International Journal of Advances in Medical Biotechnology - IJAMB

Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial evaluation of cotton fiber coated with chitosan-agar/tannin derivative/polypyrrole composites

Helinando de Oliveira — 2024-03-01

The wearable technology and the use of fibers-based devices in biomedical applications are favored by the chemical modification of textiles to incorporate antibacterial properties into the intrinsic mechanical characteristics of the fibers favoring critical applications such as active components for sutures. Herein, it is proposed the combined coating of chitosan and a tannin-derivative (Tanfloc) for the following polymerization of polypyrrole in which the previous deposition of protective layers of chitosan and Tanfloc prevents the degradation in the mechanical properties of coated fiber while incorporates the outstanding performance of polypyrrole as antibacterial and antibiofilm agent reaching a complete elimination of Staphylococcus aureus after 60 min of contact and a reduction in the biofilm formation in order of 99.38%.

Endocrine activities modulated by adipose-mesenchymal stem cell in an animal model induced to polycystic ovary syndrome

Eduardo Donato Alves — 2024-04-17

Purpose - Animal models offer a useful way to study the reproductive and metabolic abnormalities, including PCOS. MSCs have received increasing attention as a potential cell-based therapy and regenerative medicine, due to their effects in modulation of different molecular and biological pathways. The aims of the present work were to investigate modulation of the ovarian microenvironment by AdMSCs in an animal model induced to PCOS. Methods - Female rats were divided into control, polycystic ovary, and mesenchymal stem cell groups, evaluated at two different times after PCOS induction and injection of AdMSCs. Results - The polycystic ovary group showed changes in ovarian cycles, the presence of cysts in the ovaries, and hyperandrogenemia. In addition, changes in plasma insulin, glucose, leptin, and osteocalcin were observed in the polycystic ovary group. These metabolic changes were modulated by the injection of AdMSCs into the ovary. Data are presented for female rats in an animal model integrating PCOS with AdMSCs, together with the relationships among ovaries, bones, and adipocytes. Conclusion - The results suggested the existence of endocrine-metabolic-reproductive microenvironment relationships modulated by AdMSCs, which should help in guiding further investigations to clarify pathophysiological mechanisms that have not yet been fully elucidated.

The pharmaceutical patent process: National Health Surveillance Agency and National Institute of Industrial Property act differently in the process

Leiraud Hilkner De Souza — 2024-03-01

The National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) is the government body responsible for granting patents in the national territory; in the case of medicines, they need to be registered with the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) in order to be marketed. There was a divergence in legal interpretation (of Art. 229-C of the IPL) which caused damage to entrepreneurs, laboratories and the community in general, as there was no express provision as to whether ANVISA's opinion would be binding on the INPI's decision on patent issues. The aim of this research was to analyze this problem, raising its main points and demonstrating how dangerous and damaging bureaucracy and inefficient and obscure normative acts that give rise to dubious interpretation can be, based on the application of hermeneutic and dialectical methods. In 2021, the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), in Special Appeal n. 1543826, held that ANVISA's opinion would be a valid prerequisite for granting patents for pharmaceutical products or processes. It was found that the STJ decision increased ANVISA's "powers", but with the repeal of Art. 229-C of the IPL, the dilemma was extinguished and the competencies of each body re-established. It is therefore of the utmost importance to fill legal gaps and issue clear and specific laws so as not to leave room for harmful interpretations, guaranteeing original competences and legal certainty.