Strengthening the Intrinsic Muscles of the Foot and Its Action on Foot Posture and Self-Reported Function in Individuals With Lower Limb Injuries: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically review the influence of the intrinsic foot musculature on lower limb injuries, with regard to improving foot posture and self-reported function, and to point out the biomechanical effects of strengthening the intrinsic foot musculature. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search using National Library of Medicine (Medline-PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Pedro, SportDiscus, and Cochrane was undertaken. SELECTION CRITERIA: A literature search was peformed using: Clinical trials of patients with injuries in the lower limbs, and with alterations in the intrinsic musculature of the foot were included and published in the period up to and including April 2023. DATA SYNTHESIS: Data analysis was measured as standardized mean difference and confidence interval was set at 95%. Random effects model was used. RESULTS: A total of 1,051 studies were found, but, after evaluation, only 4 were included in the present study. The effect of intrinsic foot musculature strengthening improved medial longitudinal arch height in studies included in the meta-analysis (P < .00001). CONCLUSION: Based on this systematic review, it is possible to conclude that increasing the strength of intrinsic foot muscles proved to be effective in promoting positive biomechanical changes in the longitudinal arch of the foot of these patients.

Effectiveness of physical therapy interventions in women with dyspareunia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dyspareunia is defined as the occurrence of pain during or after sexual intercourse, which directly affects physical, sexual, and mental health. This condition can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem in women who experience it. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions for the treatment of female dyspareunia. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. METHOD: Search of publications was conducted in Scopus, Medline, Pubmed, Cinahl and Web of Science. Treatment effects were defined as standardized mean difference and their 95% confidence intervals. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using Crohan's Q test and quantified using the I2 index. RESULTS: Of the 19 articles selected, six applied multimodal physiotherapy treatments; five, electrotherapy; three, Thiele's massage; two, interdisciplinary interventions or pelvic floor muscle training; and one, extracorporeal shockwave therapy. The meta-analysis showed significant results for the variables pain and quality of life with the interventions based on electrotherapy and electrotherapy combined with pelvic floor muscle training. These interventions did not show significant results for the improvement of sexual function. CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapy techniques are effective and procedures have been identified with reliable results in improving pain and quality of life in patients with dyspareunia. One of the most important aspects is the strengthening of the perineal musculature and the application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Furthermore, manual trigger point release therapy and Thiele massage, optimize and guarantee the reduction of pain intensity. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42021236155.

Efficacy of percutaneous electrolysis for the treatment of tendinopathies: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous electrolysis for the treatment of patients with tendinopathies. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of publications was conducted in Pubmed, Cinahl, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science. METHODS: The Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence and the Jadad scale were used to assess the quality of studies. The mean and standard deviation were obtained for each study group and used to calculate the effect size. The DerSimonian and Laird method was used to develop a random-effects model. RESULTS: Of the 14 articles, four applied percutaneous electrolysis to the knee, three to the shoulder, three to the elbow, two to the hip and two to the ankle and foot. A meta-analysis on intensity of pain (evaluated with algometer and the Visual Analogue Scale) was performed on studies comparing percutaneous electrolysis with a control group, indicating that the groups treated with percutaneous electrolysis had better results (p = 0.01). Although percutaneous electrolysis did not overcome the analgesic effect achieved by corticosteroid injections. CONCLUSIONS: The percutaneous electrolysis is effective for the treatment of tendinopathies. The combination of this technique with eccentric training has proven to be one of the most effective treatments to date for improving pain. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42021230005.

Multidisciplinary care in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Multidisciplinary care (MDC) has been the most recommended approach for symptom management in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) but there is conflicting evidence about its effectiveness on survival and quality of life (QoL) of ALS patients. We conducted a systematic review to determine the effects of multidisciplinary care compared to general neurological care in survival and quality of life of ALS patients. A comprehensive literature search using Scopus, MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, PEDro, and Science Direct was undertaken. Studies related to multidisciplinary care or general neurological care in ALS patients that assessed survival and quality of life and were published in the period up to and including January 2020 were included. A total of 1192 studies were initially identified, but only 6 were included. All studies that investigated survival showed and advantage of MDC over NC, and this benefit was even greater for bulbar onset patients. A meta-analysis was performed and showed a mean difference of 141.67 (CI 95%, 61.48 to 221.86), indicating that patients who received MDC had longer survival than those who underwent NC (p = 0.0005). Concerning QoL, only one study found better mental health scores related to QoL for patients under MDC. Multidisciplinary care is more effective than general neurology care at improving survival of patients with ALS, but only improves mental health outcomes related to quality of life of these patients.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of carvacrol in the respiratory system: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Carvacrol is a monoterpene present in the essential oil of a number of plants and has been widely used in traditional medicine because it is considered to have a range of therapeutic effects including in relation to respiratory disease. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of carvacrol when used in the treatment of respiratory disorders. A comprehensive literature search using Scopus, MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane and Web of Science was undertaken. Papers related to the anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties of carvacrol in the treatment of an injury in the respiratory system in in vivo studies and published in the period up to and including August 2019. A total of 152 studies were initially identified, with only 17 meeting the inclusion criteria. Five of the studies were performed in humans, and 12 were performed in rodents. Among the 17 studies included in the systematic review, we performed the meta-analysis with nine of the studies with animals. Carvacrol had a positive effect on the reduction of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-4, IL-8 and malondialdehyde (MDA); however, the analysis indicated that carvacrol had no effect on IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), probably due to the methodological quality of the studies and their heterogeneity. Current evidence supports the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of carvacrol, but its relationship with the reduction of some inflammatory mediators in animals with lung injury needs further elucidation.

Inflammatory Mediators and Oxidative Stress in Animals Subjected to Smoke Inhalation: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The inhalation injury is usually initiated by uninhibited absorption of smoke, favoring the release of cytokines and other lipid mediators from inflammatory cells in lung airways and parenchyma. OBJECTIVES: To systematically review, examine, and synthesize the main inflammatory mediators analyzed in published studies in animals subjected to smoke inhalation, as well as oxidative stress. SEARCH STRATEGY: A comprehensive literature search was conducted through MEDLINE-PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies with animals subjected to lung damage from smoke inhalation that evaluated the presence and the action of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress. RESULTS: A total of 1332 studies were initially identified, with only 31 meeting the inclusion criteria. The inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress markers studied and presented in the articles described herein were varied; however, the most cited ones were tumor necrosis factor-alpha (6), IL-8 and IL-6 (both studied in five articles), IL-1ß and nuclear factor kappa ß (both studied in 4 articles), malondialdehyde (11 studies), and myeloperoxidase (7). It is worth noting that most studies evaluated more than one inflammatory mediator and oxidative stress marker. CONCLUSION: Based on this review, we could observe that the main inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress markers analyzed were TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6, IL-1ß, nuclear factor kappa ß, MDA, and MPO. However, it is necessary to increase the rigor of study design and data, in order to have studies that are more homogeneous and with appropriate methodological quality.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among urban cleaning and solid waste management workers during transmission of the Omicron variant in Brazil.

This study estimated the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in urban cleaning and solid waste management workers during the transmission of the Omicron variant in one of the poorest regions of Brazil (the state of Sergipe). Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 494 workers, and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was tested by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, comorbidities, vaccination status, mask use, and use of public transport to commute to the workplace were collected. The prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated from the proportion of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases among the total number of individuals tested. The prevalence ratio (PR) with a 95% CI was the measure of association used to evaluate the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the exposure variables. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 22.5% (95% CI, 19.0 to 26.4). Individuals under the age of 40 had a higher prevalence of infection (PR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.30) as well as those who did not believe in the protective effect of vaccines (PR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.05 to 2.89). Our results indicate the need for better guidance on preventive measures against coronavirus disease 2019 among urban cleaning and solid waste management workers.

Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Northeast region of Brazil.

In this household-based seroepidemiological survey, we analyzed the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sergipe State, Northeast Brazil, the poorest region of the country. A total of 16,547 individuals were tested using a rapid IgM-IgG antibody test and fluorescence immunoassay (FIA). Seroprevalence rates were presented according to age, sex, and geographic region. A comparative analysis was performed between the results obtained in July 2020 (peak of the first wave), August - November 2020 (end of the first wave), and February - March 2021 (beginning of the second wave). Seroprevalence rates in the three phases were estimated at 9.3% (95% CI 8.5-10.1), 12.0% (95% CI 11.2-12.9) and 15.4% (95% CI 14.5-16.4). At the end of the first wave, there was a rise in seroprevalence in the countryside (p < 0.001). At the beginning of the second wave, we found an increase in seroprevalence among women (p < 0.001), adults aged 20 to 59 years (p < 0.001), and the elderly (p < 0.001). In this phase, we found an increase in estimates both in metropolitan areas and in the countryside (p < 0.001). This study showed an increase in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence over the first year of the pandemic, with approximately one in six people having anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at the beginning of the second wave of COVID-19. Furthermore, our results suggest a rapid spread of COVID-19 from metropolitan areas to the countryside during the first months of the pandemic.

Would carvacrol be a supporting treatment option effective in minimizing the deleterious effects of COVID-19?

The pathophysiological process of the disease, Covid-19, is mediated by innate immunity, with the presence of macrophages responsible for secreting type 1 and 6 interleukins (IL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) leading to dilation of endothelial cells with a consequent increase in capillary permeability. The treatment of this disease has been much discussed, but the variability in the clinical picture, the difficulties for diagnosis and treatment, especially of those patients who have the most severe clinical condition of the disease. Immunization is an effective tool for controlling the spread and overload of health services, but its effectiveness involves high investments in the acquisition of inputs, development of vaccines, and logistics of storage and distribution. These factors can be obstacles for countries with lower economic, technological, and infrastructure indexes. Reflecting on these difficulties, we raised the possibility of adjuvant therapies with imminent research feasibility, as is the case with the use of carvacrol, a monoterpenic phenol whose has biological properties that serve as a barrier to processes mediated by free radicals, such as irritation and inflammation, due to its antioxidant action. Many authors highlighted the activity of carvacrol as a potent suppressor of COX-2 expression minimizing the acute inflammatory process, decreasing the release of some pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-1ß, TNF-α, PGE2. Anyway, the benefits of carvacrol are numerous and the therapeutic possibilities too. With this description, the question arises: would carvacrol be a supporting treatment option, effective in minimizing the deleterious effects of Covid-19? There is still a lot to discover and research.

Monoterpenes and their derivatives as agents for cardiovascular disease management: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Monoterpenes are one of the most studied plant's secondary metabolites, they are found abundantly in essential oils of aromatic plants. They also have a great range of pharmacological properties, such as antihypertensive, bradycardic, antiarrhythmic and hypotensive. In the face of the burden caused by cardiovascular disease (CVDs) worldwide, studies using monoterpenes to assess their cardiovascular effects have increased over the years. PURPOSE: This systematic review aimed to summarize the use of monoterpenes in animal models of any CVDs. METHODS: PubMed, SCOPUS, LILACS and Web of Science databases were used to search for articles that used monoterpenes, in any type of administration, to treat or prevent CVDs in animal models. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Two independent researchers extracted main characteristics of studies, methods and outcomes. Data obtained were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. RESULTS: At the ending of the search process, 33 articles were selected for the systematic review. Of these, 17 articles were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 16 different monoterpenes were found for the treatment of hypertension, myocardial infarction, pulmonary hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy and arrhythmia. The main actions include hypotension, bradycardia, vasodilatation, antiarrhythmic, and antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. From our data, it can be suggested that monoterpenes may be a significant source for new drug development. However, there is still a need to apply these knowledge into clinical research and a long path to pursue before putting them in the market. CONCLUSION: The variability of cardiovascular effects demonstrated by the monoterpenes highlighted them as a promising candidates for treatment or prevention of CVDs. Nevertheless, studies that investigate their biological sites of action needs to be further encouraged.

Limited Mobility to the Bed Reduces the Chances of Discharge and Increases the Chances of Death in the ICU.

BACKGROUND: Progressive mobility in the ICU has been recommended; however, the definitions of low, moderate, and high mobility in the ICU still diverge between studies. Therefore, our objective was to classify the mobility of the sample from verticalization and active withdrawal from the bed, and from that, to analyze the chances of discharge, death, and readmission to the ICU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational and retrospective study that consults the medical records of individuals admitted to the ICU of the University Hospital of Sergipe (HU/SE) between August 2017 and August 2018. Mobility level was classified based on the Intensive Care Unit Mobility Scale (IMS). RESULTS: A total of 121 individuals were included. The mean age was 61.45 ± 16.45, being 53.7% female. Of these, 28 (23.1%) had low mobility, 33 (27.3%) had moderate mobility, and 60 (49.6%) had high mobility. Individuals with low mobility were 45 times more likely to die (OR = 45.3; 95% CI = 3.23-636.3) and 88 times less likely to be discharged from the ICU (OR = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.002-0.30). CONCLUSION: Those who evolved with low mobility had a higher chance of death and a lower chance of discharge from the ICU. Moderate and high mobility were not associated with the investigated outcomes.

Dance promotes positive benefits for negative symptoms in autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized as a neurodevelopmental disorder with stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. Dance practice can elicit esthesia to stimulate the communication process through the notion of the phenomenal body that is recognized in an expressive and symbolic space. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review to identify how dance promotes positive benefits for the negative symptoms in ASD. METHOD: We formulated the research question based on PICO: "What is the influence of dance on negative symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorder?". Databases were searched in March 2019 and included PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, PsycInfo and Web of Science. RESULTS: We identified 9,350 studies of which five were selected for our review (a total of 266 individuals). All included studies showed an influence of dance on negative symptoms, including empathy, emotional expression, body awareness, behavior, and psychological wellbeing that impact on social reciprocity, and consequently the communication process, in ASD. CONCLUSIONS: Dance practice may contribute to body awareness and social involvement using techniques that provide mirroring, synchronization, rhythm, and reciprocity in adults with normal to high-functioning ASD.

Evaluation instruments for physical therapy using virtual reality in stroke patients: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapeutic rehabilitation is essential to improve functional mobility, muscular strength, balance and quality of life of stroke patients, but conventional techniques using repeated physical activities can soon become monotonous. The use of virtual reality (VR) in rehabilitation offers a possible alternative to the traditional methods of promoting improvements in muscle strength and balance. However, there is not yet consensus about which instruments should be used to assess the effectiveness of VR in stroke rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review to identify the types of evaluation tools used for different VR interventions to rehabilitate stroke patients, considering balance, strength, function, quality of life, cognition and motivation. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive literature search using MEDLINE-PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs and IEEE Xplore was undertaken. STUDY SELECTION: Studies on stroke patients who had undergone VR therapy and an assessment of its effectiveness using evaluative instruments. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Data were extracted by a single reviewer using standardised forms, and were checked by a second reviewer. The extracted information included study design, number of participants, type of stroke, items that were evaluated (balance, muscle strength, functional evaluation), console used, number of rehabilitation sessions, results and conclusions. RESULTS: In total, 1836 articles were identified; of these, 29 were included in this review after consideration of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The selected articles rated one or more of the following factors: balance (n=12), grip strength (with or without devices for direct measurement) (n=8), functionality (n=12) and quality of life (n=12). LIMITATIONS: The full text of one article was not available, despite a request to the authors to send it via email. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS: The Berg Balance Scale, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and the Stroke Impact Scale were the instruments used most frequently to assess balance, function and quality of life, respectively, in stroke patients who underwent rehabilitation using VR. Systematic review registration PROSPERO number: 87546.

Quality of life and functional independence in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A systematic review.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) leads to functional capacity decline, generating great impact in quality of life. Quality of life is directly related to physical integrity and functional independence. This systematic review aimed to analyze treatment protocols and their outcomes from clinical trials with focus on ALS rehabilitation that evaluated the effects on quality of life and functional independence from their intervention process. A literature search was conducted through MEDLINE-PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science and Scopus databases. A total of 3630 articles were identified. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. They focused on different aspects of quality of life or functional independence, which are: respiratory care, mental health, communication skills and exercises. Use of bipap and inspiratory muscle training, anxiety and depression, communication devices implementation and exercises safety and tolerability were considered as key points. However, the drastic evolution of the disease is a limiting factor to the perception of quality of life improvement by patients. Further studies should be done to validate the benefits on patients' quality of life.

Antiplatelet agents in perioperative noncardiac surgeries: to maintain or to suspend?

BACKGROUND: When prescribing antiplatelet agents, physicians face the challenge of protecting patients from thromboembolic events without inducing bleeding damage. However, especially in the perioperative period, the use of these medications requires a carefully balanced assessment of their risks and benefits. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review to check whether the antiplatelet agent is to be maintained or suspended in the perioperative period of noncardiac surgeries. SEARCH STRATEGY: A comprehensive literature search using Science Direct, Scopus, MEDLINE-PubMed, and Web of Science was undertaken. SELECTION CRITERIA: Clinical trials of noncardiac surgeries with patients taking regular anti-platelet therapy, published between 2013 and 2018. RESULTS: A total of 1,302 studies were initially identified, with only four meeting the inclusion criteria. The selected studies were conducted in different countries such as, including India (2), Serbia (1), and the USA (1). The age group was similar in all studies, from 61 to 75 years. The most frequent surgery was related to tooth extraction and transurethral resection of bladder cancer. There was a group of patients who used single antiplatelet agents and groups who used single therapy and double therapy. Acetylsalicylic acid was the common drug in all studies. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the clinical trials were classified as good quality and that it was not necessary to suspend antiplatelet therapy prior to surgical procedures such as dental extraction and transurethral resection of bladder cancer. It should be noted that it is necessary to jointly evaluate the type of antiplatelet agent, the thrombotic risk of the patient, and the hemorrhagic risk of the surgical procedure.

Restless Legs Syndrome in Dialysis Patients: Does the Dialysis Modality Influence Its Occurrence and Severity?

BACKGROUND: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is more prevalent in chronic kidney patients than in the general population, but it is often diagnosed late and its predictors are unknown. PURPOSE: To diagnose RLS in a group of chronic kidney patients on dialysis, determine its frequency and severity, compare the prevalence and severity of the condition among dialytic modalities, and identify possible predictive factors in this population. METHODS: An observational and cross-sectional study with 326 patients who had been on dialysis for more than 3 months, 241 on hemodialysis (HD) and 85 on automatic peritoneal dialysis (APD), using the criteria established by the International Study Group on RLS for the diagnosis and the RLS Rating Scale to determine its severity. RESULTS: RLS was diagnosed in 19.3% of the patients, 52.4% with severe or very severe forms. Patients with and without RLS did not differ in clinical and demographic characteristics and dialytic modality; however, patients on APD presented higher RLS severity compared to the HD group. CONCLUSIONS: RLS is frequent in dialysis patients and occurs predominantly in its most severe forms; the dialytic modality seems to have no influence on its occurrence; however, it is more severe in patients on APD.

Pharmacological Effects of Carvacrol in In vitro Studies: A Review.

Carvacrol has a high therapeutic potential, with in vitro studies showing promising results in different cellular models using a variety of methodological designs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to analyze the pharmacological effects of carvacrol in in vitro studies. A comprehensive search of the literature was made using four databases: Science Direct, Scopus, MEDLINE-PubMed, and Web of Science using different combinations of the following keywords: carvacrol, drug therapy, therapeutic uses, in vitro study. The search of the databases was for studies conducted in the period up to and including September 2016. A total of 3,269 studies were initially identified, with only 31 meeting the inclusion criteria. The included studies contained a variety of in vitro models able to determine the properties of Carvacrol. The following properties of Carvacrol were identified: antimicrobial (7 studies), bactericidal (4), bactericidal and antifungal (1), antiinflammatory (4), anticancer (4), mutagenic (4), antioxidant (3), antifungal (3), antidepressant (1), as a modulator of nerve impulses (1) and an immunological modulator (1). The In vitro studies with Carvacrol included in this review showed a diversity of models and confirmed the therapeutic potential of this product in relation to several diseases.

Natural and synthetic products used for the treatment of smoke inhalation: a patent review.

INTRODUCTION: Inhalation injury is the leading cause of death in burn patients and is usually caused by the uninhibited absorption of smoke, which has an extremely toxic effect on the respiratory system. The physiopathology of inhalation injury covers multiple factors and the injured respiratory system may present deterioration in a few hours. Areas covered: In this present review, we analyzed patents based on both natural and synthetic products developed for the treatment of smoke inhalation. We found 14 patents in Espacenet, 25 in WIPO and none in the USPTO data search. Expert opinion: Several previous reports on treatments used for smoke inhalation are discussed. Although there are a number of research based products for this injury, there has been no review of the patents dealing with treatments for smoke inhalation. The development of novel natural or synthetic products are discussed in detail in the review.

Synthetic drugs for the treatment of vitiligo: a patent review (2010-2015).

INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is one of the most important acquired depigmentation disorders, with an average worldwide prevalence of 0.5-2.0%. The exact etiology of vitiligo is not fully understood, but the principle theories focus on the mechanism responsible for the destruction of melanocytes, which is proposed to be autoimmune, neurogenic, or self-destructive. There is no cure for vitiligo and the results of current treatments vary between individuals, being unsatisfactory in most cases. Despite being a cosmetic disease, the disorder can be psychologically devastating and stigmatizing. Areas covered: In this review, the authors summarize new synthetic drugs for the treatment of vitiligo developed between 2010 and 2015, which include MC1 R agonists and peptides, as well as considering new approaches and strategies using existing drugs. Expert opinion: In conclusion, we found significant advancement in this field of research, demonstrating the growing interest of academic and industrial groups in developing successful products for the treatment of vitiligo. New therapeutic options could contribute to improving the quality of life of patients and advance the search for a truly effective treatment of vitiligo.

Products with Natural Components to Heal Dermal Burns: A Patent Review.

BACKGROUND: Burns are a global public health problem, and non-fatal burn injuries are a leading cause of morbidity. The scale of the problem has led researchers to seek to develop new prod- ucts (both synthetic and natural) for use in the treatment of burn lesions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine all patents in databases between 2010 and 2015 related to natural prod- ucts for the treatment of burn-related wounds that targeted tissue repair and healing. METHOD: The search term "burn" and the code A61K36/00 (plant and other natural derivatives used in medicinal prepara- tions) from the international classification of patents were used to identify treatments. RESULTS: The search was performed in the WIPO, ESPACENET and USPTO databases. The highest number of patent ap- plications was found in the WIPO data base (617), followed by ESPACENET(23) and USPTO(6). The USA and China were the countries with the most patent applications, and 2008 was the year that had the highest number of applications. Patent applications written in Spanish, English and Portuguese and that were published between 2010 and 2015 were se- lected. 559 patent applications in other languages, and 63 that did not result in the creation of new products between 2010 and 2015 were excluded and the remaining 13 patents application were selected for full reading of the text. CONCLUSION: Through this study we were able to identify and summarize the new active natural compounds that can be used in the treatment of burns, both in terms of tissue recovery and analgesia.