Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanofibers Blends as Drug Delivery System in Tissue Regeneration.

Nanofibers have shown promising clinical results in the process of tissue regeneration since they provide a similar structure to the extracellular matrix of different tissues, high surface-to-volume ratio and porosity, flexibility, and gas permeation, offering topographical features that stimulate cell adhesion and proliferation. Electrospinning is one of the most used techniques for manufacturing nanomaterials due to its simplicity and low cost. In this review, we highlight the use of nanofibers produced with polyvinyl alcohol and polymeric associations (PVA/blends) as a matrix for release capable of modifying the pharmacokinetic profile of different active ingredients in the regeneration of connective, epithelial, muscular, and nervous tissues.

Dexamethasone-Loaded Ureasil Hydrophobic Membrane for Bone Guided Regeneration.

Physical barrier membranes have been used to release active substances to treat critical bone defects; however, hydrophilic membranes do not present a prolonged release capacity. In this sense, hydrophobic membranes have been tested. Thus, this study aimed to develop hydrophobic membranes based on mixtures of ureasil-polyether-type materials containing incorporated dexamethasone (DMA) for the application in guided bone regeneration.

Prospective application of phthalocyanines in the photodynamic therapy against microorganisms and tumor cells: A mini-review.

Phthalocyanines are second-generation photosensitizers with photophysical and photochemical properties improved, in comparison to the first-generation. Also, these have shown to be phototoxic against several types of microorganisms and tumor cells. However, challenges such as low solubility in the physiological environment make its single administration unfeasible.

Physicochemical Characterization of Bioactive Compounds in Nanocarriers.

The encapsulation of bioactive compounds is an emerging technique for finding new medicines since it provides protection against ambient degradation factors before reaching the target site. Nanotechnology provides new methods for encapsulating bioactive compounds and for drug carrier development. Nanocarriers satisfactorily impact the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion rate when compared to conventional carriers.

Clinical and epidemiological aspects of scorpion stings in the northeast region of Brazil.

Scorpion stings are a serious public health issue in tropical and subtropical countries. This is a descriptive and retrospective study of the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of scorpion sting cases registered in the Health System in the city of Campina Grande, Paraíba state, from 2007 to 2012. Data was collected from the Injury Notification Information System data banks of the Ministry of Health.

Epidemiology of bee stings in Campina Grande, Paraíba state, Northeastern Brazil.

Background: The present study aims to investigate the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of bee sting cases recorded between 2007 and 2012 in the city of Campina Grande, Paraíba state, Brazil. Data were collected from the database of the Injury Notification Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health.

Results: A total of 459 bee sting cases were retrospectively analyzed.

Snakebite cases in the municipalities of the State of Paraíba, Brazil.

Introduction: This study investigated the epidemiological and clinical profile of snakebite cases reported from 2007 to 2012 in the municipalities of the Curimataú region, State of Paraíba, in northeastern Brazil.

Methods: Data were collected from the Health Department of the State of Paraíba using the Injury Notification Information System data banks of the Health Ministry.

Results: A total of 304 snakebite cases were studied.

Epidemiology of snakebite accidents in the municipalities of the state of Paraíba, Brazil.

Accidents involving venomous animals represent an important, albeit neglected, public health issue worldwide. A descriptive study was made of snakebite cases attended and recorded between 2007 and 2010 in the health units of the municipalities of Cariri, State of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Data was collected from the Injury Notification Information System data banks of the Health Ministry and a total of 351 records of snakebite victims were reviewed.