Bergenin is a glycosidic derivative of trihydroxybenzoic acid that was discovered in 1880 by Garreau and Machelart from the rhizomes of the medicinal plant Bergenia crassifolia (currently: Saxifraga crassifolia—Saxifragaceae), though was later isolated from several other plant sources. Since its first report, it has aroused interest because it has several pharmacological activities, mainly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. In addition to this, bergenin has shown potential antimalarial, antileishmanial, trypanocidal, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antinociceptive, antiarthritic, antiulcerogenic, antidiabetic/antiobesity, antiarrhythmic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and cardioprotective activities. Thus, this review aimed to describe the sources of isolation of bergenin and its in vitro and in vivo biological and pharmacological activities. Bergenin is distributed in many plant species (at least 112 species belonging to 34 families). Both its derivatives (natural and semisynthetic) and extracts with phytochemical proof of its highest concentration are well studied, and none of the studies showed cytotoxicity for healthy cells.

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium spp. and it is mainly transmitted to humans by female mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles. Malaria is an important global public health problem due to its high rates of morbidity and mortality. At present, drug therapies and vector control with insecticides are respectively the most commonly used methods for the treatment and control of malaria. However, several studies have shown the resistance of Plasmodium to drugs that are recommended for the treatment of malaria. In view of this, it is necessary to carry out studies to discover new antimalarial molecules as lead compounds for the development of new medicines. In this sense, in the last few decades, animal venoms have attracted attention as a potential source for new antimalarial molecules. Therefore, the aim of this review was to summarize animal venom toxins with antimalarial activity found in the literature. From this research, 50 isolated substances, 4 venom fractions and 7 venom extracts from animals such as anurans, spiders, scorpions, snakes, and bees were identified. These toxins act as inhibitors at different key points in the biological cycle of Plasmodium and may be important in the context of the resistance of Plasmodium to currently available antimalarial drugs.

Loss to follow-up (LTFU) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) is a concerning reality in various healthcare services and can occur at any stage of HIV care. LTFU can lead to a decline in overall health and quality of life for PLHIV; moreover, antiretroviral therapy (ART) interruption increase the risk of HIV sexual transmission. This systematic review investigated factors related to LTFU among PLHIV. The review included sources from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and others. We included observational studies published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2024. We identified 36 studies from 20 countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The studies included 69,789 PLHIV, of whom 22% were classified as LTFU. The time frame used to define LTFU varied across studies, ranging from 14 to 365 days. The most frequently reported factors associated with LTFU were younger age, low educational level, financial instability, illicit drug use, stigma, absence of family and social support, and ART side effects. Other relevant factors included long commuting time to healthcare facilities, long waiting time at health units, and issues with provider-patient relationships. Multiple factors may contribute to LTFU among PLHIV in complex and context-dependent ways. To address this issue, healthcare services must develop a comprehensive understanding of the communities they assist, recognizing distinct subgroups and their specific needs. Public health policies should be implemented to promote continuous care for PLHIV, including early diagnosis, multidisciplinary assessment, and social support.

O HIV/AIDS, ainda é um importante problema de saúde pública global. Quando não tratado, infecta e se propaga com muita facilidade. Segundos os dados da UNAIDS, desde o início da epidemia, pelo menos 85,6 Milhões de pessoas foram infectadas por HIV, dos quais 40,4 milhões foram ao óbito por causas associadas ao AIDS. Nesta pesquisa, contextualizamos a origem e expansão da AIDS. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de revisão de literatura, realizada por meio de artigos indexados em bases de dados com acesso institucional. As bases de dados utilizadas foram PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL e Web of Science. Para o estudo ser incluído, deveria atender aos seguintes critérios de elegibilidade: ser publicado em periódico revisado por pares; estudos com abordagem quantitativa, que incluíssem metodologia e resultados relevantes; estudos primários; a ser publicados até Maio de 2024; e ser publicado em inglês, português ou espanhol. O conhecimento da história e os meios de propagação, pode ajudar a melhorar as estratégias de controlo desta importante epidemia.

Loss to follow-up (LTFU) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) impact on the quality of life of PLHIV, and consequently on the ineffectiveness of strategies

| OBJECTIVE: The article aims to analyze the historical policy of mental health and the policies of institutions providing mental health assistance in Amazonas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research was qualitative, using oral and documentary sources. From oral sources, actors involved in the Psychiatric Reform Movement were interviewed and their strategies in the implementation process were described to compose the record of the history of Mental Health and the Psychiatric Reform movement in the state of Amazonas. RESULTS: The research showed that practices of exclusion from the asylum model were predominant in the historical path of care for people suffering from mental disorders in the state of Amazonas. Even though the State approved the state Mental Health law in 2007, it did not implement the Psychiatric Reform, with the creation of substitute services that would meet the demand for mental health in Amazonas. The reform should guarantee assistance through the deinstitutionalization of the only Psychiatric Hospital – the Eduardo Ribeiro Psychiatric Center. In this article, the main actors involved in the Psychiatric Reform Movement and their strategies in the implementation process were identified. The study also analyzed the process of establishing the CAPS Implementation Policy and other substitute services (Therapeutic Residence Services, Community Centers, and others). FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Recording history through testimonies becomes relevant due to the limited records and also due to the fact that some leaders have already passed away.