scholarly journals Comparison of the Biological Potential and Chemical Composition of Brazilian and Mexican Propolis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (23) ◽  
pp. 11417
Author(s):  
Norma Patricia Silva-Beltrán ◽  
Marcelo Andrés Umsza-Guez ◽  
Daniela Méria Ramos Rodrigues ◽  
Juan Carlos Gálvez-Ruiz ◽  
Thiago Luiz de Paula Castro ◽  
...  

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees from plants and its natural product is available as a safe therapeutic option easily administered orally and readily available as a natural supplement and functional food. In this work, we review the most recent scientific evidence involving propolis from two countries (Brazil and Mexico) located in different hemispheres and with varied biomes. Brazil has a scientifically well documented classification of different types of propolis. Although propolis from Brazil and Mexico present varied compositions, they share compounds with recognized biological activities in different extraction processes. Gram-negative bacteria growth is inhibited with lower concentrations of different types of propolis extracts, regardless of origin. Prominent biological activities against cancer cells and fungi were verified in the different types of extracts evaluated. Antiprotozoal activity needs to be further evaluated for propolis of both origins. Regarding the contamination of propolis (e.g., pesticides, toxic metals), few studies have been carried out. However, there is evidence of chemical contamination in propolis by anthropological action. Studies demonstrate the versatility of using propolis in its different forms (extracts, products, etc.), but several potential applications that might improve the value of Brazilian and Mexican propolis should still be investigated.

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 3301
Author(s):  
Sara M. Andrés-Vizán ◽  
Joaquín M. Villanueva-Balsera ◽  
J. Valeriano Álvarez-Cabal ◽  
Gemma M. Martínez-Huerta

In the process of converting pig iron into steel, some co-products are generated—among which, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag is highlighted due to the great amount generated (about 126 kg of BOF slag per ton of steel grade). Great efforts have been made throughout the years toward finding an application to minimize the environmental impact and to increase sustainability while generating added value. Finding BOF slag valorization is difficult due to its heterogeneity, strength, and overall swallowing, which prevents its use in civil engineering projects. This work is focused on trying to resolve the heterogeneity issue. If many different types of steel are manufactured, then different types of slag could also be generated, and for each type of BOF slag, there is an adequate valorization option. Not all of the slag can be valorized, but it can be a tool for reducing the amount that must go to landfill and to minimize the environmental impact. An analysis by means of data mining techniques allows a classification of BOF slag to be obtained, and each one of these types has a better adjustment to certain valorization alternatives. In the plant used as an example of the application of these studies, eight different slag clusters were obtained, which were then linked to their different potential applications with the aim of increasing the amount valorized.


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Asif

Pyridopyridazine compounds are important nitrogen atom containing heterocyclic compounds due to their pharmacological versatility. This heterocycle system characterized a structural feature for different types of bioactive compounds that exhibiting various types of biological activities which make it an attractive scaffold for the design and development of new drug molecules. This article provided information about the pharmacological properties of pyridopyridazines derivatives.


2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 2377-2396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shi-fang Li ◽  
Mei-jiao Gong ◽  
Fu-rong Zhao ◽  
Jun-jun Shao ◽  
Yin-li Xie ◽  
...  

The interferons (IFNs) are a primary defense against pathogens because of the strong antiviral activities they induce. IFNs can be classified into three groups: type I, type II and type III, according to their genetic, structural, and functional characteristics and their receptors on the cell surface. The type I IFNs are the largest group and include IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-ε, IFN-ω, IFN-κ, IFN-δ, IFN-τ and IFN-ζ. The use of IFNs for the treatment of viral infectious diseases on their antiviral activity may become an important therapeutic option, for example, IFN-α is well known for the successful treatment of hepatitis B and C virus infections, and interest is increasing in the antiviral efficacy of other novel IFN classes and their potential applications. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the recent progress in the study of the biological activities of all the type I IFN classes and their potential applications in the treatment of infections with immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis viruses, and influenza viruses.


Author(s):  
Jacob S. Hanker ◽  
Dale N. Holdren ◽  
Kenneth L. Cohen ◽  
Beverly L. Giammara

Keratitis and conjunctivitis (infections of the cornea or conjunctiva) are ocular infections caused by various bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites; bacteria, however, are usually prominent. Systemic conditions such as alcoholism, diabetes, debilitating disease, AIDS and immunosuppressive therapy can lead to increased susceptibility but trauma and contact lens use are very important factors. Gram-negative bacteria are most frequently cultured in these situations and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is most usually isolated from culture-positive ulcers of patients using contact lenses. Smears for staining can be obtained with a special swab or spatula and Gram staining frequently guides choice of a therapeutic rinse prior to the report of the culture results upon which specific antibiotic therapy is based. In some cases staining of the direct smear may be diagnostic in situations where the culture will not grow. In these cases different types of stains occasionally assist in guiding therapy.


1982 ◽  
Vol 21 (03) ◽  
pp. 127-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Wallis ◽  
E. H. Shortliffe

This paper reports on experiments designed to identify and implement mechanisms for enhancing the explanation capabilities of reasoning programs for medical consultation. The goals of an explanation system are discussed, as is the additional knowledge needed to meet these goals in a medical domain. We have focussed on the generation of explanations that are appropriate for different types of system users. This task requires a knowledge of what is complex and what is important; it is further strengthened by a classification of the associations or causal mechanisms inherent in the inference rules. A causal representation can also be used to aid in refining a comprehensive knowledge base so that the reasoning and explanations are more adequate. We describe a prototype system which reasons from causal inference rules and generates explanations that are appropriate for the user.


Author(s):  
Alexey V. Kavokin ◽  
Jeremy J. Baumberg ◽  
Guillaume Malpuech ◽  
Fabrice P. Laussy

Both rich fundamental physics of microcavities and their intriguing potential applications are addressed in this book, oriented to undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as to physicists and engineers. We describe the essential steps of development of the physics of microcavities in their chronological order. We show how different types of structures combining optical and electronic confinement have come into play and were used to realize first weak and later strong light–matter coupling regimes. We discuss photonic crystals, microspheres, pillars and other types of artificial optical cavities with embedded semiconductor quantum wells, wires and dots. We present the most striking experimental findings of the recent two decades in the optics of semiconductor quantum structures. We address the fundamental physics and applications of superposition light-matter quasiparticles: exciton-polaritons and describe the most essential phenomena of modern Polaritonics: Physics of the Liquid Light. The book is intended as a working manual for advanced or graduate students and new researchers in the field.


Author(s):  
B. González Astorga ◽  
F. Salvà Ballabrera ◽  
E. Aranda Aguilar ◽  
E. Élez Fernández ◽  
P. García-Alfonso ◽  
...  

AbstractColorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. For metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients, it is recommended, as first-line treatment, chemotherapy (CT) based on doublet cytotoxic combinations of fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) and fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX). In addition to CT, biological (targeted agents) are indicated in the first-line treatment, unless contraindicated. In this context, most of mCRC patients are likely to progress and to change from first line to second line treatment when they develop resistance to first-line treatment options. It is in this second line setting where Aflibercept offers an alternative and effective therapeutic option, thought its specific mechanism of action for different patient’s profile: RAS mutant, RAS wild-type (wt), BRAF mutant, potentially resectable and elderly patients. In this paper, a panel of experienced oncologists specialized in the management of mCRC experts have reviewed and selected scientific evidence focused on Aflibercept as an alternative treatment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 467
Author(s):  
Ana Henriques Mota ◽  
Inês Prazeres ◽  
Henrique Mestre ◽  
Andreia Bento-Silva ◽  
Maria João Rodrigues ◽  
...  

Sambucus nigra L. (S. nigra) is a shrub widespread in Europe and western Asia, traditionally used in medicine, that has become popular in recent years as a potential source of a wide range of interesting bioactive compounds. The aim of the present work was to develop a topical S. nigra extract formulation based on ethosomes and thus to support its health claims with scientific evidence. S. nigra extract was prepared by an ultrasound-assisted method and then included in ethosomes. The ethosomes were analyzed in terms of their size, stability over time, morphology, entrapment capacity (EC), extract release profile, stability over time and several biological activities. The prepared ethosomes were indicated to be well defined, presenting sizes around 600 nm. The extract entrapment capacity in ethosomes was 73.9 ± 24.8%, with an interesting slow extract release profile over 24 h. The extract-loaded ethosomes presented collagenase inhibition activity and a very good skin compatibility after human application. This study demonstrates the potential use of S. nigra extract incorporated in ethosomes as a potential cosmeceutical ingredient and on further studies should be performed to better understand the impact of S. nigra compounds on skin care over the time.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1212
Author(s):  
Getinet M. Adinew ◽  
Equar Taka ◽  
Patricia Mendonca ◽  
Samia S. Messeha ◽  
Karam F. A. Soliman

Triple- negative breast cancer (TNBC) incidence rate has regularly risen over the last decades and is expected to increase in the future. Finding novel treatment options with minimum or no toxicity is of great importance in treating or preventing TNBC. Flavonoids are new attractive molecules that might fulfill this promising therapeutic option. Flavonoids have shown many biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. In addition to their anticancer effects by arresting the cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing cancer cell proliferation, flavonoids can modulate non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) function. Several preclinical and epidemiological studies indicate the possible therapeutic potential of these compounds. Flavonoids display a unique ability to change miRNAs’ levels via different mechanisms, either by suppressing oncogenic miRNAs or activating oncosuppressor miRNAs or affecting transcriptional, epigenetic miRNA processing in TNBC. Flavonoids are not only involved in the regulation of miRNA-mediated cancer initiation, growth, proliferation, differentiation, invasion, metastasis, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), but also control miRNAs-mediated biological processes that significantly impact TNBC, such as cell cycle, immune system, mitochondrial dysregulation, modulating signaling pathways, inflammation, and angiogenesis. In this review, we highlighted the role of miRNAs in TNBC cancer progression and the effect of flavonoids on miRNA regulation, emphasizing their anticipated role in the prevention and treatment of TNBC.


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