Assessing the reaction to and efficacy of the Screener drug discovery and development board game as a pedagogical tool in postgraduate courses.

Screener, a board game supplemented with online resources, was introduced and distributed by the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to postgraduate programs as an instructional tool for the process of drug discovery and development (DDD). In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of five critical aspects for evaluating the quality of educational games, namely: 1) description of the intervention; 2) underlying pedagogical theory; 3) identification of local educational gaps; 4) impact on diverse stakeholders; and 5) elucidation of iterative quality enhancement processes. We also present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of this game in 11 postgraduate courses. We employed the MEEGA+ online survey, comprising thirty-three close-ended unipolar items with 5-point Likert-type response scales, to assess student perceptions of the quality and utility of Screener. Based on 115 responses, the results indicated a highly positive outlook among students. In addition, we performed a preliminary evaluation of learning outcomes in two courses involving 28 students. Pre- and post-quizzes were applied, each consisting of 20 True/False questions directly aligned with the game's content. The analysis revealed significant improvement in students' performance following engagement with the game, with scores rising from 8.4 to 13.3 (P<0.0001, paired t-test) and 9.7 to 12.7 (P<0.0001, paired t-test). These findings underscore the utility of Screener as an enjoyable and effective tool for facilitating a positive learning experience in the DDD process. Notably, the game can also reduce the educational disparities across different regions of our continental country.

Assessing the reaction to and efficacy of the Screener drug discovery and development board game as a pedagogical tool in postgraduate courses

Screener, a board game supplemented with online resources, was introduced and distributed by the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to postgraduate programs as an instructional tool for the process of drug discovery and development (DDD). In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of five critical aspects for evaluating the quality of educational games, namely: 1) description of the intervention; 2) underlying pedagogical theory; 3) identification of local educational gaps; 4) impact on diverse stakeholders; and 5) elucidation of iterative quality enhancement processes. We also present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of this game in 11 postgraduate courses. We employed the MEEGA+ online survey, comprising thirty-three close-ended unipolar items with 5-point Likert-type response scales, to assess student perceptions of the quality and utility of Screener. Based on 115 responses, the results indicated a highly positive outlook among students. In addition, we performed a preliminary evaluation of learning outcomes in two courses involving 28 students. Pre- and post-quizzes were applied, each consisting of 20 True/False questions directly aligned with the game's content. The analysis revealed significant improvement in students' performance following engagement with the game, with scores rising from 8.4 to 13.3 (P<0.0001, paired t-test) and 9.7 to 12.7 (P<0.0001, paired t-test). These findings underscore the utility of Screener as an enjoyable and effective tool for facilitating a positive learning experience in the DDD process. Notably, the game can also reduce the educational disparities across different regions of our continental country.

Evaluation of the Acute Toxicity, Cytotoxicity, and Genotoxicity of Chresta martii (Asteraceae).

Chresta martii (Asteraceae), found in the Xingó region, northeastern Brazil, is used in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GIT) and liver disorders and malaria. However, there are few studies regarding efficacy and safety of use for this species. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine in vivo acute toxicity and in vitro cytotoxicity of organic extracts of C. martii as well as in vivo genotoxicity of its semipurified fraction. Dried aerial parts of C. martii were extracted using three organic solvents (cyclohexane [ECCm], ethyl acetate [EACm], and ethanol [EECm]), and these extracts were examined for acute toxicity (50-2000 mg/kg ip or po) and cytotoxicity (50 µg/ml) in carcinogenic human cell lines (HL-60, NCIH-292, and MCF-7). The EACm, which showed evidence of toxicity (in vivo and in vitro), was fractionated on a silica column, yielding four fractions (F1-F4). The F1 was utilized for genotoxicity (50 mg/kg ip), by in vivo micronucleus (MN) assay. ECCm showed no indication of acute toxicity or occurrence of death, while the LD50 estimated for the extracts (EACm and EECm) was 500 mg/kg po and 200 mg/kg ip. The EACm (50 µg/ml) inhibited growth of tumor cells HL-60 (96.54%), NCIH-292 (73.43%), and MCF-7 (15%). The F1 fraction induced MN formation in polychromatic erythrocytes of Swiss Webster mice. Organic extracts from C. martii exhibited acute toxicity classified as mild to moderate, in addition to cytotoxicity (in vitro), while the F1 semipurified fraction induced genotoxicity (in vivo).

O papel terapêutico do Programa Farmácia Viva e das plantas medicinais / The therapeutic role of the Program Farmacia Viva and the medicinal plants in the center-south of Piauí

RESUMOEste trabalho realizou um levantamento sobre o uso de plantas medicinais na cidade de Picos-PI, identificou as plantas cultivadas no horto pertencente ao Laboratório Fitoterápico de Picos (LAFIPI), e analisou o uso de fitoterápicos dispensados pelo Programa Farmácia Viva no triênio 2008-2010. Do total dos 750 entrevistados, 37,6% foram homens e 62,4 % mulheres, dentre os quais a maioria não concluiu o segundo grau (69,2%) e 77,2% possuíam renda mensal de até dois salários mínimos. Com relação ao consumo de plantas medicinais, 76,3% afirmaram utilizá-las para tratar doenças, principalmente por considerá-las mais saudáveis (84,8%). A indicação do uso foi orientada, sobretudo, por familiares (82,2%), embora a maioria adquira as plantas em feiras livres (32,8%). Das 127 plantas relatadas, as mais citadas foram erva-cidreira, boldo e hortelã, sendo as folhas a parte mais utilizada (42,3%), predominantemente por infusão (39,4%). As aplicações mais lembradas foram para tratar dores em geral (17%), distúrbios respiratórios (16,5%) e digestivos (16%). As espécies mais cultivadas no horto são chambá (Justicia pectoralis), alecrim pimenta (Lippia sidoides), malva santa (Plectranthus barbatus) e erva cidreira (Lippia alba). O lambedor de chambá foi o fitoterápico mais procurado pela população entre 2008 e 2010. Esse estudo descreveu, pela primeira vez, o uso tradicional de plantas medicinais no município de Picos e demonstrou, também de forma inédita, a relevância de investimentos do Programa Farmácia Viva no município de Picos e sua inclusão no Programa Saúde da Família como forma de disponibilizar à população de baixa renda fitoterápicos produzidos localmente a custos reduzidos.

ABSTRACTThis study performed a research about the use of medicinal plants in Picos city, identifying the plants grown in the garden belonging to the Laboratory of Phytotherapics in Picos (LAFIPI) and analying the use of phytotherapics distributed by the Farmácia Viva Project between 2008-2010. From the total of 750 interviewed participants, 37.6% were men and 62.4 % women. Most of them do not have secondary education (69.2%) and 77.2% had an income of up until two minimum wages. Regarding consumption of medicinal plants, 76.3 % used them to treat diseases, mainly because they considered them to be healthier (84.8%). The indication of use of the plants was mainly suggested by relatives (82.2%), even though the majority of the participants acquires plants in open markets (32.8%). From the 127 plants mentioned, the most cited ones were balm, boldo and mint, and leaves were the most utilized parts (42.3%), predominantly by infusion (39.4%). The most common reasons for the usewere to treat pain in general (17%), and respiratory (16.5%) and digestive disorders (16%). The most cultivated species in the garden were chambá (Justicia pectoralis), alecrim pimenta (Lippia sidoides), malva santa (Plectranthus barbatus) and erva cidreira (Lippia alba). The "chambá licker" was the most herbal medicine searched by the population between 2008 and 2010. This investigation described, for the first time, the traditional use of medicinal plants in Picos and demonstrated,alsounprecedentedly, the relevance of investments in the Farmácia Viva Project in Picos city and its inclusion in the Family Health Program as a strategyin order to provide locally producedphytotherapics for low-income population at low costs.

Lipoic acid effects on lipid peroxidation level, superoxide dismutase activity and monoamines concentration in rat hippocampus.

The purposes of the present work were to verify lipid peroxidation level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and monoamines (dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT)), and their metabolites (3,4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA)) contents in rat hippocampus after lipoic acid (LA) administration. Wistar rats were treated with 0.9% saline (i.p., control group) and LA (10, 20 or 30 mg/kg, i.p., LA10, LA20 and LA30 groups, respectively). After the treatments all groups were observed for 24h. In LA20 group only there was a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation level. However, no alteration was observed in SOD activity in groups treated with LA. The NE and DA levels were increased only in 20mg/kg dose of LA in rat hippocampus. Serotonin content and their metabolite 5-HIAA levels was decreased in same dose of LA. On the other hand, DOPAC and HVA levels did not show any significant change. The reduction in lipid peroxidation level and alterations in hippocampal monoamines can be suggested as a possible brain mechanism from this antioxidant. The outcome of the study may have therapeutic implications in the neurodegenerative diseases.

The antitumoral, trypanocidal and antileishmanial activities of extract and alkaloids isolated from Duguetia furfuracea.

The alkaloid extract and five alkaloids isolated from subterranean stem bark of Duguetia furfuracea (Annonaceae) were investigated for the following activities: antitumoral, trypanocidal and leishmanicidal. Dicentrinone showed weak cytotoxicity, but it had the strongest leishmanicidal activity (IC(50) 0.01 microM). Duguetine and duguetine beta-N-oxide caused considerable antitumoral activity in every cell lines evaluated, although duguetine was more active against trypomastigote forms (IC(50) 9.32 microM) than other alkaloids tested.

Cytotoxic activity of nepetin, a flavonoid from Eupatorium ballotaefolium HBK.

The present study evaluated the cytotoxic activity of nepetin and quercetin-3-O-glucoside, compounds isolated from the aerial parts of Eupatorium ballotaefolium. The antimitotic activity was determined as the ability to inhibit sea urchin eggs development and five tumor cells lines growth. Moreover, the activities of these compounds were compared to quercetin in the same models. Nepetin inhibited the proliferation of the five tumor cell lines, once quercetin-3-O-glucoside did not present any activity even at the highest tested concentration and quercetin only inhibited proliferation of the B16 cell line. On the sea urchin assay, nepetin and quercetin induced a dose-dependent inhibition on egg development, while quercetin-3-O-glucoside did not modify normalegg cleavage, even at the highest tested concentration (100 microg/ml).