Advancements in addressing drug dependence: A review of promising therapeutic strategies and interventions.

Substance dependence represents a pervasive global concern within the realm of public health. Presently, it is delineated as a persistent and recurrent neurological disorder stemming from drug-triggered neuroadaptations in the brain's reward circuitry. Despite the availability of various therapeutic modalities, there has been a steady escalation in the mortality rate attributed to drug overdoses. Substantial endeavors have been directed towards the exploration of innovative interventions aimed at mitigating cravings and drug-induced repetitive behaviors. Within this review, we encapsulate the most auspicious contemporary treatment methodologies, accentuating meta-analyses of efficacious pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches: including gabapentin, topiramate, prazosin, physical exercise regimens, and cerebral stimulation techniques.

Trypanosoma cruzi killing and immune response boosting by novel phenoxyhydrazine-thiazole against Chagas disease.

Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) causes Chagas, which is a neglected tropical disease (NTD). WHO estimates that 6 to 7 million people are infected worldwide. Current treatment is done with benznidazole (BZN), which is very toxic and effective only in the acute phase of the disease. In this work, we designed, synthesized, and characterized thirteen new phenoxyhydrazine-thiazole compounds and applied molecular docking and in vitro methods to investigate cell cytotoxicity, trypanocide activity, nitric oxide (NO) production, cell death, and immunomodulation. We observed a higher predicted affinity of the compounds for the squalene synthase and 14-alpha demethylase enzymes of T. cruzi. Moreover, the compounds displayed a higher predicted affinity for human TLR2 and TLR4, were mildly toxic in vitro for most mammalian cell types tested, and LIZ531 (IC50 2.8 µM) was highly toxic for epimastigotes, LIZ311 (IC50 8.6 µM) for trypomastigotes, and LIZ331 (IC50 1.9 µM) for amastigotes. We observed that LIZ311 (IC50 2.5 µM), LIZ431 (IC50 4.1 µM) and LIZ531 (IC50 5 µM) induced 200 µg/mL of NO and JM14 induced NO production in three different concentrations tested. The compound LIZ331 induced the production of TNF and IL-6. LIZ311 induced the secretion of TNF, IFNγ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-17, cell death by apoptosis, decreased acidic compartment formation, and induced changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential. Taken together, LIZ311 is a promising anti-T. cruzi compound is not toxic to mammalian cells and has increased antiparasitic activity and immunomodulatory properties.

Polymeric Nanocapsules Loaded with Lidocaine: A Promising Formulation for Topical Dental Anesthesia.

Lidocaine is the most commonly used local anesthetic worldwide, known for its rapid onset and moderate duration of anesthesia. However, it is short-lived and does not effectively promote effective topical anesthesia in the oral cavity when used alone. Our aim was to investigate whether an approximate 50% encapsulation of lidocaine in poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocapsules (LDC-Nano) would be able to increase its permeation and analgesic efficacy and reduce cytotoxicity. In this study, we characterized LDC-Nano and conducted MTT tests with HaCaT cells to assess their in vitro cytotoxicity. Additionally, in vitro permeation assays across the pig esophageal epithelium and the anesthetic efficacy of the hind paw incision model in rats were performed. Plain lidocaine (LDC) was compared with LDC-Nano and lidocaine hydrochloride plus epinephrine (LDC-Epi). The physicochemical characteristics of LDC-Nano were satisfactory (pH: 8.1 ± 0.21; polydispersity index: 0.08 ± 0.01; mean diameter (nm): 557.8 ± 22.7; and encapsulation efficiency (%): 51.8 ± 1.87) and remained stable for up to 4 months. LDC-Nano presented similar in vitro cytotoxicity to LDC but was higher than LDC-Epi (LD50: LDC = 0.48%; LDC-Nano = 0.47%; and LDC-Epi = 0.58%; p < 0.0001). Encapsulation increased the permeability coefficient about 6.6 times and about 7.5 the steady-state flux of lidocaine across the mucosal epithelium. Both encapsulation and epinephrine improved anesthesia duration, with epinephrine demonstrating superior efficacy (100% of animals were anesthetized up to 100, 30, and 20 min when LDC-Epi, LDC-nano, and LDC were used, respectively). Although LDC-Epi demonstrated superior in vivo anesthetic efficacy, the in vitro permeation and cytotoxicity of LDC-Nano indicate promising avenues for future research, particularly in exploring its potential application as a topical anesthetic in the oral cavity.

Comparative Study of Colorimetric In Situ Hybridization and Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for Diagnosis of Infection by Leishmania infantum in Dogs in Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded Skin.

The zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum and dogs are reservoirs for this parasite. For the diagnosis of Leishmania at the species level in dogs in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded skin (FFPES) samples, colorimetric in situ hybridization (CISH) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) are options, but their sensitivities are not well established. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity of these two techniques in FFPES for the diagnosis of the L. infantum infection in dogs using culture as the reference standard. The FFPES of 48 dogs with cutaneous infection by L. infantum confirmed by culture and by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis were examined by CISH and qPCR using specific probes for L. infantum. The sensitivities of qPCR, CISH and their combination were, respectively, 77.0%, 58.0% and 83.3%. The sensitivities of qPCR in dogs with and without clinical signs were, respectively, 74.2% and 82.4%. The sensitivities of CISH in dogs with and without clinical signs were, respectively, 61.3% and 52.9%. The CISH and qPCR showed satisfactory sensitivities for the diagnosis of L. infantum in the FFPES of dogs, even in dogs without clinical signs, and their combination increases the sensitivity for this diagnosis.

Factors influencing pregnancy per artificial insemination (AI) and embryonic mortality in Nelore females subjected to timed-AI in Brazil.

A greater understanding of factors influencing fertility is essential to improve pregnancy rates and reduce the occurrence of embryonic mortality in beef herds. The objective of the current study was to evaluate retrospective data of pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) and pregnancy loss in Nelore females subjected to timed-AI (TAI) in Brazil. Data from 40,104 TAI collected from six breeding seasons (2016-2022) were analyzed, and the effects of animal category (e.g., classification based on age and parity), farm, month of parturition, sire, sire breed (Nelore vs Angus), estrus expression at TAI, animal temperament, and body condition scores (BCS) were evaluated. P/AI and pregnancy loss were affected (P < 0.001) by animal category. There was also an effect of farm (P = 0.0013) on P/AI and pregnancy loss (P = 0.001), as P/AI ranged from 49.28% and 55.58% and pregnancy loss from 3.37% to 6.89% across the herds evaluated. Month of parturition also affected (P < 0.001) P/AI and was higher for cows that became pregnant at the beginning of the previous breeding season. Calmer animals, presenting lower velocity scores while exiting the chute following TAI, achieved higher P/AI (P < 0.001). Lower BCS at TAI was associated (P < 0.001) with increased pregnancy loss, and BCS gain following AI was associated (P < 0.001) with reduced rates of embryonic mortality. There was a major effect (P < 0.001) of sire on P/AI and pregnancy loss, as P/AI ranged from 11% to 79%, and embryonic mortality from 0% to 40% for the bulls used in the study, highlighting the importance of the sire fertility on overall pregnancy success. Results from the current study reinforce the idea that animal age and parity at the beginning of the breeding season, BCS at the onset of estrous synchronization, BCS gain following AI, estrus expression at TAI, sire, and month of parturition are important factors influencing P/AI and rates of embryonic mortality in beef herds.

Síndrome de Burnout um risco aos profissionais de educação física: uma revisão integrativa / Burnout syndrome a risk to physical education profes-sionals: an integrative review / El síndrome de Burnout un riesgo para los profesionales de la educación física: una revisión integrativa

Objetivou-se identificar e analisar as características da síndro-me de burnout em profissionais da educação física no Brasil. Foi realiza-da uma revisão integrativa, entre os meses de janeiro e julho de 2022, com buscas nos BVS/ Portal Bireme, Scielo, Lilacs, e Google Acadêmico. Foram identificados 10 estudos nos últimos 20 anos. A prevalência da síndrome de Burnout foi em média de 11,55%. Os estudos associam o esgotamento profissional a sobrecarga de trabalho, pluriemprego e remuneração inadequada. Desta forma, evidenciou-se os riscos aos quais essa classe profissional é exposta, ressaltando a importância de manter condições e ambientes de trabalhos adequados. Todavia, mais estudos sobre a síndrome de Burnout em profissionais da educação física devém ser conduzidos no Brasil (AU).

This research aimed to identify and analyze the Burnout syn-drome characteristics in physical education professionals in Brazil. An in-tegrative review was carried out, from January to July 2022. The research were performed in the BVS/Portal Bireme, Scielo, Lilacs and Google Scholar. The literature reported 10 studies in Brazil in the last 20 years. In general, the mean prevalence of Burnout syndrome was 11,55%. Moreover, the studies associate professional exhaustion with overwork, multiple jobs and inadequate remuneration. The study highlighted the syndrome incidence and risks to this professional class and emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate working conditions and envi-ronments. However, more studies on Burnout syndrome in physical ed-ucation professionals should be conducted in Brazil (AU).

El objetivo fue identificar y analizar las características del síndrome de burnout en profesionales de educación física en Brasil. Se realizó una revisión integradora entre enero y julio de 2022, con búsque-das en el Portal BVS/Bireme, Scielo, Lilacs y Google Scholar. Se identifica-ron 10 estudios en los últimos 20 años. El predominio del síndrome de Burnout fue en promedio de 11,55%. Los estudios asocian el desgaste profesional con el exceso de trabajo, el pluriempleo y la remuneración inadecuada. De esta manera, se resaltaron los riesgos a los que está ex-puesta esta clase profesional, resaltando la importancia de mantener condiciones y ambientes de trabajo adecuados. Sin embargo, se deben realizar más estudios sobre el síndrome de Burnout en profesionales de la educación física en Brasil (AU).

Superficial ulnar artery diagnosed by vascular ultrasound: case report.

The largest branch of the terminal division of the brachial artery is the ulnar artery, which arises after the cubital fossa. This artery usually has a deep path in the muscles of the anterior forearm and is responsible for vascularization of the superficial and deep musculature on the ulnar side of the forearm and hypothenar area of the hand. We report an anatomical variant diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound in which the ulnar artery had a superficial position in the forearm. Occurrence of a superficial ulnar artery is rare, but it is an important fact for clinicians, surgeons, and nursing professionals.

Reducing citrus effluent toxicity: Biological-electrochemical treatment with diamond anode.

One challenge of the citrus industry is the treatment and disposal of its effluents due to their high toxicity, substantial organic load, and consequent resistance to conventional biotechnological processes. This study introduces a novel approach, using electrochemical oxidation with a boron-doped diamond anode to efficiently remove organic compounds from biodegraded pulp wash (treated using the fungus Pleurotus sajor-caju.) The findings reveal that employing a current density of 20 mA cm-2 achieves notable results, including a 44.1% reduction in color, a 70.0% decrease in chemical oxygen demand, an 88.0% reduction in turbidity, and an impressive 99.7% removal of total organic carbon (TOC) after 6 h of electrolysis. The energy consumption was estimated at 2.93 kWh g-1 of removed TOC. This sequential biological-electrochemical procedure not only significantly reduced the mortality rate (85%) of Danio rerio embryos but also reduced the incidence of morphologically altered parameters. Regarding acute toxicity (LC50) of the residue, the process demonstrated a mortality reduction of 6.97% for D. rerio and a 40.88% lethality decrease for Lactuca sativa seeds. The substantial reduction in toxicity and organic load observed in this study highlights the potential applicability of combined biological and electrochemical treatments for real agroindustrial residues or their effluents.

Validity and reliability of portable A-mode ultrasound in measuring body fat percentage: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

The present Systematic Review with Meta-analysis study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Portable A-mode Ultrasound (P-US) for measuring body fat percentage (BF%). Only studies with participants of both genders which had assessed BF% using P-US compared to the reference standard were selected. Publications up until May 31, 2022 were searched in the MEDLINE, COCHRANE, Science Direct, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, PEDro, SPORT Discus, CINAHL and SCOPUS databases. QUADAS-2 was used to assess the risk of bias in the validity studies and QAREL was used for the methodological quality of reliability studies. The JAMOVI software program synthesized the results, from which the Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r) or the square root of the Multiple Linear Regression Determination Coefficient (R2) were extracted for the validity studies, and the Mean of Errors of the Bland-Altman Test (ME) and the Confidence Interval (95%CI) with Upper and Lower Limits for the reliability studies. A total of 13 studies were included, generating 26 results for the quantitative synthesis, 14 for validity and 12 for reliability. Regarding the validity results, a strong correlation was identified between the equipment (r = 0.870 [0.845-0.895], P<0.001), with moderate and true heterogeneity (I2 = 53.47%, P = 0.003), presenting publication bias. A small effect size was identified regarding the reliability results, overestimating the results due to chance between the devices (ME = 0.207 [-0.798-1.212], P = 0.686), with low heterogeneity also due to chance (I2 = 19.44%, P = 0.253), with no publication bias. All of the evaluated studies showed some violation of the instruments, confirming the high risk of bias and the low methodological quality. There is concern with heterogeneity for the validity results explained by the subgroups' analysis. The P-US associated with anthropometric perimeters satisfactorily measures the BF% with samples greater than 100 participants, and males. The results in the reliability assessment show high agreement and high variability, greatly expanding the confidence interval, which should be viewed with reservations. This review received financial support from the Brazilian Air Force. The study was registered with PROSPERO under the number CRD42020166617.

Thermosensitive polymer-assisted extraction and purification of fungal laccase from citrus pulp wash effluent.

BACKGROUND: This study explores the use of liquid-liquid extraction with thermosensitive polymers for producing laccase (Lac) from Pleurotus sajor-caju. This process leverages liquid waste from the citrus industry, specifically pulp wash. The research delves into extractive fermentation and thermoseparation, both processes being facilitated by a polymer exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature transition. RESULTS: Key factors considered include the choice of polymer, its concentration, pH, separation temperature, and the behavior of the polymer-rich phase post-extractive fermentation concerning the lower critical solution temperature. Notably, under conditions of 45% by weight of Pluronic L-61 and pH 5.0 at 25 °C, the Lac resulted in an enhancement in the purification factor of 28.4-fold, compared with the Lac obtained directly from the fermentation process on the eighth day. There was an 83.6% recovery of the Lac enzyme in the bottom phase of the system. Additionally, the unique properties of Pluronic L-61, which can induce phase separation and also allow for thermoseparation, led to a secondary fraction (aqueous solution) of Lac with purification factor of 2.1 ± 0.1-fold (at 32 ± 0.9 °C and 30 ± 0.3 min without stirring) from the polymeric phase (top phase). Fourier-transform infrared analysis validated the separation data, particularly highlighting the α-helix content in the amide I region (1600-1700 cm-1 ). CONCLUSION: In summary, the insights from this study pave the way for broader industrial applications of these techniques, underscoring benefits like streamlined process integration, heightened selectivity, and superior separation efficacy. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Treatment of industrial wastewaters by algae-bacterial consortium with Bio-H2 production: Recent updates, challenges and future prospects.

Currently, scarcity/security of clean water and energy resources are the most serious problems worldwide. Industries use large volume of ground water and a variety of chemicals to manufacture the products and discharge large volume of wastewater into environment, which causes severe impacts on environment and public health. Fossil fuels are considered as major energy resources for electricity and transportation sectors, which release large amount of CO2 and micro/macro pollutants, leading to cause the global warming and public health hazards. Therefore, algae-bacterial consortium (A-BC) may be eco-friendly, cost-effective and sustainable alternative way to treat the industrial wastewaters (IWWs) with Bio-H2 production. A-BC has potential to reduce the global warming and eutrophication. It also protects environment and public health as it converts toxic IWWs into non or less toxic (biomass). It also reduces 94%, 90% and 50% input costs of nutrients, freshwater and energy, respectively during IWWs treatment and Bio-H2 production. Most importantly, it produce sustainable alternative (Bio-H2) to replace use of fossil fuels and fill the world's energy demand in eco-friendly manner. Thus, this review paper provides a detailed knowledge on industrial wastewaters, their pollutants and toxic effects on water/soil/plant/humans and animals. It also provides an overview on A-BC, IWWs treatment, Bio-H2 production, fermentation process and its enhancement methods. Further, various molecular and analytical techniques are also discussed to characterize the A-BC structure, interactions, metabolites and Bio-H2 yield. The significance of A-BC, recent update, challenges and future prospects are also discussed.

Artéria ulnar superficial diagnosticada por ultrassom vascular: relato de caso / Superficial ulnar artery diagnosed by vascular ultrasound: case report

Resumo O maior ramo da divisão terminal da artéria braquial é a artéria ulnar, que se origina após a fossa cubital. Essa artéria usualmente tem trajeto profundo aos músculos do antebraço anterior e é responsável pela vascularização da musculatura superficial e profunda da região ulnar do antebraço e hipotênar da mão, sendo a principal responsável pela formação do arco palmar superficial após o retináculo dos flexores. Reportamos uma variação anatômica após diagnóstico com ultrassom vascular na qual a artéria ulnar situava-se em posição superficial no antebraço. A ocorrência da artéria ulnar superficial é rara, porém de grande importância para clínicos, cirurgiões e profissionais de enfermagem.

Abstract The largest branch of the terminal division of the brachial artery is the ulnar artery, which arises after the cubital fossa. This artery usually has a deep path in the muscles of the anterior forearm and is responsible for vascularization of the superficial and deep musculature on the ulnar side of the forearm and hypothenar area of the hand. We report an anatomical variant diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound in which the ulnar artery had a superficial position in the forearm. Occurrence of a superficial ulnar artery is rare, but it is an important fact for clinicians, surgeons, and nursing professionals.

Correction: Frequency of co-seropositivities for certain pathogens and their relationship with clinical and histopathological changes and parasite load in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247560.].

Standardization of DNA extraction from paraffinized spleen samples: molecular diagnosis of human malaria.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium vivax is the main species responsible for human malaria in Brazil, and one of its manifestations is splenic malaria, though there are still challenges in its diagnosis. The present study aimed to standardize Plasmodium sp. DNA extraction from histological slices of spleen and diagnosis using real-time qPCR. METHODS: This study performed a microtomy of a paraffin-embedded spleen as a positive control for P. vivax from a patient who had been previously diagnosed with the parasite. The sample was deparaffinized with xylol and ethanol, then DNA extraction was performed with two commercial kits. qPCR was carried out with the Taqman system for detection of Plasmodium sp. and was made species-specific using PvmtCOX1 gene. From 2015 to 2019, 200 spleen samples were obtained from trauma patients subjected to splenectomy in Manaus, Amazonas. All the samples were tested for cell-free human DNA (cfDNA). RESULTS: The deparaffinization and the Plasmodium vivax DNA extraction method was successfully standardized, and the control sample was positive for P. vivax. Of the 200 samples, all qPCRs were negative, but they were positive for human PCR. CONCLUSION: Paraffinization is practical and efficient for the preservation of samples, but the formation of bonds between proteins and DNA makes extraction difficult. Despite this, in this study, it was possible to standardize a method of DNA extraction for detecting P. vivax.

Opioid-Free Anesthesia for Awake Neurosurgery in a Patient With Asthma and Von Willebrand Disease: A Case Report.

Anesthesia for awake neurosurgery requires meticulous planning. We report the case of a 44-year-old female with glioblastoma undergoing an awake craniotomy. Due to her asthma and von Willebrand disease, an opioid-free approach was chosen. Conscious sedation was attained using propofol and dexmedetomidine. The operation was successful after nine hours with patient comfort maintained. The patient was discharged from the intensive care unit in two days without sequelae. However, the use of desmopressin caused hyponatremia and cerebral edema. The scalp block was effective for pain management. This case highlights the importance of individualized anesthetic strategies in awake neurosurgeries.

Microneedles for oral mucosal delivery - Current trends and perspective on future directions.

INTRODUCTION: Oral cavity drug and vaccine delivery has the potential for local targeting, dose reduction, minimization of systemic side effects, and generation of mucosal immunity. To overcome current limitations of delivery into the oral cavity mucosa, microneedles (MNs) have emerged as a promising technology. AREAS COVERED: We reviewed the literature on MN application in the oral cavity, including in vitro studies, in vivo animal studies, and human clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION: MNs are sufficiently robust to cross the oral cavity epithelium and nearly painless when applied to different parts of the human oral mucosa including the lip, cheek, tongue, and palate. In recent years, MNs have been evaluated for different applications, including vaccination, topical anesthetic delivery, and treatment of local oral pathologies such as oral lesions or carcinomas. MNs are attractive because they have the potential to produce a better treatment outcome with reduced side effects. Over the coming years, we project a significant increase in research related to the development of MNs for use in dentistry and other medical conditions of the mouth.