Therapeutic Effects of Citrus Flavonoids Neohesperidin, Hesperidin and Its Aglycone, Hesperetin on Bone Health.

Flavonoids are natural phytochemicals that have therapeutic effects and act in the prevention of several pathologies. These phytochemicals can be found in seeds, grains, tea, coffee, wine, chocolate, cocoa, vegetables and, mainly, in citrus fruits. Neohesperidin, hesperidin and hesperetin are citrus flavonoids from the flavanones subclass that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. Neohesperidin, in the form of neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC), also has dietary properties as a sweetener. In general, these flavanones have been investigated as a strategy to control bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. In this literature review, we compiled studies that investigated the effects of neohesperidin, hesperidin and its aglycone, hesperetin, on bone health. In vitro studies showed that these flavanones exerted an antiosteoclastic and anti- inflammatory effects, inhibiting the expression of osteoclastic markers and reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species, proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase levels. Similarly, such studies favored the osteogenic potential of preosteoblastic cells and induced the overexpression of osteogenic markers. In vivo, these flavanones favored the regeneration of bone defects and minimized inflammation in arthritis- and periodontitis-induced models. Additionally, they exerted a significant anticatabolic effect in ovariectomy models, reducing trabecular bone loss and increasing bone mineral density. Although research should advance to the clinical field, these flavanones may have therapeutic potential for controlling the progression of metabolic, autoimmune or inflammatory bone diseases.

A atuação do psicólogo na Unidade de Internação de um hospital de reabilitação / The role of the psychologist at the admissions department of a rehabilitation hospital

A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo verificar a visão da equipe hospitalar a respeito da atuação do psicólogo dentro da unidade de internação do Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais da Universidade de São Paulo (HRAC-USP). Foram entrevistados 31 profissionais de ambos os gêneros, todos integrantes da equipe multidisciplinar do Hospital e que atuam no setor de internação. Os resultados demonstraram que o papel do psicólogo hospitalar ainda não está claro para os profissionais entrevistados. Por não possuir clareza quanto as atribuições do psicólogo no hospital, as equipes passam a ter uma visão muito restrita da atuação deste profissional. Mesmo após 40 anos de inserção do psicólogo dentro desta instituição, faz-se necessário aperfeiçoar a imagem e a identidade deste profissional, assim como esclarecer e orientar as equipes sobre o trabalho, fornecendo uma maior conscientização, no intuito de aprimorar o serviço de psicologia e oferecer um serviço de maior qualidade aos usuários.(AU)

This study aimed to check the hospital team perspective on the role of the psychologist at the Admissions Department of the “Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais” [ Craniofacial Anomalies Rehabilitation Hospital ], University of São Paulo (HRAC/USP). Thirty-one male and female professionals, all of them members of the multidisciplinary team at the Admissions Department, were involved. The results have shown that the psychologist’s role at the hospital is still not very clear to the professionals interviewed. Because of this, the team has a very restricted view of the psychologist’s performance at the hospital. Even after forty years of being present in this institution, it is essential to clarify the image and identity of this professional, and also to elucidate and familiarize the team with the role psychologists perform. By providing awareness of the psychology service, the hospital can come to offer better quality of care to its patients.(AU)