Feasibility and Utility of a Pilot Peer Education Program to Improve Patient Engagement in Lupus Clinical Trials: Implementation and Evaluation in a Multisite Model Within a Lupus Clinical Trials Network.

OBJECTIVE: To assess outcomes related to Lupus Therapeutics' Patient Advocates for Lupus Studies (LT-PALS), a peer-to-peer lupus clinical trial (LCT) education program designed to improve representation of diverse groups in LCTs. Patients with lupus and clinical trial participation experience were trained as peer educators (PALs) providing trial-agnostic education to trial-naive patients with lupus. METHODS: We used a two-arm, randomized pretest/posttest study design to evaluate outcomes related to LCT participation: knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and intentions to participate in an LCT. Five academic medical centers piloted the program. The intervention group (IG) individually received peer-to-peer education sessions with trained PALs, primarily via telephone; the control group (CG) received a 3-week waiting period. We conducted within/between-group t-tests and multiple linear regressions with posttest scores as dependent variables and participation in LT-PALS as the exposure variable. RESULTS: The sample (n = 136) included 64 IG and 72 CG participants, with 67.7% identifying as Black. At posttest, IG participants had higher knowledge (P < 0.01) scores than the CG participants. Regression models controlling for participant characteristics showed higher IG posttest scores for knowledge (P < 0.001) and intentions (P < 0.05). From pretest to 3-month follow-up, IG self-efficacy scores increased (P < 0.01). About half (46.9%) of IG participants reported engagement with an LCT at 1-year follow-up. Black and Hispanic participants rated higher overall program satisfaction compared with White (P < 0.01) and non-Hispanic (P < 0.05) participants. CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrated feasibility of LT-PALS and showed promise in increasing engagement from groups underrepresented in LCTs.

Adapted Portuguese folk dance intervention for subacute rehabilitation post-stroke: study protocol.

Dance can be an innovative, well-accepted, and effective therapy for stroke survivors. The present protocol aims to assess the feasibility of adapted Portuguese folk dance as a post stroke rehabilitative activity. We will use a mixed-methods pilot study convenience sampling to recruit 16 stroke survivors with mild-moderate lower limb paresis from a rehabilitation center in Lisbon and Tagus Valley. In addition to usual care, participants will attend 3 days per week 1-h dance exercise for 8 weeks. The dance style used for this intervention will be an adaptation of the Portuguese folk dance. Assessment will be conducted before and immediately after the program intervention. Acceptability will be assessed by four key domains (enrollment, retention, satisfaction, and recommendation to others). Safety will be assessed based on the number and type of adverse events. Feasibility will be assessed based on balance performance and functional mobility. Quantitative data will be analyzed through descriptive statistics for sample characterization, followed by inferential statistics to evaluate differences in the balance recovery and functional mobility scores between the initial and final assessment. Qualitative data will be analyzed using an inductive process of content analysis. The Portuguese folk dance program has the potential to improve balance outcomes and functional mobility. Our results will help validate Portuguese folk dance as a tool for rehabilitation settings for stroke survivors. The potential of our program to enhance balance outcomes and functional mobility among stroke survivors bears implications for aging and public health initiatives. Positive results from this study could pave the way for integrating dance-based rehabilitative activities into standard stroke rehabilitation protocols, catering to older stroke survivors' specific needs and preferences.

Anopheline diversity in urban and peri-urban malaria foci: comparison between alternative traps and seasonal effects in a city in the Western Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: Continuous vector surveillance and sustainable interventions are mandatory in order to prevent anopheline proliferation (or spread to new areas) and interrupt malaria transmission. Anopheline abundance and richness were evaluated in urban and peri-urban malaria foci at a medium-sized city in the Brazilian Amazon, comparing the protected human landing catch technique (PHLC) and alternative sampling methods over different seasonal periods. Additional information was assessed for female feeding behaviour and faunal composition. METHODS: Anophelines were sampled bimonthly in four urban and peri-urban sites in the city of Porto Velho, state of Rondônia, Brazil. The average number of captured mosquitoes was compared between an PHLC (gold standard), a tent trap (Gazetrap), and a barrier screen by means of generalized linear mixed models (GLMM), which also included season and environment (peri-urban/urban) as predictors. RESULTS: Overall, 2962 Anopheles individuals belonging to 12 species and one complex were caught; Anopheles darlingi represented 86% of the individuals. More mosquitoes were captured in the peri-urban setting, and the urban setting was more diverse. The model estimates that significantly more anophelines were collected by PHLC than by the Screen method, and Gazetrap captured fewer individuals. However, the Screen technique yielded more blood-engorged females. The peak hours of biting activity were from 6 to 7 p.m. in urban areas and from 7 to 8 p.m. in peri-urban areas. CONCLUSIONS: Although peri-urban settings presented a greater abundance of anophelines, Shannon and Simpson diversities were higher in urban sites. Each technique proved to be useful, depending on the purpose: PHLC was more effective in capturing the highest anopheline densities, Gazetrap caught the greatest number of species, and the barrier screen technique captured more engorged individuals. There was no seasonal effect on Anopheles assemblage structure; however, a more diverse fauna was caught in the transitional season. Biting activity was more intense from 6 to 8 p.m., with a predominance of An. darlingi.

Prevalência de Sintomas Depressivos em Estudantes de Medicina com Currículo de Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas / Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms in Medical Students Following a Problem-Based Learning Curriculum

Resumo: Introdução: A depressão é um distúrbio heterogêneo, com etiologia, evolução e resposta terapêutica variadas, com relatos de aumento crescente na incidência entre os jovens. Dois objetivos nortearam este estudo: estimar a prevalência de sintomas depressivos entre acadêmicos de Medicina de uma universidade com métodos ativos de aprendizagem e investigar possíveis associações com variáveis sociodemográficas. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal descritivo. Aplicaram-se um questionário eletrônico com variáveis sociodemográficas e o Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI). Foram realizadas análise univariada e regressão logística multivariada. Resultados: Avaliamos 173 discentes, com discreta predominância de rapazes (n = 93, 53,7%) e idade mediana de 24 (22-26) anos. Verificaram-se sintomas depressivos em 46,2% (n = 80), dos quais 33,5% (n = 58) leves, 9,2% (n = 16) moderados e 3,4% (n = 6) graves. Sexo feminino (p = 0,032) e insatisfação com a Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas - ABP (p < 0,001) se associaram de forma independente aos sintomas depressivos em regressão logística multivariada, com aumento na chance de sintomas depressivos de 2 e 3,5 vezes, respectivamente. Os fatores morar com os pais, ter outros diagnósticos psiquiátricos e praticar regularmente atividade física se associaram aos sintomas depressivos apenas em análise univariada. Conclusão: Os acadêmicos de Medicina apresentaram significativa prevalência de sintomas depressivos. A associação dos sintomas depressivos com insatisfação com o método ABP pode fomentar reflexões sobre a conduta pedagógica e as deficiências na aplicação da metodologia ABP na referida universidade. Ressaltamos a importância da implementação da atividade física no projeto pedagógico e curricular do curso de Medicina como estratégia para a promoção de saúde mental e física nos discentes.

Abstract: Introduction: Depression is a heterogenous disorder of diverse etiology, progression and therapeutic response. Increasing incidence of depression in young adulthood has been reported. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms among medical students at a university which adopts an active learning method and to investigate possible associations to sociodemographic variables. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. An electronic questionnaire was applied to evaluate sociodemographic variables and depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: A slight male predominance (n=93, 53.7%) was found among 173 students, along with an average median age of 24 [22-26]. Depressive symptoms were identified in 46.2% of the students (n=80): 33.5% (n=58) with mild symptoms, 9.2% (n=16) moderate, and 3.4% (n=6) severe. Female gender (p=0.032) and dissatisfaction with the active learning method (p<0.001) were independently associated with depressive symptoms in a multivariate logistic regression analysis with the chance of suffering from depressive symptoms increasing 2 and 3.5 fold, respectively. Living with one's parents, additional psychiatric diagnosis, and lack of regular physical exercise were associated with depressive symptoms only in univariate analysis. Conclusion: The medical students presented a high prevalence rate of depressive symptons. Association between dissatisfaction with the active learning method and depressive symptoms may offer some insight regarding the pedagogical practices and deficiencies in the application of this method at the university in question. It is important to implement strategies that incorporate physical exercise into the pedagogical and curricular project to promote the mental and physical health of the students.

Soft drink consumption and periodontal status in pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease is associated with metabolic syndrome, and during pregnancy, it is linked to preeclampsia and preterm birth. We hypothesized that soft drink consumption, which has also been associated with metabolic disorders, may also be linked to periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between soft drink consumption and periodontal status in pregnancy. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study nested in BRISA (Brazilian Ribeirão Preto and São Luís Birth Cohort Studies). Pregnant women (n = 1,185) completed a questionnaire and underwent periodontal examination from the 22nd to 25th week of pregnancy. The explanatory variable was the frequency of soft drink consumption (times per week). The outcome was periodontal status measured as the number of teeth with probing depth ≥4 mm with bleeding on probing (PD/BOP) or with clinical attachment level ≥4 mm (CAL). Means ratio (MR) was estimated using zero-inflated Poisson, adjusted for maternal age and income. RESULTS: The higher tertile of consumption of soft drinks during pregnancy was associated with PD/BOP (MR = 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03 to 1.75); while the highest tertile of diastolic blood pressure was also associated to CAL (MR = 1.21; 95% CI 1:07 to 1.35). CONCLUSION: High soft drink consumption was associated with the number of teeth with PD/BOP in pregnant women, suggesting that beverage consumption is a factor that contributes to the systemic inflammatory burden, which is common to periodontal disease, metabolic syndrome, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Evaluation of 7-arylaminopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines as anti-Plasmodium falciparum, antimalarial, and Pf-dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors.

Malaria remains one of the most serious global infectious diseases. An important target for antimalarial chemotherapy is the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase from Plasmodium falciparum (PfDHODH), which is responsible for the conversion of dihydroorotate to orotate in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway. In this study, we have designed and synthesized fifteen 7-arylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives using ring bioisosteric replacement and molecular hybridization of functional groups based on the highly active 5-methyl-N-(naphthalen-2-yl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)- [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-amine. The compounds were tested against Plasmodium falciparum, as antimalarials in mice with P. berghei, and as inhibitors of PfDHODH. Thirteen compounds were found to be active against P. falciparum, with IC50 values ranging from 1.2 ± 0.3 to 92 ± 26 µM in the anti-HRP2 and hypoxanthine assays. Four compounds showed the highest selective index (SI), which is a ratio between cytotoxicity and activity in vitro. The inhibition of PfDHODH showed that compound 30 (R2 = CH3; R5 = CF3; Ar = 7-ß-naphthyl) displayed higher and selective inhibitory activity, with IC50 = 0.16 ± 0.01 µM, followed by 25 (R2 = CH3; R5 = CH3; Ar = 7-ß-Naphthyl) and 19 (R2 = CF3; R5 = CF3; Ar = 7-ß-naphthyl), with IC50 = 4 ± 1 µM and 6 ± 1 µM, respectively. The trifluoromethyl group at the 2- or 5-positions of the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine ring led to increased drug activity. The docking results agreed with the values obtained from enzymatic assays.

In-house quantitative real-time PCR for the diagnosis of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections

Abstract The quantification of viral nucleic acids in serum by real-time PCR plays an important role in diagnosing hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection. In this study, we developed an assay using specific primers and probes to quantify hepatitis B virus DNA or hepatitis C virus RNA in serum from infected patients. For standardization and validation of the assay, an international panel of hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus and standard plasmids was used. A correlation coefficient of 0.983 and 0.963 for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus, respectively, was obtained based on cycle threshold values and concentrations of DNA or RNA. The standard curve showed a linear relationship from 19 IU/mL to 1.9 × 109 IU/mL of serum, with a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.99. In sera from patients infected with hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus viral loads (19 IU/mL and 1.9 × 109 IU/mL), we quantified viral loads with a detection limit of 1.9 × 102 IU/mL. The real-time quantitative PCR assay developed in this study provides an ideal system for routine diagnosis and confirmation of indeterminate serological results, especially in immunosuppressed patients.

In-house quantitative real-time PCR for the diagnosis of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections.

The quantification of viral nucleic acids in serum by real-time PCR plays an important role in diagnosing hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection. In this study, we developed an assay using specific primers and probes to quantify hepatitis B virus DNA or hepatitis C virus RNA in serum from infected patients. For standardization and validation of the assay, an international panel of hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus and standard plasmids was used. A correlation coefficient of 0.983 and 0.963 for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus, respectively, was obtained based on cycle threshold values and concentrations of DNA or RNA. The standard curve showed a linear relationship from 19IU/mL to 1.9×109IU/mL of serum, with a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.99. In sera from patients infected with hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus viral loads (19IU/mL and 1.9×109IU/mL), we quantified viral loads with a detection limit of 1.9×102IU/mL. The real-time quantitative PCR assay developed in this study provides an ideal system for routine diagnosis and confirmation of indeterminate serological results, especially in immunosuppressed patients.

Syphilis associated with paretic neurosyphilis mimicking Reiter's syndrome in HIV-infected patients.

HIV/syphilis co-infection is common because both conditions affect similar risk groups. HIV interferes with the natural history of syphilis, which often has atypical clinical features and nervous system involvement in the early stage of disease. We report the case of an HIV-positive patient with secondary syphilis, scaling palmoplantar keratoderma, scrotal eczema, balanitis and urethritis mimicking Reiter's syndrome. Immunohistochemistry using polyclonal antibodies against Treponema pallidum revealed the presence of spirochetes, associated with the paretic form of parenchymal neurosyphilis. The patient was given crystalline penicillin, with complete resolution of dermatological and neurological symptoms, and no sequelae.

Syphilis associated with paretic neurosyphilis mimicking Reiter’s syndrome in HIV-infected patients

HIV/syphilis co-infection is common because both conditions affect similar risk groups. HIV interferes with the natural history of syphilis, which often has atypical clinical features and nervous system involvement in the early stage of disease. We report the case of an HIV-positive patient with secondary syphilis, scaling palmoplantar keratoderma, scrotal eczema, balanitis and urethritis mimicking Reiter’s syndrome. Immunohistochemistry using polyclonal antibodies against Treponema pallidum revealed the presence of spirochetes, associated with the paretic form of parenchymal neurosyphilis. The patient was given crystalline penicillin, with complete resolution of dermatological and neurological symptoms, and no sequelae.

Poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma in the wrist--case report.

Synovial sarcomas are rare malignant tumors affecting mainly young adults, presenting as a slow growth mass located in deep soft tissues of extremities, near the joints. In this report a 34-year-old male patient, presented an ulcerovegetative lesion on the right wrist which was completely excised. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed synovial sarcomas with poorly differentiated cells. This patient presented 11 months later with ipsilateral axillary lymph node metastasis, which emphasizes the unfavorable prognosis of this synovial sarcoma variant. The indolent growth pattern of this sarcoma justifies the well circumscribed initial stages, which progressively infiltrate adjacent structures with lung metastasis (80%) and lymph node involvement (20%) and thus corroborates the importance of early diagnosis and proper treatment.

Poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma in the wrist - Case report

Synovial sarcomas are rare malignant tumors affecting mainly young adults, presenting as a slow growth mass located in deep soft tissues of extremities, near the joints. In this report a 34-year-old male patient, presented an ulcerovegetative lesion on the right wrist which was completely excised. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed synovial sarcomas with poorly differentiated cells. This patient presented 11 months later with ipsilateral axillary lymph node metastasis, which emphasizes the unfavorable prognosis of this synovial sarcoma variant. The indolent growth pattern of this sarcoma justifies the well circumscribed initial stages, which progressively infiltrate adjacent structures with lung metastasis (80%) and lymph node involvement (20%) and thus corroborates the importance of early diagnosis and proper treatment.

Extra ocular sebaceous adenocarcinoma in HIV-positive patient--case report.

Sebaceous adenocarcinoma is a rare adnexal tumor that can affect the skin and is divided into ocular, a more common form and extra ocular, of a rarer occurrence. We report the case of a patient diagnosed with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) who developed an extra ocular, bulky and fast-growing sebaceous adenocarcinoma on the face. The literature has suggested that transplanted patients and HIV-positive patients have an excess risk for developing adnexal tumors, including sebaceous adenocarcinoma.

Extra ocular sebaceous adenocarcinoma in HIV-positive patient - case report / Adenocarcinoma sebaceo extra-ocular em paciente HIV positivo - relato de caso

Sebaceous adenocarcinoma is a rare adnexal tumor that can affect the skin and is divided into ocular, a more common form and extra ocular, of a rarer occurrence. We report the case of a patient diagnosed with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) who developed an extra ocular, bulky and fast-growing sebaceous adenocarcinoma on the face. The literature has suggested that transplanted patients and HIV-positive patients have an excess risk for developing adnexal tumors, including sebaceous adenocarcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma sebáceo é um tumor anexial raro que pode envolver a pele e é dividido em ocular, mais comum e extraocular, mais raro. Relatamos o caso de um paciente com diagnóstico de Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida que desenvolveu um adenocarcinoma sebáceo extra-ocular, na face, volumoso, de rápido crescimento. A literatura tem sugerido que pacientes transplantados e portadores do vírus da imunodeficiência humana têm um excesso de risco para o desenvolvimento de tumores anexiais, incluindo o Adenocarcinoma sebáceo.

Dermoid cyst of the pancreas: a case report / Cisto dermoide de pâncreas: relato de caso

Dermoid cysts or mature cystic teratomas are mesenchymal neoplasms most commonly found in the ovaries, but which may occur in any location along the pathways of ectodermal cell migration. They are rarely seen in the pancreas, where they show a slight preference for the pancreatic head. We report a case of dermoid cyst of the pancreas in a 69-year-old male patient, discussing the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of this neoplasm. Since preoperative diagnosis is difficult, given its rarity in this site, it is usually diagnosed by histopathology of the specimen.

Cistos dermoides ou teratomas císticos maduros são neoplasias mesenquimais comumente encontradas nos ovários, mas que podem ocorrer em qualquer via de migração das células ectodérmicas. No pâncreas, a ocorrência é rara, sendo mais comum na cabeça pancreática. Relata-se caso de cisto dermoide do pâncreas em paciente masculino de 69 anos, discutindo-se epidemiologia, clínica, diagnóstico e tratamento dessa neoplasia, pouco suspeitada no pré-operatório devido à sua raridade nessa topografia; geralmente, é diagnosticada apenas pelo exame histopatológico da peça cirúrgica.

Development and padronization of three multiplex PCRs for the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis, Toxoplasma gondii, herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, and Cytomegalovirus.

To develop multiplex PCRs (mPCRs) that allows simultaneous diagnosis of the infectious agents Chlamydia trachomatis, Toxoplasma gondii, HSV 1/2, and Cytomegalovirus (CMV). The study included patients with clinical suspicion of these agents, and clinical samples were blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, vaginal swabs, and amniotic fluid. After the extraction of DNA, this was used as a template in amplification by PCR of selected genes. The following conditions were tested: primer concentration, MgCl2 concentration, and annealing temperature. Three mPCRs were developed: multiplex I (CMV, HSV 1/2), multiplex II (CMV, HSV 1/2, T. gondii), and multiplex III (C. trachomatis, T. gondii, HSV 1/2, and CMV). The primer pairs used were shown to be specific for each infectious agent, and the specificity of mPCR assays was 100 %. Both the reactions of the monoplex PCR and mPCR produced a detection limit of 2 × 10(-5) to 6 × 10(-7) ng/µl of different DNAs. Upon conclusion, amplified products of expected size were obtained in 3 different reactions, and all the infectious agents were detected simultaneously in each mPCR. The concordant results of the study suggest that mPCR can be a powerful tool to improve the diagnostics of infectious diseases.

Synthesis, biological evaluation, and structure-activity relationship of clonazepam, meclonazepam, and 1,4-benzodiazepine compounds with schistosomicidal activity.

The inherent morbidity and mortality caused by schistosomiasis is a serious public health problem in developing countries. Praziquantel is the only drug in therapeutic use, leading to a permanent risk of parasite resistance. In search for new schistosomicidal drugs, meclonazepam, the 3-methyl-derivative of clonazepam, is still considered an interesting lead-candidate because it has a proven schistosomicidal effect in humans but adverse effects on the central nervous system did not allow its clinical use. Herein, the synthesis, in vitro biological evaluation, and molecular modeling of clonazepam, meclonazepam, and analogues are reported to establish the first structure-activity relationship for schistosomicidal benzodiazepines. Our findings indicate that the amide moiety [N(1) H-C(2) (=O)] is the principal pharmacophoric unit of 1,4-benzodiazepine schistosomicidal compounds and that substitution on the amide nitrogen atom (N(1) position) is not tolerated.

Molecular modeling and UV-vis spectroscopic studies on the mechanism of action of reversed chloroquine (RCQ).

Reversed chloroquine (RCQ) is a multiple ligand compound active against chloroquine-sensitive and resistant falciparum malaria. It is composed by a 4-aminoquinoline moiety (like that present in chloroquine (CQ)) joined to imipramine (IMP), a modulating agent that also showed intrinsic antiplasmodial activity against Brazilian Plasmodium falciparum isolates resistant to CQ. Molecular modeling and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) studies strongly suggest that the interaction between RCQ and heme is predominant through the quinoline moiety in a mechanism of action similar to that observed for CQ.

Botulinum toxin type A versus amitriptyline for the treatment of chronic daily migraine.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of botulinum toxin type A with those of amitriptyline on the treatment of chronic daily migraines. METHODS: Chronic migraine sufferers were randomized into two groups and treated with 25 or 50mg/day of amitriptyline or 250U of botulinum toxin type A. A reduction of at least 50% in the number of pain episodes, in the intensity of pain, and in the number of drug doses for pain and reports of improvement by the patient or by the examiner were the main endpoints. RESULTS: Seventy-two subjects were enrolled in the study. A reduction of at least 50% in the number of days of pain was recorded in 67.8% of the patients in the BTX-A group and 72% (n=23) of the patients in the AM group (p=0.78; RR=0.94; CI=0.11-8). The reduction in the intensity of pain, as assessed using the visual analogical scale, was 50% in the BXT-A group and 55.6% in the AM group (p=0.79; RR=1.11; CI=0.32-3.8). The reduction in the number of pain drug doses was 77% for the toxin group and 71% for the amitriptyline group (p=0.76; RR=0.92; CI=0.45-1.88). CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin type A was as effective as amitriptyline for the prophylactic treatment of chronic daily migraines.

Cruzain inhibition by hydroxymethylnitrofurazone and nitrofurazone: investigation of a new target in Trypanosoma cruzi.

Nitrofurazone (NF) and its derivative, hydroxymethylnitrofurazone (NFOH), have presented antichagasic activity. NFOH has higher activity and lower mutagenicity. The aim of this work was to assess whether NF and its derivative NFOH would also be inhibitors of cruzain, besides their trypanothione reductase inhibitory activity. In vitro cruzain inhibition tests were performed for both compounds, and the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) for NF and NFOH presented values of 22.83 +/- 1.2 microM and 10.55 +/- 0.81 microM, respectively. AM1 semi-empirical molecular modeling studies were performed to understand the activity of the compounds, corroborating the observed cruzain inhibitory activity.