In the present research work, we addressed the changes in skin by which deep eutectic solvents (DES) enhanced transdermal permeation of bioactive compounds and propose a rationale for this mechanism. Several studies showed that these unusual liquids were ideal solvents for transdermal delivery of biomolecules, but to date, no histological studies relating the action of DES to changes in the structure of the outer skin barrier have been reported. In the research effort described herein, we presented an in-depth analysis of the changes induced in the skin by choline geranate DES, a compound with proven capabilities of enhancing transdermal permeation without deleterious impacts on the cells. The results obtained showed that a low percentage of DES acted as a transient disruptor of the skin structure, facilitating the passage of bioactive compounds dissolved in it.
Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AR) is a multifaceted problem of global significance. In addition to developing new drugs and using antimicrobial guidelines, it is essential that health professionals understand all aspects of the problem and the most effective ways to handle it. This study evaluated pharmacists' level of knowledge about bacterial resistance and antibiotic use in Brazil. Methodology: The study was conducted using a survey provided electronically to pharmacists in São Paulo State, Brazil. Results: In total, 754 pharmacists completed the survey. The majority of the pharmacists were young (under 30 years of age), female, and worked in community pharmacies. Pharmacists who worked in hospital or community pharmacies reported a greater AR interference in their work than did pharmacists working in other locations (p < 0.05). With respect to factors that contribute to AR, pharmacists placed little weight on the role of inadequate hand washing or lack of immunization campaigns. The pharmacists also believed that vaccination was of limited value in combating AR and instead placed the highest value on educational campaigns. The study showed that pharmacists who used package inserts and advertising material as their source for updated information had a poorer understanding of the appropriate use of antibiotics than did those who obtained their information from scientific journals, textbooks, or scientific meetings. Conclusions: The results highlight the need for adequate information regarding AR to reach health professionals such as pharmacists. Governments should promote campaigns for integrated actions to combat the serious global problem presented by AR.
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-hydrazylhydrate (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.
A profissão de enfermagem caminha rumo ao trabalho transdisciplinar, com formação humanizada e científica. A docência em enfermagem é uma prática desafiadora e tem tido destaque nas produções científicas no Brasil e no exterior, que ganhou destaque nas últimas duas décadas, em função da necessidade de docentes atualizados e que atendam as reformulações do currículo. Essa pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o conhecimento do docente enfermeiro a respeito de toda a Ciência acerca das diferentes lesões por pressão (LP). Foi realizado um estudo transversal, quantitativo, por meio da aplicação de um questionário investigativo, que analisou o conhecimento de docentes do Ensino Superior em uma Faculdade de Enfermagem da cidade de Sorocaba. Os docentes que participaram foram abordados pelo pesquisador, na instituição supracitada. As respostas dos enfermeiros participantes da pesquisa (n=14) apontaram uma média de 43 acertos para as 46 questões aplicadas. Essas questões levaram em conta os critérios atualmente utilizados e que são considerados qualificadores da assistência de enfermagem. A enfermagem evoluiu consideravelmente, empoderando-se na tomada de decisões frente aos cuidados relacionados à lesão de pele, porém essa conduta ainda não faz parte da rotina da maior parte dos profissionais. Destaca-se a necessidade de atualização constante sobre o tema, pois o mercado oferece de forma contínua ferramentas que auxiliam na prevenção e tratamento das lesões de pele.
Palavras-chave: Lesão por Pressão. Educação em Saúde. Cuidados de Enfermagem. Medicina Preventiva.
Abstract
The nursing profession is moving towards transdisciplinary work, with humanized and scientific training. Nursing teaching is a challenging practice and has been highlighted in scientific productions in Brazil and abroad, which has gained prominence in the last two decades, due to the need for updated professors s and who meet the curriculum reformulations. This research aimed to assess the nurse professor’s knowledge regarding all the science concerning the different pressure injuries (LP). A cross-sectional, quantitative study was carried out by applying an investigative questionnaire, which analyzed the higher education professors’ knowledge at a Nursing Faculty in the city of Sorocaba. The professors who participated were approached by the researcher at the aforementioned institution. The nurses’ responses participating in the research (n=14) indicated an average of 43 correct answers for the 46 applied questions. These questions took into account the criteria currently used and which are considered nursing care qualifiers. Nursing has evolved considerably, empowering itself in making decisions regarding care related to skin lesions, but this conduct is not part of the routine of most professionals yet. The need for constant updating on the topic is highlighted, as the market continuously offers tools that help in the prevention and treatment of skin lesions.
Keywords: Pressure Injury. Health Education. Nursing Care. Preventive Medicine.
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