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In this study, we developed, characterized, and tested in vivo polymeric nanoparticle of ethambutol labeled with 99mTc as nanoradiopharmaceutical for early diagnosis of tuberculosis by single-photon emission computed tomography, also as a therapeutic choice. Nanoparticles were developed by double emulsification. All characterization tests were performed, as scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The labeling process with 99mTc was performed using the direct labeling process. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed with animals and cells. The results showed that a spherical ethambutol nanoparticle with a size range of 280-300 nm was obtained. The stability test showed that the nanoparticles were well labeled with 99mTc (> 99.1%) and keep labeled over 24 h. The biodistribution assay showed that almost 18% of the nanoparticles were uptake by the lung in infected mice (male C57Bl/6) with Mycobacterium bovis BCG (4 × 10 CFU/cavity), corroborating its use as a nanodrug for tuberculosis imaging. The results for the cell assay corroborate its therapeutical effect. We developed and efficiently tested a new nanodrug that can be used for both imaging and therapy of tuberculosis, acting as a novel nanotheranostic.

This article is a report from an experience about a work developed by Farmácia Universitária at UFRJ (FU-UFRJ) during the nCov-19 pandemic period. The aim of this work was to describe its contribution in the production of antiseptic supplies used to prevent contagion by the new coronavirus. The work routine at the pharmacy has been changed to allow the implementation of local workflow during the pandemic, and to adapt the protection rules to meet the safety measures. FU-UFRJ started to manipulate two antiseptic formulations: 70% ethyl alcohol and gel alcohol, which are included in the National Form, manufacturing around 100 L of these formulations, weekly, to donate to different health units. The experience enabled the adaptation to emergency health standards, planning and meaningful guidance to pharmacists and technicians to attend clinics at university hospitals, vaccination center and UFRJ city hall, in order to facilitate the access to adequate hand hygiene to the population.

Fotodermatoses são patologias cutâneas de origem multifatorial, que apresentam a exposição solar excessiva como o principal fator de risco, podendo causar neoplasias de pele. Ações educacionais, conhecidas como fotoeducação, são necessárias para conscientizar a população sobre a correta exposição ao sol e orientar condutas saudáveis em fotoproteção. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um material educativo sobre fotoproteção e prevenção de fotodermatoses no ambiente escolar. Para tal, foi realizado um estudo qualitativo descritivo, baseado em relatos de experiências, sobre as atividades realizadas no ambiente escolar. Materiais informativos sobre as características gerais do câncer de pele, os medicamentos fotossensibilizantes, o uso correto do protetor solar e a adequada exposição solar foram elaborados após a interação dialógica entre os alunos de graduação de Farmácia e da Escola de Belas Artes, ambos da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, sob supervisão de farmacêuticos da Farmácia Universitária. Além disso, foi elaborado um quiz semiestruturado com perguntas e respostas e um quebra-cabeça, a fim de que os alunos fossem participantes ativos no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. A campanha foi realizada em escolas públicas, totalizando 230 alunos, que participaram de uma roda de conversa e dos jogos propostos. Ao final da campanha, notou-se que a ação educativa foi efetiva e com elevada participação dos alunos das escolas. Os materiais informativos elaborados com os jogos e rodas de conversas foram eficientes no esclarecimento das dúvidas e considerados ferramentas importantes no processo de aprendizagem dos jovens. Palavras-chave: Câncer de pele, Fotoproteção, Promoção da saúde Health photoeducation actions in the school environment as a strategy for the prevention of photodermatoses   Abstract: Photodermatoses are cutaneous pathologies of multifactorial origins, which have excessive sun exposure as the leading risk factor, causing skin neoplasms. Educational actions, known as photoeducation, are necessary to aware the population about the correct exposure to the sun and guide healthy behaviors regarding photoprotection. The work aimed at developing educational material about photoprotection and the prevention of photodermatoses in the school environment. Thus, a qualitative descriptive study was carried out, based on experiences about the school environment's activities. Informative materials about skin cancer's general characteristics, photosensitizing drugs, correct use of sunscreen, and adequate sun exposure were created after the dialogical interaction between undergraduate students of Pharmacy and Fine Arts School, both from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, under the supervision of pharmacists from the University Pharmacy. Also, a semi-structured quiz with questions and answers, and a puzzle was elaborated so that the students were active participants in the learning process. The campaign was carried out in public schools, with 230 students who participated in a conversation circle and the proposed games. At the end of the campaign, the educational action had a high participation rate and was considered effective. The informative materials developed, together with games and conversation circles, were efficient in clarifying doubts and considered important tools in the learning process of the young people. Keywords: Skin cancer, Photoprotection, Health promotion

Background: Adenocarcinoma of colon and rectum are one of the most common cancers worldwide, responsible for over 1,300,000 people diagnosed. Also, they are responsible for metastasis, which leads to death in less than 5 years. Methods: In this study, we developed, characterized, and pre-clinically tested a new nano-radiopharmaceutical for early and differential detection of adenocarcinoma of colon and rectum. Results and Conclusion: Results demonstrated the specificity of the developed nanosystem and the ability to reach the tumor with very specific targeting. Also, the imaging data support the use of this nano-agent as a nanoimaging- guided-radiopharmaceutical.

Introduction: Coronavirus 2019 disease , caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is considered the worst pandemic disease of the current millennium. In some cases, it causes severe neurological complications, such as encephalitis and Guilain-Barré syndrome. Therapeutic strategies that clearly inhibit the effects of this virus in the brain still need to be achieved. Therefore, polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) have been shown to be a promising material in the biomedical area due to the targeted administration of therapeutics (e.g. antivirals) for specific areas of the body such as the brain. So, this work describes development of encapsulated polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles against SARS-CoV-2 on infected brain cells.Objective: Synthesize PCL-carrier nanoparticles against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and evaluate their biological activities.Methodology: 1) Synthesis: The PNPs suspensions were obtained by the unique method of emulsion and solvent evaporation, using a 4:1 ratio of polymer and drug, which was selected in previous studies. The organic solvent was then removed by vacuum evaporation and the PNPs were washed by the ultrafiltration method. 2) Characterization: The mean diameter and zeta potential of the nanoparticles were determined by Dynamic Light Scattering method using Zetasizer TM Nano ZS 90 equipment. The amount of free antiviral was estimated by UV-visible spectroscopy and the encapsulation efficiency (EE%) was calculated by subtraction the amount of free drug released from the total of the inserted drug. Biologic function was evaluated in vitro by using Vero E6 cells. Results:The average size of PNPs was estimated as 173.3 ± 0.08 nm with a polydispersivity index (PDI) of 0.07 suggesting a narrow size distribution and high homogeneity. In addition, zeta potential was slightly negative due to dissociation of the PCL functional groups on the particle surface. The concentration of the free drug releasing, calculated as encapsulation efficiency was estimated as 69.0%. Also, in vitro assay showed to be non toxic and able to inhibit viral replication by 40%. Conclusion:The production of PNPs by the single emulsion and solvent evaporation method was efficient for the production of carrier particles with nanometric scale. The sample showed size within desired range which would allow targeting to the brain. In addition, the encapsulation efficiency showed that high level of the drug remains encapsulated. Therefore, we were able to obtain compatible nanoparticles for use in the brain in which preliminary in vitro tests proved to be non-toxic and able to inhibit viral replication even at low doses of antiviral.