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Background: The study of emotions in engineering education (EEE) has increased in recent years, but this emerging, multidisciplinary body of research is dispersed and not well consolidated. This paper reports on the first systematic review of EEE research and scholarship. Purpose: The review aimed to critically assess how researchers and scholars in engineering education have conceptualized emotions and how those conceptualizations have been used to frame and conduct EEE research and scholarship. Scope/Method: The systematic review followed the procedures of a configurative meta-synthesis, mapping emotion theories and concepts, research purposes and methods, and citation patterns in the EEE literature. The review proceeded through five stages: (i) scoping and database searching; (ii) abstract screening, full text sifting, and full text review; (iii) pearling; (iv) scoping review, and (v) in-depth analysis for the meta-synthesis review. Two hundred and thirteen publications were included in the final analysis. Results: The results show that the EEE literature has not extensively engaged with the wide range of conceptualizations of emotion available in the educational, psychological, and sociological literature. Further, the focus on emotion often seems to have been unintentional and of secondary importance in studies whose primary goals were to study other phenomena. Conclusions: More research adopting intentional, theorized approaches to emotions will be crucial in further developing the field. To do justice to complex emotional phenomena in teaching and learning, future EEE research will also need to engage a broader range of conceptualizations of emotion and research methods, drawing on diverse disciplinary traditions.

Music, a universal element in human societies, possesses a profound ability to evoke emotions and influence mood. This systematic review explores the utilization of music to allow self-control of brain activity and its implications in clinical neuroscience. Focusing on music-based neurofeedback studies, it explores methodological aspects and findings to propose future directions. Three key questions are addressed: the rationale behind using music as a stimulus, its integration into the feedback loop, and the outcomes of such interventions. While studies emphasize the emotional link between music and brain activity, mechanistic explanations are lacking. Additionally, there is no consensus on the imaging or behavioral measures of neurofeedback success. The review suggests considering whole-brain neural correlates of music stimuli and their interaction with target brain networks and reward mechanisms when designing music-neurofeedback studies. Ultimately, this review aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, facilitating a deeper understanding of music's role in neurofeedback and guiding future investigations.

Diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia are significant health concerns that elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease and other metabolic disorders, necessitating effective management strategies. Recent research has highlighted the potential role of dietary fats, particularly seed oils, in influencing health outcomes in these conditions. This systematic review evaluates the impact of seed oils on lipid profiles, inflammatory and oxidative markers, and glycemic control in patients with diabetes and dyslipidemia. A comprehensive search across databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, identified studies focusing on the effects of seed oils. The studies include randomized controlled, parallel-design, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and open-label studies published in English. The quality of the studies was assessed through a detailed review process, and data were extracted to evaluate the effects of seed oils on key metabolic markers. The review included 11 studies demonstrating that seed oils derived from canola, flaxseed, and sesame seeds can positively influence lipid profiles and glycemic control while potentially modulating oxidative stress markers. The findings suggest that seed oils may benefit in managing diabetes and dyslipidemia, although the results are sometimes inconsistent. This review provides valuable insights for dietary recommendations and therapeutic strategies, highlighting the need for further research to clarify the role of seed oils in metabolic health.

Introduction: Thoracolumbar (TL) transition trauma is frequent and challenging. Although short- (SSPF) and long-segment posterior fixation (LSPF) are its mainstay treatment, little is known about their failure rates and reasons behind it. Research question: understand why TL instrumentations fail and what factors influence it. Materials and methods: Retrospective, cohort, unicentric analysis on adult patients with acute TL trauma treated with percutaneous transpedicular SSPF or LSPF. Two groups were created, according to the presence of treatment failure at follow-up. We analyzed whether age ≥65 years old, fracture segment, posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury, load sharing classification (LSC) score >6, type of instrumentation (SSPF vs LSPF) and abnormal bone mineral density (BMD) were associated with failure. To achieve this, we evaluated radiological parameters at the preoperative, postoperative and follow-up appointments. Results: 87 patients were included: 60 (69.0%) without failure and 27 (31.0%) with. Age ≥65 years old (aOR = 3.66, p = 0.020), PLC injury (aOR = 2.94, p = 0.048) and SSPF (aOR = 6.75, p = 0.013) were statistically significant factors contributing to failure. The first two also presented shorter times to failure (35.2 vs 69.1 months, p = 0.013, and 25.2 vs 69.1 months, p = 0.037, respectively). In PLC injured patients, there was no statistically significant difference between SSPF vs LSPF. Discussion and conclusions: We conclude that age >65 years old, PLC injury and SSPF may be correlated with instrumentation failure. The first two factors were also associated with a shorter time to failure.

Background: In recent years “resilience” has become framed as a positive attribute, contributing to student success within higher education (HE). The need for students to develop and demonstrate resilience seems pertinent within engineering degrees which are often associated with heavy workloads, high rates of attrition and increased mental health issues. Secondly, engineering degrees prepare students for a profession, and likely place emphasis on graduate attributes such as resilience. Finally, the rate of technological advancement and societal change places additional demands on graduates to adapt to career changes. Purpose/Hypothesis: Despite emphasis on the benefits of demonstrating resilience, there is a lack of research focusing on how it is understood and taught within engineering education. In this work we seek to understand how engineering educators conceptualize resilience, whether they feel responsibility to help students develop resilience, and their approach to this. Design/Method: Data was collected via semi-structured interviews with thirteen individuals from two UK based universities. Transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA). Results: Although resilience is considered a desirable attribute for engineering graduates, this work highlights differences in the degree to which educators feel responsible for its development, as well as methods which they may adopt. The significant variation in the way the term is conceptualized (being associated with adaptability, as well as resistance to change) has several implications for intervention design. Conclusion: Given emphasis on both resilience and student mental health within HE discourse, there is a need for institutions, as well as employers, to provide strong messaging regarding what is meant by the term and how they believe it presents as an attribute of engineering graduates. There should also be sustained, intentional efforts to stop the use of deficit-based language and approaches which fail to recognize wider structural inequalities that exist within institutions and the engineering profession more widely.

The therapeutic potential of bee venom-derived peptides, particularly apamin and melittin, in cancer treatment has garnered significant attention as a promising avenue for advancing oncology. This systematic review examines preclinical studies highlighting the emerging role of these peptides in enhancing cancer therapies. Melittin and apamin, when conjugated with other therapeutic agents or formulated into novel delivery systems, have demonstrated improved efficacy in targeting tumor cells. Key findings indicate that melittin-based conjugates, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated versions, show potential in enhancing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing toxicity across various cancer models. Similarly, apamin-conjugated formulations have improved the efficacy of established anti-cancer drugs, contributing to enhanced targeting and reduced systemic toxicity. These developments underscore a growing interest in leveraging bee venom-derived peptides as adjuncts in cancer therapy. The integration of these peptides into treatment regimens offers a promising strategy to address current limitations in cancer treatment, such as drug resistance and off-target effects. However, comprehensive validation through clinical trials is essential to confirm their safety and effectiveness in human patients. This review highlights the global emergence of bee venom-derived peptides in cancer treatment, advocating for continued research and development to fully realize their therapeutic potential.

Neurodegenerative diseases comprise a group of chronic, usually age-related, disorders characterized by progressive neuronal loss, deformation of neuronal structure, or loss of neuronal function, leading to a substantially reduced quality of life. They remain a significant focus of scientific and clinical interest due to their increasing medical and social importance. Most neurodegenerative diseases present intracellular protein aggregation or their extracellular deposition (plaques), such as α-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease and amyloid beta (Aβ)/tau aggregates in Alzheimer’s. Conventional treatments for neurodegenerative conditions incur high costs and are related to the development of several adverse effects. In addition, many patients are irresponsive to them. For these reasons, there is a growing tendency to find new therapeutic approaches to help patients. This review intends to investigate some phytocompounds’ effects on neurodegenerative diseases. These conditions are generally related to increased oxidative stress and inflammation, so phytocompounds can help prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases. To achieve our aim to provide a critical assessment of the current literature about phytochemicals targeting neurodegeneration, we reviewed reputable databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and COCHRANE, seeking clinical trials that utilized phytochemicals against neurodegenerative conditions. A few clinical trials investigated the effects of phytocompounds in humans, and after screening, 13 clinical trials were ultimately included following PRISMA guidelines. These compounds include polyphenols (flavonoids such as luteolin and quercetin, phenolic acids such as rosmarinic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid, and other polyphenols like resveratrol), alkaloids (such as berberine, huperzine A, and caffeine), and terpenoids (such as ginkgolides and limonene). The gathered evidence underscores that quercetin, caffeine, ginkgolides, and other phytochemicals are primarily anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective, counteracting neuroinflammation, neuronal oxidation, and synaptic dysfunctions, which are crucial aspects of neurodegenerative disease intervention in various included conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and other dementias, depression, and neuropsychiatric disorders. In summary, they show that the use of these compounds is related to significant improvements in cognition, memory, disinhibition, irritability/lability, aberrant behavior, hallucinations, and mood disorders.

Melatonin is indispensable for the homeostasis of plants and animals. In humans, it can help prevent or be an adjuvant treatment for several diseases mainly related to the immune system, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Moreover, a melatonin-rich diet is linked to several health benefits, such as regulation of circadian rhythm, regulation of the immunological system, epilepsy control, delaying the aging process, and diminishing hormones related to cancer. This review aimed to show the effects of melatonin in diseases beyond its traditional use. The results showed it can present scavenging of free radicals, reducing inflammatory cytokines, and modulating the immune system. Moreover, it can improve insulin resistance, blood pressure, LDL-c, adipose tissue mass, adhesion molecules, endothelial impairment, and plaque formation. These effects result in neuro- and cardioprotection, improvement of liver diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis, COVID-19, polycystic ovaries, and sepsis. We conclude that plant melatonin can benefit patients with many diseases besides sleep problems and neurodegeneration. Plant melatonin may be more cost-effective and present fewer adverse events than synthetic. However, more clinical trials should be performed to show adequate doses, formulation, and treatment time.

Volume 13, número 3, jul./set. 2024 ISSN 2358-1824 Cadernos Ibero-Americanos de Direito Sanitário (CIADS) é um periódico trimestral, de acesso aberto, editado pelo Programa de Direito Sanitário da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz/Brasília desde 2012. É dirigido a professores, pesquisadores e estudantes de Direito, Ciências da Saúde e Ciências Sociais; operadores do Direito; profissionais de saúde e gestores de serviços e sistemas de saúde. Seu objetivo é difundir e estimular o desenvolvimento do Direito Sanitário na região ibero-americana, promovendo o debate dos grandes temas e principais desafios do Direito Sanitário contemporâneo. EQUIPE EDITORIAL Editora-chefe Sandra Mara Campos Alves, Programa de Direito Sanitário, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Brasília, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6171-4558 Editor Assistente Jarbas Ricardo Almeida Cunha, Núcleo de Saúde, Defensoria Pública da União, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5332-2642 Editores Associados Marcelo Lamy, Universidade Santa Cecília, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8519-2280 Edith Ramos, Universidade Federal do Maranhão/Universidade CEUMA, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6064-1879 Editor-executivo Gabriel Teles Viana, Programa de Direito Sanitário, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Brasília, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9511-6548 Assistente Editorial Danilo Silva Santos Rocha, Programa de Direito Sanitário, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Brasília, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7487-2309 Revisora de Texto Mirna Barcelos, Programa de Direito Sanitário, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Brasília, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2852-1644 Tradução David Elias Cardoso Câmara, Programa de Direito Sanitário, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Brasília, Brasil CONSELHO EDITORIAL CIENTÍFICO André den Exter, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Erasmus School of Law, Holanda https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0938-6603 André Dias Pereira, Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4793-3855 Angel Pelayo Gonzáles-Torre, Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo, Espanha https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6254-9651 Caristina Robaina Aguirre, Instituto Nacional de Salud de los Trabajadores, Cuba https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7725-4242 Eli Iola Gurgel Andrade, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Medicina, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0206-2462 Giancarlo Corsi, Università Degli Studi Di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Itália https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3259-5734 Hernando Torres Corredor, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Facultad de Derecho, Ciencias Políticas y Sociailes, Colômbia Joaquín Cayon de las Cuevas, Universidad de Cantabria, Facultad de Derecho, Espanha https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1027-9717 Jose Geraldo de Sousa Junior, Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Direito, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8974-2283 Márcio Nunes Iorio Aranha Oliveira, Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Direito, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9436-0987 Maria Célia Delduque, Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5351-3534 Miriam Ventura da Silva, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8520-8844 Paula Lobato de Faria, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3290-4480 Vera Lúcia Raposo, Universidade de Coimbra, Faculdade de Direito, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7895-2181

Background/Objectives: Degenerative musculoskeletal diseases represent a global health problem due to the progressive deterioration of affected individuals. As a bioactive compound, catechins have shown osteoprotective properties by stimulating osteoblastic cells and inhibiting bone resorption. Thus, this review aimed to address the mechanism of action of catechins on bone tissue. Methods: The search was applied to PubMed without limitations in date, language, or article type. Fifteen articles matched the topic and objective of this review. Results: EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) and epicatechin demonstrated action on the osteogenic markers RANKL, TRAP, and NF-κβ and expression of BMPs and ALP, thus improving the bone microarchitecture. Studies on animals showed the action of EGCG in increasing calcium and osteoprotegerin levels, in addition to regulating the transcription factor NF-ATc1 associated with osteoclastogenesis. However, it did not show any effect on osteocalcin and RANK. Regarding human studies, EGCG reduced the risk of fracture in a dose-dependent manner. In periodontal tissue, EGCG reduced IL-6, TNF, and RANKL in vitro and in vivo. Human studies showed a reduction in periodontal pockets, gingival index, and clinical attachment level. The action of EGCG on membranes and hydrogels showed biocompatible and osteoinductive properties on the microenvironment of bone tissue by stimulating the expression of osteogenic growth factors and increasing osteocalcin and alkaline phosphate levels, thus promoting new bone formation. Conclusions: EGCG stimulates cytokines related to osteogenes, increasing bone mineral density, reducing osteoclastogenesis factors, and showing great potential as a therapeutic strategy for reducing the risk of bone fractures.

Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is a clinical–pathological scenario that occurs due to the accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes which is considered a significant cause of liver conditions and contributes to an increased risk of death worldwide. Even though the possible causes of MAFLD can involve the interaction of genetics, hormones, and nutrition, lifestyle (diet and sedentary lifestyle) is the most influential factor in developing this condition. Polyphenols comprise many natural chemical compounds that can be helpful in managing metabolic diseases. Therefore, the aim of this review was to investigate the impact of oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the role of polyphenols in managing MAFLD. Some polyphenols can reverse part of the liver damage related to inflammation, oxidative stress, or mitochondrial dysfunction, and among them are anthocyanin, baicalin, catechin, curcumin, chlorogenic acid, didymin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, luteolin, mangiferin, puerarin, punicalagin, resveratrol, and silymarin. These compounds have actions in reducing plasma liver enzymes, body mass index, waist circumference, adipose visceral indices, lipids, glycated hemoglobin, insulin resistance, and the HOMA index. They also reduce nuclear factor-KB (NF-KB), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), blood pressure, liver fat content, steatosis index, and fibrosis. On the other hand, they can improve HDL-c, adiponectin levels, and fibrogenesis markers. These results show that polyphenols are promising in the prevention and treatment of MAFLD.

Overall, the indications for operating on spinal disorders are increasing as reflected by the total number of spine surgeries. Spine surgery usually involves decompression and/or fusion of one or more spine levels (1, 2, 3). However, regardless of the pathology and surgical technique used, there is a variable percentage of patients who remain symptomatic and with functional disability (2, 4, 5).

This paper presents the conceptual design of the HumanEnerg Hotspot, an agile toolkit aimed at addressing the human energy crisis in the context of Industry 5.0. The toolkit has been developed using a blend of Design Science Research (DSR) and Human-Centered Design (HCD) methodologies, enabling a comprehensive human-centered problem identification and solution-seeking approach. The toolkit includes a variety of strategies, techniques, frameworks, and resource recommendations for industry use and has been designed to be easily adaptable for use in diverse industry settings. The toolkit is intended to support the European Union’s goal for industry to influence society through a human-centric approach to Industry 5.0 by prioritizing human energy reinforcement and creating a more resilient and productive workforce. The toolkit provides a valuable resource for employees and managers alike and offers a promising solution for addressing the human energy crisis in the era of Industry 5.0.

The term 'global responsibility' projects a holistic sense of ethics, sustainability, and obligation. To achieve the long-term viability of human life on Earth, civil engineering must be conducted in increasingly responsible ways, and civil engineers must value and enact global responsibility in their work. Interviews conducted with nine civil engineers in London provide insight regarding engineers' familiarity with the term, how they learned about it, what opportunities and barriers they face, and what might be done by professional and educational institutions to help them practice more responsibly. Results indicate: the term itself is novel but underlying concepts are not; continuing professional development has played a crucial role in their understanding; material selection and Health & Safety represent primary avenues for contributing responsibly at work. This paper provides advice to professional institutions regarding transparencies, procedures, and metrics to enhance the UK workplace and ideas for educational institutions preparing engineering students for practice.

Patient positioning on the surgical table is a critical step in every spine surgery. The most common surgical positions in spine surgery are supine, prone and lateral decubitus. There are countless lesions that can occur during spine surgery due to patient mispositioning. Ulnar nerve and brachial plexus injuries are the most common nerve lesions seen in malpositioned patients. Devastating complications due to increased intraocular pressure or excessive abdominal pressure can also occur in prone decubitus and are real concerns that the surgical team must be aware of. All members of the surgical team (including surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses) should know how to correctly position the patient, identify possible positioning errors and know how to avoid them in order to prevent postoperative morbidity. This work pretends to do a review of the most common positions during spine surgery, alert to errors that can happen during the procedure and how to avoid them.

Volume 12, número 4, out./dez. 2023 ISSN 2358-1824 Cadernos Ibero-Americanos de Direito Sanitário (CIADS) é um periódico trimestral, de acesso aberto, editado pelo Programa de Direito Sanitário da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz/Brasília desde 2012. É dirigido a professores, pesquisadores e estudantes de Direito, Ciências da Saúde e Ciências Sociais; operadores do Direito; profissionais de saúde e gestores de serviços e sistemas de saúde. Seu objetivo é difundir e estimular o desenvolvimento do Direito Sanitário na região ibero-americana, promovendo o debate dos grandes temas e principais desafios do Direito Sanitário contemporâneo. EQUIPE EDITORIAL Editora-chefe Sandra Mara Campos Alves, Programa de Direito Sanitário, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Brasília, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6171-4558 Editor Assistente Jarbas Ricardo Almeida Cunha, Núcleo de Saúde, Defensoria Pública da União, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5332-2642 Editores Associados Marcelo Lamy, Universidade Santa Cecília, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8519-2280 Edith Ramos, Universidade Federal do Maranhão/Universidade CEUMA, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6064-1879 Editora-executiva Glaucia Cristina dos Santos Cruz, Programa de Direito Sanitário, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Brasília, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9511-6548 Assistente Editorial Danilo Silva Santos Rocha, Programa de Direito Sanitário, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Brasília, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7487-2309 CONSELHO EDITORIAL CIENTÍFICO André den Exter, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Erasmus School of Law, Holanda https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0938-6603 André Dias Pereira, Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4793-3855 Angel Pelayo Gonzáles-Torre, Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo, Espanha https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6254-9651 Caristina Robaina Aguirre, Instituto Nacional de Salud de los Trabajadores, Cuba https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7725-4242 Eli Iola Gurgel Andrade, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Medicina, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0206-2462 Giancarlo Corsi, Università Degli Studi Di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Itália https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3259-5734 Hernando Torres Corredor, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Facultad de Derecho, Ciencias Políticas y Sociailes, Colômbia Joaquín Cayon de las Cuevas, Universidad de Cantabria, Facultad de Derecho, Espanha https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1027-9717 Jose Geraldo de Sousa Junior, Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Direito, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8974-2283 Márcio Nunes Iorio Aranha Oliveira, Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Direito, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9436-0987 Maria Célia Delduque, Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5351-3534 Miriam Ventura da Silva, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8520-8844 Paula Lobato de Faria, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3290-4480 Vera Lúcia Raposo, Universidade de Coimbra, Faculdade de Direito, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7895-2181

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a stealthy and progressive neurological disorder that is a leading cause of dementia in the global elderly population, imposing a significant burden on both the elderly and society. Currently, the condition is treated with medications that alleviate symptoms. Nonetheless, these drugs may not consistently produce the desired results and can cause serious side effects. Hence, there is a vigorous pursuit of alternative options to enhance the quality of life for patients. Ginkgo biloba (GB), an herb with historical use in traditional medicine, contains bioactive compounds such as terpenoids (Ginkgolides A, B, and C), polyphenols, organic acids, and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin). These compounds are associated with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, making them valuable for cognitive health. A systematic search across three databases using specific keywords—GB in AD and dementia—yielded 1702 documents, leading to the selection of 15 clinical trials for synthesis. In eleven studies, GB extract/EGb 761® was shown to improve cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and functional abilities in both dementia types. In four studies, however, there were no significant differences between the GB-treated and placebo groups. Significant improvements were observed in scores obtained from the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Short Cognitive Performance Test (SKT), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). While the majority of synthesized clinical trials show that Ginkgo biloba has promising potential for the treatment of these conditions, more research is needed to determine optimal dosages, effective delivery methods, and appropriate pharmaceutical formulations. Furthermore, a thorough assessment of adverse effects, exploration of long-term use implications, and investigation into potential drug interactions are critical aspects that must be carefully evaluated in future studies.

There is a growing trend among consumers to seek out natural foods and products with natural ingredients. This shift in consumer preferences had a direct impact on both food and pharmaceutical industries, leading to a focus of scientific research and commercial efforts to meet these new demands. The aim of this work is to review recent available scientific data on foods of interest, such as the artichoke, gooseberry, and polygonoideae plants, as well as olive oil and red raspberries. Interestingly, the urgency of solutions to the climate change emergency has brought new attention to by-products of grapevine bunch stem and cane, which have been found to contain bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. There is a pressing need for a faster process of translating scientific knowledge from the laboratory to real-world applications, especially in the face of the increasing societal burden associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), environmental crises, the post-pandemic world, and ongoing violent conflicts around the world.