Publications by authors named "Ralph Santos-Oliveira"

Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an emerging mosquito-borne viral pathogen whose infection results in arthritogenic disease. Despite ongoing research efforts, MAYV biology is largely unknown. Physical virology can assess MAYV nanoparticle metastability, assembly/disassembly, and polymorphism, allowing us to understand virion architecture and dynamics.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • * Lycopene nanomicelles show strong anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory pathways and promoting cancer cell death, alongside improving liver health.
  • * Although promising, the research also highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of lycopene on lipid metabolism and emphasizes the importance of safety evaluations for potential clinical use.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This study investigates the enhancement of benzylpenicillin's antibacterial properties using nanomedicine, specifically by developing benzylpenicillin nanoemulsions. To address the escalating issue of bacterial resistance, we employed the advanced techniques Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy to analyze the nanoemulsions' molecular structure and characteristics. We then evaluated the impact of these nanoemulsions on nitric oxide production by macrophages to deternine their potential to modulate inflammatory responses.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This review paper focuses on the joint toxicity and interaction of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) with co-existing pollutants in aquatic environments. It explores the potential harmful effects of chemical mixtures with CNMs on aquatic organisms, emphasizing the importance of scientific modeling to predict mixed toxic effects. The study involved a systematic literature review to gather information on the joint toxicity and interaction between CNMs and various co-contaminants in aquatic settings.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a disease characterized by high blood glucose levels, known as hyperglycemia. Diabetes represents a risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD), one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases worldwide, which leads to progressive mental, behavioral, and functional decline, affecting many brain structures, especially the hippocampus. Here, we aim to characterize the ultrastructural, nanomechanical, and vibrational changes in hyperglycemic hippocampal tissue using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Carbon-derived compounds, like graphitic nitride carbon (g-CN), are noteworthy for their unique properties and potential applications in technology and medicine, particularly in antitumor therapies.
  • This study evaluated g-CN's effects on prostate cancer (DU-145) and glioblastoma (U87) cell lines, showing significant cytotoxicity against tumor cells while sparing normal cells.
  • Comprehensive analyses demonstrated changes in cell morphology, proliferation, and biochemical markers in mice, indicating g-CN's promising role in cancer treatment with low toxicity to non-tumor cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) is a medium-sized, wild rodent that is highly rustic and docile. Its size and ease of management make it a viable candidate for an alternative animal model to traditional murine subjects. However, data on the epidermal strata of agoutis are lacking, with significant uncertainties persisting regarding their skin's characterization.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Data published in 2020 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization show that breast cancer (BC) has become the most common cancer globally, affecting more than 2 million women each year. The complex tumor microenvironment, drug resistance, metastasis, and poor prognosis constitute the primary challenges in the current diagnosis and treatment of BC. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs) have emerged as a promising nanoplatform for diagnostic tumor imaging as well as therapeutic drug-targeted delivery due to their unique physicochemical properties.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: This study examined cancer mortality trends in Brazil from 1979 to 2021, emphasizing breast and prostate cancers.

Methods: Utilizing data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, it analyzed cancer deaths nationally and regionally, highlighting gender-specific and regional disparities.

Results: The research finds that cancer death rates have been growing at an average of 12% per year, contrasting with the population growth rate of 2.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This study revealed the potential of magnesium whitlockite [WH: CaMg(HPO)(PO)] nanoparticles (WH NPs) for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer therapies. Although magnesium whitlockite possesses promising biological properties, its effects on inflammation and cancer remain unexplored. In this study, we address this gap by synthesizing WH NPs and demonstrating their multifaceted functionalities.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

It is evident that radiolabeled drug delivery systems hold great promise in the field of lung cancer management. The combination of therapeutic agents with radiotracers not only allows for precise localization within lung tumors but also enables real-time monitoring of drug distribution. This approach has the potential to enhance targeted therapy and improve patient outcomes.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This study explores chia oil, rich in ω-3 fatty acids and nutraceutical components, as a potential remedy for diseases, especially those linked to inflammation and cancer. A chia oil-based nanoemulsion, developed through single emulsification, underwent comprehensive analysis using various techniques. and assays, including macrophage polarization, nitrite and cytokine production, cellular uptake and biodistribution, were conducted to assess the anti-inflammatory efficacy.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (IPD) remain a challenge for medicine due to several interconnected reasons, such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) is an overlooked IPD causing persistent skin ulcers that are challenging to heal, resulting in disfiguring scars. Moreover, it has the potential to extend from the skin to the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and throat in both humans and various animals.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a scanning probe microscopy technique which has a physical principle, the measurement of interatomic forces between a very thin tip and the surface of a sample, allowing the obtaining of quantitative data at the nanoscale, contributing to the surface study and mechanical characterization. Due to its great versatility, AFM has been used to investigate the structural and nanomechanical properties of several inorganic and biological materials, including neurons affected by tauopathies. Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases featured by aggregation of phosphorylated tau protein inside neurons, leading to functional loss and progressive neurotoxicity.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Nanoceria is a well-known nanomaterial with various properties, including antioxidant, proangiogenic, and therapeutic effects. Despite its potential, there are still aspects that require further exploration, particularly its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.

Method: The global demand for novel anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs underscores the significance of understanding nanoceria in both contexts.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The cornea is a fundamental ocular tissue for the sense of sight. Thanks to it, the refraction of two-thirds of light manages to participate in the visual process and protect against mechanical damage. Because it is transparent, avascular, and innervated, the cornea comprises five main layers: Epithelium, Bowman's layer, stroma, Descemet's membrane, and endothelium.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Despite the successful use of the radiopharmaceutical radium-223 dichloride ([Ra]RaCl) for targeted alpha therapy of castration-resistant prostate cancer patients with bone metastases, some short-term side effects, such as diarrhea and vomiting, have been documented, causing patient discomfort. Hence, we prepared a nanosized micellar solution of [Ra]RaCl and evaluated its biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and induced biochemical changes in healthy mice up to 96 h after intraperitoneal administration as an alternative to overcome the previous limitations. In addition, we evaluated the bone specificity of micellar [Ra]RaCl in patient-derived xenografts in the osteosarcoma model.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Nanoparticles has surrounded the population by their use in electronics, medicine and cosmetics. The exposure to nanoparticles coming from different sources is uncountable as the amount of nanoparticles in which a person is exposed daily. In this direction and considering that microcirculation is the main and most affected system by nanoparticles in the first moment, responsible to transport and deal with nanoparticles internally, we evaluated a massive exposure (1 g/Kg) of a well-known nanoparticle (hydroxyapatite) and the impact on the microvessels.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The Editorial Board of EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry releases a biannual highlight commentary to update the readership on trends in the field of radiopharmaceutical development.

Main Body: This selection of highlights provides commentary on 21 different topics selected by each coauthoring Editorial Board member addressing a variety of aspects ranging from novel radiochemistry to first-in-human application of novel radiopharmaceuticals.

Conclusion: Trends in radiochemistry and radiopharmacy are highlighted.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Azole drugs are losing effectiveness against Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) and Recurrent VVC due to antifungal resistance, prompting research into alternative treatments like silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).
  • The study developed a vaginal cream containing AgNPs and evaluated its antimicrobial activity, finding that AgNPs used in combination with miconazole significantly increased antifungal effectiveness.
  • Characterization of AgNPs indicated that those synthesized with certain amounts of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) showed a promising size and stability, with the new cream outperforming commercial miconazole in inhibition zones despite having a lower concentration.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide, with millions of new cases diagnosed yearly. Addressing the burden of breast cancer mortality requires a comprehensive approach involving early detection, accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and equitable access to healthcare services. In this direction, nano-radiopharmaceuticals have shown potential for enhancing breast cancer diagnosis by combining the benefits of nanoparticles and radiopharmaceutical agents.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Unlabelled: The world is frequently afflicted by several viral outbreaks that bring diseases and health crises. It is vital to comprehend how viral assemblies' fundamental components work to counteract them. Determining the ultrastructure and nanomechanical characteristics of viruses from a physical standpoint helps categorize their mechanical characteristics, offers insight into new treatment options, and/or shows weak spots that can clarify methods for medication targeting.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Chagas disease, caused by the parasitic protozoan, is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) of significant incidence in Latin America. Transmission to humans and other mammals is mainly via the vector insect from the Reduviidae family, popularly known as the kissing bug. There are other transmission means, such as through congenital transmission, blood transfusions, organ transplantations, and the consumption of contaminated food.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Radiopharmaceuticals are increasingly playing a leading role in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating disease. In comparison with conventional pharmaceuticals, the development of radiopharmaceuticals does follow the principles of medicinal chemistry in the context of imaging-altered physiological processes. The design of a novel radiopharmaceutical has several steps similar to conventional drug discovery and some particularity.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF