Role of Fenugreek, Cinnamon, Curcuma longa, Berberine and Momordica charantia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treatment: A Review.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex disease that has become a major global health concern. Given the efficacy of antidiabetic drugs, pharmacological therapy is considered the first-line treatment of T2DM; however, due to their potential side effects and high costs, new and cost-effective treatments with minimal side effects are needed. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries as part of traditional medicine to treat T2DM. Among these, fenugreek, cinnamon, Curcuma longa, berberine, and Momordica charantia have demonstrated different degrees of hypoglycemic activity in clinical studies and animal models. Therefore, the aim of this review is to synthesize the mechanisms of action of five medicinal plants, as well as the experimental and clinical evidence of their hypoglycemic activity from the published literature.

Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix With Metastases to the Thyroid Gland: A Case Report and Clinical Pathological Review.

Thyroid metastasis from a neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is atypical, and the most common site of origin is the lung. We present the case of a 48-year-old lady with a history of NEC in the uterine cervix, classified initially as a p16-positive high-grade endocervical adenocarcinoma with endometrioid differentiation in a cervical biopsy. The patient, after having a thyroid ultrasound due to thyroid nodules, showing a multinodular goiter and suspicious nodules, and a subsequent fine-needle aspiration with a diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma, presented to our hospital for a total thyroidectomy. Histologically, there were metastatic high-grade carcinoma foci within the thyroid, consistent with metastasis from the cervical primary tumor based on the morphology and immunohistochemical stains, the tumor was re-classified as an NEC. The thyroid gland is an uncommon site for metastasis from primary sites, and a very rare site for an NEC origin; besides, this tumor type is infrequent in the uterine cervix and bears an unfavorable prognosis when present. Therefore, when encountering a high-grade metastatic tumor within the thyroid, an NEC has to be considered in the differential diagnosis for a prompt diagnosis and an appropriate treatment.

Effect of Momordica charantia Administration on Anthropometric Measures and Metabolic Profile in Patients with Obesity: A Pilot Clinical Trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Momordica charantia (MC) administration on anthropometric measures in patients with obesity. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial was carried out in 24 patients with obesity. Twelve patients randomly received MC (2000 mg/day) for 12 weeks, and 12 patients received placebo. Body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage, as well as clinical and laboratory determinations, were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results showed that while reductions in BW, BMI, WC, and body fat percentage were observed in the MC group, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Significant decreases in triglycerides (TG) (1.9 ± 0.6 mM vs. 1.7 ± 0.7 mM, P ≤ .05) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (0.4 ± 0.1 mM vs. 0.3 ± 0.1 mM, P ≤ .05) levels were found after the intervention with MC. In contrast, significant increases in BW (83.0 ± 10.7 kg vs. 84.6 ± 9.1 kg, P ≤ .05) and BMI (31.9 ± 1.5 kg/m2 vs. 33.0 ± 1.3 kg/m2, P ≤ .05) were observed in the placebo group. In conclusion, no significant reductions in BW, BMI, WC, and body fat percentage were observed after MC administration; however, MC significantly decreased TG and VLDL levels. The protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT04916379.

Myelodysplastic syndromes with 20q deletion: incidence, prognostic value and impact on response to azacitidine of ASXL1 chromosomal deletion and genetic mutations.

In myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), the 20q deletion [del(20q)] may cause deletion of the ASXL1 gene. We studied 153 patients with MDS and del(20q) to assess the incidence, prognostic value and impact on response to azacitidine (AZA) of ASXL1 chromosomal alterations and genetic mutations. Additionally, in vitro assay of the response to AZA in HAP1 (HAP1WT ) and HAP1 ASXL1 knockout (HAP1KN ) cells was performed. ASXL1 chromosomal alterations were detected in 44 patients (28·5%): 34 patients (22%) with a gene deletion (ASXL1DEL ) and 10 patients (6·5%) with additional gene copies. ASXL1DEL was associated with a lower platelet count. The most frequently mutated genes were U2AF1 (16%), ASXL1 (14%), SF3B1 (11%), TP53 (7%) and SRSF2 (6%). ASXL1 alteration due to chromosomal deletion or genetic mutation (ASXL1DEL /ASXL1MUT ) was linked by multivariable analysis with shorter overall survival [hazard ratio, (HR) 1·84; 95% confidence interval, (CI): 1·11-3·04; P = 0·018] and a higher rate for acute myeloid leukaemia progression (HR 2·47; 95% CI: 1·07-5·70, P = 0·034). ASXL1DEL /ASXL1MUT patients were correlated by univariable analysis with a worse response to AZA. HAP1KN cells showed more resistance to AZA compared to HAP1WT cells. In conclusion, ASXL1 alteration exerts a negative impact on MDS with del(20q) and could become useful for prognostic risk stratification and treatment decisions.

Assessing heavy metal pollution by biomonitoring honeybee nectar in Córdoba (Spain).

Nectar of honeybee colonies has been used in order to identify heavy metals and establish the benefit of this type of studies as a tool for environmental management. For these goals, samples of nectar were obtained from Apis mellifera hives placed in the city of Córdoba (Spain) and its surroundings. Five stations (each with two hives) were selected and samples were collected from May to July of 2007, 2009 and 2010. Concentrations of Pb, Cr, Ni and Cd in nectar were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Substantial spatial and temporal differences were detected and compared with the values found in bee bodies in a previously published study based on samples obtained simultaneously with those presented in this work. Upper reference thresholds established for this investigation were surpassed frequently by the measures obtained, being Cr (21.43% of samples), stations S3 (22.22%) and S4 (11.12%) year 2009 (22.22%) and the month of July (23.68%) the metal, the locations and the periods that exceeded more times these references. Regarding the Cd, which was studied only in 2010, 33.33% of the nectar samples exceeded the upper reference thresholds. Comparing the biomonitoring of bee bodies and nectar, some coincidences were found, although they showed different results for highest worrisome values of metal, station and year. This suggests that both methods can give complementary information in the surveillance systems of atmospheric pollution.

Assessment of heavy metal pollution in Córdoba (Spain) by biomonitoring foraging honeybee.

Due to features that make them outstanding environmental bioindicator, colonies of Apis mellifera are being used to study environmental pollution. The primary objective of this research was to use honeybee colonies to identify heavy metals and determine their utility for environmental management. Five stations each with two A. mellifera hives were strategically located in urban, industrial, agricultural and forested areas within the municipality of Córdoba (Spain), and foraging bees were collected from April to December in 2007, 2009 and 2010 to analyse spatial and temporal variation in Pb, Cr, Ni and Cd pollution. Metal concentrations, in milligram per kilogram of honeybee, were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Significant differences in concentrations were found among the various locations and periods. The highest number of values exceeding the upper reference thresholds proposed for this study (Pb, 0.7 mg/kg; Cr, 0.12 mg/kg; Ni, 0.3 mg/kg; and Cd, 0.1 mg/kg) was observed for Pb and Cr (6.25% respectively), station S4 (13.22%), year 2007 (20.83%) and in months of May and July (11.90% each). Regarding the Cd, which was analysed only in 2010, the highest number of values exceeding the upper reference thresholds was 40%. Biomonitoring with colonies of A. mellifera could contribute to improved surveillance and control systems for atmospheric pollution by integrating qualitative and quantitative assessments, thus facilitating prevention and readiness in the event of environmental crises.

Spectroscopic characterization of photolytically generated radical ion pairs in single-wall carbon nanotubes bearing surface-immobilized tetrathiafulvalenes.

We succeeded in establishing for the first time a conclusive spectroscopic signature for reduced single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT), which evolves from electron donor-acceptor interactions between SWNT and electron-donating pi-extended tetrathiafulvalene (exTTF). In particular, pi-pi interactions were employed to anchor the electron donor to the surface of SWNT. New conduction band electrons, injected from photoexcited exTTF, shift the transitions that are associated with the van Hove singularities to lower energies.

Situação nutricional e alimentar de portadores de malária residentes no Amazonas - Brasil / Nutritional and dietary status of individuals with malaria resident in Amazonas State - Brazil

Foram estudados 268 indivíduos (198 homens e 70 mulheres), residentes no Amazonas, com resultados hemoscópicos positivos de malária, diagnosticados pela Fundação Nacional de Saúde - FNS/Manaus. A avaliação antropométrica foi universal, envolvendo as medidas de Peso, Altura, Índice de Massa Corpórea (IMC), Prega Cutânea Triciptal (PCT), Circunferência Muscular do Braço (CMB). O universo estudado foi ainda subamostrado para avaliação Hematológica, Bioquímica (121 indivíduos) e Parasitológica (55 indivíduos). A análise dos resultados evidencia que apesar da presença da malária e das precárias condições de vida dos doentes, constatou-se que o Peso, Altura, IMC, CB e CMB apresentaram valores médios considerados normais, excetuando-se os resultados da PCT que foram inferiores aos padrões considerados de normalidade. Os resultados de Hematócrito, Hemoglobina, Glicose, Ferro sérico e Triglicerídeos, apresentaram-se dentro dos limites de normalidade, estando a Proteína Total no limite inferior recomendado, e, o HDL colesterol abaixo do limite de normalidade. O inquérito de consumo alimentar revelou que a população estudada teve acesso a uma dieta bem estruturada, sendo frequente o consumo de alimentos construtores (peixe, carnes e ovos), abundantes os energéticos: arroz, pão, gordura vegetal (óleos), e, em menor quantidade os reguladores (verduras e frutas). Como prováveis agravantes do estado nutricional dos portadores de malária, constatou-se alto índice de parasitose gastrointestinal, predominando o poliparasitismo, precárias condições de habitação, baixo nível de escolaridade, baixa renda, alto consumo de cigarro e álcool

Situação nutricional e alimentar de portadores de Malária residentes no Amazonas - Brasil

Two hundred sixty-eight subjects (198 men and 70 women) with blood-smears positive for malaria parasites, diagnosed at the Fundação Nacional de Saúde in Manaus were studied. The antthopometric evaluations of weight, height, body mass index, triceps skinfold thichness, brachial circunference and arm muscle circunference were performed an all subjects. Haematological and biochemical evaluations were performed for 121 individuals and coprological examination for parasites for 55. Despite the malaria and precarious living conditions of the patients, the anthopometric mean values were normal with the exception of triceps skinfold thickness, which was below normal. Measures of haematocrit, haemoglobin, glicose, serum iron and triglycerides were within the normal range, with total protein at the lower limit of the recomended range, and HDL cholesterol below the limit of normality. The dietary investigation revealed that the study population had acess to a well balanced diet, with frequent consumption of proteinrich food (fish, meat and eggs), abundant sources of energy (rice, bread and vegetable oil) and smalles quantities of regulators (green vegetables and fruits). Among factors aggravating the nutritional status of the malaria patients, a high incidence of multiple gastrointestinal parasitosis, precarious living conditions, low educational status, low income and high consumption of tobacco and alcohol were detected.

Foram estudados 268 indivíduos (198 homens e 70 mulheres), residentes no Amazonas, com resultados hemoscópicos positivos de malária, diagnosticados pela Fundação Nacional de Saúde FNS/Manaus. A avaliação antropométrica foi universal, envolvendo as medidas de Peso, Altura, índice de Massa Corpórea (IMC), Prega Cutânea Triciptal (PCT), Circunferência Braquial (CB) e Circunferência Muscular do Braço (CMB). O universo estudado foi ainda subamostrado para avaliação Hematológica, Bioquímica (121 indivíduos) e Parasitológica (55 indivíduos). A análise dos resultados evidencia que apesar da presença da malária e das precárias condições de vida dos doentes, constatou-se que o Peso, Altura, IMC, CB e CMB apresentaram valores médios considerados normais, excetuando-se os resultados da PCT que foram inferiores aos padrões considerados de normalidade. Os resultados de Hematócrito, Hemoglobina, Glicose, Ferro sérico e Triglicerídeos, apresentaram-se dentro dos limites de normalidade, estando a Proteína Total no limite inferior recomendado, e, o HDL colesterol abaixo do limite de normalidade. O inquérito de consumo alimentar revelou que a população estudada teve acesso a uma dieta bem estruturada, sendo frequente o consumo de alimentos construtores (peixe, carnes e ovos), abundantes os energéticos: arroz, pão, gordura vegetal (óleos), e, em menor quantidade os reguladores (verduras e frutas). Como prováveis agravantes do estado nutricional dos portadores de malária, constatou-se alto índice de parasitose gastrointestinal, predominando o poliparasitismo, precárias condições de habitação, baixo nível de escolaridade, baixa renda, alto consumo de cigarro e álcool.

Factores que intervienen en el no cumplimiento de requisitos básicos del uso de la lactancia materna como método anticonceptivo en mujeres de una zona periférica, Cochabamba 1994 / Factors that influence the basic requirements noncompliance of the use of breast-feeding as contraceptive method in women leavins in peripheral area of Cochabamba 1994

El propósito del presente estudio fue identificar los factores de intervención en el no cumplimiento de los requisitos básicos para el uso de la lactancia materna como método anticonceptivo. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, transversal, descriptivo en mujeres puérperas que estén dando de lactar de recién nacidos hasta los 6 meses de edad, en una zona periférica de la ciudad de Cochabamba, el instrumento que se utiliza es el cuestionario realizando entrevistas individuales casa por casa. Llegándose a la conclusión de que existen factores que si intervienen en la lactancia materna para su uso como método anticonceptivo

Factores que intervienen en el no cumplimiento de requisitos básicos del uso de la lactancia materna como método anticonceptivo en mujeres de una zona periférica, Cochabamba 1994 / Factors that influence the basic requirements noncompliance of the use of breast-feeding as contraceptive method in women leavins in peripheral area of Cochabamba 1994

El propósito del presente estudio fue identificar los factores de intervención en el no cumplimiento de los requisitos básicos para el uso de la lactancia materna como método anticonceptivo. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, transversal, descriptivo en mujeres puérperas que estén dando de lactar de recién nacidos hasta los 6 meses de edad, en una zona periférica de la ciudad de Cochabamba, el instrumento que se utiliza es el cuestionario realizando entrevistas individuales casa por casa. Llegándose a la conclusión de que existen factores que si intervienen en la lactancia materna para su uso como método anticonceptivo

Esporotricose auricular em criança / Auricle sporotrichosis in children

Descreve-se um caso de esporotricose do pavilhäo auricular em menino de oito anos. Comentam-se aspectos diagnósticos e epidemiológicos desta apresentaçäo da micose

Tinha do couro cabeludo por Microsporum canis em adulto / Tinea capitis by Microsporum canis in an adult patient

Descreve-se um caso de tinha do couro cabeludo, por Microsporum canis, em mulher de 29 anos. Esta apresentaçäo desusada de dermatofitose da cabeça, após a puberdade, é comentada