Innovative adsorbents based on bentonite mining waste for removal of cationic dyes from wastewater.

Waste rock from bentonite mining (WRBM) was evaluated as potential adsorbents for removing crystal violet (CV) and methylene blue (MB) cationic dyes from contaminated water. The waste samples (AM01, AM02, and AM03) were collected from different locations of the bentonite mine and characterized through X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption, and cation exchange capacity. The adsorption efficiency of CV and MB dyes was investigated through the effect of initial concentration, contact time, pH, the dosage of adsorbent, and temperature. Sample AM02 showed the largest surface area (69.13 m2/g) and the best adsorptive performance for both dyes, with removal more significant than 90%. The adsorption of CV and MB in the waste followed the Langmuir isothermal model. Samples AM01 and AM02 followed the pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic model, while AM03 better fitted the Elovich kinetic model. The enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS), and Gibbs energy (ΔG) were evaluated as adsorption parameters. The process of adsorption of CV and MB dyes in the waste was predominantly endothermic and occurred spontaneously. WRBM samples proved to be a promising candidate for removing cationic dyes present in water.

Adsorption of Sodium Diclofenac in Functionalized Palygoskite Clays.

The effects of acid and organo-functionalizations on the surface of Brazilian palygorskite clay was investigated, evaluating its potential in the adsorptive capacity of the drug sodium diclofenac present in wastewaters. The modifications on the clay structure were investigated by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, thermogravimetric, differential thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, surface area by N2 adsorption (77.5 K) and Zeta potential. The experimental design was carried out to find the best conditions for the adsorption tests, in which concentration, mass and pH were significant. In the kinetic study, the pseudo-second-order model better described the adsorption process for acid and organo-functionalized samples. Such results indicate that the adsorption behavior probably occurs due to the phenomenon of chemisorption. Regarding the adsorption isotherms, the Langmuir model was the one that best adjusted both the experimental data of acid and the organo-functionalized samples, whose maximum adsorption capacity were 179.88 and 253.34 mg/g, respectively. This model also indicates that the sodium diclofenac is adsorbed to monolayers homogeneously through chemisorption. In general, the studied clays proved to be suitable adsorbents for the removal of sodium diclofenac.

Evaluation of Marrubium vulgare Growing Wild in Tunisia for Its Potential as a Dietary Supplement.

Marrubium vulgare L., known as horehound, is a widespread and widely known plant that is used in beer breweries and also as a traditional remedy in Tunisia. In this study, methanolic extracts of plants harvested from five different locations were investigated for their antioxidant activities using three assays (ferric reducing power, radical scavenging activity, and ß-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching assay) as well as the total phenolic content. The mineral composition of the plant was also investigated concerning the following elements: Fe, Mg, Ca, Cu, Zn, Mn, K, and three heavy metals, Ni, Pb, and Cd. Marrubiin, the major bioactive diterpenoid lactone, was quantified by NMR in the samples. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation, and their radical scavenging activity was investigated. The toxicity of essential oils was evaluated against Artemia salina (the brine shrimp larva). The essential oil showed a weak radical scavenging activity and low toxicity. Data obtained from the five different locations showed that the antioxidant activity, as well as the total phenolic and marrubiin content, were strongly affected by the harvest sites. The metal content in the samples showed differences with the harvest location, but there was always a great abundance of calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Adsorption Behavior of Crystal Violet and Congo Red Dyes on Heat-Treated Brazilian Palygorskite: Kinetic, Isothermal and Thermodynamic Studies.

The effect of heat treatment on the adsorptive capacity of a Brazilian palygorskite to remove the dyes crystal violet (CV) and congo red (CR) was investigated. The natural palygorskite was calcined at different temperatures (300, 500 and 700 °C) for 4 h. Changes in the palygorskite structure were evaluated using X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, N2 adsorption/desorption and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The adsorption efficiency of CV and CR was investigated through the effect of initial concentration, contact time, temperature, pH and dosage of adsorbent. The calcination increased the adsorption capacity of palygorskite, and the greatest adsorption capacity of CV and CR dyes occurred in the sample calcined at 700 °C (Pal-700T). The natural and calcined samples at 300 and 500 °C followed the Freundlich isothermal model, while the Pal-700T followed the Langmuir isothermal model. Adsorption kinetics results were well described by the Elovich model. Pal-700T showed better adsorption performance at basic pH, with removal greater than 98%, for both dyes. Pal-700T proved to be a great candidate for removing cationic and anionic dyes present in water.

Virtual audiometer: technology integrated to teaching. / Audiômetro virtual: tecnologia integrada ao ensino.

PURPOSE: To elaborate a virtual tool, with didactic purposes, that allows the integration of technology to the teaching of Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) and speech audiometry. METHODS: The Interacoustics AD229b audiometer was used as a physical model to achieve the virtual tool. The Visual Basic 6 programming language was used, so that the colors, characters, and functions were similar to the real audiometer. In addition, the possibility of simulating the patient's response was added, as well as of recording the hearing thresholds in a virtual audiogram. For speech audiometry, the possibility of adjusting the VU meter and recording the number of correct and incorrect answers were implemented. RESULTS: The developed tool was able to reproduce frequencies from 125 Hz to 8000 Hz, in intensities ranging from -10 to 110 dB, being possible to use different stimulus, as well as clinical masking by air and bone conduction. The microphone button can be used to facilitate the teaching of speech audiometry. CONCLUSION: The virtual version of the audiometer is similar to the model equipment, making the integration of technology into teaching feasible, with exemplify the PTA and speech audiometry.

OBJETIVO: Elaborar uma ferramenta virtual, com fins didáticos, que possibilite a integração da tecnologia ao ensino da Audiometria Tonal Limiar (ATL) e logoaudiometria. MÉTODO: O audiômetro da marca Interacoustics AD229b foi utilizado como modelo físico para a consecução da ferramenta virtual. Utilizou-se a linguagem de programação Visual Basic 6, de modo que as cores, os caracteres e as funções fossem similares ao audiômetro real. Além disso, acrescentou-se a possibilidade de simular a resposta do paciente, como também de registrar os limiares auditivos em um audiograma virtualizado. Para a logoaudiometria, implementou-se a possibilidade de ajuste do "VU meter" e o registro da quantidade de acertos e erros no exame. RESULTADOS: A ferramenta desenvolvida mostrou-se capaz de reproduzir as frequências de 125 a 8000 Hz, em intensidades que variam de -10 a 110 dB, sendo possível empregar diferentes formas de apresentação do estímulo, assim como o mascaramento clínico por condução aérea e óssea. A ativação da função "microfone" pode ser aplicada para facilitar o ensino da logoaudiometria. CONCLUSÃO: A versão virtualizada do audiômetro mostrou-se semelhante ao equipamento modelo, tornando factível a integração da tecnologia ao ensino, com exemplificação da ATL e da logoaudiometria.

Adaptation of the Brazilian Functional Auditory Performance Indicators - Short Version. / Adaptação do protocolo Indicadores de Performance Funcional Auditiva Brasileiro - Versão Reduzida.

PURPOSE: To adapt the Brazilian Functional Auditory Performance Indicators protocol to a short version including the production of material and an application manual. METHODS: Methodological, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative and qualitative approach conducted with seven speech-language therapists who applied the protocol to 34 children with hearing loss and their guardians. The analysis of content validity and the instrument reliability evaluated the semantic equivalence, analysis of satisfaction of speech therapists, and statistical tests of Cronbach's Alpha and Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The short version, called FAPI-r, was adapted considering coefficients that indicate internal consistency and almost perfect inter-evaluator agreement. Speech-language therapists reported satisfaction with the instrument and stated that the manual facilitates the understanding of the test application. However, there was no agreement between the assessment of speech-language therapists and the answers of families, indicating a need for a greater insertion of families in the therapeutic scenario. CONCLUSION: The adapted FAPI-r has validity and reliability, promising future developments for research and clinical performance in the population of hard of hearing children.

OBJETIVO: Adaptar o protocolo Indicadores de Performance Funcional Auditiva Brasileiro para uma versão reduzida, incluindo a produção de material e de um manual de aplicação. MÉTODO: Estudo do tipo metodológico, descritivo e transversal, com abordagem quantiqualitativa, realizado com sete fonoaudiólogos que aplicaram o protocolo em 34 crianças com deficiência auditiva e seus responsáveis. Cumpriram-se a análise da validade de conteúdo, bem como da confiabilidade do instrumento por meio da avaliação da equivalência semântica, da análise da satisfação dos fonoaudiólogos e dos testes estatísticos alfa de Cronbach e coeficiente de Kappa. RESULTADOS: Foi adaptada a versão reduzida denominada FAPI-r, com coeficientes que indicaram consistência interna e concordância interavaliadores quase perfeitos. Os fonoaudiólogos referiram satisfação com o instrumento e relataram que o manual de aplicação facilitou o entendimento sobre a aplicação do teste. Observou-se, no entanto, a não concordância entre a avaliação dos fonoaudiólogos e as respostas das famílias, indicando a necessidade de maior inserção destas no cenário terapêutico. CONCLUSÃO: Realizada a adaptação do FAPI-r, constatando-se sua validade e confiabilidade, com futuros desdobramentos para a pesquisa e atuação clínica na população de crianças com deficiência auditiva.

Upgrading the Topical Delivery of Poorly Soluble Drugs Using Ionic Liquids as a Versatile Tool.

Numerous studies are continuously being carried out in pursuit of formulations with higher performance. Problems such as poor drug solubility, which hinders drug incorporation into delivery systems and bioavailability, or limitations concerning the stability and performance of the formulations may cause difficulties, since solving all these drawbacks at once is a huge challenge. Ionic liquids (ILs), due to their tunable nature, may hypothetically be synthesized for a particular application. Therefore, predicting the impact of a particular combination of ions within an IL in drug delivery could be a useful strategy. Eight ILs, two choline amino acid ILs, two imidazole halogenated ILs, and four imidazole amino acid ILs, were prepared. Their applicability at non-toxic concentrations, for improving solubility and the incorporation of the poorly soluble, ferulic, caffeic, and p-coumaric acids, as well as rutin, into topical emulsions, was assessed. Next, the impact of the ILs on the performance of the formulations was investigated. Our study showed that choosing the appropriate IL leads to a clear upgrade of a topical emulsion, by optimizing multiple features of its performance, such as improving the delivery of poorly soluble drugs, altering the viscosity, which may lead to better sensorial features, and increasing the stability over time.

Lichenochemical Screening and Antioxidant Capacity of Four Tunisian Lichen Species.

The phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of four Tunisian lichen species, Cladonia rangiformis, Flavoparmelia caperata, Squamarina cartilaginea and Xanthoria parietina, were determined in order to provide a better understanding of their lichenochemical composition. Powdered material of F. caperata was the richest in total phenolic content (956.68 µg GAE g-1 DW) and S. cartilaginea in proanthocyanidin content (77.31 µg CE g-1 DW), while the acetone extract of X. parietina showed the highest flavonoid content (9.56 µg CE g-1 DW). The antioxidant capacity of all lichen extracts and crude material was evaluated by DPPH. scavenging, iron-chelating, and iron-reducing powers. Results showed that methanol extracts of S. cartilaginea had the highest DPPH. antioxidant capacity (IC50 =0.9 µg mL-1 ) and the highest iron-reducing power was attributed to the acetone extract of this species. All extracts of all species were further screened by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and nuclear resonance spectroscopy (NMR); results showed an abundance of phenols, aromatic compounds, and fatty acids. Overall, our results showed that the investigated species are a rich source of potentially bioactive compounds with valuable properties.

Audiômetro virtual: tecnologia integrada ao ensino / Virtual audiometer: technology integrated to teaching

RESUMO Objetivo Elaborar uma ferramenta virtual, com fins didáticos, que possibilite a integração da tecnologia ao ensino da Audiometria Tonal Limiar (ATL) e logoaudiometria. Método O audiômetro da marca Interacoustics AD229b foi utilizado como modelo físico para a consecução da ferramenta virtual. Utilizou-se a linguagem de programação Visual Basic 6, de modo que as cores, os caracteres e as funções fossem similares ao audiômetro real. Além disso, acrescentou-se a possibilidade de simular a resposta do paciente, como também de registrar os limiares auditivos em um audiograma virtualizado. Para a logoaudiometria, implementou-se a possibilidade de ajuste do "VU meter" e o registro da quantidade de acertos e erros no exame. Resultados A ferramenta desenvolvida mostrou-se capaz de reproduzir as frequências de 125 a 8000 Hz, em intensidades que variam de -10 a 110 dB, sendo possível empregar diferentes formas de apresentação do estímulo, assim como o mascaramento clínico por condução aérea e óssea. A ativação da função "microfone" pode ser aplicada para facilitar o ensino da logoaudiometria. Conclusão A versão virtualizada do audiômetro mostrou-se semelhante ao equipamento modelo, tornando factível a integração da tecnologia ao ensino, com exemplificação da ATL e da logoaudiometria.

ABSTRACT Purpose To elaborate a virtual tool, with didactic purposes, that allows the integration of technology to the teaching of Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) and speech audiometry. Methods The Interacoustics AD229b audiometer was used as a physical model to achieve the virtual tool. The Visual Basic 6 programming language was used, so that the colors, characters, and functions were similar to the real audiometer. In addition, the possibility of simulating the patient's response was added, as well as of recording the hearing thresholds in a virtual audiogram. For speech audiometry, the possibility of adjusting the VU meter and recording the number of correct and incorrect answers were implemented. Results The developed tool was able to reproduce frequencies from 125 Hz to 8000 Hz, in intensities ranging from -10 to 110 dB, being possible to use different stimulus, as well as clinical masking by air and bone conduction. The microphone button can be used to facilitate the teaching of speech audiometry. Conclusion The virtual version of the audiometer is similar to the model equipment, making the integration of technology into teaching feasible, with exemplify the PTA and speech audiometry.

Foods, the Best Way to Take Antioxidant Natural Products.

Antioxidants are powerful compounds that help the body to destroy the excess of endogenous radical species responsible for many severe conditions like neurodegenerative, inflammatory, and cardiovascular impairments, and even some forms of cancer [...].

Anticancer Activity of Rutin and Its Combination with Ionic Liquids on Renal Cells.

The renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer. Identifying novel and more effective therapies, while minimizing toxicity, continues to be fundamental in curtailing RCC. Rutin, a bioflavonoid widely found in nature, has shown promising anticancer properties, but with limited applicability due to its poor water solubility and pharmacokinetics. Thus, the potential anticancer effects of rutin toward a human renal cancer cell line (786-O), while considering its safety in Vero kidney cells, was assessed, as well as the applicability of ionic liquids (ILs) to improve drug delivery. Rutin (up to 50 µM) did not show relevant cytotoxic effects in Vero cells. However, in 786-O cells, a significant decrease in cell viability was already observed at 50 µM. Moreover, exposure to rutin caused a significant increase in the sub-G1 population of 786-O cells, reinforcing the possible anticancer activity of this biomolecule. Two choline-amino acid ILs, at non-toxic concentrations, enhanced rutin's solubility/loading while allowing the maintenance of rutin's anticancer effects. Globally, our findings suggest that rutin may have a beneficial impact against RCC and that its combination with ILs ensures that this poorly soluble drug is successfully incorporated into ILs-nanoparticles hybrid systems, allowing controlled drug delivery.

An Overview on the Properties of Ximenia Oil Used as Cosmetic in Angola.

Ximenia (Ximeniaamericana L.) is a shrub, or small tree, native from Africa and spread across different continents. In Angola, the seeds oil is used by local populations, to prevent sunburn, to smooth and hydrate the skin, and to give it a pleasant color and elasticity, to prevent stretch marks, in pregnant woman, and also as hair conditioner. Herein, an oil sold in the region (LPO), and two others extracted in laboratory, from seeds collected in the same region, were investigated in terms of their composition, chemical properties, UV transmission. The three oils are similar although the LPO is more acidic, 0.48 mg KOH/g. GC-MS analysis indicated that the major components are the fatty acids, oleic (31.82%), nervonic (11.09%), ximenic (10.22%), and hexacosa-17,20,23-trienoic acids (14.59%). Long chain fatty acids, n ≥ 20, accounted for 51.1% of the total fatty acids. A thin film of the oil showed a reduction in transmittance from 200 to 300 nm. Viscosity studies of the LPO indicated that at normal temperature of skin, the oil can be spread over the skin as a thin film. At concentrations up to 10 µg/mL, the LPO is not toxic to human keratinocytes, suggesting the safety of this oil.

Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Capacity of the Tunisian Lichen Diploschistes ocellatus (Ascomycota).

This study, the first to assess the total phenolic, flavonoid, tannins, and proanthocyanidin content of the Tunisian lichen Diploschistes ocellatus, determined the antioxidant capacity in scavenging 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), as well as the ferric-reducing and iron-chelating powers. The phenolic compound content of D. ocellatus was shown to be related to antioxidant activity. The highest phenolic and flavonoid contents of extracts were obtained with acetone (286.3 µg GAE/g DW and 3.24 µg CE/g DW, respectively), while the highest tannin and proanthocyanidin contents were obtained with methanol (5.5 µg TAE/g DW and 35.12 µg CE/g DW, respectively). The highest DPPH' scavenging capacity and iron-chelating power of extracts were obtained with methanol (concentration providing 50% inhibition [IC50] = 0.029 mg/mL and IC50 = 0.425 mg/mL, respectively), while acetone extracts showed a higher reducing power (IC50 = 0.118 mg/mL).

Influence of preparation procedures on the phenolic content, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of green and black teas

The influence of common tea preparation procedures (temperature, infusion time, consumption time interval and tea bag/loose-leaf) and the type of water used, on the total phenolic content (TPC), the radical scavenging activity and the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity were assessed. Higher TPC and antioxidant activity were obtained when using lower mineralized waters. Tea bags also evidenced higher antioxidant activity than loose-leaf samples. Under the same conditions (90 ºC and five minutes of infusion time) green tea contains almost twice the quantity of polyphenols and the free radical scavenging ability of black tea. In the α-glucosidase assay all infusions were active (97-100 %). Furthermore, HPLC allowed to identify some of the polyphenols present in both teas and to monitor their composition change with time. After twenty-four hours, the antioxidant activity was maintained without significant changes, but a small decrease in enzyme inhibition was observed, although this activity was still very high

Choline-Amino Acid Ionic Liquids as Green Functional Excipients to Enhance Drug Solubility.

The development of effective forms to incorporate poorly soluble drugs into delivery systems remains a problem. Thus, it is important to find alternatives such as finding excipients that increase drug solubility. Ionic liquids (ILs), particularly choline-based ILs, have been studied as solubility enhancers in drug delivery systems. Nonetheless, to acknowledge this property as a functionality, it needs to be proven at non-toxic concentrations. Hence, herein two choline-amino acid ILs were studied as functional excipients by evaluating their influence on the solubility of the poorly water-soluble ferulic acid and rutin, while considering their safety. The solubility of the drugs was always higher in the presence of the ILs than in water. Ionic liquids did not affect the radical scavenging activity of the drugs or the cell viability. Moreover, stable oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions were prepared containing each drug and the ILs, allowing a significantly higher drug loading. Globally, our results suggest that choline-based ILs may act as green functional excipients, since at non-toxic concentrations they considerably improve drug solubility/loading, without influencing the antioxidant activity of the drugs, the cell viability, or the stability of the formulations.

Vegetable Tannins Used in the Manufacture of Historic Leathers.

In this review, a brief description of how animal skins were transformed in leathers in Europe using different vegetable tannins will be presented. Special attention will be dedicated to the description of the type of tannins and the characteristics of the most important type of historic leathers thus obtained. The text will also focus on the description of the techniques used in the identification of these tannins in historic objects: colorimetric tests and spectroscopic analysis.

Ortorexia nervosa em estudantes de nutrição: associações com o estado nutricional, satisfação corporal e período cursado / Orthorexia nervosa in nutrition students: association with nutritional status, body satisfaction and coursed period

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar a prevalência de comportamentos com tendência a ortorexia nervosa (ON) e suas associações com o estado nutricional, satisfação corporal e período cursado em estudantes de nutrição. Métodos Participaram do estudo 141 estudantes (com idade média de 21,5 ± 3,5 anos). A tendência à ON foi avaliada por meio do questionário para identificação da ON (ORTO-15) e a satisfação corporal, pelo Body Shape Questionnaire. A classificação do estado nutricional foi feita pelo IMC (kg.m-2). Associações entre as variáveis foram avaliadas pelo teste do qui-quadrado (p < 0,05). Resultados Comportamentos alimentares com tendência a ON foram identificados em 87,2% dos estudantes. Os estudantes com ON apresentaram mais insatisfação corporal (χ2 = 7,48; p = 0,005) e excesso de peso (χ2 = 6,56; p = 0,010). Não foi observada associação entre a ON e o período cursado. Conclusão Os resultados demonstram que os estudantes de nutrição parecem ser uma população especialmente em risco para tendência à ON, independentemente do período cursado. A maior frequência de estudantes com ON e excesso de peso e insatisfação corporal pode sugerir que tais condições, que comumente cursam com preocupações com alimentação saudável, podem facilitar o início do desenvolvimento de comportamentos alimentares associados a ON.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa (ON)'s risky behaviors and their association with nutritional status, body satisfaction and coursed period in nutrition students. Methods The study included 141 students (mean age 21.5 ± 3.5 years). The risk behavior to ON was assessed by using the questionnaire to identify ON (ORTHO-15) and body satisfaction with the Body Shape Questionnaire. The classification of nutritional status was evaluated by BMI (kg.m-2). Association between variables was evaluated by chi-square test (p < 0.05). Results Eating behaviors at risk for ON were identified in 87.2% of students. Students with ON had more body dissatisfaction (χ2 = 7.48; p = 0.005) and overweight (χ2 = 6.56; p = 0.010). No association was observed between the ON and coursed period. Conclusion The results show that Nutrition students seem to be a population at a particular risk for ON, regardless of the coursed period studied. The higher frequency of students with ON and overweight and body dissatisfaction may suggest that such conditions, which commonly occur with concerns about healthy eating, may facilitate the initiation of the development of eating behaviors associated with ON.

Choline- versus imidazole-based ionic liquids as functional ingredients in topical delivery systems: cytotoxicity, solubility, and skin permeation studies.

BACKGROUND: Poor drug solubility represents a problem for the development of topical formulations. Since ionic liquids (ILs) can be placed in either lipophilic or hydrophilic solutions, they may be advantageous vehicles in such delivery systems. Nonetheless, it is vital to determine their usefulness when used at concentrations were cell viability is maintained, which was considered herein. METHOD: Five different ILs were prepared-three imidazole-based ILs: [C2mim][Br], [C4mim][Br], and [C6mim][Br]; and two choline-based ILs: [Cho][Phe] and [Cho][Glu]. Their cytotoxicity in human keratinocytes (HaCat cells), their influence in drug solubility and in percutaneous permeation, using pig skin membranes, was evaluated. RESULTS: Caffeine and salicylic acid were used as model actives. Choline-based ILs proved to be more suitable as functional ingredients, since they showed higher impact on drug solubility and a lower cytotoxicity. The major solubility enhancement was observed for caffeine and further solubility studies were carried out with this active in several concentrations of the choline-based ILs (0.1; 0.2; 0.5; 1.0; 3.0 and 5.0%, w/w) at 25 °C and 32 °C. Solubility was greatly influenced by concentrations up to 0.5%. The choline-based ILs showed no significant impact on the skin permeation, for both actives. The size of the imidazole-based ILs alkyl chain enhances the caffeine solubility and permeation, but also the ILs cytotoxicity. Stable O/W emulsions and gels were prepared containing the less toxic choline-based ILs and caffeine. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the choline-based ILs were effective functional ingredients, since, when used at nontoxic concentrations, they allowed a higher drug loading, while maintaining the stability of the formulations.

In vitro digestion, antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of two species of Ruta: Ruta chalepensis and Ruta montana.

CONTEXT: Ruta genus (Rutaceae) is abundantly used and described in the most ancient systematic records of medical practice of the Mediterranean world. In Tunisia, this genus is represented by two medicinal and aromatic shrubs: Ruta chalepensis L. and Ruta montana L. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibition (AChE) activities before and after in vitro gastrointestinal metabolism of leaf decoction of R. chalepensis and R. montana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We study, in vitro, the effect of the gastrointestinal juices gastric (1.75 mL) or pancreatic (2.5 mL) juices, on the biological activity by the measurement of the antioxidant activity and AChE inhibition during 4 h of decoction extract obtained from the leaves of the two species of Ruta. RESULTS: The results showed that the ability to inhibit the AChE enzyme was similar; being the greatest inhibitory activity exhibited by the ethanol extract (IC50 = 12 ± 1.1 µg/mL) obtained from leaves of R. chalepensis. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we showed that there was no appreciable degradation and that the activity was kept constant after gastric and pancreatic juice digestion.

Efeitos da pompage associada ao exercício aeróbico sobre dor, fadiga e qualidade do sono em mulheres com fibromialgia: um estudo piloto / Los efectos de la pompage con ejercicios aeróbicos en el dolor, fatiga y en la calidad de sueño de mujeres con fibromialgia: un estudio piloto / Effects of pompage associated with aerobic exercises on pain, fatigue, and sleep quality in female patients with fibromyalgia: a pilot study

RESUMO O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar os efeitos da pompage como terapia complementar a exercícios aeróbicos e de alongamento sobre dor, fadiga e qualidade do sono em mulheres com fibromialgia. Para isso, 23 mulheres com esse diagnóstico foram alocadas aleatoriamente nos grupos: Experimental (GE, n=13) e Controle (GC, n=10), e em seguida foram avaliadas através do Questionário McGill de Dor, Questionário de Fadiga de Chalder e Inventário do Sono. Durante 12 semanas, duas vezes por semana, o GE realizou pompage, exercícios aeróbicos e alongamentos, enquanto o GC fez apenas exercícios aeróbicos e alongamentos. A avaliação foi repetida após 6 e 12 semanas. Ocorreram perdas amostrais, resultando em 15 indivíduos (GE, n=7/GC, n=8). Na análise estatística, utilizou-se ANOVA para medidas repetidas, seguido do teste t para amostras independentes em que houve diferença significativa (p ≤ 0,05). Houve redução significativa do escore da dimensão mista do Questionário McGill de Dor após 12 semanas no GE comparado ao GC. Nos outros aspectos avaliados de dor, fadiga e qualidade do sono, não foram observadas alterações significativas. Assim, sugere-se que a pompage como terapia complementar a exercícios aeróbicos e de alongamento não apresentou efeitos benéficos importantes para mulheres com fibromialgia, uma vez que houve melhora em apenas uma das dimensões de dor avaliadas. Estudos com amostras maiores são necessários para uma análise mais consistente dos desfechos investigados.

RESUMEN Para evaluar los efectos de la pompage como terapia complementaria a los ejercicios aeróbicos y de estiramiento en el dolor, fatiga y en la calidad de sueño de mujeres con fibromialgia (MF), se dividieron veintitrés mujeres con este diagnóstico en grupos al alzar: Grupo Experimental (GE, n=13) y Grupo Control (GC, n=10). Después les aplicaron el Cuestionario de dolor McGill, el Cuestionario de fatiga de Chalder y el Inventario del sueño. Durante 12 semanas, dos veces a la semana, el GE hizo pompage, ejercicios aeróbicos y estiramientos, mientras que el GC solo hizo ejercicios aeróbicos y estiramientos. Se repitió la evaluación después de 6 y 12 semanas. La cantidad de participantes redujo para 15 (GE, n=7, GC, n=8). En el análisis estadístico se empeló la ANOVA para medidas iguales, la prueba t para las muestras independientes, en las cuales presentaron diferencias significantes (p ≤ 0,05). En la puntuación de dimensión mixta del Cuestionario de dolor McGill tras 12 semanas presentó reducción significativa en el GE comparado al GC. En los demás ítems evaluados, dolor, fatiga y calidad de sueño, no se observaron diferencias significantes. Así que la pompage como terapia complementaria a ejercicios aeróbicos y de estiramiento no presentó efectos relevantes en mujeres con FM, debido a que solamente uno de los ítems de dolor evaluados ha presentado mejora. Son necesarios estudios con muestras más grandes para un análisis más detenido de los ítems evaluados.

ABSTRACT Aiming at evaluating the effects of pompage as a complementary therapy to aerobic exercises and stretching on pain, fatigue, and sleep quality in women with fibromyalgia, 23 women with this diagnosis were allocated randomly in the groups: Experimental (EG, n = 13) and Control (CG, n = 10). Subsequently, they were assessed using McGill Pain Questionnaire, Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire, and Sleep Inventory. For 12 weeks, twice a week, the EG made pompage, aerobic exercises, and stretching, while the CG only aerobic exercises and stretching. Evaluation was repeated after 6 and 12 weeks. We had sample losses totaling 15 individuals (EG, n=7/CG, n=8). We used ANOVA for repeated measurements in the statistical analysis, followed by the T test for independent samples with significant differences (p≤0.05). There was a significant reduction of McGill Pain Questionnaire joint score after 12 weeks in the EG compared with CG. There were not significant changes in other aspects evaluated for pain, fatigue and sleep quality. Therefore, we suggest that pompage as a complementary therapy to aerobic exercises and stretching did not have beneficial effects on women with fibromyalgia, since there was improvement in only one aspect of the pain evaluated. Studies with larger samples are necessary for a more consistent analysis of the results investigated.