The potential of almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts SFE-CO2 extracts as sources of bread flavouring ingredients.

Nuts have been part of the human diet since our early ancestors, and their use goes beyond nutritional purposes, for example, as aromatic sources for dairy products. This work explores the potential of almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) DA Webb), hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.), and walnut (Juglans regia L.) extracts as sources of food flavouring agents, suggesting a new added-value application for lower quality or excess production fruits. The extracts were obtained by supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide and characterized by: quantification of the volatile fraction by HS-SPME GC-MS; sensory perception and description; and cytotoxicity against Vero cells. All extracts revealed potential as flavouring ingredients due to terpene abundance. No significant differences were observed for the minimal sensory perception, in which the odour threshold values ranged from 8.3 × 10-4 to 6.9 × 10-3 µg·mL-1 for walnuts and almonds extracts, respectively. In contrast, the cytotoxic potential differed significantly among the extracts, and P. dulcis extract presented lower cytotoxicity. Notes as woody, fresh, and green were identified in the volatile intensifiers obtained from the P. dulcis extract. Thus, almond extract was identified as the most promising ingredient to increase the sensory value of food products, namely bread. This potential was verified by an increase in the odour perception of bread after adding 4 µL of extract to each 100 g of bread dough. The quantified eucalyptol and d-limonene terpenes - found in the P. dulcis extract - have improved the release of the pleasant and natural volatile compounds from bread crust and crumb compared to the control bread chemical and sensory profiles.

Adesão dos dentistas do Sistema Único de Saúde à prescrição de plantas medicinais/fitoterápicos: um estudo observacional / Adherence of dentists in the Unified System of Health to prescription of medicinal plants/phytotherapy: an observational study

O objetivo desta dissertação é avaliar a prevalência de cirurgiões-dentistas da APS/SUS que prescrevem plantas medicinais/fitoterápicos e associar com aspectos sociodemográficos, profissionais, conhecimento sobre o tema, prática clínica, capacitação e uso pessoal. Trata-se de estudo observacional, com coleta de dados de março a julho de 2023, em amostra de 563 cirurgiões-dentistas dentistas brasileiros. Foi aplicado um instrumento previamente testado, via Google Forms, com questões sobre aspectos sociodemográficos e profissionais; conhecimentos sobre fitoterapia/plantas medicinais no SUS e na Odontologia, além da prática clínica, capacitação e uso pessoal sobre o tema. Constou-se que 161 (28,6%) dentistas afirmaram prescrever fitoterápicos/plantas medicinais. O hábito de perguntar ao paciente se usa esse tipo de recurso, o embasamento teórico prévio, o sentimento de se considerar capacitado para prescrição e o uso pessoal apresentaram associação com a adesão à prescrição. Por outro lado, características sociodemográficas e profissionais, assim como o conhecimento sobre regulamentações e políticas sobre a oferta dessa terapia complementar não estiveram associados estatisticamente à prescrição. Conclui-se que há ferramentas de sensibilização dos CD sobre a importância da Fitoterapia/Plantas Medicinais, com vistas a capacitá-los e que garantir segurança para abordagem desse tema, na relação profissional-paciente, é fundamental no direcionamento de ações de implementação efetivas das políticas públicas para oferta dessa prática por CD da APS/SUS. Além disso, o aspecto cultural/histórico de uso da Fitoterapia/Plantas Medicinais, assim como ocorre na população em geral, deve ser destacado e fortalecido.

The aim of this dissertation is to evaluate the prevalence of Primary Health Care (PHC)/Unified System of Health (USH) dentists who prescribe medicinal plants/herbal medicines and associate them with sociodemographic and professional aspects, knowledge on the subject, clinical practice, training and personal use. This is an observational study, with data collection from March to July 2023, in a sample of 563 Brazilian dentists. A previously tested instrument was applied, via Google Forms, with questions about sociodemographic and professional aspects; knowledge about Phytotherapy/medicinal plants in USH and Dentistry, in addition to clinical practice, training and personal use on the subject. It was found that 161 (28.6%) dentists claimed to prescribe herbal medicines/medicinal plants. The habit of asking the patient if he uses this type of resource, previous theoretical background, the feeling of considering himself capable of prescribing and personal use showed association with adherence to the prescription. On the other hand, sociodemographic and professional characteristics, as well as knowledge about regulations and policies regarding the provision of this complementary therapy, were not statistically associated with prescription. It is concluded that there are tools for sensitization of Dental Surgeons (DS) about the importance of Phytotherapy/Medicinal Plants, with a view to qualifying them and that guaranteeing security for approaching this theme, in the professionalpatient relationship, is fundamental in directing effective implementation actions of the public policies to offer this practice through the PHC/USH DSs. In addition, the cultural/historical aspect of the use of Phytotherapy/Medicinal Plants, as it occurs in the general population, must be highlighted and strengthened.

Chemical and organoleptic properties of bread enriched with Rosmarinus officinalis L.: The potential of natural extracts obtained through green extraction methodologies as food ingredients.

The potential of R. officinalis L. (RO) extracts as a source of aromas was accessed by hydrodistillation (HD) and supercritical fluid extraction using carbon dioxide (SFE-CO2), followed by a series of analysis: quantification by GC-MS, sensory perception and description, and cytotoxicity against Vero cells. The extracts shown abundancy of α-pinene, eucalyptol, S-verbenone and camphor, contributing for the green, fresh, citric, and woody as main sensory notes. The odour threshold (ODT) value (less than 3.0 × 10-3 µg·mL-1) and the cytotoxic potential (ca. 220 µg∙mL-1) defined the concentration range for food application. The most promising extract was added to bread doughs and the final volatile profile was characterised by GC-MS through HS-SPME over time. Among the 34 compounds found, furfural showed an evident contribution in the bread crust aroma, which persisted over four hours of storage, contributing to a pleasant bread fragrance according to the evaluators. This study aims to represent a stepping stone for the use of natural aromas as ingredients for the development of innovative food products.

Obtaining Aromatic Extracts from Portuguese Thymus mastichina L. by Hydrodistillation and Supercritical Fluid Extraction with CO2 as Potential Flavouring Additives for Food Applications.

Humans often respond to sensory impulses provided by aromas, and current trends have generated interest in natural sources of fragrances rather than the commonly used synthetic additives. For the first time, the resulting aroma of a selected culture of Thymus mastichina L. was studied as a potential food ingredient. In this context, dried (DR) and fresh (FR) samples were submitted to carbon dioxide (CO2) supercritical extraction (SFE) and hydrodistillation (HD) methods. The extracts were characterised according to their volatile composition by GC-MS, cytotoxicity against a non-tumour cell culture, and sensory attributes (odour threshold and olfactive descriptors). The most abundant aromas were quantified, and the analysis performed by GC-MS revealed an abundance of terpenoids such as thymol chemotype, followed by the precursors α-terpinene and p-cymene. DR and FR extracts (EX) obtained from SFE-CO2 show the highest content of thymol, achieving 52.7% and 72.5% of the isolated volatile fraction. The DR essential oil (EO) contained the highest amount of terpenoids, but it was also the most cytotoxic extract. In contrast, SFE-CO2 products showed the lowest cytotoxic potential. Regarding FR-OE, it had the lowest extraction yield and composition in aroma volatiles. Additionally, all samples were described as having green, fresh and floral sensory notes, with no significant statistical differences regarding the odour detection threshold (ODT) values. Finally, FR-EX of T. mastichina obtained by SFE-CO2 presented the most promising results regarding food application.

Solid-state fermented brewer's spent grain enzymatic extract increases in vitro and in vivo feed digestibility in European seabass.

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is the largest by-product originated from the brewery industry with a high potential for producing carbohydrases by solid-state fermentation. This work aimed to test the efficacy of a carbohydrases-rich extract produced from solid-state fermentation of BSG, to enhance the digestibility of a plant-based diet for European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). First, BSG was fermented with A. ibericus to obtain an aqueous lyophilized extract (SSF-BSG extract) and incorporated in a plant-based diet at increasing levels (0-control; 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4%). Another diet incorporating a commercial carbohydrases-complex (0.04%; Natugrain; BASF) was formulated. Then, all diets were tested in in vitro and in vivo digestibility assays. In vitro assays, simulating stomach and intestine digestion in European seabass, assessed dietary phosphorus, phytate phosphorus, carbohydrates, and protein hydrolysis, as well as interactive effects between fish enzymes and dietary SSF-BSG extract. After, an in vivo assay was carried out with European seabass juveniles fed selected diets (0-control; 0.1%, and 0.4%). In vitro digestibility assays showed that pentoses release increased 45% with 0.4% SSF-BSG extract and 25% with Natugrain supplemented diets, while amino acids release was not affected. A negative interaction between endogenous fish enzymes and SSF-BSG extract was observed in both diets. The in vivo digestibility assay corroborated in vitro data. Accordingly, the dietary supplementation with 0.4% SSF-BSG increased the digestibility of dry matter, starch, cellulose, glucans, and energy and did not affect protein digestibility. The present work showed the high potential of BSG to produce an added-value functional supplement with high carbohydrases activity and its potential contribution to the circular economy by improving the nutritional value of low-cost and sustainable ingredients that can be included in aquafeeds.

Efeitos do mindfulness na saúde mental dos adolescentes: Uma scoping review / Effects of mindfulness on adolescent mental health: A scoping review / Efectos de la atención plena en la salud mental de los adolescentes: Una revisión de alcance

Resumo Contexto: O mindfulness ou atenção plena, foca-se intencionalmente no momento presente, aceitando a experiência sem crítica ou julgamento. Os benefícios das intervenções baseadas em mindfulness têm sido demonstrados em diversas áreas, incluindo a Saúde Mental dos adolescentes. Objetivo: Identificar os efeitos do mindfulness na saúde mental dos adolescentes; identificar as perturbações mentais mais comummente alvo de Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI). Método: Scoping Review de acordo com o manual do Joanna Briggs Institute Institute (JBI) (2015). Pesquisa realizada nos motores de busca/bases de dados da EBSCO e PubMed. Resultados: Foram identificadas 107 publicações não repetidas e, ao final do processo de elegibilidade e exclusão, incluíram-se 7 publicações na amostra final. Conclusões: O mindfulness em adolescentes é usado tanto na promoção de saúde mental como na prevenção e tratamento da doença mental. Os efeitos MBI em adolescentes: aumento da autoestima, reduz ansiedade, melhora bem-estar geral, qualidade de sono, a tomada de decisão, a regulação emocional e controlo de impulsos.

Abstract Background: Mindfulness is the focus on the present moment, accepting the entire experience without criticism or judgment. The benefits of mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) have been proved in several areas, including adolescent mental health. Aim To identify the effects of MBI on adolescent mental health; To identify the mental disorders most commonly targeted by Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI). Methods Scoping review according to Joanna Briggs Institute (2015) recommendations. Research was done on EBSCO and PubMed data bases and search engines. Results: 107 different publications were found, and after exclusion and eligibility, 7 papers were included as the sample for this scoping review. Conclusions: MBI can be used to prevent and treat mental health problems in adolescents. In addition, as a result of MBI, increased self-esteem, improved sleep quality, increased self-esteem, decision making, improved emotional regulation and impulse control, as well as increased well-being, have been demonstrated.

Resumen Contexto: La atención plena se enfoca intencionalmente en el momento presente, aceptando la experiencia sin crítica ni juicio. Las intervenciones basadas en la atención plena o mindfulness (MBI) ha mostrado beneficios en la salud mental de los adolescentes. Objetivo: Identificar los efectos de la atención plena en la salud mental de los adolescentes; Identificar los trastornos mentales más comúnmente afectados por Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI). Métodos: Revisión del alcance según el Manual del Instituto Joanna Briggs (2015). Búsqueda realizada en buscadores/bases de datos de EBSCO y PubMed. Resultados: Se identificaron un total de 107 publicaciones no repetidas y, al final del proceso de elegibilidad y exclusión, se incluyeron 7 publicaciones en la muestra final. Conclusión: El MBI en adolescentes se utiliza tanto para la promoción de la salud mental como para la prevención y el tratamiento de enfermedades mentales. Efectos de la atención plena en adolescentes: aumento de la autoestima, reduce la ansiedad, mejora el bienestar general, la calidad del sueño, la toma de decisiones, la regulación emocional y el control de los impulsos.

Reliability and Accuracy of 2-Minute Step Test in Active and Sedentary Lean Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intrarater and interrater reliability of the 2-minute step test (2MST) in active and sedentary lean adults and to identify the test cutoff point to differentiate active from sedentary individuals. METHODS: This observational study involved 4 mixed-sex groups (each with 50 lean participants): group 1, sedentary and aged 18 to 24 years; group 2, active and aged 18 to 24 years; group 3, sedentary and aged 25 to 44 years; and group 4, active and aged 25 to 44 years. The 2MST was administered independently by 2 examiners (with 3 months' training) at 2 different times, with a 7-day interval. Habitual physical activity was evaluated by means of the Baecke Questionnaire (BQ). In statistical analysis, the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to verify the correlation between the 2MST and BQ; intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,3) were used to determine the intrarater and interrater reliability of the 2MST; and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to identify the accuracy of the 2MST. RESULTS: Excellent intrarater and interrater reliability were found for all 4 groups (intraclass correlation coefficients ≥ 0.83). Correlating the 2MST score with the BQ score, a significant, positive, weak correlation was observed (r = 0.344, P < .001). For differentiating active from sedentary individuals, the 2MST showed low accuracy (area under the curve = 0.671), with 61% sensitivity and 67% specificity. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the 2MST is a reliable test with a low amount of inherent error. There was a significant correlation between the 2MST and usual physical activity measured, and slight accuracy in differentiating active from sedentary individuals.

Formulation and Evaluation of a Novel Itraconazole-Clotrimazole Topical Emulgel for the Treatment of Sporotrichosis.

In recent years, the development of new pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of sporotrichosis has become a relevant research field. In this work, we aimed to develop an emulgel containing itraconazole and clotrimazole to ensure therapeutic effectiveness against Sporothrix brasiliensis. The topical use of a formulation that combines both drugs represents an interesting option for the complementary treatment of sporotrichosis. The emulgel formulation was prepared and evaluated for its zeta potential, viscosity, in vitro antifungal activity and stability at different storage conditions. The results showed that the newly developed emulgel displayed promising physicochemical characteristics, as well as a good in vitro inhibitory activity against S. brasiliensis yeasts. The results obtained in this work suggest that the emulgel containing itraconazole and clotrimazole might highly be efficient and a complementary therapy to oral administration in the treatment of sporotrichosis.

Investigation of a Microemulsion Containing Clotrimazole and Itraconazole for Transdermal Delivery for the Treatment of Sporotrichosis.

The aim of this study was to develop a microemulsion (ME) formulation containing an association of itraconazole (ITC) and clotrimazole (CLT) as a transdermal delivery system for the treatment of sporotrichosis. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed to optimize the ME formulation. The ME formulation selected contained 1% (w/w) ITC and 1% (w/w) CLT and was composed of 23.07% Tween® 60 (surfactant), 23.07% propylene glycol (cosurfactant/cosolvent), 30.77% benzyl alcohol (oil), and 21.09% water. The ITC/CLT-loaded ME (ITC/CLT-ME) had a droplet size value of 217 ± 0.9 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.5 ± 0.1. Permeation experiments on pig ear skin were conducted for ITC/CLT-ME, and the results indicated that the drug permeation performance was influenced by CLT, indicating that CLT acts as a promoter enhancer. In the in vitro antifungal activity assay using Sporothrix brasiliensis yeast, the inhibition halo produced by ITC/CLT-ME exhibited a mean diameter of 43.67 ± 2.31 mm. The ITC/CLT-ME formulation did not cause skin irritation in mice. The results suggest that ITC/CLT-ME is a promising tool for the transdermal treatment of sporotrichosis.

Teleconsulta no Contexto da Covid-19: Experiência de uma Equipe em Cuidados Paliativos / Teleconsultation in the Context of the Covid-19: Experience of the Palliative Care Team

Resumo: Introdução: Cuidados paliativos é um direito que deve ser assegurado. Diante da pandemia causada pela Covid-19, a recomendação de isolamento social foi uma das estratégias para o enfrentamento. Relato de experiência: A equipe do Núcleo de Cuidados Paliativos do Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto organizou o fluxo de atendimento aos pacientes por meio do acréscimo ao atendimento presencial das modalidades de teleconsulta. Essa ampliação gerou um aumento da comunicação do paciente e da família dele com a equipe de saúde, preservando, dessa forma, um plano terapêutico baseado no cuidado, acolhimento e respeito adequado a esse período de enfretamento do novo coronavírus. Discussão: A comunicação entre os profissionais das diversas áreas de saúde do núcleo se intensificou quanto às discussões dos casos e desfechos apresentados. Apresentam-se as principais estratégias, os processos, as percepções e os desafios desenvolvidos e enfrentados pela equipe interdisciplinar. Destaca-se o papel da equipe de agente facilitador da integração e comunicação entre o paciente, o Hupe e a rede SUS. Conclusão: A equipe do núcleo foi fundamental para que os pacientes e familiares assistidos pudessem atravessar o momento com mais tranquilidade, segurança e cuidado integral.

Abstract: Introduction: Palliative care is a right that must be ensured. Faced with the Covid-19 pandemic, social isolation was one of the recommended strategies for tackling the situation. Experience report: The team from the Palliative Care Unit of Pedro Ernesto University Hospital organized the flow of care for patients by adding teleconsultation to face-to-face care, with the aim of expanding communication between patients and their families and the health team, thus preserving a therapeutic plan based on the care, reception and adequate respect for this period of coping with the new coronavirus. Discussion: Communication between professionals from the different health areas of the unit has intensified due to discussions of the cases and outcomes presented. This article presents the main strategies, processes, perceptions and challenges developed and faced by the interdisciplinary team. The team plays a prominent role in facilitating patient integration and communication with the HUPE and the SUS network. Conclusion: The importance of the team is reflected on, in terms of how the center assists patients and family members to help them through the difficult experience with more peace of mind, security and comprehensive care.

Development of a Method for the Quantification of Clotrimazole and Itraconazole and Study of Their Stability in a New Microemulsion for the Treatment of Sporotrichosis.

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.

Identification and Microbial Production of the Raspberry Phenol Salidroside that Is Active against Huntington's Disease.

Edible berries are considered to be among nature's treasure chests as they contain a large number of (poly)phenols with potentially health-promoting properties. However, as berries contain complex (poly)phenol mixtures, it is challenging to associate any interesting pharmacological activity with a single compound. Thus, identification of pharmacologically interesting phenols requires systematic analyses of berry extracts. Here, raspberry (Rubus idaeus, var Prestige) extracts were systematically analyzed to identify bioactive compounds against pathological processes of neurodegenerative diseases. Berry extracts were tested on different Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains expressing disease proteins associated with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or Huntington's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. After identifying bioactivity against Huntington's disease, the extract was fractionated and the obtained fractions were tested in the yeast model, which revealed that salidroside, a glycosylated phenol, displayed significant bioactivity. Subsequently, a metabolic route to salidroside was reconstructed in S cerevisiae and Corynebacterium glutamicum The best-performing S cerevisiae strain was capable of producing 2.1 mm (640 mg L-1) salidroside from Glc in shake flasks, whereas an engineered C glutamicum strain could efficiently convert the precursor tyrosol to salidroside, accumulating up to 32 mm (9,700 mg L-1) salidroside in bioreactor cultivations (yield: 0.81 mol mol-1). Targeted yeast assays verified that salidroside produced by both organisms has the same positive effects as salidroside of natural origin.

Nephroprotective effect of Rudgea viburnoides (Cham.) Benth leaves on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

RELEVANCE: Rudgea viburnoides, popularly known as "congonha-de-bugre" or "erva de bugre", is used in folk medicine as hypotensive, blood depurative, anti-rheumatic, diuretic and in the treatment of kidney and bladder pain. AIM: Based on the popularly acclaimed nephron-protective effect of R. viburnoides, we investigated, using rats, the protective effect of this plant extract on gentamicin-induced kidney injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Urinary volume, water and food intakes were assessed in adult male Wistar rats (naive or gentamicin-induced model of nephrotoxicity) treated with R. viburnoides extract. Also blood and kidney samples were collected for further laboratory and histological analyses. RESULTS: R. viburnoides leaves extract improved renal function. It also improved the renal function impairments caused by gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity, as revealed by glomerular filtration rate, urine output and proteinuria. CONCLUSION: R. viburnoides exert renoprotective effect, which may support its popular use for renal diseases treatment.

Mentha piperita essential oil induces apoptosis in yeast associated with both cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS-mediated damage.

Mentha piperita (MP), also known as peppermint, is an aromatic and medicinal plant widely used in the food industry, perfumery and cosmetic, pharmacy and traditional medicine. Its essential oil (EO) displays antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria and fungi. In this study, we found that MP EO lethal cytotoxicity is associated with increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial fragmentation and chromatin condensation, without loss of the plasma membrane integrity, indicative of an apoptotic process. Overexpression of cytosolic catalase and superoxide dismutases reverted the lethal effects of the EO and of its major component menthol. Conversely, deficiency in Sod1p (cytosolic copper-zinc-superoxide dismutase) greatly increased sensitivity to both agents, but deficiency in Sod2p (mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase) only induced sensitivity under respiratory growth conditions. Mentha piperita EO increased the frequency of respiratory deficient mutants indicative of damage to the mitochondrial genome, although increase in mitochondrial thiol oxidation does not seem to be involved in the EO toxicity.

A lyophilized aqueous extract of Maytenus ilicifolia leaves inhibits histamine-mediated acid secretion in isolated frog gastric mucosa.

Lyophilized aqueous extract of Maytenus ilicifolia leaves (LAEMIL) is commonly used in Brazilian folk medicine in the treatment of dyspepsia as well as gastric ulcers. We have investigated the effect and the possible mechanism of action of the LAEMIL on acid secretion in isolated frog gastric mucosa incubated in an Ussing chamber. It was observed that LAEMIL (7-28 mg%) as well as cimetidine (125-4,000 microM), a well-known histamine H2 receptor antagonist, decreased basal acid secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. Similarly to cimetidine (190 microM), LAEMIL (21 mg%) also inhibited gastric acid secretion induced by increasing concentrations of histamine (50-800 microM). The EC50 values for histamine alone and histamine in the presence of LAEMIL or cimetidine were 94.6 microM (71.1-125.9 microM), 244.9 microM (209.4-286.4 microM) and 142.2 microM (23.6-855.0 microM), respectively. LAEMIL, histamine and cimetidine were effective on acid secretion only when added to the serosal surface of the mucosa. Furthermore, simultaneous addition of LAEMIL and cimetidine at concentrations, per se, ineffective, caused a 16% reduction in the basal acid secretion [from 8.3 +/- 0.3 to 6.9 +/- 0.2 microEq g(-1) (15 min)(-1), n=4]. Although effects such as inhibition of histamine biosynthesis and/or histamine release can not be ruled out, our data suggest that LAEMIL, like cimetidine, reduces acid secretion in the isolated frog gastric mucosa by antagonising histamine H2 receptors.

Self-medication in a Portuguese urban population: a prevalence study.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of self-medication in a Portuguese urban population. To assess the feasibility of performing these studies in community pharmacies. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was chosen to collect information about demography, use of health services and drug utilization in a sample of pharmacy user-purchasers in a pre-determined period of time. RESULTS: The proportion of pharmacies which participated in the study was 18.3% (11 from 60 invited) in Lisbon and 37.5% (15 of 40 invited) in Porto. Among the 3312 selected patients, only 2.6% (n = 114) refused to participate. The prevalence of self-medication was found to be 26.2%. The distribution of self-medication by gender was 28.4% for males and 25.2% for females. Use of self-medication was statistically significantly higher (p < 0.001) among individuals aged between 10 and 49 years. The main therapeutic groups used for self-medication, according to the ATC classification, were throat preparations, cough and cold preparations, stomatological preparations (antiinfectives and corticosteroides for local oral treatment), laxatives, analgesics, dermatological preparations, vitamins, mineral supplements and other alimentary tract and metabolism products. CONCLUSIONS: In the urban areas under study the overall prevalence of self-medication was 26.2%. Predictive factors for self-medication seem to be, a high level of education, professional status and length of waiting times for a medical consultation in cases of a severe health problem. Further research on this subject is needed to confirm the reproducibility of these results, since potential selection bias could have been introduced due to the method used for patient selection. Pharmacoepidemiologic research is feasible in Portuguese community pharmacies.