Neuroprotective effects of Tradescantia spathacea tea bioactives in Parkinson's disease: In vivo proof-of-concept.

Background and aim: Tradescantia spathacea (T. spathacea) is a traditional medicinal plant from Central America and its tea, obtained by infusion, has been recognized as a functional food. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of dry tea containing biocompounds from T. spathacea tea on motor and emotional behavior, as well as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats. Experimental procedure: Bioactives were identified by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) and an in vivo study in male Wistar rats was run as proof of concept of neuroprotective effects of DTTS. Results and conclusion: We found 15 biocompounds that had not been previously reported in T. spathacea: the UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS allowed identification five phenolic acids, one coumarin, two flavonoids, one iridoid, one phenylpropanoid glycoside, and six fatty acid derivatives. The dry tea of T. spathacea (DTTS) presented significant antioxidant activity and high contents of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Doses of 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg of DTTS were protective against dopaminergic neurodegeneration and exhibited modulatory action on the astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammatory response. Behavioral tests showed that 30 mg/kg of DTTS counteracted motor impairment, while 100 mg/kg produced an anxiolytic effect. The DTTS could be, therefore, a promising strategy for the management of Parkinson's disease.

Chitosan membranes incorporating Aloe vera glycolic extract with joint synthesis of silver nanoparticles for the treatment of skin lesions.

New wound dressings based on polymeric membranes have been widely exploited for clinical applications to assist in the healing process and prevent additional complications (e.g., bacterial infections). Here we propose the development of a new production method of polymeric membranes based on chitosan, incorporating glycolic extract of Aloe vera with joint synthesis of silver nanoparticles for use as a new bioactive dressing. The membranes were obtained by casting technique, and their morphological, physicochemical characteristics, degree of swelling, degradation profile and antimicrobial activity evaluated. Morphological analyzes confirmed the synthesis and presence of silver nanoparticles in the polymeric membrane. The chemical compatibility between the materials was demonstrated through thermal analysis (TGA and DSC) combined with ATR-FTIR tests, showing the complexation of the membranes (Mb-Ch-Ex.Av-NPs). All membranes were characterized as hydrophilic material (with a contact angle (Ó©) < 90°); however, the highest degree of swelling was obtained for the chitosan. (Mb-Ch) membrane (69.91 ± 5.75%) and the lowest for Mb-Ch-Ex.Av-NPs (26.62 ± 8.93%). On the other hand, the degradation profile was higher for Mb-Ch-Ex.Av-NPs (77.85 ± 7.51%) and lower for Mb-Ch (57.60 ± 2.29%). The manufactured bioactive dressings showed activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Our work confirmed the development of translucent and flexible chitosan-based membranes, incorporating Aloe vera glycolic extract with joint synthesis of silver nanoparticles for use as a new bioactive dressing, with proven antimicrobial activity.

From chaos to clarity: The scientometric breakthrough in COVID-19 research.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic paralyzed the world for over three years, generating unprecedented social changes in recent human history. AIMS: We aimed to scientometrically summarize a global and temporal overview of publications on COVID-19 in the two worst years of the pandemic and its progression in early 2022, after the start of vaccination. METHODS: Using the Web of Science database, this review covered the period from late 2019 to March 2022 and included all publications identified using the following terms: "SARS-CoV-2", "COVID-19", "Coronavirus Disease 19", and "2019-nCoV". We retrieved 268,904 publications, with evident global spreading, demonstrating that the pandemic triggered worldwide scientific research efforts. RESULTS: Within the dataset, 195 countries have published about Covid-19. In initial publications, a solid trend in genotyping, sequencing, and detection of the virus was evident; however, in the development of the pandemic, new knowledge and research focus gained relevance, with continental solid trends, revealed by the keywords sustainability (eastern Europe); material sciences (Asia); public and mental health (Africa); information sciences (western Europe); education (Latin America). It identified high-impact research, mainly on diagnosis and vaccines, but also equally essential topics for returning life to the new normal, such as mental health, education, and remote work. The world experienced a highly transmissible infection that proved how fragile we are regarding organization and society. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to learn from such an event and establish a protocol of actions and measures to be taken and avoided in a health emergency, aiming to act differently from the chaos experienced during the pandemic. Following the One Health approach, humanity must be aware of the need for more sustainable attitudes, given the inseparability of human beings from the environment.

Bronchodilator response assessment through impulse oscillometry system and spirometry in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of bronchodilator on the respiratory mechanics and pulmonary function of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. METHODS: Cross-sectional study on clinically stable children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis aged from six to 15 years. Participants underwent impulse oscillometry and spirometry evaluations before and 15 minutes after bronchodilator inhalation. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to verify the sample distribution, and the Student's t-test and Wilcoxon test were used to compare the data before and after bronchodilator inhalation. RESULTS: The study included 54 individuals with a mean age of 9.7±2.8 years. The analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in impulse oscillometry and spirometry parameters after bronchodilator inhalation. However, according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and European Respiratory Society (ERS) recommendations (2020 and 2021), this improvement was not sufficient to classify it as a bronchodilator response. CONCLUSIONS: The use of bronchodilator medication improved respiratory mechanics and pulmonary function parameters of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis; however, most patients did not show bronchodilator response according to ATS/ERS recommendations.

Men of Mexican ethnicity, alcohol use, and help-seeking: "I can quit on my own."

INTRODUCTION: Hispanics report higher rates of problematic alcohol use compared to non-Hispanic Whites while also reporting lower rates of alcohol treatment utilization compared to non-Hispanics. The study employs Anderson's Behavioral Model of Healthcare Utilization Model to guide the exploration of alcohol use, help-seeking and healthcare utilization. METHODS: The present qualitative study explored help-seeking and alcohol treatment utilization for Hispanic men of Mexican ethnicity. A total of 27 participants (Mage = 35.7, SD = 10.82) completed a semi-structured interview that explored the treatment experiences and underlying psychological mechanisms that shaped their help-seeking. RESULTS: Through a thematic content analysis, the following themes emerged: 1) perceiving need with subthemes of familismo, role as protector and provider, and positive face; 2) predisposing beliefs on help-seeking; and 3) treatment experiences and elements of patient satisfaction with subthemes of monetized treatment, respect, and perceiving professional stigma. CONCLUSIONS: The findings in this article may assist in improving strategies for increasing alcohol treatment utilization among men of Mexican ethnicity. By exploring beliefs, values, and experiences health researchers can develop culturally informed intervention strategies.

Blood cell alterations in Colossoma macropomum juveniles caused by silver nanoparticles.

This study evaluated the median lethal concentration of silver nanoparticles and their effects in fish tambaqui Colossoma macropomum. Therefore, an acute toxicity assay was carried out in completely randomized design evaluating six different concentrations of silver nanoparticles on blood parameters of tambaqui. The silver nanoparticles were produced by chemical reduction with polyvinyl alcohol (AgNP-PVA). The lethal concentration 50% (LC50) was estimated using probit regression. The blood was collected, analyzed and the data were submitted to T-test (dying x surviving fish) and Tukey test (surviving fish). An increase in glucose, hematocrit, total plasma protein, hemoglobin, erythrocytes, leukocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils as well as reduced MCV (mean corpuscular volume) in dying fish compared to surviving fish were observed. Survived fish exposed to 187.5 µg/L showed an increase in hematocrit, MCV, and MCH and a reduction in erythrocytes, total numbers of leukocyte, thrombocyte, lymphocyte, and neutrophil. The fish exposed to concentrations below 125 µg/L, had returned the blood parameter to baselines compared to control. The estimated LC50 was 165.09 µg/L and was classified as highly toxic for the fish tambaqui. In higher concentrations, it causes an acute respiratory toxicity, but in concentrations below 125 µg/L, the fish can adapt to the stressing agent.

Nanomaterials-combined methacrylated gelatin hydrogels (GelMA) for cardiac tissue constructs.

Among non-communicable diseases, cardiovascular diseases are the most prevalent, accounting for approximately 17 million deaths per year. Despite conventional treatment, cardiac tissue engineering emerges as a potential alternative for the advancement and treatment of these patients, using biomaterials to replace or repair cardiac tissues. Among these materials, gelatin in its methacrylated form (GelMA) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer with adjustable biophysical properties. Furthermore, gelatin has the ability to replace and perform collagen-like functions for cell development in vitro. The interest in using GelMA hydrogels combined with nanomaterials is increasingly growing to promote the responsiveness to external stimuli and improve certain properties of these hydrogels by exploring the incorporation of nanomaterials into these hydrogels to serve as electrical signaling conductive elements. This review highlights the applications of electrically conductive nanomaterials associated with GelMA hydrogels for the development of structures for cardiac tissue engineering, by focusing on studies that report the combination of GelMA with nanomaterials, such as gold and carbon derivatives (carbon nanotubes and graphene), in addition to the possibility of applying these materials in 3D tissue engineering, developing new possibilities for cardiac studies.

Comparison of the modified shuttle walk test in children with cystic fibrosis and healthy controls.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare performance in the modified shuttle walk test (MSWT) with cardiorespiratory parameters and respiratory muscle strength in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and healthy controls. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with children divided into the CF group (CFG) and healthy control group (HCG). Two MSWTs were performed and the data from the test with the longest distance walked and its cardiorespiratory parameters (blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation, and dyspnea sensation) were considered, the last three every 4 levels. Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated using a manometer. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the parameters before and after the MSWT, and the Mann-Whitney and independent t-tests were applied to compare the data between the groups. The distance walked and its association with the variation in cardiorespiratory parameters and respiratory muscle strength were analyzed by Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: Sixty-two children (31 in each group) participated, with an average age of 10.2 (2.1) years. Children with CF had poorer performance in the average distance walked (CFG 716.7 (274.3)) when compared to the HCG (948.0 (202.8)). Both groups exhibited an increase in all the cardiorespiratory parameters at the end of the test, but the CFG displayed less variation in some parameters. Children with CF presented a positive correlation between distance walked and respiratory muscle strength, HR variation, and systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in respiratory muscle strength between the groups. In the CFG, the greater the respiratory muscle strength, the better the performance in the MSWT. The CFG exhibited less variation in cardiorespiratory parameters than the HCG.

Respiratory system parameters in children with low severity cystic fibrosis: is there early involvement in relation to healthy peers? / Parâmetros do sistema respiratório em crianças com fibrose cística de baixa gravidade: há acometimento precoce em relação a pares saudáveis?

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare and analyze pulmonary function and respiratory mechanics parameters between healthy children and children with cystic fibrosis. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study included healthy children (HSG) and children with cystic fibrosis (CFG), aged 6-13 years, from teaching institutions and a reference center for cystic fibrosis in Florianópolis/SC, Brazil. The patients were paired by age and sex. Initially, an anthropometric evaluation was undertaken to pair the sample characteristics in both groups; the medical records of CFG were consulted for bacterial colonization, genotype, and disease severity (Schwachman-Doershuk Score — SDS) data. Spirometry and impulse oscillometry were used to assess pulmonary function. Results: In total, 110 children were included, 55 in each group. In the CFG group, 58.2% were classified as excellent by SDS, 49.1% showed the ΔF508 heterozygotic genotype, and 67.3% were colonized by some pathogens. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between both groups (p<0.05) in most pulmonary function parameters and respiratory mechanics. Conclusions: Children with cystic fibrosis showed obstructive ventilatory disorders and compromised peripheral airways compared with healthy children. These findings reinforce the early changes in pulmonary function and mechanics associated with this disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar e analisar parâmetros de função pulmonar e de mecânica respiratória entre escolares saudáveis e com fibrose cística (FC). Métodos: Estudo transversal que incluiu escolares saudáveis (GES) e com FC (GFC), com idades entre seis e 13 anos, provenientes de instituições de ensino e de um centro de referência da FC em Florianópolis/SC, Brasil, pareados por idade e sexo, respectivamente. Inicialmente, conduziu-se avaliação antropométrica para pareamento e caracterização de ambos os grupos e, no GFC, consultou-se prontuário médico para registro dos dados de colonização bacteriana, genótipo e gravidade da doença (Escore de Schwachman-Doershuk — ESD). Para a avaliação da função pulmonar, realizou-se espirometria e a avaliação da mecânica respiratória foi conduzida por meio do sistema de oscilometria de impulso. Resultados: Participaram 110 escolares, 55 em cada grupo. No GFC, 58,2% foram classificados pelo ESD como excelentes, 49,1% apresentaram genótipo ∆F508 heterozigoto e 67,3% eram colonizados por alguma patógeno. Houve diferença significativa (p<0,05) na maioria dos parâmetros de função pulmonar e de mecânica respiratória entre os grupos. Conclusões: Escolares com FC apresentaram distúrbio ventilatório obstrutivo e com comprometimento de vias aéreas periféricas, em comparação aos escolares hígidos. Esse evento reforça o início precoce da alteração de função pulmonar e de mecânica respiratória nessa enfermidade, evidenciados pelos achados desta investigação.

Bronchodilator response assessment through impulse oscillometry system and spirometry in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis / Avaliação da resposta broncodilatadora por meio do sistema de oscilometria de impulso e espirometria em crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the effect of bronchodilator on the respiratory mechanics and pulmonary function of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Methods: Cross-sectional study on clinically stable children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis aged from six to 15 years. Participants underwent impulse oscillometry and spirometry evaluations before and 15 minutes after bronchodilator inhalation. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to verify the sample distribution, and the Student's t-test and Wilcoxon test were used to compare the data before and after bronchodilator inhalation. Results: The study included 54 individuals with a mean age of 9.7±2.8 years. The analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in impulse oscillometry and spirometry parameters after bronchodilator inhalation. However, according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and European Respiratory Society (ERS) recommendations (2020 and 2021), this improvement was not sufficient to classify it as a bronchodilator response. Conclusions: The use of bronchodilator medication improved respiratory mechanics and pulmonary function parameters of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis; however, most patients did not show bronchodilator response according to ATS/ERS recommendations.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar o efeito do broncodilatador na mecânica respiratória e função pulmonar de crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística. Métodos: Estudo transversal em crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística clinicamente estáveis, com idade entre seis e 15 anos. Os participantes realizaram avaliações por meio do sistema de oscilometria de impulso e espirometria antes e 15 minutos depois da inalação de broncodilatador. Foi aplicado o teste Kolmogorov-Smirnov para verificar a distribuição da amostra. Para comparar os dados antes e depois do broncodilatador foram utilizados os testes t de Student e Wilcoxon. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 54 indivíduos com média de idade de 9,7±2,8 anos. Houve melhora estatisticamente significativa nos parâmetros do oscilometria de impulso e espirometria após a inalação com broncodilatador. No entanto, de acordo com recomendações da American Thoracic Society (ATS) e European Respiratory Society (ERS) (2020 and 2021), essa melhora não foi suficiente para classificar como reposta broncodilatadora. Conclusões: O uso de medicamento broncodilatador melhorou a mecânica respiratória e função pulmonar de crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística, no entanto a maioria da amostra não apresentou resposta ao broncodilatador de acordo com as recomendações da ATS/ERS.

Respiratory system parameters in children with low severity cystic fibrosis: is there early involvement in relation to healthy peers?

OBJECTIVE: To compare and analyze pulmonary function and respiratory mechanics parameters between healthy children and children with cystic fibrosis. METHODS: This cross-sectional analytical study included healthy children (HSG) and children with cystic fibrosis (CFG), aged 6-13 years, from teaching institutions and a reference center for cystic fibrosis in Florianópolis/SC, Brazil. The patients were paired by age and sex. Initially, an anthropometric evaluation was undertaken to pair the sample characteristics in both groups; the medical records of CFG were consulted for bacterial colonization, genotype, and disease severity (Schwachman-Doershuk Score - SDS) data. Spirometry and impulse oscillometry were used to assess pulmonary function. RESULTS: In total, 110 children were included, 55 in each group. In the CFG group, 58.2% were classified as excellent by SDS, 49.1% showed the ΔF508 heterozygotic genotype, and 67.3% were colonized by some pathogens. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between both groups (p<0.05) in most pulmonary function parameters and respiratory mechanics. CONCLUSIONS: Children with cystic fibrosis showed obstructive ventilatory disorders and compromised peripheral airways compared with healthy children. These findings reinforce the early changes in pulmonary function and mechanics associated with this disease.

Telefisioterapia durante a COVID-19: Dificuldades e barreiras de familiares e indivíduos com fibrose cística / Telephysiotherapy during COVID-19: Difficulties and barriers individuals with cystic fibrosis and their family members

Descrever dificuldades e barreiras para adesão a telefisioterapia durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Relato de experiência, realizado com responsáveis e indivíduos com fibrose cística (FC) via internet, celular ou computador, para receberem atendimento de telefisioterapia assíncrona, em formato de cartilhas e vídeos. Todos deveriam responder avaliação inicial, questionário de qualidade de vida e, ao final, feedback sobre a assistência remota e a frequência na realização dos exercícios. Nove indivíduos participaram do estudo e poucos concluíram todas as etapas. Cinco participantes fornecerem feedback quanto à assistência oferecida e a maioria das respostas apontou dificuldades para realizar fisioterapia a domicílio. Responsáveis e indivíduos com FC ficaram sobrecarregados com as demandas online, visto que as atividades rotineiras estavam sendo realizadas "via tela" no referido período, o que impactou negativamente na adesão a telefisioterapia. Esse achado atenta para profissionais da saúde refletirem sobre aspectos da adesão ao oferecerem essa modalidade.

To describe difficulties and barriers for adherence to telephysiotherapu durint the COVID-19 pandemic. Experience report, conducted with relatives and individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) on internet, smarthphone or computer, to receive asynchronous telephysiotherapy care in the form of folders and videos. All participantes were required to complete an initial assessment, a quality of live questionnaire, and at end provide feedback about remote assistance and exercise frequency. Nine individuals participated in this study, and few completed all the stages. Five participantes provided feedback regarding the offered assistance, and the majority of responses indicated difficulties in performing home-based physiotherapy. relatives and individuals with CF became overwhelmed with online demands, as routine activies were being conducted "on screen" during that period, which negatively impacted adherence to tepehysiotherapy. These finding alerts healthcare professionals to reflect on adherence aspects when offering this modality.

Vibration perception among children and adolescents with Charcot-Marie-tooth disease and implications for foot posture.

BACKGROUND: Alterations in vibration perception among children and adolescents with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease might explain observed changes in foot posture. Therefore, this cross-sectional study compared the vibration perception of the lower limbs in youths with and without Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and verified the cut-off value of the distal vibration perception for the Charcot-Marie-Tooth group. In addition, associations between dynamic plantar pressure, vibration perception and isometric muscle strength were investigated. METHODS: Participants aged 9-18 (Charcot-Marie-Tooth group n = 32; Typical group n = 32) had vibration perception measured by a 128-Hz graduated tuning fork. The static and dynamic foot posture were evaluated by the Foot Posture Index and pressure distribution measuring system, respectively. For the Charcot-Marie-Tooth group, a hand-held dynamometer evaluated the isometric muscle strength of the lower limbs. FINDINGS: Children with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease presented impaired vibration perception at the distal phalanx of the hallux and head of the first metatarsal compared to their typically developing peers, while adolescents with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease showed impairment in all the tested regions compared to their typically developing peers. The cut-off value for vibration perception for participants with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease was 5.7, considering the original grade of the tuning-fork 128 Hz. Among the associations established for the Charcot-Marie-Tooth group, a greater vibration perception at the distal phalanx of the hallux was associated with a longer rearfoot contact time (ß = 31.02, p = 0.04). INTERPRETATION: These new findings may guide the clinical evaluation and rehabilitation treatment for children and adolescents with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Genipa americana L.: A New Phytochemical for White Hair Coloring.

This work describes a new hair dyeing methodology using a chemical reaction between geniposide, an iridoid glycoside extracted from the fruit of Genipa americana (geniposide extract, GE) and the amine group of hair keratin. The influence of reaction conditions (pH, temperature, and extract concentration) on the staining of hair fibers, color development, fiber morphology, and mechanical hair properties of black and white human hair samples, was evaluated before and after GE dyeing treatment. Eye contact safety of GE was also studied using HET-CAM. The treatment of white hair fibers using GE at 20 mg mL-1 , temperature of 80 °C and pH 5.5 presented the greatest color change (ΔE=54.0). The higher pH influence was observed at pH 10.0 on white hair tresses (ΔE=6.8), using an GE concentration of 20 mg mL-1 and room temperature (25 °C). Treated samples showed marked changes on mechanical and morphological properties. The HET-CAM did not show any change, thus demonstrating that using GE is safe. In conclusion, the temperature and concentration of the extract were the variables that mostly influenced the color and hair damage. A new approach for hair dyeing was established where iridoids may potentially be useful as a natural hair dyeing.

Decisão de profissionais de saúde sobre sua vacinação anti-Covid-19: revisão integrativa / Decision of health professionals about their anti-COVID-19 vaccination: integrative review

RESUMO A decisão vacinal de profissionais de saúde tem sido observada em diferentes países, devido ao seu comportamento de hesitação frente à vacinação contra a Covid-19, que pode interferir no controle da pandemia. Pretendeu-se identificar os fatores associados à decisão vacinal de profissionais de saúde contra a Covid-19 em publicações de julho de 2020 a julho de 2022. Foi realizada uma revisão integrativa da literatura nas bases de dados PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science e Cinahl. Das 439 publicações, foram escolhidos 35 artigos para análise. As características sociodemográficas da decisão vacinal revelaram que profissionais não médicos, principalmente enfermeiros, apresentaram maior hesitação. O estudo revelou fatores associados à hesitação vacinal, tais como: dúvidas sobre a eficácia das vacinas e o processo de produção, insegurança pela escassez de estudos, medo dos efeitos colaterais e informações veiculadas em mídias sociais. Em relação à aceitação e à recomendação vacinal, ressaltam-se a vacinação prévia contra a influenza, a confiança na eficácia das vacinas e o receio pelo risco de contágio por Covid-19. A identificação dos fatores associados à decisão vacinal de profissionais de saúde contra a Covid-19 foi estratégica em relação à ampliação da cobertura vacinal, tanto para a proteção da saúde dos profissionais quanto para a da população.

ABSTRACT The vaccine decision of health professionals has been observed in different countries, due to their hesitation behavior in the face of vaccination against COVID-19, which can interfere with the control of the pandemic. It was intended to identify the factors associated with the vaccination decision of health professionals against COVID-19 in publications from July 2020 to July 2022. An Integrative Literature Review was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL databases. Of the 439 publications, 35 articles were chosen for analysis. The sociodemographic characteristics of the vaccine decision revealed that non-medical professionals, mainly nurses, had greater vaccine hesitancy. The study revealed factors associated with vaccine hesitancy, such as: doubts about the effectiveness of vaccines and the production process, insecurity due to lack of studies, fear of side effects and information conveyed on social media. Regarding vaccine acceptance and recommendation, prior vaccination against influenza, confidence in the effectiveness of vaccines and fear of the risk of contagion by COVID-19 stand out. Identifying the factors associated with the vaccination decision of health professionals against COVID-19 was strategic in relation to expanding vaccination coverage, both to protect the health of professionals and the population.

UV-polymerizable methacrylated gelatin (GelMA)-based hydrogel containing tannic acids for wound healing.

Gelatin-based photopolymerizable methacrylate hydrogel (GelMA) is a promising biomaterial for in situ drug delivery, while aqueous extract of Punica granatum (AEPG) peel fruit rich in gallic acid and ellagic acid is used to improve wound healing. The aim of this study was to develop and analyze the healing properties of GelMA containing AEPG, gallic acid, or ellagic acid in a rodent model. GelMA hydrogels containing 5% AEPG (GelMA-PG), 1.6% gallic acid (GelMA-GA), or 2.1% ellagic acid (GelMA-EA) were produced and their mechanical properties, enzymatic degradation, and thermogravimetric profile determined. Wound closure rates, healing histological grading, and immunohistochemical counts of myofibroblasts were assessed over time. The swelling of hydrogels varied between 50 and 90%, and GelMA exhibited a higher swelling than the other groups. The GPG samples showed higher compression and Young's moduli than GelMA, GGA, and GAE. All samples degraded around 95% in 48 h. GPG and GGA significantly accelerated wound closure, improved collagenization, increased histological grading, and hastened myofibroblast differentiation in comparison to the control, GelMA, and GEA. GelMA containing AEPG (GPG) improved wound healing, and although gallic acid is the major responsible for such biological activity, a potential synergic effect played by other polyphenols present in the extract is evident.

Relação entre duração do sono, sintomas depressivos e estresse em pessoas idosas da comunidade / Relationship between sleep duration, depressive symptoms and stress in older people in the community

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar se existe relação entre duração do sono, sintomas depressivos e estresse em pessoas idosas da comunidade. Métodos Estudo transversal, realizado com 116 idosas residentes em áreas de Unidades de Saúde da Família no município de São Carlos/SP. Foram utilizados os seguintes instrumentos: questionário de caracterização sociodemográfica; Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh; Escala de Depressão Geriátrica e Escala de Estresse Percebido. Os testes estatísticos utilizados foram teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson, Kruskall-Wallis, teste de Mann-Whitney e regressão linear múltipla. Resultados Entre as idosas, 50% referiram ter boa qualidade do sono e 49,1% dormiam entre sete e nove horas de sono noturno. Quando comparadas, as idosas com maior duração do sono apresentaram mais sintomas depressivos e escores mais elevados para o estresse percebido. Conclusão O modelo com aplicação do método hierárquico aponta que existe relação entre duração do sono, sintomas depressivos e estresse.

ABSTRACT Objective To verify whether there is a relationship between sleep duration, depressive symptoms and stress in elderly people in the community. Methods A cross-sectional study carried out with 116 older people living in areas of Family Health Units in the city of São Carlos/SP. The following instruments were used: sociodemographic characterization questionnaire; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; Geriatric Depression Scale and Perceived Stress Scale. The statistical tests used were Pearson's chi-square test, Kruskall-Wallis, Mann-Whitney test and Multiple Linear Regression. Results 50% of the older people reported a good quality of sleep and 49.1% slept between seven and nine hours of sleep at night. When compared, older women with longer sleep duration had more depressive symptoms and higher scores for perceived stress. Conclusion The model with application of the hierarchical method points out that there is a relationship between sleep duration, depressive symptoms and stress.

Evaluation and Comparison of Respiratory Muscular Strength, Functionality, and Pelvic Floor in the Immediate Postpartum of Normal and Cesarean Birth.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare peripheral, pelvic floor, respiratory muscle strength, and functionality in the immediate puerperium of normal delivery and cesarean section. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that verified respiratory, pelvic floor, peripheral, and functional muscle strength through manovacuometry, pelvic floor functional assessment (PFF), dynamometry, and the Time Up and Go (TUG) test, respectively. The groups were divided according to the type of delivery, into a cesarean section group and a normal parturition group. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 72 postpartum puerperae, 36 of normal parturition, and 36 of cesarean section, evaluated before hospital discharge, mean age ranged from 25.56 ± 6.28 and 28.57 ± 6.47 years in puerperae of normal parturition and cesarean section respectively. Cesarean showed higher pelvic floor strength (PFF) compared to normal parturition (p < 0.002), but puerperae from normal delivery showed better functionality (p < 0.001). As for peripheral muscle strength and respiratory muscle strength, there was no significance when comparing the types of parturirion. CONCLUSION: There is a reduction in pelvic muscle strength in puerperae of normal delivery and a decrease in functionality in puerperae of cesarean section.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar e comparar o pavimento pélvico periférico, a força muscular respiratória e a funcionalidade no puerpério imediato do parto normal e da cesariana. MéTODOS:: Este é um estudo transversal que verificou a força muscular respiratória, pavimento pélvico, periférico e funcional através da manovacuometria, avaliação funcional do pavimento pélvico (PFF), dinamometria, e o teste Time Up e Go (TUG), respectivamente. Os grupos foram divididos de acordo com o tipo de parto, num grupo de cesariana e num grupo de parto normal. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi composta por 72 puérperas pós-parto, 36 de parto normal e 36 de cesariana, avaliados antes da alta hospitalar, a idade média variou entre 25,56 ± 6,28 e 28,57 ± 6,47 anos em puérperas de parto normal e cesariana, respectivamente. A cesariana mostrou maior resistência do pavimento pélvico (TFP) em comparação com o parto normal (p < 0,002), mas as puérperas de parto normal mostraram melhor funcionalidade (p < 0,001). Quanto à força muscular periférica e à força muscular respiratória, não houve significado ao comparar os tipos de parto. CONCLUSãO:: Há uma redução da força muscular pélvica em puérperas de parto normal e uma diminuição da funcionalidade em puérperas de cesarianas.

Evaluation and Comparison of Respiratory Muscular Strength, Functionality, and Pelvic Floor in the Immediate Postpartum of Normal and Cesarean Birth / Avaliação e comparação da força muscular respiratória, funcionalidade, e de assoalho pélvico no puerpério imediato de parto normal e cesárea

Abstract Objective: To evaluate and compare peripheral, pelvic floor, respiratory muscle strength, and functionality in the immediate puerperium of normal delivery and cesarean section. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that verified respiratory, pelvic floor, peripheral, and functional muscle strength through manovacuometry, pelvic floor functional assessment (PFF), dynamometry, and the Time Up and Go (TUG) test, respectively. The groups were divided according to the type of delivery, into a cesarean section group and a normal parturition group. Results: The sample was composed of 72 postpartum puerperae, 36 of normal parturition, and 36 of cesarean section, evaluated before hospital discharge, mean age ranged from 25.56 ± 6.28 and 28.57 ± 6.47 years in puerperae of normal parturition and cesarean section respectively. Cesarean showed higher pelvic floor strength (PFF) compared to normal parturition (p < 0.002), but puerperae from normal delivery showed better functionality (p < 0.001). As for peripheral muscle strength and respiratory muscle strength, there was no significance when comparing the types of parturirion. Conclusion: There is a reduction in pelvic muscle strength in puerperae of normal delivery and a decrease in functionality in puerperae of cesarean section.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar e comparar o pavimento pélvico periférico, a força muscular respiratória e a funcionalidade no puerpério imediato do parto normal e da cesariana. Métodos: Este é um estudo transversal que verificou a força muscular respiratória, pavimento pélvico, periférico e funcional através da manovacuometria, avaliação funcional do pavimento pélvico (PFF), dinamometria, e o teste Time Up e Go (TUG), respectivamente. Os grupos foram divididos de acordo com o tipo de parto, num grupo de cesariana e num grupo de parto normal. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 72 puérperas pós-parto, 36 de parto normal e 36 de cesariana, avaliados antes da alta hospitalar, a idade média variou entre 25,56 ± 6,28 e 28,57 ± 6,47 anos em puérperas de parto normal e cesariana, respectivamente. A cesariana mostrou maior resistência do pavimento pélvico (TFP) em comparação com o parto normal (p < 0,002), mas as puérperas de parto normal mostraram melhor funcionalidade (p < 0,001). Quanto à força muscular periférica e à força muscular respiratória, não houve significado ao comparar os tipos de parto. Conclusão: Há uma redução da força muscular pélvica em puérperas de parto normal e uma diminuição da funcionalidade em puérperas de cesarianas.

Ent-kaurenoic acid-enriched Mikania glomerata leaves-complexed ß-cyclodextrin: Pharmaceutical development and in vivo antitumor activity in a sarcoma 180 mouse model.

The extract obtained from Mikania glomerata leaves rich in ent-kaurenoic acid (ERKA) shows cytotoxic activity in vitro, but its hydrophobic nature and thermosensitivity are issues to be solved prior to in vivo antitumor studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antitumor activity of inclusion complexes formed between ERKA and ß-cyclodextrin (ERKA:ß-CD) in rodents. ERKA:ß-CD complexes obtained by malaxation (MX) and co-evaporation (CE) methods were firstly characterized regarding their physical properties, encapsulation efficiency, and cytotoxicity againts L929 cells. The antitumor activity study was then performed in mice with sarcoma 180 treated with saline, 5-fluouracil (5FU) and ERKA:ß-CD at 30, 100 and 300 µg/kg. The weight, volume, percentage of inhibition growth, gross and pathological features and positivity for TUNEL, ki67, NFκB and NRF2 in the tumors were assessed. Serum lactate-dehydrogenase activity (LDH), white blood cells count (WBC) and both gross and pathological features of the liver, kidneys and spleen were also evaluated. The formation of the inclusion complexes was confirmed by thermal analysis and FTIR, and they were non-toxic for L929 cells. The MX provided a better complexation efficiency. ERKA:ß-CD300 promoted significant tumor growth inhibition, and attenuated the tumor mitotic activity and necrosis content, comparable to 5-fluorouracil. ERKA:ß-CD300 also increased TUNEL-detected cell death, reduced Ki67 and NF-kB immunoexpression, and partially inhibited the serum LDH activity. No side effect was observed in ERKA:ß-CD300-treated animals. The ERKA:ß-CD inclusion complexes at 300 µg/kg displays antitumour activity in mice with low systemic toxicity, likely due to inhibition on the NF-kB signaling pathway and LDH activity.