Nanotechnological delivery systems for the oral administration of active molecules: Polymeric microparticles and microemulsions applied to anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious drugs

This thesis was devoted to the development of innovative oral delivery systems for two different molecules. In the first part, microparticles (MPs) based on xylan and Eudragit® S- 100 were produced and used to encapsulate 5-aminosalicylic acid for colon delivery. Xylan was extracted from corn cobs and characterized in terms of its physicochemical, rheological and toxicological properties. The polymeric MPs were prepared by interfacial cross-linking polymerization and spray-drying and characterized for their morphology, mean size and distribution, thermal stability, crystallinity, entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release. MPs with suitable physical characteristics and satisfactory yields were prepared by both methods, although the spray-dried systems showed higher thermal stability. In general, spraydried MPs would be preferable systems due to their thermal stability and absence of toxic agents used in their preparation. However, drug loading and release need to be optimized. In the second part of this thesis, oil-in-water microemulsions (O/W MEs) based on mediumchain triglycerides were formulated as drug carriers and solubility enhancers for amphotericin B (AmB). Phase diagrams were constructed using surfactant blends with hydrophiliclipophilic balance values between 9.7 and 14.4. The drug-free and drug-loaded MEs presented spherical non-aggregated droplets around 80 and 120 nm, respectively, and a low polydispersity index. The incorporation of AmB was high and depended on the volume fraction of the disperse phase. These MEs did not reduce the viability of J774.A1 macrophage-like cells for concentrations up to 25 μg/mL of AmB. Therefore, O/W MEs based on propylene glycol esters of caprylic acid may be considered as suitable delivery systems for AmB

Os filhos evangélicos do novo caldeirão do diabo: a conversão religiosa na penitenciária de alcaçuz

The theme of the research is inserted at a field of intersection between the Sociology of Religion and Sociology of Violence, having as the general objective study the sociological meaning of the conversion of prisoners that lives at the biggest prison (Prison of Alcaçuz) of Rio Grande do Norte to the evangelical churches. The research is justified, because Brazil shelter the fourth greater arrested population arrested of the world, with projections indicating that it can turn the greatest in 2034. Besides, this study about religious conversion of prisoners to the Social Sciences is too important, because is a theme little developed in Brazil and deserves attention, one time that as the arrested people as the evangelicals are in expansion in our country. Starting from the precedent observations, we guide ourselves by the following problematic of research: the religious practice in Alcaçuz presents a mere instrumental perspective, where the actions of prisoners converted was on purpose oriented to conquest material or symbolic privileges; or purely religious, where seek a moral renovation? To develop the work, the scientific methodology adopted was exploratory and explanatory, using the Goffman´s theory about total institutions and presentation of self, and Blumer´s doctrine relating to Symbolic Interacionism and the Story life method, besides considerations about evangelical religion. Having this theoretical basis, was accomplished the Field research, when were made interviews and applied questionnaires to 11 Jailer Agents, 31 prisoners, Director and Vice-Dictor (in November, 2011), the coordinator of social projects of the prison and the coordinator of evangelization at the prisons in Rio Grande do Norte. As results, it was seeing in Alcaçuz that the prisoners can be separated in two groups: the one of Pavilions and other one of the Medical Section. The Pavilions are branded for managerial and structural problems, where are found idle prisoners in collective cells and with a historical of escaping attempts, mutinies and murders. The Medical Section has some individual cells or destined for two people, besides few collective also, and the prisoners work and have a more disciplined behavior, there isn t escapes or rebellions and that, for these reasons end for have more confidence from the Administration. About the presence of evangelical prisoners, most are at Medical Section, where exist a specific place to the cults (what doesn t at Pavilions). At the end, the conclusion is that the prisoner that says himself evangelical in Alcaçuz, although can be seeing with distrust about your real conversion, he gets win a trust vote and until the opposite being demonstrated in other words, that he is not hiding himself behind the bible to divert the vigilance of Direction and practice disciplinary faults without make any suspicions, is treated with more respect and has more opportunities live at Medical Section; have work, that most of times is paid and guarantee the homologation of your payment of penalty with work, besides other benefits, diminishing his time in jail