Biotechnological Perspectives on the Therapeutic Potential of Phenylpropanoid Cinnamaldehyde in Inflammatory Diseases: Signaling Pathways.

The traditional use of plants of the Cinnamomum genus dates back to traditional Eastern medicine for millennia and they have also been used in Western integrative medicine practices, especially for their anti-inflammatory activity. In the context of chemical diversity, the absolute majority of species in this genus have cinnamaldehyde as the majority component, which in turn holds the title of the active ingredient, whose biological effect profile has already been demonstrated in numerous experiments in acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. In this context, the objective of this research was to investigate how cinnamaldehyde can influence inflammatory phenomena.

3D-Printed PCL-Based Scaffolds with High Nanosized Synthetic Smectic Clay Content: Fabrication, Mechanical Properties, and Biological Evaluation for Bone Tissue Engineering.

Background: The 3D printing of macro- and mesoporous biomimetic grafts composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) infused with nanosized synthetic smectic clay is a promising innovation in biomaterials for bone tissue engineering (BTE). The main challenge lies in achieving a uniform distribution of nanoceramics across low to high concentrations within the polymer matrix while preserving mechanical properties and biological performance essential for successful osseointegration.

Methods: This study utilized 3D printing to fabricate PCL scaffolds enriched with nanosized synthetic smectic clay (LAP) to evaluate its effects on structural, chemical, thermal, mechanical, and degradative properties, with a focus on in vitro biological performance and non-toxicity.

Aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva) and Malva (Herissantia crispa) have forage potential for ruminant nutrition in arid regions.

The Caatinga biome has a wide variety of plants which, despite their irregular distribution, are frequently used to feed animals. This study aimed to evaluate the gas production kinetics of Caatinga plants: Malva (Herissantia crispa), Aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva), Marmeleiro (Croton sonderianus), and Bamburral (Hyptis suaveolens). Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris), a cultivated forage, was used as a control.

Investigation of bacterial nanocellulose/calcium phosphates-based composite containing cerium for bone repair.

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) has attracted considerable attention in the field of biomedical engineering due to its potential for use in bone regeneration applications. The present study investigates the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) combined with calcium and cerium ions (BNC-Ce:CaP) in bone regeneration applications. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of monetite and hydroxyapatite phases in BNC-CaP, while BNC-Ce:CaP revealed an additional brushite phase.

Fibrinolytic enzyme from Arthrospira platensis and its effects on breast cancer cells: Exploring its potential as an innovative therapy.

Fibrinolytic enzymes are promising in treating cardiovascular diseases due to their capacity to dissolve blood clots. The fibrinolytic enzyme from Arthrospira platensis (FEAP) was purified by ion exchange chromatography to investigate its ability to activate plasminogen, as well as its thrombolytic and fibrinogenolytic potential. Subsequently, two different cytotoxic assays (MTT and NR) and hemolysis test were performed to evaluate FEAP's safety.

Statins as potential disease-modifying therapy of Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

Background: Recent evidence indicates that statins have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, leading to several investigations of whether statins have a neuroprotective effect and may benefit patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the potential mechanisms of this class of medications as modifiers of the course of PD in already diagnosed patients is still unclear.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of statins as modifiers of established PD.

Single-Step Deposition of Chalcopyrite (CuFeS) Thin Films.

Thin films of chalcopyrite, CuFeS, are promising candidates for use as absorber layers in photovoltaic cells due to their low band gap and high absorbance. These films are typically deposited in two or three steps, always involving an annealing process. In this work, the CuFeS film was deposited on a glass substrate in a single deposition step using the cathodic cylindrical plasma deposition (CCyPD) technique.

New manufacturing technology for rumen-protected fat using Apis mellifera beeswax: yield, characterization, and ruminant feeding.

This study aimed to develop, characterize, and validate an encapsulant based on beeswax (BW) for rumen-protected fat (RPF) using the melting emulsification technique. Buriti oil (BO) was used as the core material, and BW was used as the encapsulating material at three different proportions of BW:BO (9:1, 4:1, and 2:1 g/g ratio respectively). RPF microspheres (BWBO9:1, BWBO4:1, and BWBO2:1) were characterized and tested in six 3-year-old castrated male Santa Ines sheep (average body weight of 56.

Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Containing Starch and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash: Synthesis, Characterisation, and Application in Cement Pastes and Mortars.

Internal curing is a process based on the addition of materials that function as water reservoirs in cementitious media. Superabsorbent hydrogels are an alternative that can be used as an internal curing agent, as they have the ability to absorb and release water in a controlled manner. In the present work, superabsorbent hydrogels based on crosslinked polyacrylamide in the presence of starch and sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) were developed and applied to mortars as an internal curing agent.

Hydrogels Based on Polyacrylamide and Pectin Containing Rice Husk Ash: Preparation, Characterization and Application in Formulation of Cementitious Materials.

Superabsorbent polymers (PSAs) have been extensively studied to act as internal curing agents in cementitious materials, as they have the characteristic of absorbing and releasing water in a controlled manner, which can contribute to the hydration process of a cementitious medium during its consolidation. Thus, hydrogels consisting of polyacrylamide (PAAm), pectin (Pec) and rice husk ash (RHA) were synthesized to be applied in cementitious matrices. In addition, the PSAs were characterized by FTIR, SEM, and XRD.

Breaking boundaries: A systematic review of the application of non-invasive brain stimulation symptoms and sleep parameters in people with ADHD.

Background: Studies of non-invasive treatments such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can contribute in an alternative way to the symptoms treatment and changes in sleep patterns in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), due to some scientific evidence of action on cognition and clinical characteristics.

Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate studies of non-invasive brain stimulation using rTMS and tDCS on symptoms and sleep parameters in people with ADHD, in order to synthesize the main findings on intervention effects.

Methodology: A systematic review was carried out using the PRISMA protocol in the PubMed/Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL, PEDro and Central-Cochrane library databases were initially carried out on 14 March 2024 and repeated until September 2024.

GO@β-AgMoO Composite: One-Step Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Performance against RhB Dye.

The combination of materials to improve properties of interest has become one of the strategies widely used for numerous applications, including new catalysts, over the last few decades. In this study, silver molybdate (β-AgMoO) microcrystals were efficiently obtained by the hydrothermal method, obtaining composites with different amounts of graphene oxide (GO) (1, 2.5, 5, 7.

Repositioning anthelmintics for the treatment of inflammatory-based pathological conditions.

Acute, uncontrolled and/or long-lasting inflammation causes a breakdown in immunological tolerance, leading to chronicity and contributing to a series of significant local or systemic tissue changes. Anti-inflammatory efficacy, fewer adverse effects, improved selectivity, and curative action are imminent issues for patients suffering from chronic inflammation-related pathologies. Then, we performed a complete and critical review about anthelmintics, discussing the main classes and the available preclinical evidence on repurposing to treat inflammation-based conditions.

The use of hypoglycemic drugs in Parkinson's disease: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: Recent studies have demonstrated an association between hypoglycemic medications and neuroprotective action in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Therefore, in this meta-analysis, our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of these medications, compared to placebo, as disease-modifying therapy in patients with PD.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for studies comparing the use of hypoglycemic drugs and placebo in patients with PD.

Efficacy and safety of stereotactic radiosurgery with gamma knife machine in patients with essential tremor: a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis.

Essential tremor (ET) is identified as the most prevalent movement disorder, primarily characterized by tremors in both upper extremities. The spectrum of surgical options for ET includes gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) and other stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) modalities. Despite the limitations of these options, SRS is deemed an essential and indispensable approach.

The Emergence of Cat-Transmitted Sporotrichosis Driven by Sporothrix brasiliensis in Piauí, Brazil.

Introduction: In Brazil, the emergence of feline sporotrichosis, a neglected subcutaneous mycosis primarily transmitted by cats and caused by the fungus Sporothrix brasiliensis, has been monitored via molecular tools. This approach underscores the geographic expansion of this disease and highlights the critical role of molecular surveillance in understanding its epidemiology and guiding public health interventions.

Methods: We investigated three domestic cats (Felis catus) with multiple skin lesions in Picos, Piauí, Brazil.

Chronic rose oxide and exercise synergistically modulate cardiovascular and autonomic functions in hypertensive rats.

With the alarming rise in cases of arterial hypertension worldwide, there is an urgent need to develop combined therapies to mitigate this scenario. Rose oxide (RO), a monoterpene with anti-inflammatory and hypotensive properties, emerges as an alternative. The present study is the first to evaluate the effect of RO administered chronically and combined with physical exercise (swimming) since both have been reported to have beneficial impacts on hypertension.

Cryogenic 3D Printing of GelMA/Graphene Bioinks: Improved Mechanical Strength and Structural Properties for Tissue Engineering.

Purpose: Tissue engineering aims to recreate natural cellular environments to facilitate tissue regeneration. Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) is widely utilized for its biocompatibility, ability to support cell adhesion and proliferation, and adjustable mechanical characteristics. This study developed a GelMA and graphene bioink platform at concentrations of 1, 1.

Strategies for Confronting the COVID-19 Pandemic in the State of Piauí-Brazil: Contributions to Nursing.

Unlabelled: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the adoption of rapid, complex, and changeable measures. These measures allowed effective care planning and implementation of emergency management strategies to meet the needs of the population.

Objective: To analyze the influence of the strategies to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, implemented by the Public Health Network of the State of Piauí, Brazil, as contributions to nursing, on the outcome of cases and deaths.

Copper biomarkers and their relationship with parameters of insulin resistance in obese women.

Some studies have demonstrated the involvement of high concentrations of copper in the manifestation of insulin resistance in individuals with obesity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the copper nutritional status and its relationship with parameters of glycemic control in women with obesity. An observational case-control clinical study involving 203 women aged between 20 and 50 years, divided into two groups: obese (n = 84) and eutrophic (n = 119).

Heavy metals in soils derived from sedimentary rocks of the Gurgueia River watershed, Northeast, Brazil: background values, distribution and ecological risk assessment.

The concentrations of heavy metals (HMs) can be increased by various anthropogenic activities such as mining, fuel combustion, pesticide use, and urban development, which can alter the mechanisms determining their spatial variability in the environment. Determining natural concentrations, monitoring, and assessing potential ecological risks are essential in the management of pollution prevention policies and soil conservation in watersheds. The aim of this study was to determine HMs natural concentrations, establish quality reference values (QRVs), and evaluate pollution indices in a watershed-scale.

Laboratory and physiological aspects of substitute metazoan models for in vivo pharmacotoxicological analysis.

New methods are essential to characterize the performance of substitute procedures for detecting therapeutic action(s) of a chemical or key signal of toxicological events. Herein, it was discussed the applications and advantages of using arthropods, worms, and fishes in pharmacological and/or toxicology assessments. First of all, the illusion of similarity covers many differences between humans and mice, remarkably about liver injury and metabolism of xenobiotics.

The anxiolytic-like effect of the alkaloid fraction of the psychedelic plant (Willd.) Poir.

The present work investigated the anxiolytic effect of the alkaloid fraction (AF II) from the root bark of . Female Swiss mice of 6 weeks old were used in this study. The animals were divided into three groups: 0.

Microstructural and flexural strength of various CAD-CAM lithium disilicate ceramics.

Purpose: To analyze the microstructural and mechanical properties of various commercial trademarks of lithium disilicate ceramics for CAD-CAM systems.

Materials And Methods: Specimens of different lithium disilicate ceramics were obtained and randomized into 5 groups (n = 14): EM: e.max CAD; RT: Rosetta SM; EV: Evolith; PM: Smile-Lithium CAD; and, HS: HaHaSmile.

Analysis of Hospital Safety and Risk of Falls in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study in Brazil.

This study analyzed hospital safety and the risk of falls in elderly people in a university hospital in Brazil. The Morse Falls Scale was used to stratify the risk of falls in 45 hospitalized elderly individuals, and two checklists were used to analyze the hospital environment. The analysis was based on the Chi-square test and multiple regression.