Journals
2026 EN
Mutale Gabriella · KaranikaMurray Maria · Bailey Di
+3 more
ABSTRACT Objectives This study evaluated the effectiveness of the use of automated chatbots within one NHS Talking Therapies provider. Two chatbots were designed and piloted: (1) to help prepare patients for therapy and (2) to provide solution‐based coaching to patients regarding a problem or concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of these chatbots in the NHS Talking Therapies service. Methods The chatbots were made available to patients ( N = 4329) who had been referred for therapy and were waiting for their first assessment. Data from a control group of patients ( N = 4333) who did not use a chatbot were also analysed. The evaluation adopted a mixed methods approach to capture data relating to the conversations had by patients with the chatbot, feedback regarding satisfaction with its use, data relating to patient attendance and standardised outcome measures relating to patients' improvements in anxiety and depression. Results Qualitative data showed that the chatbots were received positively by patients who gave feedback. Quantitative data showed non‐attendance was significantly lower in the control group ( p ≤ 0.001), cancellations were significantly lower in the control group ( p ≤ 0.001), but days spent in therapy were significantly higher in the chatbot groups ( p ≤ 0.001). All groups saw significant improvements in their GAD‐7 ( p = 0.000) and PHQ‐9 ( p = 0.000) scores. Conclusions In NHS Talking Therapy services, waiting times have been problematic; thus, chatbots can be a useful tool to assist patient engagement while they wait for their appointment. Therefore, they have the potential to reduce anxiety, frustration or disappointment in patients who are unable to wait for too long and may drop out before they start therapy.
Journals
2026 EN
Jesus Felipe Emannuel Alvino · Maia Octávio Augusto de Carvalho · Lima Rosália Maria Tôrres
+14 more
ABSTRACT The organotellurane RF07 (RF07) is an organic compound containing tellurium, a rare semi‐metal, and its leishmanicidal and antimalarial activity has already been reported in previous studies. This study evaluated the toxic effects of RF07 at 0.42, 21.37, and 42.75 mg/kg using comet assay, micronucleus test, and hematological/biochemical tests in Mus musculus . Female Swiss mice received intraperitoneal RF07. Blood was collected at 24, 48, and 72 h, followed by euthanasia for bone marrow analysis. Results showed RF07 increased DNA damage, clastogenic/aneugenic effects via micronuclei formation, and cytotoxicity through apoptosis in bone marrow erythroid precursors and altering the ratio of polychromatic to normochromatic erythrocytes. RF07 also caused myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity. To our knowledge, this is the first study explore these toxic effects. However, the mechanism remains unclear, requiring further investigation.
Journals
2026 EN
Santos Maria E. N. · Queiroz Wallace A. M. · Santos Waldir M.
+5 more
ABSTRACT Plants of the genus Pseudobombax Dugand (Malvaceae) exhibit a wide range of medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antinociceptive, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. This study is the first to analyze the phytochemical composition, antioxidant properties, and sun protection factor (SPF) of Pseudobombax simplicifolium . Phytochemical tests of the hydroalcoholic extracts from the stem barks (HEB) and leaves (HEL) of P. simplicifolium indicated the presence of saponins, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and terpenoids. Chromatographic fractionation of the HEB and HEL resulted in isolating of the three known compounds lupeol, β‐sitosterol, and lup‐20(29)‐en‐3β‐28‐diol that are being reported here for the first time in this species. The extracts and fractions exhibited antioxidant activity as measured by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC 50 = 14.85 ± 0.15 for HEB‐F9), 2,2‐azinobis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS) (IC 50 = 27.47 ± 0.53 for HEB‐F9), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (IC 50 = 627.43 ± 2.16 for HEB‐F9) assays. Additionally, the HEB and its fractions demonstrated photoprotective activity against ultraviolet radiation, with SPF values of 25.01 at concentrations as low as 50 µg mL, exceeding the minimum SPF required by regulations. LC–MS analysis of the HEB and its fractions identified a variety of compounds phenolic, which are likely responsible for the observed activities.
Journals
2026 EN
Rodrigues Leonardo Sobreira · Nanes Emanuelly Carolyne Marques de Farias · Lopes Adriana Carla de Oliveira
+5 more
ABSTRACT This study demonstrates the modulation of wettability in biomaterials through the incorporation of distinct fractions of red propolis into electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL). Chromatographic analysis revealed that the hydroalcoholic extract contains a significantly higher concentration of active compounds, particularly flavonoids, compared to the wax fraction. The electrospinning process yielded fibrous mats with average fiber diameters below 900 nm, maintaining uniform morphology regardless of the type or concentration of the additive, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Wettability assessments, performed via contact angle measurements and swelling tests, indicated that extract‐containing samples exhibited increased hydrophilicity, with contact angles below 90° at concentrations of 10% or higher, while wax‐containing formulations retained hydrophobic behavior. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed high cell viability across all formulations, indicating the absence of cytotoxic effects. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the incorporation of different red propolis fractions modulates the structural and surface properties of electrospun PCL, supporting their potential for use in the development of customizable biomaterials for applications in tissue engineering and bioactive wound dressings.
Journals
2026 EN
Alcântara Bruno Melo · Santana Paulo Henrique Calixto · Santos Felipe Rufino dos
+5 more
ABSTRACT This article reports on the allelopathic potential of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton foliage on Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos. Predominant species in semiarid environments, especially in the Caatinga of the Northeast, where it acts as an invasive species. The leaves of C. procera were mixed with soil from the Caatinga and left to decompose for 90 days. The control group consisted only of soil from the Caatinga, Northeast, Brazil. The germination test was conducted in quadruplicate (30 seeds/treatment). For growth, 30 replicates per treatment were used, each with one seedling of the recipient species. The identification of the chemical constituents of C. procera was assessed by GC–MS. The data was submitted to the one‐way ANOVA test. Residues from the decomposition of C. procera litter negatively affected seedling germination, with a reduction of up to 80% in the treatments evaluated. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of 18 compounds, grouped into six main classes. Among the main compounds identified were: α‐amyrin (C 30 H 50 O) with 2.69% and O‐acetyl‐β‐amyrin (C 32 H 52 O 2 ) with 6.19% concentration. Significant variation was observed in the thickness of the tissues and regions of the radicle, hypocotyl and leaves of H. impetiginosus . C. procera litter has a negative allelopathic potential on the recipient species, which could lead to their reduction in the natural environment.
Journals
2026 EN
Pinheiro Nádia Aguiar Portela · Romão Ivana Carneiro · Alves Amanda Maria Barros
+9 more
ABSTRACT Anxiety is a multidimensional behavioral disorder widely studied in neuroscience due to the involvement of specific neural circuits. Although benzodiazepines are commonly used, their side effects drive the search for new therapeutic alternatives. This study investigated the anxiolytic effects of the indole alkaloids isoreserpine (IRPN) and isoreserpiline (IRPL), extracted from Rauvolfia ligustrina , in adult zebrafish at doses of 4, 12, and 20 mg/kg, along with 3% DMSO and diazepam (4 mg/kg) as controls. Toxicity, locomotor activity, anxiolytic effects, and serotonergic involvement were assessed. Interactions with the 5‐HT3AR receptor were analyzed through molecular docking, and pharmacokinetic properties were evaluated using DMPK. The samples showed no toxicity (LD 50 > 20 mg/kg), reduced locomotor activity, and exhibited anxiolytic effects that were reversed by granisetron. IRPL demonstrated higher affinity for the 5‐HT3AR receptor and better absorption and central nervous system penetration properties, standing out as a promising candidate for the treatment of anxiety.
Journals
2026 EN
Araújo Jonathan Mandú · Barros Amanda Vieira · Santos Fábio Henrique Galdino Dos
+8 more
ABSTRACT The genus Eugenia has a long history of use in traditional medicine for treating various conditions, including infectious diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin problems. Essential oils derived from Eugenia species are known for their medicinal properties and have been studied for their antimicrobial and bioactive potential. This study aimed to evaluate, through in vitro tests, the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antibiotic‐modulating effects of Eugenia brejoensis essential oil (EOEb) against multidrug‐resistant (MDR) clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from COVID‐19 patients. In addition, we sought to analyze its toxicity and survival rates through in vivo tests in an invertebrate model using Tenebrio molitor . The EOEb was extracted via hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and flame ionization detector (FID). Clinical isolates of A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa were identified using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF MS), and their resistance profiles were determined using the Vitek 2 system. The in vitro tests were conducted using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using microdilution and plating methods. Biofilm formation and inhibition assays were performed using crystal violet staining. Synergistic effects of EOEb with ciprofloxacin and gentamicin were evaluated using the checkerboard assay. The antibacterial effect of EOEb was tested in vivo using the T. molitor (mealworm) larvae model to assess toxicity and survival rates. The major constituents of EOEb were rosifoliol (16.47%), guaiol (12.69%), and ( E )‐caryophyllene (11.97%). All bacteria exhibited an MDR profile. EOEb showed significant antibacterial activity against MDR strains, with MIC and MBC values ranging from 0.512 to 4.096 mg/mL. It also effectively inhibited biofilm formation at concentrations between 0.512 and 4.096 mg/mL. EOEb exhibited synergistic effects with ciprofloxacin against A. baumannii and with gentamicin against P. aeruginosa , as indicated by fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) indices close to 0.5. The EOEb demonstrated low toxicity in the T. molitor model, with a survival rate of approximately 70%. The EOEb exhibits notable antimicrobial and biofilm‐inhibiting properties against MDR pathogens. Its low toxicity and synergistic effects with conventional antibiotics suggest its potential as a therapeutic alternative for combating antibiotic‐resistant infections.
Journals
2026 EN
Silveira Mariana Pereira · Moreira Karine Guimarães · Santos Míriam Aparecida de Aguilar
+5 more
ABSTRACT This study evaluated the preservative potential of essential oils (EOs) in bakery products by identifying fungal contaminants in bread, testing the in vitro antifungal activity of a mixture of cinnamon, clove, and bay leaf EOs, and assessing their effectiveness in extending shelf life. Fungal identification revealed the presence of Penicillium , Aspergillus , and Rhizopus species. A central composite design was used to determine the optimal EO proportions for inhibiting fungal growth. The best combination totaled 11.77 µL, consisting of 34.2% cinnamon, 42.5% clove, and 23.3% bay leaf. The minimum inhibitory and lethal concentrations of the optimized mixture were both 20 µL/mL of fungal inoculum. The application of this mixture extended the shelf life by up to 7 days when added to the dough and up to 22 days when applied to the bread surface. These results suggest that this EO combination is an effective natural antifungal agent with the potential to reduce the use of synthetic preservatives in bakery products.
Journals
2026 EN
Oliveira Sousa Ilza Maria · Freitas Ailane Souza · Faveri Favero Fabrício
+10 more
ABSTRACT Oral mucositis is a frequent and painful complication of cancer therapy with limited effective options. This study evaluated a mucoadhesive polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film containing 2.5% Fridericia chica extract as a novel strategy. The formulation was characterized for antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoid content, and reactive species scavenging. Nanostructure size and morphology were assessed by DLS and TEM. Biological assays included antimicrobial activity, ex vivo release (Franz cells), and cytotoxicity in HGF‐1 and HaCaT cells. The film showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Candida spp. and bacterial strains, and showed no cytotoxicity up to 62.5 µg/mL. Particles were nanometric (245.5 nm), monodisperse, with a zeta potential of −11.13 mV. 3‐Deoxyanthocyanidins and luteolin permeated the porcine esophageal membrane, indicating that PVA did not hinder compound release. The F. chica + PVA film may improve mucosal adhesion and sustain delivery, representing a promising alternative for mucositis treatment.
Journals
2026 EN
Silva Juniel Cruz · Mendes Maria Gabriela Araújo · Sousa Paulo Sérgio de Araujo
+13 more
ABSTRACT The essential oil of Pilocarpus microphyllus (jaborandi) (EOJ), a species traditionally recognized for its alkaloid‐based pharmacological properties, remains poorly investigated despite its richness in bioactive terpenes. In this study, the chemical profile of EOJ obtained from fresh and dried leaves was determined by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, revealing 24 constituents, predominantly γ‐cadinene (23.6%) and trans‐ caryophyllene (22.9%). Antifungal activity was observed against Cryptococcus neoformans (minimum inhibitory concentration: 149−2395 µg/mL), while antileishmanial potential was confirmed against Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes (half‐maximal inhibitory concentration [IC 50 ]: 22.8–25.2 µg/mL). EOJ also exhibited cytotoxic effects on HCT‐116 and PC‐3 cell lines (IC 50 : 27.8–29.2 µg/mL). In silico studies revealed strong binding affinities with therapeutic targets: γ‐cadinene to Nectin‐4 (ΔG = −7.3 kcal/mol) and trans‐ caryophyllene to lanosterol 14α‐demethylase (ΔG = −5.7 kcal/mol). Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity predictions indicated favorable oral absorption and low genotoxicity. Altogether, EOJ demonstrates multitarget bioactivity, and its major constituents represent promising leads for antifungal, antileishmanial, and anticancer drug development.