Abusive use of Zolpidem as a Result of COVID-19 and Perspectives of Continuity of the Problem in the Post-Pandemic Period.

Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug that works as a positive modulator of Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid-A (GABA-A) receptors, with high selectivity for α1 subunits. Given this selective binding, the drug has a strong hypnotic activity. Social isolation during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has contributed to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Nanoparticles Loaded with a Carotenoid-Rich Extract from Cantaloupe Melon Improved Hepatic Retinol Levels in a Diet-Induced Obesity Preclinical Model.

The study evaluated the effect of the carotenoid-rich extract from cantaloupe melon (CE) nanoencapsulated in porcine gelatin (EPG) on hepatic retinol concentration and liver damage scores in Wistar rats with obesity induced by high glycemic index and high glycemic load diet (HGLI diet). For 17 days, animals were fed the HGLI diet. They were divided into three groups and treated for 10 days [HGLI diet + water, HGLI diet + CE (12.

Vitamin E and Its Molecular Effects in Experimental Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases.

With the advancement of in vivo studies and clinical trials, the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases has been better understood. However, gaps still need to be better elucidated, which justifies the publication of reviews that explore the mechanisms related to the development of these diseases. Studies show that vitamin E supplementation can protect neurons from the damage caused by oxidative stress, with a positive impact on the prevention and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Efficacy of Carotenoid-Loaded Gelatin Nanoparticles in Reducing Plasma Cytokines and Adipocyte Hypertrophy in Wistar Rats.

The present study investigated the effect of gelatin-based nanoparticles (EPG) loaded with a carotenoid-rich crude extract (CE) on systemic and adipose tissue inflammatory response in a model with inflammation induced by a high glycemic index and high glycemic load diet (HGLI). Nanoparticles synthesized were characterized by different physical and chemical methods. The in vivo investigation evaluated Wistar rats (n = 20, 11 days, adult male with 21 weeks) subdivided into untreated (HGLI diet), conventional treatment (nutritionally adequate diet), treatment 1 (HGLI + crude extract (12.

Awake or Sleeping? Maybe Both… A Review of Sleep-Related Dissociative States.

Recent studies have begun to understand sleep not only as a whole-brain process but also as a complex local phenomenon controlled by specific neurotransmitters that act in different neural networks, which is called "local sleep". Moreover, the basic states of human consciousness-wakefulness, sleep onset (N1), light sleep (N2), deep sleep (N3), and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep-can concurrently appear, which may result in different sleep-related dissociative states. In this article, we classify these sleep-related dissociative states into physiological, pathological, and altered states of consciousness.

Effectiveness of Light-Emitting Diode Epilation on Different Skin Types: A Pilot Study.

This study analyzed the histological and immunohistochemical changes in hair follicles submitted to epilation with light-emitting diode (LED). The use of specific wavelengths of LED leads to the absorption of photons by chromophore tissues, enabling different photophysical and photochemical events, bringing therapeutic benefits such as removing body hair. The sample included five participants, with phototypes II-V, divided into two groups.

Neuroprotective Potential of Seed Extracts: Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

Introduction: Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by neuronal dysfunction and death. Studies suggest that some seed extracts have a neuroprotective effect. Considering the increased incidence of these diseases and the need for new effective therapies with fewer side effects, this review aimed to assess the evidence of the efficacy and safety of seed extracts in experimental models of neurodegeneration.

Incidence of colonic fistulas in patients with colon cancer submitted to robotic surgery versus laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

Introduction: Up to the present time, the laparoscopic approach for colon cancer is considered the gold standard. However, robotic surgery has been appraised in modern medicine. It is essential to evaluate the differences between laparoscopic and robotic surgery, owing to the significant impact they cause in postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Use of Stationary Ultrasound Device In Subcutaneous Abdominal Fat Tissue: Analysis of Clinical Effects.

Background: High-intensity stationary therapeutic ultrasound (HITU) technology is gaining popularity as an attractive modality for treating different conditions, but little is known about its application in aesthetics.

Objective: To analyze the effects of stationary unfocused ultrasound (HITU technology) in treating localized fat in women's abdominal region.

Methods: The sample consisted of 43 women with localized abdominal adiposity, assessed pre and post-treatment by assessment protocols, adversity analysis questionnaires, ultrasound exams, and serum level exams.

Effect of carvacrol antioxidant capacity on oocyte maturation and embryo production in cattle.

Carvacrol (CHO), an efficient phenolic antioxidant substance for several cell types, may become a useful antioxidant for female germ cells and embryo culture. This study investigates the effects of carvacrol supplementation on bovine oocytes in maturation (IVM) and embryo production. In total, 1222 cumulus-oocyte complexes were cultured in TCM-199 alone (control treatment) or supplemented with carvacrol at the concentrations of 3 µM (Carv-3), 12.

A Framework for Human Corneal Endothelial Cell Culture and Preliminary Wound Model Experiments with a New Cell Tracking Approach.

Cell injection therapy is emerging as an alternative to treat corneal endothelial dysfunction (CED) and to avoid corneal scarring due to bullous keratopathy. However, establishing a standardized culture procedure that provides appropriate cell yield while retaining functional features remains a challenge. Here, we describe a detailed framework obtained from in vitro culture of human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) and comparative in vivo experimental models for CED treatment with a new cell tracking approach.

COVID-19 pandemic decreased sleep quality of medical students.

Objective: Medical students are especially vulnerable to situations of poor sleep quality due to academic demands. The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes and high psychological stress, causing a great impact on this population. Here we aim to analyze the influence of the pandemic on the sleep quality of medical students.

Anti-Inflammatory Protein Isolated from Tamarind Promotes Better Histological Aspects in the Intestine Regardless of the Improvement of Intestinal Permeability in a Preclinical Study of Diet-Induced Obesity.

Obesity is associated with metabolic and physiological effects in the gut. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of trypsin inhibitor isolated from tamarind seeds (TTI) in vitro (interaction with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inhibitory activity against human neutrophil elastase (HNE)), and using intestinal co-cultures of Caco-2:HT29-MTX cell lines inflamed with TNF-α (50 ng/mL) and a Wistar rat model of diet-induced obesity (n = 15). TTI was administered to animals by gavage (10 days), and the treated group (25 mg/kg/day) was compared to animals without treatment or treated with a nutritionally adequate diet.

Efficacy and Safety of Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.

Laser therapy has been proposed to improve the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), especially in women who do not accept hormonal therapy or are at a high risk of complications if they undergo hormonal therapy. However, studies evaluating the effectiveness and safety of laser treatment for GSM have shown controversial results. Thus, we aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of laser therapy in post-menopausal women with GSM.

Hormonal Approach for Postmenopausal Vulvovaginal Atrophy.

Menopause is a physiological and progressive phenomenon secondary to decreased ovarian follicular reserve that significantly affects the genital tract. Although postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy primarily affects postmenopausal women, it is also seen in premenopausal women. The hypoestrogenic condition results in hormonal and anatomical changes, with the main symptoms, are dryness, burning and genital irritation, decreased lubrication, urinary urgency, dysuria, and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Oocyte in vitro maturation with eugenol improves the medium antioxidant capacity and total cell number per blastocyst.

This study investigates the impact of eugenol (EU) supplementation on bovine oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) and antioxidant capacity, as well as in vitro embryo production and quality after conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 1077 cumulus oocyte complexes were cultured in TCM-199 without EU supplementation (control treatment) or supplemented with EU at the concentrations of 10 μM (EU-10), 20 μM (EU-20), or 40 μM (EU-40). After IVM, the oocytes were subjected to IVF and embryo culture.

An Insulin Receptor-Binding Multifunctional Protein from L. Presents a Hypoglycemic Effect in a Diet-Induced Type 2 Diabetes-Preclinical Study.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of the trypsin inhibitor isolated from tamarind seeds (TTI) in an experimental model of T2DM and the in silico interaction between the conformational models of TTI 56/287 and the insulin receptor (IR). After inducing T2DM, 15 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated in three groups ( = 5): 1-T2DM group without treatment; 2-T2DM group treated with adequate diet; and 3-T2DM treated with TTI (25 mg/kg), for 10 days. Insulinemia and fasting glucose were analyzed, and the HOMA-IR and HOMA-β were calculated.

Vitamin E Levels in Preterm and Full-Term Infants: A Systematic Review.

Vitamin E deficiency (VED) is associated with clinical repercussions in preterm newborns (PTN), but low levels are also found in full-term newborns (TN). As this inadequacy can compromise neurogenesis in childhood, studies are needed to assess whether there is a difference in vitamin E status among newborns according to gestational age to provide support for neonatal monitoring protocols. This systematic review presents a synthesis of the available information on the vitamin E status among PTN and TN.

Image guidance for endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

Introduction: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a current procedure for treating patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Image-guided surgery (IGS) for ESS may help reduce complications and improve precision. However, it is uncertain in which cases IGS is beneficial.

Effects of cryolipolysis with adiposity plates located with the Crioplace concept in women.

Background: Cryolipolysis with plates is a method of applying cooling without a vacuum system, which can be used in regions with less chance of forming a "crease."

Objective: To investigate the effects of cryolipolysis using a plate-shaped applicator (Crioplac) in the treatment of fat.

Materials And Methods: This is an experimental study in which women aged 25 to 45 years with adiposity located in the abdomen participated.

Effects of Ultracavitation and Radiofrequency on Abdominal Adiposity.

Background: The mechanism of fat reduction from radiofrequency occurs via the thermal stimulation of adipocyte metabolism, causing a lipase-mediated triglyceride enzyme degradation, apoptosis, and adipocyte rupture. Ultracavitation promotes fat reduction using adipose cell destruction through mechanical stimulus. The literature on the combination of these two physical agents, named ultrafrequency, is still scarce and requires consistent analysis of the effects of this therapy combination.

Effects of Supplementation with Probiotics in Experimental Models of Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review of Animal Experiments.

Background: Conditions along the brain-gut-microbiota (BGM) axis can significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Evidence from animal studies indicates a role of probiotics in regulating mood, cognition, and stress response via the BGM axis. However, the effect of probiotics on AD needs to be better clarified in preclinical and clinical studies.

Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review.

Background: Identifying the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Systematic review of original studies published in any language. Protocol published in PROSPERO under number CRD42021240543.

Pathophysiology and possible treatments for olfactory-gustatory disorders in patients affected by COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 infects host cells mainly through the interaction between the virus's Spike protein and the viral receptors namely Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). Both are highly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, in the nasal and bronchial epithelium, as well as in the type II alveolar epithelial cells. The aim of this review is to report the evidences from the scientific literature on the pathophysiology and the available treatments for olfactory-gustatory disorders in patients with COVID-19.

The Dichotomous Effect of Thiamine Supplementation on Tumorigenesis: A Systematic Review.

The malignant neoplastic cell is characterized by its diverse metabolic changes. It occurs in order to maintain the high rate of proliferation. The possibility of new pharmacological targets has inserted tumor metabolism as a target for recent research, emphasizing the enzymatic activity of thiamin.