Tucumanin, a β-hydroxy-γ-lactone bistetrahydrofuranic acetogenin from Annona cherimolia, is a potent inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I

A new β-hydroxy-γ-methyl-γ-lactone bistetrahydrofuranic acetogenin, tucumanin, with the infrequent symmetrical threo/trans/threo/trans/ threo relative configuration at the tetrahydrofuran rings was isolated from Annona cherimolia (Annonaceae) seeds. The inhibitory potency on the mitochondrial complex I of acetogenins with this relative configuration (tucumanin and asimicin) was compared with that shown by the corresponding pairs with an asymmetrical threo/trans/threo/trans/erythro relative configuration (laherradurin/rolliniastatin-2, and itrabin/molvizarin). All these compounds act as selective inhibitors of mitochondrial complex 1 in the 0.18 - 1.55 nM range.Fil: Barrachina, Isabel. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: Neske, Adriana. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán; ArgentinaFil: Granell, Susana. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: Bermejo, Almudena. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: Chahboune, Nadia. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: El Aouad, Noureddine. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: Alvarez, Olga. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán; ArgentinaFil: Bardon, Alicia del Valle. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Química del Noroeste. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química del Noroeste; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán; ArgentinaFil: Zafra Polo, M. Carmen. Universidad de Valencia; Españ

Improving the quality of care and patient safety in oncology, the contribution of simulation-based training: A scoping review

Objective: Simulation-based training (SBT) is an effective educational method widely used in many clinical settings, including oncology. This study aimed to undertake a scoping review of research related to SBT in oncology to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of SBT in enhancing the skills of healthcare professionals and thereby improving the quality of care and patient safety in oncology. Methods: We conducted a scoping review to map published studies in Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Peer-reviewed articles about data on the role of SBT in improving and enhancing the skills of healthcare professionals in oncology published in English and French from 2012 to 2022 were retrieved. Two researchers screened, extracted, and analyzed all identified studies independently. Results: Of the 1,013 publications identified in the initial phase, 29 studies were included in the analysis. Twenty-five of these studies focused on non-technical skills, such as decision-making, communication, teamwork, and cognitive abilities. Thirteen studies focused on technical skills. The results of all included studies showed significant improvement in the skills of oncology healthcare professionals through SBT programs. Fourteen studies subjectively assessed the role of this educational tool, while nine objectively evaluated it. Six studies used a combined subjective and objective evaluation method. Conclusions: SBT is a very effective tool for improving the skills of healthcare professionals in oncology. Supporting and promoting SBT is essential to providing high-quality care and ensuring patient safety in all areas of health care

Ethnobotanical survey on herbal remedies for the management of type 2 diabetes in the Casablanca-Settat region, Morocco

Abstract Background Morocco faces a substantial public health challenge due to diabetes mellitus, affecting 12.4% of adults in 2023. The Moroccan population makes extensive use of phytotherapy and traditional medicine to address the difficulties this chronic condition poses. The aim of this study is to document the use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine for managing type 2 diabetes in the provinces of the Casablanca-Settat region. Methods The study employed a semi-structured questionnaire for data collection. A study was conducted between August 1st and September 30th, 2023, and 244 individuals diagnosed with diabetes were invited to take part in the research, all of whom used at least one medicinal plant to manage type 2 diabetes, by visiting primary healthcare facilities in Morocco. The analysis included the use of Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) to scrutinize the data. Results A total of 47 plant species belonging to 25 families were documented. Notably, the Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, and Fabaceae families were frequently mentioned in the context of treating type 2 diabetes in Morocco. Prominent among the cited plant species were Sesamum indicum L., Lepidium sativum L., followed by Foeniculum vulgare Mill., and Rosmarinus officinalis L. Seeds emerged as the plant part most commonly mentioned, with infusion being the prevailing preparation method and oral consumption being the most frequently depicted method of administration. Conclusion This research underscores the practicality of incorporating traditional medicine into the healthcare framework of the Casablanca-Settat region. The findings not only offer valuable documentation but also have a vital function in safeguarding knowledge regarding the utilization of medicinal plants in this locality. Moreover, they provide opportunities to delve deeper into the phytochemical and pharmacological potential of these plants

Estimating the global prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem. The present study aims to provide a global and regional estimate of the prevalence of COPD based on spirometry according to the two most widely used diagnostic criteria of COPD: fixed ratio (FR) and lower limit of normal (LLN). Methods We conducted a systematic review of the literature according to PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases were searched to identify studies on the spirometry-based prevalence of COPD in individuals aged 40 years and older. The meta-analysis was performed using MedCalc 19 software. Results In total, 42 of the 3393 studies reviewed were eligible for inclusion. The overall prevalence of COPD in people aged 40 years and older was 12.64% (95% CI 10.75%-14.65%) and 7.38% (95% CI 5.47% − 9.55%) based on FR and LLN criteria, respectively. By gender, men had a higher prevalence of COPD compared to women (15.47%; 95% CI 12.22%-19.02% for men versus 8.79%; 95% CI 6.94%-10.82% for women). Using the LLN criteria, the prevalence of COPD in both sexes was almost identical (8.67%; 95% CI 8.44%- 8.90% for men and 8.00%; 95% CI 6.42% − 9.73% for women). We reported a high prevalence of COPD among smokers and the elderly by both definitions of airway obstruction. Regional prevalence estimates using the FR definition indicate that the highest COPD prevalence was recorded in the Americas and the lowest was recorded in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Using the LLN definition, the highest prevalence was recorded in the Southeast Asian region and the lowest prevalence was recorded in the American region. The most common COPD stage was stage II, with a prevalence of 50.46%. The results indicate a huge lack of prevalence data in the African and Eastern Mediterranean region. The results were given using a random-effect model due to the high heterogeneity between studies. Conclusion Results show that the prevalence of COPD differs according to the diagnostic criteria used. In addition, management and prevention strategies targeting risk factors for COPD are certainly needed to reduce the global burden of this chronic respiratory disease

Synthesis of benzopyran derivatives as PPARα and/ or PPARγ activators

International audienceWe describe the synthesis of 26 compounds, small polycerasoidol analogs, that are Lipinski’s rule-of-five compliant. In order to confirm key structural features to activate PPARα and/or PPARγ, we have adopted structural modifications in the following parts: (i) the benzopyran core (hydrophobic nucleus) by benzopyran-4-one, dihydrobenzopyran or benzopyran-4-ol; (ii) the side chain at 2-position by shortening to C3, C4 and C5-carbons versus C-9-carbons of polycerasoidol; (iii) the carboxylic group (polar head) by oxygenated groups (hydroxyl, acetoxy, epoxide, ester, aldehyde) or non-oxygenated motifs (allyl and alkyl). Benzopyran-4-ones 6, 12, 13 and 17 as well as dihydrobenzopyrans 22, 24 and 25 were able to activate hPPARα, whereas benzopyran-4-one (7) with C5-carbons in the side chain exhibited hPPARγ agonism. According to our previous docking studies, SAR confirm that the hydrophobic nucleus (benzopyran-4-one or dihydrobenzopyran) is essential to activate PPARα and/or PPARγ, and the flexible linker (side alkyl chain) should containg at least C5-carbon atoms to activate PPARγ. By contrast, the polar head (“carboxylic group”) tolerated several oxygenated groups but also non-oxygenated motifs. Taking into account these key structural features, small polycerasoidol analogs might provide potential active molecules useful in the treatment of dyslipidemia and/or type 2 diabetes

New antitumoral acetogenin “guanacone type” derivatives: isolation and bioactivity. Molecular dynamics simulation of diacetyl-guanacone

We describe herein the isolation and semisynthesis of four acetogenin derivatives (1–4) as well as their ability to inhibit the mitochondrial respiratory chain and several tumor cell lines. In addition, four nanoseconds (ns) of MD simulation of compound 4, in a fully hydrated POPC bilayer, is reported.Fil: Barrachina, Isabel. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: Royo, Inmaculada. Merck, Sharp & Dohme; EspañaFil: Baldoni, Hector Armando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis. Instituto de Matemática Aplicada de San Luis "Prof. Ezio Marchi". Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Ciencias Físico, Matemáticas y Naturales. Instituto de Matemática Aplicada de San Luis "Prof. Ezio Marchi"; ArgentinaFil: Chahboune, Nadia. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: Suvire, Fernando Daniel. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Departamento de Química; ArgentinaFil: DePedro, Nuria. Merck, Sharp & Dohme; EspañaFil: Zafra Polo, M. Carmen. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: Bermejo, Almudena. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: El Aouad, Noureddine. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: Cabedo, Nuria. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: Saez, Jairo. Universidad de Antioquia; ColombiaFil: Tormo, José R.. Merck, Sharp & Dohme; EspañaFil: Enriz, Ricardo Daniel. Universidad de Antioquia; Colombia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Departamento de Química; ArgentinaFil: Cortes, Diego. Universidad de Valencia; Españ