Niveles de aprobación de ESFUNO entre los años 2019 y 2020. Facultad de Enfermería Udelar / Approval levels of ESFUNO between the years 2019 and 2020. Faculty of Nursing Udelar / Níveis de aprovação do ESFUNO entre os anos de 2019 e 2020. Faculdade de Enfermagem da Udelar

El presente trabajo muestra los resultados de un estudio de carácter diagnóstico sobre el efecto de la aplicación de una metodología de enseñanza totalmente virtual para el curso ESFUNO de Facultad de Enfermería en el marco de la pandemia por Covid-19. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y analítico comparando el desempeño académico entre las generaciones del año 2019 y 2020 mediante contraste de proporciones. Se sistematizaron los datos de desempeño estudiantil para la exoneración del curso ESFUNO y los dos primeros períodos de exámenes a partir de la finalización del curso desarrollados desde la implementación del Plan 2016. A partir de los datos obtenidos se pudo observar que predominó la exoneración del curso con un porcentaje para el año 2019 de 56 % y para el año 2020 de 79 % siendo este un aumento significativo (p<0.05). Se observó un aumento significativo de la desvinculación en el año 2020 con respecto al año 2019 (27 % y 19 % respectivamente) (p<0.05). La proporción de estudiantes que salvaron el examen de ESFUNO aumento significativamente en el segundo periodo para el año 2019 (p<0.05) pero no así para el año 2020 (p>0.05). Al comparar la proporción de aprobación del primer periodo entre la generación que cursó en 2019y la generación que cursó en 2020 se observó un aumento significativo para el año 2020 (p<0.05). Finalmente se observó que en el año 2020 hubo una asociación positiva entre aquellos alumnos que sin exonerar tuvieron una nota media (5) y un mayor porcentaje de aprobación del examen. Se concluye que la utilización de la total virtualidad aplicada en el año 2020 en el curso ESFUNO no tuvo un impacto negativo sobre los niveles de aprobación del mismo ya sea a nivel de exoneración como a nivel de aprobación en el primer y segundo periodo de examen.

This work shows the results of a diagnostic study on the effect of the application of a totally virtual teaching methodology for the ESFUNO course of the School of Nursing, in the frame work of the Covid-19 pandemic. A descriptive and analytical observational study was carried out to compare academic performances between the 2019 and 2020 class by comparing proportions. Student performance data were systematized for the ESFUNO exam exemption and the first two exam periods immediately after the end of the course, for all the years since the implementation of the 2016 Plan. From the data obtained, it was observed that the exam exemption prevailed with a 56 % for the 2019 class and for a 79 % for the2020 class, this being a significant increase (p<0.05). A significant increase in disengagement was observed in 2020compared to 2019 (27 % and 19 % respectively) (p<0.05). The proportion of students who saved the ESFUNO exam in the second period, increased significantly for 2019 (p<0.05) but not for 2020 class (p>0.05). When comparing the passing rate during the first period between the 2019 and 2020 classes, a significant increase was observed for 2020 (p<0.05). Finally, it was observed that in 2020 there was a positive association between those students who, without exam exemption, had an average grade (5) and a higher percentage of students passing the exam. It is concluded that the use of the total virtuality applied in the year 2020 for the ESFUNO course did not have a negative impact on the approval rate, either at the exemption level or at the approval level in the first and second period of exam.

O presente trabalho mostra os resultados de um estudo diagnóstico sobre o efeito da aplicação de uma metodologia de ensino totalmente virtual para o curso ESFUNO da Faculdade de Enfermagem no contexto da pandemia Covid-19. Realizou-se um estudo observacional descritivo e analítico comparando o desempenho acadêmico entre as gerações de 2019 e 2020 através da comparação de proporções. Se sistematizaram os dados do desempenho estudantil para aprovação direta do curso ESFUNO e os dois primeiros períodos das provas a partir da finalização do curso desenvolvidos após a implementação do Plano 2016. Pelos dados obtidos, observou-se que houve predomínio da aprovação direta do curso, com uma porcentagem de 56% para o ano de 2019 e de 79 % para o ano de 2020, sendo este um aumento significativo (p<0.05). Observou-se, ainda, no ano de 2020 um aumento significativo da desvinculação do curso quando comparado ao ano de 2019 (27 % e 19 %, respectivamente) (p<0.05). A proporção de estudantes que passaram na prova de ESFUNO aumentou significativamente no segundo período para o ano de 2019 (p<0.05), porém não se observou o mesmo no ano de 2020 (p>0.05). Ao comparar a taxa de aprovação no primeiro período de recuperação entre a geração que cursou no ano de 2019 com a geração que cursou no ano de 2020, se observou um aumento significativo para o ano de 2020 (p<0.05). Finalmente, foi observado que no ano de 2020 houve uma associação positiva entre aqueles alunos que não obtiveram aprovação direta, mas tiveram nota média (5) e maior percentual de aprovação. Conclui-se que a utilização da modalidade totalmente virtual aplicada no ano de 2020 para realização do curso ESFUNO não teve um impacto negativo sobre os níveis de aprovação do mesmo, seja no nível de aprovação direta, como no nível de aprovação no primeiro e segundo períodos de provas.

The Neuroprotective Potential of Endophytic Fungi and Proposed Molecular Mechanism: A Current Update.

Millions of people are affected by neuronal disorders that are emerging as a principal cause of death after cancer. Alzheimer's disease, ataxia, Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and autism comprise the most common ones, being accompanied by loss of cognitive power, impaired balance, and movement. In past decades, natural polyphenols obtained from different sources including bacteria, fungi, and plants have been utilized in the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of several ailments. Endophytes are one such natural producer of secondary metabolites, namely, polyphenols, which exhibit strong abilities to assist in the management of such affections, through modifying multiple therapeutic targets and weaken their complex physiology. Limited research has been conducted in detail on bioactive compounds present in the endophytic fungi and their neuroprotective effects. Therefore, this review aims to provide an update on scientific evidences related to the pharmacological and clinical potential along with proposed molecular mechanism of action of endophytes for neuronal protection.

(R)-(-)-Aloesaponol III 8-Methyl Ether from Eremurus persicus: A Novel Compound against Leishmaniosis.

Leishmaniosis is a neglected tropical disease which affects several millions of people worldwide. The current drug therapies are expensive and often lack efficacy, mainly due to the development of parasite resistance. Hence, there is an urgent need for new drugs effective against Leishmania infections. As a part of our ongoing study on the phytochemical characterization and biological investigation of plants used in the traditional medicine of western and central Asia, in the present study, we focused on Eremurus persicus root extract in order to evaluate its potential in the treatment of leishmaniosis. As a result of our study, aloesaponol III 8-methyl ether (ASME) was isolated for the first time from Eremurus persicus root extract, its chemical structure elucidated by means of IR and NMR experiments and the (R) configuration assigned by optical activity measurements: chiroptical aspects were investigated with vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopies and DFT (density functional theory) quantum mechanical calculations. Concerning biological investigations, our results clearly proved that (R)-ASME inhibits Leishmania infantum promastigotes viability (IC50 73 µg/mL), inducing morphological alterations and mitochondrial potential deregulation. Moreover, it is not toxic on macrophages at the concentration tested, thus representing a promising molecule against Leishmania infections.

Antileishmanial activity of antiretroviral drugs combined with miltefosine.

Co-infection of Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease, with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has hindered treatment efficacy. In this study, we aim to evaluate the antileishmanial activity of two protease inhibitors (darunavir and atazanavir) and four reverse transcriptase inhibitors (tenofovir, efavirenz, neviraprine, and delavirdine mesylate) on Leishmania infantum. The activity of different antiretrovirals combinations and of antiretroviral with miltefosine, a drug used on leishmaniasis treatment, was also evaluated. Only two non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) were active on L. infantum. Efavirenz showed the best antileishmanial activity on promastigotes cells with IC50 value of 26.1 µM followed by delavirdine mesylate with an IC50 value of 136.2 µM. Neviraprine, tenofovir, atazanavir, and darunavir were not active at the concentrations tested (IC50 > 200 µM). The efavirenz also showed high antileishmanial activity on intramacrophage amastigotes with IC50 of 12.59 µM. The interaction of efavirenz with miltefosine improved antileishmanial activity on promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes (IC50 values of 11. 8 µM and 8.89 µM, respectively). These results suggest that combined-therapy including efavirenz and miltefosine could be alternative options for treating Leishmaniasis and Leishmania/HIV co-infections.

The essential oils component p-cymene induces proton leak through Fo-ATP synthase and uncoupling of mitochondrial respiration.

Essential oils can be used as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic agents or to preserve and give flavors to foods. The activity of phenolic-rich essential oils has been observed in fractions containing thymol and carvacrol which show synergistic effects with their precursor p-cymene. Their mode of action is related to several targets in the cell but specific mechanisms of activity and cytotoxic effects remain poorly characterized. Given the importance of mitochondria for cellular functions and their critical role in a vast number of diseases, this work evaluated the effects of p-cymene on mitochondrial functions. It was observed that p-cymene did not change the oxygen consumption by respiratory chain (state 2 respiration). However, p-cymene decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ), depressed the rate of ADP phosphorylation (state 3), and stimulated the oxygen consumption after phosphorylation of ADP (state 4). The respiratory control ratio (state 3/state 4) was decreased as a consequence of the inhibition of state 3 and stimulation of state 4 respiration but the ADP/O index remained unaltered as well as the mitochondrial Ca(2+) fluxes. Moreover, p-cymene did not induce mitochondrial membrane disruption but depressed the Δψ, and the stimulatory effect observed on state 4, similar to the effect observed on state 2 respiration plus ATP, was inhibited by oligomycin. These effects suggest that p-cymene allows a proton leak through the Fo fraction of the phosphorylative system, changing the mitochondrial proton motive force and ATP synthesis capacity. Therefore, these data suggest mitochondria as a target for p-cymene toxicity action mechanisms.

Los aceites esenciales como agentes antiparasitarios / Essential oils as anti-parasitic agents

La aparición de parásitos resistentes a la terapia, incluyendo protozoos de géneros como Leishmania, Trypanossoma, Giardia y Plasmodium, y/o la falta de eficacia, los efectos secundarios graves y el alto costo de la terapia, hace urgente desarrollar nuevos agentes antiparasitarios. En los últimos años se ha potenciado la búsqueda de nuevos medicamentos alternativos para el tratamiento de las infecciones por parásitos, habiendo aumentado el descubrimiento de potenciales agentes terapéuticos a partir de fuentes naturales como las plantas medicinales y sus extractos, incluyendo los aceites esenciales. Aceites esenciales, tales como los de Cymbopogon citratus, Croton cajucara, Ocimum gratissimum o Thymus vulgaris, han demostrado su actividad antiparasitaria, con un amplio espectro de actividad, a menudo demostrando eficacia equivalente a la quimioterapia establecida (AU)

The emergence of parasites resistant to therapy, namely protozoa of genera Leishmania, Trypanossoma, Giardia, Plasmodium, and/or the lack of efficacy, the occurrence of serious side effects and the high cost of therapy, makes urgent the development of new anti-parasitic agents. In the last years, the search for new alternative drugs for the treatment of parasitic infections have been developed. The discovery of potential therapeutic agents from natural sources such as medicinal plants and their extracts, including essential oils, has increased. Essential oils from Cymbopogon citratus, Croton cajucara, Ocimum gratissimum and Thymus vulgaris, showed anti-parasitic activity with a broad spectrum of activities and often demonstrating equivalent effectiveness to established chemotherapy (AU)

A emergência de parasitas resistentes à terapêutica instituída, designadamente protozoários de géneros como a Leishmania, Trypanossoma, Giardia, Plasmodium, e/ou a falta de eficácia, os efeitos secundários graves e o custo elevado, torna urgente o desenvolvimento de novos agentes anti-parasitários. Nos últimos anos, a pesquisa por fármacos novos e alternativos no tratamento de infecções por parasitas, tem vindo a desenvolver-se. A descoberta de potenciais agentes terapêuticos a partir de fontes naturais como as plantas medicinais e dos seus extractos, nomeadamente os óleos essenciais, tem vindo a aumentar. Os óleos essenciais como o Cymbopogon citratus, o Croton cajucara, o Ocimum gratissimum, ou o Thymus vulgaris, têm demonstrado actividade anti-parasitária com um amplo espectro de actividades evidenciando, muitas vezes, eficácia equivalente à quimioterapia padrão (AU)

Anti-Giardia activity of phenolic-rich essential oils: effects of Thymbra capitata, Origanum virens, Thymus zygis subsp. sylvestris, and Lippia graveolens on trophozoites growth, viability, adherence, and ultrastructure.

The present work evaluates the anti-Giardia activity of phenolic-rich essential oils obtained from Thymbra capitata, Origanum virens, Thymus zygis subsp. sylvestris chemotype thymol, and Lippia graveolens aromatic plants. The effects were evaluated on parasite growth, cell viability adherence, and morphology. The tested essential oils inhibited the growth of Giardia lamblia. T. capitata essential oil is the most active followed by O. virens, T. zygis subsp. sylvestris, and L. graveolens oils. The tested essential oils at IC50 (71-257) microg/ml inhibited parasite adherence (p < 0.001) since the first hour of incubation and were able to kill almost 50% of the parasites population in a time-dependent manner. The main ultrastructural alterations promoted by essential oils were deformations in typical trophozoite appearance, often roundly shape, irregular dorsal and ventral surface, presence of membrane blebs, electrodense precipitates in cytoplasm and nuclei, and internalization of flagella and ventral disc. Our data suggest that essential oils induced cell death probably by processes associated to the loss of osmoregulation caused by plasmatic membrane alterations. Experiments revealed that the essential oils did not present cytotoxic effects in mammalian cells. In conclusion, T. capitata, O. virens, T. zygis subsp. sylvestris chemotype thymol, and L. graveolens essential oils have antigiardial activity in vitro and seem to have potential for the treatment of the parasitic disease caused by the protozoan G. lamblia.

Effects of essential oils on the growth of Giardia lamblia trophozoites.

Giardia lamblia is one of the most important worldwide causes of intestinal infections produced by protozoa. Current therapy for giardiasis is unsatisfactory due to high incidence of undesirable side effects and significant failure in clearing parasites from the gastrointestinal tract. In the search for new therapeutic agents, we report on the effect of several essential oils on G. lamblia growth. Among eighteen tested essential oils, those with phenolic compositions were the most active, particularly if containing high contents of carvacrol, such as Thymbra capitata and Origanum virens (IC50 values of 71 and 85 microg x mL(-1), respectively). The oils from Syzygium aromaticum and Thymus zygis subsp. sylvestris (IC50 values from 100 to 200 microg x mL(-1)), as well as, those from Mentha x piperita and Lippia graveolens (IC50 values over 200 microg x mL(-1)) were less active. Results support the concept that several essential oils or some of their constituents may be useful in the clinical management of Giardia infections.