Exploring the role of psychedelic-assisted therapy in enhancing spirituality and mystical experiences in patients with life-threatening illnesses: A systematic review.

Introduction: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) is gaining traction as a novel approach to addressing the psychological and existential distress experienced by patients.

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of PAT on spirituality, mystical experiences, and spiritual well-being (SpWB) in patients with life-threatening, incurable, or terminal illnesses.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases to identify relevant studies published between 2013 and 2023.

Fungal endophytic community associated with Hevea spp.: diversity, enzymatic activity, and biocontrol potential.

Plants of the genus Hevea present a great diversity of endophytic fungal species, which can provide bioactive compounds and enzymes for biotechnological use, and antagonist agents for plant disease biological control. The diversity of endophytic fungi associated with leaves of Hevea spp. clones in western Amazonia was explored using cultivation-based techniques, combined with the sequencing of the ITS rRNA-region.

Extraordinary mechanical performance in disentangled UHMWPE films processed by compression molding.

An approach to obtain disentangled ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) films is proposed using a common compression molding. For that, disentangled UHMWPE nascent powders from reactor are processed at temperatures lower than the main melting peak and at high pressure. Then, disentangled UHMWPE films obtained from homogeneous polymerization powders and from those that incorporate SBA-15 mesoporous silica can be easily achieved by this simple methodology.

Ultrasound scan as a potential source of nosocomial and crossinfection: a literature review.

The authors review the main concepts regarding the importance of cleaning/disinfection of ultrasonography probes, aiming a better comprehension by practitioners and thus enabling strategies to establish a safe practice without compromising the quality of the examination and the operator productivity. In the context of biosafety, it is imperative to assume that contact with blood or body fluids represents a potential source of infection. Thus, in order to implement cleaning/disinfection practice, it is necessary to understand the principles of infection control, to consider the cost/benefit ratio of the measures to be implemented, and most importantly, to comprehend that such measures will not only benefit the health professional and the patient, but the society as a whole.

PPAR-γ/IL-10 axis inhibits MyD88 expression and ameliorates murine polymicrobial sepsis.

Polymicrobial sepsis induces organ failure and is accompanied by overwhelming inflammatory response and impairment of microbial killing. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ is a nuclear receptor with pleiotropic effects on lipid metabolism, inflammation, and cell proliferation. The insulin-sensitizing drugs thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are specific PPAR-γ agonists.

Hippocampal gene expression dysregulation of Klotho, nuclear factor kappa B and tumor necrosis factor in temporal lobe epilepsy patients.

Background: Previous research in animal seizure models indicates that the pleiotropic cytokine TNF is an important effector/mediator of neuroinflammation and cell death. Recently, it has been demonstrated that TNF downregulates Klotho (KL) through the nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) system in animal models of chronic kidney disease and colitis. KL function in the brain is unclear, although Klotho knockout (Kl-/-) mice exhibit neural degeneration and a reduction of hippocampal synapses.

NDP-MSH inhibits neutrophil migration through nicotinic and adrenergic receptors in experimental peritonitis.

Melanocortin is a potent anti-inflammatory molecule. However, little is known about the effect of melanocortin on acute inflammatory processes such as neutrophil migration. In the present study, we investigated the ability of [Nle4, D-Phe7]-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-MSH), a semisynthetic melanocortin compound, in the inhibition of neutrophil migration in carrageenin-induced peritonitis model.

A study on a combined process for the treatment of phenolic resin plant effluents.

The removal of phenol and formaldehyde from phenolic resin plant effluents has been studied by using a combined process. In the first step, phenol was removed from effluent by solvent extraction. Special attention was paid to the effluent with a low content of phenol, which was treated by non-dispersive solvent extraction in hollow fibres.