The global pandemic COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, affected millions of people. COVID-19 is known for its respiratory symptoms, but new research reveals it may also affect other organ systems, including the liver. This abstract reviews COVID-19 and liver function. The virus enters host cells through liver-expressed angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. Thus, viral infection and replication may target the liver. Virus-induced inflammation and cytokine production may also harm the liver. ALT and AST elevations are the most prevalent liver abnormalities in COVID-19 patients. Liver function test abnormalities frequently indicate serious illness and poor clinical outcomes. COVID-19 may worsen pre-existing liver diseases such as NAFLD and chronic viral hepatitis. Drug-induced liver damage (DILI) from COVID-19 therapies including antivirals and corticosteroids complicates liver complications care. Recent investigations have also shown that COVID-19 may cause long-term liver damage. In conclusion, COVID-19 infection, immune-mediated damage, and treatment problems may severely compromise liver function. Optimizing patient treatment and discovering targeted medicines requires understanding COVID-19's liver role. To reduce the effects of COVID-19 on liver function, further study is required to understand the mechanisms and long-term effects.

Knowing the psychological traits and clinically relevant symptoms for the development and maintenance of Eating Behavior Disorders (EDD) in bodybuilding and fitness athletes is a necessity for early intervention and the elimination of stressors that contribute to improving sports performance and quality of life.The aim of the study: To know the dynamics of EDD and the level of general psychological adaptation in athletes who practice bodybuilding and fitness according to sports gender and age.By applying the Inventory of Eating Disorders, EDI-III on 30 participants, bodybuilding and fitness practitioners, aged between 19 and 53, of which 21 are male and 9 are female, psychological traits were investigated relevant (low self-esteem, perfectionism, asceticism, fear of maturity, interpersonal, emotional problems, exaggerated control, and others) in order to know the level of distress and the presence of clinically relevant symptoms for the development and maintenance of EDD (the desire to being thin, bulimia, body dissatisfaction)We concluded that most of the athletes fall within the limits of the threshold values ​​established for the evaluated scales, 30% of the athletes (3 female athletes and 6 male athletes), obtained scores rated above the threshold on at least one of the clinical scales, which means that the risk of EDD is present in some athletes. The average of the investigated psychological scales calculated for the rated scores to establish the level of general psychological adaptation does not exceed the specified threshold for each investigated dimension separately, except for the asceticism, interpersonal problems, and exaggerated control scales. Female athletes have greater psychological balance than male athletes and lower risk of ED than male athletes, important aspects of personality and mental health in psychological training as a screening tool in the process of optimizing the effectiveness of bodybuilding and fitness training.

The cosmetic industry is searching for new active ingredients from renewable natural sources to make more environmentally friendly and safe products. Botanical extract is a nearly limitless source of these new actives due to the current consumer demands as well as international regulations. Due to both their fragrant nature for the creation of fragrances and perfumes and the numerous advantageous properties of their individual components (EOCs), such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, essential oils (EOs) emerge as a very common natural ingredient in cosmetics and toiletries. Additionally, nowadays, the cosmetic industry includes EOs or different mixtures of their individual components (EOCs), either as active ingredients or as preservatives, in various product ranges (e.g., moisturizers, lotions, and cleansers in skin care cosmetics; conditioners, masks or anti-dandruff products in hair care products; lipsticks, or fragrances in perfumery). However, because each essential oil’s distinct chemical profile is linked to a different set of advantages, it is challenging to generalize about how they might be used in cosmetics and toiletries. Formulators frequently spend time looking for appropriate combinations of EOs or EOCs to achieve particular advantages in the finished products. The literature on the most recent developments in the use of EOs and EOCs in the production of cosmetic products is updated in this work’s review of the literature. Additionally, certain particular issues pertaining to the security of EOs and EOCs in cosmetics will be covered. It is expected that the information contained in this comprehensive review can be exploited by formulators in the design and optimization of cosmetic formulations containing EOs.

Hydrogel-based formulations hold significant promise for treating ocular diseases that impact the posterior segment of the eye. These formulations exhibit the ability to surmount ocular barriers and offer sustained drug release, rendering them efficacious drug delivery systems. This article addresses the challenges linked to treating disorders affecting the posterior eye segment and underscores the imperative for less invasive drug delivery methodologies. We further delve into diverse contemporary ocular dosage forms, encompassing gels, nanostructures, and implants, with a specific emphasis on hydrogels. Hydrogels offer several merits, including precise targeting, sustained release, enhanced bioavailability, and non-invasiveness. Moreover, they curtail the risk of adverse effects and foster patient adherence. An enthralling advancement is the amalgamation of hybrid drug delivery systems, integrating nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, and stimuli-activated nano-systems, with hydrogels for posterior eye ailment treatment. These hybrid nano-systems exhibit promise in enhancing drug stability, prolonging drug release, and pinpointing specific tissues within the posterior segment. We also provide an overview of ongoing clinical trials and approved hydrogel-based drug delivery systems, like Retisert and Ozurdex. These systems have demonstrated efficacy in managing chronic non-infectious uveitis, Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), and diabetic macular edema. Nevertheless, challenges persist, including optimizing bioavailability, maintaining drug stability, and implementing personalized treatment approaches. The incessant evolution of gel-based drug delivery systems stands to substantially enhance patients’ quality of life and establish new benchmarks in treating posterior eye diseases. The future of ophthalmology brims with excitement, as gel-based drug delivery systems hold the potential to revolutionize ocular therapies, providing effective remedies for an array of vision-related afflictions.

Non-contact injuries with playing surfaces occurring from applied player impact and frictional forces are a major source of lower extremity injuries in competitive sports. Artificial playing surfaces are a common alternative to natural grass surfaces; however, these surfaces are associated with player injury as well. The purpose of this manuscript is to explore the existing literature on the relationship between cleat surface interface and lower extremity injuries in athletes and the importance of proper playing surface conditions alongside proper cleat selection to optimize injury prevention and athletic performance. As artificial turf has become more advanced, studies have shown the rates of lower extremity injuries of the knee, ankle, and foot have decreased to be more similar to the rate of injury on natural grass. However, foot and ankle injury rates remain significantly higher on artificial turf. Furthermore, certain studies continue to demonstrate an increased rate of knee injuries in football players, suggesting that significant performance differences still exist between artificial turf and natural grass. Future studies warrant focusing on ways to improve the cleat-surface interface of new-generation turf, emphasizing proper cleat selection, and playing surface conditions for injury prevention thus optimizing athletic performance.

Introduction: The identification of new markers of thrombotic risk and early diagnosis of Non-ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) could allow the optimization of the therapy and predict short and long-term prognosis. Aims and objective: We aimed to assess the impact of Immature Platelet Fraction (IPF) and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) levels on the extent of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in patients with NSTEMI undergoing coronary angiography. Methods: This is a prospective observational study in which 100 subjects of Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction were recruited. For the measurement of platelet count, IPF and MPV samples were analyzed by an automated hematology analyzer (Sysmex XN 1000). Patients were subjected to coronary angiography as per institutional protocol and the extent of coronary artery lesion was noted. Result: A cutoff of MPV (fL) ≥ 10.6 can predict the involvement of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) with a sensitivity of 84%, and a specificity of 50%. With the cutoff of IPF (%) ≥ 2.4, it can even predict the type of disease i.e., Double Vessel Disease (DVD), or Triple Vessel Disease (TVD) with a sensitivity of 97%, and a specificity of 19%. Mean IPF values and MPV levels were significantly higher in patients with LAD involvement i.e., 4.40 ± 1.72% (p = 0.003) and 12.45 ± 1.88 (p = 0.030) respectively than in patients without involvement of LAD i.e., 2.78 ± 1.50% and 11.08 ± 2.19 respectively. Conclusion: Immature platelet fraction and mean platelet volume were significantly associated with the involvement of the left anterior descending artery which was the most commonly involved vessel in patients with NSTEMI. Mean platelet volume was also associated with TVD which was statistically significant. MPV and IPF can be useful early independent hematologic markers to identify patients with a higher risk for significant CAD as they are readily available and inexpensive.

Kalanchoe pinnata, also known as air leaf or life leaf, is a plant used in traditional medicine in different world regions. In Mexico, it is included in the Atlas de la Medicina Tradicional Mexicana with a wide variety of applications, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antihistamine, among others. However, neither a secondary metabolite profile of the flower has been reported nor information on its possible toxicity. The latter is the purpose of this work. A phytochemical profile of extracts with solvents of different polarity (aqueous, methanol, ethanol, and ether) was carried out. In this profile, the structural compounds could be qualitatively determined by chemical reactions, and some changes in coloring or precipitation were observed. The acute toxicity test of the extracts was performed with an aquatic organism, Artemia sp, and a terrestrial organism Eisenia foetida, as well as the evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of the extracts in the organism of Eisenia foetida. The ABTS radical method and TROLOX were applied as synthetic antioxidants for the evaluation of the inhibition percentage. Most important secondary metabolites were qualitatively identified in the extracts of K. pinnata flowers. Mainly in the alcoholic extracts (methanol and ethanol) tannins, alkaloids, and flavonols were found. As mentioned above, they are reported to have toxicological effects. The toxicity and antioxidant activity tests confirm the preliminary results obtained in the identification of secondary metabolites. It is therefore concluded that the flower of Kalanchoe pinnata contains secondary metabolites that may be of great therapeutic interest.

Background and aim: Congestive heart failure is a prevalent and serious condition that poses significant challenges in the emergency department setting. Prompt and accurate management of congestive heart failure patients is crucial for improving outcomes and optimizing resource utilization. This study aims to address these challenges by developing a machine learning algorithm and comparing it to a traditional logistic regression model that can assist in the triage, resource allocation, and long-term prognostication of congestive heart failure patients.Methods: In this investigation, we used the MIMIC-III database, a publicly accessible resource containing patient data from ICU settings. Traditional logistic regression, along with the robust XGBoost and random forest algorithms, was harnessed to construct predictive models. These models were built using a range of pretreatment clinical variables. To pinpoint the most pertinent features, we carried out a univariate analysis. Ensuring robust performance and broad applicability, we adopted a nested cross-validation approach. This method enhances the precision and validation of our models by implementing multiple cross-validation iterations.Results: The performance of machine learning algorithms was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Notably, the random forest algorithm, despite having lower performance among the machine learning models still demonstrated significantly higher AUC than traditional logistic regression. The AUC for the XGBoost was 0.99, random forest 0.98, while traditional logistic regression was 0.57. The most important pretreatment variables associated with congestive heart failure include total bilirubin, creatine kinase, international normalized ratio (INR), sodium, age, creatinine, potassium, gender, alkaline phosphatase, and platelets.Conclusion: Machine learning techniques utilizing multiple pretreatment clinical variables outperform traditional logistic regression in aiding the triage, resource allocation, and long-term prognostication of congestive heart failure patients in the intensive care unit setting using MIMIC III data.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative potentials. Additionally, utilization of MSCs in the clinical arena has been shown to be safe and well tolerated. Hence, this form of cellular therapy has gained particular attention in the treatment of several infectious disorders and their complications. MSCs have been successfully used in the treatment of the following infections and their complications: bacterial infections including complicated sepsis; viral infections including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C viruses, and Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome; parasitic infections including schistosomiasis, malaria, and Chagas disease; and mycobacterial infections including tuberculosis. The use of MSCs derived from certain sources and Extracellular Vesicles (ECVs) derived from MSCs has improved their efficacy and reduced their side effects. However, the clinical application of MSCs in the treatment of several infectious diseases still faces real challenges that need to be resolved. The current status of MSCs and the controversies related to their utilization in various infections will be thoroughly discussed in this review. 

In this review, latex from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree is presented as a material originating from nature, used to produce natural rubber, raw material for countless products for industry, as well as the manufacture of preservatives, and gloves, among others. Nowadays, its potential is expanding into various technological areas, one of which is biomedical, as described in this article. Latex has the possibility of being preserved using ammonium, which is a chemical of high health risk, but nowadays it is being substituted by acid systems excluding traditional chemicals. With these new preservation processes, the prospective use of latex for the design of biosensor scaffolds for drug release, and as membranes that can replace synthetic latex in patches for bioremediation in soft and bone tissues, synthetic muscles, membranes for biological micro laboratories, among others, is being studied to optimize its possibilities.

Mesenchymal stem cells are heterogenous adult multipotent stromal cells that can be isolated from various sources including bone marrow, peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood, dental pulp, and adipose tissue. They have certain regenerative, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, immunosuppressive, antimicrobial, and other properties that enable them to have several therapeutic and clinical applications including treatment of various autoimmune disorders; role in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and regenerative medicine; treatment of skin, pulmonary and cardiovascular disorders; treatment of neurological and eye diseases; as well as treatment of various infections and their complications. Different factors including donor age, biological source, route of administration, and signaling pathways have an impact on the functions and consequently the clinical applications of mesenchymal stromal cells. The products of mesenchymal stem cells such as extracellular vesicles and exosomes reproduce the biological effects and most of the therapeutic actions of the parent stem cells. Genetic engineering and the use of specific mesenchymal stromal cell products have improved their clinical efficacy and decreased their adverse effects. However, despite the recent progress in the use of mesenchymal stem cells, the clinical application of these cells in the treatment of several diseases still faces real challenges that need to be resolved. The current status of mesenchymal stem cells and the controversies related to their clinical utilization in various disease conditions will be thoroughly discussed in this review.

Introduction: In Sudan, Grewia tenax fruits, are known commonly as Goddaim. The fruit’s pericarp is used traditionally for a long time as a juice or a porridge to treat iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Traditional Goddaim users have a very strong belief in its effectiveness. However, the pattern of hemoglobin improvement follows an initial fast increase followed by a decline upon continuing its use. Some previous studies have attributed its effect to high iron content, while the iron quantity was too small. This work attempts to find an explanation for its mechanism of action by screening the fruit extract and its respective fractions for secondary metabolites, minerals, vitamins, and fibre. Methods: Entailed three methodologies: Chemical analysis to identify quantified minerals, ascorbic acid and non-digestible fibers, Phytochemical Analysis to separate and identify secondary metabolites using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS-MS technique), and estimation of radical scavenging activities of crude fruit extract and its respective chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions by inhibition of the 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH).Results: Ascorbic acid and indigestible fibres were revealed in the aqueous extract. Secondary metabolites were flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol), organic acids (e.g., ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid), β-carboline alkaloids (e.g., 3-hydroxy-tetrahydroharman) identified in the chloroform, and ethyl acetate fractions. The in vitro antioxidant activity of G. tenax fruit extract was confirmed spectrophotometrically. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the initial enhancement of iron absorption through ascorbic acid and fibres, followed by iron uptake inhibition, could be explained by iron chelation by the chelators in the fruits. This paradoxical effect may qualify G. tenax fruits as a safety gauge for improving haemoglobin levels without compromising iron excess once iron stores are filled by keeping the oxidative stress in check. This may present G. tenax fruits as a good and safe remedy that optimizes the treatment of IDA.

Introduction: The evolution of a patient with severe traumatic brain injury may require the use of a tracheostomy as part of respiratory weaning. The central question revolves around the optimal timing to replace intubation with tracheostomy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hypothesis that early tracheostomy reduces the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), and the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU).Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study including all patients admitted to the department over a period of 08 months. Various historical, demographic, clinical, biological, and progression-related covariates were collected upon admission.Results: Among the 69 patients included in the study who underwent surgical tracheostomy, two groups were formed: those who underwent early tracheostomy (within the first 8 days of mechanical ventilation) and those with late tracheostomy (after 8 days). The early group showed a significant reduction in the duration of mechanical ventilation (16 ± 3 days) and length of stay in the intensive care unit (17 ± 3 days) compared to the late group (23 ± 6 days and 30 ± 11 days, respectively). No significant differences were observed regarding the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and mortality between the two groups.Conclusion: This study strengthens the existing literature by demonstrating that early tracheostomy is associated with a reduction in the duration of MV and length of stay in the ICU.

Pregnancy complications present significant challenges, impacting maternal health and fetal development. Oxidative stress, a key contributor to various pregnancy-related disorders such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and preterm birth, has spurred interest in exploring antioxidant interventions. Antioxidants, known for their ability to counteract oxidative damage, have emerged as potential therapeutic agents to mitigate these complications. This paper synthesizes current knowledge on the role of antioxidants in pregnancy, elucidating their mechanisms of action, sources, and impact on oxidative stress-related complications. It examines diverse antioxidant compounds, including vitamins C and E, selenium, and natural phytochemicals, highlighting their potential to modulate oxidative stress pathways and promote maternal-fetal well-being. Furthermore, this paper critically analyzes clinical studies, meta-analyses, and preclinical research exploring the efficacy and safety of antioxidant supplementation during pregnancy. It discusses the complexities surrounding optimal dosages, timing, and formulations of antioxidants, aiming to delineate strategies for their integration into prenatal care. In conclusion, this review provides insights into the promising role of antioxidants as therapeutic strategies to alleviate pregnancy complications associated with oxidative stress. It highlights avenues for future research, advocating for a deeper understanding of antioxidant mechanisms and their optimal utilization in prenatal care to enhance maternal and fetal health outcomes.

One of the most important emerging pollutants is pharmaceutical active compounds, which may be responsible, for example, for ecotoxicological changes and microbiological resistance. Wastewater treatment plants are not adequately equipped to remove all of the emerging pollutants contained in the wastewater. The ultrafiltration process has been proven to be effective in traditional wastewater treatment, so it is important to assess the performance of such a technique in the partial elimination of pharmaceutical compounds to avoid contamination. In this work, an assessment of ultrafiltration process operating conditions for eliminating six pharmaceutical compounds: Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, Caffeine, and trimethoprim, present in different types of water is performed. Experimental design is a systematic and structured approach to conducting experiments, and its application can significantly improve the study of membrane technology, reducing the number of assays necessary to obtain meaningful results. The statistical principles application ensures that the results obtained are reliable and representative of the true effects of the variables being studied. Its application helps to obtain valid conclusions from the data and provides a solid basis for making decisions or recommendations regarding the tests and variables to take into account. Membrane processes can involve complex interactions between several factors. Experimental design helps to identify and understand these interactions, allowing researchers to discern the combined effects of different variables. This is crucial to accurately predict and optimize membrane performance.In this work, ANOVA analysis has been carried out in order to determine the influence of membrane cut-off, solution pH, and feed concentration, as well as their interactions, in permeate flux and the rejection index. The results obtained show similar behavior for Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, and Trimethoprim, being the pH the most important factor. However, no significant factors were found for the acetaminophen and the Caffeine.

The city of Santo Amaro (Bahia, Brazil) gained visibility among the scientific community due to the contamination of the Subaé River by lead and cadmium from the PLUMBUM Mineração e Metalurgia Ltda industry, on the banks of the river in 1956, which produced lead ingots The present work aimed to investigate the adsorption capacity of heavy metals (Pb and Cd) of EPS produced by bacterial species from the Subaé River, for possible future application of these biopolymers in bioremediation processes in areas impacted by the aforementioned heavy metals. Subaé river water was collected for physical-chemical analysis and bacterial isolation. It was verified that all isolated bacteria produced an expressive amount of Exopolysaccharide (EPS). Thus, the optimization of this production in different sugars (sucrose, glucose, and mannitol) and in three different pHs: 5.5; 6.5, and 7.5. All bacteria produced EPS in large quantities and the best sugar was sucrose at pH 7.5. In order to use the EPS for the bioremediation area, the adsorption test of lead and cadmium was carried out by the isolated EPS. 0.5 g of the EPS was dissolved in 50 ml of deionized water, then the solutions of metals, lead acetate, and cadmium sulfate (procedure performed separately) were incubated at 28 °C for 16 h after that period, and were centrifuged. Samples were filtered to separate the insoluble EPS and the filtrates obtained were used in the quantification of the metals by atomic absorption (FAAS- Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry). Bacillus spp., Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus spp., and Serratiamarcescens, all showed tolerance to the tested metals, due to the efficiency in the adsorption capacity of the EPS, and it was possible to distinguish seven genera, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Lysinibacillus spp. to be used in the bioremediation of environments contaminated with heavy metals.

This study conducted an elemental analysis and assessed heavy metal concentrations in five powdered milk samples (V1, L1, H1, G1, and D1) from Senegal, utilizing X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). The analysis focused on aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and chlorine (Cl). Aluminum was either undetected or found at negligible levels in all samples. Calcium levels consistently surpassed the Acceptable Maximum Level (AML) in all samples, with H1 exceeding the AML by approximately 11.1 times (27,745.06 ± 310.16 ppm). Potassium concentrations varied, with G1 exhibiting the highest levels, significantly exceeding the AML (51,058.15 ± 456.13 ppm), while V1 remained within acceptable limits. Chlorine concentrations generally complied with the AML, except for G1, which slightly exceeded the limit (3631.04 ± 31.23 ppm). Phosphorus concentrations in H1 were notably higher than the AML (13,750.94 ± 275.35 ppm). The non-uniformity in heavy metal concentrations among samples emphasizes the need for ongoing research and regulatory scrutiny to address potential risks and ensure the safety of powdered milk.

Introduction: Bacterial resistance is a threat to public health, as it is estimated that 37,000 people die due to hospital infections, most of them due to multidrug-resistant bacteria. In part, this resistance is due to the inappropriate use of antibiotics, with ceftriaxone being one of the most used. Therefore, this article aims to analyze the consequences of using ceftriaxone in the hospital environment. Methodology: This is an integrative qualitative review, following the PICO strategy, using the Embase, BVS, and Pubmed databases, with the guiding question being: “In patients admitted to a hospital environment (P), is ceftriaxone used appropriately (I) for the treatment of infections (CO)?” and the time frame from 2013 to 2023. Results: 272 articles were found in total, 46 obtained from the VHL, 62 from PubMed, and 164 from Embase. Of these, 66 were duplicates, leaving 206 works for title and summary reading. After reading, 79 were selected for full reading, with 7 articles ultimately being selected for the study. An average of 62.3% of inappropriate use was found, with the minimum value found being 19% and the maximum being 87.9%. The main reasons for this use were: indication, dose, frequency, and duration. Conclusion: From reading the articles, it is concluded that the inappropriate use of ceftriaxone is mainly due to: indication, dose, frequency, and duration of treatment. These elements must be monitored, as their inappropriate use increases the length of hospital stay and may be associated with the emergence of bacterial resistance.

Essential oils (EO) are extracted from different plant species and can be present in different plant organs. Rosemary-pepper EO is composed of around 50% to 70% thymol, a phenolic compound proven to be active against fungi and bacteria. The active components present in these compounds can affect the vital functionality of bacterial cells, leading to protein denaturation and cell lysis. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate in vitro the antibacterial potential of Lippia origanoides EO against gram-negative bacteria. This is an exploratory study, with a technical-experimental procedure, with a quantitative approach, carried out at the Federal University of Campina Grande. The strains used were Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Proteus mirabilis ATCC 25933, and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, using concentrations of 1024, 512, 256, and 128 μg/ml using the disc diffusion method in triplicate. After the incubation period, the formation of halos of bacterial growth inhibition was not observed. There are possible causes for the lack of antibacterial activity of the EO concerning the strains of gram-negative bacteria used in the study, including the possibility of not containing components with antibacterial properties in concentrations sufficient for the expected activity at the concentrations tested. Based on the results obtained, the Rosemary-Pepper EO (Lippia organoids) did not demonstrate antimicrobial activity against the gram-negative bacteria used in the study. Therefore, the development of new research with Lippia origanoides essential oil with gram-positive bacteria is suggested.

Background: Cancer treatment frequently depends on the intricate and potent effects that are acknowledged for their potential to save lives. Chemotherapy can have adverse effects on both the central and peripheral nervous systems, posing significant challenges.Objective: •    To assess the causative agent, development, and timing of occurrence.•    To improve management of neurological complications.•    To discriminate the iatrogenic effects of cancer therapy and neurological progression.Method: A prospective observational study was conducted in a hospital setting, focusing on the neurotoxic effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients over a span of six months. The research involved participants from both the oncology in-patient and daycare departments. After obtaining informed consent, individuals in the study population were interviewed to gather information about any neurological symptoms they encountered following their chemotherapy sessions.Results and discussion: Within our study population, a predominant 67% comprised female patients, while male patients constituted 33%. Of the total participants, 66% reported experiencing neurological symptoms. Among these symptoms, the majority of patients encountered sensations such as tingling, numbness, and a burning sensation. Other reported symptoms included headaches, distal weakness, myalgia, seizures, and ataxia.Conclusion: In this current study, 66% of the study population encountered neurological side effects. Generally, the presence of comorbidities, vitamin deficiencies, and advanced age can significantly contribute to the development of peripheral neuropathy. Depending on the severity of neuropathy, recommendations for interventions include the prescription of vitamin supplements, calcium supplements, duloxetine, and pregabalin.