Evaluation of different substance combinations in a multiple-session mesotherapy protocol for the management of osteoarthritis in dogs: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of different substance combinations administered through mesotherapy in dogs with hip osteoarthritis. ANIMALS: 104 dogs. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 4 groups (dogs treated with a combination of lidocaine, piroxicam, and thiocolchicoside [MG]; dogs treated with lidocaine, piroxicam, and Traumeel [TG]; dogs treated with lidocaine, piroxicam, and glucosamine [GG]; and dogs treated with the same combination as in MG combined with a photobiomodulation session [MPG]) were set. For all groups, the same treatment frequency was followed. Response to treatment was measured with the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (divided into pain interference score and pain severity score), Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD), and Canine Orthopedic Index (divided into function, gait, stiffness, and quality of life) before treatment and 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after treatment. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to investigate the influence of treatment, age, sex, body weight, breed, and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals score. RESULTS: Dogs had a mean age of 7.6 ± 3.1 years and body weight of 28.6 ± 5.5 kg. Hip osteoarthritis was classified as mild (4), moderate (70), or severe (30). Greater improvements were observed in MG and MPG. Kaplan-Meier estimators showed MG and MPG had longer periods with clinically significant results. Treatment was the covariable that contributed more frequently to the outcomes observed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The combination used in MG, particularly combined with photobiomodulation, produced longer-lasting clinically significant results.

Polysaccharide-fecal microbiota-based colon-targeted self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of curcumin for treating polycystic ovarian syndrome.

The gut microbiome is involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Modulating the gut microbiome can lead to eubiosis and treatment of various metabolic conditions. However, there is no proper study assessing the delivery of microbial technology for the treatment of such conditions. The present study involves the development of guar gum-pectin-based solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS) containing curcumin (CCM) and fecal microbiota extract (FME) for the treatment of PCOS. The optimized S-SNEDDS containing FME and CCM was prepared by dissolving CCM (25 mg) in an isotropic mixture consisting of Labrafil M 1944 CS, Transcutol P, and Tween-80 and solidified using lactose monohydrate, aerosil-200, guar gum, and pectin (colon-targeted CCM solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system [CCM-CT-S-SNEDDS]). Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation was carried out on letrozole-induced female Wistar rats. The results of pharmacokinetic studies indicated about 13.11 and 23.48-fold increase in AUC of CCM-loaded colon-targeted S-SNEDDS without FME (CCM-CT-S-SNEDDS (WFME)) and CCM-loaded colon-targeted S-SNEDDS with FME [(CCM-CT-S-SNEDDS (FME)) as compared to unprocessed CCM. The pharmacodynamic study indicated excellent recovery/reversal in the rats treated with CCM-CT-S-SNEDDS low and high dose containing FME (group 13 and group 14) in a dose-dependent manner. The developed formulation showcasing its improved bioavailability, targeted action, and therapeutic activity in ameliorating PCOS can be utilized as an adjuvant therapy for developing a dosage form, scale-up, and technology transfer.

Antioxidant, antimicrobial and healing properties of an extract from coffee pulp for the development of a phytocosmetic.

Consumer demand for natural, chemical-free products has grown. Food industry residues, like coffee pulp, rich in caffeine, chlorogenic acid and phenolic compounds, offer potential for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Therefore, the objective of this work was to develop a phytocosmetic only with natural products containing coffee pulp extract as active pharmaceutical ingredient with antioxidant, antimicrobial and healing activity. Eight samples from Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora Pierre were analyzed for caffeine, chlorogenic acid, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, cytotoxicity, antibacterial activity, and healing potential. The Robusta IAC-extract had the greatest prominence with 192.92 µg/mL of chlorogenic acid, 58.98 ± 2.88 mg GAE/g sample in the FRAP test, 79.53 ± 5.61 mg GAE/g sample in the test of total phenolics, was not cytotoxic, and MIC 3 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus. This extract was incorporated into a stable formulation and preferred by 88% of volunteers. At last, a scratch assay exhibited the formulation promoted cell migration after 24 h, therefore, increased scratch retraction. In this way, it was possible to develop a phytocosmetic with the coffee pulp that showed desirable antioxidant, antimicrobial and healing properties.

Chitosan-based nanosystems for cancer diagnosis and therapy: Stimuli-responsive, immune response, and clinical studies.

Cancer, a global health challenge of utmost severity, necessitates innovative approaches beyond conventional treatments (e.g., surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy). Unfortunately, these approaches frequently fail to achieve comprehensive cancer control, characterized by inefficacy, non-specific drug distribution, and the emergence of adverse side effects. Nanoscale systems based on natural polymers like chitosan have garnered significant attention as promising platforms for cancer diagnosis and therapy owing to chitosan's inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, nontoxicity, and ease of functionalization. Herein, recent advancements pertaining to the applications of chitosan nanoparticles in cancer imaging and drug/gene delivery are deliberated. The readers are introduced to conventional non-stimuli-responsive and stimuli-responsive chitosan-based nanoplatforms. External triggers like light, heat, and ultrasound and internal stimuli such as pH and redox gradients are highlighted. The utilization of chitosan nanomaterials as contrast agents or scaffolds for multimodal imaging techniques e.g., magnetic resonance, fluorescence, and nuclear imaging is represented. Key applications in targeted chemotherapy, combination therapy, photothermal therapy, and nucleic acid delivery using chitosan nanoformulations are explored for cancer treatment. The immunomodulatory effects of chitosan and its role in impacting the tumor microenvironment are analyzed. Finally, challenges, prospects, and future outlooks regarding the use of chitosan-based nanosystems are discussed.

Novel Therapeutic Hybrid Systems Using Hydrogels and Nanotechnology: A Focus on Nanoemulgels for the Treatment of Skin Diseases.

Topical and transdermal drug delivery are advantageous administration routes, especially when treating diseases and conditions with a skin etiology. Nevertheless, conventional dosage forms often lead to low therapeutic efficacy, safety issues, and patient noncompliance. To tackle these issues, novel topical and transdermal platforms involving nanotechnology have been developed. This review focuses on the latest advances regarding the development of nanoemulgels for skin application, encapsulating a wide variety of molecules, including already marketed drugs (miconazole, ketoconazole, fusidic acid, imiquimod, meloxicam), repurposed marketed drugs (atorvastatin, omeprazole, leflunomide), natural-derived compounds (eucalyptol, naringenin, thymoquinone, curcumin, chrysin, brucine, capsaicin), and other synthetic molecules (ebselen, tocotrienols, retinyl palmitate), for wound healing, skin and skin appendage infections, skin inflammatory diseases, skin cancer, neuropathy, or anti-aging purposes. Developed formulations revealed adequate droplet size, PDI, viscosity, spreadability, pH, stability, drug release, and drug permeation and/or retention capacity, having more advantageous characteristics than current marketed formulations. In vitro and/or in vivo studies established the safety and efficacy of the developed formulations, confirming their therapeutic potential, and making them promising platforms for the replacement of current therapies, or as possible adjuvant treatments, which might someday effectively reach the market to help fight highly incident skin or systemic diseases and conditions.

The MEDITAGING study: protocol of a two-armed randomized controlled study to compare the effects of the mindfulness-based stress reduction program against a health promotion program in older migrants in Luxembourg.

BACKGROUND: Migration is a phenomenon worldwide, with older migrants, particularly those with fewer socioeconomic resources, having an increased risk of developing adverse cognitive and health outcomes and social isolation. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to validate interventions that promote healthy aging in this population. Previous studies have shown a positive impact of mindfulness based-stress reduction (MBSR) on outcomes such as cognition and sleep. However, only a few studies verified its potential in older adults, especially with vulnerable populations such as migrants. This article presents the protocol of the MEDITAGING study, which is the first to investigate the MBSR effects in migrants aged ≥55 in comparison to a health promotion program. METHODS: MEDITAGING is a two-arm randomized, double-blinded, controlled study, which will include older Portuguese-speaking migrants (n = 90). Participants are randomized to the MBSR or a health promotion program. Both interventions are conducted in groups over a total of 8 weeks, incorporating weekly meetings, an additional 4-hour class, and extra at-home tasks. The health promotion program has the same structure as the MBSR but comprises different activities related to dementia prevention, healthy habits, cognitive stimulation, sleeping, nutrition, watercolor painting, and physical activity. The assessment of executive functioning, physiological stress measures, self-reported questionnaires, and qualitative interviews are conducted at baseline, after 8 weeks (post-intervention), and at a follow-up session (from one to 3 months thereafter). Analyzes will be conducted using a modified intention-to-treat approach (all participants with at least 3 days of participation in the group-sessions and one post-intervention observation). DISCUSSION: This study will test effects of a mindfulness-based intervention against an active control condition in older adult migrants, which few studies have addressed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05615337 (date of registration: 27 September 2022; date of record verification: 14 November 2022).

Efeitos anti-inflamatórios do extrato alcoólico de folhas de garcinia gardneriana na peritonite induzida por lipopolissacarídeo / Anti-inflammatory effects of garcinia gardneriana leaf extract on lipopolysaccharideinduced peritonitis

Introdução: A Garcinia gardneriana é utilizada na medicina tradicional brasileira para o tratamento de tumores, inflamações e alívio de dores, mas as informações científicas são ainda limitadas. Objetivos: Diante do uso popular e o anseio por efeitos colaterais mínimos, o objetivo geral deste estudo foi avaliar as propriedades anti-inflamatórias da G. gardneriana em modelo de peritonite induzido por lipopolissacarideo (LPS). Métodos: Ratos Wistar foram divididos aleatoriamente em 3 grupos (n= 5/ grupo): controle, induzido à peritonite e não tratado e induzido à peritonite e tratado com extrato de folhas alcoólico de G. gardneriana a 4%. A peritonite foi induzida por única injeção intraperitoneal de LPS (1 mg/kg). O tratamento com o extrato foi realizado por gavagem (1 ml), administrado antes e 12h após a injeção do LPS. Os ratos foram eutanasiados após 24h da indução de peritonite. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para análise plasmática de histamina, o lavado intraperitoneal para quantificação de neutrófilos e o intestino delgado para processamento histológico, quantificação de mastócitos e imuno-histoquímica da expressão da proteína Anexina A1 (AnxA1). Resultados: As análises quantitativas indicaram os efeitos anti-inflamatórios do extrato, pela redução do recrutamento de neutrófilos para a cavidade peritoneal e a diminuição da quantidade de mastócitos na lâmina própria do intestino delgado, comparadas aos animais não tratados. Não houve diferença estatística dos níveis de histamina. A imuno-histoquímica indicou diminuição acentuada da expressão da AnxA1 na mucosa intestinal dos animais tratados. Conclusão: Nossos dados demonstraram que o extrato alcoólico de G. gardneriana tem forte ação anti-inflamatória e potencial terapêutico para o desenvolvimento de fitoterápicos com propriedades anti-inflamatórias

Introduction: Garcinia gardneriana is used in traditional Brazilian medicine for the treatment of tumors, inflammation and relief of pain, but scientific information is still limited. Objective: In the face of popular use and the desire for minimal side effects, the general objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of G. gardneriana in a model of lipopolysaccharide-induced peritonitis (LPS). Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 5 / group): control, induced to peritonitis and untreated and induced to peritonitis and treated with 4% alcoholic extract of G. gardneriana leaves. Peritonitis was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of LPS (1 mg/kg). Treatment with the extract was performed by gavage (1 ml), given before and 12h after LPS injection. The rats were euthanized 24h after the peritonitis induction. Blood samples were collected for plasma analysis of histamine, intraperitoneal lavage for quantification of neutrophils and the small intestine for histological processing for quantification of mast cells, and immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of Annexin A1 (AnxA1) protein. Results: Quantification analyses indicated the anti-inflammatory effects of the extract by reducing the recruitment of neutrophils into the peritoneal cavity and reducing the amount of mast cells in the lamina propria of the small intestine compared to the untreated animals. There was no statistical difference in the levels of histamine. Immunohistochemical studies indicated a marked decrease of the AnxA1 expression in the intestinal mucosa of the treated animals. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that the alcoholic extract of G. gardneriana has a strong anti-inflammatory action and therapeutic potential for the development of herbal products with anti-inflammatory properties

Introducción: Garcinia gardneriana se utiliza en la medicina tradicional brasileña para el tratamiento de tumores, inflamaciones y alivio del dolor, pero la información científica aún es limitada. Objetivo: Frente al uso popular y la búsqueda de efectos secundarios mínimos, lo objetivo general de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades antiinflamatorias de G. gardneriana en un modelo de peritonitis inducido por lipopolisacárido (LPS). Métodos: Se dividieron aleatoriamente ratas Wistar en 3 grupos (n= 5/grupo): control, inducido a peritonitis y no tratado, e inducido a peritonitis y tratado con extracto alcohólico de hojas de G. gardneriana al 4%. La peritonitis fue inducida por una única inyección intraperitoneal de LPS (1 mg/kg). El tratamiento con el extracto se realizó por gavaje (1 ml), administrado antes y 12 horas después de la inyección de LPS. Las ratas fueron sacrificadas después de 24 horas de la inducción de peritonitis. Se recopilaron muestras de sangre para el análisis plasmático de histamina, el lavado intraperitoneal para la cuantificación de neutrófilos y el intestino delgado para el procesamiento histológico, la cuantificación de mastocitos y la inmunohistoquímica de la expresión de la proteína Anexina A1 (AnxA1). Resultados: Los análisis cuantitativos indicaron los efectos antiinflamatorios del extracto, mediante la reducción del reclutamiento de neutrófilos en la cavidad peritoneal y la disminución de la cantidad de mastocitos en la lámina propia del intestino delgado, en comparación con los animales no tratados. No hubo diferencia estadística en los niveles de histamina. La inmunohistoquímica indicó una disminución pronunciada de la expresión de AnxA1 en la mucosa intestinal de los animales tratados. Conclusión: Nuestros datos demostraron que el extracto alcohólico de G. gardneriana tiene una fuerte acción antiinflamatoria y potencial terapéutico para el desarrollo de fitoterapéuticos con propiedades antiinflamatorias.

Flavonoids: the use in mental health and related diseases.

Given the current increase in mental and neurological disorders, there is an urgent need to develop alternative treatments for patients. Flavonoids exhibit diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective, and has been considered potential therapies for central nervous system diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, drug addiction, and stroke. Studies have shown that flavonoids protect neurons from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, improve brain blood flow and enhance cognitive function. Moreover, its modulation of neurotransmission, such as GABAergic, dopaminergic, serotoninergic, and noradrenergic, has been studied for the treatment of mental disorders that require sedative effects, antidepressants, sleep inducers and anxiety reduction. Although more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and potential benefits of these compounds, the use of flavonoids for neurological diseases is a promising avenue for future research and development. This review focuses on major flavonoid subclasses and their applications in central nervous system disorders.

Progress of cell membrane-derived biomimetic nanovesicles for cancer phototherapy.

In recent years, considerable attention has been given to phototherapy, including photothermal and photodynamic therapy to kill tumor cells by producing heat or reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has the high merits of noninvasiveness and limited drug resistance. To fully utilize this therapy, an extraordinary nanovehicle is required to target phototherapeutic agents in the tumor cells. Nanovesicles embody an ideal strategy for drug delivery applications. Cell membrane-derived biomimetic nanovesicles represent a developing type of nanocarrier. Combining this technique with cancer phototherapy could enable a novel strategy. Herein, efforts are made to describe a comprehensive overview of cell membrane-derived biomimetic nanovesicles for cancer phototherapy. The description in this review is mainly based on representative examples of exosome-derived biomimetic nanomedicine research, ranging from their comparison with traditional nanocarriers to extensive applications in cancer phototherapy. Additionally, the challenges and future prospectives for translating these for clinical application are discussed.

Descriptive study of reported cases of sexual violence and specialized care services in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2019.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the sociodemographic profile of reported cases of sexual violence (SV) and the distribution of care services for this health condition in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2019. METHODS: this was a descriptive study of the cases of sexual violence reported on the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System and care services registered in the National Health Establishment Registry. RESULTS: a total of 4,418 notifications of SV were identified during the study period, representing more than 12 notifications per day; the majority of notifications were among females (87.0%) and among children and adolescents (72.0%); the distribution of care services showed care gaps in four of the 14 health macro-regions of the state of Minas Gerais; the maximum distances traveled to access referral services ranged from 93 to 327 km. CONCLUSION: the scarcity of care services for people subjected to sexual violence in the micro-regions and macro-regions of Minas Gerais highlights the need for planning public policies aimed at increasing access to these services. MAIN RESULTS: Over 12 notifications of sexual violence were reported per day in the state of Minas Gerais in 2019, with a higher prevalence in females, children and adolescents, mixed-race/Black people. Care gaps were identified in four macro-regions of the state. IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICES: There was a need for victims to travel long distances to receive care in municipalities with referral services for comprehensive care for sexual violence, which may hinder access and timely care. PERSPECTIVES: It is expected that the results can contribute to improving public policies, considering the need to strategically plan the location of specialized services for people subjected to sexual violence.

The Antitumor Activity of Piplartine: A Review.

Cancer is a worldwide health problem with high mortality in children and adults, making searching for novel bioactive compounds with potential use in cancer treatment essential. Piplartine, also known as piperlongumine, is an alkamide isolated from Piper longum Linn, with relevant therapeutic potential. Therefore, this review covered research on the antitumor activity of piplartine, and the studies reported herein confirm the antitumor properties of piplartine and highlight its possible application as an anticancer agent against various types of tumors. The evidence found serves as a reference for advancing mechanistic research on this metabolite and preparing synthetic derivatives or analogs with better antitumor activity in order to develop new drug candidates.

A terapia da dignidade: uma intervenção especializada no conforto da pessoa em situação paliativa / Dignity therapy: a specialised intervention to comfort people in a palliative situation

Ao longo dos últimos anos, temos assistido a um aumento da esperança média de vida e o consequente envelhecimento populacional, aliados ao aumento da prevalência de doenças crónicas. Isto leva-nos a refletir sobre o fim de vida, e sobre a necessidade de conforto e qualidade de vida até ao último momento. Portanto, emerge a necessidade de Cuidados Paliativos (CP), que têm o objetivo o alívio do sofrimento físico, psicológico, social e espiritual, com base na identificação precoce e no tratamento rigoroso da dor e outros sintomas físicos, mas também psicossociais e espirituais, das pessoas que são portadoras de uma doença incurável e/ou grave, progressiva e avançada assim como as suas famílias ou pessoas significativas. Neste sentido, dando continuidade ao processo de aprendizagem, optou-se por realizar o estágio num serviço de cuidados paliativos de um hospital central com o objetivo de desenvolver competências comuns e específicas de enfermeiro especialista na área da enfermagem à pessoa em situação paliativa. O presente relatório do Estágio de Natureza Profissional contempla a descrição e análise critico-reflexiva das atividades realizadas e as competências adquiridas ao longo do mesmo. Para dar resposta aos objetivos propostos, das atividades desenvolvidas destacam-se o estudo de investigação, que se debruçou sobre a dimensão espiritual, ­concretamente sobre a Terapia da Dignidade (TD) no doente em cuidados paliativos. Neste sentido realizou-se uma scoping review, com o objetivo de mapear os efeitos da terapia da dignidade em doentes em cuidados paliativos. Os principais resultados mostram que esta terapia produz efeitos benéficos a nível espiritual, psi-emocional, físico, social e da própria qualidade de vida. Com este estudo percebeu-se que a TD tem efeitos bastante positivos no alívio do sofrimento do doente em situação de fim de vida pelo que pode ser considerada uma estratégia útil no âmbito dos cuidados paliativos tornando-os em cuidados cada vez mais dignos, humanizados e com um olhar holístico sobre o doente e a família. A nível do desenvolvimento de competências comuns, nomeadamente nas competências de gestão e formação, destacam-se nas atividades realizadas a elaboração de uma "Proposta de Protocolo de Apoio no Luto", e ainda à realização de duas formações "Dignidade em Fim de Vida" e "Apoio no Luto" dando resposta as necessidades da equipa e do serviço onde foi realizado o estágio. A nível do desenvolvimento de competências específicas, as atividades assentaram nas dimensões essenciais dos CP, nomeadamente: gestão de sintomas; comunicação; trabalho em equipa, apoio à família e apoio no luto, respeitando os princípios éticos, deontológicos e legais. Concluindo, verifica-se a necessidade de continuar a concetualizar e desenvolver cuidados paliativos especializados, nomeadamente pelo enfermeiro especialista em enfermagem à pessoa em situação paliativa, através da inclusão de estratégias sustentadas na melhor evidência, tais como a terapia da dignidade, e assim, proporcionar cuidados mais dignos ao doente e família, com o propósito de os ajudar a um melhor entendimento das formas de alívio de sofrimento na sua fase final de vida.

Over the last few years, we have witnessed an increase in life expectancy and the subsequent aging of the population, along with the rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases. This leads us to reflect on the end of life and the need for comfort and quality of life until the last moment. Thus, the need for palliative care arises. Palliative care's goal is the relief of physical pain, psychological, social and spiritual suffering for people diagnosed with an incurable and/or severe, progressive and advanced disease and their families or close friends. To achieve this, it uses early identification and rigorous treatment of pain and other physical, psychosocial and spiritual symptoms. In this sense, continuing the learning process, it was chosen to carry out the internship in a palliative care service at a central hospital aiming to develop common and specific specialist nurse skills in the field of nursing for individuals in palliative situations. This Professional Nature Internship report includes the description and critical-reflexive analysis of the activities carried out and the competencies acquired throughout the internship. To address the proposed objectives, among the activities carried out, the research study is highlighted, which focused on the spiritual dimension - specifically on Dignity Therapy (DT) in palliative care patients. In this regard, a scoping review was conducted aiming to map the effects of Dignity Therapy (DT) on patients in palliative care. The main findings show that this therapy has beneficial effects on the spiritual, psychosocial, physical, social, and overall quality of life aspects. Through this study, it was understood that DT has highly positive effects in relieving the suffering of patients in end-of-life situations, making it a valuable strategy within palliative care, which contributes to providing increasingly dignified, humanized care, with a holistic approach to the patient and their family. Regarding the development of common competencies, namely in management and training skills, the activities undertaken included the creation of a "Proposal for a Bereavement Support Protocol." Additionally, two training sessions were conducted on "Dignity at the End of Life" and "Bereavement Support," addressing the needs of the team and the service where the internship took place. Regarding the development of specific competencies, the activities focused on the essential dimensions of palliative care, including symptom management, communication, teamwork, family support, and bereavement support, adhering to ethical, deontological, and legal principles. In conclusion, there is a need to continue conceptualizing and developing specialized palliative care, particularly by the nurses specialized in nursing for individuals in palliative situations, through the incorporation of evidence-based strategies, such as dignity therapy, to provide more dignified care for patients and their families, aiming to help them better understand ways to alleviate suffering in their end-of-life phase.

Antiulcer mechanisms of the hydroalcoholic extract from Aztec marigolds' medicinal and edible flowers (Tagetes erecta L.).

The antiulcer mechanisms of the dry extract of T. erecta flowers (DETe) were studied here. The acute ulcers induced by acidified ethanol or indomethacin were reproduced in mice pretreated with DETe (3 - 300 mg/kg). The antiulcer activity of DETe was also verified in mice pretreated with NEM, L-NAME, indomethacin, or yohimbine. The antisecretory effect of DETe was verified in rats, and its anti-Helicobacter pylori activity was determined in vitro. DETe (300 mg/kg, p.o) reduced the ethanol- or indomethacin-induced ulcer by 49 and 93%, respectively. The pre-treatment with L-NAME, NEM or yohimbine abolished the gastroprotective effect of DETe. However, DETe did not change the volume, acidity, or peptic activity in rats and did not affect H. pylori. This study expands knowledge about the antiulcerogenic potential of DETe, evidencing the role of nitric oxide, non-protein sulfhydryl groups, α2 adrenergic receptors, and prostaglandins, but not antisecretory or anti-H. pylori properties.

Treatment topical with silver nanoparticles and Stryphnodendron Adstringens (Mart.) Coville in cervical lesions: randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of incorporating technology as a new alternative for treating topics on cervical lesions. METHOD: This is a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial with a prospective design. During the realization of this study, 43 women were included and divided between groups A (ointment without silver nanoparticles n = 23) and B (ointment with silver nanoparticles n = 20) clinically healthy and who used the unified health system. RESULTS: There were no significant differences when comparing before and after the use of ointment for IVA test (p = 0.15), Schiller test (p = 0.15), cellular changes (p = 0.47) and microbiological analysis (p = 0.89) through cytology. After use, no adverse reaction was observed in the sample studied. CONCLUSION: Based on the results identified in this study, identified that the product is safe and does not promote adverse events. Regarding the effectiveness of the product in uterine cervical lesions, it is necessary to continue the study in phase II. Registro de Ensaios Clínicos Brasileiros: UTN: U1111-1218-2820.

Espiritualidade em cuidados paliativos: um imperativo no cuidar em enfermagem / Spirituality in palliative care: an imperative in nursing care

O aumento da esperança média de vida leva a que haja uma maior prevalência das doenças crónicas e degenerativas, tornando-se premente a mudança do paradigma do cuidar. Assumindo a inevitabilidade do fim de vida, é essencial que passemos a olhar para a multidimensionalidade da pessoa que é portadora de uma doença incurável e/ou grave, progressiva e avançada, focando-nos naquilo que é a promoção do conforto, do bem-estar e da qualidade de vida. É neste contexto que emergem os Cuidados Paliativos (CP) que têm o objetivo de melhorar a qualidade de vida das pessoas em situação paliativa e suas famílias, considerando-a como um ser biopsicossocial e espiritual. Quando a pessoa se depara com um diagnóstico sem perspetiva de cura, pode emergir o sofrimento espiritual, pela perda de sentido da vida, pelo que a abordagem da espiritualidade em CP é de grande relevo. Porém, a intervenção na dimensão da espiritualidade por parte dos profissionais de saúde, nomeadamente pelos enfermeiros em CP está, ainda, muito aquém daquilo que seria desejado. Neste sentido, optou-se por realizar o estágio num serviço de cuidados paliativos de um hospital central com o objetivo de desenvolver competências comuns e específicas de enfermeiro especialista na área da enfermagem à pessoa em situação paliativa. O presente relatório contempla a descrição e análise critico-reflexiva das atividades realizadas e as competências adquiridas ao longo do Estágio de Natureza Profissional relativas à avaliação e intervenção dos enfermeiros à pessoa em situação paliativa, dando ênfase especial à dimensão da espiritualidade. Das atividades e competências desenvolvidas destacam-se a realização de formação em contexto de trabalho subordinada ao tema "Espiritualidade em Cuidados Paliativos"; na área da gestão de cuidados destaca-se a realização de um projeto de intervenção designado por "Proposta de Parametrização em SClinico: A dimensão espiritual". Face à não satisfação das necessidades espirituais das pessoas em situação paliativa e famílias, realizou-se uma scoping review relativa às dificuldades dos enfermeiros no cuidar espiritual da pessoa em situação paliativa. No domínio do cuidar da pessoa em situação paliativa e família, sustentadas nas múltiplas atividades realizadas e experiências vividas, desenvolveram-se competências especializadas técnico-científicas, éticas e humanas atendendo às dimensões: comunicação, trabalho em equipa, gestão de sintomas e apoio familiar. Este relatório transparece a necessidade premente de se investir na formação base dos enfermeiros em cuidado espiritual, assim como as instituições de saúde necessitam de estar mais sensibilizadas para a importância da abordagem da dimensão espiritual das pessoas em situação paliativa e família.

The increase in average life expectancy leads to a higher prevalence of chronic and degenerative diseases, making it urgent to change the paradigm of care. Assuming the inevitability of the end of life, it is essential that we start looking at the multidimensionality of the person who has an incurable and/or serious, progressive and advanced disease, focusing on the promotion of comfort, well-being and the quality of life. It is in this context that Palliative Care (PC) emerges, which aims to improve the quality of life of people in a palliative situation and their families, considering them as a biopsychosocial and spiritual being. When the person faces a diagnosis with no prospect of cure, spiritual suffering can emerge, due to the loss of meaning in life, which is why the approach to spirituality in PC is of great importance. However, intervention in the dimension of spirituality by health professionals, more precisely by Palliative Care nurses, is still far below what would be desired. In this sense, it was decided to carry out the internship in a palliative care service of a central hospital with the objective of developing common and specific competences of a specialist nurse in the area of nursing for the person in a palliative situation. This report includes the description and critical-reflective analysis of the activities carried out and the skills acquired during the Professional Internship related to the assessment and intervention of nurses in palliative care, with special emphasis on the dimension of spirituality. Of the activities and competences developed, emphasis should be given to the work-related training on the theme "Spirituality in Palliative Care"; in the area of care management an intervention project called "Proposal for Parameterization in SClinico: The spiritual dimension" stands out. In view of the non-satisfaction of the spiritual needs of people in a palliative situation and their families, a scoping review was carried out regarding the nurses' difficulties in providing spiritual care for people in a palliative situation. In the field of caring for people in critical situations and their families, supported by the multiple activities carried out and lived experiences, specialized technical-scientific, ethical and human skills were developed, taking into account the dimensions: communication, teamwork, symptom management and family support. This report shows the urgent need to invest in the basic training of nurses in spiritual care, as well as health institutions need to be more aware of the importance of approaching the spiritual dimension, especially in sick people and families in Palliative Care.

Olive oil and body fat: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Diet composition has a great impact on body composition. Several studies have suggested a beneficial effect of adding olive oil to a calorie-restricted diet as a weight loss strategy. However, there is no clear direction regarding the effect of olive oil on body fat distribution. This systematic review with meta-analysis aims to investigate the effect of olive oil consumption (for cooking or as a supplement) on body fat distribution in adults. The present study was conducted following the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD42021234652). All randomized clinical trials of parallel or crossover design found in PubMed (via MEDLINE), EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus databases that compared the effects of olive oil with other oils on body fat distribution in adults were included. 52 articles were included. The results indicate that the consumption of olive oil does not seem to alter the distribution of body fat, despite a small indication that supplementation in capsules can increase adipose mass (Mean Difference = 0.28 kg, 95% CI [-0.27, 0.83]; between-groups difference p = 0.59) and waist circumference (mean difference = 1.74 kg, 95% CI [0.86, 1.62]; between-groups difference p < 0.01) and decrease its auxiliary culinary use (mean difference = -0.32 kg, 95% CI [-0.90, 0.26]). Lean mass responds negatively to OO the higher the dose (slope = -0.61, 95% CI [-1.01, -0.21], p = 0.003) and time offered (slope = -0.8822, 95% CI [-1.44, -0.33], p = 0.002). In conclusion, this systematic review showed that OO ingestion in different delivery vehicles, dosages, and durations can interfere body composition. It is important to emphasize that some other aspects of the population and the intervention, that were not possible to be explored in the analysis, could confound the real effects of OO on body composition.

Medicinal Plants, Phytochemicals and Regulation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Comprehensive Review.

Ongoing research explores the underlying causes of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Many experts suggest that dysbiosis in the gut microbiota and genetic, immunological, and environmental factors play significant roles. The term "microbiota" pertains to the collective community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that reside within the gastrointestinal tract, with a particular emphasis on the colon. When there is an imbalance or disruption in the composition of the gut microbiota, it is referred to as dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can trigger inflammation in the intestinal cells and disrupt the innate immune system, leading to oxidative stress, redox signaling, electrophilic stress, and inflammation. The Nod-like Receptor (NLR) Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a key regulator found in immunological and epithelial cells, is crucial in inducing inflammatory diseases, promoting immune responses to the gut microbiota, and regulating the integrity of the intestinal epithelium. Its downstream effectors include caspase-1 and interleukin (IL)-1ß. The present study investigated the therapeutic potential of 13 medicinal plants, such as Litsea cubeba, Artemisia anomala, Piper nigrum, Morus macroura, and Agrimonia pilosa, and 29 phytocompounds such as artemisitene, morroniside, protopine, ferulic acid, quercetin, picroside II, and hydroxytyrosol on in vitro and in vivo models of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), with a focus on their effects on the NLRP3 inflammasome. The observed effects of these treatments included reductions in IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, interferon-gamma, and caspase levels, and increased expression of antioxidant enzymes, IL-4, and IL-10, as well as regulation of gut microbiota. These effects could potentially provide substantial advantages in treating IBD with few or no adverse effects as caused by synthetic anti-inflammatory and immunomodulated drugs. However, additional research is necessary to validate these findings clinically and to develop effective treatments that can benefit individuals who suffer from these diseases.

Dificuldades dos enfermeiros no cuidar espiritual da pessoa em situação paliativa: uma scoping review / Difficulties Of Nurses In The SpiritualCare Of The Palliative Person: A Scoping Review

Objetivo: Mapear a evidência científica relativa às dificuldades dos enfermeiros no cuidar espiritual da pessoa em situação paliativa. Método: Estudo do tipo Scoping Review, com base nas recomendações PRISMA-ScR e do protocolo definido pelo Joanna Briggs Institute. Pesquisa em 4 bases de dados: Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), National Library of Medicine (PUBMED), Cummulative Index to Nursing and Allied Heath Literature (CINAHL) e Web of Science e considerados estudos dos últimos 5 anos. Resultado: Amostra final de 10 estudos. Foram identificadas várias dificuldades dos enfermeiros no cuidar espiritual da pessoa em situação paliativa, dos quais destacamos: falta de formação; falta de tempo; falta de reconhecimento; falta de confiança; evitamento; referenciação tardia; espiritualidade dos enfermeiros pouco desenvolvida; crenças diferentes. Conclusão: Foram identificadas múltiplas dificuldades sentidas pelos enfermeiros no cuidar espiritual, as quais passam quer por défices na formação, quer por défices organizacionais, quer por défices pessoais. (AU)

Objective: To map the scientific evidence concerning the difficulties faced by nurses in the spiritual care of palliative care patients. Method: Scoping Review, based on PRISMA-ScR recommendations and the protocol defined by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Search in 4 databases: Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), National Library of Medicine (PUBMED), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Heath Literature (CINAHL) and Web of Science and considered studies from the last 5 years. Result: Final sample of 10 studies. Several difficulties were identified among the nurses in the spiritual care of palliative patients, namely: lack of training; lack of time; lack of recognition; lack of trust; avoidance; late referral; nurses' spirituality underdeveloped; different beliefs. Conclusion: We identified multiple difficulties experienced by nurses in spiritual care, either due to deficits in training, organizational deficits, or personal deficits.(AU)

Mapear la evidencia científica sobre las dificultades experimentadas por las enfermeras en la atención espiritual de pacientes en cuidados paliativos. Método: Scoping Review, basado en las recomendaciones PRISMA-ScR y en el protocolo definido por el Instituto Joanna Briggs. Búsqueda en 4 bases de datos: Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), National Library of Medicine (PUBMED), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Heath Literature (CINAHL) y Web of Science. Resultado: Muestra final de 10 estudios. Se identificaron varias dificultades entre las enfermeras en la atención espiritual de los pacientes paliativos, a saber: falta de formación; falta de tiempo; falta de reconocimiento; falta de confianza; evitación; derivación tardía; espiritualidad de las enfermeras poco desarrollada; creencias diferentes. Conclusión: Se identificaron múltiples dificultades experimentadas por las enfermeras en la atención espiritual, que pueden explicarse por déficits formativos, organizativos y personales.(AU)

Faecal microbiome transplantation improves clinical signs of chronic idiopathic large bowel diarrhoea in working dogs.

BACKGROUND: Chronic diarrhoea is a common clinical sign in dogs with chronic enteropathy, and psyllium husk has been shown to improve clinical signs in affected dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether faecal microbiome transplant has a similar effect in alleviating clinical signs in dogs with chronic large bowel diarrhoea. METHOD: Thirty large-breed working dogs with chronic large bowel diarrhoea were divided into a psyllium group (PG) and a faecal microbiome transplant group (FMTG). To the PG, 16 g/day of psyllium husk was administered for 30 days. The FMTG received faecal microbiome transplantation (FMT) once via enema. A daily log of faecal characteristics was kept, and the dogs' canine inflammatory bowel disease index (CIBDAI) and body condition scores (BCS) were determined. A Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used to compare group results. In addition, the Kaplan-Meier test was used to evaluate the occurrence rate of 1 day or more of diarrhoea and 2 days or more of diarrhoea by day 30. RESULTS: The sample had a mean age of 3.9 ± 2.1 years and a bodyweight of 25.3 ± 6.8 kg. The FMTG showed a more rapid onset of CIBDAI improvement but no difference in other measures. At 30 days, the FMTG showed a greater improvement in bodyweight and BCS, but no differences were observed in faecal scores, defaecation frequency and time of appearance of episodes of diarrhoea. Time played a significant positive role in the results observed across both groups (p < 0.05). LIMITATIONS: This study did not compare the microbiomes of the dogs before and after treatment, so the role of specific types of bacteria cannot be determined. CONCLUSION: Psyllium husk and FMT had similar effects in improving clinical signs of chronic large bowel diarrhoea.

Gendered traditional agroecological knowledge in agri-food systems: a systematic review.

Traditional agroecological knowledge (i.e. TAeK) is gaining recognition for its potential contribution to climate change adaptation in food systems, ecosystems restoration and food insecurity. Despite the existing literature on Traditional Ecological Knowledge and its nexus with food security, how gender critically influences the distribution of such knowledge within agri-food systems has not yet been systematically analysed. In this regard, this systematic review attempts to answer four questions: 1) How does the literature on gender and TAeK in agri-food systems evolved temporally, geographically and in different agroecosystems? 2) How are gender and intersectionality mainly approached by such literature? 3) How do the articles address gendered dimensions in TAeK within the agri-food system activities? 4) What are the main drivers of change that influence TAeK and adaptive responses? The results show the gendered nature of TAeK in relation to food production, processing, and conservation activities, and how these activities are linked to tasks and activities, gender-specific knowledge, and spaces where gender discrimination is reproduced. The review also identifies elements that delimit and/or take part of the development of TAeK, such as gendered access to resources, gendered institutions, and the identification of the main drivers of change and impacts of TAeK erosion and biodiversity loss. These results are discussed in terms of power relations that interact with sociocultural norms and practices according to the specific geographical context and agroecosystem.