Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Punica granatum and Its Galloyl-HHDP-Glucose Compound, Alone or in Combination with Fluconazole, Have Antifungal and Antivirulence Properties against Candida spp.

Candidiasis is the most common fungal infection among immunocompromised patients. Its treatment includes the use of antifungals, which poses limitations such as toxicity and fungal resistance. Plant-derived extracts, such as Punica granatum, have been reported to have antimicrobial activity, but their antifungal effects are still unknown. We aimed to evaluate the antifungal and antiviral potential of the ethyl acetate fraction of P. granatum (PgEA) and its isolated compound galloyl-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-glucose (G-HHDP-G) against Candida spp. In silico analyses predicted the biological activity of G-HHDP-G. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of PgEA and G-HHDP-G, and their effects on biofilm formation, preformed biofilms, and phospholipase production were determined. In silico analysis showed that G-HHDP-G has antifungal and hepatoprotective effects. An in vitro assay confirmed the antifungal effects of PgEA and G-HHDP-G, with MIC in the ranges of 31.25-250 µg/mL and 31.25 ≥ 500 µg/mL, respectively. G-HHDP-G and PgEA synergistically worked with fluconazole against planktonic cells. The substances showed antibiofilm action, alone or in combination with fluconazole, and interfered with phospholipase production. The antifungal and antibiofilm actions of PgEA and G-HHDP-G, alone or in combination with fluconazole, in addition to their effects on reducing Candida phospholipase production, identify them as promising candidates for therapeutics.

Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Bixa orellana and Its Component Ellagic Acid Exert Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties against Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense.

Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense (Mabs) causes chronic infections, which has led to the need for new antimycobacterial agents. In this study, we investigated the antimycobacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethyl acetate fraction of Bixa orellana leaves (BoEA) and ellagic acid (ElAc). In silico analysis predicted that ElAc had low toxicity, was not mutagenic or carcinogenic, and had antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Apparently, ElAc can interact with COX2 and Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) enzymes, which could explain both activities. In vitro analysis showed that BoEA and ElAc exerted antimicrobial activity against Mabs (minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.56, 1.56 mg/mL and bactericidal concentration of 6.25, 3.12 mg/mL, respectively. Clarithromycin showed MIC and MBC of 1 and 6 µg/mL). Treatment with BoEA or ElAc increased survival of Tenebrio molitor larvae after lethal infection with Mabs and reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice, around 40% of edema volume after the fourth hour, similarly to diclofenac. In conclusion, BoEA and ElAc exert antimicrobial effects against Mabs and have anti-inflammatory effects, making them potential sources of antimycobacterial drugs. The biological activities of ElAc may be due to its high binding affinities predicted for COX2 and DHFR enzymes.

Canção instrutiva no cuidado de enfermagem a crianças hospitalizadas no preparo para punção venosa / Instructional song in nursing care for hospitalized children in preparation for venipuncture

Objetivo: Verificar o comportamento da criança na punção venosa com intervenção musical usando uma canção instrutiva. Método: Estudo caso-controle; incluídas crianças de 4 a 11 anos. A coleta foi realizada pela ficha sociodemográfica, abordagem com canção instrutiva apresentada ao vivo, beira leito, e avaliação da escala de observação de distresse comportamental. As variáveis foram analisadas com Teste-T de Student, Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher. Todas as análises foram realizadas no programa Data Analysis and Statistical Software (STATA®), versão 14,0, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: A utilização da música favoreceu a diminuição da variável gritar (p=0,049). A busca por suporte emocional foi maior sem o uso da música (p=0,019). De modo geral, a canção reduziu os comportamentos concorrentes. Conclusão: A interação entre a criança e a canção repercutiu um cuidado instrucional sensível e adaptável ao mundo infantil, revelando-se uma tecnologia para a enfermagem pediátrica.

Objective: To assess children's behavior in venipuncture with musical intervention using an instructional song. Method: Case-control study including children aged between 4 and 11 years. Data collection was performed using a sociodemographic form, an instructional song approach presented live by the bedside, and assessment of the observation scale of behavioral distress. Variables were analyzed using the Student's t-test, chi-square and Fisher's exact test. All analyzes were performed using the Data Analysis and Statistical Software (STATA®), version 14.0 with a 5% significance level. Results: The use of music favored the reduction of the screaming variable (p=0.049). The search for emotional support was greater without the use of music (p=0.019). Overall, the song reduced concurrent behaviors. Conclusion: The interaction between the child and the song reflected a sensitive and adaptable instructional care to the child's world, revealing itself as a technology for pediatric nursing.