Psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and their combination in the treatment of major depressive disorder: How well are we making use of available therapies?

Major depressive disorder stands as a profound challenge in the realm of psychiatric illnesses disrupting the well-being and daily existence of affected individuals. This heterogeneous condition continues to baffle researchers due to the elusive nature of its full neurological mechanisms. This review delves into the complex landscape of major depressive disorder, exploring the diverse therapeutic avenues available, from the nuanced realms of psychotherapy to the pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches that have been the focus of extensive research. In the relentless pursuit of relief for those afflicted, substantial efforts and resources are tirelessly channeled into the exploration of novel antidepressants and the refinement of existing therapeutic protocols. This review juxtaposes the efficiencies of existing treatments, unraveling their comparative effectiveness, and shedding light on their respective strengths and limitations. Even so, the question remains, how well are we managing the treatment of major depressive disorder, and which is the best option not only to treat this condition but also to reach full remission. Consequently, we have compiled findings on treatment selections and how efficient they are in relation to each other. The more we understand how to treat depression effectively the more we can improve the quality of life of individuals affected by this disorder. By comprehensively evaluating the diverse modalities, this review aims to guide clinicians and researchers toward evidence-based decisions, facilitating the formulation of individualized and targeted treatment protocols

Knowledge, attitudes, and willingness of community pharmacy staff in Mures County, Romania, to provide the brief advice to stop smoking: A cross-sectional study

Background and objective: Providing brief advice to stop smoking (BASS) can significantly increase motivation to quit, long-term smoking cessation rates, and substantially impact public health. The study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and willingness of community pharmacy staff in Mures County, Romania, to provide BASS to smokers

Exploring Polyphenols Extraction from Thuja occidentalis L. Bark: Optimization, Phytochemical Profiling, and Biological Evaluation

Polyphenols were extracted from Thuja occidentalis L. bark and characterized in terms of phytochemical composition and biological activity. The optimization process investigated the impacts of extraction duration, ultrasound amplitude, and ethanol concentration on the total phenolic content in the extract. The antioxidant capacity was examined using DPPH and ABTS assays, and anti-enzyme activity against alpha-glucosidase, alpha-amylase, lipase, acetylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase was determined. The experimental model revealed optimal extraction parameters: a hydroethanolic solvent with 44% v:v ethanol, a 15-minute extraction time, and a 40% ultrasound amplitude. These parameters were validated and confirmed by reaching the target Total Phenolic Content (TPC) predicted by MODDE software. The resulting lyophilized extract exhibited a high polyphenolic content (161.84 ± 23.48 mg GAE/g dry extract) and demonstrated strong antioxidant properties. Notably, it showed significant inhibition of alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase, suggesting potential antidiabetic effects, though its inhibition of tyrosinase activity was relatively weak. These findings provide a foundation for further investigations to confirm the qualitative and quantitative presence of specific polyphenolic metabolites in the extract and elucidate the mechanisms underlying its bioactive properties

Comparative Study on the Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Polyphenolic Extracts Obtained from Maclura pomifera (Raf.) C.K. Schneid Bark and Periderm

Literature is limited regarding the potential use of the bark of Maclura pomifera as a source of bioactive compounds. The influence of different extraction methods was assessed for the chemical and biological properties of extracts obtained from the bark and periderm of M. pomifera. The extraction process was completed using three methods: microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and sonicator-assisted extraction (SAE). The extracts were characterized by total polyphenol content. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS methods, the antimicrobial effect was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, and the inhibition of enzyme activity was conducted using α-glucosidase, lipase, and α-amylase assays. The extracts obtained from the periderm exhibited a lower total polyphenolic content compared to those obtained from the bark. The highest antioxidant activity using the DPPH method was observed in the MAE bark extracts and when using the ABTS method, and the highest activity was observed in the UAE bark extracts. Enzymatic activity was most strongly inhibited by the SAE bark extract. The most pronounced antibacterial potential was observed in the MAE and UAE bark extracts, with minimum inhibitory concentration values obtained below 1 mg/mL