The choice of appropriate animal models for the initial in vivo testing of potential anticonvulsant compounds is one of the most important steps in the successful search for new antiepileptic drugs. The purpose of this paper is to describe the most important aspects to take into account when performing the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) test in the routine laboratory screening of new antiepileptics: the conventional and threshold MES test experimental procedures, the factors affecting experimental data (laboratory conditions, administration vehicles and drug formulations, time after drug administration, and stimulus duration and site of stimulation) and the assessment of anticonvulsant activity are discussed.

Multimorbidity and its associated polypharmacy contribute to an increase in adverse drug events, hospitalizations, and healthcare spending. This study aimed to address: what exists regarding polypharmacy management in the European Union (EU); why programs were, or were not, developed; and, how identified initiatives were developed, implemented, and sustained. Change management principles (Kotter) and normalization process theory (NPT) informed data collection and analysis. Nine case studies were conducted in eight EU countries: Germany (Lower Saxony), Greece, Italy (Campania), Poland, Portugal, Spain (Catalonia), Sweden (Uppsala), and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland and Scotland). The workflow included a review of country/region specific polypharmacy policies, key informant interviews with stakeholders involved in policy development and implementation and, focus groups of clinicians and managers. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis of individual cases and framework analysis across cases. Polypharmacy initiatives were identified in five regions (Catalonia, Lower Saxony, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Uppsala) and included all care settings. There was agreement, even in cases without initiatives, that polypharmacy is a significant issue to address. Common themes regarding the development and implementation of polypharmacy management initiatives were: locally adapted solutions, organizational culture supporting innovation and teamwork, adequate workforce training, multidisciplinary teams, changes in workflow, redefinition of roles and responsibilities of professionals, policies and legislation supporting the initiative, and data management and information and communication systems to assist development and implementation. Depending on the setting, these were considered either facilitators or barriers to implementation. Within the studied EU countries, polypharmacy management was not widely addressed. These results highlight the importance of change management and theory-based implementation strategies, and provide examples of polypharmacy management initiatives that can assist managers and policymakers in developing new programs or scaling up existing ones, particularly in places currently lacking such initiatives.

Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoriaL.) (Ae) is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory and oxidative related diseases. Therefore, this study focuses on the anti‐inflammatory and analgesic potential of Ae infusion (AeI). Phenolic compounds characterization was achieved by HPLC‐PDA‐ESI/MSⁿ. To evaluate antioxidant potential, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and SNAP assays were used. In vitro anti‐inflammatory activity of AeI was investigated in LPS‐stimulated macrophages by measuring the NO production. In vivo anti‐inflammatory activity was validated using the mouse carrageenan‐induced paw edema model. Peripheral and central analgesic potential was evaluated using the acetic acid‐induced writhing and hot‐plate tests, respectively, as well as the formalin assay to assess both activities. The safety profile was disclosed in vitro and in vivo, using MTT and hematoxylin assays, respectively. Vitexin, quercetinO‐galloyl‐hexoside, and kaempferolO‐acetyl‐hexosyl‐rhamnoside were referred to in this species for the first time. AeI and mainly AePF (Ae polyphenolic fraction) showed a significant antiradical activity against all tested radicals. Both AeI and AePF decreased NO levels in vitro, AePF being more active than AeI. In vivo anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activities were verified for both samples at concentrations devoid of toxicity. Agrimony infusion and, mainly, AePF are potential sources of antiradical and anti‐inflammatory polyphenols.