Abstract Humans are exposed to natural compounds such as phytoestrogens primarily through diet and supplements. These compounds promote health by alleviating the symptoms and illnesses associated with menopause and arthritis. Diosgenin (DSG) occurs naturally in plants such as Dioscorea villosa (DV) and binds to estrogen receptors, so it may have similar effects to this hormone, including against arthritis. Thus, we investigated the effect of chronic treatment with dry extract of DV and its phytoestrogen DSG on ovariectomized mice with arthritis. We found that dry extract of Dioscorea villosa (DV) contains the phytoestrogen diosgenin (DSG) in its composition. Furthermore, arthritic mice treated with DV and DSG showed reduced neutrophil accumulation in the articular cartilage. Also, the dry extract of DV administered orally (v.o) did not alter the leukocyte count in the joints or promote changes in the reproductive tract. However, DSG altered these parameters, with possible beneficial effects by reducing symptoms related to reproductive aging. Thus, oral treatment with dry extract of DV and subcutaneous (s.c) treatment with DSG showed promise by acting against inflammation caused by arthritis and reducing symptoms in the reproductive tract due to menopause. supplements (DSG (DV receptors hormone Thus composition Furthermore cartilage Also v.o vo v o (v.o However parameters aging s.c sc s c (s.c

Abstract This study evaluated the presence of oral lesions in patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU). Data included demographic, clinical, and laboratory information. Clinical assessment of the oral cavity was performed on the 2 nd and 5 th days of orotracheal intubation. Thirty-eight patients were evaluated and 16 (42.1%) presented oral lesions during their ICU stay. The median age and length of stay were 75 years and 15 days, respectively. Among the patients with oral lesions, ulcerative oral lesions were reported in 14 (87.5%) patients, of which 11 (78.6%) were found on the lips. This study highlights the importance of oral examination for patients admitted to the ICU with COVID-19.

Abstract Passiflora nitida Kunth, an Amazonian Passiflora species, is little studied, although the specie’s high biological potential. Herein the plant’s pharmacognostic characterization, extract production, antioxidant potential evaluation, and application of this extract in cosmetic products is reported. The physical chemical parameters analyzed were particle size by sieve analysis, loss through drying, extractive yield, total ash content, laser granulometry, specific surface area and pore diameter (SBET), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry (TG), and wave dispersive X-Ray fluorescence (WDXRF). Total phenol/flavonoid content, LC-MS/MS analysis, DPPH and ABTS antioxidant radical assays, cytotoxicity, melanin, and tyrosinase inhibition in melanocytes test provided evidence to determine the content of the major constituent. P. nitida dry extract provided a fine powder with mesopores determined by SBET, with the TG curve showing five stages of mass loss. The antioxidant potential ranged between 23.5-31.5 mg∙mL-1 and tyrosinase inhibition between 400-654 μg∙mL-1. The species presented an antimelanogenic effect and an inhibitory activity of cellular tyrosinase (26.6%) at 25 µg/mL. The LC-MS/MS analysis of the spray-dried extract displayed the main and minor phenolic compounds constituting this sample. The results indicate that P. nitida extract has promising features for the development of cosmetic formulations.

Abstract The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has created unprecedent challenges for healthcare systems worldwide. Oncology services have been reorganized to decrease the risk of nosocomial acquisition of SARS-CoV-2, but changes in treatment pathways and follow-up cancer care can result in patients receiving suboptimal or delayed care. Herein, we describe a cross-sectional nested cohort study conducted to evaluate delays in care for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) in post-treatment follow-up or palliative care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northeast Brazil and its impact on health outcomes. Information was extracted from medical records and supplemented by telephone interviews. We compared the following health outcomes: self-perception of anxiety or sadness, fear of COVID-19 infection, cancer-related complications during social isolation, self-medication, diagnosis of COVID-19, and death between patients with and without delayed cancer care. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare distributions of continuous variables and the Fisher exact test was used for categorical variables. Thirty-one HNC patients were included in the study, and no case of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 was found. Delayed cancer care due to restriction in health services was reported in 58.1% of cases, and there was no report of telemedicine use during the COVID-19 outbreak. Cancer-related complications during the COVID-19 pandemic were described for most patients (67.7%) and included pain or discomfort, swelling, and dyspnea. Eight (25.8%) patients reported use of prescribed morphine or codeine to manage pain and six (19.4%) patients reported self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). We found an association between delayed HNC care and the use of self-medication (p = 0.028). This study indicated that patients with delayed HNC care during the COVID-19 outbreak are more likely to use self-medication with NSAIDs for pain management. Better strategies to follow HNC patients in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities need to be discussed and implemented.

Resumo Fundamento: O D-limoneno (DL) é um monoterpeno e o principal componente do óleo essencial de frutas cítricas. Ele apresenta atividades anti-hiperglicêmicas e vasodilatadoras. Objetivos: Este estudo avaliou os efeitos cardiovasculares e antiarrítmicos potenciais do DL em ratos. Métodos: Os parâmetros hemodinâmicos e eletrocardiográficos (ECG) foram mensurados em ratos Wistar machos que, sob anestesia, tiveram a aorta abdominal e a veia cava inferior canuladas e receberam eletrodos implantados subcutaneamente. Na abordagem in vitro, o coração foi removido e perfundido utilizando a técnica de Langendorff. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5% (p < 0,05). Resultados: DL, nas doses de 10, 20 e 40 mg/kg (i.v), produziu bradicardia intensa e persistente associada à hipotensão. A bradicardia com QTc prolongado foi observada no registro in vivo do ECG. No modelo in vivo de arritmia induzida por Bay K8644, DL (10 mg / kg) houve diminuição do escore da arritmia de 15,33 ± 3,52 para 4,0 ± 2,64 u.a (p < 0,05, n = 4). Em corações perfundidos isolados, o DL (10-3 M) promoveu reduções significativas na frequência cardíaca (de 228,6 ± 8,5 ms para 196,0 ± 9,3 bpm; p < 0,05) e na pressão desenvolvida do ventrículo esquerdo (de 25,2 ± 3,4 para 5,9 ± 1,8 mmHg; n = 5, p < 0,05). Conclusões: O DL produz bradicardia e atividade antiarrítmica no coração de ratos.

Abstract Background: D-limonene (DL) is a monoterpene and is the major component in the essential oil of citrus fruit. It presents antihyperglycemic and vasodilatation activities. Objectives: This study evaluated the cardiovascular effects and potential antiarrhythmic of DL in rats. Methods: Hemodynamic and electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters were measured in male Wistar rats, which under anesthesia had been cannulated in the abdominal aorta and lower vena cava and had electrodes subcutaneously implanted. In the in vitro approach, the heart was removed and perfused using the Langendorff technique. The significance level adopted was 5% (p < 0.05). Results: DL, in doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg (i.v), produced intense and persistent bradycardia associated with hypotension. Bradycardia with prolonged QTc was observed in the ECG in vivo recording. In the in vivo model of arrhythmia induced by Bay K8644, DL (10 mg/kg) decreased the arrhythmia score from 15.33 ± 3.52 to 4.0 ± 2.64 u.a (p < 0.05, n = 4). In isolated perfused hearts, DL (10-3 M) promoted significant reductions in heart rate (from 228.6 ± 8.5 ms to 196.0 ± 9.3 bpm; p < 0.05) and left ventricular development pressure (from 25.2 ± 3.4 to 5.9 ± 1.8 mmHg; n = 5, p < 0.05). Conclusions: DL produces bradycardia and antiarrhythmic activity in rat heart.

Atranorina (ATR) é o principal composto do líquen Cladina kalbii Ahti, que cresce em terras áridas do nordeste brasileiro. Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar as propriedades antiinflamatórias e toxicológicas da ATR. Para avaliar as propriedades antiinflamatórias, o edema de pata foi induzido, administrando-se 0,1 mL de carragenina na região subplantar da pata traseira direita e a migração leucocitária foi induzida pela injeção de 500 µL de carragenina no peritônio. Além disso, determinou-se a citotoxicidade da ATR, utilizando-se a linhagem celular L929, através do teste de MTT e dos testes de toxicidade aguda (5 g/kg - dose única) e subcrônica (50 mg/kg-30 dias) em ratos Wistar. Os resultados mostraram que nas doses de (100 mg/kg e 200 mg/kg) a ATR exibiu atividade antiinflamatória significativa nos ensaios de edema de pata e migração leucocitária. Nos testes de toxicidade aguda, os animais apresentaram hipoatividade e letargia no período inicial (primeiras 6 horas) e aumento das proteínas totais, bilirrubinas total e indireta e fosfatase alcalina depois de 14 dias nos machos tratados. Para o ensaio subcrônico, houve aumento das proteínas totais, gama-glutamil-transferase, fosfatase alcalina e bilirrubina total e direta nas fêmeas tratadas com ATR. Não foram encontradas alterações na arquitetura e morfologia das lâminas histológicas observadas. Esses resultados sugerem que a ATR apresenta atividade antiinflamatória significativa, sem apresentar significativa toxicidade aguda, subcrônica e citotoxicidade.

Atranorin (ATR) is the main compound from the lichen Cladina kalbii Ahti, which grows in the arid regions of northeastern Brazil. This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and toxicological properties of ATR. To evaluate anti-inflammatory properties, paw edema was induced by injecting 0.1 mL of carrageenan into the subplantar region of the right hind paw of rats, and leukocyte migration was induced by injection of 500 µL of carrageenan into the peritoneal cavity of mice. In addition, we determined ATR cytotoxicity in L929 cells by MTT assay and acute (5 g/kg-single dose) and subchronic (50 mg/kg-30 days) toxicity tests in Wistar rats. The results showed that ATR (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity (paw edema and leukocyte migration). In the acute toxicity test, the animals showed hypoactivity and lethargy during the initial period (first 6 hours) and increase in total protein, total and indirect bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase after 14 days in ATR-treated male rats. The subchronic toxicity test revealed increases in total protein, globulin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total and direct bilirubin in ATR-treated female rats. Histological analysis revealed no changes in the architecture and morphology of the organs. These results suggest that ATR has significant anti-inflammatory activity, with no significant acute and subchronic toxicity or cytotoxicity.

A determinação da pureza química, a faixa de fusão e a variação de entalpia envolvida no processo de caracterização de fármacos é um dos principais requisitos avaliados no controle de qualidade em indústrias farmacêuticas. Neste trabalho é feita uma breve abordagem sobre o método de determinação de pureza utilizando DSC, assim como a aplicação desta técnica para avaliação de amostras comerciais de zidovudina (AZT) (matéria-prima) fornecida por diferentes laboratórios. Para tal, foram analisadas amostras de seis diferentes laboratórios (A,B,C,D,E e F) e a substância química de referência (R) da United States Pharmacopeia (USP). As curvas DSC foram obtidas na faixa de temperatura entre 25 a 200 ºC, sob atmosfera dinâmica de N2 (50 mL min-1), β=2 ºC min-1, utilizando cápsula de Al contendo aproximadamente 2 mg de amostra. De acordo com os resultados, pode-se observar que a substância química de referência apresentou teor igual a 99,83% e que as amostras de AZT apresentaram uma faixa de variação entre 97,59 e 99,54%. Pode-se verificar, ainda, que a substância química de referência apresentou uma temperatura onset de fusão igual a 122,80 °C. Para as amostras dos princípios ativos fornecidos pelos diferentes laboratórios, pode-se verificar uma faixa de variação entre 118,70 e 122,87 °C. No que se refere ao ΔHm, as amostras apresentaram valor médio de 31,12 kJ.mol-1.

The determination of chemical purity, melting range, and variation of enthalpy in the process of characterizing medicines is one of the principal requirements evaluated in quality control of the pharmaceutical industry. In this study, the method of purity determination using DSC was outlined, as well as the application of this technique for the evaluation of commercial samples of zidovudine (AZT) (raw material) supplied by different laboratories. To this end, samples from six different laboratories (A, B, C, D, E, and F) and the standard reference (R) from the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) were analyzed. The DSC curves were obtained in the temperature range of 25 to 200 ºC under the dynamic atmosphere of N2 (50 mL min-1), heating rate of β=2 ºC min-1, using an Al capsule containing approximately 2 mg of sample material. The results demonstrated that the standard reference presented a proportion of 99.83% whereas the AZT samples presented a variation ranging from 97.59 to 99.54%. In addition, the standard reference was found to present a temperature of onset of melting point of 122.80 °C. Regarding the samples of active agents provided by the different laboratories, a variation ranging from 118.70 to 122.87 °C was measured. In terms of ΔHm, the samples presented an average value of 31.12 kJ mol-1.

Paullinia cupana Kunth, vegetal popularmente conhecido como guaraná, é uma planta da família Sapindaceae predominante na região amazônica. A baixa qualidade deste produto pode ser atribuída a espécies e variedades menos nobres, técnicas de colheita e/ou de processamento inadequado ou, ainda, devido à adição de substâncias que não fazem parte de sua composição natural. Neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar, a partir da termogravimetria (TG)/termogravimetria derivada (DTG) e calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC), o comportamento térmico de amostras comerciais de guaraná em pó existentes no Brasil e estabelecer um estudo comparativo entre os métodos convencionais e termogravimétrico para determinação dos teores de umidade e cinzas. A similaridade entre os perfis das curvas TG/DTG e DSC indicam que não há diferenças entre as amostras. A utilização da TG mostrou que é possível reduzir o tempo de análise, utilizar menor quantidade de amostra, assim como, fazer a determinação simultânea dos teores de umidade e cinzas. Em relação ao método convencional, erros de análise inerentes à manipulação das amostras são minimizados. As técnicas termoanalíticas mostram-se como ferramentas potenciais para a obtenção de parâmetros tecnológicos, em controle de qualidade, torrefação e condições adequadas de armazenamento.

Paullinia cupana Kunth a vegetable popularly known as guarana, belongs to the Sapindaceas plant family and is predominant in the Amazon region. The low quality of this product can be attributed to the species and less noble varieties, harvest techniques and/or inadequate processing or, yet due to addition of substances that are not included in its natural composition. The main goal of this work was to evaluate from thermogravimetry (TG)/derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the thermal behavior of powdered guarana samples in the Brazilian market in order to evaluate the thermal behavior of guaraná powder samples commercialized in Brazil and to establish a comparative study between conventional and TG methods for humidity contents determination and ashes. In general, the samples did not present significant differences in the DSC curves profiles and TG/DTG. The thermogravimetry showed that it is possible to decrease the time of the analysis using less amount of sample and allowed to determine humidity and ashes contents. In relation to conventional method the errors of analysis inherent of the samples manipulation were decreased. The thermoanalytical techniques have shown potential applications in the determination of technological parameters, such as: quality control, toasting and adequate stock conditions.