Bioactive glasses (BG) incorporating antimicrobial agents can be effectively used against microorganisms. In this work, the in vitro effectiveness of silver-doped 58S BG (BGAg) against Leishmania species was studied. BG, BGAg1, and BGAg2 belonging to the system 58SiO 2 •(36-x) CaOÁ6P 2 O 5 ÁxAg 2 O, where x=0, 1, and 2 mol.% Ag, were synthesized via sol-gel, and characterized by scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopy, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and surfaceenhanced Raman (Raman-SERS) spectroscopy. Cytotoxicity was assessed in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania braziliensis cultures were exposed to all groups, and C57BL/6 macrophages were infected by over metacyclic form L. amazonensis under the exposure of BGAg particles. SEM and AFM images showed an irregular and network arranged surface. TGA, XRD, FTIR, and RAMAN-SERS analyses confirmed silver inclusion within BG. None of the BG and BGAg presented toxicity. BGAg2 was effective in controlling promastigote forms under 150 and 300 lg/mL concentrations of both evaluated species. On macrophage invasion assay, BGAg2 presented reduction in metacyclic forms. For 72 hours, BGAg1 (150 lg/mL), BGAg1 (300 lg/

The aim of this study was to develop polymeric nanofibers for controlled administration of Amphotericin B (AmpB), using the solution centrifugation technique, characterizing its microstructural and physical properties, release rate, and activity against Leishmania and Candida species. The core-shell nanofibers incorporated with AmpB were synthesized by Solution Blow Spinning (SBS) and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry, X-Ray diffraction, and drug release assay. In vitro leishmanicidal and antifungal activity were also evaluated. Fibrous membranes with uniform morphology and smooth surfaces were produced. The intensity of the diffraction peaks becomes slightly more pronounced, assuming the increased crystallization in PLA/PEG at high AmpB loadings. Drug release occurred and the solutions with nanofibers to encourage greater incorporation of AmpB showed a higher concentration. In the results of the experiment with promastigotes, the wells treated with nanofibers containing concentrations of AmpB at 0.25, 0.5, and 1%, did not have any viable cells, similar to the positive control. Various concentrations of AmpB improved the inhibition of fungal growth. The delivery system based on PLA/PEG nanofibers was properly developed for AmpB, presenting a controlled release and a successful encapsulation, as well as antifungal and antileishmanial activity.

Objective: To compare salivary and serum biochemical levels in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. Material and Methods: The sample was composed of 57 patients treated in Hemodialysis Reference Centers, from a state of Northeastern Brazilian, with age ≥21 years old with at least 3 months of hemodialysis treatment time. Serum data were obtained from records. Unstimulated and stimulated saliva were collected. Flow rate (mL/min) was measured. Spectrophotometry was performed for the measurement of salivary levels of calcium (570 nm), urea (340 nm), and creatinine (510 nm). Statistical analysis used Mann Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p<0.05). Results: Unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates were 0.43 mL/min and 1.69 mL/min, respectively. There was significant difference (p<0.001) of levels of calcium (5.41 mg/dL and 9.70 mg/dL), urea (118.03 mg/dL and 183.22 mg/dL) and creatinine (0.59 mg/dL and 9.20 mg/dL) between saliva and serum, respectively. Concerning the time of hemodialysis, salivary and serum calcium not exhibited significant association; however, serum urea (p=0.012) and serum creatinine (p=0.025) showed significant association to the time of hemodialysis. Conclusion: Salivary biochemical levels of urea, creatinine and calcium can indicate the presence of a possible chronic renal failure and the saliva demonstrated to be a potential auxiliary biofluid for clinical monitoring renal alterations.

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