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This manuscript presents a new report on the in vitro antimicrobial photo-inactivation of foodborne microorganisms (Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes) using tetra-cationic porphyrins. Isomeric tetra-cationic porphyrins (3MeTPyP, 4MeTPyP, 3PtTPyP, and 4PtTPyP) were tested, and antimicrobial activity assays were performed at specific photosensitizer concentrations under dark and white-light LED irradiation conditions. Among the tested bacterial strains, 4MeTPyP exhibited the highest efficiency, inhibiting bacterial growth within just 60 min at low concentrations (17.5 µM). The minimal inhibitory concentration of 4MeTPyP increased when reactive oxygen species scavengers were present, indicating the significant involvement of singlet oxygen species in the photooxidation mechanism. Furthermore, the checkerboard assay testing the association of 4MeTPyP showed an indifferent effect. Atomic force microscopy analyses and dynamic simulations were conducted to enhance our understanding of the interaction between this porphyrin and the strain's membrane.

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Aristolochia plants are emblematic from an ethnopharmacological viewpoint and are know to possess numerous biological properties, including antiseptic. However, the medicinal potential of these species is debatable because of their representative chemical constituents, aristolochic acids (AAs) and aristolactams (ALs), which are associated, for instance, with nephropathy and cancer. These contrasting issues have stimulated the development of approaches intended to detoxification of aristoloquiaceous biomasses, among which is included the bioconversion method using larvae of the specialist phytophagous insect Battus polydamas, previously shown to be viable for chemical diversification and to reduce toxicity. Thus, eleven Aristolochia spp. were bioconverted, and the antimicrobial activities of the plant methanolic extracts and its respective bioconversion products were evaluated. The best results were found for Aristolochia esperanzae, Aristolochia gibertii, and Aristolochia ringens against Bacillus cereus, with MIC ranging from 7.8 to 31.25 µg/mL. These three species were selected for chemical, antioxidant, cytotoxic, hemolytic, and mutagenic analyses. Chemical analysis revealed 65 compounds, 21 of them possible bioconversion products. The extracts showed potential to inhibit the formation and degradation of B. cereus biofilms. Extracts of A. gibertii and its bioconverted biomass showed antioxidant activity comparable to dibutylhydroxytoluene (BHT) standard. Bioconversion decreased the hemolytic activity of A. esperanzae and the cytotoxicities of A. esperanzae and A. gibertii. None of the extracts was found to be mutagenic. The bioactivities of the fecal extracts were maintained, and biocompatibility was improved. Therefore, the results obtained in this study reveal positive expectations about the natural detoxification process of the Aristolochia species.

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Abstract Several topics related to the oral cavity are briefly addressed in this article, from anatomical variations that, when recognized, avoid unnecessary investigations, to diseases that affect exclusively the mouth, mucocutaneous diseases, as well as oral manifestations of systemic diseases. A complete clinical examination comprises the examination of the mouth, and this approach facilitates clinical practice, shortening the path to diagnosis in the outpatient clinic as well as with in-hospital patients. The objective of this article is to encourage the examination of the oral cavity as a useful tool in medical practice, helping to recognize diseases in this location.

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Several topics related to the oral cavity are briefly addressed in this article, from anatomical variations that, when recognized, avoid unnecessary investigations, to diseases that affect exclusively the mouth, mucocutaneous diseases, as well as oral manifestations of systemic diseases. A complete clinical examination comprises the examination of the mouth, and this approach facilitates clinical practice, shortening the path to diagnosis in the outpatient clinic as well as with in-hospital patients. The objective of this article is to encourage the examination of the oral cavity as a useful tool in medical practice, helping to recognize diseases in this location.

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Anadenanthera colubrina, popularly known as white angico, is a species extensively cultivated in Brazil, mainly in the cerrado region, including the state of Piauí. This study examines the development of films composed of white angico gum (WAG) and chitosan (CHI) and containing chlorhexidine (CHX), an antimicrobial agent. The solvent casting method was used to prepare films. Different combinations and concentrations of WAG and CHI were used to obtain films with good physicochemical characteristics. Properties such as the in vitro swelling ratio, the disintegration time, folding endurance, and the drug content were determined. The selected formulations were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction, and the CHX release time and antimicrobial activity were evaluated. CHX showed a homogenous distribution in all CHI/WAG film formulations. The optimised films showed good physicochemical properties with 80% CHX release over 26 h, which is considered promising for local treatment of severe lesions in the mouth. Cytotoxicity tests of the films did not show toxicity. The antimicrobial and antifungal effects were very effective against the tested microorganisms.

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Human milk (HM) is essential for newborns' food, but its low storage stability is a limiting factor so that microencapsulation may stabilize and protect compounds sensitive to degradation. This study investigated the action of maltodextrin and gum arabic on freeze-dried HM concerning its quality and solubility. Microencapsulation was evidenced by morphology, and all samples presented high encapsulation efficiency (>85 %), proving to be an efficient process. Furthermore, specific signals in the Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra indicate the interactions between the coating materials and the HM matrix. Gum arabic improved the reconstitution properties of freeze-dried HM (higher solubility, 3 % on average, and lower dissolution time, around 80 %), elucidating its high stabilization capacity, even at low concentrations (5 and 10 %). Despite the best results reached by gum arabic, the addition of maltodextrin proved effective; in other words, its low stabilization capacity enables combinations with gum arabic. A lower polidispersibility (difference of 20 % between samples: control and containing gum arabic) was also observed, which means that the encapsulated samples were more homogeneous. Therefore, through the analysis performed, we recommend using gum arabic alone or with maltodextrin to obtain HM microcapsules with a good quality of reconstitution.

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As parasitoses intestinais ainda constituem um problema de saúde pública no Brasil, especialmente nas regiões onde o saneamento básico e condições socioeconômicas são frágeis, como na região Nordeste. São um conjunto de doenças causadas por parasitas helmínticos ou protozoários, que acometem o intestino humano, causando sintomas, como diarreia, dor abdominal, astenia, náuseas, vômitos, entre outros. Seu diagnóstico é feito pelo parasitológico de fezes e o tratamento é baseado no uso de anti-protozoários ou anti-helmínticos. Objetivo: analisar os principais aspectos das parasitoses intestinais presentes no Nordeste, identificando aquelas mais prevalentes e as populações de maiores riscos. Metodologia: o estudo foi do tipo descritivo, utilizando-se uma revisão integrativa de literatura do período de 2012 a 2021, nas bases de dados eletrônicas Scielo, BVS e Google Acadêmico. Para o processo de busca e análise dos artigos, foi utilizado o diagrama flow. Todos os dados da pesquisa foram analisados no Microsoft Word e, posteriormente os resultados foram transformados em quadros e tabelas para melhor organização e interpretação das informações colhidas. Resultados: observou-se, a partir da análise dos 10 artigos, uma variação de 26,00% a 92,85% na taxa de infecções por parasitas intestinais na região Nordeste, em diversas populações, desde pré-escolares, escolares e adultos. Os fatores de risco que estiveram associados ao desenvolvimento, foram: falta de higiene pessoal e dos alimentos, ausência ou precariedade dos serviços de saneamento básico, baixa escolaridade e renda dos pais, qualidade da água de beber e práticas de andar descalço por parte das crianças. Considerações finais: Os resultados apontam para a necessidade de medidas preventivas e tratamento das enteroparasitoses, como mudanças de hábitos de higiene e melhorias nas condições de vida, como o acesso à água tratada e saneamento básico adequado. Além disso, é importante que surjam mais estudos epidemiológicos para subsidiar medidas de controle e prevenção adequadas e eficazes.

Intestinal parasites are still a public health problem in Brazil, especially in regions where basic sanitation and socioeconomic conditions are fragile, as in the Northeast region. They are a set of diseases caused by helminthic or protozoan parasites, which affect the human intestine, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, asthenia, nausea, vomiting, among others. Its diagnosis is made by fecal parasitology and treatment is based on the use of anti-protozoal or anthelmintic agents. Objective: to analyze the main aspects of intestinal parasites present in the Northeast, identifying the most prevalent ones and the populations at greatest risk. Methodology: the study was descriptive, using an integrative literature review from 2012 to 2021, in the electronic databases Scielo, BVS and Google Scholar. For the process of searching and analyzing the articles, the flow diagram was used. All survey data were analyzed in Microsoft Excel and, later, the results were transformed into graphs and tables for better interpretation of the collected information. RESULTS: from the analysis of the 10 articles, a variation from 26.00% to 92.85% was observed in the rate of infections by intestinal parasites in the Northeast region, in different populations, from preschoolers, schoolchildren and adults. The risk factors that were associated with development were: lack of personal hygiene and food, absence or precariousness of basic sanitation services, low parental education and income, quality of drinking water and practices of walking barefoot by children. Final Considerations: The results point to the need for preventive measures and treatment of intestinal parasites, such as changes in hygiene habits and improvements in living conditions, such as access to treated water and adequate basic sanitation. In addition, it is important that more epidemiological studies appear to support appropriate and effective control and prevention measures.

Las parasitosis intestinales siguen siendo un problema de salud pública en Brasil, especialmente en regiones donde el saneamiento básico y las condiciones socioeconómicas son frágiles, como en la región Nordeste. Son un conjunto de enfermedades causadas por parásitos helmínticos o protozoarios, que afectan el intestino humano, causando síntomas como diarrea, dolor abdominal, astenia, náuseas, vómitos, entre otros. Su diagnóstico se realiza mediante parasitología fecal y el tratamiento se basa en el uso de agentes antiprotozoarios o antihelmínticos. Objetivo: analizar los principales aspectos de los parásitos intestinales presentes en el Nordeste, identificando los más prevalentes y las poblaciones de mayor riesgo. Metodología: el estudio fue descriptivo, utilizando una revisión bibliográfica integradora de 2012 a 2021, en las bases de datos electrónicas Scielo, BVS y Google Scholar. Para el proceso de búsqueda y análisis de los artículos, se utilizó el diagrama de flujo. Todos los datos de la encuesta fueron analizados en Microsoft Excel y, posteriormente, los resultados fueron transformados en gráficos y tablas para una mejor interpretación de la información recogida. Resultados: a partir del análisis de los 10 artículos, se observó una variación de 26,00% a 92,85% en la tasa de infecciones por parásitos intestinales en la región Nordeste, en diferentes poblaciones, desde preescolares, escolares y adultos. Los factores de riesgo que se asociaron al desarrollo fueron: falta de higiene personal y alimentaria, ausencia o precariedad de servicios de saneamiento básico, baja escolaridad e ingresos de los padres, calidad del agua de consumo y prácticas de caminar descalzo por parte de los niños. Consideraciones Finales: Los resultados apuntan a la necesidad de medidas preventivas y de tratamiento de los parásitos intestinales, como cambios en los hábitos de higiene y mejoras en las condiciones de vida, como el acceso a agua tratada y a un saneamiento básico adecuado. Además, es importante que aparezcan más estudios epidemiológicos que respalden medidas de control y prevención adecuadas y eficaces.

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Erythrosine is a dye approved for medical use that has shown promising photodynamic activity, allowing for the inactivation of microorganisms and activity against malignant cells. Despite the great photodynamic potential, erythrosine exhibits hydrophilicity, negatively impacting its action in biological membranes. Therefore, the incorporation of erythrosine in micellar polymeric systems, such as poloxamers, may overcome this limitation. Moreover, using bioadhesive and thermoresponsive polymers to combine in situ gelation and bioadhesion may enhance retention of this topically applied drug. In this work, mucoadhesive and thermoresponsive micellar systems were prepared containing erythrosine in two states: the native form (ERI) and the disodium salt (ERIs). The systems were evaluated based on the effect of ERI/ERIs on the micellar structure of the binary polymer mixtures. Optimised combinations of poloxamer 407 (polox407) and mucoadhesive sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were used as micellar systems for ERI or ERIs delivery. The systems were studied with respect to theoretical interactions, qualitative composition, morphology, and micellar properties. In silico modelling indicated a higher interaction of the drug with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) than poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) fragments of polox407. Systems containing NaCMC displayed a repulsive effect in the presence of erythrosine, due to the polymer's charge density. Both systems could convert the photosensitizer in its monomeric form, ensuring photodynamic activity. In these mixtures, crystallinity, critical micellar temperature and enthalpy of polox407 micellisation were reduced, and micellar size, evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), showed low impact of ERI/ERIs in HPMC preparations. Aiming toward photodynamic applications, the findings showed how ERI or ERIs can affect the micellar formation of gels composed of 17.5% (w/w) polox407 and 3% (w/w) HPMC or 1% (w/w) NaCMC, important for understating their behaviour and future utilisation as erythrosine delivery systems.

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Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) have been extensively studied for their use in film formation. Poloxamer 407 (P407) is a block copolymer that has thermo-responsive and surfactant properties when used in pharmaceutical systems. These polymers are already used in liquid or semi-solid systems for ocular and parenteral drug delivery. However, the effect of P407 presence in solid pharmaceutical films composed of different PVA:PVP ratios have not been investigated yet. Therefore, this work investigated the influence of P407 added to the binary polymer mixture of PVA and PVP for the development of solid films aiming for pharmaceutical applications. The rheological properties of dispersions were investigated, and films were prepared by solvent casting method using different P407:PVA:PVP ratios according to a factorial design 23 (plus center point). The mechanical and in vitro mucoadhesive properties of films, as well as the disintegration time were investigated. Systems presented high mechanical resistance, mucoadhesion, and disintegration timeless than 180 s. It was found that higher concentrations of PVA increase mechanical properties and decrease disintegration time, and higher proportions of PVP and P407 increased mucoadhesion. The films could be classified as fast disintegrating films and represent a promising alternative for modifying drug delivery and pharmaceutical applications.

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The increase of the industrialization process brought the growth of pollutant emissions into the atmosphere. At the same time, the demand for advances in aerosol filtration is evolving towards more sustainable technologies. Electrospinning is gaining notoriety, once it enables to produce polymeric nanofibers with different additives and also the obtaining of small pore sizes and fiber diameters; desirable features for air filtration materials. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the filtration performance of cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibers and cationic surfactant cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB) produced by electrospinning technique for retention of aerosol nanoparticles. The pressure drop and collection efficiency measurements of sodium chloride (NaCl) aerosol particles (diameters from 7 to 300 nm) were performed using Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS). The average diameter of the electrospun nanofibers used was 239 nm, ranging from 113 to 398 nm. Experimental results indicated that the nanofibers showed good permeability (10-11 m2) and high-efficiency filtration for aerosol nanoparticles (about 100 %), which can include black carbon (BC) and the new coronavirus. The pressure drop was 1.8 kPa at 1.6 cm s-1, which is similar to reported for some high-efficiency nanofiber filters. In addition, it also retains BC particles present in air, which was about 90 % for 375 nm and about 60 % for the 880 nm wavelength. Finally, this research provided information for future designs of indoor air filters and filter media for facial masks with renewable, non-toxic biodegradable, and potential antibacterial characteristics.

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BACKGROUND: Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a disorder caused by alterations in embryo-fetal development due to prenatal alcohol exposure. It is estimated that between 0.5 and 2 per 1,000 individuals are born with FAS every year. In Brazil, there are few studies addressing the extent of the problem of FAS/fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD); these studies are confined to limited geographic areas. Therefore, we decided to perform a health needs assessment for FAS/FASD in Brazil. METHODS: To estimate the prevalence of FAS and FASD in Brazil, we used information from the literature, which estimates between 0.5 and 2/1,000 births per year for FAS and 10 to 50/1,000 for FASD. RESULTS: We estimated that approximately 1,500 to 6,000 children are born with FAS every year. Considering the whole population, the prevalence would be 95,377 to 380,000 affected people. However, when we consider FASD as a whole, we estimate that between 1,900,000 and 9,500,000 Brazilians might suffer the more severe consequences of alcohol exposure during pregnancy and be living with FASD. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study indicate that FAS and FASD are prevalent disorders in Brazil, and more policies targeting alcohol intake during pregnancy must be developed.

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