Curcumin derivatives for Type 2 Diabetes management and prevention of complications

Sara Oliveira,Tamaeh Monteiro-Alfredo,Sónia Silva,Paulo Matafome 대한약학회 2020 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.43 No.6

Type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is characterizedby chronically increased blood glucose levels, whichis associated with impairment of the infl ammatory and oxidativestate and dyslipidaemia. Although it is considered aworld heath concern and one of the most studied diseases,we are still pursuing an eff ective therapy for both the pathophysiologicalmechanisms and the complications. Curcumin,a natural compound found in the rhizome of Curcuma longa ,is well known for its numerous biological activities, as demonstratedby several studies supporting that curcumin possesseshypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, anti-infl ammatoryand antioxidant properties, among others. These eff ects havebeen explored to the attenuation of hyperglycaemia and progressionof DM complications, being appointed as a potentialtherapeutic approach. Besides its strong intrinsic activity,the polyphenol has low bioavailability, compromisingits therapeutic effi cacy. In order to overcome this limitation,several chemical strategies have been applied to curcumin,such as drug delivery systems, chemical manipulation andthe use of adjuvant therapies. Given the promising results obtained with curcumin derivative, in this review we discussnot only the therapeutic targets of curcumin, but also itsmost recently developed analogues and their effi cacy in themanagement of T2DM pathophysiology and complications.

Anchietea pyrifolia A. St.-Hil. as a Cardiovascular-Endowed Species: A Whole-Biological Investigation

Sara Emilia Lima Tolouei,Rhanany Alan Calloi Palozi,Cleide Adriane Signor Tirloni,Aline Aparecida Macedo Marques,Maysa Isernhagen Schaedler,Lucas Pires Guarnier,Aniely Oliveira Silva,Valter Paes de Al 한국식품영양과학회 2019 Journal of medicinal food Vol.22 No.4

Although leaves of Anchietea salutaris are used in Brazilian traditional medicine, there is no available data in the literature proving its efficacy and safety. Thus, the aim of the study was to perform a meticulous botanical, phytochemical, toxicological, and pharmacological investigation of A. salutaris in Wistar rats. At first, a morphoanatomical characterization of Anchietea pyrifolia leaves and stems was performed. Then, a purified infusion (ethanol-soluble fraction obtained from A. pyrifolia [ESAP]) was obtained followed by its chemical profile elucidation. Furthermore, an acute toxicity test was performed, and the acute and prolonged diuretic and hypotensive effects were also evaluated in Wistar rats. Finally, the vasodilatory responses of ESAP in mesenteric vascular beds were investigated. The main secondary metabolites identified from ESAP were O-glycosylated flavonoids, chlorogenic acids, and phenylpropanoic acid derivatives. ESAP did not promote any toxic effects in female rats nor increased urinary excretion in male rats after a single exposure. However, ESAP significantly reduced renal elimination of sodium, potassium, and chloride after prolonged treatment. An ESAP highest dose promoted significant acute hypotension without affecting blood pressure levels after prolonged use. Furthermore, its cardiovascular effects seem to be related with the calcium-activated potassium channel activation in resistance vessels.

Cultural memories, discursive gaps, and tourism promotion: A framework for applied research

Marcelo G. Oliveira,Maria do Carmo Leal,Maria Isabel Roque,Maria João Forte,Sara Rodrigues de Sousa,Antónia Correia 한국마케팅과학회 2017 마케팅과학연구 Vol.27 No.4

Recent studies about the relation between heritage and tourism have consistently signaled the existence of fractures between the cultural reality of tourism destinations and the cognitive and emotional experience of contemporary visitors. On the other hand, the study of the relations between tourism and literature and the recent valorization of storytelling in tourism promotion have both pointed out the importance of diff erent types of discourses in the constitution of tourism spaces and the shaping of visitors’ expectations and experiences. When the desire for authenticity expressed by cultural tourists is also taken into account, the existence of inconsistencies between the cultural realities of destinations, existing discourses and the expectations and perceptions of tourists becomes apparent. Adapting, in an innovative approach, the Gap Model of Service Quality, this paper intends to present a research framework capable of enlightening existing cultural inconsistencies considering the discourses involved in the promotion and experience of tourism destinations. The framework will be applied in an exploratory investigation of the role of José Saramago’s Baltasar and Blimunda in the tourism promotion of Mafra and Lisbon, Portugal, with the aim of developing a conceptual model capable of describing inconsistencies in the promotion and experience of cultural destinations and facilitating the development of adequate mediation proposals .

Assessment of a Simpler Friction Factor in an Algebraic Solution for Adiabatic Coiled Capillary Tubes

Thiago Torres Martins Rocha,Sara Isabel De Melo Resende,H elio Augusto Goulart Diniz,Fernando Antônio Rodrigues Filho,Raphael Nunes De Oliveira 대한설비공학회 2020 International Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refr Vol.28 No.4

In this work, the performance of an existing algebraic solution for adiabatic coiled capillary tubes, in subcritical cycles, is investigated. However, the C-M&N friction factor, commonly used, was replaced by Schmidt friction factor, which is less complex. Two existing dimensionless correlations were also evaluated for comparison. To assess the effect of altering the friction factor, experimental data collected in the literature were used as reference. Analyzing the present results and that with C-M&N friction factor, it was observed that adopting the Schmidt friction factor does not cause a relevant impact on the solution. The deviations of the predicted versus experimental mass flow rates were comprised in a range between –8% and 12%, with average deviation (AD), absolute average deviation (AAD) and root mean square (RMS) error of –0.1%, 2.7% and 3.4%, respectively. The empirical correlations presented unsatisfactory results, with maximum deviation around 40%. Therefore, it was concluded that using the Schmidt friction factor is adequate to reduce the complexity of the algebraic solution and to maintain the accuracy.

Shaping ability and apical debris extrusion after root canal preparation with rotary or reciprocating instruments: a micro-CT study

da Silva Emmanuel João Nogueira Leal,de Moura Sara Gomes,de Lima Carolina Oliveira,Barbosa Ana Flávia Almeida,Misael Waleska Florentino,Lacerda Mariane Floriano Lopes Santos,Sassone Luciana Moura 대한치과보존학회 2021 Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics Vol.46 No.2

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the shaping ability of the TruShape and Reciproc Blue systems and the apical extrusion of debris after root canal instrumentation. The ProTaper Universal system was used as a reference for comparison. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three mandibular premolars with a single canal were scanned using micro-computed tomography and were matched into 3 groups (n = 11) according to the instrumentation system: TruShape, Reciproc Blue and ProTaper Universal. The teeth were accessed and mounted in an apparatus with agarose gel, which simulated apical resistance provided by the periapical tissue and enabled the collection of apically extruded debris. During root canal preparation, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite was used as an irrigant. The samples were scanned again after instrumentation. The percentage of unprepared area, removed dentin, and volume of apically extruded debris were analyzed. The data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test for multiple comparisons at a 5% significance level. Results: No significant differences in the percentage of unprepared area were observed among the systems (p > 0.05). ProTaper Universal presented a higher percentage of dentin removal than the TruShape and Reciproc Blue systems (p < 0.05). The systems produced similar volumes of apically extruded debris (p > 0.05). Conclusions: All systems caused apically extruded debris, without any significant differences among them. TruShape, Reciproc Blue, and ProTaper Universal presented similar percentages of unprepared area after root canal instrumentation; however, ProTaper Universal was associated with higher dentin removal than the other systems.

Prothrombin Complex Concentrate versus Fresh Frozen Plasma in Adult Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Patricia Viana,Jessica Hoffmann Relvas,Marina Persson,Thamiris Dias Delfino Cabral,Jorge Eduardo Persson,Jessica Sales de Oliveira,Paulo Bonow,Camila Veronica Souza Freire,Sara Amaral 대한심장혈관흉부외과학회 2024 Journal of Chest Surgery (J Chest Surg) Vol.57 No.1

Background: Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) are commonly used to manage bleeding in patients during cardiac surgery. However, the relative efficacy and safety of these 2 strategies remain uncertain. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for studies comparing PCC and FFP in patients who underwent cardiac surgery complicated by bleeding. Review Manager (RevMan) ver. 5.4 (Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration) was used for statistical analysis. Binary and continuous outcomes were compared using pooled risk ratios and mean differences, respectively. The meta-analysis protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews under protocol number CRD42022379144. Results: We included 8 studies with 1,500 patients, of whom 613 (40.9%) received PCC. The mean follow-up period ranged from 28 to 90 days. The PCC group had significantly lower chest tube drainage at 24 hours (mean difference [MD], -148.50 mL; 95% CI, -253.02 to -43.99 mL; p=0.005; I2=42%). Fewer units of red blood cells (RBCs) were transfused within the first 24 hours (MD, -1.02 units; 95% CI, -1.81 to -0.24 units; p=0.01; I2=56%), and fewer patients required RBC transfusion within the first 24 hours (risk ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78–0.93; p<0.007; I2=45%) in the PCC group. There were no statistically significant differences in secondary outcomes. Nonetheless, a subgroup analysis of randomized controlled trials failed to corroborate the results obtained from the main analysis. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that PCC can be effective, without increased adverse events, when compared with FFP in patients undergoing cardiac surgery complicated by bleeding.