231 results match your criteria: "Federal University of Alfenas- UNIFAL-MG[Affiliation]"

Article Synopsis
  • The study aims to explore the connection between demoralization and spirituality in cancer patients and their caregivers through a systematic review of existing research.
  • After reviewing 1587 articles, it was found that 10 studies met the eligibility criteria, indicating that demoralization increases as patients approach death, while higher spiritual well-being serves as a protective factor.
  • The findings suggest that unfulfilled spiritual needs can lead to greater demoralization, but caution is advised in interpreting these results due to the observational nature of the studies, which limits the ability to determine cause and effect.
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The increase in antibiotic resistance rates has attracted the interest of researchers for antibacterial compounds capable of potentiating the activity of conventional antibiotics. Coumarin derivatives have been reported to develop effective antibacterials with possible new mechanisms of action for treating infectious diseases caused by bacteria with a profile of drug resistance. In this context, the aim of the present study we have now prepared one variety of new synthetic coumarins evaluating the pharmacokinetic and chemical similarity in silico, their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and potential for the modulation of antibiotic resistance against Staphylococcus aureus (SA10) and Escherichia coli (EC06) clinical isolate bacteria by in vitro assay.

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The current state of ayahuasca research in animal models: A systematic review.

Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry

July 2023

Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil; Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil; Interdisciplinary Center for Studies in Palliative Care (CIECP), School of Nursing, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Alfenas, Brazil.

Article Synopsis
  • Ayahuasca shows potential as a therapeutic agent, particularly for depression and substance use disorders, based on studies using animal models.
  • The research indicates that ayahuasca is safe at ceremonial doses, though it can be toxic at higher levels.
  • Results also point to the need for further investigation into its effects on anxiety and the underlying neurological pathways involved.
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The structured-bed reactor with intermittent aeration (SBRIA) is a promising technology for simultaneous carbon and nitrogen removal from wastewater. An in depth understanding of the microbiological in the reactor is crucial for its optimization. In this research, biofilm samples from the aerobic and anoxic zones of an SBRIA were analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing to evaluate the bacterial community shift with variations in the airflow and aeration time.

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Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb), is a severe mycosis, prevalent in tropical countries. The presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) in lesions is conspicuous, indicating their central role in innate immunity through the direct killing of Pb and the production of cytokines that activate acquired immunity in the presence of itraconazole (Itra). The toxicity and direct antifungal activity of Itra on Pb in splenocyte co-cultures were evaluated in vitro.

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The mechanical extraction of oils from Brazilian açaí ( Mart) produces significant amounts of a byproduct known as "meal", which is frequently discarded in the environment as waste material. Nevertheless, plant byproducts, especially those from oil extraction, may contain residual polyphenols in their composition and be a rich source of natural bioactive compounds. In this study, the phenolic composition and in vitro biological properties of a hydroethanolic açaí meal extract were elucidated.

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Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most severe and frequent form of muscular dystrophy. The mdx mouse is one of the most widely used experimental models to understand aspects of the biology of dystrophic skeletal muscles and the mechanisms of DMD. Oxidative stress and apoptosis are present in early stages of the disease in mdx mice.

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Article Synopsis
  • * The review evaluates existing studies on honey's antimicrobial effects, highlighting gaps in research related to its effectiveness for oral diseases.
  • * Current evidence suggests promise, but further studies are needed to clarify honey's chemical makeup, action mechanisms, and overall effectiveness against oral bacteria.
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Kefir is a probiotic mixture with anxiolytic and antioxidant properties. Chronic stress can lead to anxiety disorders and increase oxidative damage in organs such as the heart and kidney. In this study, we examined whether kefir ameliorates the anxiety-like behavior of mice submitted to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) by modulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and corticosterone levels and whether kefir modifies the oxidative parameters in the heart and kidney of mice.

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Article Synopsis
  • This study investigates how concerns about body image contribute to eating disorders, focusing on a Brazilian sample and the links between body shape attention, social physique anxiety, and personal traits.
  • Out of 1795 participants, a significant number expressed anxiety over their body shape, with factors such as younger age, being female, and unhealthy lifestyle choices leading to increased body image concerns.
  • The findings reveal correlations between body composition, body image anxiety, and feelings of discomfort about physical appearance, suggesting that addressing these issues could help in preventing eating disorders.
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Ayahuasca's therapeutic potential: What we know - and what not.

Eur Neuropsychopharmacol

January 2023

Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.

The therapeutic potential of the psychedelic brew ayahuasca has been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. Currently, the most consistent evidence refers to depression. However, various studies suggest that ayahuasca may comprise therapeutic benefits in other health conditions.

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Background: This study investigated the attitudes and practices of Brazilian adults regarding the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination and their hesitancy towards the vaccination of children.

Methods: Between March and May 2022, Brazilian adults answered an online questionnaire distributed through social media. The SAGE-WG questionnaire was adapted to measure hesitancy to the vaccination of children.

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Objective: In this study, we investigated the modulatory effects of PI3Kγ on IL-17A expression and the progression of experimental periodontitis in vivo.

Methods: Ligature-induced periodontitis was developed around the first molar of mice. Animals were treated with anti-mouse IL-17A or IPI-549 (PI3Kγ inhibitor).

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Background: There is no established acquisition protocol based on scientific evidence for the acquisition of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) exams to evaluate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of acquisition protocols and jaw positioning on the diagnostic accuracy of TMJ condylar morphological alterations (CMA), dimension, position and excursion.

Methods: Thirty-six TMJs on 18 dry skulls were imaged using a CBCT unit (OP300 Maxio, Instrumentarium, Tuusula, Finland) at two exposure settings (4.

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Background: The Pilates Method has become more popular as an option for physical activity, also among healthy individuals, who seek a better quality of life and also an improve in body composition. This paper is a systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of Pilates in the body composition of healthy individuals.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out using the PEDro, Cochrane Library, Medline and Pubmed databases; the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and the final studies were evaluated using the PEDro checklists.

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Magnetic restricted-access carbon nanotubes for SPME to determine cannabinoids in plasma samples by UHPLC-MS/MS.

Anal Chim Acta

September 2022

Departamento de Química - Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14040-901, Brazil. Electronic address:

This manuscript describes the development of magnetic restricted-access carbon nanotubes (M-RACNTs) for use as SPME sorbent to determine cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in human plasma samples by UHPLC-MS/MS. The adsorptive phase was immobilized on an SPME device by electromagnetic interactions between the M-RACNTs and a cylindrical neodymium magnet (3-mm diameter x 8-mm height) attached to a stainless-steel rod (3-mm diameter x 40-mm height). The M-RACNTs were synthesized by incorporating FeO magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into commercial carbon nanotubes (CNTs); then the surface of the resulting sorbent was further coated with a layer of bovine serum albumin (BSA).

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Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. It is responsible for several types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diseases of the reproductive system, among others. Therefore, advances in research are increasingly necessary in order to make smoking cessation treatment more effective.

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Introduction: Gibberellins (GA) are terpenoids that serve as important plant hormones by acting as growth and response modulators against injuries and parasitism. In this study, we investigated the in vitro anti-NF-κB, anti-, and antioxidant activity of gibberellin A4 (GA4) and A7 (GA7) compounds, and further determined their toxicity in vivo.

Methods: GA4 and GA7 in vitro toxicity was determined by MTT method, and nontoxic concentrations were then tested to evaluate the GA4 and GA7 anti-NF-κB activity in LPS-activated RAW-luc macrophage cell culture (luminescence assay).

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Investigating method effects associated with the wording direction of items of the Social Physique Anxiety Scale.

Eat Weight Disord

October 2022

Graduate Program in Food, Nutrition, and Food Engineering, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Araraquara-Jaú, km 01, Araraquara, SP, 14800-903, Brazil.

Purpose: The use of psychometric instruments to measure latent concepts is common. The development of these instruments usually involves mechanisms to reduce response bias, such as the inclusion of reversed items. The aim of this study was to investigate method effects related to the wording direction of the Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS) items, a one-dimensional instrument that assesses individual's level of anxiety when others observe their body.

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Cinnamoyloxy-mammeisin, a coumarin from propolis of stingless bees, attenuates Th17 cell differentiation and autoimmune inflammation via STAT3 inhibition.

Eur J Pharmacol

August 2022

Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. Electronic address:

T helper 17 (Th17) lymphocytes play a critical role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, mainly by producing the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17). Therefore, Th17 lymphocytes have been considered a strategic target for drug discovery and development. In this study, we investigated the activity and possible mechanisms of action of a 4-phenyl coumarin isolated from propolis, named cinnamoyloxy-mammeisin (CNM), in Th17 cell differentiation and the development of experimental Th17-dependent autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

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Schistosoma mansoni-induced granulomas result in severe damage to the host's liver, as well as neurological and metabolic disorders. We evaluated the biochemical and behavioral changes during schistosomiasis under three diet protocols: ad libitum (AL), alternate-day fasting (ADF) and a high-sucrose/caloric diet (HSD). Healthy male BALB/c mice were divided into noninfected, matched infected and infected/treated [praziquantel (PZQ)] groups.

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A rapid and sensitive online restricted access molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction method coupled to a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) system for simultaneous determination of serum bile acids as well as their taurine and glycine conjugates was developed. Reversible liver damage of workers exposed to volatile organic solvents can be investigated based on the level of the analyzed molecules. A restricted access molecularly imprinted polymer coated with bovine serum albumin (RAMIP-BSA) was synthesized and used as the extraction phase.

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Chitosan induces tolerance to abiotic stress agents in plants. However, studies on the different application forms of this biopolymer are limited. This study evaluated the effect of two forms of chitosan application on the morphophysiology of and metal accumulation by Talinum patens cuttings subjected to Cd to develop new cadmium (Cd) decontamination technologies.

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Untreated samples were injected directly into a column switching system, an online SPE technique, using an extraction column packed with restricted access hybrid carbon nanotubes (RAHCNTs), a novel type of restricted access material, in an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography, coupled to a mass spectrometer (UHPLC-MS/MS). The synthesis of used restricted access material was relatively simple, quick, and reproducible, and had a high material yield. Compared to its predecessor, which is covered with bovine serum albumin (Restricted Access Carbon Nanotubes-RACNTs), RAHCNTs have improved performance when used for the analysis of organic compounds.

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Objectives: To evaluate the influence of digital filters of intraoral radiographic systems on the diagnosis of simulated internal and external root resorptions and image quality.

Materials And Methods: Internal root resorption (IRR) and external root resorption (ERR) were simulated in 34 teeth. For image acquisition, two radiographic systems were used: Digora Toto and VistaScan.

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