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In this work, bioaccessibility tests for rare earth elements (REEs), Th, and U in marine sediment were carried out, in addition to complementary tests for cytotoxicity and bioaccumulation for the elements La, Ce, Eu, and Gd. The evaluation of human health risk through dermal absorption and oral ingestion was performed using the hazard quotient (HQ). According to the gastric digestion simulation (SBET), it was observed that the elements Ce and Nd exhibited higher absorption capacities in the human body (> 2 µg g-1). La and Sc presented intermediate concentrations (close to 1 µg g-1), while the remaining elements displayed concentrations below 0.5 µg g-1. In the gastrointestinal digestion extraction stage (PBET), all the elements maintained a similar absorption capacity to that observed in SBET, except for the absorption of Y which increased. The results of the bioaccumulation test conducted with fibroblast cells (L929) indicated that La and Eu had a 25% probability of intracellular accumulation. The cell viability test, with exposure to a standard REEs, Th, and U solution in 2% v v-1 HNO3 medium (until 100 µg mL-1) and an aqueous solution of La2O3, Gd(NO3)3, Ce(NO3)3, and Eu2O3 (until 1000 µg mL-1), did not demonstrate cytotoxic effects on fibroblast cells. Considering the ingestion hazard quotient (HQing) and dermal hazard quotient (HQderm) obtained, it was suggested that there is no significant risk of non-carcinogenic effects (< 1). However, they had higher HQing values compared to HQderm, indicating that REEs pose more significant risk to human health through oral ingestion absorption than dermal absorption.

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Natural products and their biological activities are currently a subject of great interest to the industrial and scientific sector, due to society's awareness of the proper use of biodiversity and economic and sustainability. To promote the sustainable use of biomass the extract of the by-product of the shell seed of Lecythis pisonis was applied to develop a natural cosmetic emulsion. To ensure safety for its topical use the cytotoxic activity of its crude extract was evaluated by the colorimetric method of 3- bromide (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium, MTT, in cell culture of fibroblasts L929, human keratinocytes HaCat, and human endothelium EA.hy926 cell lines. The triplicate of the cosmetic formulation containing the extract was obtained regarding stability according to the procedures of the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa). The irritability tests were performed using alternative methods, in vitro, chorioallantoic membrane assay (HET-CAM and CAM-TBS), and hemolysis test (RBC). The crude extract was not cytotoxic, IC50 index >780 mg/mL. The preservative system was effective against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. The emulsion was classified as non-irritable. The crude extract of the by-product of sapucaia seeds can be incorporated into a natural emulsion, safe for topical use.

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BACKGROUND: Human milk is essential for a child's best development. However, what a mother eats while breastfeeding can directly influence the composition of mother's milk. RESEARCH AIM: This study aimed to assess the antioxidant-oxidant profile of human milk and establish a connection between this profile and the dietary habits of the mothers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Hospital Infantil e Maternidade Alzir Bernardino Alves (HIMABA), located in the municipality of Vila Velha-ES, Brazil. The sample included 98 participants. All volunteers completed a structured interview and a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Approximately 5-10 ml of colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk were manually collected. The antioxidant activity of human milk was assessed using the colorimetric method for free radical scavenging with 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring lipid peroxidation through malondialdehyde concentration, evaluating advanced oxidation protein products, and assessing total protein content using the Bradford method. RESULTS: The antioxidant profile of colostrum was higher than that observed in later phases of milk, whereas pro-oxidants increased in later phases. Maternal dietary patterns influenced the pro-oxidant status of human milk. Participants with a higher daily intake of milk, dairy products, vegetable oils, olive oils, and legumes exhibited lower levels of lipid peroxidation in colostrum, transition milk, and mature milk, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the vital role of a balanced maternal diet in shaping the pro-oxidant status of human milk, with implications for infant health.

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To better use the Lecythis pisonis Cambess. biomass, this study investigates whether Sapucaia seed coats present wound healing properties. We analyzed the antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound healing-promoting potentials, plus cytotoxicity and stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-A. The chemical composition was analyzed by positive ion mode electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. A total of 19 compounds were identified, such as proanthocyanidin A1, procyanidins A1, B2, and C1, epigallocatechin, and kaempferol (p-coumaroyl) glycoside. Potent antioxidant strength/index was verified for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (IC50 = 0.99 µg/mL) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (IC50 = 1.09 µg/mL). The extract did not present cytotoxicity and promoted significant cell migration and/or proliferation of fibroblasts (p < 0.05). Vascular endothelial growth factor-A was stimulated dose-dependently at 6 µg/mL (167.13 ± 8.30 pg/mL), 12.5 µg/mL (210.3 ± 14.2 pg/mL), and 25 µg/mL (411.6 ± 29.4 pg/mL). Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) (0.002 µg/mL) was stimulated at 215.98 pg/mL. Staphylococcus aureus was susceptible to the extract, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 31.25 µg/mL. The identified compounds benefit the antioxidant activity, promoting hemostasis for the wound healing process, indicating that this extract has the potential for use in dermatological cosmetics.

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Ideally, the dressings used in the clinic have characteristics that help the wound closure process. Among several factors that affect the success of this healing process, there is debridement. It manages the wound bed components and the re-epithelialization process. Still, the property of debridement is not generally associated with dressings. Here, we show a chemically modified bacterial cellulose film conjugated to a proteolytic enzyme, papain, as a dressing with debridement properties. Bacterial cellulose films were reacted with a spacer derived from succinic acid and finally had this enzyme covalently immobilized in its structure by an amide bond. FT-IR and UV-vis showed bands typically of bioconjugated polymer. Enzymatic immobilization was very effective under the conditions applied with high yield (33% w/w), and these remained activated after the coupling reaction. The bacterial cellulose film with the enzyme papain attached to it was also very compatible with fibroblast cells, suggesting that it could be a promising wound dressing material for future research.

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When investigating the potential use of plants as a raw material for an all-natural cosmetic formulation, the main parameters are the chemical composition, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial action, and toxicity. Additionally, the production of natural cosmetics should also consider the availability of primary materials and the environmental and socioeconomic impact. Gliricidia sepium is a species that produces a large amount of plant material, being cultivated in the agroforestry system. However, studies of phytochemical composition and chemical spatial distribution are scarcely using the MALDI MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry) and MALDI MSI (mass spectrometry imaging) techniques. A methodology was developed to optimize ionization parameters and analysis conditions by evaluating the efficiency of three matrices: α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole in MALDI MS analysis. All results were compared to ESI MS (electrospray ionization mass spectrometry), and afterward, MALDI MSI analysis was performed on the leaf surface. This study showed through phytochemical analysis that G. sepium leaves are composed of polyphenols and tannins, concluding that the methanolic extract had a higher amount of flavonoid content. Four compounds were identified on the leaf surface, and their spatial distribution was analyzed by MALDI MS using DHB as a matrix. Kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and some fatty acids showed potential applicability for cosmetical use. All the extracts presented antioxidant activity or antimicrobial action and no cytotoxicity. Therefore, extracts of G. sepium could be used as raw materials in cosmetics.

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Atmospheric pollution is a major environmental and public health risk due to its effect on global air quality and climate. Increase in pollutants concentrations, especially particulate matter (PM), are associated with increased respiratory diseases. The pathophysiology of respiratory diseases involves molecular and cellular mechanisms as inflammatory biomarkers and reactive oxygen species production. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the in vitro cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory effects of particulate matter (PM) of six monitoring stations (1-6) from the Vitoria Metropolitan Area (VMA), Espirito Santo, Brazil in 2018. The PM was chemically characterized by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In vitro cytotoxic effects of PM (3.12-200.0 µg/mL) were analyzed in human lung epithelial cells (A549) and macrophage cells (RAW 264.7) by MTT assay (3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide). To investigate the pro-inflammatory effects of PM in RAW 264.7 cells, the levels of proinflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), superoxide anion (O2•-), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF- κB) were measured. The comet assay evaluated genotoxicity. Cell cycle, oxidative stress (DCF and DHE), and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Chemical analysis of PM revealed aluminum (Al) and Iron (Fe) as the major chemical elements in all studied monitoring stations. In addition, worrying concentrations of mercury (Hg) were detected in the PM. The in vitro results showed that PM presents a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect in macrophage and pulmonary epithelial cell lines. The PM increased the production of NO, O2•-, and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. PM also promoted alterations in the cell cycle, increased apoptosis frequency, and DNA damage. Moreover, PM increased the expression NF-κB. In addition, a positive correlation between Al and Fe and ROS production was observed. Based on the results obtained during the study period, it was concluded that the sedimented particles from the VMA might have deleterious effects on human health, which was evidenced by the increase in oxidative stress, an increase in pro-inflammatory mediators, and genotoxic effects partially mediated by the NF-κB pathway. These results add aspects to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the effects of sedimented particles in vivo and in vitro.

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Abstract To assess the performance indicators for pharmaceutical services (PS) in primary health care (PHC), the level of satisfaction with pharmacy services among users and managers / pharmacists' impressions in relation to the findings were evaluated. The study used mixed methods, including a retrospective and descriptive study of the performance indicators for PS in PHC, an observational study on the level of satisfaction and a qualitative study of users' perception of pharmacy services at Health Units. Managers and pharmacists' impressions of the study results were also collected. Only 44.4% of pharmacies had a full-time pharmacist. From the establishments visited, 5.3% did not have an air-conditioned environment, and only 33.3% of the items essential to the Good Practices of Storage of Medicines and Supplies criteria were fulfilled. Although 77.9% of the prescribed medicines were dispensed, it did not reach the 80% standard. The satisfaction level of users was 3.2±0.6, indicating dissatisfaction with pharmacies' services. By means of an evaluation of each item within the questionnaire, it was possible to observe that variables related to pharmaceutical care presented low scores in relation to other domains, thus evidencing the fragility of the pharmaceutical- patient relationship in users' perception. Managers and pharmacists suggested that these results were related to the inadequate physical infrastructure of pharmacies, work overload, lack of recognition and undervaluation of pharmacists, lack of interaction within the PHC team, high turnover of pharmacists, and lack of PS prioritization by the administration. PS in PHC has structural and organizational weaknesses that require changes. In general, users are dissatisfied with pharmacies' services, especially with pharmaceutical care.

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This study evaluated the composition and the cancer chemopreventive and antioxidant activities of the seed, skin, and pulp of Maximo hybrid grapes (IAC 138-22) harvested at different ripening stages. The content of total phenolic compounds and tannins were determined by the Folin-Ciocaulteau method, and total anthocyanins were determined using the differential pH method. Different chemical methods assessed the antioxidant activity. Cell viability (macrophage and melanoma skin cancer) and cancer chemopreventive activity were tested in cell lines by quinone reductase induction assay, TNF-α-induced NF-κB inhibitory activity assay, and aromatase inhibitory activity assay. The hybrid grape had high phenolic contents in both seeds and skin, significantly reduced upon ripening. The results showed that fruit ripening significantly affected both the composition and the antioxidant and cancer chemopreventive activities. Except for the anthocyanin content, the most significant results were observed for green seeds, with the greenest stage showing the best results. The green seeds showed the highest antioxidant activity, even when compared to free resveratrol. In the assessment of cancer chemopreventive activity, the green seeds showed the ability to inhibit N-FκB and aromatase activity, important factors for the early stage of cancer development. Besides, no extracts showed cytotoxicity. Therefore, this grape's green seeds showed strong antioxidant and cancer chemopreventive activities confirmed herein, suggesting beneficial health effects.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a composição e as atividades quimiopreventiva de câncer e antioxidante da semente, polpa e casca de uvas híbridas Maximo (IAC 138-22) colhidas em diferentes estágios de maturação. Os teores de compostos fenólicos totais, antocianinas e taninos foram determinados a partir dos extratos etanólicos. O conteúdo de fenólicos e taninos totais foi determinado pelo método de Folin-Ciocaulteau, e o teor de antocianinas totais foi determinado pelo método do pH diferencial. A atividade antioxidante foi avaliada por diferentes métodos químicos, e a viabilidade celular (macrófagos e melanomas), e atividade quimiopreventiva de câncer foi testada em culturas de células por ensaio de indução de quinona redutase, ensaio de atividade inibidora de NF-κB induzido por TNF-α e ensaio de atividade inibidora de aromatase. A uva híbrida apresentou alto teor de fenólicos nas sementes e na casca, teor que reduziu significativamente com o amadurecimento. Os resultados mostraram que o amadurecimento dos frutos afetou significativamente a composição e as atividades antioxidantes e quimiopreventivas de câncer. Com exceção do teor de antocianinas, os resultados mais significativos foram observados para as sementes verdes, com o estádio mais verde apresentando os melhores resultados. As sementes verdes apresentaram a maior atividade antioxidante, mesmo quando comparadas ao resveratrol livre. Na avaliação da atividade quimiopreventiva do câncer, as sementes verdes mostraram capacidade de inibir a atividade do NF-κB e da aromatase, fatores importantes para o estágio inicial do desenvolvimento do câncer. Além disso, nenhum extrato apresentou atividade citotóxica. Portanto, as sementes verdes desta uva apresentam resultados promissores dadas as fortes atividades antioxidantes e quimiopreventivas do câncer aqui confirmadas, sugerindo efeitos benéficos à saúde.

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Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease marked by elevated blood glucose levels. Controlling DM involves adequate diet, physical exercises, medicines and monitoring the blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. This was a retrospective study of the process of dispensing long-acting insulin analogues to users with diabetes (types 1 and 2) who were registered at high-cost public pharmacies in public health system in a southeast state of Brazil, that sought to evaluate the fulfillment of the criteria of all the clinical protocol to provide these analogs. Of the 987 users registered in the health service, 315 met the inclusion criteria for the study. The evaluation of the dispensing processes of the long-acting insulin analogues revealed that the inclusion, exclusion, and suspension criteria of the protocol related with these insulin analogues were in some extend only partially fulfilled. Additionally, there was no difference between the initial and final fasting glycemic and HbA1c levels. It is concluded that the established criteria for dispensing long-acting insulin analogues were partly fulfilled by pharmacies, compromising the rational use of these analogues. It can directly impact the cost of maintaining the public health service and users' health.

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