Sleep staging algorithm based on smartwatch sensors for healthy and sleep apnea populations.

OBJECTIVE: Sleep stages can provide valuable insights into an individual's sleep quality. By leveraging movement and heart rate data collected by modern smartwatches, it is possible to enable the sleep staging feature and enhance users' understanding about their sleep and health conditions. METHOD: In this paper, we present and validate a recurrent neural network based model with 23 input features extracted from accelerometer and photoplethysmography sensors data for both healthy and sleep apnea populations. We designed a lightweight and fast solution to enable the prediction of sleep stages for each 30-s epoch. This solution was developed using a large dataset of 1522 night recordings collected from a highly heterogeneous population and different versions of Samsung smartwatch. RESULTS: In the classification of four sleep stages (wake, light, deep, and rapid eye movements sleep), the proposed solution achieved 71.6 % of balanced accuracy and a Cohen's kappa of 0.56 in a test set with 586 recordings. CONCLUSION: The results presented in this paper validate our proposal as a competitive wearable solution for sleep staging. Additionally, the use of a large and diverse data set contributes to the robustness of our solution, and corroborates the validation of algorithm's performance. Some additional analysis performed for healthy and sleep apnea population demonstrated that algorithm's performance has low correlation with demographic variables.

Chemical composition of extracts and fractions from Miconia ibaguensis (MELASTOMATACEAE) leaves and evaluation of biological activities.

The study aimed to assess the chemical composition of Miconia ibaguensis leaves extracts and fractions obtained from the ethanolic extract (EE), along with evaluating their antifungal, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) exhibited potent antifungal activity against Candida spp (1.95 - 3.90 µg mL-1) and potent antioxidant activity in the DPPH (1.74 ± 0.07 µg mL-1), FRAP (654.01 ± 42.09 µmol ETrolox/gsample), and ORAC (3698.88 ± 37.28 µmol ETrolox/gsample) methods. The EE displayed inhibition against the α-amylase enzyme (8.42 ± 0.05 µg mL-1). Flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, triterpenoids, and phenolic acids, identified in the EE and fractions via (-)-HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis, were found to contribute to the species' biological activity potentially. These findings suggest promising avenues for further research and potential applications in pharmacology and natural products, offering new possibilities in the fight against global health issues.

Exploring the composition and properties of Centella asiatica metabolites and investigating their impact on BSA glycation, LDL oxidation and α-amylase inhibition.

Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. is a small herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family that is rich in triterpenes, such as asiaticoside and madecassoside. Centella asiatica finds broad application in promoting wound healing, addressing skin disorders, and boosting both memory and cognitive function. Given its extensive therapeutic potential, this study aimed not only to investigate the Centella asiatica ethanolic extract but also to analyze the biological properties of its organic fractions, such as antioxidant antiglycation capacity, which are little explored. We also identified the main bioactive compounds through spectrometry analysis. The ethanolic extract (EE) was obtained through a static maceration for seven days, while organic fractions (HF: hexane fraction; DF: dichloromethane fraction; EAF: ethyl acetate fraction; BF: n-butanol fraction and HMF: hydromethanolic fraction) were obtained via liquid-liquid fractionation. The concentration of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins in each sample was quantified. Additionally, the antiglycation (BSA/FRU, BSA/MGO, and ARG/MGO models) and antioxidant (FRAP, ORAC, and DPPH) properties, as well as the ability to inhibit LDL oxidation and hepatic tissue peroxidation were evaluated. The inhibition of enzyme activity was also analyzed (α-amylase, α-glycosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase). We also evaluated the antimicrobial and cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 macrophages. The main compounds present in the most bioactive fractions were elucidated through ESI FT-ICR MS and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. In the assessment of antioxidant capacity (FRAP, ORAC, and DPPH), the EAF and BF fractions exhibited notable results, and as they are the phenolic compounds richest fractions, they also inhibited LDL oxidation, protected the hepatic tissue from peroxidation and inhibited α-amylase activity. Regarding glycation models, the EE, EAF, BF, and HMF fractions demonstrated substantial activity in the BSA/FRU model. However, BF was the only fraction that presented non-cytotoxic activity in RAW 264.7 macrophages at all tested concentrations. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the antioxidant, antiglycation, and enzymatic inhibition capacities of the ethanolic extract and organic fractions of Centella asiatica. The findings suggest that further in vivo studies, particularly focusing on the butanol fraction (BF), may be promising routes for future research and potential therapeutic applications.

Bioactive compounds from the leaves of Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek: Inhibition of LDL oxidation, glycation, lipid peroxidation, target enzymes, and microbial growth.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek, a medicinal plant used for treating gastritis, ulcers, and gastric disorders, possesses therapeutic properties attributed to diverse leaf compounds-terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and tannins, reflecting the ethnopharmacological knowledge of traditional users. AIMS OF THE STUDY: We aimed to assess the antioxidant and antiglycant capacities of Maytenus ilicifolia's ethanolic extract and organic fractions, identify bioactive compounds through HPLC-MS/MS analysis, and conduct phytochemical assessments. We also assessed their potential to inhibit digestive and cholinesterase enzymes, mitigate oxidation of human LDL and rat hepatic tissue, and examine their antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Organic fractions (hexane - HF-Mi, dichloromethane - DMF-Mi, ethyl acetate - EAF-Mi, n-butanol - BF-Mi, and hydromethanolic - HMF-Mi) were obtained via liquid-liquid partitioning. Antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP, ORAC) and antiglycant (BSA/FRU, BSA/MGO, ARG/MGO/LDL/MGO models) capacities were tested. Phytochemical analysis employed HPLC-MS/MS. We also studied the inhibitory effects on α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, human LDL and rat hepatic tissue oxidation, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 macrophages. RESULTS: HPLC-ESI-MS/MS identified antioxidant compounds such as catechin, quercetin, and kaempferol derivatives. Ethanolic extract (EE-Mi) and organic fractions demonstrated robust antioxidant and antiglycant activity. EAF-Mi and BF-Mi inhibited α-amylase (2.42 µg/mL and 7.95 µg/mL) compared to acarbose (0.144 µg/mL). Most organic fractions exhibited ∼50% inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, rivaling galantamine and rivastigmine. EAF-Mi, BF-Mi, and EE-Mi excelled in inhibiting lipid peroxidation. All fractions, except HMF-Mi, effectively countered LDL oxidation, evidenced by the area under the curve. These fractions protected LDL against lipid peroxidation. CONCLUSION: This study unveils Maytenus ilicifolia's ethanolic extract and organic fractions properties. Through rigorous analysis, we identify bioactive compounds and highlight their antioxidant, antiglycant, enzyme inhibition, and protective properties against oxidative damage. These findings underline its significance in modern pharmacology and its potential applications in healthcare.

An In Vivo Assessment of the Effect of Hexane Extract from Endlicheria paniculata Branches and Its Main Compound, Methyldehydrodieugenol B, on Murine Sponge-Induced Inflammation.

The present study aims to explore the anti-inflammatory potential activity of the hexane extract from branches (HEB) of Endlicheria paniculata (Lauraceae) and its main compound, methyldehydrodieugenol B, in the inflammatory response induced by a murine implant sponge model. HPLC-ESI/MS analysis of HEB led to the identification of six chemically related neolignans, with methyldehydrodieugenol B as the main compound. An in silico analysis of the pharmacokinetic parameters of the identified compounds suggested moderate solubility but good absorption and biodistribution in vivo. Thus, the treatment of mice with HEB using in vivo assays indicated that HEB promoted pro-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, and antifibrogenic effects, whereas treatment with methyldehydrodieugenol B caused anti-inflammatory, antifibrogenic, and antiangiogenic effects. The obtained results shown the therapeutic potential of HEB and methyldehydrodieugenol B in the treatment of pathologies associated with inflammation and angiogenesis, including chronic wounds.

Pilates method on pain in patients with low back pain: systematic review / Método Pilates para dor em pacientes com lombalgia: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The weakness of the trunk extensors is one of the main causes in the development of low back pain in a large part of the population. Low back pain is a disabling condition and due to the pain many people have difficulty performing activities of daily life. Thus, Pilates becomes one of the methods of choice in the treatment of low back pain because it brings muscle strengthening exercises that positively impact the stabilization of the spine. The objective of this study was to review the impact of the Pilates method on pain in patients with low back pain. METHODS: This is a systematic review, with search for data in the Scielo, OVID, Lilacs, Pubmed and PEDro databases, which included randomized clinical trials that addressed the Pilates method in patients with low back pain. The following search descriptors were used: low back pain, Pilates method, exercise movement techniques. The Boolean operators were: "and" and "or". RESULTS: Of the 8 selected studies, all obtained positive results in the reduction of low back pain, each using a different protocol associated with physical therapy treatment. Of the eight studies considered eligible, only seven were included. For the study of this comparison, a random model was used (I2=92%, df=6, p=0.01), in which there was a statistically significant diference between the Pilates and control groups (95% CI -1.79, -0.19). CONCLUSION: It was possible to conclude that the Pilates method he was effective in the treatment of low back pain. HIGHLIGHTS The study reinforces the importance of the Pilates method for patients with low back pain, focusing on pain reduction, but with an impact on functionality and quality of life. The role of Pilates as an integral part of a care protocol is also reinforced, not as the only tool for physical therapy care. The application of Pilates method should begin with exercises of mild to moderate difficulty and, with functional gain, progress to high complexity.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A fraqueza dos extensores de tronco é uma das principais causas no desenvolvimento de lombalgia em grande parte da população. A dor lombar é uma condição incapacitante e, devido à dor, muitas pessoas têm dificuldade para realizar as atividades de vida diária. Assim, o Pilates passa a ser um dos métodos de escolha para tratamento de pacientes com lombalgia, pois traz exercícios de fortalecimento muscular que promovem estabilização da coluna vertebral. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o impacto do método Pilates na dor de pacientes com lombalgia crônica. METODOS: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática com busca de estudos nas bases de dados Scielo, OVID, Lilacs, Pubmed e PEDro incluindo ensaios clínicos randomizados que abordaram o método Pilates em pacientes com lombalgia crônica inespecífica. Os descritores de busca utilizados foram low back pain, Pilates method, exercise movement techniques, somados aos operadores booleanos: "e" e "ou". O risco de viés dos estudos foi avaliado de acordo com os critérios da escala PEDro. RESULTADOS: Dos 8 estudos selecionados, todos obtiveram resultados positivos na redução da dor lombar, cada um utilizando um protocolo diferente associado ao tratamento de fisioterapia. Dos oito estudos considerados elegíveis, apenas sete foram incluídos na meta-análise. Para a meta-análise desta comparação, foi utilizado um modelo randomizado (I2=92%, df=6, p=0,01), no qual houve uma diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos Pilates e grupo controle (95% CI -1,79, -0,19). CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível concluir que o método Pilates foi eficaz no tratamento de dores lombares. DESTAQUES O estudo reforça a importância do método Pilates para pacientes com dor lombar, concentrando-se na redução da dor, mas com um impacto na funcionalidade e qualidade de vida. O papel do Pilates como parte integrante de um protocolo de tratamento também é reforçado, não sendo a única ferramenta para o tratamento fisioterápico. A aplicação do método Pilates deve começar com exercícios de dificuldade leve a moderada e, após o ganho funcional, progredir para alta complexidade.

Identification of Substances Produced by Cercospora brachiata in Absence of Light and Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity.

Cercospora brachiata is a phytopathogenic fungus. To know more about the metabolites produced by this fungus, the objective of this work was to identify, isolate and characterize substances present in extracts of the growth broth and mycelium, using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). It was also objective to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the extracts. Among the compounds identified, fatty acids, esters, and steroids can be highlighted. The main compounds identified are 9-hexadecenoic, hexadecenoic, oleic, octadecanoic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, doceno-13-enoic, stearic, linoleic, and nonadecanoic acids present in almost all extracts. For the antibacterial activity, the broth microdilution method was used. The ethyl acetate extract of the mycelium presented inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against the bacterium Actinomyces naeslundii (100 µg mL-1) and Streptococcus sanguinis (200 µg mL-1). Finally, two steroids were isolated and identified in the hexane extract of mycelium: ergosta-6,22-dien-3ß,5α,8α-triol and brassicasterol.

Antioxidant compounds of Kielmeyera coriacea Mart. with α-amylase, lipase and advanced glycation end-product inhibitory activities.

Chronic hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia are associated with excessive formation of reactive oxygen species and advanced glycation end-products. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential in vitro antidiabetic properties of Kielmeyera coriacea inner bark. The main phytochemical compounds were identified by UHPLC-ESI/MSn and the ethanol extract and its fractions were used to evaluate their antioxidant and anti-glycation capacities, as well as their inhibitory potential against glycoside and lipid hydrolases activities. The polar fractions, especially the n-butanol fraction, had free radical scavenging and quenching properties (ORAC and FRAP values>1800 and 1000 µmol trolox eq/g, respectively, and DPPH IC50<4 µg/mL), and inhibited ROS production (p < 0.01), lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001), glycation (IC50 ~ 10 µg/mL in the BSA-fructose assay; IC50 ~ 200 µg/mL in the BSA-methylglyoxal and arginine-methylglyoxal assays), α-amylase (IC50<0.1 µg/mL) and lipase (IC50<5 µg/mL), with no cytotoxicity. Biomolecules well-known as potent antioxidants were identified for the first time in the inner bark of K. coriacea, such as protocatechuic acid, epicatechin and procyanidins A, B and C. Together, our results support the antioxidant, anti-glycation and glycoside and lipid hydrolases inhibitory properties of the inner bark of K. coriacea, a species found in the Brazilian savanna, which makes it especially useful to combat oxidative stress and hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia.

Evaluation of Gibbilimbol B, Isolated from Piper malacophyllum (Piperaceae), as an Antischistosomal Agent.

Infections caused by parasitic worms impose a considerable worldwide health burden. One of the most impactful is schistosomiasis, a disease caused by blood-dwelling of the genus Schistosoma that affects more than 230 million people worldwide. Since praziquantel has also been extensively used to treat schistosomiasis and other parasitic flatworm infections, there is an urgent need to identify novel anthelmintic compounds, mainly from natural sources. In this study, the hexane extract from roots of Piper malacophyllum (Piperaceae) showed to be mainly composed for gibbilimbol B by HPLC/ESI-HRMS. Based on this result, this compound was isolated by chromatographic steps and its structure was confirmed by NMR. In vitro bioassays showed that gibbilimbol B was more active than praziquantel against larval stage of S. mansoni, with effective concentrations of 50 % (EC50 ) and 90 % (EC90 ) values of 2.6 and 3.4 µM, respectively. Importantly, gibbilimbol B showed no cytotoxicity to mammalian cells at a concentration 190 times greater than the antiparasitic effect, giving support for the anthelmintic potential of gibbilimbol B as lead compound for novel antischistosomal agents.

Essential oil from leaves of Eugenia calycina Cambes: Natural larvicidal against Aedes aegypti.

BACKGROUND: Eugenia calycina is an endemic species in the Brazilian savannah (the Cerrado) and it is threatened with extinction. Several species of Eugenia are used as insecticides or insect repellents. No data are available on the larvicidal activity of E. calycina. The chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) from leaves of Eugenia calycina was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae in the third stage of development was studied. RESULTS: Oxygenated and non-oxygenated sesquiterpenes were identified, and the main compounds were bicyclogermacrene, spathulenol, and ß-caryophyllene. The EO was fractionated in a chromatographic column and three compounds were isolated and identified: spathulenol, aromadendrane-4ß,10α-diol, and 1ß-11-dihydroxy-5-eudesmene. It is the first time that the last two compounds have been identified in E. calycina. The exposure times in the larvicidal test were 24 h and 48 h and the LC50 values obtained were 199.3 and 166.4 µg mL-1 . The cytotoxicity of the EO in mammalian cells (HeLa and Vero) was evaluated for 24 and 48 h of incubation. The cytotoxic concentrations of the EO for HeLa and Vero cells (266.8 ± 46.5 and 312.1 ± 42.5 µg mL-1 , respectively) in 48 h of exposure were higher than the LC50 , showing low cytotoxicity at the concentration exhibiting larvicidal activity, resulting in a positive selectivity index. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the EO of E. calycina showed high activity against the A. aegypti larvae but lower cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. The leaves of E. calycina are therefore a very promising source of natural larvicidal products. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antioxidant compounds from Banisteriopsis argyrophylla leaves as α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase, and glycation inhibitors.

Banisteriopsis argyrophylla belongs to the Malpighiaceae family, which is a species from Cerrado, also known as "cipó-prata" or "cipó-folha-de-prata." Several species of this family present biological potential. This work reports the chemical identification of the ethanol extract (EE) and its fractions from B. argyrophylla leaves and shows the analysis of the antioxidant activity and inhibitory effects on activities of α-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase, and non-enzymatic glycation. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) and n-butanol fraction (BF) showed antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 4.1 ± 0.1 and 4.8 ± 0.1 µg mL-1, respectively, by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, and IC50 values of 6046.3 ± 174.2 and 6264.2 ± 32.2 µmol Trolox eq g-1 by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method. Furthermore, the DPPH method with these fractions presented electroactive species with antioxidant potential, as shown by the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method. The inhibitory effects of the EAF and BF were demonstrated by the following results: IC50 of 5.1 ± 0.3 and 2.5 ± 0.2 µg mL-1 for α-amylase, IC50 of 1093.5 ± 26.0 and 1250.8 ± 21.9 µg mL-1 for α-glucosidase, IC50 of 8.3 ± 4.1 and 4.4 ± 1.0 µg mL-1 for lipase, and IC50 of 1.3 ± 0.1 and 0.9 ± 0.1 µg mL-1 for glycation. Some bioactive compounds were identified by (-)-ESI-MS/MS, such as catechin, procyanidins, glycosylated flavonoids, kaempferol, and megastigmane glucosides. The antidiabetic activity of B.argyrophylla has been reported for the first time.

Dehydrodieugenol B and hexane extract from Endlicheria paniculata regulate inflammation, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition induced by a murine sponge model.

The present study reports the evaluation of hexane extract from Endlicheria paniculata and its main metabolite dehydrodieugenol B in the inflammatory response induced by a murine implant sponge model. As a result, a reduction in the inflammatory markers (myeloperoxidase and N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase) and number of mast cells were observed in comparison to the control group. All doses were also able to reduce angiogenic parameters evaluated in fibrovascular tissue. In implants treated with dehydrodieugenol B a reduction in total collagen deposition and types I and III collagen fibers were observed, while an increased in total collagen deposition and types I and III collagen fibers were observed in the treatment with hexane extract. Docking studies into cyclooxygenase-2 active site revealed that the dehydrodieugenol B had binding modes and energies comparable with celecoxib, diclofenac and ibuprofen. Therefore, dehydrodieugenol B was able to alter key components of chronic inflammation, resulting in a reduced inflammatory response and also presenting antifibrogenic and antiangiogenic effects. However, treatment with hexane extract resulted in a reduced inflammatory response with antiangiogenic effects, but caused fibrogenic effects.

Bacteriocins as an alternative in the treatment of infections by Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a highly versatile Gram-positive bacterium that is carried asymptomatically by up to 30% of healthy people, while being a major cause of healthcare-associated infections, making it a worldwide problem in clinical medicine. The adaptive evolution of S. aureus strains is demonstrated by its remarkable capacity to promptly develop high resistance to multiple antibiotics, thus limiting treatment choice. Nowadays, there is a continuous demand for an alternative to the use of antibiotics for S. aureus infections and a strategy to control the spread or to kill phylogenetically related strains. In this scenario, bacteriocins fit as with a promising and interesting alternative. These molecules are produced by a range of bacteria, defined as ribosomally synthesized peptides with bacteriostatic or bactericidal activity against a wide range of pathogens. This work reviews ascertained the main antibiotic-resistance mechanisms of S. aureus strains and the current, informative content concerning the applicability of the use of bacteriocins overlapping the use of conventional antibiotics in the context of S. aureus infections. Besides, we highlight the possible application of these biomolecules on an industrial scale in future work.

Estimulação elétrica transcutânea para tratamento da dor após cirurgia cardíaca: uma revisão sistemática / Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pain treatment after cardiac surgery: a systematic review

A esternotomia na cirurgia cardíaca é marcada por dor pós-operatória. Os medicamentos analgésicos são amplamente utilizados para aliviar esse sintoma, no entanto, apresentam vários efeitos adversos que variam de acordo com a classe terapêutica do medicamento utilizado. Portanto, o uso da Estimulação Elétrica Nervosa Transcutânea (TENS) aparece como uma alternativa não invasiva e de fácil aplicação para reduzir o uso de drogas em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca. OBJETIVOS: Revisar sistematicamente os efeitos da TENS no tratamento da dor em pacientes no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca e sua repercussão nos parâmetros respiratórios. METODOLOGIA: Revisão sistemática utilizando a metodologia PICO e palavras-chave (TENS, dor, pacientes no pós-operatório, cirurgia cardíaca). Foram incluídos estudos publicados que abordaram os efeitos da TENS na dor de pacientes após cirurgia cardíaca e, como variável secundária, seu impacto nos parâmetros respiratórios, publicados em português ou inglês, nos anos de 2008 a 2019. Estudos não randomizados excluídos, relatos de casos , observações clínicas e revisões. Além disso, os operadores booleanos "and" e "or" foram utilizados. RESULTADOS: A busca resultou inicialmente em 265 artigos, dos quais 253 foram excluídos, restando 12 artigos. Ao final, foram incluídos 5 artigos. As amostras variaram de 20 a 120 participantes. Dos cinco estudos selecionados, quatro demonstraram redução no nível de dor após cirurgia cardíaca, variando sua aplicação do primeiro dia ao terceiro dia de pós-operatório. Essa redução da dor favoreceu uma diminuição no uso de drogas como a morfina. Além disso, com a redução da dor, houve uma melhora na força muscular ventilatória e nos volumes e capacidades pulmonares. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a TENS é uma opção não medicamentosa que pode ser utilizada como adjuvante na redução da dor e, consequentemente, na melhoria da força muscular respiratória, volume e capacidade pulmonar, entre outros parâmetros, em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca.

Sternotomy in cardiac surgery is marked by postoperative pain. Analgesic drugs are widely used to relieve this symptom, however, with several adverse effects that vary according to the drug therapeutic class used. Therefore, the use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) appears as a noninvasive and easily applicable alternative for reducing the use of drugs in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the effects of TENS in the treatment of pain in patients in the postoperative cardiac surgery and its repercussion on respiratory parameters. METHODOLOGY: Systematic review using the PICO methodology and keywords (TENS, pain, patients in the postoperative,cardiac surgery). Published studies that addressed the effects of TENS on the pain of patients after cardiac surgery were included and, as a secondary variable, its impact on respiratory parameters, published in Portuguese or English, in the years 2008 to 2019. Excluded nonrandomized studies, case reports, clinical observations and reviews. In addition, the Boolean operators "and" and "or" were used. RESULTS: The search initially resulted in 265 articles, of which 253 were excluded, 12 articles remained. At the end, 5 articles were included. The search initially resulted in 2165 articles. Of these, 2160 were excluded, of which 5 were selected. The samples ranged from 20 to 120 participants. Of the five studies selected, four demonstrated a reduction in the level of pain after cardiac surgery, varying its application from the first day to the third postoperative day. This reduction in pain favored a decrease in the use of drugs such as morphine. In addition, with the reduction of pain, there was an improvement in ventilatory muscle strength and lung volumes and capacities. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that TENS is a non-drug option that can be used as an adjunct in pain reduction and, consequently , improving respiratory muscle strength, lung volume and capacity , among other parameters, in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Chemical Constituents and Antileishmanial and Antibacterial Activities of Essential Oils from Scheelea phalerata.

Scheelea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng (Arecaceae) is a palm tree found in the Brazilian cerrado. There are no topics related to volatile oils from S. phalerata leaves in the literature. This work determines its chemical composition and evaluates the biological activity under two different seasonal conditions (dry and rainy seasons). The dry essential oil yield was 0.034 ± 0.001% and the rainy essential oil yield was 0.011 ± 0.003%. Both essential oils presented different qualitative and quantitative compositions (99.4 and 98.5%). The main constituents of the dry essential oil were phytol (36.7%), nonadecane (9.7%), linolenic acid (9.1%), (Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol (4.2%), and squalene (4.0%). The main constituents of the rainy essential oil were phytol (26.1%), palmitic acid (18.7%), hexan-1-ol (15.6%), (Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol (9.7%), and oleic acid (4.0%). The antileishmanial activity against promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis was observed only for the rainy season essential oil (IC50 value of 165.05 ± 33.26 µg mL-1). A molecular docking study showed that alcohols exert a paramount efficacy and that the action of some essential oil compounds may be similar to that of amphotericin B. Still, only the essential oil from the dry season showed moderate antibacterial activity against S. sanguinis (MICs 200-400 µg mL-1). The cytotoxicity against Vero cells was identical (>512) for both essential oils. The novel data here for both chemical characterization and biological activity, in particular, evidence that the action of these compounds is similar to that of amphotericin B, provide valuable information to the drug-discovery field.

Chemical Composition, Antifungal, and Cytotoxicity Activities of Inga laurina (Sw.) Willd Leaves.

The species Inga laurina is native to the Brazilian Cerrado. There are no studies about the chemical composition and biological activities of extracts of this endangered species. The ethanolic extract and its successive fractions are rich in phenolic compounds and presented good antifungal activities. HPLC/MS-MS/MS and H1/C13 analysis led to the identification of seventeen compounds, most of which are gallic acid derivatives, myricetin and quercetin glycosides. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) contained high levels of total phenolics, expressed in milligrams of gallic acid equivalents per gram of extract (475.3 ± 1.9 mg GAE gextract -1) and flavonoids expressed in milligrams of quercetin equivalents per gram of extract (359.3 ± 10.6 mg QE gextract -1). This fraction was active against fungi of the Candida genus. The EAF showed MIC value 11.7 µg mL-1 against C. glabrata and a selectivity index of 1.6 against Vero cells. The flavonol glycoside myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside was isolated for the first time from the Inga laurina. These results make I. laurina a promising plant as a source of pharmaceutical and biological active antifungal compounds.

Polymeric blends of hydrocolloid from chia seeds/apple pectin with potential antioxidant for food packaging applications.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant, mechanical and physical properties of a new film-based polymeric blend of hydrocolloids obtained from the aqueous extraction of chia seeds (source antioxidants) and apple pectin. The individual matrices films were brittle and rigid with poor mechanical properties. The blends formulations contributed to improved mechanical properties regarding workability and resistance. The antioxidant results showed the potential hydrocolloid from chia seeds as natural source of antioxidant in these polymeric films. The formulation 3 (14(hydrocolloid):41(pectin):25(glycerol):20(glutaraldehyde) displayed well thermal, mechanical, morphological and antioxidant properties, suggesting their great potential for food packaging.

Antifungal and cytotoxicity activities of Banisteriopsis argyrophylla leaves.

OBJECTIVES: This work aimed to evaluate the antifungal and cytotoxic activity of the EtOH extract and fractions of Banisteriopsis argyrophylla leaves, and to perform the identification of these bioactive metabolites. METHODS: The EtOAc fraction (EAF) obtained from the ethanolic extract of B. argyrophylla leaves showed better antifungal potential against Candida spp. In this fraction, ten flavonoids have been identified by UHPLC-ESI-MSn . Then, EAF was submitted to column chromatography to give four new fractions (A1-A4). The cytotoxicity was determined against Vero cells. KEY FINDINGS: The EAF showed better antifungal potential against Candida spp. with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between 31.25 and 93.75 µg/ml. The (-)-catechin (fraction A1) showed a MIC of 2.83 µg/ml against Candida glabrata. Fractions A2, A3 and A4 were rich in quercetins and kaempferols and showed good inhibitory concentrations (5.86-46.87 µg/ml) against C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis. CONCLUSIONS: The EtOH extract, fractions and the isolated (-)-catechin showed lower toxicity to Vero cells than cisplatin, used as a positive control. Thus, the leaves of B. argyrophylla are a promising source of antifungal agents.

Conservation analysis and decomposition of residue correlation networks in the phospholipase A2 superfamily (PLA2s): Insights into the structure-function relationships of snake venom toxins.

Phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) comprise a superfamily of glycerophospholipids hydrolyzing enzymes present in many organisms in nature, whose catalytic activity was majorly unveiled by analysis of snake venoms. The latter have pharmaceutical and biotechnological interests and can be divided into different functional sub-classes. Our goal was to identify important residues and their relation to the functional and class-specific characteristics in the PLA2s family with special emphasis on snake venom PLA2s (svPLA2s). We identified such residues by conservation analysis and decomposition of residue coevolution networks (DRCN), annotated the results based on the available literature on PLA2s, structural analysis and molecular dynamics simulations, and related the results to the phylogenetic distribution of these proteins. A filtered alignment of PLA2s revealed 14 highly conserved positions and 3 sets of coevolved residues, which were annotated according to their structural or functional role. These residues are mostly involved in ligand binding and catalysis, calcium-binding, the formation of disulfide bridges and a hydrophobic cluster close to the binding site. An independent validation of the inference of structure-function relationships from our co-evolution analysis on the svPLA2s family was obtained by the analysis of the pattern of selection acting on the Viperidae and Elapidae lineages. Additionally, a molecular dynamics simulation on the Lys49 PLA2 from Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus was carried out to further investigate the correlation of the Lys49-Glu69 pair. Our results suggest this configuration can result in a novel conformation where the binding cavity collapses due to the approximation of two loops caused by a strong salt bridge between Glu69 and Arg34. Finally, phylogenetic analysis indicated a correlation between the presence of residues in the coevolved sets found in this analysis and the clade localization. The results provide a guide for important positions in the family of PLA2s, and potential new objects of investigation.

Cell Division in genus Corynebacterium: protein-protein interaction and molecular docking of SepF and FtsZ in the understanding of cytokinesis in pathogenic species.

The genus Corynebacterium includes species of great importance in medical, veterinary and biotechnological fields. The genus-specific families (PLfams) from PATRIC have been used to observe conserved proteins associated to all species. Our results showed a large number of conserved proteins that are associated with the cellular division process. Was not observe in our results other proteins like FtsA and ZapA that interact with FtsZ. Our findings point that SepF overlaps the function of this proteins explored by molecular docking, protein-protein interaction and sequence analysis. Transcriptomic analysis showed that these two (Sepf and FtsZ) proteins can be expressed in different conditions together. The work presents novelties on molecules participating in the cell division event, from the interaction of FtsZ and SepF, as new therapeutic targets.