This paper highlights the complexity and urgency of addressing plastic pollution, drawing attention to the environmental challenges posed by improperly discarded plastics. Petroleum-based plastic polymers, with their remarkable range of physical properties, have revolutionized industries worldwide. Their versatility—from flexible to rigid and hydrophilic to hydrophobic—has fueled an ever-growing demand. However, their versatility has also contributed to a massive global waste problem as plastics pervade virtually every ecosystem, from the depths of oceans to the most remote terrestrial landscapes. Plastic pollution manifests not just as visible waste—such as fishing nets, bottles, and garbage bags—but also as microplastics, infiltrating food chains and freshwater sources. This crisis is exacerbated by the unsustainable linear model of plastic production and consumption, which prioritizes convenience over long-term environmental health. The mismanagement of plastic waste not only pollutes ecosystems but also releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide during degradation and incineration, thereby complicating efforts to achieve global climate and sustainability goals. Given that mechanical recycling only addresses a fraction of macroplastics, innovative approaches are needed to improve this process. Methods like pyrolysis and hydrogenolysis offer promising solutions by enabling the chemical transformation and depolymerization of plastics into reusable materials or valuable chemical feedstocks. These advanced recycling methods can support a circular economy by reducing waste and creating high-value products. In this article, the focus on pyrolysis and hydrogenolysis underscores the need to move beyond traditional recycling. These methods exemplify the potential for science and technology to mitigate plastic pollution while aligning with sustainability objectives. Recent advances in the pyrolysis and hydrogenolysis of polyolefins focus on their potential for advanced recycling, breaking down plastics at a molecular level to create feedstocks for new products or fuels. Pyrolysis produces pyrolysis oil and syngas, with applications in renewable energy and chemicals. However, some challenges of this process include scalability, feedstock variety, and standardization, as well as environmental concerns about emissions. Companies like Shell and ExxonMobil are investing heavily to overcome these barriers and improve recycling efficiencies. By leveraging these transformative strategies, we can reimagine the lifecycle of plastics and address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. This review updates the knowledge of the fields of pyrolysis and hydrogenolysis of plastics derived from polyolefins based on the most recent works available in the literature, highlighting the techniques used, the types of products obtained, and the highest yields.

Sporotrichosis occurs worldwide and is caused by the fungus Sporothrix brasiliensis. This agent has a high zoonotic potential and is transmitted mainly by bites and scratches from infected felines. A new association between the drugs clotrimazole and itraconazole is shown to be effective against S. brasiliensis yeasts. This association was formulated as a microemulsion containing benzyl alcohol as oil, Tween^® 60 and propylene glycol as surfactant and cosurfactant, respectively, and water. Initially, the compatibility between clotrimazole and itraconazole was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD). Additionally, a simple and efficient analytical HPLC method was developed to simultaneously determine the concentration of clotrimazole and itraconazole in the novel microemulsion. The developed method proved to be efficient, robust, and reproducible for both components of the microemulsion. We also performed an accelerated stability study of this formulation, and the developed analytical method was applied to monitor the content of active ingredients. Interestingly, these investigations led to the detection of a known clotrimazole degradation product whose structure was confirmed using NMR and HRMS, as well as a possible interaction between itraconazole and benzyl alcohol.

Sporotrichosis is a neglected fungal infection caused by Sporothrix spp., which have a worldwide distribution. The standard antifungal itraconazole has been recommended as a first-line therapy. However, failure cases in human and feline treatment have been reported in recent years. This study aimed to synthesize several α- and β-2,3-dihydrofuranaphthoquinones and evaluate them against Sporothrix schenckii and Sporothrix brasiliensis—the main etiological agents of sporotrichosis in Brazil. The stability of these compounds was also investigated under different storage conditions for 3 months. The samples were removed at 0, 60, and 90 days and assessed by ¹H-NMR, and their in vitro antifungal susceptibility was tested. Furthermore, we evaluated the superficial changes caused by the most effective and stable compounds using scanning electron microscopy and determined their effects when combined with itraconazole. Nine dihydrofuranaphthoquinones showed good antifungal activity and stability, with MIC values of 2–32 µM. Compounds 6 and 10 were the most active dihydrofuranaphthoquinones in vitro for both species; in fungi, these compounds induced yeast–hyphae conversion and alteration in the hyphae and conidia structures. Compound 10 also exhibited a synergistic activity with itraconazole against S. schenckii, with a ΣFIC index value of 0.3. Our results indicate that Compounds 6 and 10 are potential candidates for the development of new antifungal agents for the treatment of sporotrichosis.

Micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) particles are constantly formed through plastic fragmentation by sunlight, friction, or oxidation. MNPs potentialize health risks when entering the human body by ingestion, infusion, inhalation, and skin absorption. Still, the translocation among intracellular compartments must also be considered because MNPs can reach the circulatory system and be found in virtually all body fluids, tissues, and organs, potentially causing significant health impacts. The ability of MNPs to interact with macromolecules and cause damage to intracellular structures results in several physiopathological conditions, such as inflammation, oxidative imbalance, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. One major challenge in MNP research is the development of reliable detection and quantification methods and effective sample separation processes. Although there is evidence directly linking MNPs to heart disease, the same cannot be said for diseases such as cancer, respiratory conditions, and reproductive system disorders. Therefore, the impact of MNPs on human health was examined, and a careful evaluation of their effects was carried out. We reviewed the extensive scientific literature from the past years, focusing on exposure, aging, interactions, and effects on entering MNPs into human metabolism and the physiological systems, which makes these particles particularly hazardous.

Resumo Este estudo analisa o impacto do processo de acreditação na assistência farmacêutica hospitalar, visando identificar evidências de mudanças e melhorias do serviço prestado pela farmácia hospitalar. Grupos focais foram conduzidos com farmacêuticos e clientes internos do serviço de farmácia de cinco hospitais privados do Estado do Rio de Janeiro intencionalmente selecionados. Foram realizadas gravações, posteriormente transcritas, para análise do conteúdo dos diálogos e categorização temática. Segundo as narrativas revelaram, a acreditação resultou em investimentos de infraestrutura e recursos humanos, implantação de novos processos e discreta mudança de atuação do farmacêutico, alavancada pela farmácia clínica. Observou-se que tais modificações contribuíram para uma transformação contínua da assistência farmacêutica hospitalar, com modesta melhora da eficiência, qualidade e segurança do serviço prestado. Quando considerados os resultados finalísticos, a satisfação foi parcial, já que o ciclo da assistência farmacêutica ainda não se completa, fragilizando os processos recém-implantados em prol da qualidade do atendimento oferecido ao paciente. Apesar disso, o impacto no desempenho global da farmácia hospitalar foi considerado positivo, permitindo concluir que as diretrizes da acreditação apontaram o caminho para o desenvolvimento dos serviços avaliados, na medida em que exigiram o cumprimento de padrões necessários a uma assistência farmacêutica de qualidade.