Curcumin, a phytochemical, exhibits several biological properties and has been studied for the treatment of psoriasis. To facilitate its transdermal permeation, permeation enhancers such as choline and geranic acid ionic liquid (CAGE-IL) have been studied. From this perspective, the research effort entertained herein aimed at developing and evaluating the stability of an emulsion prepared with curcumin (phytochemical from Curcuma longa L.) and locust bean gum (extracted from the seeds of the carob tree, Ceratonia siliqua), with CAGE-IL as a facilitator of transdermal permeation. Stability studies were carried out for six months, with analyses being performed at time intervals of 0 (24 h), 30, 60, 90, and 180 days. The samples were kept at 40 ± 2 °C, with 75 ± 5% relative humidity (RH). The parameters analyzed were morphological characteristics, pH (5.8-6.0), and spreadability. The samples were shown to be stable during the timeframe studied, maintaining adequate physicochemical characteristics and meeting quality specifications for cutaneous applications. CAGE-IL, in addition to facilitating permeation of the active substance, also favored the formation of a stable emulsion encompassing nanosized particles (134.3 ± 2.6 nm) in a simple fashion and with only a few components.

We addressed some physicochemical and biological differences in commercial turmeric, acquired from both handling pharmacies and stores selling natural products for quality assessment. For this, it was determined the melting point, antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH), antimicrobial activity via the agar disk-diffusion assay, metallic contaminants by X-ray fluorescence with energy dispersion (EDXRF), spectral behaviors by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and determination of curcumin concentration by UV-Vis. The results obtained of the several commercial turmeric samples were not homogeneous, showing in fact significant differences regarding melting points, UV-Vis spectral scan profiles, and FTIR spectra, presenting toxic metals and quite low curcumin contents. This sheds light on the urge to implement adequate quality control in this type of raw material for human safe use of curcumin. Particularly, contamination with heavy metals, such as mercury, is a serious health problem, due to its high toxicity and accumulative power in the body.

Production of bacterial nanocellulose was pursued as a matrix system for the stabilization of human insulin. The biomembranes produced by Gluconacetobacter hansenii were washed with 2% aqueous sodium dodecylsulfate solution, rinsed with ultrapure water and immersed in 1 mol L-1 NaOH aqueous solution at 60 °C for 90 min until neutralization. For the insulin adsorption assays, the biomembranes were soaked in a buffered solution of human insulin until no protein could be detected in the supernatant. The membranes with adsorbed insulin were characterized via mechanical resistance (resilience, relaxation, perforation), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermal Gravimetrical Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analyses. The FESEM photomicrographs of the surface of the biomembranes showed a rugged surface without cracks. The biomembranes exhibited adequate mechanical characteristics. The infrared spectra indicated that the chemical aspect of the protein moiety was preserved during adsorption onto the BNC biomembranes. According to the XRD analyses, the biomembranes showed a generalized amorphous behavior. Thermal analyses indicated an adequate thermal stability for a pharmaceuticals product. Hence, an elastic and malleable biomembrane was produced, suitable for incorporation of human insulin, aiming at transdermal delivery.

Development and optimization of a bioorigami film with silk sericin was pursued for skin regeneration. Several formulations were produced, with varying integrated sericin contents, viz. 0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 mgsericin mLfilm-1. The physico-chemical characteristics of the bioorigami films produced were evaluated via infrared spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray transmission, X-ray fluorescence, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, transdermal protein permeation, kinetics of protein release from the bioorigami films and free radical scavenging activities. The mechanical resistance was also evaluated. The results by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) assay suggest that the bioorigami films integrating crude sericin extract had capacity to sequester free radicals, exhibited prolonged release of the bioactive protein, good physico-chemical characteristics and adequate mechanical resistance. Specifically, the bioorigami film with 10 mgsericin mLfilm-1 proved to be able to release all the bioactive protein in a 12 h timeframe. The results suggest potential for use in biopharmaceutical application, specifically, as material for use in hydrogels.

Over the last few years, researchers have started to explore a particular class of compounds defined as ionic liquids (ILs) in attempts to use their unique characteristics. Since ILs have a very low vapor pressure, these fascinating compounds hold great potential as high performance chemicals for several applications in the (bio)pharmaceutical industry. In general, and unlike common organic solvents with comparable polarities, ILs are quite compatible with enzymes (enhancing their structural and chemical stability) and other proteins, since they can promote higher selectivities, faster reaction rates and greater enzyme stabilities in biocatalytic reactions providing, at the same time, a path for the structural and functional stabilization of protein entities. ILs appear to enhance the delivery of macromolecules, particularly protein entities, and their interactions with ILs will be tackled in detail in this review paper.

In the present research effort, production of a crude anthocyanin extract from the fruits of jussara (Euterpe edulis Martius) was pursued. The physico-chemical characteristics of the crude anthocyanin extracts were evaluated via Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, computed tomography via X-ray transmission, UV-Vis spectrophotometric scannings, differential scanning calorimetry, antimicrobial activity, anthocyanin quantification, total phenolic content, thin layer chromatography for sugars and pigments, free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) scavenging activity and antioxidant activity via the molybdenum phosphate complex. The results gathered suggest that the crude anthocyanin extracts had both obvious antioxidant activity and radical scavenging effects with the DPPH assay, and light antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, further suggesting that this crude pigment extract might be a valuable addition for either food or pharmaceutical applications.

Biodiesel degrades due to oxidative processes, causing a decrease in its quality. In the present work, it has been clearly shown that the incidence of ultraviolet radiation on biodiesels obtained from soy, canola, linseed and microalgae oils initiate oxidative processes which lead to the decrease in the induction period (IP) of the fuel. The influence of the residual water content of the same biodiesels on the oxidation process was also investigated with and without the incidence of ultraviolet radiation. Between 190 and 850 ppm of water in the biodiesel and without UV irradiation, no significant change in the IP values was observed under the experimental conditions.

A flow-injection spectrophotometric procedure was developed for screening organophosphorus pesticides. The method is based on the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase immobilized on controlled porous glass beads with acetylcholine chloride as the substrate. Methyl parathion, chlorpyrifos, malathion and dichlorvos have been tested. The analytical peak height for a given acetylcholine chloride concentration correlates linearly with the logarithmic concentration of the pesticides between 1.0 × 10-3 mol L-1 and 1.0 × 10-6 mol L-1. If bromine water is added to the pesticide solution, a dramatic increase is observed in the analytical signal, and correlations with the logarithm of the concentrations are observed from 1.0 × 10-3 to 1.0 × 10-10 mol L-1.

The vacuum-assisted closure or negative pressure wound therapy is a widespread therapeutic option in Plastic Surgery. Since its first application several indications have been suggested for treatment of difficult wounds. The VAC® therapy system promotes wound healing through the application of negative pressure by controlled suction which, accelerate the resolution of different kinds of wound by promoting vascularization and debridement. It is currently considered as a useful tool in the treatment of complex wounds. These injuries represent a therapeutic challenge for the plastic surgeon that often involve a lengthy and costly hospitalization. Thanks to the VAC® therapy the size of these wounds can be reduced, at the same time they are protected from infection. This could be reflected as a step down in surgical planning by reducing the need of major interventions like free flaps transfer. We present a review of some interesting cases in our clinical experience with the vacuum-assisted therapy within the past 6 years, between may 2005 and november 2011, counting for a total of 41 patients.

El empleo de la terapia de presión negativa es una opción ampliamente extendida dentro del campo de la Cirugía Plástica. Desde su aparición en el mercado se han ido sumando indicaciones de tratamiento de diversa índole, como podemos ver reflejado en la bibliografía existente al respecto. El sistema VAC® promueve la curación de las heridas mediante la aplicación de presión negativa, de manera que el uso de niveles controlados de presión subatmosférica y succión controlada, acelera la resolución de las mismas favoreciendo la vascularización y el desbridamiento. Actualmente, este sistema se considera un arma fundamental en el tratamiento de las heridas complejas, las cuales suponen un reto terapéutico importante y muchas veces acarrean a los pacientes que las padecen un largo y costoso ingreso hospitalario. Gracias a la terapia de vacío se puede disminuir el tamaño de dichas heridas a la par que se protegen de la infección, haciendo innecesario el uso prioritario de colgajos libres y grandes intervenciones. Presentamos una revisión de casos de interés sobre nuestra experiencia clínica con el uso de terapia de vacío en los últimos 6 años, durante la etapa comprendida entre mayo del 2005 y noviembre del 2011, con un total de 41 pacientes.

Introduction We report our early clinical experience associated with radiofrequency (RF) ablation in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and evaluate the efficacy, tolerability and complicactions. Material and methods Retrospective review of patients treated in our hospital with kidney ecoguide RF. All of them diagnosed with renal tumor and not candidates for surgery because of bilateral tumor, significant comorbidity or refusal to surgical treatment. We use an Amitech® 220 Watts generator with an electrode tip 3cm. Straight knitting needles and hooks. Controls were performed with axial tomography at 24h, 7 days, 1, 3 and 6 months and every 6 months thereafter. Results 11 tumors, 9 patients. The mean age was 76 years (63-85 years). The average tumor size was 3.5cm (2,2-5,8cm). In 2 tumors was needed prior chemoembolization. In other two new RF session was needed. 9 tumors with treatment considered effective. Mean follow-up was 17.5 months (3-52 months). One patient had local recurrence at 14 months and needed a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and two patients developed lung metastases 41.5 months after RF. There were no clinically relevant complications. Conclusions In our experience, we believe that RF is considered an alternative treatment for renal tumors with clinical stage T1 or T2 very symptomatic in patients in whom surgery is not possible, with acceptable results in the medium term, a good tolerance, reduced consumption of hospital resources and low complication rate.

Introducción: Presentamos nuestra serie inicial de tumores renales tratados mediante radiofrecuencia (RF) continua percutánea y evaluamos la eficacia, la tolerabilidad y las complicaciones de la técnica. Material y métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de los pacientes tratados en nuestro hospital con RF renal ecoguiada. Todos diagnosticados de tumor renal y no candidatos a cirugía por tumor bilateral, comorbilidad importante o rechazo al tratamiento quirúrgico. Utilizamos un generador Amitech® de 220W con una punta de electrodo de 3cm, agujas de punta recta y en gancho. Los controles fueron realizados mediante una tomografía computarizada toracoabdominopélvica a las 24h, a los 7 días, al mes, a los 3 meses y a los 6 meses, y cada 6 meses después. Resultados: Se hallaron 11 tumores en 9 pacientes. La media de edad fue de 76 años (63-85). La media de tamaño tumoral fue de 3,5cm (2,2-5,8). En 2 tumores se necesitó de quimioembolización previa y en otros dos se necesitó una nueva sesión de RF. Hubo 9 tumores con tratamiento considerado como eficaz. La media de seguimiento fue de 17,5 meses (3-52). Un paciente tuvo persistencia de enfermedad a los 3 meses con necesidad de nefrectomía radical laparoscópica y otros dos tuvieron metástasis pulmonares a los 26,5 meses de media. No hubo complicaciones relevantes clínicamente. Conclusiones: En nuestra experiencia, estimamos que la RF es un tratamiento considerado como una alternativa para los tumores renales de estadio clínico T1 o T2 muy sintomáticos, en pacientes en los que no es posible la cirugía, con unos resultados aceptables a medio plazo, una buena tolerancia, un escaso consumo de recursos hospitalarios y un bajo índice de complicaciones.

Um método "spot-test" qualitativo e seqüencialmente quantitativo é proposto para análise de dipirona em fármaco "puro" e em preparações farmacêuticas. A formação de coloração vermelho-violeta indica um resultado qualitativo positivo. Na seqüência, um procedimento quantitativo pode ser realizado no mesmo frasco. Os resultados quantitativos obtidos foram comparados estatisticamente com os resultados obtidos pelo método indicado pela Farmacopéia Brasileira, utilizando o teste t de Student e o teste F. Considerando a concentração em uma alíquota de 100 µL, o limite qualitativo visual de detecção foi de cerca 5×10-6 g; instrumentalmente o limite de detecção foi de LOD ≅ 1.4×10-4 mol L-1 e o limite de quantificação de LOQ ≅ 4.5×10-4 mol L-1.

A qualitative spot-test and tandem quantitative analysis of dipyrone in the bulk drug and in pharmaceutical preparations is proposed. The formation of a reddish-violet color indicates a positive result. In sequence a quantitative procedure can be performed in the same flask. The quantitative results obtained were statistically compared with those obtained with the method indicated by the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia, using the Student's t and the F tests. Considering the concentration in a 100 µL aliquot, the qualitative visual limit of detection is about 5×10-6 g; instrumental LOD ≅ 1.4×10-4 mol L-1 ; LOQ ≅ 4.5×10-4 mol L-1.

Este trabalho apresenta um método de análise por injeção em fluxo para determinação quantitativa de cloridrato de vancomicina, C66H75Cl2N9O24.HCl (HVCM), baseado na reação com íons cobre (II). ? HVCM na presença de íons cobre, em pH≅4,5 e solução aquosa forma um complexo azullilás, com absorção máxima em 555 nm. O limite de detecção estimado foi de 8.5×10-5 mol L-1; e o limite de quantificação de 2.5×10-4 mol L-1 com cerca de 30 determinações por hora. A exatidão do método foi determinada através de ensaio de recuperação na presença de quatro diferentes excipientes na proporção de 1:1 p/p. Os resultados do método espectrofotométrico por injeção em fluxo foram comparados com resultados obtidos pelo método espectrofotométrico por batelada e por HPLC, através de método estatístico t de Student. Obteve-se completa concordância com nível de significância de 0,95 e similar precisão (RSD: 2,1 % vs. 1,9%).

A flow injection method for the quantitative analysis of vancomycin hydrochloride, C66H75Cl2N9O24.HCl (HVCM), based on the reaction with copper (II) ions, is presented. HVCM forms a lilac-blue complex with copper ions at pH≅4.5 in aqueous solutions, with maximum absorption at 555 nm. The detection limit was estimated to be about 8.5×10-5 mol L-1; the quantitation limit is about 2.5×10-4 mol L-1 and about 30 determinations can be performed in an hour. The accuracy of the method was tested through recovery procedures in presence of four different excipients, in the proportion 1:1 w/w. The results were compared with those obtained with the batch spectrophotometric and with the HPLC methods. Statistical comparison was done using the Student's procedure. Complete agreement was found at a 0.95 significance level between the proposed flow injection and the batch spectrophotometric methods, which present similar precision (RSD: 2.1 % vs. 1.9%).

Background. To determine in a representative sample of the population the prevalence of risk factors and metabolic syndrome; their association with sub-clinical atherosclerotic lesions and their impact on cardiocerebrovascular disease 10 years after. Material and Methods. (Phase 1) Cross sectional survey of a random sample stratified by age and sex of the population of Navarre aged between 35 and 84. Antecedents, risk factors, physical and analytical exploration. (Phase II) Ten year follow-up cohort study, in 500 exposed to MS and 500 not exposed persons, aged between 45 and 74 years; with an 82.25% power to detect a risk ratio of 2; with analytical and image markers of sub-clinical atherosclerosis. (Phase III) Follow up of vascular events at ten years. Results. The subjects recruited were 6,553; excluded or not found 871; the final sample was 5,682 (2,644 men and 3,038 women); 4,168 (73,4%) took part in the study. The prevalence of MS was 22.1% (95%CI 20.5 - 23.7) for men and 17,2% (95%CI 15.8 - 18.5) for women. The main cardiovascular RF were high compared to other geographical areas except for HDL cholesterol. The rate was 8.5% (95%CI 7.4 - 9.6) for men and 1.7% (95%CI 1.3 - 2.2) Conclusions. There are important differences in risk between sex, being worst for men. The high figures for HDL cholesterol and the low prevalence of MS might mean a lower risk of vascular events in Navarra.

Fundamento: Determinar en una muestra poblacional la prevalencia de los factores de riesgo y del síndrome metabólico, su asociación con las lesiones arterioscleróticas subclínicas y su impacto sobre la enfermedad cardiovascular y cerebrovascular a los 10 años. Material y métodos: (Fase I) Estudio transversal en una muestra aleatoria estratificada por edad y sexo de la población de Navarra entre 35 y 84 años, por encuesta sobre antecedentes vasculares, factores de riesgo, exploración física y analítica. (Fase II) Estudio de cohortes de 10 años de seguimiento, en 500 expuestos y 500 no expuestos al SM, entre 45 y 74 años seleccionados para una razón de riesgo de 2, y una potencia del 82,25%, con exploración de marcadores de arteriosclerosis subclínica por imagen y analíticos. (Fase III) Seguimiento de eventos de enfermedad vascular a los 10 años de la muestra poblacional y de la cohorte prospectiva. Resultados: (Fase 1) Los sujetos requeridos fueron 6.553; excluidos y no localizados 871; la muestra efectiva 5.682 (2.644 hombres y 3.038 mujeres) y completaron el estudio 4.168 sujetos, (73,4%). La prevalencia del síndrome metabólico entre 35 y 84 años fue de 22,1 por 100 (IC95% 20,5-23,7) en hombres y de 17,2% (IC95% 15,8-18,5) en mujeres. Los factores mayores de riesgo vascular presentan prevalencias altas esperadas respecto a otras áreas geográficas excepto la del HDL colesterol bajo que lo fue de 8,5 por 100 (IC95% 7,4-9,6) en hombres y de 1,7% (IC95% 1,3-2,2). Conclusiones: Existen diferencias importantes de riesgo entre sexos en detrimento de los hombres. Las altas cifras promedio de HDL colesterol y la baja prevalencia de síndrome metabólico pueden justificar el menor riesgo de eventos vasculares en Navarra.

Este trabalho descreve um método para a determinação quantitativa de ácido acetilsalicílico (ASA) utilizando procedimento "spot test" e reflectância difusa. O método é baseado na formação do complexo de cor roxa intensa entre o ácido salicílico, obtido a partir da hidrólise alcalina do ASA, e íons Fe(III). O procedimento proposto permite a análise de medicamentos contendo ASA de forma fácil e simples, uma vez que não é necessário fazer separações. A reflectância da mistura final, colocada sobre um disco de papel de filtro, é medida diretamente. Foram analisados nove medicamentos comerciais contendo ASA cujos resultados apresentaram um desvio padrão relativo médio de 0,9%. O limite para a determinação quantitativa é de 0,6 mg de ASA na solução de trabalho. As análises feitas com o método proposto foram comparadas com outras análises, das mesmas amostras, segundo o procedimento recomendado pela "United States Pharmacopoeia", onde se observou um desvio padrão relativo de 0,6%. Compararam-se os dois métodos utilizando-se o teste t de Student. Para um grau de liberdade n = 4 (n = n1 + n2 - 2) e um limite de confiança a = 0.05, onde t = 2,78, todos os resultados foram concordantes.

This paper describes a quantitative reflectance spot test procedure for the determination of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in pharmaceutical preparations. The method is based on the reaction of salicylic acid, obtained from the hydrolysis of ASA, with Fe(III) forming a deep blue-violet compound. Medicines containing ASA can be easily analyzed by the proposed method as it is not necessary to do any separation. The final mixture is placed on a sheet of filter paper, and the reflectance is directly measured. Nine commercial medicines containing acetylsalicylic acid were analyzed with the proposed method. The mean RSD was 0.9%. Results were compared with those obtained with the United States Pharmacopoeia recommended procedure (RSD 0.6%). The quantitative detection limit is 0.6 mg ASA in the working solution. For a degree of freedom n = 4 (n = n1+ n2 - 2) and a confidence coefficient a = 0.05 all the results agree under the tabulated t-Student test value (2.78).

Neste trabalho são descritos e comparados dois métodos espectrofotométricos para análise de catecol (o-hidroxifenol) em Paullinea cupana var. sorbilis, popularmente conhecido como guaraná. As amostras de sementes trituradas foram extraídas com etanol 97% v/v e as soluções tratadas com p-aminofenol em meio etanólico alcalino ou m-aminofenol e metaperiodato de sódio em solução tampão (pH 3.0). A absorbância foi medida a 586 nm e 520 nm respectivamente. Quatro produtos comerciais diferentes foram analisados e os resultados foram comparados com aqueles obtidos com m-aminofenol. Apesar da boa qualidade das curvas de calibração, nos dois métodos houve interferência da matriz, o que foi contornado usando-se o método da adição de padrão. A comparação entre os resultados obtidos pelos dois métodos, usando o teste estatístico t de Student, mostrou que não há diferenças significantes para um nível de confiança de 95%.

In this article are described and compared two spectrophotometric methods for the analysis of catechol (o-hydroxyphenol) in Paullinea cupana var. sorbilis, popularly known as guaraná. The pounded seed samples were extracted with ethanol 97% v/v and the solutions were treated with p-aminophenol in alkaline ethanolic medium or m-aminophenol and sodium metaperiodate in buffered aqueous solution (pH 3.0). The absorbance was measured at 586 nm and 520 nm respectively. Four different commercial products were analyzed and the results were compared with those obtained with the m-aminophenol method. Despite the good quality of the calibration curves, in the two methods the interference of the matrix was observed. This problem was settled using the standard addition method. Comparison between the results obtained by the two methods, using the statistical Student's t-test, showed that there is no significant difference at the 95% confidence level.