Eliana de Souza Bastos Mazuqueli Pereira

Cyperus rotundus L. (purple nutsedge) is widely regarded as an aggressive invasive weed, yet its tubers and rhizomes contain nutrients and diverse phytochemicals with potential nutritional and pharmacological relevance. This review integrates evidence on its nutritional composition, redox-active phytochemistry, molecular mechanisms, biological effects, and emerging applications, with particular emphasis on the links between oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling, and metabolic regulation. The tubers contain resistant starch, dietary fiber, minerals, and several classes of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phytosterols, and essential-oil constituents. Experimental evidence indicates that selected C. rotundus extracts and individual constituents exhibit direct antioxidant activity and can modulate endogenous redox and inflammatory signaling, including Nrf2/HO-1, NF-κB, and MAPK pathways, with additional evidence implicating mitochondrial and metabolic processes. These mechanisms have been associated, predominantly in preclinical models, with anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects as well as neuroprotective, gastroprotective, antimicrobial, cardiometabolic, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities. These properties support further investigation of C. rotundus-derived ingredients for functional foods, nutraceuticals, natural preservatives, and cosmetic formulations. Translation remains limited, however, by heterogeneity among plant materials and extracts, insufficient pharmacokinetic and bioavailability data, incomplete long-term safety characterization, and the predominance of preclinical evidence. Overall, C. rotundus represents a promising redox-active and nutritionally relevant bioresource, but its clinical and industrial potential will depend on defining preparation-specific composition, biologically achievable exposure, efficacy, and safety.

Introduction: Feedback is central to medical education, and generative artificial intelligence (AI) has made individualized, timely, and scalable feedback possible. Questions remain, however, about its accuracy, contextual relevance, and capacity to promote learning compared with feedback from faculty and clinical supervisors. Objective: To analyze the evidence on AI-generated feedback compared with human feedback in medical education, considering its quality, educational effectiveness, applicability, and limitations. Methods: Integrative review structured with the PICo strategy. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS were searched for studies published between January 2020 and October 2026 in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Studies were classified by level of evidence, and findings were synthesized through interpretive thematic analysis. Results: Eleven studies from Canada, the United States, Germany, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Japan were included: five randomized trials (level II) and six comparative descriptive or mixed-methods studies (level VI). AI-generated feedback generally matched or exceeded human feedback in comprehensiveness, consistency, and adherence to predefined criteria, especially in written, structured, and simulated tasks. Human feedback was superior in clarity, relevance, and accuracy in some studies and in more complex diagnostic and therapeutic situations. Learning outcomes were measured only in the short term, and hybrid models combining AI data with faculty input showed favorable results. Conclusion: AI can increase the availability and consistency of feedback but does not replace the clinical and pedagogical judgment of faculty. Supervised integration of both modalities is the most consistent approach, and studies with longer-term outcomes and Latin American settings are needed.

Depression and anxiety increasingly look like disorders of systemic biology, where chronic stress, immune drift, and vascular dysfunction converge on brain-relevant symptoms. Fermented foods are widely studied as psychobiotic candidates, yet results remain inconsistent because products vary in chemistry, viability, sodium, and biogenic amines, and trials often rely on broad symptom outcomes without exposure verification. A major gap is the lack of a reusable, mechanism-first framework that links what a product delivers to barrier, endothelial, and neurovascular target engagement. As a narrative and conceptual review rather than a systematic review, the article synthesizes mechanistic evidence into a testable framework instead of providing a formal quantitative evidence synthesis. It addresses that gap by treating fermented vegetables, dairy, soy, and selected Brazilian cassava ferments and artisanal cheeses as metabolite-engineering platforms mapped onto a tri-barrier remodeling axis from gut epithelium to endothelium and platelets to the blood-brain barrier. We synthesize dosing-grade metabolite modules, including short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan-derived indoles, bile acids, neuroactive small molecules, and peptide and exopolysaccharide fingerprints, and align them with interpretable readouts for permeability, endotoxemia proxies, endothelial activation, immunothrombosis, and epigenetic aging pace. Here we highlight how this modular stack converts heterogeneous food studies into testable exposure hypotheses, guides comparator design and phenotype stratification, and clarifies why null results can be informative. To prevent excessive dispersion, the review uses selected fermented-food families as representative test platforms rather than attempting a complete survey of global fermented foods. The emphasis is therefore placed on mechanisms, exposure verification, and trial-design principles that can be transferred to other products.

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer is a biologically complex malignancy whose high prevalence and therapeutic resistance represent a continuous challenge for global health. The Tumor Microenvironment (TME) is a crucial component in disease progression, and the Extracellular Matrix (ECM), particularly its 3D collagen architecture, is recognized for mediating interactions that influence invasion, metastasis, and pharmacological response. This review aims to critically synthesize recent evidence to elucidate the multifaceted role of collagen in the progression and modulation of therapeutic response in breast adenocarcinoma. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing studies addressing specific collagen subtypes, ECM stiffening (fibrosis), biomechanical signaling, and their impact on drug transport kinetics and immunomodulatory effects. Results: The results demonstrate that structural alterations of collagen not only orchestrate a pro-tumoral microenvironment, fostering aggressive phenotypes and immune evasion, but also create a physical barrier that compromises drug delivery efficiency and promotes metastatic dissemination. The synthesis of the data reinforces collagen as a potent prognostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for overcoming stroma-mediated resistance. Conclusions: Targeting the collagen-rich stroma and its 3D network is a critical frontier for therapeutic innovation. Developing adjuvant strategies to modulate the ECM has the potential to enhance clinical outcomes and optimize the distribution of antineoplastic agents, especially in patients with high degrees of tumor fibrosis.

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer is a biologically complex malignancy whose high prevalence and therapeutic resistance represent a continuous challenge for global health. The Tumor Microenvironment (TME) is a crucial component in disease progression, and the Extracellular Matrix (ECM), particularly its 3D collagen architecture, is recognized for mediating interactions that influence invasion, metastasis, and pharmacological response. This review aims to critically synthesize recent evidence to elucidate the multifaceted role of collagen in the progression and modulation of therapeutic response in breast adenocarcinoma. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing studies addressing specific collagen subtypes, ECM stiffening (fibrosis), biomechanical signaling, and its impact on drug transport kinetics and immunomodulatory effects. Results: The results demonstrate that structural alterations of collagen not only orchestrate a pro-tumoral microenvironment, fostering aggressive phenotypes and immune evasion, but also create a physical barrier that compromises drug delivery efficiency and promotes metastatic dissemination. The synthesis of the data reinforces collagen as a potent prognostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for overcoming stroma-mediated resistance. Conclusions: Targeting the collagen-rich stroma and its 3D network is a critical frontier for therapeutic innovation. Developing adjuvant strategies to modulate the ECM has the potential to enhance clinical outcomes and optimize the distribution of antineoplastic agents, especially in patients with high degrees of tumor fibrosis.

Background/Objectives: Dyslipidemia is a global health concern. It refers to increased blood levels of LDL-C, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, accompanied by decreased blood HDL-C levels. Many pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches have been designed to improve dyslipidemia management. However, nutritional therapies have gained more attention due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this scenario, the carotenoid crocin stands out as a prominent anti-dyslipidemia phytochemical. Its unique structure permits lipid-lowering effects via various mechanisms, including the enhancement of lipid breakdown, reduction in lipid formation, bolstering of antioxidant defenses to diminish lipid toxicity, and decreased absorption of dietary fats. However, no recent systematic review or meta-analysis has addressed its anti-dyslipidemia effects with statistical power. Therefore, we aim to fill this gap with our current meta-analysis, as well as dose and time–response assessments. Methods: PubMed, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases were searched, and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Ten studies comprising eleven results were included. Results: Crocin did not improve LDL-C (0.2120, 95% CI: −0.0799 to 0.5040), HDL-C (−0.1937, 95% CI: −0.4896 to 0.1022), triglyceride (−0.2063, 95% CI: −0.5764 to 0.1638), or total cholesterol (0.1528, 95% CI: −0.1074 to 0.4129). The dose–response or time–response was also not statistically significant. Conclusions: More clinical studies with robust designs must be conducted to thoroughly assess crocin’s effectiveness in modulating lipid levels with the utmost care.

The aging process is closely linked to cognitive decline, and numerous studies have demonstrated a decrease in both the quality and quantity of sleep in the general population. Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) is a plant rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and essential oils, which are responsible for its neuroprotective and antidepressant properties. Its positive effects on the sleep quality are probably, at least in part, attributable to the presence of rosmarinic acid, which modulates γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase activity. This review aimed to investigate the effects of M. officinalis on cognition and sleep quality in human clinical trials. For cognition, studies have shown that the plant improved cognitive performance and mood. In elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease, extracts standardized in rosmarinic acid stabilized cognitive functions and reduced neuropsychiatric symptoms such as agitation. Regarding sleep, a combination of lemon balm and valerian significantly improved sleep quality in postmenopausal women. Isolated lemon balm extracts also reduced sleep disorders in cardiac patients. When compared to citalopram, lemon balm enhanced the quality of life, including sleep quality. It is concluded that lemon balm has the potential to improve cognition and sleep quality; however, robust evidence is needed, as more rigorous trials are required.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising strategy in the field of regenerative medicine due to their multipotent differentiation capacity and immunomodulatory properties. The interaction of these cells with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and biomaterials, notably graphene oxide (GO), has proven decisive in modulating cell behavior, with the potential to optimize tissue regeneration processes. This review was conducted using the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, covering studies published between 2018 and 2025, from which seven studies met the inclusion criteria, with an emphasis on in vitro and in vivo investigations regarding the association between GO and MSCs. The main findings demonstrate that GO, particularly when conjugated with polymers such as poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), enhances cell adhesion, stimulates proliferation, and promotes the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, in addition to positively modulating intracellular signaling pathways. However, significant gaps remain in understanding the mechanisms and safety of GO’s therapeutic use in association with MSCs. Therefore, this review reinforces the need for further studies to deepen the characterization of the bioactive properties of GO-MSCs, aiming to enable safer and more effective clinical applications.

Background/Objectives: Although the nanocomposite of poly(L-lactic acid) with graphene oxide (PLLA-GO) shows promise for tissue engineering, its specific bioactive interactions with diverse cell lineages during early tissue regeneration remain unclear. This study comprehensively investigated the in vitro multifaceted biocompatibility of PLLA-GO using human fibroblasts (FN1 cells), murine mesenchymal stem cells (mBMSCs), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods: Morphological analyses were performed using optical and scanning electron microscopy, while proliferation dynamics were assessed via CFSE staining. Cell cycle progression was evaluated using flow cytometry, mitochondrial activity was examined through TMRE staining, and inflammatory cytokine profiling was performed via Cytometric Bead Array (CBA). Results: PLLA-GO exhibited primary biocompatibility across all evaluated cell lines, characterized by efficient adhesion and proliferation. However, significant cell-type-dependent modulations were observed. The FN1 cells exhibited proliferative adaptation but induced accelerated scaffold degradation, as evidenced by a substantial increase in cellular debris (5.93% control vs. 34.38% PLLA-GO; p = 0.03). mBMSCs showed a transient initial proliferative response and a significant 21.66% increase in TNF-α production (179.67 pg/mL vs. 147.68 pg/mL in control; p = 0.03). HUVECs demonstrated heightened mitochondrial sensitivity, exhibiting a 32.19% reduction in mitochondrial electrical potential (97.07% control vs. 65.82% PLLA-GO; p ≤ 0.05), alongside reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (8.73%) and IL-6 (12.47%). Conclusions: The PLLA-GO processing method is crucial for its properties and subsequent cellular interactions. Therefore, rigorous and specific preclinical evaluations—considering both cellular contexts and fabrication—are indispensable to ensure the safety and therapeutic potential of PLLA-GO in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

A odontologia infantil desempenha um papel fundamental na prevenção, diagnóstico e tratamento precoce de alterações bucais durante o desenvolvimento da criança. Entre os principais pontos de atenção estão os hábitos parafuncionais orais, como o bruxismo, que podem impactar negativamente o crescimento e a função do sistema estomatognático. O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o perfil epidemiológico das crianças atendidas na clínica de odontopediatria da Universidade de Marília, relacionando aspectos sociodemográficos e o risco de hábitos parafuncionais orais, como o bruxismo. Nessa pesquisa foram incluídas crianças, com idade entre 5 a 12 anos e de ambos os gêneros. A coleta de dados foi realizada em duas etapas; na primeira, foi feita uma entrevista com o responsável pela criança, baseada em um formulário relacionado aos fatores sociodemográficos e aplicação de um questionário sobre a verificação de comportamento oral, uma escala de autorrelato para identificação e frequência de comportamentos orais no último mês. Na segunda etapa, foi realizado exame clínico intraoral para avaliar sinais clínicos que podem sugerir a ocorrência do bruxismo. Os resultados mostraram que os pacientes atendidos na clínica de odontopediatria eram predominantemente do gênero feminino, cuidados pelas mães, com renda familiar limitada e originários da própria cidade onde o estudo foi conduzido. Adicionalmente, foi observado também que 30% da amostra apresentou um alto risco de hábitos parafuncionais orais, que podem representar maior risco de desenvolvimento ou agravamento do bruxismo. A detecção de hábitos parafuncionais orais na infância, como o bruxismo, é fundamental para que o diagnóstico seja precoce, permitindo o estabelecimento de um tratamento multidisciplinar e favorecendo o desenvolvimento integral da criança.