out an analysis of the epidemiological profile, outcomes and variables associated with morbidity and mortality, through reports of patients hospitalized from March to August 2020. Results: It was observed that most of these hospitalized patients were male, referred by the Emergency Medical Care Service, were diagnosed more frequently: acute respiratory failure, sepsis and acute renal failure, with a prevalent outcome in deaths, having been observed correlation of the Fugulin scale with the mortality and severity scores of these patients. Conclusion: In view of the complexity in the care of critically ill patients, the study demonstrates that the Fugulin scale can be an alternative in clinical practice, relating the need for care with severity and mortality to patients in an ICU.

Abstract Monteverdia ilicifolia (Mart. ex Reissek) Biral (basionym: Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek) (Celastraceae) is popularly known as holy thorn or “espinheira-santa” in Brazil. This herb is traditionally used for gastric and digestive problems. However, similar species are often used as adulterants. Considering the pharmacological interest and the existence of adulterants, this study was devoted to characterizing M. ilicifolia samples by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) and photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) by using Citronella gongonha (Mart.) R. A. Howard as adulterant sample. Six commercial samples were purchased, and seven collected samples were obtained in the Campos Gerais region. The leaves were then dehydrated and converted to powder. The FTIR spectroscopic assay was carried out and consisted of ten different measurements for each sample with a time interval of seven days between them. The PCA was performed from these spectra. The characterization by FTIR demonstrated the presence of tannins and flavonoids in the studied samples. FTIR spectroscopy coupled with PCA was able to discriminate the commercial and the collected samples of M. ilicifolia using three principal components. The photoacoustic spectroscopy resulted in absorption bands centered at ~280, ~380, ~480, and ~630 nm. These bands presented a higher spectral resolution for the collected samples. The commercial samples showed broadening bands, which allowed the differentiation between these two sets of samples. FTIR spectroscopy coupled with PCA, and photoacoustic spectroscopy are alternative tools for the differentiation of M. ilicifolia samples.

Abstract Baccharis articulata (Lam.) Pers., popularly known as carqueja, carquejinha or carqueja-doce, is a plant widely used in traditional medicine as a diuretic, digestive and antidiabetic. Due to its similar morphology with other species of the "carqueja group", especially Baccharis pentaptera (Less.) DC., it can be easily confused even by specialists. Thus, this study aimed to characterize micromorphology of the crystals present in B. articulata to show botanical markers that can help differentiate this species from other carquejas. Eleven crystalline morphotypes, including druses, styloids and various shapes of prismatic and sand crystals, were evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the elemental chemical composition and the degree of hydration of the crystals were analyzed by EDS and Raman spectroscopy. The results of this study would aid in the authentication of B. articulata and serve as a basis for future studies of other species of Baccharis.

Abstract Eugenol is a phenolic compound with numerous biological activities. It is widely used in dentistry to treat toothache and pulpitis. In particular, eugenol may be used for tooth whitening procedures to minimize dental sensitivity in patients. However, eugenol has some disadvantages such as its volatility, its photosensitivity, and immediate effect, which can be avoided by using pharmaceutical nanotechnology. The aim of the present study was to obtain, characterize, quantify, and evaluate the physicochemical stability of eugenol-loaded Eudragit RS100 nanocapsules. The nanocapsules (NCs) were prepared by interfacial deposition of the preformed polymer method. The NCs were characterized through morphological and spectroscopic studies. The encapsulation efficiency was achieved by quantifying the non-encapsulated eugenol using a previously developed and validated analytical method. The physicochemical stability of NCs was assessed at predetermined time intervals for 90 days after preparation. The nanocapsules were successfully prepared by the chosen method and had a predominantly spherical shape with a smooth surface. The mean size, the polydispersion index, and the zeta potential were in agreement to literature data. Infrared spectra ensured that the nanoencapsulation process did not result in chemical reactions between the drug and the polymer. The formulations showed encapsulation efficiency higher than 90% and remained stable after 60 days of preparation. Thus, eugenol-loaded Eudragit RS100 nanocapsules may be further considered as an alternative formulation for dental sensitivity in order to provide a controlled release, a decreased toxicity, and a better dental sensitivity relief.

Abstract Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is a natural phenolic compound found in leaves of olive trees. It is a photosensitive solid phytochemical constituent and an irritant substance to skin and mucosa as pure drug. HT is a lipophilic chemical constituent and shows low solubility in water, bitter taste, and instability to oxidizing atmosphere. Considering the limitations for its suitable therapeutic use, the aim of the present study was to obtain, to characterize, to quantify, and to evaluate the stability of HT-loaded poly(ԑ-caprolactone) nanocapsules for its further use in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Nanocapsules were prepared by method of interfacial deposition of the preformed polymer. The formulations were characterized by morphological and spectroscopic methods. The UHPLC-PDA analytical method was developed and validated for quantifying the HT encapsulation. Physicochemical stability assay was performed for 120 days. Nanocapsules were successfully obtained by the proposed method. The morphological evaluation demonstrated the drug absence in the nanocapsule surface. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated the drug nanoencapsulation. The analytical method was validated and confirmed a high HT encapsulation efficiency over 95%. Considering the physicochemical stability testing, the polydispersity index changed after 30 days for NC-2 (HT at 2 mg/mL) and after 90 days for NC-5 (HT at 5 mg/mL). Zeta potential changed after 60 days for both formulations (NC-2 and NC-5). pH values were modified after 60 days for NC-5 and after 90 days for NC-2. HT-loaded PCL nanocapsules demonstrate adequate physicochemical features and high drug encapsulation. The different formulations revealed stability changes from 30 to 90 days. Additional in vitro and in vivo evaluations may be performed in order to use these nanoformulations for treating several diseases based on oxidative-inflammatory environments.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito protetor do cilostazol no desenvolvimento e na evolução da retinopatia diabética em ratos. Métodos: Sessenta ratos machos foram divididos em 4 grupos: ratos não-diabéticos não-tratados, ratos diabéticos não-tratados, ratos não-diabéticos tratados com cilostazol e ratos diabéticos tratados com cilostazol. A espessura da membrana limitante interna à membrana limitante externa, a camada plexiforme interna, a camada nuclear interna e a camada nuclear externa foram medidas. Para quantificar o grau de perda de células da retina, foi contado o número de núcleos de células por 50 μm de comprimento em secções retinianas. Resultados: O número de núcleos no GCL foi significativamente maior em Ratos não-diabéticos não-tratados com cilostazol (p<0,05). O número médio de núcleos em Ratos não-diabéticos tratados com cilostazol foi significativamente maior do que em Ratos diabéticos tratados com cilostazol (p<0,05). A contagem média de núcleos em camada nuclear interna e camada plexiforme interna de ratos não-diabéticos tratados com cilostazol foi significativamente maior do que nos outros grupos (p<0,05). A espessura retiniana média total de Ratos não-diabéticos tratados com cilostazol foi significativamente maior do que em Ratos diabéticos tratados com cilostazol e Ratos diabéticos não-tratados (p<0,05). Conclusão: Os resultados demonstraram que o cilostazol teve um efeito protetor contra as alterações causadas pela retinopatia diabética em ratos diabéticos, diminuindo a perda de células ganglionares e reduzindo a atrofia neurossensorial nas camadas retinianas internas.

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study investigates the protective effect of cilostazol on the development and evolution of diabetic retinopathy in rats. Methods: Sixty male rats were divided into four groups: untreated nondiabetic rats, untreated diabetic rats, cilostazol-treated nondiabetic rats, and cilostazol-treated diabetic rats. The thickness of the internal limiting membrane to the outer limiting membrane, inner plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, and outer nuclear layer were measured. The number of cell nuclei per 50-μm length in retinal sections was counted to quantify the degree of retinal cell loss. Results: The number of nuclei in the ganglion cell layer was significantly higher in untreated nondiabetic rats (p<0.05). The mean number of nuclei in the cilostazol-treated nondiabetic rats was significantly higher than that in the cilostazol-treated diabetic rats (p<0.05). The cilostazol-treated nondiabetic rats had a significantly higher mean nuclei count in the inner nuclear layer and inner plexiform layer as compared with the other groups (p<0.05). The total mean retinal thickness of the cilostazol-treated nondiabetic rats was significantly higher than that of cilostazol-treated diabetic rats and untreated diabetic rats (p<0.05). Conclusion: By decreasing the loss of ganglion cells and reducing the sensorineural atrophy in the internal retinal layers, cilostazol had a protective effect against changes caused by diabetic retinopathy in diabetic rats.

Abstract Silsesquioxane 3-n-propylpyridinium chloride (SiPy+Cl-) is a water-soluble polymer that can be used as a promising material with remarkable biological effects. SiPy+Cl- can form thin films on substrate surfaces and shows suitable adhesiveness. Besides, it has high affinity for metal ions. Considering this effect as exchanger polymer and the well-known antimicrobial and cytotoxic features of copper, the aim of this study was to perform the copper functionalization of silsesquioxane 3-n-propylpyridinium chloride Cu-SiPy+Cl-. The SiPy+Cl- was obtained by the sol-gel processing method and the incorporation of copper (II) chloride was carried out by immobilization. Its characterization was performed by spectroscopic methods of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The FTIR spectrum of SiPy+Cl- showed symmetric and asymmetric stretching of Si-O-Si group and also exhibited vibrational bands of pyridinium ring. The FTIR spectrum of Cu-SiPy+Cl- assigned typical bands displacements of the metal coordination to nitrogen atoms. Spectroscopic data recorded by 13C and 29S NMR confirmed the chemical structures of SiPy+Cl- and Cu-SiPy+Cl-. Concerning to the in vitro susceptibility assay, the antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Streptococus mutans was achieved by the agar-well diffusion method. Cu-SiPy+Cl- showed similar cytotoxicity than SiPy+Cl- against Calu-3 and 3T3 cell lines by the MTT colorimetric assay. Further studies are required to investigate the use of Cu-SiPy+Cl- as a novel dental material.

Resumo Este ensaio clínico avaliou o efeito da coadministração de ibuprofeno/cafeína na sensibilidade dental decorrente de clareamento (SD). Um estudo clínico randomizado, paralelo, triplo-cego, foi realizado em 84 pacientes que receberam cápsulas de ibuprofeno/cafeína ou placebo. Os fármacos foram administrados por 48 horas, começando 1 hora antes do clareamento em consultório. Duas sessões de clareamento foram realizadas com gel de peróxido de hidrogênio 35% com intervalo de 1 semana. A SD foi registrada até 48 horas após o clareamento dental com uma escala visual analógica (VAS) de 0-10 e uma escala de classificação numérica (NRS) de 5 pontos. A cor foi avaliada com as escalas Vita Classical e Vita Bleachedguide (ΔSGU) e com o espectrômetro Vita Easyshade (ΔE*ab e ΔE00). O risco absoluto de SD em ambos os grupos foi avaliado por meio do teste exato de Fischer. As comparações da intensidade da SD (NRS e VAS) foram realizadas utilizando-se o teste Mann-Whitney e uma ANOVA de dois fatores com medidas repetidas, respectivamente. A alteração de cor entre os grupos foi comparada com a o teste t de Student. O nível de significância foi de 5%. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos para o risco absoluto de SD (p = 1,00) ou para a intensidade de SD (p > 0,05). Observou-se clareamento de aproximadamente 7 unidades nas escalas Vita Classical e Vita Bleachedguide, sem diferença estatística entre os grupos. Concluiu-se que a coadministração de ibuprofeno e cafeína não reduziu o risco absoluto ou intensidade da SD e não interferiu na eficácia do clareamento dental.

Abstract This clinical trial evaluated the effect of the coadministration of ibuprofen/caffeine on bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity (TS). A triple-blind, parallel-design, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 84 patients who received ibuprofen/caffeine or placebo capsules. The drugs were administered for 48 hours, starting 1 hour before the in-office bleaching. Two bleaching sessions were performed with 35% hydrogen peroxide gel with 1-week interval. TS was recorded up to 48 hours after dental bleaching with a 0-10 visual analogic scale (VAS) and a 5-point numeric rating scale (NRS). The color was evaluated with VITA Classical and VITA Bleachedguide scales (ΔSGU) and VITA Easyshade spectrophotometer (ΔE*ab and ΔE00). The absolute risk of TS in both groups was evaluated using Fischer's exact test. Comparisons of the TS intensity (NRS and VAS data) were performed by using the Mann-Whitney test and a two-way repeated measures ANOVA, respectively. The color alteration between the groups was compared with the Student's t test. The significance level was 5%. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for the absolute risk of TS (p = 1.00) or for the intensity of TS (p > 0.05). A bleaching of approximately 7 shade guide units was observed on the Vita Classical and Vita Bleachedguide scales, with no statistical difference between the groups. It was concluded that coadministration of ibuprofen and caffeine did not reduce the absolute risk or intensity of TS and did not interfere with the efficacy of dental bleaching.

RESUMO Introdução: A terceira geração de LEDs fotopolimerizadores pode ser utilizada em curtos períodos de exposição para a colagem de braquetes ortodônticos. Objetivo: O presente estudo avaliou o efeito dos diferentes valores de irradiância (IR): instruções do fabricante (IF), ½ IF, ¼ IF e modo Turbo. Dois fotopolimerizadores LED de terceira geração (VALO® e Bluephase20i®) foram utilizados. Foram mensurados o grau de conversão (GC) e a dureza Vickers (VHN) de um compósito ortodôntico (CO) (Transbond XT) sob braquetes metálicos (BM) ou cerâmicos (BC). Métodos: O compósito ortodôntico foi aplicado na base do braquete e foi posicionado sobre uma mesa de refletância total atenuada (ATR) acoplada a um espectroscópio de infravermelho ou a uma superfície de vidro para análise de VHN. As amostras foram fotopolimerizadas e os valores de GC foram calculados. O VHN foi obtido em um microdurômetro. Os dados foram analisados com ANOVA de 2 fatores seguida do teste post-hoc de Tukey (predefinido α = 0,05). A análise de regressão linear avaliou a relação entre os valores de IR e as variáveis dependentes. Resultados: BC permitiu valores maiores de GC e VHN do que BM (p<0,001). Nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada entre os grupos quando BC foi utilizado. Para BM, os grupos de IF mostraram os maiores valores de GC e VHN. Uma relação significativa, mas fraca, entre os valores de IR entregue e as variáveis dependentes foi encontrada. Conclusões: A diminuição dos valores de IR dos fotopolimerizadores LED de terceira geração não prejudicou os valores de GC quando BC foram utilizados, mas pode comprometer os valores de GC e VHN quando BM são utilizados.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Third generation of LED light curing units might be used in short exposure periods for orthodontic brackets bonding. Objective: This study evaluated the effect of the different radiant exposure (RE) values: Manufacturers’ instructions (MI), ½ MI, 1/4 MI and Turbo mode. Two third-generation LED curing units were used: VALO® and Bluephase 20i® . The degree of conversion (DC) and Vickers hardness (VHN) of an orthodontic composite (OC) (Transbond XT) under metallic (MB) or ceramic brackets (CB) were measured. Methods: OC was applied to the bracket base, which was then placed over an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) table coupled to an infrared light spectroscope, or to a glass surface for the VHN analysis. The specimens were light-cured and DC values were calculated. The VHN was obtained in a microhardness tester. The data were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test (pre-set α=0.05). Linear regression analysis evaluated the relationship between RE values and dependent variables. Results: CB allowed higher DC and VHN values than MB (p< 0.001). No significant difference was noted among groups when CB were used. For MB, MI groups showed the highest DC and VHN values. A significant, but weak relationship was found between delivered RE values and dependent variables. Conclusions: The decrease in RE values from third generation LED CU did not jeopardize the DC values when CB were used, but can compromise DC and VHN values when MB are used.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar os critérios diagnósticos da Pneumonia Associada à Ventilação Mecânica recomendados pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária e pela National Healthcare Safety Network/CDC, bem como os fatores de risco. Métodos: estudo de coorte retrospectivo realizado em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, no período de 12 meses, no ano de 2017. A análise foi realizada por meio de testes estatísticos Qui-Quadrado, regressão linear simples e teste de Kappa, pelo programa STATA 12. Resultados: a amostra constitui-se de 543 pacientes hospitalizados na UTI em ventilação mecânica, destes, 330 (60,9%) eram do sexo masculino e 213 (39,1%) eram do sexo feminino. As variáveis, como sexo, idade, tempo de ventilação e higiene oral, foram significativas como fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento da Pneumonia Associada à Ventilação Mecânica (PAV). Conclusões: os pacientes em uso da ventilação mecânica necessitam de constante avaliação para acurácia dos métodos de diagnósticos, de forma objetiva e padronizada, nas instituições hospitalares brasileiras.

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the diagnostic criteria for ventilator-associated pneumonia recommended by the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency and the National Healthcare Safety Network/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as its risk factors. Methods: retrospective cohort study carried out in an intensive care unit throughout 12 months, in 2017. Analyses included chi-square, simple linear regression, and Kappa statistical tests and were conducted using Stata 12 software. Results: the sample was 543 patients who were in the intensive care unit and under mechanical ventilation, of whom 330 (60.9%) were men and 213 (39.1%) were women. Variables such as gender, age, time under mechanical ventilation, and oral hygiene proved to be significant risk factors for the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Conclusions: patients submitted to mechanical ventilation need to be constantly evaluated so the used diagnostic methods can be accurate and applied in an objective and standardized way in Brazilian hospitals.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar los criterios diagnósticos de neumonía asociada la ventilación mecánica recomendados por la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria y la National Health Care Safety Network/CDC, así como los factores de riesgo. Métodos: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo realizado en una unidad de terapia intensiva durante 12 meses, en 2017. El análisis se realizó mediante pruebas estadísticas de Chi-cuadrado, regresión lineal simple y test de Kappa, utilizando el programa STATA 12. Resultados: muestra constituida por 543 pacientes hospitalizados en UTI con ventilación mecánica, de ellos 330 (60,9%) eran de sexo masculino, y 213 (39,1%) de sexo femenino. Las variables como sexo, edad, tiempo de ventilación e higiene oral fueron significativas como factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de la NAV. Conclusiones: los pacientes en uso de ventilación mecánica requieren evaluación constante de precisión en los métodos de diagnóstico de manera objetiva y estandarizada en las instituciones hospitalarias brasileñas.

Abstract Eucalyptus species possess anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal properties. In this study, the chemical composition and biological activities of Eucalyptus cinerea essential oil (EO) and the leaf and stem anatomy were investigated. EO was extracted by Clevenger apparatus and the compounds were identified by GC/MS. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, and reducing phosphomolybdenum complex. Broth microdilution was used to determine antimicrobial activity. Cytotoxicity was verified against HeLa, HRT-18, and Calu-3 cells by MTT assay. The cytotoxic mechanism was studied by cell DNA content, cell cycle, and DNA fragmentation. The microscopic analyzes of the leaves and the stems were performed by light microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The main constituent of the EO was 1,8-cineole (55.24%). The EO showed low antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Calu-3 cells showed a significant reduction in viability with IC50 of 689.79 ± 29.34 μg/mL. EO at 1000 μg/mL decreased the DNA content in Jurkat cells. In general, EO increased cell percentage in sub-G0 and S phases with concomitant reduction of cell percentage in G0/G1 and G2/M phases and provided DNA fragmentation of 29.73%. Anatomical and micromorphological features of the leaves and stems can help in the species identification and its differentiation from other Eucalyptus species.

Abstract Cilostazol (CLZ) is a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor with antiplatelet and vasodilator properties. It has been recently verified that CLZ plays a significant role in the arteries by inhibiting the proliferation and growth of muscle cells, increasing the release of nitric oxide by the endothelium and promoting angiogenesis. Considering these promising effects, the use of nanocapsules may be an interesting strategy to optimize its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics at the vascular level for preventing atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cilostazol-loaded nanocapsules in the abdominal aortic tunics and on the lipid profile of Wistar rats in order to investigate its potential role in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Thirty-two animals were divided into four groups of eight animals, with 30-day treatment. Group 1 received nanoencapsulated CLZ; Group 2, control nanocapsules with no drug; Group 3, propylene glycol and water; and Group 4, a solution of CLZ in propylene glycol and water. After 30 days, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the cellularity and thickness of the arterial tunics of the abdominal aorta. However, the group that received nanoencapsulated CLZ (Group 1) had an improvement in HDL-c and triglyceride values compared to unloaded nanocapsules (Group 2).

Abstract Objective To evaluate the surface morphology and in vitro leachability of temporary soft linings modified by the incorporation of antifungals in minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for Candida albicans biofilm. Methodology Specimens of soft lining materials Softone and Trusoft were made without (control) or with the addition of nystatin (Ny), miconazole (Mc), ketoconazole (Ke), chlorhexidine diacetate (Chx), or itraconazole (It) at their MIC for C. albicans biofilm. The surface analyses were performed using Confocal laser scanning microscopy after 24 h, 7 days, or 14 days of immersion in distilled water at 37ºC. In vitro leachability of Chx or Ny from the modified materials was also measured using Ultraviolet visible spectroscopy for up to 14 days of immersion in distilled water at 37ºC. Data (μg/mL) were submitted to ANOVA 1-factor/Bonferroni (α=0.05). Results Softone had a more irregular surface than Trusoft. Morphological changes were noted in both materials with increasing immersion time, particularly, in those containing drugs. Groups containing Chx and It presented extremely porous and irregular surfaces. Both materials had biexponential release kinetics. Softone leached a higher concentration of the antifungals than Trusoft (p=0.004), and chlorhexidine was released at a higher concentration than nystatin (p<0.001). Conclusions The surface of the soft lining materials changed more significantly with the addition of Chx or It. Softone released a higher concentration of drugs than Trusoft did, guiding the future treatment of denture stomatitis.

Antibacterial activity and good mechanical properties are some of the characteristics required for an appropriate film dressing. A novel polymer blend was developed for wound healing application. Twenty-four formulations using the polymers chitosan, poly(vinyl alcohol) and/or ɛ-Polylysine and the plasticizer glycerol were designed using factorial design and then the films were prepared by the casting/solvent evaporation method. Seventeen films were obtained among the twenty-four proposed formulations that were characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Mechanical properties, such as tensile strength (σ), elongation at break (ɛ) and Young’s modulus (Y) as well as antibacterial properties were determined. The best candidate was then further analyzed with regard to porosity, Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR), swelling and cytotoxicity experiments. The results showed a film with semi-occlusive characteristics, good mechanical properties and no toxic. Incorporation of ɛ-Polylysine increased antibacterial activity against gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria.