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Combination therapy integrated with nanotechnology offers a promising alternative for breast cancer treatment. The inclusion of pequi oil, anacardic acid (AA), and docetaxel (DTX) in a nanoemulsion can amplify the antitumor effects of each molecule while reducing adverse effects. Therefore, the study aims to develop pequi oil-based nanoemulsions (PeNE) containing DTX (PDTX) or AA (PAA) and to evaluate their cytotoxicity against triple-negative breast cancer cells (4T1) in vitro. The PeNE without and with AA (PAA) and DTX (PDTX) were prepared by sonication and characterized by ZetaSizer® and electronic transmission microscopy. Viability testing and combination index (CI) were determined by MTT and Chou-Talalay methods, respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to investigate the effects of the formulations on cell structures. PeNE, PDTX, and PAA showed hydrodynamic diameter < 200 nm and a polydispersity index (PdI) of 0.3. The association PDTX + PAA induced a greater decrease in cell viability (~70%, p < 0.0001) and additive effect (CI < 1). In parallel, an association of the DTX + AA molecules led to antagonism (CI > 1). Additionally, PDTX + PAA induced an expressive morphological change, a major change in lysosome membrane permeation and mitochondria membrane permeation, cell cycle blockage in G2/M, and phosphatidylserine exposure. The study highlights the successful use of pequi oil nanoemulsions as delivery systems for DTX and AA, which enhances their antitumor effects against breast cancer cells. This nanotechnological approach shows significant potential for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.

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Melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, presents a major clinical challenge due to its tendency to metastasize and recalcitrance to traditional therapies. Despite advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the outlook for advanced melanoma remains bleak, reinforcing the urgent need for more effective treatments. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising alternative, leading to targeted tumor destruction with minimal harm to surrounding tissues. In this study, the direct and abscopal antitumor effects of PDT in a bilateral murine melanoma model were evaluated. Although only one of the two tumors was treated, effects were observed in both. Our findings revealed significant changes in systemic inflammation and alterations in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations in treated groups, as evidenced by blood analyses and flow cytometry. High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) further unveiled shifts in gene expression profiles in both treated and untreated tumors. This research sheds light on the novel antitumor and abscopal effects of nanoemulsion of aluminum chloride phthalocyanine (AlPcNE)-mediated PDT in melanoma, highlighting the potential of different PDT protocols to modulate immune responses and to achieve more effective and targeted cancer treatments.

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This study describes the synthesis and characterization of chlorambucil (CLB)-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for potential application in cancer therapy. The nanoparticles were designed with a diameter between 20 and 50 nm to optimize cellular uptake and avoid rapid clearance from the bloodstream. The synthesis method involved modifying a previously reported technique to reduce particle size. Successful functionalization with CLB was confirmed through various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and elemental analysis. The cytotoxicity of the CLB-functionalized nanoparticles (MSN@NH2-CLB) was evaluated against human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) and colon carcinoma cells (CT26WT). The results suggest significantly higher cytotoxicity of MSN@NH2-CLB compared to unbound CLB, with improved selectivity towards cancer cells over normal cells. This suggests that MSN@NH2-CLB holds promise as a drug delivery system for targeted cancer therapy.

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Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease. The treatment is restricted to drugs, such as meglumine antimoniate and amphotericin B, that exhibit toxic effects, high cost, long-term treatment, and limited efficacy. The development of new alternative therapies, including the identification of effective drugs for the topical and oral treatment of CL, is of great interest. In this sense, a combination of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) with chloroaluminum phthalocyanine liposomes (Lip-ClAlPc) and the oral administration of a self-emulsifying drug delivery system containing fexinidazole (SEDDS-FEX) emerges as a new strategy. The aim of the present study was to prepare, characterize, and evaluate the efficacy of combined therapy with Lip-ClAlPc and SEDDS-FEX in the experimental treatment of Leishmania (Leishmania) major. Lip-ClAlPc and SEDDS-FEX were prepared, and the antileishmanial efficacy study was conducted with the following groups: 1. Lip-ClAlPc (0.05 mL); 2. SEDDS-FEX (50 mg/kg/day); 3. Lip-ClAlPc (0.05 mL)+SEDDS-FEX (50 mg/kg/day) combination; 4. FEX suspension (50 mg/kg/day); and 5. control (untreated). BALB/c mice received 10 sessions of topical Lip-ClAlPc on alternate days and 20 consecutive days of SEDDS-FEX or FEX oral suspension. Therapeutical efficacy was evaluated via the parasite burden (limiting-dilution assay), lesion size (mm), healing of the lesion, and histological analyses. Lip-ClAlPc and SEDDS-FEX presented physicochemical characteristics that are compatible with the administration routes used in the treatments. Lip-ClAlPc+SEDDS-FEX led to a significant reduction in the parasitic burden in the lesion and spleen when compared to the control group (p < 0.05) and the complete healing of the lesion in 43% of animals. The Lip-ClAlPc+SEDDS-FEX combination may be promising for the treatment of CL caused by L. major.

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Given the increasing problems of water and soil contamination with cadmium (Cd), it is necessary to investigate the genetic and physiological mechanisms of tolerance to this metal in different crops, which can be used for the development of effective crop management strategies. This study aimed to assess the potential of grafting as a strategy to increase Cd tolerance and reduce absorption in tomato by evaluating the contribution of the root system and aerial parts for tolerance mechanisms. To this end, reciprocal grafting and diallel analyses were used to examine the combining ability of contrasting tomato genotypes under exposure to 0 and 35 µM CdCl2. Roots and above-ground parts were found to have specific mechanisms of Cd tolerance, absorption, and accumulation. Grafting of the USP15 genotype (scion) on USP16 (rootstock) provided the greatest synergism, increasing the tolerance index and reducing the translocation index and Cd accumulation in leaves. USP163 exhibited potential for breeding programs that target genotypes with high Cd tolerance. In tomato, both Cd tolerance and accumulation in aerial parts are genotype- and tissue-specific, controlled by a complex system of complementary mechanisms that need to be better understood to support the development of strategies to reduce Cd contamination in aerial parts.

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Melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer intricately linked to genetic and environmental factors, is predicted to reach 100,000 new cases worldwide by 2040, underscoring the need for effective and safe treatment options. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of a photosensitizer called Chlorophyll A (Chl-A) incorporated into hydrogels (HGs) made of chitosan (CS) and poloxamer 407 (P407) for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) against the murine melanoma cell line B16-F10. The HG was evaluated through various tests, including rheological studies, SEM, and ATR-FTIR, along with cell viability assays. The CS- and P407-based HGs effectively released Chl-A and possessed the necessary properties for topical application. The photodynamic activity of the HG containing Chl-A was evaluated in vitro, demonstrating high therapeutic potential, with an IC50 of 25.99 µM-an appealing result when compared to studies in the literature reporting an IC50 of 173.8 µM for cisplatin, used as a positive control drug. The developed formulation of CS and P407-based HG, serving as a thermosensitive system for topical applications, successfully controlled the release of Chl-A. In vitro cell studies associated with PDT exhibited potential against the melanoma cell line.

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Bioremediation of toxic metals is a feasible and low-cost remediation tool to reduce metal contamination. Plant-fungus interactions can improve this technique. Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms is a macrophyte reported to bioremediate contaminated water. Thus, the present study aimed to isolate endophytic fungi from E. crassipes, select a highly cadmium (Cd) tolerant isolate and evaluate its bioremediation potential. This was evaluated by (1) the fungus tolerance and capacity to accumulate Cd; (2) Cd effects on cell morphology (using SEM and TEM) and on the fungal antioxidant defense system, as well as (3) the effect on model plant Solanum lycopersicum L. cultivar Calabash Rouge, inoculated with the endophyte fungus and exposed to Cd. Our results selected the endophyte Mucor sp. CM3, which was able to tolerate up to 1000 g/L of Cd and to accumulate 900 mg of Cd/g of biomass. Significant changes in Mucor sp. CM3 morphology were observed when exposed to high Cd concentrations, retaining this metal both in its cytoplasm and in its cell wall, which may be linked to detoxification and metal sequestration mechanisms related to the formation of Cd-GSH complexes. In addition, Cd stress induced the activation of all tested antioxidant enzymes - superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GR) - in this endophytic fungus. Moreover, when inoculated in tomato plants, this fungus promoted plant growth (in treatments without Cd) and induced an increased metal translocation to plant shoot, showing its potential to increase metal bioremediation. Therefore, this study indicates that the isolated endophyte Mucor sp. CM3 can be applied as a tool in different plant conditions, improving plant bioremediation and reducing the environmental damage caused by Cd, while also promoting plant growth in the absence of contaminants.

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Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of salmon calcitonin administration as a pharmacological anchoring agent in orthodontics and to determine the influence of locally applied calcitonin on serum calcium levels. The secondary aim was to observe the response of dental and periodontal tissues using light microscopy. Methods: Fourteen healthy male adult Wistar rats with an average weight of 250 g had their teeth moved, seven of which received a local injection of salmon calcitonin in the furcation region of the left upper first molar. Concurrently, the remaining seven were used as controls. In the control group, saline solution was injected in the bifurcation region of tooth 26 to subject these animals to the same stress level as those of the experimental group. After 14 days, a 6 mm diameter orthodontic elastic band was inserted between teeth 26 and 27 in all animals to induce the movement of these teeth. The rats were anaesthetised and exsanguinated on day 21. In both groups, tooth movement and serum calcium levels were measured. The jaws were dissected with straight scissors, and tissue blocks containing gingiva, bone and teeth were identified, fixed and demineralised. Then, the pieces were cut into semi-serial slices, stained with hematoxylin, eosin, and Mallory's trichrome, and analysed under an Axiophot light microscope. Results: There was significantly less tooth movement in the experimental group (X̄; 0,150 mm ± 0,037) than in the control group (0,236 mm ± 0,044; P = 0,003), while there was no significant difference in serum calcium levels between the two groups (controlX̄; 9,53 mg/dl ± 1,53; experimental 10,81 mg/dl ± 1,47; P = 0,15). Conclusion: While calcitonin did not completely inhibit osteoclast activity, it promoted orthodontic anchorage, apparently, by local action.

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This review gathered and analyzed data about (i) the Cd-induced impacts on seed germination and seedling vigor, and (ii) the use of different priming agents to mitigate Cd-induced impacts on the early plant development. Critical evaluation of the obtained data revealed intriguing results. First, seeds of diverse species can endure exposures to Cd. Such endurance is exhibited as maintenance of or even improvement in the seed germination and vigor (up to 15% and 70%, respectively). Second, the main factors influencing seed tolerance to Cd toxicity are related to temporal variations in anatomical, physiological, and/or biochemical features. Third, Cd can trigger diverse transgenerational effects on plants by shaping seed endophytes, by modulating seed provisioning with resources and regulatory elements, and/or by altering seed (epi)genomics. Fourth, different chemical, biological and physical priming agents can mitigate Cd-induced impacts on seeds, sometimes enhancing their performance over the control (reference) values. Overall, this review shows that the impacts of Cd on seed germination and vigor encompass not only negative outcomes but also neutral and positive ones, depending upon the Cd dose, media properties, plant species and genotypes, plant developmental stage and organ, and management approaches. Increasing our understanding of plant tolerance mechanisms against the growing background Cd pollution is relevant to support breeding programs, agricultural practices, and health-environmental policies.

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ABSTRACT: Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is recognized as a plant hormone that induces several biochemical changes related to improving fruit quality, but it is evident that the effect of MeJA during postharvest is very variable upon concentration, plant species, and even cultivars. The objective of this research was to relate the application of this regulator at low concentration (10 µmol L-1 for 24 h) to changes in postharvest physiology, on the incidence of anthracnose and quality of 'Golden' papaya fruit during storage at 24 ± 1°C. From the seventh day of storage, anthracnose incidence was reduced by more than 50% with MeJA treatment. The lesion area after infection was also reduced. Although, MeJA reduced fruit acidity, the ascorbic acid and soluble solids content were not altered during storage with the hormonal treatment. The skin color and pulp firmness showed slight retention. The reduction in ethylene production was accompanied by a reduction of respiration in treated fruits. MeJa increased CAT activity only in the skin whereas SOD activity was not induced by MeJA in both skin and pulp. Although, the increase of CAT from the third day of storage may have contributed to the reduction of lipid peroxidation in the skin, the MDA reduction in the pulp cannot be explained only by CAT activity. In summary, the application of MeJA in 'Golden' papaya reduced the incidence and severity of anthracnose, decreased respiration, ethylene production and lipid peroxidation. It is concluded that the application of MeJA at a low concentration (10 µmol L-1) may contribute to anthracnose control in ´Golden`papaya and slows the ripening of fruits.

RESUMO: O metil jasmonato (MeJA) é reconhecido como um hormônio vegetal que induz várias alterações bioquímicas relacionadas à qualidade dos frutos, mas é evidente que o efeito do MeJA durante a pós-colheita é muito variável quanto à concentração, espécies de plantas e até mesmo cultivares. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relacionar a aplicação deste regulador em baixa concentração (10 µmol L-1 por 24 h) às mudanças na fisiologia pós-colheita, na incidência de antracnose e na qualidade do mamão 'Golden' durante o armazenamento a 24 ± 1 ° C. A partir do sétimo dia de armazenamento, a incidência de antracnose foi reduzida em mais de 50% com o tratamento com MeJA. Incidência da doença também foi reduzida. Embora o MeJA tenha reduzido a acidez dos frutos, os teores de ácido ascórbico e sólidos solúveis não foram alterados durante o armazenamento com o tratamento hormonal. A cor da casca e a firmeza da polpa apresentaram ligeira retenção. A redução na produção de etileno foi acompanhada pela redução da respiração nos frutos tratados. MeJa aumentou a atividade da CAT apenas na casca, enquanto a atividade da SOD não foi induzida por MeJA na casca e na polpa. Embora o aumento da CAT a partir do terceiro dia de armazenamento possa ter contribuído para a redução da peroxidação lipídica na casca, a redução do MDA na polpa não pode ser explicada apenas pela atividade da CAT. Em resumo, a aplicação de MeJA em mamão 'Golden' reduziu a incidência e severidade da antracnose, diminuiu a respiração, a produção de etileno e a peroxidação lipídica. Conclui-se que a aplicação de MeJA em baixa concentração (10 µmol L-1) pode contribuir para o controle da antracnose em mamão ´Golden` e retardar o amadurecimento dos frutos.

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Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is recognized as a plant hormone that induces several biochemical changes related to improving fruit quality, but it is evident that the effect of MeJA during postharvest is very variable upon concentration, plant species, and even cultivars. The objective of this research was to relate the application of this regulator at low concentration (10 µmol L-1 for 24 h) to changes in postharvest physiology, on the incidence of anthracnose and quality of 'Golden' papaya fruit during storage at 24 ± 1°C. From the seventh day of storage, anthracnose incidence was reduced by more than 50% with MeJA treatment. The lesion area after infection was also reduced. Although, MeJA reduced fruit acidity, the ascorbic acid and soluble solids content were not altered during storage with the hormonal treatment. The skin color and pulp firmness showed slight retention. The reduction in ethylene production was accompanied by a reduction of respiration in treated fruits. MeJa increased CAT activity only in the skin whereas SOD activity was not induced by MeJA in both skin and pulp. Although, the increase of CAT from the third day of storage may have contributed to the reduction of lipid peroxidation in the skin, the MDA reduction in the pulp cannot be explained only by CAT activity. In summary, the application of MeJA in 'Golden' papaya reduced the incidence and severity of anthracnose, decreased respiration, ethylene production and lipid peroxidation. It is concluded that the application of MeJA at a low concentration (10 µmol L-1) may contribute to anthracnose control in ´Golden`papaya and slows the ripening of fruits.

O metil jasmonato (MeJA) é reconhecido como um hormônio vegetal que induz várias alterações bioquímicas relacionadas à qualidade dos frutos, mas é evidente que o efeito do MeJA durante a pós-colheita é muito variável quanto à concentração, espécies de plantas e até mesmo cultivares. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relacionar a aplicação deste regulador em baixa concentração (10 µmol L-1 por 24 h) às mudanças na fisiologia pós-colheita, na incidência de antracnose e na qualidade do mamão 'Golden' durante o armazenamento a 24 ± 1 ° C. A partir do sétimo dia de armazenamento, a incidência de antracnose foi reduzida em mais de 50% com o tratamento com MeJA. Incidência da doença também foi reduzida. Embora o MeJA tenha reduzido a acidez dos frutos, os teores de ácido ascórbico e sólidos solúveis não foram alterados durante o armazenamento com o tratamento hormonal. A cor da casca e a firmeza da polpa apresentaram ligeira retenção. A redução na produção de etileno foi acompanhada pela redução da respiração nos frutos tratados. MeJa aumentou a atividade da CAT apenas na casca, enquanto a atividade da SOD não foi induzida por MeJA na casca e na polpa. Embora o aumento da CAT a partir do terceiro dia de armazenamento possa ter contribuído para a redução da peroxidação lipídica na casca, a redução do MDA na polpa não pode ser explicada apenas pela atividade da CAT. Em resumo, a aplicação de MeJA em mamão 'Golden' reduziu a incidência e severidade da antracnose, diminuiu a respiração, a produção de etileno e a peroxidação lipídica. Conclui-se que a aplicação de MeJA em baixa concentração (10 µmol L-1) pode contribuir para o controle da antracnose em mamão ´Golden` e retardar o amadurecimento dos frutos.

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Low-cost, instrument-free colorimetric tests were developed to detect SARS-CoV-2 using plasmonic biosensors with Au nanoparticles functionalized with polyclonal antibodies (f-AuNPs). Intense color changes were noted with the naked eye owing to plasmon coupling when f-AuNPs form clusters on the virus, with high sensitivity and a detection limit of 0.28 PFU mL-1 (PFU stands for plaque-forming units) in human saliva. Plasmon coupling was corroborated with computer simulations using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The strategies based on preparing plasmonic biosensors with f-AuNPs are robust to permit SARS-CoV-2 detection via dynamic light scattering and UV-vis spectroscopy without interference from other viruses, such as influenza and dengue viruses. The diagnosis was made with a smartphone app after processing the images collected from the smartphone camera, measuring the concentration of SARS-CoV-2. Both image processing and machine learning algorithms were found to provide COVID-19 diagnosis with 100% accuracy for saliva samples. In subsidiary experiments, we observed that the biosensor could be used to detect the virus in river waters without pretreatment. With fast responses and requiring small sample amounts (only 20 µL), these colorimetric tests can be deployed in any location within the point-of-care diagnosis paradigm for epidemiological control.

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Pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense) contains bioactive compounds capable of modulating the inflammatory process; however, its hydrophobic characteristic limits its therapeutic use. The encapsulation of pequi oil in nanoemulsions can improve its biodistribution and promote its immunomodulatory effects. Thus, the objective of the present study was to formulate pequi oil-based nanoemulsions (PeNE) to evaluate their biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive effects in in vitro (macrophages­J774.16) and in vivo (Rattus novergicus) models. PeNE were biocompatible, showed no cytotoxic and genotoxic effects and no changes in body weight, biochemistry, or histology of treated animals at all concentrations tested (90−360 µg/mL for 24 h, in vitro; 100−400 mg/kg p.o. 15 days, in vivo). It was possible to observe antinociceptive effects in a dose-dependent manner in the animals treated with PeNE, with a reduction of 27 and 40% in the doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg of PeNE, respectively (p < 0.05); however, the treatment with PeNE did not induce edema reduction in animals with carrageenan-induced edema. Thus, the promising results of this study point to the use of free and nanostructured pequi oil as a possible future approach to a preventive/therapeutic complementary treatment alongside existing conventional therapies for analgesia.

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A parada cardíaca com evolução para o óbito é o pior desfecho no cenário do paciente cirúrgico. A PCR intraoperatória é definida como aquela que ocorre do momento da admissão do paciente na sala cirúrgica até o fim da anestesia para o procedimento. Nesse contexto, a anestesia tem o potencial de induzir mudanças fisiológicas que interfiram na morbimortalidade do paciente cirúrgico. Avaliar a epidemiologia da mortalidade no intraoperatório do Hospital Geral Roberto Santos (HGRS) no período de um ano elucida o perfil de atendimento cirúrgico. Este estudo é do tipo transversal, retrospectivo de revisão de prontuários. Foram estudados pacientes submetidos à cirurgia eletiva ou de urgência com morte no intraoperatório, no período de junho de 2020 a junho de 2021. Dos óbitos avaliados, houve a predominância de pacientes do sexo masculino, entre 0 e 86 anos, de cirurgia de urgência e predisposição para ASA IV, tendo maior probabilidade de mortalidade. A causa mortis predominante foi choque, seguida por infarto agudo do miocárdio. As intercorrências foram bradicardia e parada cardiorrespiratória. O perfil epidemiológico do estudo em questão é muito semelhante ao de outros estudos, com restrições. Portanto, devido ao baixo número de mortes nesse período, faz-se necessária maior investigação do perfil epidemiológico, que visa analisar, juntamente, a mortalidade do intraoperatório e a mortalidade pós-operatória de trinta dias.

Cardiac arrest with evolution to death is the worst outcome in the surgical patient scenario. Intraoperative cardiac arrest is defined as that which occurs from the time of patient admission to the operating room until the end of anesthesia for the procedure. In this context, anesthesia may induce physiological changes that interfere in the surgical patient's morbidity and mortality. Assessing the epidemiology of intraoperative mortality at the Roberto Santos General Hospital (HGRS) in a one-year period contributes to elucidate the profile of surgical care. This cross-sectional, retrospective study reviewed medical records from patients who underwent elective or emergency surgery with intraoperative death from June 2020 to June 2021. Most deaths involved male patients aged between 0 and 86 years old, who underwent emergency surgery and showed predisposition for ASA IV, with a higher probability of mortality. Predominant cause of death was shock, followed by acute myocardial infarction. Complications were bradycardia and cardiorespiratory arrest. The epidemiological profile found is similar to that of other studies, with restrictions. Due to the low number of deaths in this one-year period, further investigation of the epidemiological profile is needed to jointly analyze intraoperative mortality and 30-day postoperative mortality.

El paro cardíaco con evolución a muerte es el peor desenlace en el escenario del paciente quirúrgico. El paro cardíaco intraoperatorio se define como el que ocurre desde que el paciente ingresa al quirófano hasta el final de la anestesia para el procedimiento. En ese contexto, la anestesia tiene el potencial de inducir cambios fisiológicos que interfieren en la morbimortalidad del paciente quirúrgico. La evaluación de la epidemiología de la mortalidad intraoperatoria en el Hospital General Roberto Santos (HGRS) durante un período de un año aclara el perfil de la atención quirúrgica. Se trata de un estudio transversal, retrospectivo de revisión de historias clínicas. Se estudiaron a pacientes sometidos a cirugía electiva o de emergencia con muerte intraoperatoria en el período de junio de 2020 a junio de 2021. De las muertes evaluadas hubo predominio de pacientes del sexo masculino, con edades entre 0 y 86 años, de cirugía de emergencia y predisposición para ASA IV, con mayor probabilidad de mortalidad. La causa predominante de muerte fue el shock, seguido del infarto agudo de miocardio. Las complicaciones fueron bradicardia y paro cardiorrespiratorio. El perfil epidemiológico del estudio en cuestión fue muy similar al de otros estudios, con restricciones. Por lo tanto, debido al bajo número de muertes en este período, es necesaria una mayor investigación del perfil epidemiológico, que tiene como objetivo analizar conjuntamente la mortalidad intraoperatoria y la mortalidad posoperatoria a los 30 días.

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Resumo As audiências públicas orçamentárias são espaços de transparência e participação social. Esses espaços podem ser considerados fóruns de accountability síncrona, em que a prestação de contas e a responsabilização podem ocorrer no mesmo momento, o que gera preocupação para o prestador de contas quanto às possíveis formas de responsabilização. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar como ocorre a dinâmica das audiências públicas orçamentárias organizadas pelas prefeituras municipais. Foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa interpretativista, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com gestores públicos como principal fonte de coleta. Os resultados indicam que os responsáveis pelas audiências públicas adotam estratégias para minimizar os riscos reputacionais e de responsabilização. As estratégias ocorrem em diferentes momentos: (i) na etapa de preparação, com a definição das regras de participação e o uso de filtro informacional; (ii) durante a sua realização, na forma de apresentação das informações e no direcionamento de atenção do público; e (iii) na etapa pós-audiência, por meio de baixa transparência e até manipulação de documentos. A pesquisa contribui para o entendimento das audiências como fóruns de accountability esperada, em que a expectativa do prestador de contas pode direcionar a dinâmica das audiências públicas, transformando-as em um teatro. Os resultados trazem implicações para os Tribunais de Contas e o Poder Legislativo, que poderiam exercer maior controle e fiscalização das audiências; para a sociedade, que poderia atuar de forma mais ativa e organizada; e, ainda, para a legislação em vigor, que poderia estabelecer diretrizes claras para a realização das audiências.

Resumen Las audiencias públicas presupuestarias son espacios de transparencia y participación social. Estos espacios pueden considerarse como foros de accountability sincrónicos, en los que la rendición de cuentas y la responsabilización pueden ocurrir al mismo tiempo, lo que genera preocupaciones para el rendidor de cuentas sobre las posibles formas de responsabilización. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar cómo ocurre la dinámica de las audiencias públicas de presupuesto organizadas por los municipios. Se realizó una investigación cualitativa e interpretativa, utilizando como principal fuente de recolección de datos entrevistas semiestructuradas a gestores públicos. Los resultados indican que los responsables de las audiencias públicas adoptan estrategias, minimizando los riesgos reputacionales y de responsabilización. Las estrategias ocurren en diferentes momentos: (i) en la etapa de preparación, con la definición de las reglas de participación y el uso del filtro informativo; (ii) durante su ejecución, en la forma de presentar la información y dirigir la atención del público; y, (iii) en la etapa posterior a la audiencia, a través de la baja transparencia e incluso manipulación de documentos. La investigación contribuye a la comprensión de las audiencias como foros de esperada rendición de cuentas, en los que la expectativa del rendidor de cuentas puede orientar la dinámica de las audiencias públicas, transformándolas en un teatro. Los resultados tienen implicaciones para los Tribunales de Cuentas y el Poder Legislativo, que podrían ejercer un mayor control e inspección de las audiencias; para la sociedad, que podría actuar de forma más activa y organizada; y también para la legislación vigente, que podría establecer lineamientos claros para la celebración de audiencias.

Abstract Budget public hearings are spaces for transparency and social participation. These spaces can be considered synchronous accountability forums, where the rendering of accounts and the attribution of responsibilities can co-occur, raising concerns for the responsible parties about possible accountability models. This qualitative and interpretative research analyzed the dynamics of public budget hearings organized by Brazilian municipalities using semi-structured interviews with public managers. The results indicate that those responsible for public hearings adopt strategies minimizing reputational and accountability risks at different times: (i) in the preparation stage, with the definition of participation rules and the use of an informational filter; (ii) during execution, in the form of the presentation of information and in directing the public's attention; and, (iii) in the post-hearing stage, through low transparency and document manipulation. The research contributes to understanding hearings as forums of expected accountability, in which the expectation of the authorities can direct the dynamics of public hearings, transforming them into a theater performance. The results have implications for the courts of accounts and the legislative branch, which could exercise greater control and inspection of the hearings; for society, which could act in a more active and organized way; and also for the legislation in force, which could establish clear guidelines for holding hearings.

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Breast cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer death in women, representing the fifth leading cause of cancer death overall. Therefore, the growing search for the development of new treatments for breast cancer has been developed lately as well as drug delivery systems such as biocompatible metal-organic Frameworks (bio-MOFs). These may be promising and attractive for drug incorporation and release. The present study aims to develop a drug carrier system RCA (bioMOF-100 submitted to the activation process) containing incorporated curcumin (CCM), whose material surface is coated with folic acid molecules (FA) to promote the targeting of drug carrier systems to the tumor region. They were synthesized and characterized using several characterization techniques. The materials were submitted to drug encapsulation tests, whose encapsulation efficiency was 32.80% for CCM@RCA-1D. Using the 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy technique, it was possible to verify the appearance of signals referring to folic acid, suggesting success in the functionalization of these matrices. In vitro tests such as cell viability and type of cell death were evaluated in both series of compounds (CCM@RCA-1D, CCM@RCA-1D/FA) in breast tumor lines. The results revealed low toxicity of the materials and cell death by late apoptosis. Thus, these results indicate that the matrices studied can be promising carriers in the treatment of breast cancer.

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This work presents a long-term follow-up (300 days) of rats after a single intravenous injection of DMSA-coated magnetite nanoparticles (DMSA-MNP). The animals were systematically evaluated by hematological, biochemical, and ultrasound examinations, monitoring the same animal over time. In addition, oxidative stress evaluation, DMSA-MNP biodistribution, computerized tomography for ex vivo organs, and histopathology analysis were performed at the end of the experiment period. Overall, DMSA-MNP administration did not cause serious damage to the rats' health over the course of 300 days post-administration. All animals presented hematological parameters within the normal limits, and no alterations on serum creatinine, urea, ALT, and AST were related to DMSA-MNP administration. Liver and spleen showed no important alterations in any of the examinations. The kidneys of treated animals displayed intermittent pelvis dilation at ultrasound analysis, but without damage to the organ parenchyma after 300 days. The lungs of treated animals presented a light interalveolar septal thickening, but the animals did not present any clinical respiratory symptom. Nanoparticles were not detected in the vital organs of treated animals 300 days after administration. This work represents the first assessment of the long-term effects of DMSA-MNP and goes a step further on the safety of its use for biomedical applications.

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The World Health Organizations declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic was a milestone for the scientific community. The high transmission rate and the huge number of deaths, along with the lack of knowledge about the virus and the evolution of the disease, stimulated a relentless search for diagnostic tests, treatments, and vaccines. The main challenges were the differential diagnosis of COVID-19 and the development of specific, rapid, and sensitive tests that could reach all people. RT-PCR remains the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19. However, new methods, such as other molecular techniques and immunoassays emerged. Also, the need for accessible tests with quick results boosted the development of point of care tests (POCT) that are fast, and automated, with high precision and accuracy. This assay reduces the dependence on laboratory conditions and mass testing of the population, dispersing the pressure regarding screening and detection. This review summarizes the advances in the diagnostic field since the pandemic started, emphasizing various laboratory techniques for detecting COVID-19. We reviewed the main existing diagnostic methods, as well as POCT under development, starting with RT-PCR detection, but also exploring other nucleic acid techniques, such as digital PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification-based assay (RT-LAMP), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), and next-generation sequencing (NGS), and immunoassay tests, and nanoparticle-based biosensors, developed as portable instruments for the rapid standard diagnosis of COVID-19.

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This study investigated the fabrication of spherical gold shelled maghemite nanoparticles for use in magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) assays. A maghemite core (14 ± 3 nm) was used to fabricate two samples with different gold thicknesses, which presented gold (g)/maghemite (m) content ratios of 0.0376 and 0.0752. The samples were tested in MHT assays (temperature versus time) with varying frequencies (100-650 kHz) and field amplitudes (9-25 mT). The asymptotic temperatures (T∞) of the aqueous suspensions (40 mg Fe/mL) were found to be in the range of 59-77 °C (naked maghemite), 44-58 °C (g/m=0.0376) and 33-51 °C (g/m=0.0752). The MHT data revealed that T∞ could be successful controlled using the gold thickness and cover the range for cell apoptosis, thereby providing a new strategy for the safe use of MHT in practice. The highest SAR (specific absorption rate) value was achieved (75 kW/kg) using the thinner gold shell layer (334 kHz, 17 mT) and was roughly twenty times bigger than the best SAR value that has been reported for similar structures. Moreover, the time that was required to achieve T∞ could be modeled by changing the thermal conductivity of the shell layer and/or the shape/size of the structure. The MHT assays were pioneeringly modeled using a derived equation that was analytically identical to the Box-Lucas method (which was reported as phenomenological).

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This manuscript investigates the unsuccessful case of the fiscal decentralization policy implemented by the Brazilian central government to help municipalities fight COVID-19. Based on quantitative analyses of data available on governmental websites, we identified that the transfer policy had ignored municipalities' risk patterns and income changes. It benefited municipalities regardless of their vulnerability and population infection risks, and many municipalities reduced healthcare expenditures funded by their revenues during the pandemic. Hence, some municipalities made a "pandemic surplus" in 2020 - a municipal electoral year. Indeed, COVID-19 killed 663,694 people in Brazil until 4 May 2022. Lessons from an unsuccessful case of response to COVID-19 help develop resilience for other crises by emerging market economies and developing countries. The findings have implications for policymakers and literature since they represent inadequate vertical coordination that followed a path dependence on traditional decentralization policies and took place in a year of municipal elections without clear spending and accountability rules.