Safety profile, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of a nanostructured lipid carrier containing oil and butter from Astrocaryum vulgare: in vitro studies

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Tucumã (Astrocaryum vulgare)is a fruit native to the Amazon region. Extracts from the peel and pulp are thought of as promising treatments for bacterial infections. The primary constituents of Tucumã oil and butter possess unsaturated carbon chains that are susceptible to oxidation by light or heat. The oils have high volatility and low aqueous solubility that limits their use without a vehicle. Nanotechnology refers to techniques to solve these problems. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), for example, protect fixed oils degradation by heat or light, as well as from oxidation and evaporation, ensuring greater stability and function, thereby prolonging the useful life of the final product. Study objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the hemolytic, cytotoxic, antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of an NLC containing Tucumã butter and oil soasto improve the solubility and photosensitivity of the compounds, generating better pharmacological efficacy. Materials and methods: The NLC was assessed for stability for 60 days. The cytotoxicity of nanoparticles in peripheral blood mononucleated cells was determined in culture using assays for cell viability, DNA damage, oxidative metabolism and damage to human erythrocytes. Antimicrobial activity was determined using the broth microdilution technique and antibiofilm activity according to standardized protocols. Results: The Tucumã NLC remained stable throughout the evaluated period, with pH between 5.22–5.35, monodisperse distribution (PDI<0.3) and average particle size of 170.7 ± 3nm. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that the NLC is safe and modulates inflammatory processes, demonstrated by increased cell viability and nitric oxide levels. There was low hemolytic activity of the NLC against human erythrocytes almost concentrations tested. Conclusion: Taken together, the data suggest that NLC containing Tucumã oil and butter showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against organisms that cause morbidity and mortality in humans. They may be alternative solutions to public health problems related to bacterial infections

Fingerprint Patterns in Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Computerized Dermatoglyphic Analysis

Dermatoglyphics can be used as a supporting tool in the early detection of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in women. The present study aims to investigate the fingerprints of women with type 2 diabetes mellitus through the dermatoglyphic method, and to compare them with women without the disease. It was conducted by obtaining the fingerprints of all 10 fingers of 268 women – which is known as the dermatoglyphic method –, using the Dermatoglyphic Reader®, with data processed in SPSS (IBM SPSS), version 20.0, and a significance level of p< 0.05. The researched groups are homogeneous for the age, weight and height variables. The group of women with diabetes had a higher average number of lines on the left thumb, as well as the highest total number of lines on the left hand. Moreover, they had a greater number of deltas, in addition to presenting the whorl shape on fingers 1 to 5 of the left hand, and 1 to 4 of the right hand. We concluded that women with type 2 diabetes had a mark of observation concerning their biological individuality on their fingerprints that differs from that of women without the disease

“Project-based learning” na engenharia: uma experiência prática de aprendizado lúdico em ambiente real

The demands and challenges currently presented by the labour market in the engineering and architecture areas require future professionals to have a more practical and critical training in order to facilitate problem solving. Thus, it is evident that the traditional methodologies used in these courses need to be modified to enable adequate training beyond theoretical knowledge in the area, such as oral communication, teamwork and group leadership, among others. Project Based Learning (PBL) teaching provides interdisciplinary experiences for students with the aim of strengthening these attitudes, involving students with decision-making projects similar to those experienced in professional life. The objective of this work is to show the experiences of the students of the Federal University of Santa Maria - Campus Cachoeira do Sul in the application of this innovative teaching methodology. As main results, the students developed academic tasks related to real case studies in the scientific-technical area, with the presentation of their work to specialists, report delivery and prototype development. The application of the methodology became satisfactory and motivating, since it stimulated teamwork, integration of engineering and architecture areas, exchange of experiences between students and teachers and integration with the community.As exigências e desafios apresentados atualmente pelo mercado de trabalho nas áreas de engenharia e arquitetura exigem dos futuros profissionais uma formação mais prática e crítica que facilite a resolução de problemas. Sendo assim, fica evidente que as metodologias tradicionais utilizadas nesses cursos precisam ser modificadas para possibilitar uma adequada capacitação além de apenas conhecimentos teóricos da área, como comunicação oral, trabalho em equipe e liderança de grupos, entre outros. O ensino baseado em Project Based Learning (PBL) proporciona aos alunos experiências interdisciplinares que fortalecem essas aptidões, envolvendo os estudantes com projetos de tomada de decisão semelhantes àqueles vivenciados na vida profissional. O objetivo deste trabalho é mostrar as experiências vivenciadas pelos alunos dos cursos da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria – Campus Cachoeira do Sul na aplicação dessa metodologia inovadora de ensino. Como principais resultados, os estudantes desenvolveram tarefas relacionados a estudos de casos reais na área científico-técnica, com a apresentação de trabalhos a especialistas, entrega de relatórios e desenvolvimento de protótipos. A aplicação da metodologia se tornou satisfatória e motivadora, uma vez que estimulou o trabalho em equipe, integração das áreas da engenharia e arquitetura, troca de experiências entre alunos e professores e integração com a comunidade