LIBERAÇÃO DE FERRO (III) DE MICROESFERAS RETICULADAS DE QUITOSANA

RELEASE OF IRON (III) FROM CROSSLINKED CHITOSAN MICROSPHERES In this work chitosan microspheres were prepared by the simple coacervation method and crosslinked with epichlorhydrin and glutaraldehyde. The effects of the crosslinking agents on chitosan microspheres were assessed with regard to swelling, hydrolysis, porosity, crosslinking, impregnation of iron (III) and consequently release of iron in buffer solution pH 1.2, simulating the gastrointestinal tract. The crosslinked chitosan microspheres containing iron were characterized by spectroscopy Mössbauer, infrared, thermogravometric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Keywords: biopolymer, chitosan, iron (III) complexes, anemiaNeste trabalho microesferas de quitosana reticuladas foram preparadas pelo método de coacervação simples e reticuladas com glutaraldeído e epicloridrina. Os efeitos dos agentes reticulantes nas microesferas foram testados com respeito ao grau de intumescimento, hidrólise, porosidade, reticulação, impregnação do ferro e conseqüente liberação em solução tampão pH 1,2, simulando o trato gastrointestinal. Análises de espectroscopia Mössbauer, infravermelho, análise termogravimétrica e microscopia eletrônica de varredura foram realizadas para avaliação das estruturas formadas. Palavras chaves: biopolímeros, quitosana, complexos de Fe(III), anemi

Polymeric coatings for photostability enhancement of poly(p-phenylene vinylene) derivative films

Poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) derivatives are an important class of conjugated polymers, known for their applications as electroluminescent materials for light-emitting devices and sensors. These derivatives are highly susceptible to photodegradation by the combined action of oxygen and light. Here, the use of various commercial polymers as protective coatings against the photodegradation of PPV derivatives was explored. Cast films of two similar PPV derivatives, poly[(2-methoxy-5-n-hexyloxy)-p-phenylene vinylene] and poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-p-phenylene vinylene], were submitted to photodegradation by exposure to white light under atmospheric conditions in order to verify if the type of side chain (linear or branched) had an effect on the photodegradation. No significant differences in the photodegradation behaviour between the two polymers were noticed. The following commercial polymers were tested as protective coatings for the PPV derivative cast films: 99 and 80% hydrolysed poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and starch. The best results were achieved using coatings of 99% hydrolysed PVA, which increased about 700 times the time necessary for complete degradation of the PPV derivative films. The results show the effectiveness of this coating in minimizing and, possibly, controlling the effects of the photodegradation of PPV derivative films, which can be useful in many applications, e.g. oxygen sensors.FAPESPCNPqInstituto Multidisciplinar de Materiais Poliméricos (IMMP)/MCT

Evaluation of antifungal activity and potential application as fluorescent probes of indolenine and benzo[e]indole-based squarylium dyes

The antifungal performance and the possible use as fluorescent probes of a series of squarylium dyes derived from indolenine and benzo[e]indole previously synthesized was evaluated. Some photophysical properties were performed in ethanol and phosphate buffer, and the type of aggregates form in phosphate buffer was analyzed. Using the 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran assay, a qualitative assessment of the capacity of dyes to produce singlet oxygen after irradiation was performed. Regarding the antifungal activity, this was studied through a broth microdilution assay using Saccharomyces cerevisiae PYCC 4072 as a biological model. The effect of irradiation of the dyes, with an appropriate light emitting diode system, on the antifungal activity was also evaluated, and it was verified that some of the dyes improve their activity after irradiation. Using fluorescence microscopy techniques, the colocalization of dyes in S. cerevisae cells was investigated and it was possible to verify that some of the squarylium dyes with a barbituric moiety in the four-membered central ring stained and accumulated preferentially in the mitochondrial web and perinuclear membrane of the cells. The possible use as a fluorescent probe for the detection of HSA was also evaluated for one of the dyes of the series, demonstrating a linear variation of the fluorescence intensity accompanied by the increase of the protein concentration.We thank to Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional do Norte (CCDR-N) and FEDER (European Fund for Regional Development)-COMPETEQREN-EU for financial support to the research centers CQ/UM (UIDB/00686/2020), CBMA (UID/BIA/04050/2020), CQ/VR (UID/QUI/UI0616/2019) and CICSUBI (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007491), as well as PhD grants to V.S.D.G. (UMINHO/BD/43/2016) and J.C.C.F. (SFRH/BD/133207/2017)

Squaraine dyes derived from indolenine and benzo[e]indole as potential fluorescent probes for HSA detection and antifungal agents

Four squaraine dyes derived from 2,3,3-trimethylindolenine and 1,1,2-trimethyl-1H-benzo[e]indole with different combinations of barbituric groups attach to the central ring, having ester groups and alkyl chains in the nitrogen atoms of heterocyclic rings were synthesized. These dyes were fully characterized and their photophysical behavior was studied in ethanol and phosphate-buffered saline solution. Absorption and emission bands between 631 and 712 nm were detected, with the formation of aggregates in aqueous media, which is typical of this class of dyes. Tests carried out with 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran allowed us to verify the ability of the dyes to produce singlet oxygen. The interaction of synthesized dyes with human serum albumin (HSA) was also evaluated, being demonstrated a linear correlation between fluorescence intensity and protein concentration. The antifungal potential of the dyes against the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was evaluated using a broth microdilution assay. In order to test the photosensitizing capacity of the synthesized dyes, tests were carried out in the dark and with irradiation, using a custom-built light-emitting diode that emits close to the absorption wavelength of the studied dyes. The results showed that the interaction of dyes with HSA and the antifungal activity depends on the different structural modifications of the dyes.We thanks to Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional do Norte (CCDR-N) and FEDER (European Fund for Regional Development)-COMPETEQREN-EU for financial support to the research centers CQ/UM (UIDB/00686/2020), CBMA (UID/BIA/04050/2020), CQ/VR (UID/QUI/UI0616/2019) and CICSUBI (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007491), as well as PhD grants to V.S.D.G. (UMINHO/BD/43/2016) and J.C.C.F. (SFRH/BD/133207/2017)

Epidemiological profile of cutaneous superficial mycoses in South, Brazil

Cutaneous superficial mycoses appear as lesions on the skin, hair and nails. The highest prevalence is of fungal infections caused by the fungi of the genus Microsporum, Epidermophyton, Trichophyton, Candida and Malassezia. These mycoses are common in tropical regions and are commonly neglected due to lack of patient knowledge, difficult diagnosis and lack of access to health facilities, which makes them a public health problem. In research, mycological examination of patients using Basic Health Units (BHU) was carried out in order to diagnose mycoses. Results: Through this action, it was possible to diagnose and refer to the appropriate treatment 5359 patients, seeking to improve their quality of life. From the results of the mycological exams of these patients during the period from 2011 to 2016, it was possible to trace the epidemiological profile of the State of Rio Grande do Sul and the most prevalent species, contributing to the accomplishment of measures in public health

Estudo reflexivo: as influências da síndrome pré-menstrual na vida laboral das mulheres / Reflective study: the influences of premenstrual syndrome in the working life of women

Introdução: o ciclo menstrual é um período de alterações hormonais que podem influenciar nos aspectos comportamentais da mulher. Estimativas apontam que 75% a 80% das mulheres possuem sintomas emocionais e físicos associados com a síndrome pré-menstrual (SPM) e 50% delas sentem suas rotinas de trabalho afetadas. Objetivo: refletir acerca das influências da SPM na vida laboral das mulheres. Método: Trata-se de uma análise teórico-reflexivo, descritiva, narrativa, realizada a partir de nove artigos publicados nas bases de dados da Web of Science e BIREME sobre os sintomas da SPM e relacioná-los com a vida laboral das mulheres. Resultados: Os principais sintomas relacionados a SPM foram as alterações de humor como: inquietação, estresse, ansiedade, depressão, irritabilidade, agressividade, tensão, baixa autoestima, dificuldades naconcentração, perda dememória, humor depressivo, insônia, sentimentos negativos e prejuízos nas relações sociais. Dentre os sintomas físicos: ganho de peso, cefaleia, algias e edema abdominal e nas mamas, mulheres na meia idade apresentaram distúrbios de sangramento irregular e/ou intenso. Esses sintomas associados a um ambiente estressante pode colaborar com prejuízo nas relações interpessoais no local de trabalho. Conclusão: as evidências científicas manifestam-se no sentido de que as mulheres que sofrem com a SPM, precisam adotar hábitos de vida saudáveis, para que se possa garantir uma melhor qualidade de vida e consequentemente melhorar a disposição para o trabalho. Contudo, mais estudos sobre SPM devem ser realizados, em toda faixa etária, abrangendo os fatores relacionados ao desequilíbrio hormonal, ambientes laborais consideradosestressantes, tipos de tratamento, como o convencional, terapias, produtos fitoterápicos, além do suporte familiar

Characterization and genomic analysis of a new phage infecting Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori, a significant human gastric pathogen, has been demonstrating increased antibiotic resistance, causing difficulties in infection treatment. It is therefore important to develop alternatives or complementary approaches to antibiotics to tackle H. pylori infections, and (bacterio)phages have proven to be effective antibacterial agents. In this work, prophage isolation was attempted using H. pylori strains and UV radiation. One phage was isolated and further characterized to assess potential phage-inspired therapeutic alternatives to H. pylori infections. HPy1R is a new podovirus prophage with a genome length of 31,162 bp, 37.1% GC, encoding 36 predicted proteins, of which 17 were identified as structural. Phage particles remained stable at 37 °C, from pH 3 to 11, for 24 h in standard assays. Moreover, when submitted to an in vitro gastric digestion model, only a small decrease was observed in the gastric phase, suggesting that it is adapted to the gastric tract environment. Together with its other characteristics, its capability to suppress H. pylori population levels for up to 24 h post-infection at multiplicities of infection of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 suggests that this newly isolated phage is a potential candidate for phage therapy in the absence of strictly lytic phages.This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), under the scope of the strategic funding of the UIDB/04469/2020 unit, and Project Helicophage PTDC/SAU-PUB/29182/2017 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029182). R.F. and R.F.S.G. acknowledge the FCT grants SFRH/BD/146496/2019 and SFRH/BD/140182/2018, respectivelyinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Synthesis and characterization of copolymers of alkyl- and azo-thiophenes: chromic properties and photoinduced birefringence

Polyazothiophene is a type of polythiophene derivative that combines the electrical and luminescent properties of polythiophenes with the photoisomerization property of azopolymers. Extensive efforts have been made to improve the properties of polyazothiophenes, such as solubility, optical, and chromic properties. We report the preparation of copolymers of an alkylthiophene (3-octylthiophene, 3-OT) and an azothiophene (2-[N-ethyl-N-[4-[(4-(4-nitrophenyl)azo]phenyl]amino]ethyl 3-thienylacetate, 3-AzoT) in different ratios as an alternative route to improve these properties. The azosubstituted monomer contents in these copolymers were 6, 9, 12, and 51% (in mol), as evaluated by elemental analysis. Their chemical structures were confirmed by FTIR and 1H-NMR. HPSEC and thermal analysis were used to characterize the polymers. The presence of thermochromic and solvatochromic properties was demonstrated by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Optically induced birefringence was detected only in polymers with 12 and 51 mol % of azo-units. The introduction of different ratios of the azothiophene in the copolymer alters the polymer solubility and emissive properties. The results indicate that the polyazothiophene copolymers presented are promising active layers for optical devices and sensor

O destino dos rins transplantados tratados com OKT3 para rejeição córtico-resistente

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term effects of the monoclonal antibody anti-CD3 (OKT3), used to treat steroid-resistant acute renal allograft rejection, on allograft function and long-term allograft and patient survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 231 kidney transplants from living and cadaver donors and with prednisone, azathioprine and cyclosporin used for baseline immunosuppression. Diagnosis of acute rejection was based on clinical and laboratory criteria. Sixty-three (27.2%) patients did not present acute rejection, 135 (58.4%) presented steroid-sensitive rejection, and 33 (14.2%) received OKT3 as a rescue therapy for steroid-resistant rejection. We evaluated demographic data, serum creatinine, and allograft and patient survival up to the 5th posttransplant year, as well as causes of graft loss and patient death. RESULTS: Vascular anastomosis time and prevalence of  acute tubular necrosis were significantly higher in OKT3- reated patients. Average serum creatinine was not different between steroid-sensitive and steroid-resistant patients. Graft survival in the first year was poorer in the OKT3 group as compared to the non-rejection (P = 0.001) and steroidsensitive rejection (P = 0.04) groups; there was no difference, however, in the survival up to the 5th posttransplant year. In transplants from cadaver donors, graft survival was statistically different only between OKT3 and non-rejection patients. Patient survival did not differ between the 3 groups up to the end of the follow-up. There were no differences in causes of graft loss, but the proportion of deaths associated with infection was greater in patients treated with OKT3. CONCLUSIONS: OKT3 used for rescue therapy in steroid--resistant acute rejection was not associated with poorer renal graft function or survival over the 5-year follow-up period. However, graft survival in the first year was significantly poorer in patients that needed OKT3. The use of a more potent immunosuppression did not result in higher mortality rates up to the 5th year of posttransplant, but OKT3-treated recipients presented a higher incidence of deaths related to infection. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do anticorpo monoclonal anti-CD3 (OKT3), utilizado para tratamento de rejeição aguda córtico-resistente em pacientes transplantados renais, em relação à função do rim transplantado e à sobrevida do enxerto e do paciente a longo prazo.PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 231 pacientes transplantados renais de doador vivo e cadavérico, tendo como imunossupressão de base prednisona, azatioprina e ciclosporina. O diagnóstico de rejeição aguda baseou-se em critérios clínicos e laboratoriais. Sessenta e três (27,2%) pacientes não apresentaram rejeição aguda, 135 (58,4%) tiveram rejeição córtico-sensível e 33 (14,2%) receberam OKT3 para rejeição córtico-resistente. Foram avaliados dados demográficos, função do enxerto, sobrevida do enxerto e do paciente até o quinto ano de transplante, bem como as causas de perda do rim transplantado e de óbito.RESULTADOS: O tempo de anastomose vascular e a prevalência de necrose tubular aguda foram significativamente maiores nos pacientes que receberam OKT3. A média da creatinina sérica do grupo OKT3 não diferiu do grupo com rejeição córtico-sensível. A sobrevida do enxerto no primeiro ano foi significativamente pior no grupo tratado com OKT3 em relação ao pacientes sem rejeição (P = 0,001) e com rejeição córticoresponsiva (P = 0,04), mas a sobrevida ao final do seguimento não diferiu. Nos transplantes cadavéricos, a diferença ocorreu apenas entre o grupo OKT3 e os pacientes sem rejeição. A sobrevida do paciente em 5 anos foi semelhante entre os 3 grupos. Não houve diferença nas causas de perda do enxerto, mas a proporção de óbitos associados à infecção foi maior nos pacientes que utilizaram OKT3.CONCLUSÕES: O uso de OKT3 como terapia de resgate não esteve associado a uma pior função ou pior sobrevida do enxerto renal em 5 anos, mas no primeiro ano a sobrevida do enxerto foi significativamente menor nos pacientes tratados com OKT3. O emprego de uma imunossupressão mais potente não se refletiu em maior mortalidade até o 5º ano do transplante, mas o grupo que utilizou OKT3 apresentou uma maior incidência de óbitos associados à infecção