Comparison of green solvents for the revalorization of orange by-products: Carotenoid extraction and in vitro antioxidant activity.

Orange peels contain a considerable number of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, that can be used as ingredients in high-value products. The aim of this study was to compare orange peel extracts obtained with different green solvents (vegetable oils, fatty acids, and deep eutectic solvents (DES)). In addition, the chemical characterization of a new hydrophobic DES formed by octanoic acid and l-proline (C8:Pro) was performed. The extracts were compared in terms of carotenoid extraction, antioxidant activity by three methods, color, and environmental impact. The results confirmed that the mixture of C8:Pro is a DES and showed the highest carotenoid extraction (46.01 µg/g) compared to hexane (39.28 µg/g). The antioxidant activity was also the highest in C8:Pro (2438.8 µM TE/mL). Finally, two assessment models were used to evaluate the greenness and sustainability of the proposed extractions. These results demonstrated the potential use of orange peels in the circular economy and industry.

Morphometrics of waterlogged archaeological seeds give new insights into the domestication and spread of Papaver somniferum L. in Western Europe.

Domesticated opium poppy Papaver somniferum L. subsp. somniferum probably originated in the Western Mediterranean from its possible wild progenitor, Papaver somniferum L. subsp. setigerum and spread to other European regions. Seeds of opium poppy have been identified in different European regions since the Early Neolithic (from the 6th millennium cal. BC onwards) period. However, until recently, the absence of morphological identification criteria has prevented the discrimination between wild and domestic morphotypes. New morphometric approaches to distinguish modern subspecies have been proven to be applicable to waterlogged archaeological remains, opening the possibility of understanding the process of domestication of the plant in both time and space. This paper applies seed outline analyses, namely elliptic Fourier transforms, combined with size and number of cells to archaeological waterlogged Papaver seeds throughout the Neolithic period in the NW Mediterranean and the surroundings of the Alps. Furthermore, one example from the Late Bronze Age (LBA) was added to see what kind of differences appeared during the >1000 years between the end of the Neolithic and the LBA. The aim of the study is to classify the archaeological seeds as domestic or wild morphotypes and observe morphometric changes in connection to geographical and chronological patterns that can explain the spread and domestication process(es) of this important crop. A total of 295 archaeological seeds coming from 10 waterlogged sites dating between 5300-2300 cal. BC (Neolithic), and one LBA site dating to 1070 cal. BC were analysed. The results indicate the presence of seeds, similar to the wild morphotype, in the Mediterranean sites and larger seeds, similar to the domestic morphotype, in the regions surrounding the Alps. The number of cells mainly increased during the Late Neolithic (3300 to 2300 cal. BC) and, finally, in the Late Bronze Age (ca. 1050-800 cal. BC), larger, morphologically domesticated seeds are clearly predominant. A change in the shape of the seeds is only clearly visible in the LBA material. Altogether our results suggest that opium poppy seeds show no sign of domestication in the early periods of the Neolithic, despite the fact that the plant was very probably already cultivated at that time in the western Mediterranean region.

Cultivo e uso racional de plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos / Cultivation and rational use of medicinal and herbal plants / Cultivo y uso racional de plantas medicinales y herbáceas

A utilização de plantas medicinais como alternativa terapêutica vem atingindo um público cada vez maior. Assim, os fitoterápicos podem atuar como forma opcional de terapêutica levando em consideração o menor custo, e cujos benefícios se somam aos da terapia convencional. Com isso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi enfatizar a importância do cultivo e do uso racional de medicamentos fitoterápicos e plantas medicinais. Para tanto, foram incluídos artigos em português e inglês inseridos no banco de dados: Scielo, Google acadêmico, além de revistas eletrônicas, livros com embasamento científico de referência e base de dados do Ministério da Saúde entre os anos de 2018 a 2022. As plantas medicinais e os medicamentos fitoterápicos podem provocar efeitos adversos, interferir no efeito de medicamentos utilizados concomitantemente, além da possibilidade de causar intoxicações pela presença de contaminantes em produtos de baixa qualidade. Para a produção de bioativos, em níveis quali e quantitativamente adequados, o cultivo das plantas medicinais deve ser cuidadosamente realizado, através de técnicas adequadas para preservação do solo e plantio são essenciais, como a utilização de adubos verdes e a cobertura vegetal, que além de protegerem o solo da radiação solar, prevenir a evaporação excessiva da água e melhorar as características físicas, químicas e biológicas do sol. Esses critérios influenciam a qualidade do fitoterápico, portanto a fim de garantir a eficácia terapêutica, as plantas devem ser corretamente cultivadas, coletadas, identificadas e conservadas. Sendo assim, conclui-se que a utilização de plantas medicinais para tratamentos tem sido cada vez mais indicada pelos profissionais da saúde, ressaltando a importância do uso seguro e racional, com alerta para as suas consequências.

The use of medicinal plants as a therapeutic alternative has been reaching a growing public. Thus, herbal medicines can act as an optional form of therapy taking into account the lowest cost, and whose benefits are added to those of conventional therapy. Thus, the objective of this work was to emphasize the importance of the cultivation and rational use of herbal medicines and medicinal plants. To this end, articles in Portuguese and English inserted in the database: Scielo, Google academic, in addition to electronic journals, books with scientific reference base and database of the Ministry of Health between the years 2018 to 2022 were included. herbal medicines can cause adverse effects, interfere with the effect of medicines used concomitantly, in addition to the possibility of causing poisoning due to the presence of contaminants in low-quality products. For the production of bioactives, at qualitatively and quantitatively appropriate levels, the cultivation of medicinal plants must be carefully carried out, through techniques cultivated for soil preservation and planting are essential, such as the use of green manures and vegetation cover, which in addition to protect the soil from solar radiation, prevent excessive water evaporation and improve the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the sun. These criteria influence the quality of the herbal medicine, therefore, in order to guarantee therapeutic efficacy, as the plants must be correctly cultivated, collected, identified and conserved. Therefore, it is concluded that the use of medicinal plants for treatments has been increasingly indicated by health professionals, emphasizing the importance of safe and rational use, with an alert to its consequences.

El uso de plantas medicinales como alternativa terapéutica ha ido alcanzando un público cada vez más amplio. Así, las plantas medicinales pueden actuar como una forma opcional de terapia teniendo en cuenta el menor coste, y cuyos beneficios se suman a los de la terapia convencional. Así, el objetivo de este trabajo fue destacar la importancia del cultivo y uso racional de las hierbas medicinales y plantas medicinales. Para ello, los artículos en portugués e Inglés insertados en la base de datos: Scielo, Google académico, además de revistas electrónicas, libros con base de referencia científica y base de datos del Ministerio de Salud entre los años 2018 a 2022 fueron incluidos. medicamentos a base de hierbas pueden causar efectos adversos, interferir con el efecto de los medicamentos utilizados concomitantemente, además de la posibilidad de causar intoxicación debido a la presencia de contaminantes en productos de baja calidad. Para la producción de bioactivos, en niveles cualitativa y cuantitativamente adecuados, el cultivo de plantas medicinales debe ser realizado cuidadosamente, siendo esenciales técnicas de preservación del suelo y de plantación, como el uso de abonos verdes y cobertura vegetal, que además de proteger el suelo de la radiación solar, evitan la evaporación excesiva del agua y mejoran las características físicas, químicas y biológicas del sol. Estos criterios influyen en la calidad de la fitoterapia, por lo que, para garantizar la eficacia terapéutica, las plantas deben cultivarse, recolectarse, identificarse y conservarse correctamente. Por lo tanto, se concluye que el uso de plantas medicinales para tratamientos ha sido cada vez más indicado por los profesionales de la salud, enfatizando la importancia del uso seguro y racional, con alerta a sus consecuencias.

Selective terpene based therapeutic deep eutectic systems against colorectal cancer.

Cancer remains a major health problem worldwide, with colorectal cancer (CRC) being the third most incident and the second most lethal. Inflammation, on the other hand, has been highly associated with cancer development and maintenance, therefore, the reduction of the inflammatory microenvironment represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Deep eutectic systems (DES) are based on the combination of different components which together, at a certain molar ratio, present a deep decrease in their melting point compared with the individual compounds. When an active pharmaceutical ingredient is part of a DES it is designated by therapeutic deep eutectic system (THEDES). New THEDES combining terpenes with anticancer properties, such as safranal, menthol and linalool, with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, ketoprofen and flurbiprofen were produced. To evaluate THEDES anti-CRC therapeutic potential, their physico-chemical properties, bioavailability and bioactivity, were explored. Our results show that safranal:ibuprofen (3:1), safranal:ibuprofen (4:1) and menthol:ibuprofen (3:1) present promising therapeutic activity towards CRC cells due to a selective cytotoxic action towards cancer cells. menthol:ibuprofen (3:1) anti-proliferative action seems to be related with cell membrane disruption, reduction of the inflammation through the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and induction of apoptosis via caspase-3. On the other hand, safranal:ibuprofen (3:1) and safafranal:ibuprofen (4:1) seem to prevent tumour expansion only through the induction of apoptosis via caspase-3. Besides, these systems present an increase in ibuprofen permeability, with menthol:ibuprofen (3:1) increasing also ibuprofen's solubility thus its overall bioavailability. Knowing that cancer is a huge problematic situation that requires alternative therapies with less side effects, improved efficacy, associated with less costs and environmentally friendly, a new opportunity emerges for DES to be part of the pharmaceutical industry.

Photobiomodulation reduces the impact of radiotherapy on oral health-related quality of life due to mucositis-related symptoms in head and neck cancer patients.

To assess the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy (RT), using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and the Patient-Reported Oral Mucositis (OM) Symptoms Scale (PROMS), and to correlate OM degree with the PROMS and OHIP-14 scores. Forty-eight patients undergoing RT for head and neck cancer were randomly assigned into two groups: PBMT group (n = 25)-daily PBMT associated with a preventive oral care program (POCP); and control group (n = 23)-receiving POCP exclusively. OHRQoL was assessed using the PROMS and OHIP-14 questionnaires. OM degrees were classified according to the World Health Organization and the National Cancer Institute scales. Assessments were performed at the 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 30th RT sessions. PBMT was effective in preventing and treating severe OM. Both groups showed increased OHRQoL impacts throughout the RT sessions; however, higher impacts were observed in the control group, mainly at the final stage of treatment (21st and 30th RT sessions). Significant correlations were found between the severity of OM and PROMS scores in the total sample and the control group at all RT periods. PROMS and OM scores were positive correlated at 14th, 21st, and 30th RT sessions in the control group, suggesting that this instrument is useful in classifying OM. PBMT was effective in treating and preventing severe OM and OM-related symptoms, and with consequent positive impacts in OHRQoL in head and neck patients undergoing RT. The PROMS scale was helpful instrument for assessment of the severity of OM. Brazilian Clinical Trials database (ReBEC - RBR-5h4y4n), registered in Aug, 24th 2017.

Efeitos do treinamento muscular respiratório em pacientes após acidente vascular cerebral: uma revisão sistemática / Effects of respiratory muscle training in patients after cerebral vascular accident: a systematic review

O Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) é o resultado da interrupção aguda do suprimento sanguíneo ao cérebro por meio de entupimento ou rompimento dos vasos podendo provocar lesões celulares e alterações nas funções neurológicas. Essas alterações são relevantes para a ineficiência dos mecanismos orofaríngeos da deglutição, respiração, fonação e reflexos protetores das vias aéreas inferiores culminando em alta incidência de pneumonia por aspiração. O Treinamento Muscular Respiratório tem como função restabelecer a função muscular que esteja comprometida, treinar tanta a força quanto à endurance muscular, melhorar a eficácia na desobstrução das vias aéreas, condicionar e adaptar ao exercício e prevenir a fadiga muscular respiratória. OBJETIVO: O objetivo desse estudo é sistematizar o efeito do treinamento muscular respiratório sobre os volumes e capacidades pulmonares em indivíduos que sofreram acidente vascular cerebral. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Esta revisão sistemática foi realizada pela busca nas bases de dados BVS (Scielo, Lilacs, IBECS, Medline), PubMed e análise das referências. RESULTADOS: Um total de 4834 estudos foram rastreados e analisados, onde fizeram parte desta revisão 17 estudos publicados entre 2010 e 2019. CONCLUSÃO: Estudos comprovaram que o uso de TMR em pacientes pós-AVC gera efeitos positivos nos volumes e capacidades pulmonares, apesar de terem um tamanho amostral pequeno. A busca por criar novos estudos que possam auxiliar na prescrição e padronização dos treinamentos desses indivíduos em diversos ambientes deve ser um caminho a se pensar.

Stroke is the result of the interruption of blood supply to the brain and can cause cellular damage and changes in neurological functions. These changes are relevant to the inefficiency of the oropharyngeal mechanisms of swallowing, breathing, phonation and protective reflexes of the lower airways culminating in a high incidence of aspiration pneumonia. Respiratory Muscle Training has the function of restoring muscle function that is compromised, training both strength and muscle endurance, better effectiveness in clearing the airways, conditioning and adapting to exercise and preventing respiratory muscle fatigue. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to verify the effect of respiratory muscle training on individuals who have suffered a stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review was carried out by searching the VHL databases (Scielo, Lilacs, IBECS, Medline), PubMed and analyzing the references. RESULTS: A total of 4834 studies were screened and analyzed, where 17 studies published between 2010 and 2019 were part of this review. CONCLUSION: Studies have shown that the use of TMR in post-stroke patients has positive effects on lung volumes and capacities, despite have a small sample size. The search for creating new studies that can assist in the prescription and standardization of the training of these individuals in different environments should be a way to think.

A prospective study on oral adverse effects in head and neck cancer patients submitted to a preventive oral care protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence and severity of oral complications, number of radiotherapy (RT) interruptions and quality of life (QoL) in a population of head and neck cancer patients receiving a preventive oral care program (POCP) and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT). METHODS: Prospective cohort of 61 head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiochemotherapy were monitored and submitted to a POCP that included oral hygiene and plaque control, removal of infection foci, dental restorations, periodontal therapy, fluorotherapy, oral hydration, and denture removal at night, combined with daily PBMT. Outcomes included occurrence of adverse effects such as severity of oral mucositis (OM) and oral symptoms (pain, solid and fluid dysphagia, odynophagia, dysgeusia), quality of life impacts, and interruptions of radiotherapy (RT) due to symptoms. Disease-free and overall survival rates were evaluated. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in oral health conditions between initial assessment and the two longitudinal assessments (p < 0.05), which indicates that the POCP was effective for plaque control and reduction of gingival inflammation. All participants were free of OM at the beginning of the RT regimen and only 45.9% after the 7th session, and few patients ranked the highest score of OM. For all symptoms related to OM, there was a progressive increase of severity until the 14th RT session, which remained stable until the completion of the RT regimen. The same effect was observed for the quality of life measures. Discontinued RT due to OM occurred in only three patients (5%), and the maximum duration was 10 days. The overall survival rate was 77% and disease-free survival was 73.8%. Lower survival time was observed for patients with no response to RT (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest a positive effect of an oral preventive care program for head and neck cancer patients submitted to RT. The PBMT associated with a rigorous POCP resulted in satisfactory control of oral adverse effects, reduction of quality of life impacts, and interruption of RT regimen due to severe OM.

Humanized care in the ICU: challenges from the viewpoint of health professionals / Cuidado humanizado em UTI: desafios na visão dos profissionais de saúde / Cuidado humanizado en la UCI: desafíos en la visión de los profesionales de la salud

Objetivo: Investigar as dificuldades enfrentadas para a humanização do cuidado na visão dos profissionais de saúde da UTI. Método: A coleta de dados foi realizada em janeiro/2012, por meio de questionário semiestruturado, na UTI de uma instituição pública de Imperatriz/MA. A análise qualitativa foi realizada de acordo com Minayo. Resultados: Os profissionais definiram humanização da assistência como ter respeito ao paciente e assisti-lo como um todo através de um olhar holístico. As dificuldades apontadas foram: sobrecarga de trabalho, baixa remuneração, falta de recursos, falta de educação continuada e o relacionamento com os familiares. Os entrevistados acreditam que o cuidado humanizado contribui de maneira significativa na recuperação do paciente crítico. Conclusão: É necessário um maior comprometimento dos gestores e de todos os envolvidos para vencer os desafios existentes e, dessa forma, proporcionar um cuidado mais humano e acolhedor aos usuários.

Objective: To investigate the difficulties faced to the care humanization from the viewpoint of ICU health professionals. Method: Data collection was performed on January 2012, by means of a semi-structured questionnaire, in the ICU of a public institution from the city of Imperatriz/MA/Brazil. The qualitative analysis was conducted according to Minayo. Results: Professionals have defined care humanization as having respect for the patient and watch it as a whole through a holistic gaze. The pointed difficulties were: work overload, low income, scarce resources, lack of continuing education and the relationship with family members. The interviewees believe that a humanized care significantly contributes to the recovery of the critical patient. Conclusion: It is necessary having an increased commitment of the managers and the stakeholders to overcome existing challenges and, thus, providing a more humane and warm care to the users.

Objetivo: Investigar las dificultades para la humanización de la atención en vista de los profesionales de la salud de la UCI. Método: Larecolección de datos se realizo em en janeiro/2012 a través de cuestionario semi-estructurado en la UCI de una institución pública de la Imperatriz/MA. El análisis cualitativo se realizó según Minayo. Resultados: Los profesionales han definido una atención de calidad cómo tener respeto por el paciente y verlo em su totalidade a través de una mirada holística. Las dificultades mencionadas fueron: trabajo excesivo, los bajos salarios, la falta de recursos, la falta de educación continua y las relaciones con los miembros de la familia. Los encuestados creen que el cuidado humanizado contribuye de manera significativa en la recuperación de los pacientes críticos. Conclusión: Requiere un mayor compromiso de los directivos y todos los involucrados para superar los retos existentes y proporcionar así una atención más humana y amigable para los usuarios.

Influência dos fatores maternos e práticas de aleitamento materno no ingurgitamento mamário / Influence of maternal factors and breastfeeding practices on breast engorgement

A importância do aleitamento materno é incontestável, porém a maioria das mães inicia a alimentação dos bebés com leite artificial e outros alimentos antes dos 4 meses e muitas deixam de amamentar muito antes dos 2 anos. No processo do aleitamento materno, o ingurgitamento mamário é uma condição dolorosa e desagradável, que afeta um grande número de mulheres no pós-parto, surgindo num momento em que as mães estão a lidar com as exigências de um novo bebé. Com base na questão de partida ?Em que medida os fatores maternos e as práticas de aleitamento materno influenciam o ingurgitamento mamário?? foram formulados os seguintes objetivos: relacionar os fatores maternos e as práticas de aleitamento materno com o ingurgitamento mamário; identificar as intervenções realizadas pelas mães para reduzir o ingurgitamento mamário; identificar as intervenções mais agradáveis e com melhores resultados no alívio dos sintomas da mama no ingurgitamento mamário, referenciadas pelas mães. Realizou-se um estudo quantitativo, do tipo descritivo-correlacional, não experimental, retrospetivo e exploratório. O questionário foi o instrumento de recolha de dados, aplicado a uma amostra de 80 mulheres que foram mães nos anos de 2010, 2011 e 2012 em Coimbra e que tiveram as mamas muito cheias enquanto estiveram a amamentar os seus filhos. Os resultados obtidos indicam que o tipo de mamilos é o fator materno capaz de influenciar o ingurgitamento mamário. O uso da chupeta, de mamilo de silicone, o tipo de aleitamento, a dor e a motivação são as práticas de aleitamento materno que interferem no ingurgitamento mamário. As intervenções mais realizadas pelas mães durante o ingurgitamento são a aplicação de calor, aplicação de gelo e a extração de leite, manual ou mecânica. O calor húmido e a extração manual e mecânica de leite foram as escolhidas pelas mães como as mais eficazes a aliviar as mamas ingurgitadas e o calor húmido, o gelo e a extração manual foram as escolhidas como as mais agradáveis de realizar. Porém, esta área continua a necessitar de investigação, nomeadamente a averiguação das intervenções mais eficazes no tratamento do ingurgitamento mamário num estudo longitudinal com observação das mamas, mamadas e intervenções realizadas.

Análise do equilíbrio dinãmico em idosas praticantes de dança de salão / Analysis of the dynamic balance in elderly practicing of dance of hall

É apresentado o efeito da dança de salão no equilíbrio dinâmico em mulheres idosas praticantes (n=15) e não-praticantes de dança de salão (n=15), bem como em mulheres adultas jovens (n=15), durante a realização da marcha em plano horizontal. Os critérios de inclusão destes indivíduos foram respectivamente: 1) ausência de história de lesão de etiologia osteomioarticular e/ou neurológica, 2) ausência de condição álgica durante a realização de movimentos na marcha, 3) mulheres adultas jovens deveriam apresentar idade entre 20 e 30 anos e as idosas acima de 60 anos, 4) ausência de lesões vasculares, cardíacas e respiratórias e 5) ausência de déficits visuais. Para esta análise, foi utilizada uma esteira rolante do sistema Gaitway/Kistler. A partir desta análise, os resultados obtidos foram: 1) durante a marcha, mulheres idosas sedentárias apresentaram uma diminuição nos valores das variáveis primeiro pico de força, segudo pico de força e taxa de aceitação de peso quando comparado aos valores apresentados por mulheres do grupo controle; 2) idosas praticantes de dança de salão apresentaram seus valores iguais aos valores apresentados por mulheres do grupo controle. Finalmente, pôde-se concluir por meio desata análise que a dança de salão é um meio versátil e interativo de promoção da manutenção ou melhora do equilíbrio dinâmico em idosos sedentários durante a realização da marcha