Telescoping Synthesis of 4-Organyl-5-(organylselanyl)thiazol-2-amines Promoted by Ultrasound.

In this work, we describe the synthesis of new 4-organyl-5-(organylselanyl)thiazol-2-amine hybrids through a one-pot two-step protocol. The transition metal-free method involves the use of ultrasound as an alternative energy source and Oxone® as oxidant. To obtain the products, a telescoping approach was used, in which 4-organylthiazol-2-amines were firstly prepared under ultrasonic irradiation, followed by the addition of diorganyl diselenides and Oxone®. Thus, 16 compounds were prepared, with yields ranging from 61 % to 98 %, using 2-bromoacetophenone derivatives and diorganyl diselenides as easily available starting materials.

Hours of sleep and associated factors in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Sleep alterations are common in college students, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociodemographic factors may predict these alterations in this population. OBJECTIVE: To identify the sociodemographic factors and health characteristics associated with the number of hours of sleep of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out with 244 university students from a multicampi public university in the State of Bahia, Northeast Brazil. Data collection was performed online and participants answered a specific questionnaire to assess sleep hours, sociodemographic and health variables. RESULTS: Significant associations were observed between hours of sleep and older students (odds ratio adjusted -ORaj: 3.75; 95% Confidence Interval -CI: 1.81-7.75; p <  0.01), attending the final semesters (ORaj: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.05-3.25; p <  0.03), and who reported having some disease (ORaj: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.05-4.50; p <  0.03) with greater chances of getting less sleep. However, those who used tobacco (ORaj: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01-0.45; p <  0.001) were likely to have more hours of sleep per night. CONCLUSION: Sleep restriction was common among participating college students, which has likely intensified due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions. This encourages specific public health actions, contemplating the health and hours of sleep of this population.

Quantitative relationship between physical activity and antihypertensives in elderly women / Relación cuantitativa entre actividad física y antihipertensivos en ancianas / Relação quantitativa entre atividade física e anti-hipertensivos em idosas

ABSTRACT Introduction: Physical activity is an important tool to manage systemic arterial hypertension. However, less is known about the relationship of physical activity with the number of antihypertensive drugs used by older adults. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the number of antihypertensive drugs used by older female adults (aged ≥ 60 years) with a low level of physical activity with the number used by those with a high level of physical activity, and to verify how many participants used more than two antihypertensive drugs. Methods: Twenty-eight physically active older women with systemic arterial hypertension who participated in a physical activity program for community-dwelling older female adults were divided into two groups: participants who presented lower habitual physical activity levels were placed in group 1 and participants that presented higher habitual physical activity levels were placed in group 2, according to the Baecke questionnaire. In addition, the number of antihypertensive drugs used by participants was collected. Results: The number of prescribed antihypertensive drugs was 2.0 (median) for both groups investigated. There was no significant difference between groups regarding the number of antihypertensive tablets prescribed (p>0.05). Although there was no statistical difference, a higher proportion of participants from the lower physical activity group used more than two antihypertensive drugs. Conclusion: The level of habitual physical activity did not affect the number of antihypertensive tablets used by hypertensive elderly women. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMEN Introducción: La actividad física es una herramienta importante para el manejo de la hipertensión arterial sistémica. Sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre la relación de la actividad física con la cantidad de medicamentos antihipertensivos utilizados por las ancianas. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue hacer una comparación entre el número de medicamentos antihipertensivos utilizados por mujeres adultas mayores (≥ 60 años) y bajo nivel de actividad física con el número utilizado por aquellas con alto nivel de actividad física, y verificar cuántas de las participantes usaron más de dos medicamentos antihipertensivos. Métodos: Veintiocho ancianas físicamente activas con hipertensión arterial sistémica que participaron en un programa de actividad física para mujeres adultas mayores residentes en la comunidad fueran divididas en dos grupos: las participantes que presentaron niveles más bajos de actividad física habitual se ubicaron en el grupo 1 y las participantes que presentaron los mayores niveles de actividad física se ubicaron en el grupo 2, según el cuestionario de Baecke. Además, se recogió el número de medicamentos antihipertensivos utilizados por las participantes. Resultados: El número de comprimidos antihipertensivos prescritos fue de 2,0 (mediana) para ambos grupos investigados. No hubo diferencia significativa entre los grupos en cuanto al número de medicamentos antihipertensivos prescritos (p>0,05). Aunque no hubo diferencia estadística, una mayor proporción de participantes del grupo de menor actividad física usó más de dos medicamentos antihipertensivos. Conclusión: El nivel de actividad física habitual no afectó el número de comprimidos antihipertensivos utilizados por las ancianas hipertensas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos: investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: A atividade física é uma importante ferramenta no manejo da hipertensão arterial sistêmica. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre a relação entre a atividade física e a quantidade de anti-hipertensivos usados por idosos. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma comparação entre o número de anti-hipertensivos usados por idosas (≥ 60 anos) com baixo nível de atividade física com o número usado por aquelas com alto nível de atividade física, verificando quantas participantes usaram mais de dois anti-hipertensivos. Métodos: Vinte e oito idosas fisicamente ativas com hipertensão arterial sistêmica que participavam de um programa de atividade física para idosas da comunidade foram divididas em dois grupos: as participantes que apresentaram níveis mais baixos de atividade física habitual foram colocadas no grupo 1 e as participantes que apresentaram maiores níveis de atividade física foram colocados no grupo 2, de acordo com o questionário de Baecke. Ademais, coletou-se o número de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos utilizados pelas participantes. Resultados: O número de fármacos anti-hipertensivos prescritos foi de 2,0 (mediana) para ambos os grupos investigados. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto ao número de comprimidos anti-hipertensivos prescritos (p>0,05). Embora não tenha havido diferença estatística, uma maior proporção de participantes entre o grupo de menor atividade física utilizava mais de dois anti-hipertensivos. Conclusão: O nível de atividade física habitual não afetou a quantidade de comprimidos anti-hipertensivos utilizados pelas idosas hipertensas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

Ultrassonografia na prática assistencial do enfermeiro do bloco operatório: revisão de escopo / Ultrasound in the care practice of the nurse in the operating room: scope review

OBJETIVO: identificar na literatura científica aplicações para o uso da ultrassonografia por enfermeiros no bloco operatório. MÉTODO: revisão de escopo realizada de acordo com a metodologia proposta pelo Instituto Joanna Briggs para responder à pergunta norteadora: Quais os possíveis usos da ultrassonografia por enfermeiros do bloco operatório? Os artigos foram buscados nas principais bases internacionais de literatura científica e cinzenta. Os descritores utilizados serão ultrassonografia e centros cirúrgicos. A pesquisa se orientou pelo acrônimo P-C-C: P ­ Participantes: Equipe de Enfermagem do Centro Cirúrgico; C ­ Conceito: Ultrassonografia; C - Contexto: Centro Cirúrgico. Registro do protocolo: osf.io/p8zne. RESULTADOS: os estudos encontrados versavam sobre três usos principais da ultrassonografia para enfermeiros perioperatórios no cenário do bloco operatório: avaliação gástrica (N=7), avaliação de conteúdo vesical (N=10) e auxiliar para punção periférica venosa e arterial (N=3). CONCLUSÃO: os enfermeiros perioperatórios devem buscar formação para práticas avançadas incluindo o uso de ultrassonografia como auxiliar em sua prática.

OBJECTIVE: To identify applications for using ultrasonography by nurses in the operating room in the scientific literature. METHOD: Scope review carried out according to the methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute to answer the guiding question: What are the possible uses of ultrasound by nurses in the operating room? The articles were sought in the main international scientific and gray literature bases. The descriptors used will be ultrasonography and surgical centers. The research was guided by the acronym P-C-C: P ­ Participants: Surgical Center Nursing Team; C - Concept: Ultrasound; C - Context: Surgical Center. Protocol Registration: osf.io/p8zne. RESULTS: The studies found covered three main uses of ultrasound for perioperative nurses in the operating room scenario: gastric evaluation (N=7), evaluation of vesical content (N=10), and auxiliary for venous and arterial peripheral puncture (N=3). CONCLUSION: Perioperative nurses should seek training for advanced practices, including using ultrasound to aid in their practice.

Effects of twelve weeks of dance Exergames on the quality-of-life variables of elderly Brazilian women enrolled in a community program.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Exercise-based interventions can be a safe alternative to improve and maintain physical and mental health during the aging process. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week training program with Dance Exergames on the mood and functional fitness profile of elderly women. METHODS: The sample (n = 22) was divided into Exergames (EG, n = 9, 70.6 ± 1.6 years) and Control Groups (CG, n = 13, 73.6 ± 2.2 years). Evaluations were carried out before and after the interventions. Each participant played, in pairs, the electronic game Dance Central 3, with the XBOX 360 Kinect console (Slim, Microsoft, USA). The EG trained for 12 weeks (24 sessions), with two weekly sessions of 50 min and the CG performed manual activities workshops. RESULTS: In functional fitness, both exercise training with exergame (EG) and the intervention model for the CG did not produce significant effects regarding interaction (group*time). Mood state presented significant effect of time intervention regarding tension (p = <0.001), depression (p = 0.001), anger (p = 0.030), fatigue (p = 0.001), and mental confusion (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Twelve weeks of training with a dance exergame (for, EG) and manual activities (for, CG) is enough to promote improvements in the mood state of healthy elderly women. This is an interesting result, as it shows that social interaction is as important a component as improving functional capacity.

Chitosan-PEG Gels Loaded with Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill. Ethanolic Extract: An Efficient and Effective Biomaterial in Hemorrhage Control.

A lack of control over blood loss can have catastrophic implications, including death. Although several hemostatic medications have been employed to reduce bleeding, a vast majority of them are ineffective, expensive, or pose health risks to the patient. To overcome these constraints, chitosan-polyethylene glycol (CS-PEG) hemostatic gels loaded with ethanolic extract of Jatropha mollissima sap (EES) were prepared and their hemostatic, physicochemical, and cytotoxic properties were evaluated. The gels were produced by mixing CS with PEG (an external plasticizer) and EES. The phytochemical analysis revealed a significant concentration of total polyphenols and tannins content in the extract and catechin was identified as one of the key compounds of EES. Infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of EES in the gels, as well as the chemical interaction between CS and PEG. The gels were thermally stable between 25 and 37 °C (ambient and human body temperature range), had pseudoplastic deformation behavior (rheological properties preserved after shearing), were simple to inject (compression force 30 N), and were biocompatible. In vivo experiments showed that both CS-PEG-EES gels exhibited greater hemostatic action in preventing tail hemorrhage in Wistar rats, with decreased bleeding time and blood weight compared with unloaded CS-PEG gels (control groups) and Hemostank, a commercial product. However, the gel prepared with acetic acid was more efficient in controlling bleeding. These findings reveal that CS-PEG-EES gels can reduce hemorrhages and are a potent, simple, and safe hemostatic agent.

LPS-Induced Mortality in Zebrafish: Preliminary Characterisation of Common Fish Pathogens.

Disease outbreaks are a common problem in aquaculture, with serious economic consequences to the sector. Some of the most important bacterial diseases affecting aquaculture are caused by Gram-negative bacteria including Vibrio spp. (vibriosis), Photobacterium damselae (photobacteriosis), Aeromonas spp. (furunculosis; haemorrhagic septicaemia) or Tenacibaculum maritimum (tenacibaculosis). Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are important components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and have been linked to strong immunogenic responses in terrestrial vertebrates, playing a role in disease development. To evaluate LPS effects in fish, we used a hot-phenol procedure to extract LPS from common fish pathogens. A. hydrophila, V. harveyi, T. maritimum and P. damselae purified LPS were tested at different concentrations (50, 100, 250 and 500 µg mL-1) at 3 days post-fertilisation (dpf) Danio rerio larvae, for 5 days. While P. damselae LPS did not cause any mortality under all concentrations tested, A. hydrophila LPS induced 15.5% and V. harveyi LPS induced 58.3% of zebrafish larvae mortality at 500 µg mL-1. LPS from T. maritimum was revealed to be the deadliest, with a zebrafish larvae mortality percentage of 80.6%. Analysis of LPS separated by gel electrophoresis revealed differences in the overall LPS structure between the bacterial species analysed that might be the basis for the different mortalities observed.

Solar-based photocatalytic ozonation employing novel S-scheme ZnO/Cu2O/CuO/carbon xerogel photocatalyst: effect of pH, salinity, turbidity, and temperature on salicylic acid degradation.

This paper proposes the study of a solar-based photocatalytic ozonation process for the degradation of salicylic acid (SA) using a novel S-scheme ZnO/Cu2O/CuO/carbon xerogel photocatalyst. The incorporation of CuO and Cu2O aims to enhance charge mobility through the formation of p-n heterojunctions with ZnO, whereas the carbon xerogel (XC) was selected due to its eco-friendly nature, capacity to stabilize S-scheme heterojunctions as a solid-state electron mediator, and ability to function as a reducing agent under high temperatures. The characterization of the composites demonstrates that the presence of the XC during the calcination step led to the reduction of a fraction of the CuO into Cu2O, forming a ternary semiconductor heterojunction system. In terms of photocatalysis, the XC/ZnO-CuxO 5% composite achieved the best efficiency for salicylic acid degradation, mainly due to the stabilization of the S-scheme charge transfer pathway between the ZnO/CuO/Cu2O semiconductors by the XC. The total organic carbon (TOC) removal during heterogeneous photocatalysis was 80% for the solar-based process and 68% for the visible light process, after 300 min. The solar-based photocatalytic ozonation process was highly successful regarding the degradation of SA, achieving a 75% increase in the apparent reaction rate constant when compared to heterogeneous photocatalysis. Furthermore, a 78% TOC removal was achieved after 150 min, which is half the time required by the heterogeneous photocatalysis to obtain the same result. Temperature, salinity, and turbidity had major effects on the efficiency of the photocatalytic ozonation process; the system's pH did not cause any major performance variation, which holds relevance for industrial applications.

Bypass de instrumento endodôntico fraturado: relato de caso / Bypass of a fractured endodontic instrument: case report

Introdução: Mesmo com toda evolução tecnológica desses instrumentos, com o desenvolvimento das limas de liga de níquel-titanio (NiTi) e sistemas mecanizados, as fraturas podem ocorrer durante o preparo químico/mecânico. Existem três abordagens mais regulamente aplicadas para solucionar essa intercorrencia: tentativa de remoção do instrumento com ultrassom, tentativa de ultrapassálo (bypass) ou a obturação do segmento. Objetivo: Relatar um caso da técnica de bypass em instrumento fraturado no canal radicular. Descrição do caso: Paciente, sexo feminino, 47 anos, brasileira, sem condições sistêmicas associadas, foi encaminhada à clínica do Curso de Odontologia da UNIFENAS, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brasil, para resolução de fratura de instrumento no canal mésio- vestibular do primeiro molar superior direito (16). Optou-se pelo tratamento pela técnica de bypass, que envolveu as seguintes etapas: anestesia, abertura, utilização de lima C-Pilot #08 para ultrapassar o instrumento fraturado, odontometria, escalonamento regressivo a partir da lima k#20, desinfecção com hipoclorito de sódio 5%, medicação com hidróxido de cálcio por 21 dias, agitação da substância irrigadora e obturação dos canais radiculares. Conclusão: O bypass ao instrumento é uma técnica conservadora, eficaz e uma solução adequada em casos de fratura de limas endodônticas dentro dos canais radiculares. Essa técnica visa preservar o máximo possível da estrutura dental original, evitando procedimentos mais invasivos.(AU)

Introduction: Even with all technological evolution of these instruments, with the development of nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi) files and mechanized systems, fractures can occur during chemical/mechanical preparation. There are three most commonly applie to resolve this complication: attempting to remove the instrument with ultrasound, attempting to bypass it, or obturating the segment. Objective: To report a case of bypass technique in fractured instrument in the root canal. Case description: A 47-year-old female patient from Brazil, with no associated systemic conditions, was referred to the clinic of the Dentistry Course at UNIFENAS, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil, for resolution of an instrument fracture in the mesio-vestibular canal of the right upper first molar (16). Treatment was performed using the bypass technique, which involved the following steps: anesthesia, opening, use of a C-Pilot #08 file to bypass the fractured instrument, odontometry, regressive scaling from the k#20 file, disinfection with 5% sodium hypochlorite, medication with calcium hydroxide for 21 days, agitation of the irrigating substance and root canal filling. Conclusion: Instrument bypass is a conservative, effective technique and an adequate solution in cases of endodontic file fracture within root canals. This technique aims to preserve as much of the original tooth structure as possible, avoiding more invasive procedures.(AU)

Anti-inflammatory strategies for hepatic encephalopathy: preclinical studies.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a potentially reversible neuropsychiatric syndrome. Often, HE causes cognitive and motor dysfunctions due to an acute or chronic insufficiency of the liver or a shunting between the hepatic portal vein and systemic vasculature. Liver damage induces peripheral changes, such as in the metabolism and peripheral inflammatory responses that trigger exacerbated neuroinflammation. In experimental models, anti-inflammatory strategies have demonstrated neuroprotective effects, leading to a reduction in HE-related cognitive and motor impairments. In this scenario, a growing body of evidence has shown that peripheral and central nervous system inflammation are promising preclinical targets. In this review, we performed an overview of FDA-approved drugs and natural compounds which are used in the treatment of other neurological and nonneurological diseases that have played a neuroprotective role in experimental HE, at least in part, through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Despite the exciting results from animal models, the available data should be critically interpreted, highlighting the importance of translating the findings for clinical essays.

A encefalopatia hepática (EH) é uma síndrome neuropsiquiátrica potencialmente reversível. Muitas vezes a EH causa disfunções cognitivas e motoras devido à insuficiência do fígado ou por um desvio entre a veia porta hepática e a vasculatura sistêmica. O dano no fígado provoca alterações periféricas, como no metabolismo e nas respostas inflamatórias periféricas, que desencadeiam uma neuroinflamação exacerbada. Em modelos experimentais, estratégias anti-inflamatórias têm demonstrado efeitos neuroprotetores, levando a uma redução dos prejuízos cognitivos e motores relacionados à EH. Neste cenário, evidências crescentes têm mostrado a inflamação periférica e no sistema nervoso central como um promissor alvo pré-clínico. Nesta revisão, abordamos uma visão geral de drogas e compostos naturais aprovados pelo FDA para o uso no tratamento de outras doenças neurológicas e não neurológicas, que tiveram papel neuroprotetor na EH experimental, pelo menos em parte, através de mecanismos anti-inflamatórios. Apesar dos resultados empolgantes em modelos animais, os dados avaliados devem ser criticamente interpretados, destacando a importância da tradução dos achados para ensaios clínicos.

Anti-inflammatory strategies for hepatic encephalopathy: preclinical studies / Estratégias anti-inflamatórias para encefalopatia hepática: estudos pré-clínicos

Abstract Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a potentially reversible neuropsychiatric syndrome. Often, HE causes cognitive and motor dysfunctions due to an acute or chronic insufficiency of the liver or a shunting between the hepatic portal vein and systemic vasculature. Liver damage induces peripheral changes, such as in the metabolism and peripheral inflammatory responses that trigger exacerbated neuroinflammation. In experimental models, anti-inflammatory strategies have demonstrated neuroprotective effects, leading to a reduction in HE-related cognitive and motor impairments. In this scenario, a growing body of evidence has shown that peripheral and central nervous system inflammation are promising preclinical targets. In this review, we performed an overview of FDA-approved drugs and natural compounds which are used in the treatment of other neurological and nonneurological diseases that have played a neuroprotective role in experimental HE, at least in part, through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Despite the exciting results from animal models, the available data should be critically interpreted, highlighting the importance of translating the findings for clinical essays.

Resumo A encefalopatia hepática (EH) é uma síndrome neuropsiquiátrica potencialmente reversível. Muitas vezes a EH causa disfunções cognitivas e motoras devido à insuficiência do fígado ou por um desvio entre a veia porta hepática e a vasculatura sistêmica. O dano no fígado provoca alterações periféricas, como no metabolismo e nas respostas inflamatórias periféricas, que desencadeiam uma neuroinflamação exacerbada. Em modelos experimentais, estratégias anti-inflamatórias têm demonstrado efeitos neuroprotetores, levando a uma redução dos prejuízos cognitivos e motores relacionados à EH. Neste cenário, evidências crescentes têm mostrado a inflamação periférica e no sistema nervoso central como um promissor alvo pré-clínico. Nesta revisão, abordamos uma visão geral de drogas e compostos naturais aprovados pelo FDA para o uso no tratamento de outras doenças neurológicas e não neurológicas, que tiveram papel neuroprotetor na EH experimental, pelo menos em parte, através de mecanismos anti-inflamatórios. Apesar dos resultados empolgantes em modelos animais, os dados avaliados devem ser criticamente interpretados, destacando a importância da tradução dos achados para ensaios clínicos.

In vitro antifungal activity of curcumin mediated by photodynamic therapy on Sporothrix brasiliensis.

BACKGROUND: Sporothrix brasiliensis is a pathogenic dimorphic fungus that affects humans and animals causing sporotrichosis. The treatment of this disease with conventional antifungals commonly results in therapeutic failures and resistance. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of curcumin (CUR) mediated by photodynamic therapy (PDT) in its pure state and incorporated into pharmaceutical formulation in gel form, on the filamentous and yeast forms of S. brasiliensis. METHODS: Cells from both forms of the fungus were treated with pure curcumin (PDT-CUR). For this, CUR concentrations ranging from 0.09 to 50 µM were incubated for 15 min and then irradiated with blue LED at 15 J/cm². Similarly, it was performed with PDT-CUR-gel, at lower concentration with fungistatic action. After, a qualitative and quantitative (colony forming units (CFU)) analysis of the results was performed. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by flow cytometry. Results PDT with 0.78 µM of CUR caused a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in cells of the filamentous and yeast form, 1.38 log10 and 1.18 log10, respectively, in comparison with the control. From the concentration of 1.56 µM of CUR, there was a total reduction in the number of CFU (≥ 3 log10). The PDT-CUR-gel, in relation to its base without CUR, presented a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of 0.83 log10 for the filamentous form and for the yeast form, 0.72 log10. ROS release was detected after the PDT-CUR assay, showing that this may be an important pathway of death caused by photoinactivation. Conclusion PDT-CUR has an important in vitro antifungal action against S. brasiliensis strains in both morphologies.

Boosting the photodynamic activity of erythrosine B by using thermoresponsive and adhesive systems containing cellulose derivatives for topical delivery.

Erythrosine displays potential photodynamic activity against microorganisms and unhealthy cells. However, erythrosine has high hydrophilicity, negatively impacting on permeation through biological membranes. Combining biological macromolecules and thermoresponsive polymers may overcome these erythrosine-related issues, enhancing retention of topically applied drugs. The aim of this work was to investigate the performance of adhesive and thermoresponsive micellar polymeric systems, containing erythrosine in neutral (ERI) or disodium salt (ERIs) states. Optimized combinations of poloxamer 407 (polox407) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were used as platforms for ERI/ERIs delivery. The rheological and mechanical properties of the systems was explored. Most of the formulations were plastic, thixotropic and viscoelastic at 37 °C, with suitable gelation temperature for in situ gelation. Mechanical parameters were reduced in the presence of the photosensitizer, improving the softness index. Bioadhesion was efficient for all hydrogels, with improved parameters for mucosa in contrast to skin. Formulations composed of 17.5 % polox407 and 3 % HPMC or 1 % NaCMC with 1 % (w/w) ERI/ERIs could release the photosensitizer, reaching different layers of the skin/mucosa, ensuring enough production of cytotoxic species for photodynamic therapy. Functional micelles could boost the photodynamic activity of ERI and ERIs, improving their delivery and contact time with the cells.

Formulation and performance evaluation of emulgel platform for combined skin delivery of curcumin and propolis.

The environment can modify the physiology and body protective function of the skin. Propolis (PRP) and curcumin (CUR) possess important antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and they can be administered in a combined way and using photodynamic therapy (PDT). Emulgels can control drug release due to the physicochemical properties of the gel and the emulsion. They constitute a good strategy for achieving an improved platform for the combined delivery of PRP and CUR. There are no other studies of emulgels composed of PRP and CUR and their performance as antimicrobial and skin healing using or not PDT. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Carbopol 934 P (C934P), 974 P (C974P) or polycarbophil (PC) on physicochemical stability, antioxidant activity, drug release profile, antimicrobial activity, and ex vivo skin permeation and retention of emulgels containing PRP and CUR. Formulations containing C974P or PC displayed improved stability and antioxidant activity. They displayed activity against Staphylococcus aureus and modified (extended) drug release, governed mainly by non-Fickian anomalous transport. C974P and PC resulted in improved emulgels for combined CUR and PRP delivery, allowing the drugs to cross the stratum corneum, and permeate the epidermis, reaching the dermis. The selected emulgels are candidates for further studies to prove their action and benefits to skin health.

Cannabidiol reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced nociception via endocannabinoid system activation.

Bacterial infections are often accompanied by fever and generalized muscle pain. However, the treatment of pain with an infectious aetiology has been overlooked. Thus, we investigated the impact of cannabidiol (CBD) in bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nociception. Male Swiss mice received intrathecal (i.t.) LPS injection, and the nociceptive threshold was measured by the von Frey filaments test. Spinal involvement of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), microglia and astrocytes were evaluated by i.t. administration of their respectively antagonists or inhibitors. Western blot, immunofluorescence, ELISA and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to assess Cannabinoid CB2 receptors and TLR4 spinal expression, proinflammatory cytokines and endocannabinoid levels. CBD was administered intraperitoneally at 10 mg/kg. The pharmacological assay demonstrated TLR4 participation in LPS-induced nociception. In addition, spinal TLR4 expression and proinflammatory cytokine levels were increased in this process. CBD treatment prevented LPS-induced nociception and TLR4 expression. AM630 reversed antinociception and reduced CBD-induced endocannabinoids up-regulation. Increased spinal expression of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor was also found in animals receiving LPS, which was accompanied by reduced TLR4 expression in CBD-treated mice. Taken together, our findings indicated that CBD is a potential treatment strategy to control LPS-induced pain by attenuating TLR4 activation via the endocannabinoid system.

Nutrient intake, digestibility and ruminal characteristics of lambs supplemented with probiotic.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of different levels of probiotic in the diets of lambs, on ruminal characteristics, intake and digestibility of nutrients. The treatments were 0 (control group), 2, 4 and 6 g/day of probiotic doses, supplied orally and individually to the lambs. Four crossbred Santa Inês X Texel lambs were used, and the experimental design was a Latin square, with four treatments and four periods. Samples of diet, orts, feces, and ruminal fluid were collected from each animal. Intake and apparent digestibility variables were not different (p > 0.05) among the levels of probiotic evaluated. The average daily feed intake of lambs ranged from 1.27 to 1.28 kg of DM/day, and no significant differences (p > 0.05) were obtained between the levels of probiotics used in the diet. The percentage distribution of protozoa was not significant according to the different doses of probiotics used. A positive linear effect was obtained between the pH of the rumen fluid and the probiotic used, indicating that the highest pH values were obtained when the animals received the higher dose of 6 g probiotic; indicative that its use provides a ruminal environment closer to neutrality. The methylene blue reduction test in ruminal fluid samples did not differ between the different doses of probiotics used. The increasing levels of the probiotic in the diet of lambs are related to an increase in ruminal pH, without changing the levels of intake and digestibility of nutrients.

Cannabidiol prevents chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain by modulating spinal TLR4 via endocannabinoid system activation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of cannabidiol (CBD) on type 4 Toll-like receptors (TLR4), glial cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines during the neuropathic pain induced by the chemotherapy agent paclitaxel (PTX), as well as the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in this process. METHODS: Male C57BL6 mice were subjected to PTX-induced neuropathic pain. To evaluate the involvement of the TLR4, glial cells and cannabinoid CB2 receptor, specific inhibitors or antagonists were intrathecally administered. The western blotting and immunofluorescence assay was performed to evaluate the spinal expression of TLR4, microglia, astrocytes and cannabinoid CB2 receptor. The levels of spinal pro-inflammatory cytokines and endocannabinoids were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, respectively. KEY FINDINGS: CBD prevented PTX-induced neuropathic pain, and the cannabinoid CB2 receptor antagonist AM630 reversed this effect. In addition, CBD treatment inhibited the spinal expression of TLR4 and Iba1 in mice with neuropathic pain. CBD also increased spinal levels of endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, and reduced levels of cytokines in mice with neuropathic pain. CONCLUSIONS: CBD was efficient in preventing PTX-induced neuropathic pain, and this effect may involve inhibition of the TLR4 on microglia spinal with activation of the endocannabinoid system.

Improving chestnut physicochemical properties through fermentation - Development of chestnut Amazake.

The increased awareness of population regarding the impact of consumption habits is leading to interest in new, innovative, diversified and health promoting foods. In this work, two new amazake fermented products were developed with chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.), using rice or chestnut koji as source of glycolytic enzymes. The analysis of the amazakes evolution showed improvements in chestnuts physicochemical characteristics. The fermented products presented higher values of soluble protein, sugars, starches, antioxidant capacity, and similar values of ascorbic acid for chestnut koji amazake. The adhesiveness increased, which is related to the enhanced concentrations of sugars and starches. The evolution into less structured products was observed in the firmness followed by a consistent decrease of the viscoelastic moduli. The developed chestnut amazakes can represent a suitable alternative to traditional amazake, creating an opportunity for valorisation of chestnut industrial by-products, as new, tasty, and nutritive fermented products with potential functional characteristics.

Factors Associated with the Lifestyle of Pediatric Healthcare Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The objective of this study was to analyze the association between sociodemographic and occupational variables with the lifestyle of health professionals in pediatric units during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 407 health professionals working in four pediatric health units in the State of Bahia, northeast Brazil. The Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire and a questionnaire with sociodemographic and employment variables self-applied via Google Forms were used. The final binary logistic regression models revealed significant associations between those who received 3 to 5 minimum wages, without a marital relationship and with more than one employment relationship. Data suggest that these sociodemographic and occupational profiles are more exposed to risky lifestyle behaviors. The findings of this study demonstrated the need for greater attention to the health of health professionals in the pediatric field, as well as the promotion of initiatives that seek to value the work of these professionals and reduce the damage caused to their lifestyle, especially in a pandemic scenario.

Gentle Touch and Sucrose for Pain Relief during Suctioning in Preterm Newborns-A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Pain management is challenging in neonatal care. We aimed to compare the effects of gentle touch and sucrose on pain relief during suctioning in premature newborns (PTNB). This crossover randomized clinical trial enrolled PTNBs with low birth weight, hemodynamically stable, and requiring suctioning during hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit. PTNBs underwent three different suctioning procedures. The first was performed without intervention (baseline). Right after, PTNBs were randomly allocated (sucrose and gentle touch or vice versa) to the next two suctioning procedures. Two validated scales assessed pain: the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) and the Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised (PIPP-R). We evaluated 50 PTNBs (mean of 28 weeks) with a mean low birth weight of 1050 g; most were under continuous positive airway pressure 37 (74%) and mechanical ventilation 41 (82%). Gentle touch was efficacious for pain relief since NIPS (p = 0.010) compared to baseline. Sucrose was also effective in reducing pain NIPS and PIPP-R (p < 0.001). Although the two interventions reduced pain, no difference was observed between gentle touch and sucrose.