Propolis Standardized Extract (EPP-AF®), an Innovative Chemically and Biologically Reproducible Pharmaceutical Compound for Treating Wounds

The aim of this study was to develop a formulation, containing the propolis standardized extract (EPP-AF®), which can assist in the healing of skin lesions. To achieve this objective the antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of the propolis extract was determined. The final product was subjected to in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical evaluation. The broth macrodilution method was used to determine the antimicrobial activity of the extracts and formulations against the microorganisms most commonly found in burns, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Wistar rats with puncture wounded skin were used to evaluate the wound healing properties of propolis. The results of chemical and biological characterization demonstrated the batch-to-batch reproducibility of the standardized extract which is an unprecedented result. The antimicrobial and wound healing activity of the pharmaceutical studied showed the best results when samples contain 3.6% propolis, suggesting that this is the most promising composition

Atividade antibacteriana in vitro de géis com diferentes concentrações de papaína

A papaína é uma enzima proteolítica proveniente do mamão, Carica papaya Linn., e é muito empregada na indústria alimentícia, cosmética e farmacêutica. Objetivou-se determinar a atividade antibacteriana in vitro de géis com diferentes concentrações de papaína frente às bactérias padrão: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) e Echerichia coli (ATCC 10538), bem como 4 Pseudomonas aeruginosa hospitalares. Alíquotas de 2,0ml dos inóculos bacterianos (metade da escala 1,0 de McFarland) foram semeadas em duplicata na superfície de placas de Petri. Os géis com as diferentes concentrações de papaína foram gotejados na superfície dos meios de cultura pela técnica de gotejamento e a incubação realizada a 35ºC por 24 horas. A leitura dos resultados da atividade antibacteriana foi efetuada pela mensuração dos halos de inibição ao redor das gotas dos géis de papaína. Apenas o gel de papaína a 10% foi capaz de inibir o crescimento do S. aureus e de 2 P. aeruginosa. Em conclusão, de acordo com a literatura a papaína apresenta ação proteolítica sobre os tecidos mortos, porém apenas a formulação em gel a 10% apresentou atividade antibacteriana in vitro. Assim, antes de utilizar alguma substância ou produto contra microrganismos é necessário saber se a mesma apresenta realmente atividade antimicrobiana

Determination of the maximum inhibitory dilution of cetylpyridinium chloride-based mouthwashes against staphylococcus aureus: an in vitro study

The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the maximum inhibitory dilution (MID) of four cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC)-based mouthwashes: CPC+Propolis, CPC+Malva, CPC+Eucaliptol+Juá+Romã+Propolis (Natural Honey®) and CPC (Cepacol®), against 28 Staphylococcus aureus field strains, using the agar dilution method. Decimal dilutions ranging from 1/10 to 1/655,360 were prepared and added to Mueller Hinton Agar. Strains were inoculated using Steers multipoint inoculator. The inocula were seeded onto the surface of the culture medium in Petri dishes containing different dilutions of the mouthwashes. The dishes were incubated at 37ºC for 24 h. For readings, the MID was considered as the maximum dilution of mouthwash still capable of inhibiting microbial growth. The obtained data showed that CPC+Propolis had antimicrobial activity against 27 strains at 1/320 dilution and against all 28 strains at 1/160 dilution, CPC+Malva inhibited the growth of all 28 strains at 1/320 dilution, CPC+Eucaliptol+Juá+Romã+Propolis inhibited the growth of 2 strains at 1/640 dilution and all 28 strains at 1/320 dilution, and Cepacol® showed antimicrobial activity against 3 strains at 1/320 dilution and against all 28 strains at 1/160 dilution. Data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis test, showing that the MID of Cepacol® was lower than that determined for the other products (

The Lyophilization Process Maintains the Chemical and Biological Characteristics of Royal Jelly

The alternative use of natural products, like royal jelly (RJ), may be an important tool for the treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. RJ presents a large number of bioactive substances, including antimicrobial compounds. In this study, we carried out the chemical characterization of fresh and lyophilized RJ and investigated their antibacterial effects with the purpose of evaluating if the lyophilization process maintains the chemical and antibacterial properties of RJ. Furthermore, we evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of the main fatty acid found in RJ, the 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10H2DA). Chromatographic profile of the RJ samples showed similar fingerprints and the presence of 10H2DA in both samples. Furthermore, fresh and lyophilized RJ were effective against all bacteria evaluated; that is, the lyophilization process maintains the antibacterial activity of RJ and the chemical field of 10H2DA. The fatty acid 10H2DA exhibited a good antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Therefore, it may be used as an alternative and complementary treatment for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant S. pneumoniae

Functional Properties of Brazilian Propolis: From Chemical Composition Until the Market

Propolis is a product obtained from resins and exudates of different plants from different regions in order to protect the comb, with peculiar organoleptic, chemicals and biological properties. Considering this, this chapter presents the types of Brazilian propolis as the types available nowadays, their chemical compositions, as well as, some of their important biological properties enabling employing them as important health food, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulation action. Various “in vivo” and clinical trial studies, conducted in different regions, on the safety and dosage of propolis, technologies used to obtain propolis extract, and several innovative presentations of this promising bee product are also presented in this chapter. Finally, this chapter aims to present the regulatory affairs, potential market for propolis around the world, and perspectives for a near future

Sobrevivência das redes de transporte da nova geração

Trabalho Final de Mestrado para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Engenharia de Electrónica e TelecomunicaçõesA presente dissertação tem como principal objectivo estudar os vários tipos de esquemas de sobrevivência em redes ópticas de alta capacidade, designadamente em redes WDM (Wavelenth Division Multiplexing). Para tal, foi efectuada inicialmente uma revisão da literatura, a qual se encontra estruturada em duas etapas. Primeiro é apresentada uma visão global das redes ópticas de transporte com destaque para evolução das redes WDM e seus componentes. De seguida, são apresentadas as técnicas de sobrevivência em NGNs (Next Generation Networks). Depois de uma breve exposição de conceitos, são apresentadas as técnicas mais importantes no que diz respeito aos esquemas de protecção e restauro em redes de transporte de alta capacidade. São também abordados os Planos de Controlo, Dados e Gestão do GMPLS (Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching) no contexto da sobrevivência das NGNs. Com recurso a um modelo de simulação de redes WDM, baseado no simulador de redes ns-3, são analisados três cenários de falha. São eles, falha num link, falha em múltiplos links e falha num nó. Assim, foi possível verificar o comportamento do algoritmo RWA (Routing and Wavelength Assignment), na ocorrência de uma falha. O algoritmo RWA permitiu, nos três cenários de falha analisados, reencaminhar os canais para um caminho alternativo, e desta forma assegurar a continuidade da transmissão.This thesis aims to study the various types of survival schemes in highcapacity optical networks, in particularly in WDM networks (Wavelenth Division Multiplexing). This was done initially carried out a literature review, which is structured in two stages. First is shown an overview of optical transport networks highlighted the evolution of WDM networks and its network components. Then, an overview of the survivable techniques in NGNs (Next Generation Networks) is shown. After a brief concepts exposure are shown the most important techniques in regard to the protection and restoration schemes for high capacity transmission systems. They are also addressed the Control Plane, Data Plane and Management Plane of GMPLS (Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching) in the context of survivability of NGN. Using a WDM network simulation model, based on ns-3, are analyzed three failure scenarios. They are, single-link failure, multiple-link failure and node failure. Thus, it was possible to verify the behavior of the RWA algorithm (Routing and Wavelength Assignment), in such event of failure. The RWA algorithm have allowed in the three failure scenarios, rerouting the channels to an alternate path, and thus ensures the continuity of transmission

Fundamentals of Brazilian Honey Analysis: An Overview

Brazilian honey possesses large floral sources with various colors and flavors due to botanical and geographical differences and the large extension of the country. The absence of antibiotics and pesticides contamination positively differentiates Brazilian honey in the international market. Thus, the present chapter presents an overview of regulatory aspects for identity and quality evaluation of honey produced and commercialized in Brazil and international markets, as well as, it compares the production and consumption of honey with other countries. In addition, the chapter presents physicochemical and microbiological analysis commonly used in honey, as fundamentals of the technics and literature results with different kinds of honey obtained in Brazil. Physicochemical quality control and microbiological analysis of honey samples is of fundamental importance for assessing their quality, possible adulteration and storage conditions. In the literature, several methodologies exist to be used in the performance of honey quality control and each one complements the results in order to have an idea about the quality of the product, the absence of adulteration, deterioration, and environmental pollution and geographical area. Finally, we will present the market scenario nowadays with future perspectives and some recognition obtained for Brazilian bee products in international events

Strong Electronic Identification: Survey & Scenario Planning

The deployment of more high-risk services such as online banking and government services on the Internet has meant that the need and demand for strong electronic identity is bigger today more than ever. Different stakeholders have different reasons for moving their services to the Internet, including cost savings, being closer to the customer or citizen, increasing volume and value of services among others. This means that traditional online identification schemes based on self-asserted identities are no longer sufficient to cope with the required level of assurance demanded by these services. Therefore, strong electronic identification methods that utilize identifiers rooted in real world identities must be provided to be used by customers and citizens alike on the Internet. This thesis focuses on studying state-of-the-art methods for providing reliable and mass market strong electronic identity in the world today. It looks at concrete real-world examples that enable real world identities to be transferred and used in the virtual world of the Internet. The thesis identifies crucial factors that determine what constitutes a strong electronic identity solution and through these factors evaluates and compares the example solutions surveyed in the thesis. As the Internet become more pervasive in our lives; mobile devices are becoming the primary devices for communication and accessing Internet services. This has thus, raised the question of what sort of strong electronic identity solutions could be implemented and how such solutions could adapt to the future. To help to understand the possible alternate futures, a scenario planning and analysis method was used to develop a series of scenarios from underlying key economic, political, technological and social trends and uncertainties. The resulting three future scenarios indicate how the future of strong electronic identity will shape up with the aim of helping stakeholders contemplate the future and develop policies and strategies to better position themselves for the future

Candida spp. on toothbrushes and efficacy of antimicrobial agents for their disinfection.

Os objetivos foram avaliar a presença de Candida spp. em escovas dentais; a eficácia do Periogard® e do Neem Sattiva®, em spray, na desinfecção destas escovas; a atividade antimicrobiana, in vitro, do Neem Sattiva®, do Periogard® e da solução de gluconato de clorexidina a 0,5% por meio da Diluição Inibitória Máxima (DIMax); e a capacidade de Candida spp. formar biofilme, in vitro, sobre as cerdas e hastilhas de escovas dentais (empregando a técnica de cultura microbiana e a microscopia eletrônica de varredura). Participaram do estudo clínico randomizado 61 estudantes de Odontologia da FORP USP. O estudo foi realizado em três etapas. Em cada etapa, os voluntários receberam escovas novas e realizaram a escovação dentária sem dentifrício, por dois minutos. Cada solução foi borrifada sobre as cerdas das escovas por seis vezes. Após quatro horas à temperatura ambiente, as escovas foram submetidas ao processamento microbiológico para o isolamento e identificação das espécies de Candida. A DIMax dos antissépticos foi realizada utilizando o método da diluição em ágar. As escovas dentais de 37,3% dos indivíduos estavam contaminadas por Candida spp. (C. albicans, C. parapsilosis e Candida sp.). O Periogard® e o Neem Sattiva®, em spray, inibiram o crescimento de Candida spp. em 40,9 e 9,1% das escovas, respectivamente. Portanto, o spray de Periogard® foi mais eficaz que o spray de Neem Sattiva® para esse propósito. As DIMaxs do Neem Sattiva®, do Periogard® e da solução de clorexidina a 0,5% frente a 63 cepas de Candida spp. foram 1/10, 1/20 e 1/40, respectivamente. Candida spp. foram capazes de formar biofilme, in vitro, sobre hastilhas (polietileno de baixa densidade) de escovas dentais. O mesmo não ocorreu nas cerdas de náilon.The purposes were to evaluate the presence of Candida spp. on toothbrushes; the efficacy of Periogard® and Neem Sattiva®, in spray, in the disinfection of these toothbrushes; the in vitro antimicrobial activity of Neem Sattiva®, Periogard® and solution containing 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate by the Maximum Inhibitory Dilution (MID); and the ability of Candida spp. to form biofilm in vitro on the bristles and small sticks of toothbrushes (using the microbial culture technique and scanning electron microscopy). In the randomized clinical study participated 61 students matriculated at the Dentistry course of the FORP USP. The study was performed into three phases. In each phase, volunteers received new toothbrushes and performed toothbrushing with no dentifrice, during two minutes. Each solution was sprayed six times on the toothbrush bristles. After four hours at room temperature, toothbrushes were submitted to microbiological processing for the isolation and identification of Candida species. MID of antiseptics was performed using the agar dilution method. Toothbrushes used by 37.3% of subjects were contaminated by Candida spp. (C. albicans, C. parapsilosis and Candida sp.). Periogard® and Neem Sattiva®, in spray, inhibited growth of Candida spp. in 40.9 and 9.1% of toothbrushes, respectively. Therefore, Periogard® spray was more efficacious than Neem Sattiva® spray for this purpose. MID of Neem Sattiva®, Periogard® and solution containing 0.5% chlorhexidine against 63 Candida spp. strains were 1/10, 1/20 and 1/40, respectively. Candida spp. were able to form biofilm in vitro on the toothbrush small sticks (low-density polyethylene). This did not occur on the nylon bristles

Efficacy of mouthrinse spray in inhibiting cariogenic biofilm formation on toothbrush bristles

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Periogard® (Colgate-Palmolive) and Plax® (Colgate-Palmolive) in inhibiting biofilm formation of mutans streptococci (MS) on toothbrush bristles used just once for 2 minutes with no dentifrice. Methods: This study was performed into 3 phases in which mouthrinses and sterile distilled water (control group) were sprayed 6 times (to standardize the method) on toothbrush bristles used by 53 university students. Toothbrushes were kept at room temperature for 3 hours and put into test tubes each containing bacitracin sucrose broth (selective enrichment for MS). After incubation at 37°C for 3 to 4 days, MS biofilm on the bristles were analyzed and colony-forming units (CFU) were counted by stereomicroscope under reflected light. Results: 41 students completed the 3 phases of this study and 38 (92.7%) control group toothbrushes had CFU of MS that varied from 1 to uncountable. Periogard® and Plax® inhibited biofilm formation on the bristles of 97.4% and 84.2% toothbrushes, respectively. Conclusion: Periogard® and Plax®, in spray, reduced/eliminated biofilm formation of MS on the toothbrush bristles. However, Periogard® was more efficacious than Plax® for this purpose