BBR - Biomedical and Biopharmaceutical Research

Exploring Telerehabilitation with Clynx® Platform: Usability and Impact Assessment

2023-10-27T15:21:28+00:00

Telerehabilitation offers a transformative approach to physiotherapy, offering convenience, practicality, and sustainability. This paper presents a clinical study conducted at Unidade Local de Saúde do Oeste, in Portugal, involving 37 physiotherapy patients with chronic shoulder pain who utilized the Clynx® Platform for an average of 15.22 home-based sessions. Analysis of physiotherapist login data and patient travel data allowed for evaluation of platform usability, physiotherapist time management, and environmental impact. Patients highlighted schedule flexibility and time optimization as primary advantages, with 36.85% of sessions occurring on weekends and after hours, catering especially to busy professionals. In this study, telerehabilitation saved over 12,000 kilometres of travel and related expenses, while reducing carbon emissions by over 1.30 tons. The Clynx® Platform optimized physiotherapist-patient time management, saving approximately 45.30% of time in mild patient care, which could be redirected to more acute cases, potentially alleviating waiting lists in public hospitals. Telerehabilitation demonstrated positive impacts on usability, socioeconomic factors, and environmental indicators for both patients and healthcare professionals, driving the digitization of physiotherapy towards efficient, sustainable, and patientcentric care. This study underscores telerehabilitation as a promising avenue for the future of physiotherapy.

Looking for early indicators of vascular modification in young healthy tobacco smokers

2024-04-23T09:24:29+00:00

Cigarette smoking is a main risk factor for cardiovascular disease but early indicators of damage specially in young smokers with no clinical evidence of impairment are lacking. Our study identifies adaptive responses in young smokers following a Reactive Hyperemia (RH) maneuver and compares those responses with an equivalent non smoker group. The study respected all principles of good clinical practice, involved 42 healthy volunteers (21 smokers, 21 non-smokers), with similar anthropometric data, except for smoking habits. Smokers were mostly (17/21) mild, according with the calculated smoker index, started this regular consumption for 11.1±4.5 years ago. RH was obtained by applying a suprasystolic pressure to one of the participants' arms for 2 minutes. Perfusion was measured in the third finger on the ipsilateral side. Perfusion early recovery after occlusion was significantly faster in non-smokers (***p<0.0001 compared with non-smokers. These differences were attributed to smoking, suggesting that even in the absence of any clinical expression, the reflex adaptive responses evoked by RH in both groups are already different. These results justify further studies to better understand the early subclinical impacts of smoking on healthy individuals.

Asymmetric Adler-Becker reaction – an open issue

2024-03-29T14:03:04+00:00

The Adler-Becker reaction, described in the 1970s, plays a crucial role in the total synthesis of numerous natural products This reaction describes the transformation of salicylic alcohols into spiroepoxydienones through oxidative dearomatization. Despite its widespread use, the literature lacks a description of the chiral version of this reaction. In this study, we detail several attempts to achieve asymmetry, utilizing a biphasic solvent system with various potential chiral phase transfer catalysts (including chinchonine and sparteine). Additionally, we explored periodate salts with chiral cations and sodium periodate immobilized in a chiral cationic resin. Although the desired enantioselectivity remained elusive, we believe that this work can contribute to the scientific community, as it can serve as a guiding reference for exploring novel chiral approaches in this reaction.

Review on Eyelash Extensions: Methods, Safety, and Aesthetic Considerations

2024-03-29T14:34:07+00:00

Eyelash extensions have gained popularity as a non-invasive cosmetic procedure, aiming to enhance the length and thickness of natural eyelashes. Despite their widespread use, scientific exploration into the methods, safety considerations, and aesthetic implications of eyelash extensions remains limited. This study conducts a comprehensive literature review to analyze the current state of scientific literature on the eyelash extension industry, identifying gaps for future research.

In this study, there is an emphasis on the importance of adhesive properties, drying time, and safety considerations in the evolution of eyelash extension materials. Safety concerns associated with eyelash extensions side effects exist and a legislation for adequate professional training, and hygiene standards is needed. Aesthetic considerations delve into cultural and personal preferences, exploring the relationship between lash aesthetics, self-esteem, body image, and social perceptions. In conclusion, as eyelash extensions continue to be a prevalent trend worldwide, there is a necessity for extensive research to inform professionals and clients about potential risks and benefits. Further investigations in safety standards, application techniques, and aesthetic implications will contribute to the advancement of beauty science and the informed decision-making of individuals seeking eyelash enhancements, making the procedure safer and even more popular.

Neocarya macrophylla (Chrysobalanaceae): Review on taxonomy, ethnobotany, phytochemistry and biological activities

2024-01-23T14:33:47+00:00

The Neocarya macrophylla plant is used traditionally for food, medicinal, spiritual and industrial purposes. It is also used as a soap, dye, glue, fodder, termite repellent, firewood and for structural materials. Few studies on the physicochemical, nutritional content, phytochemical and pharmacological activities have validated the benefits of N. macrophylla to humanity as a food, in cosmetics or pharmaceutical products. The major bioactive constituents identified in the plant so far are steroids and flavonoids,such as, stigmasterol, quercetin, catechin and its related glycosides, as well as glucosamines. Extracts of the plant have shown good antivenom, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimycobacterial, anthelmintic and antioxidant activities. Acute toxicity studies conducted have confirmed the plant to be toxic. More studies on the plant are required in order to exploit other biological activities as claimed by traditional healers and also to isolate more bioactive compounds. In addition, the safety and tolerability assessment of N. macrophylla should be undertaken due to its widespread usage.