Solid-State NMR Characterization of Mefloquine Resinate Complexes Designed for Taste-Masking Pediatric Formulations.

Mefloquine (MQ) is an antimalarial medication prescribed to treat or malaria prevention.. When taken by children, vomiting usually occurs, and new doses of medication frequently need to be taken. So, developing pediatric medicines using taste-masked antimalarial drug complexes is mandatory for the success of mefloquine administration. The hypothesis that binding mefloquine to an ion-exchange resin (R) could circumvent the drug's bitter taste problem was proposed, and solid-state 13C cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) NMR was able to follow MQ-R mixtures through chemical shift and relaxation measurements. The nature of MQ-R complex formation could then be determined. Impedimetric electronic tongue equipment also verified the resinate taste-masking efficiency in vitro. Variations in chemical shifts and structure dynamics measured by proton relaxation properties (e.g., T1ρH) were used as probes to follow the extension of mixing and specific interactions that would be present in MQ-R. A significant decrease in T1ρH values was observed for MQ carbons in MQ-R complexes, compared to the ones in MQ (from 100-200 ms in MQ to 20-50 ms in an MQ-R complex). The results evidenced that the cationic resin interacts strongly with mefloquine molecules in the formulation of a 1:1 ratio complex. Thus, 13C CPMAS NMR allowed the confirmation of the presence of a binding between mefloquine and polacrilin in the MQ-R formulation studied.

Hospitalizations for mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol and other psychoactive substance use among adolescents in Brazil, 2017-2022.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the epidemiological profile and trend in hospitalizations for mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol and other psychoactive substance use among Brazilian adolescents, between 2017 and 2022. METHODS: This was a time-series study using data from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian National Health System; the trend analysis was performed by estimating the annual percentage change (APC) of hospitalization rates per 100,000 inhabitants and respective confidence intervals (95%CI), using the Prais-Winsten method. RESULTS: A total of 29,991 hospitalizations were recorded in the study period, with a decreasing trend observed, from 16.18/100,000 inhabitants in 2017 to 13.72/100,000 inhab. in 2022 (percent change of -2.65%; 95%CI -4.47;-0.80), a greater decline was found in males (-3.48%; 95%CI -5.20;-1.72), in the age group of 15 to 19 years (-2.79%; 95%CI -4.49;-1.06), in the South (-3.29%; 95%CI -5.37;-1.16) and Midwest (-3.64%; 95%CI -5.75;-1.49) regions of the country. CONCLUSION: Hospitalizations showed a decreasing trend in the study period, with sociodemographic disparities.

Minimal Functionalization of Ruthenium Compounds with Enhanced Photoreactivity against Hard-to-Treat Cancer Cells and Resistant Bacteria.

Metallocompounds have emerged as promising new anticancer agents, which can also exhibit properties to be used in photodynamic therapy. Here, we prepared two ruthenium-based compounds with a 2,2'-bipyridine ligand conjugated to an anthracenyl moiety. These compounds coded GRBA and GRPA contain 2,2'-bipyridine or 1,10-phenathroline as auxiliary ligands, respectively, which provide quite a distinct behavior. Notably, compound GRPA exhibited remarkably high photoproduction of singlet oxygen even in water (Ï•Δ = 0.96), almost twice that of GRBA (Ï•Δ = 0.52). On the other hand, this latter produced twice more superoxide and hydroxyl radical species than GRPA, which may be due to the modulation of their excited state. Interestingly, GRPA exhibited a modest binding to DNA (Kb = 4.51 × 104), while GRBA did not show a measurable interaction only noticed by circular dichroism measurements. Studies with bacteria showed a great antimicrobial effect, including a synergistic effect in combination with commercial antibiotics. Besides that, GRBA showed very low or no cytotoxicity against four mammalian cells, including a hard-to-treat MDA-MB-231, triple-negative human breast cancer. Potent activities were measured for GRBA upon blue light irradiation, where IC50 of 43 and 13 nmol L-1 were seen against hard-to-treat triple-negative human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) and ovarian cancer cells (A2780), respectively. These promising results are an interesting case of a simple modification with expressive enhancement of biological activity that deserves further biological studies.

Equal rates of bone healing and reduced surgical time with iliac crest allograft compared to autograft in medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Iliac crest autograft is frequently used to fill in bone defects after osteotomies. Nonetheless, surgery for bone autograft procurement is associated with morbidity and pain at the donor site. Alternatives to it have been explored, but there is no consensus to guide their application as a routine practice in several orthopedic procedures. Thus, this study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety between iliac crest autograft and allograft in medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients with a symptomatic unilateral genu varum and an indication for high tibial osteotomy were randomly assigned to receive either autograft or allograft to fill the osteotomy site. Operative time, bone healing, and complication rates (delayed union, nonunion, superficial and deep infection, loss of correction, and hardware failure) were recorded after a one-year follow-up. Data were expressed as Mean ± Standard Deviation and considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. RESULTS: The time to radiologic union was similar between both groups (Allograft: 2.38 ± 0.97 months vs. Autograft: 2.45 ± 0.91 months; p = 0.79). Complication rates were also similar in both groups, with one infection in the allograft group and two in the autograft group, two delayed unions in the allograft group, and three in the autograft group. The operative time differed by 11 min between the groups, being lower in the allograft group (Allograft: 65.4 ± 15.1 min vs. Autograft: 76.3 ± 15.2 min; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Iliac crest allografts can be safely and effectively used in medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy as it promotes the same rates of bone union as those achieved by autologous grafts, with the benefits of a shorter operative time. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: U1111-1280-0637 1 December 2022, retrospectively registered.

Anti-bacterial, anti-biofilm and synergistic effects of phenazine-based ruthenium(II) complexes.

Antimicrobial resistance has become a global threat to human health, which is coupled with the lack of novel drugs. Metallocompounds have emerged as promising diverse scaffolds for the development of new antibiotics. Herein, we prepared some metal compounds mainly focusing on cis-[Ru(bpy)(dppz)(SO3)(NO)](PF6) (PR02, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine), in which phenazinic and nitric oxide ligands along with sulfite conferred some key properties. This compound exhibited a redox potential for bound NO+/0 of -0.252 V (vs. Ag|AgCl) and a high pH for nitrosyl-nitro conversion of 9.16, making the nitrosyl ligand the major species. These compounds were still able to bind to DNA structures. Interestingly, reduced glutathione (GSH) was unable to promote significant NO/HNO release, an uncommon feature of many similar systems. However, this reducing agent was essential to generate superoxide radicals. Antimicrobial studies were carried out using six bacterial strains, where none or very low activity was observed for Gram-negative bacteria. However, PR02 and PR (cis-[Ru(bpy)(dppz)Cl2]) showed high antibacterial activity in some Gram-positive strains (MBC for S. aureus up to 4.9 µmol L-1), where the activity of PR02 was similar to or at least 4-fold better than that of PR. Besides, PR02 showed capacity to inhibit bacterial biofilm formation, a major health issue leading to bacterial tolerance to antibiotics. Interestingly, we also showed that PR02 can function in synergism with the known antibiotic ampicillin, improving their action up to 4-fold even against resistant strains. Altogether, these results showed that PR02 is a promising antimicrobial nitrosyl ruthenium compound combining features beyond its killing action, which deserves further biological studies.

Effect of day 5 or 6 blastocyst embryo transfer on pregnancy outcomes in euthyroid women undergoing IVF: A single centre retrospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether blastocysts transferred on day 5 or day 6 of embryo development, as well as positivity for anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies, affect gestational outcomes in euthyroid women undergoing in vitro fertilisation. METHODS: Of 428 women who underwent in vitro fertilisation assessed in this retrospective cohort study, 212 (49.5%) underwent embryo transfer on day 5 of blastulation and 216 (50.5%) on day 6. Dichotomization based on anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies status was also performed, with 370 (86.4%) women testing negative and 58 (13.6%) testing positive. Clinical and hormonal data and rates of clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live births were compared between the groups. RESULTS: When evaluating gestational outcomes based on the day of blastulation, a statistically significant difference was observed in clinical pregnancy rates [51.4% (day 5) vs. 40.7% (day 6); p=0.033]. However, there was no significant difference in the relative frequencies of miscarriages (p=1.000), live births (p=1.000), or preterm births (p=1.000). Using Cramer's V test, a weak association was found between the day of blastulation and clinical pregnancy outcomes (V2=10.7%; p=0.027). There were no statistically significant differences between the anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies-negative and -positive groups in terms of clinical pregnancy rates (p=0.396), miscarriages (p=0.129), and live births (p=0.129). CONCLUSIONS: Higher rates of clinical pregnancy were observed in women who underwent embryo transfers performed on day 5 compared to those on day 6. However, no effect was observed with gestational outcomes. Further, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody positivity did not have a statistically significant impact on gestational outcomes.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Seed Oil and Its Nanoemulsion: Chemical Characterisation, Toxicity Evaluation, Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities.

This study explores a nanoemulsion formulated with açaí seed oil, known for its rich fatty acid composition and diverse biological activities. This study aimed to characterise a nanoemulsion formulated with açaí seed oil and explore its cytotoxic effects on HeLa and SiHa cervical cancer cell lines, alongside assessing its antioxidant and toxicity properties both in vitro and in vivo. Extracted from fruits sourced in Brazil, the oil underwent thorough chemical characterization using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The resulting nanoemulsion was prepared and evaluated for stability, particle size, and antioxidant properties. The nanoemulsion exhibited translucency, fluidity, and stability post centrifugation and temperature tests, with a droplet size of 238.37, PDI -9.59, pH 7, and turbidity 0.267. In vitro assessments on cervical cancer cell lines revealed antitumour effects, including inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation. Toxicity tests conducted in cell cultures and female Swiss mice demonstrated no adverse effects of both açaí seed oil and nanoemulsion. Overall, açaí seed oil, particularly when formulated into a nanoemulsion, presents potential for cancer treatment due to its bioactive properties and safety profile.

Community-developed checklists for publishing images and image analyses.

Images document scientific discoveries and are prevalent in modern biomedical research. Microscopy imaging in particular is currently undergoing rapid technological advancements. However, for scientists wishing to publish obtained images and image-analysis results, there are currently no unified guidelines for best practices. Consequently, microscopy images and image data in publications may be unclear or difficult to interpret. Here, we present community-developed checklists for preparing light microscopy images and describing image analyses for publications. These checklists offer authors, readers and publishers key recommendations for image formatting and annotation, color selection, data availability and reporting image-analysis workflows. The goal of our guidelines is to increase the clarity and reproducibility of image figures and thereby to heighten the quality and explanatory power of microscopy data.

The optimized tourniquet versus no tourniquet in total knee arthroplasty. Analysis of muscle injury, functional recovery, and knee strength.

Background: Tourniquet is widely used in total knee replacement surgery because it reduces intraoperative hemorrhage and provides a comfortable surgical area for the surgeon. It's possible that its use could lead to impaired postoperative functional and motor recovery, as well as local and systemic complications. Our goal was to compare the outcomes of total knee replacement without ischemia using an optimized protocol, consisting of tourniquet inflation before skin incision and deflation after cementing, with a pressure of one hundred millimeters above systolic blood pressure and without postoperative articular suction drains.). We believed that tourniquet effectively would result in no additional muscle damage and no functional or knee strength impairment compared to no tourniquet. Methods: In a prospective and randomized study, 60 patients with osteoarthritis were evaluated for total knee replacement, divided in two groups: 'without tourniquet' and 'optimized tourniquet'. Outcomes were mean creatine phosphokinase levels, Knee Society Score and knee isokinetic strength. Data were considered significant when p < 0.05. Results: Creatine phosphokinase levels and functional score were similar between groups. There were no differences between groups regarding knee extension strength on the operated limbs, although the knee flexors' peak torque in the operated limb in the optimized tourniquet group was significantly higher at 6 months relative to preoperative and 3 months assessments. Conclusions: The optimized tourniquet protocol use in total knee replacement combines the benefits of tourniquet use without compromising functional recovery and without additional muscle damage and strength deficits compared to surgery without its use.

Hospitalizations for mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol and other psychoactive substance use among adolescents in Brazil, 2017-2022 / Hospitalizaciones por trastornos mentales y de conducta relacionados con el consumo de alcohol y otras sustancias psicoactivas en adolescentes en Brasil, 2017-2022 / Hospitalizações por transtornos mentais e comportamentais relacionados ao uso de álcool e outras substâncias psicoativas em adolescentes no Brasil, 2017-2022

Abstract Objective: To assess the epidemiological profile and trend in hospitalizations for mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol and other psychoactive substance use among Brazilian adolescents, between 2017 and 2022. Methods: This was a time-series study using data from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian National Health System; the trend analysis was performed by estimating the annual percentage change (APC) of hospitalization rates per 100,000 inhabitants and respective confidence intervals (95%CI), using the Prais-Winsten method. Results: A total of 29,991 hospitalizations were recorded in the study period, with a decreasing trend observed, from 16.18/100,000 inhabitants in 2017 to 13.72/100,000 inhab. in 2022 (percent change of -2.65%; 95%CI -4.47;-0.80), a greater decline was found in males (-3.48%; 95%CI -5.20;-1.72), in the age group of 15 to 19 years (-2.79%; 95%CI -4.49;-1.06), in the South (-3.29%; 95%CI -5.37;-1.16) and Midwest (-3.64%; 95%CI -5.75;-1.49) regions of the country. Conclusion: Hospitalizations showed a decreasing trend in the study period, with sociodemographic disparities.

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar el perfil epidemiológico y la tendencia de las hospitalizaciones por trastornos mentales y de comportamiento relacionados con el uso de alcohol y otras sustancias psicoactivas en adolescentes brasileños, desde 2017 hasta 2022. Métodos: Estudio de serie temporal utilizando el Sistema de Información Hospitalaria del Sistema Único de Salud; se evaluó la tendencia mediante la estimación del cambio porcentual anual (CPA) de las tasas de hospitalización por cada 100,000 habitantes y sus respectivos intervalos mediante el método de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: Se registraron 29.991 hospitalizaciones durante el período y se observó una tendencia decreciente en Brasil, desde 16,18 hospitalizaciones por cada 100.000 habitantes en 2017 hasta 13,72 en 2022 (variación de -2,65%; IC₉₅% -4,47;-0,80), con mayor declive en hombres (-3,48%; IC₉₅% -5,20;-1,72), en la edad de 15 a 19 años (-2,79%; IC₉₅% -4,49;-1,06), en las regiones del Sur (-3,29%; IC₉₅% -5,37; -1,16) y Centro-Oeste (-3,64%; IC₉₅% -5,75;-1,49). Conclusión: Las hospitalizaciones mostraron una tendencia decreciente en el período, con disparidades sociodemográficas.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar o perfil epidemiológico e a tendência das internações hospitalares por transtornos mentais e comportamentais devido ao uso de álcool e de outras substâncias psicoativas em adolescentes brasileiros, de 2017 a 2022. Métodos: Estudo de série temporal com dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde. A tendência foi analisada estimando-se a variação percentual anual (VPA) das taxas de internação por 100 mil habitantes e respectivos Intervalos pelo método de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: Foram registradas 29.991 internações no período, sendo observada uma tendência decrescente das internações no Brasil, variando de 16,18 internações por 100 mil hab., em 2017, para 13,72 em 2022 (variação de -2,65%; IC₉₅% -4,47; -0,80), com maior declínio no sexo masculino (-3,48%; IC₉₅% -5,20;-1,72), na faixa etária de 15 a 19 anos (-2,79%; IC₉₅% -4,49;-1,06), nas regiões Sul (-3,29%; IC₉₅% -5,37;-1,16) e Centro-Oeste (-3,64%; IC₉₅% -5,75;-1,49). Conclusão: As internações apresentaram tendência decrescente no período, com disparidades sociodemográficas.

Recent advances in the treatment of pain in endometriosis: A bibliometric analysis of experimental models.

Background and Aim: Treatment of endometriosis involves pain relief which is achieved through the administration of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with or without the addition of hormone therapy. At present, studies investigating endometriosis pain management using experimental rat models and the use of medications are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically evaluate research trends and critical points in the field of endometriosis pain management using experimental models. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 publications related to this topic that were published from 2012 to 2022 were retrieved from various databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL, using appropriate English keywords. The quality of the publications was evaluated using impact metrics, productivity, term density mapping, and author network. Results: The average publication rate was three articles per year, reaching its peak in 2021 at five articles per year. The United States and China were found to be the most productive countries, with 12 and 10 publications per year, respectively. The field of medicine (37.0%) was the most abundant, although the H-index was relatively low (13:13). Term density mapping involved the search of 542 keywords, of which 35 were selected, with only 8 exhibiting significant density. Conclusion: In the past decade, there has been a shortage of publications that have addressed pain in endometriosis in experimental models and, within this context the majority of the production and publication in this field has been performed by the United States and China. After performing this bibliometric review, it can be inferred that more research is required in this field, to develop new approaches and treatments for endometriotic pain.

Correlation between inflammatory mediators and biochemical markers in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis / Correlação entre mediadores inflamatórios e marcadores bioquímicos em pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar ativa

Objective: Correlate inflammatory mediators and biochemical parameters in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) treated at a public hospital in São Luís, MA. Methods: This is a case-control study of patients with a positive diagnosis of active pulmonary TB. Serum samples from patients and the control group were collected for the clinical trials, and epidemiological data were collected through medical records and interviews. The control group consisted of healthy volunteers with no previous contact with TB cases, matched by age and sex to the clinical group. To measure inflammatory cytokines, we used the Human IL-6 ELISA Set and Human IFN-γ ELISA Set kits. Oxidative stress was measured by quantification of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and nitric oxide (NO). In biochemistry, the levels of uric acid, antistreptolysin "O" (AEO), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), amylase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), calcium, total cholesterol, gamma-glutamyl transferase (Gamma GT), glucose, alkaline phosphatase, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), C-reactive protein (CRP) and triglycerides were measured. Results: The clinical group consisted of 53 patients. There was a substantial decrease in IFN-γ (p<0.0001) and a significant increase in IL-6 (p<0.0001). TBARS production increased significantly (p= 0.0414). There was no significant difference in NO production (p= 0.3194). In biochemistry, there was a significant increase in ALT (p= 0.0072), AST (p= 0.0016), Gamma GT (p= 0.0011), alkaline phosphatase (p<0.0001), CRP (p<0. .0001) and triglycerides (p= 0.0343), and a significant decrease in calcium (p<0.0001). A significant positive correlation was found between IL-6 and IFN-γ (p= 0.0448), as well as AST and ALT (p<0.0001); CRP and gamma GT (p<0.0001); Gamma GT and ALT (p= 0.0016); Gamma GT and AST (p=0.0004); triglycerides and cholesterol (p= 0.0002); alkaline phosphatase and gamma GT (p<0.0001); CRP and alkaline phosphatase (p<0.0001); triglycerides and calcium (p= 0.0121); cholesterol and calcium (p= 0.0261); glucose and cholesterol (p= 0.0373); and triglycerides and glucose (p= 0.0127) in biochemistry, with a significant negative correlation between glucose and uric acid (p= 0.0092); and CRP and HDL (p=0.0037). The correlation between inflammatory mediators and biochemical markers was positive between IL-6 and gamma GT (p= 0.0011); IL-6 and CRP (p<0.0001); IL-6 and alkaline phosphatase (p=0.0076); and NO and triglycerides (p= 0.0016), and significant negative correlation between IFN-γ and cholesterol (p= 0.0171) and TBARS and cholesterol (p= 0.0138). Conclusion: Immunosuppression of IFN-γ activity was observed. A correlation was found between IL-6 and inflammatory biochemical markers, indicating damage and injury caused by M. tuberculosis (AU).

Objetivo: Correlacionar mediadores inflamatórios e parâmetros bioquímicos em pacientes com tuberculose (TB) pulmonar ativa atendidos em um hospital público, em São Luís, MA. Métodos: Trata-se um caso-controle de pacientes com diagnóstico positivo para TB pulmonar ativa. Amostras de soro dos pacientes e grupo controle foram coletadas para os experimentos clínicos e os dados epidemiológicos foram coletados por meio de prontuários e entrevistas. O grupo controle foi formado por voluntários saudáveis sem contato prévio com casos de TB, pareados com idade e sexo ao grupo clínico. Para dosar citocinas inflamatórias, utilizaram-se os kits Human IL-6 ELISA Set e Human IFN-γ ELISA Set. Mediu-se o estresse oxidativo pela quantificação das espécies reativas do ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) e óxido nítrico (ON). Na bioquímica, mediram-se os níveis de ácido úrico, anti-estreptolisina-O (AEO), alanina aminotransferase (ALT), amilase, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), cálcio, colesterol total, gama glutamil transferase (Gama GT), glicose, fosfatase alcalina, lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL), proteína C reativa (PCR) e triglicerídeos. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo software Graph Pad Prism 8, com p<0,05 significativo. Re -sultados: O grupo clínico foi formado por 53 pacientes. Houve uma diminuição significativa de IFN-γ (p<0,0001), e aumento significativo de IL-6 (p<0,0001). A produção de TBARS aumentou significativamente (p= 0,0414). Não houve diferença significativa na produção de ON (p= 0,3194). Na bioquímica, houve aumento significativo em ALT (p= 0,0072), AST (p= 0,0016), gama GT (p= 0,0011), fosfatase alcalina (p<0,0001), PCR (p<0,0001) e triglice-rídeos (p= 0,0343), e diminuição significativa de cálcio (p<0,0001). Encontrou-se correlação positiva significativa entre IL-6 e IFN-γ (p= 0,0448), assim como AST e ALT (p<0,0001); PCR e gama GT (p<0,0001); gama GT e ALT (p= 0,0016); gama GT e AST (p= 0,0004); triglicerídeos e colesterol (p= 0,0002); fosfatase alcalina e gama GT (p<0,0001); PCR e fosfatase alcalina (p<0,0001); triglicerídeos e cálcio (p= 0,0121); colesterol e cálcio (p= 0,0261); glicose e colesterol (p= 0,0373); e triglicerídeos e glicose (p= 0,0127) na bioquímica, sendo negativa significativa entre glicose e ácido úrico (p= 0,0092); e PCR e HDL (p= 0,0037). A correlação entre marcadores infla-matório e bioquímicos foi positiva entre IL-6 e gama GT (p= 0,0011); IL-6 e PCR (p<0,0001); IL-6 e fosfatase alcalina (p= 0,0076); e ON e triglicerídeos (p= 0,0016), e negativa significativa entre IFN-γ e colesterol (p= 0,0171) e TBARS e colesterol (p= 0,0138). Conclusões: Observou-se imunossupressão da atividade de IFN-γ. Encontrou-se correlação entre IL-6 e marcadores bioquímicos inflamatórios, indicando dano e lesão causados por M. tuberculosis (AU).

Bixa orellana ethyl acetate fraction and its isolated compound ellagic acid attenuate the progression of MIA-induced osteoarthritis in rat knees.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a pathology that is characterized by progressive erosion of articular cartilage. In this context, medicinal plants have become relevant tools regarding their potential role in the prevention and treatment of OA, being safe and effective. The aim of this work was investigate the therapeutic efficacy of the ethyl acetate fraction of Bixa orellana leaves (BoEA) and ellagic acid (ElAc) for the therapeutic treatment of OA induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) in rats. The plant material was extracted via maceration with 70 % hydroalcoholic solvent (BoHE). The ethyl acetate (BoEA) fraction was by solvents in increasing order of polarity. The ElAc was identified and isolated in BoEA using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) and analytical curve. The OA was induced using MIA in the right knee at the knee joint. Doses of BoEA and ElAc were administered daily (every 24 h, orally) at concentrations of 50, 100 and 50 mg/kg, respectively, for 28 days after induced OA. We evaluated the animals through clinical and radiological examinations every 7 days and, on the 29th day, the animals were euthanized, the joints being removed for histopathological analysis and the serum for cytokine analysis. BoEA and ElAc compounds reduced inflammation and nociception in OA and were as effective as indomethacin in clinical parameters of joint discomfort and allodynia in rats, in addition to showing improvements in radiological and histopathological images, acting on the progress of cartilage deterioration, proving properties related to anti-inflammatory and analgesic processes, being important allies for new therapeutic interventions for the treatment of OA.

How does the methodological clinical evaluation impact organ donation? Experience from 4 Organ Procurement Organizations (OPO)

INTRODUCTION: The lack of a clear and reproducible methodology for evaluating potential organ donors, which ensures traceability in the process, can compromise the number of utilized organ donors and the transplantation quality. METHODOLOGY: We developed a reproducible and safe method for the evaluation and validation of Potential Organ Donors (PD) based on 2 principles:1) Updated knowledge of absolute contraindications for organ donation and, 2) Decision making supported by 3 questions. The first principle was absolute contraindications. They were categorized into 4 groups: A) Serologies, B) Tumors, C) Infections, and D) Biological risk for transmission of infectious diseases and cancer. The second principle was the decision-making questions: A) What is the cause of death? B) Are there absolute contraindications to organ donation? and, C) Are there relative contraindications to organ donation? Each PD was subjected to the same methodology. The questions were answered after knowing the PD's clinical file. The PD was valid only if the set of answers adhered to an established matrix respecting different guidelines. The same physician evaluated each PD in all OPO. We applied in 4 different OPO, 3 of them in the State of São Paulo/Brazil and one in the United Arab Emirates, in different periods, including the SARS-COV 2 pandemic. RESULTS: OPO­SCSP, before the methodology (2007): 62 utilized donors, 205 transplants. After the methodology has been started (2008/2009/2010): 117, 154, 186 utilized donors and 348, 533, 487 transplants, respectively. 2) OPO-BTU, before the methodology (2009): 9 utilized donors and 19 transplants. After the methodology has been started (2010/2011/2012): 17, 36, 49 utilized donors and 38, 90, 143 transplants, respectively. 3) OPO-IDPC, before the methodology (2017): 93 utilized donors and 202 transplants. After the methodology has been started (2018/2019/2020): 107, 177, 187 utilized donors and 219, 395, 356 transplants, respectively. 4) UAE OPO, before the methodology (2020): 9 utilized donors and 35 transplants. After the methodology has been started (2021/2022): 39, 55 utilized donors and 147, 203 transplants, respectively. The percentage increase after the beginning of the methodology, considering the last year evaluated: 1) OPO-SCSP: 195% (Utilized donors) and 137% (Transplants); 2) OPO-BTU: 444% (Utilized donors) and 652% (Transplants); C) OPO-IDPC: 101% (Utilized Donors) and 76% (Transplants); 4) OPO-EOTC (United Arab Emirates): 511% (Utilized donors) and 480% (Transplants). CONCLUSION: The methodology used demonstrates that it can directly contribute to increasing the percentage of effective donors and transplants. The increase in donors ranged from 101% to 444%. The percentage growth of transplantation ranged from 76% to 652%. Indirectly, an increase the referrals was observed, motivated by frequent contact with OPO members and ICU professionals.

Percepção de informações sobre medidas não farmacológicas de prevenção para a covid-19 entre usuários de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de Campina Grande, Paraíba / Perception of information about non-pharmacological prevention measures for covid-19 among users of a basic health unit in Campina Grande, Paraíba

As percepções sobre a doença pelo coronavírus 2019 (covid-19) associam-se à adoção de medidas preventivas não farmacológicas (MNF) contra o contágio. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a percepção de informações sobre MNF para prevenção da COVID-19 por usuários de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS). O estudo foi descritivo-transversal, quanti-qualitativo. Selecionou-se uma amostra de 70 famílias da população adstrita a uma UBS de Campina Grande (PB) para a fase quantitativa e, entre estes, 14 foram escolhidos para a fase qualitativa. A coleta de dados foi feita por questionário estruturado (dados sociodemográficos; informações sobre MNF; gravidade da covid-19; suscetibilidade à covid-19; confiança nas MNF) e entrevista não estruturada (enfrentamento, informações, impacto). Amostra predominantemente feminina (65,2%), parda (69,6%) e de instrução superior/pós-graduação (62,3%), que aplicou MNF em associação de 2 a 4, sobretudo lavagem das mãos, uso de álcool e máscara facial (51/74,2% para cada) e isolamento (36/52,4%). A maior parte se informou sobre MNF por TV e internet, e uma minoria, por amigos, parentes, governantes e profissionais da UBS; 49,2% se perceberam suscetíveis e 65,2% se sentiram confiantes nas MNF. Houve mais falas referentes a máscaras, vacinação e coletividade, nas categorias emergentes de prevenção, percepção, informação, governança e impacto. Os respondentes relataram críticas ao conteúdo e ênfase insuficiente das informações e à adesão parcial pela sua comunidade. Conclui-se que as orientações sobre as MNF alcançaram os participantes deste estudo e, para isto, deve ter contribuído o grau de escolaridade favorável da amostra.

Perceptions about coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) are associated with the adoption of non-pharmacological preventive measures (MNF) against contagion. The objective of this study was to analyze the perception of information about MNF for the preventionof covid-19 by users of a basic health unit (UBS). The study was descriptive-cross-sectional, quanti-qualitative. A sample of 70 families from the population assigned to a UBS in Campina Grande (PB) was selected for the quantitative phase and, among these, 14 were chosen for the qualitative phase. Data collection was performed using a structured questionnaire (sociodemographic data; information on MNF; severity of covid-19; susceptibility to covid-19; trust in MNF)and unstructured interview (coping, information, impact).Predominantly female sample (65.2%), non-white (69.6%) and with higher/graduate education (62.3%), who applied MNF in association of 2 to 4, especially hand washing, use of alcohol and face mask (51/74.2% for each) and isolation (36/52.4%).Most were informed about MNF by TV and the internet, and a minority by friends, relatives, government officials and UBS professionals; 49.2% felt susceptible and 65.2% felt confident in MNF. There were more statements referring to masks, vaccination, and collectivity, in the emerging categories of prevention, perception, information, governance and impact. Respondents reported criticism of the content and insufficient emphasis of information and partial adherence by their community. It is concluded that the guidelines on MNF reached the participants of this study and, for this, the favorable level of education of the sample must have contributed.

Bibliometric Review on New Possibilities of Antimycobacterial Agents: Exploring Siderophore Desferrioxamine's Applications as an Antimicrobial Agent.

Mycobacteria cause tuberculosis and other serious diseases. Understanding their mechanisms of resistance to our immune system and exploring novel drugs are critical strategies to combat infections. A bibliometric analysis was performed to identify publication trends and critical research areas in the field of the antimicrobial activity of desferrioxamine. A total of twenty-four publications on the topic, from 2012 to 2023, were retrieved from databases including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Embase, using specific keywords. The quality of the publications was assessed using impact and productivity metrics, with an average annual publication rate of 2.1 articles. The United States emerged as the most productive country, with medicine (23.4%, 11 publications) and biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology (21.3%, 10 publications) as the top research fields. The five most cited publications accounted for 672 citations, with a relatively low h-index (11:11). In conclusion, there has been a lack of publications on this topic in the last decade. The United States dominates production and publication in this area, and there appears to be limited exchange of knowledge, ideas, and technology within the field. Therefore, fostering international cooperation through funding is essential to facilitate further research and development of desferrioxamine-related studies.

COVID-19 vaccine booster doses provide increased protection against COVID-19 hospitalization compared with previously vaccinated individuals: Interim findings from the REFORCO-Brazil real-world effectiveness study during Delta and Omicron.

BACKGROUND: Although COVID-19 booster vaccination is widely recommended, there is limited long-term, population-level, real-world evidence on the magnitude of improved protection against severe COVID-19 conferred by boosting with monovalent COVID-19 vaccines developed against ancestral SARS-CoV-2, especially in low- or middle-income countries. We present interim results from the first large-scale assessment of the relative vaccine effectiveness (rVE) of first and second booster doses against severe COVID-19 in a low-/middle-income country. METHODS: REFORCO-Brazil is an ongoing, test-negative case-control study (NCT05697705) utilizing Brazil national severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) surveillance and vaccination data. In SARS hospitalizations from August 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022, we matched test-positive (via SARS-CoV-2 antigen/reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) cases and test-negative case-controls (via RT-PCR) based on admission date, preceding vaccinations, and age. We evaluated the rVEs of four monovalent COVID-19 vaccines (AZD1222, Ad26.COV2.S, CoronaVac, and BNT162b2) as second boosters compared with any first boosters received ≥4 months previously, and as first boosters compared with primary-series vaccinations completed ≥4 months previously. RESULTS: The overall rVE of second boosters, from 5668 (2238 test-positive) evaluated hospitalizations, was 24.7 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 12.6-35.1); the overall rVE of first boosters, from 30,272 (12,063 test-positive) hospitalizations, was 46.8 % (95 % CI: 43.3-50.0). The rVEs of AZD1222 and BNT162b2 were similar: 29.4 % (95 % CI: 8.6-45.5) and 25.5 % (95 % CI: 4.2-42.2), respectively, for second boosters; and 42.5 % (95 % CI: 28.0-54.0) and 50.8 % (95 % CI: 47.5-54.0), respectively, for first boosters. In general, rVEs were higher in elderly (≥80 years) and immunocompromised/high-risk individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the use of AZD1222 and other adenoviral/mRNA vaccine boosters to maintain protection against COVID-19 hospitalization from Omicron subvariants, including in elderly and immunocompromised individuals at increased risk of accelerated waning or severe outcomes.

Treatment of Chondral Lesions in the Knee.

Articular cartilage injuries are common and lead to early joint deterioration and osteoarthritis. Articular cartilage repair techniques aim at forming a cartilaginous neo-tissue to support the articular load and prevent progressive degeneration. Several techniques are available for this purpose, such as microfracture and chondrocyte transplantation. However, the procedural outcome is often fibrocartilage, which does not have the same mechanical resistance as cartilaginous tissue. Procedures with autologous osteochondral graft have a morbidity risk, and tissue availability limits their use. As such, larger lesions undergo osteochondral transplantation using fresh or frozen grafts. New techniques using minced or particulate cartilage fragments or mesenchymal stem cells are promising. This paper aims to update the procedures for treating chondral lesions of the knee.