Conectar
by Patricia Fiorino, Luigi Fernandes Rosa Cauduro, Danielle Silberspitz Konig, Leonardo Fernandes Rosa Cauduro, Caio de Araujo Santos, Juliana Alves Kavai, Isadora Durigan Duarte, Anna Laura Viacava Américo
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are widely used as models in cardiovascular research due to their rapid development, optical transparency, and genetic similarity to humans. However, the lack of standardized experimental conditions, particularly regarding developmental stage and microenvironmental parameters, limits reproducibility across studies. This study aimed to characterize cardiovascular function in Zebrafish larvae and evaluate the impact of developmental stage and environmental factors. Wild-type AB embryos were maintained under standard conditions, and heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), and ejection fraction (EF) were measured at 24, 30, 48, 52, 56, 72, 78, and 80 hours post-fertilization (hpf). The effects of variations in temperature (27.0, 27.5, and 28.0 °C) and pH (7.0, 7.4, and 8.0) were also assessed. Results showed a progressive increase in HR from 24 to 72 hpf, stabilizing thereafter. CO exhibited two phases of elevation: an early rise between 24–48 hpf and a stronger increase between 48–56 hpf. EF remained generally stable, with a transient reduction at 48 hpf. Cardiovascular performance reached a physiologically stable state after 72 hpf, defining a reliable window for functional studies. Environmental conditions modulated these parameters: temperature variation induced approximately 20% difference in HR and reduced EF, while CO was minimally affected. In contrast, pH variations within the physiological range had no significant impact on HR, CO, or EF. These findings highlight developmental and environmental variables that may influence cardiovascular measurements in Zebrafish larvae and support the development of more consistent experimental approaches in cardiovascular and toxicological research.The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for alternative healthcare delivery models, leading to the development of Continuous Remote Patient Monitoring (CRPM). CRPM allows for real-time monitoring of high-risk patients, reducing the burden on hospital resources. The integration of virtual nursing into CRPM has enhanced remote care capabilities, though it has also introduced new challenges related to patient safety and staffing, that is, nurse-to-patient ratios.
This scoping review aims to explore the current evidence on virtual nursing using CRPM and identify challenges or barriers that help further future research and healthcare practices.
This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Eligible studies focused on virtual nursing with physiological monitoring in either remote hospital or home-based care settings, with explicit examination of nursing care and its impact on patient and nursing outcomes. Peer-reviewed articles published in the past 10 years in English were included. Four databases (Ovid, PubMed, CINAHL, and Medline) were searched with support from a medical librarian. After screening 207 records using Covidence, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently screened all records, with a third resolving discrepancies. Data was charted using a standardized extraction template.
Seventeen studies were included in this review. CRPM was associated with reported benefits in managing chronic conditions, extending acute care into home settings, and enhancing healthcare system adaptability, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical benefits included early detection of health deterioration, reduced hospital readmissions, and improved patient satisfaction. Nurses played a pivotal role in physiologic data interpretation and intervention, highlighting the importance of continuous oversight in achieving favorable outcomes. However, implementation challenges, such as alert fatigue, data overload, user interface complexity, and financial sustainability were consistently reported. These findings underscore the need for improved data management systems, targeted nurse training, and sustainable funding models to support broader CRPM adoption.
Virtual nursing within CRPM demonstrates strong potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospitalizations by extending inpatient-level physiologic surveillance into home-based and hospital-at-home settings through continuous, nurse-led monitoring. Successful integration of this model into routine practice will require addressing challenges related to data management, clinician workload associated with 24/7 surveillance, and sustainable funding mechanisms to support continuous virtual nursing coverage.
To systematically map the landscape of central venous access device research from 2014 to 2024, identifying critical gaps in evidence that may impact nursing practice and patient outcomes across the full device lifecycle from selection through to removal.
This review was conducted in accordance with the Guidance for producing a Campbell evidence and gap map and reported following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.
PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature Complete, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched with additional hand-searching of reference lists from included reviews.
We systematically reviewed literature published between 2014 and 2024, mapping 710 studies on central venous access device interventions and outcomes. Studies were categorised by design, population, setting, device characteristics, intervention types, and outcomes. Evidence was evaluated using the National Health and Medical Research Council levels of evidence framework.
Of 710 included studies, 89 were systematic reviews and 621 primary studies, of which 41.1% (n = 292) were randomised controlled trials. Research was primarily conducted in high-income countries (n = 405, 65.2%) and focused on adults (n = 370, 59.6%) in hospital inpatient settings (n = 588, 94.7%). Catheter insertion and infection prevention dominated the evidence base, while device selection and removal procedures were less studied. Infection outcomes were extensively reported (bloodstream infection: n = 455, 13.6% of 3349 outcomes), while patient-reported outcomes (n = 218, 6.5%) and cost (n = 60, 1.8%) were underrepresented.
This review reveals that central venous access device research is predominantly focused on insertion and infection prevention while other key parts of nursing practice are under-supported.
Future nursing research should address these gaps to improve evidence-based care across diverse populations and healthcare contexts, particularly focusing on understudied device types, settings, and vulnerable populations.
This review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Guidance for producing a Campbell evidence and gap map.
This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.
To assess the effect of three educational interventions on self-management behaviours among individuals at risk of diabetes in Burkina Faso, Comoros and Mali, using cluster analysis to identify distinct respondent profiles.
Single-arm before–after longitudinal study with 6-month follow-up.
Community screening initiatives and antenatal clinics in Burkina Faso, Comoros and Mali.
540 adults at risk of diabetes (body mass index ≥25 kg/m² and/or family history of diabetes and/or impaired fasting glucose ≥1.10 g/L; mean age 38.2 years, 69% female) recruited through community screening initiatives and antenatal clinics in Burkina Faso, Comoros and Mali.
Three educational interventions: (1) social media video broadcasting, (2) peer educator outreach and (3) gestational diabetes education at antenatal clinics.
Changes in domain-specific Health Education Impact Questionnaire scores over 6 months assessed using Cohen’s d effect sizes.
Of the 540 initial participants, 528 responded to the follow-up survey 6 months later. Cluster analysis revealed two distinct self-management profiles: cluster 1 showed significant improvement in only two domains, self-monitoring (d=0.35, p=0.006) and skill acquisition (d=0.30, p=0.020), indicating limited but focused gains. In contrast, cluster 2 suggested significant progress in seven out of eight domains, including large gains in positive engagement in life (d=0.74, p
Distinct self-management profiles among diabetes-risk populations revealed critical heterogeneity that demands tailored, context-specific public health strategies to effectively address diverse needs and optimise prevention efforts.
To explore the views of healthcare practitioners in Britain regarding the role of midwives and nurses in the delivery of medical and surgical abortion.
An observational study of the Shaping Abortion for Change study healthcare practitioner survey (2021–2022).
Relationships between healthcare practitioner type, participant characteristics, knowledge of and attitudes towards abortion, and views about nurses' and midwives' role in abortion care were examined using Pearson's Chi-squared tests of association and multivariable logistic regression.
Amongst 763 participants including doctors, nurses, midwives and pharmacists, 71.6% supported specialist nurses in sexual and reproductive health and abortion clinics and hospitals, expanding their roles to include prescribing abortion medications and surgical abortion methods. Support was lower for midwives (35.8%) and primary care nurses (32.5%). There was considerable support for all nursing and midwifery groups to be involved in adjacent tasks of abortion care. Differences in support by healthcare practitioner type persisted after adjustment for exposure variables.
There is strong support for specialist nurses to expand their role in abortion care. This change could be implemented following clarification of the legal position. Some healthcare practitioner groups are more reluctant to support broader involvement of nurses and midwives in abortion provision.
Expanding specialist nurses' role in abortion care could increase service capacity and improve patient access and experience. Understanding and addressing the concerns of healthcare practitioners opposing this change is critical for successful implementation and patient safety.
This study addresses the potential for nurse and midwife role expansion in abortion care. The findings highlight broad support for specialist nurses whilst identifying barriers to wider role expansion. The research informs policy discussions on workforce optimisation and access to abortion services across Britain.
This study adheres to the STROBE guidelines for reporting observational studies.
In the SACHA study, patient and public involvement was included at all stages to inform study design, recruitment, data collection and analysis.
Heart failure is a leading cause of hospitalisation and often coexists with seven comorbid conditions on average. This study aimed to examine the gender differences in disease burden, symptom burden, and quality of life among older adults with heart failure and multimorbidity.
Cross-sectional study.
This study utilised a baseline survey from an ongoing cohort study in 2022–2023. Adults aged ≥ 50 years with heart failure and more than one chronic condition were recruited from a university-affiliated hospital using an electronic patient portal. Disease burden was measured using a modified Disease Burden Impact Scale. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale and EuroQoL-5D-5L assessed symptom burden and quality of life. Gender differences in baseline outcomes were examined using Pearson's Chi-square tests, Welch's t-tests, and multiple linear regressions.
Among 353 participants who completed the baseline survey, the mean (±SD) age was 70 (±9.5) years, and 50.1% were women (mean age: 67 ± 9 vs. men: 72 ± 10). In adjusted models, women had 4.9 points higher disease burden (p = 0.003) and reported higher symptom scores of pain (p = 0.018), tiredness (p = 0.021), nausea (p = 0.007), and loss of appetite compared to men (p = 0.036). Women had significantly more moderate/severe problems in usual activities and pain/discomfort and 0.07 points lower EuroQoL index than men (p = 0.010).
There were gender differences in disease/symptom burdens and quality of life. Women living with heart failure and multimorbidity had higher burdens but lower quality of life.
Identifying gender differences among people with heart failure and multimorbidity can be the first step to explaining health disparities. Research should take more inclusive and equitable approaches to address these differences. Healthcare providers, including nurses, should implement targeted strategies for effective multimorbidity management by considering these differences and disparities in clinical settings.
STROBE checklist, cross-sectional.
No patient or public contribution.
To review the evidence on the experiences and perceptions of culturally and linguistically diverse informal carers supporting older adults during transitions from hospital to home, including their interactions with transitional care interventions.
Scoping review guided by Arksey and O'Malley's framework.
We searched CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, AMED, PsycINFO, Global Health, Social Work Abstracts, JBI EBP, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, ProQuest and Informit for studies published between January 2010 and November 2024.
Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data. Analysis followed the Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence for Practice and Research recommendations framework.
Seventeen studies involving 1275 carers were included. Carer experiences were summarised into four themes: (1) cultural and communication barriers; (2) role ambiguity and practical challenges; (3) limited involvement in discharge planning and (4) barriers to accessing support and services. Perceptions of transitional care interventions were mixed. While some interventions improved carer preparedness and reduced stress, most lacked cultural tailoring and did not address carers' psychosocial and communication needs.
Culturally and linguistically diverse informal carers face challenges navigating transitional care. While involving them in care planning improves outcomes, implementation remains inconsistent. Emotional support and culturally tailored services are insufficient.
There is a need for culturally and linguistically tailored transitional care programmes that prioritise carer education and communication support. Key areas for improvement include: (1) health literacy and system navigation; (2) involvement in care planning; (3) communication with providers; (4) psychosocial and emotional support and (5) culturally appropriate services. Future research should explore the unique emotional and psychosocial needs of these carers to inform targeted support strategies.
This review follows the PRISMA guideline for reporting.
No patient or public contribution.
Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is widely used to facilitate healing by improving local perfusion, reducing edema and controlling exudate. The porous foam dressing is central to NPWT effectiveness, however, its performance in viscous, particle-rich exudates remains challenging. Standard industry tests often rely on protein-free aqueous solutions, which overlook the complex rheology and particulate load of real wounds. This study reports a bench evaluation of a multilayer foam prototype compared with three commercial dressings under NPWT, using a simulated viscous exudate with suspended particles. We recorded 60-min drainage curves and quantified effluent turbidity as a simple, interpretable proxy for particulate transport, summarised as percentage of input turbidity recovered. The mass-based endpoint (percent solid matter recovered) showed the same ranking as turbidity. At −75 mmHg, the prototype recovered 31.6% of input turbidity, exceeding commercial foams (≤ 9.7%). At −125 mmHg, particulate recovery decreased across all dressings (≤ 9.1%). A matrix-only control indicated that commercial effluents, particularly at −75 mmHg, clustered near background level, whereas the prototype evacuated substantially more particulate while maintaining robust fluid drainage. These findings suggest that moderate negative pressure and multilayer architecture can help preserve channel patency and reduce clogging in complex exudates. We highlight the need for test methodologies that incorporate viscosity and particulate content, and for practical guidance that links dressing architecture and pressure settings to exudate characteristics. Prospective validation, including larger-sample confirmation, particle-size distributions and ultimately clinical endpoints, is warranted.
Effective communication is essential between health professionals during surgical procedures for delivery of safe patient care. The influence of noise on communication during critical moments of surgery and on communication failures is unclear.
To examine communication events among health professionals in the operating room and investigate the influence of noise on communication.
Non-participatory observations were undertaken of communication between health professionals during surgical procedures while simultaneously measuring sound pressure levels. Audio visual recording was used to document communication events, ensuring data accuracy. A generalised linear mixed model was used to examine relationships between various explanatory variables and the presence of at least one communication failure. The STROBE checklist guided the reporting of this paper.
A representative range of procedures was observed from diverse surgical specialties (N = 80). Observations comprised 2274 communication events; communication failures were observed in 24% and repeated communication was observed in 25% of all communication events. The mean maximum sound pressure levels were 64.9 dB[A] for communication events, 64.5 dB[A] for communication failures and 65.5 dB[A] for repeats. The type of surgical procedure, the emergence from anaesthesia compared to other phases of surgery, communication related to the surgical safety checklist, communication related to the surgical count, the presence of multitasking, and the use of surgical facemasks, were associated with the presence of at least one communication failure.
This research identified the inherent risks and occurrence of communication failure in noisy operating room environments where health professionals are undertaking complex cognitive tasks and where effective communication is essential to ensure patient safety.
This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.
To examine factors, including symptom burden profiles and self-care, associated with quality of life among individuals with heart failure and multimorbidity.
A cross-sectional design.
353 adults aged 50 years or older with heart failure and at least one additional chronic condition were recruited from a university-affiliated hospital. Three symptom burden groups were identified (low, moderate, and high) through latent profile analysis of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale scores. The Heart Failure Self-care Index and EuroQoL-5D-5L measured self-care behaviours and quality of life. This study examined group differences and associations overall and stratified by symptom burden groups via multivariable linear regression.
A higher disease burden and the high symptom burden group compared to the low symptom burden group were associated with lower quality of life. Self-care maintenance was positively associated with a higher quality of life, but not in the high-burden group. Among individual symptoms, pain and depression were associated with lower quality of life. In the high-burden group, older age was positively associated with quality of life. Higher symptom burden groups included a greater proportion of women and middle-aged adults.
Symptom burden and self-care maintenance show significant associations with quality of life in multimorbidity. Symptom burden profiles identified through latent profile analysis may complement conventional approaches by targeting high-risk individuals, such as middle-aged individuals and women with high symptom burden, for follow-up and integrated multimorbidity management.
For healthcare providers, including nurses, these findings underscore the importance of holistic, symptom-based care approaches combined with routine support for self-care maintenance. Adopting a life-course approach, through early identification and management of high-risk individuals, may help promote aging in place with a better quality of life for those with heart failure and multimorbidity.
STROBE checklist.
No patient or public contribution.
To identify obstacles faced by nurses when using health technologies in Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
Systematic review following PRISMA and registered in PROSPERO.
Six databases were searched. Two reviewers independently screened studies and appraised methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Data were synthesized narratively.
Eight studies met eligibility criteria. Barriers clustered around limited training and technical competence, shorter professional experience, increased workload with multiple devices, organizational culture, and reduced direct patient contact, which may undermine patient-centered care. Heterogeneity of study designs precluded meta-analysis.
Obstacles to technology use in ICUs arise from individual and organizational factors. Addressing these barriers requires structured education, mentoring for novice nurses, workload management, and supportive policies that integrate technology without displacing bedside care.
Nursing leaders and educators should implement ongoing, ICU-specific technology training and mentoring. Managers and policymakers must ensure adequate staffing and promote Health Technology Assessment to align device implementation with clinical needs, safeguarding patient safety and the human dimensions of care.
by Dinesh Dadarwal, Kira Crooks, Patricia Lainetti, Ryan Dickinson, Khawaja Ashfaque Ahmed, Colin Palmer
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a single postpartum administration of pegbovigrastim, a recombinant bovine granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rG-CSF), on peripheral leukocyte profiles, granulocyte function, and uterine cytology in healthy Holstein dairy cows. We hypothesized that rG-CSF would enhance leukocyte counts and granulocyte function without adversely affecting uterine immune cell composition. Twenty-three cows between 19–23 days in milk were randomly assigned to receive either rG-CSF (n = 12) or saline (n = 11). Blood samples were collected on the day of injection and on Days 3, 6, 10, and 21 post-treatment to assess total and differential leukocyte counts. Granulocyte phagocytosis of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled Staphylococcus aureus and oxidative burst capacity following PMA stimulation were evaluated using flow cytometry. Vaginoscopy and transrectal ultrasound examinations were conducted at each time point, and uterine cytobrush samples were collected from a subset of cows for cytological analysis. Compared to controls, rG-CSF-treated cows exhibited a significant (2–3 fold) increase in total leukocytes and neutrophils (P P P = 0.04) and phagocytic activity as well as capacity (P = 0.01) that peaked on Days 3 and 6 post-treatment, respectively, following rG-CSF treatment. Furthermore, uterine samples from treated cows showed higher proportions of neutrophils (Days 6, 10, and 21) and macrophages (Day 10) compared to controls (PHypertension remains a critical health disparity among Black older adults, driven by factors such as socioeconomic inequities, chronic stress and barriers to healthcare access. Within this population, family relationships, particularly intergenerational interactions, significantly influence health behaviours and the management of hypertension remain understudied.
To explore intergenerational factors influencing hypertension prevention and management among Black older adults, focusing on how family relationships impact health behaviours, knowledge transfer and treatment adherence.
A discursive paper applying the Transtheoretical Model of Change and Self-Determination Theory as guiding frameworks to examine the role of family dynamics in hypertension management. PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched for peer-reviewed papers published from 2015 to 2025.
The role of family in health behaviours is examined, including the transmission of health knowledge, caregiving dynamics and emotional support. Both barriers and facilitators to effective hypertension management are identified, including cultural beliefs, community resources and the impact of intergenerational role modelling.
The discussion underscores the need for nurses to adopt family-centred approaches in hypertension management, considering the intergenerational influences on health outcomes. Recommendations for integrating these insights into clinical practice and nursing education are provided.
Understanding the intergenerational context of hypertension management can enhance patient care by improving adherence and prevention strategies. Future research should further explore the role of family in managing hypertension among Black older adults.
This project team aims to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of the Workforce Engagement for Compassionate Advocacy, Resilience, and Empowerment (WE CARE) program in improving the work environment, workplace mental health, and nurse outcomes, and (2) examine underlying factors influencing job satisfaction and intent to leave among staff nurses.
Quasi-experimental designs with one-group pre–post program design using online surveys.
Pre-program data were collected in June 2022 (n = 706), followed by the implementation of multifaceted, evidence-based interventions delivered by the WE CARE team, such as wellness rounding and resilience education. Post-program data were collected in November 2024 (n = 417). Mixed-effects regression models were utilised for analysis.
The WE CARE program was associated with statistically significant improvements in the overall work environment, workplace mental health (excluding resilience), and nurse outcomes, including job satisfaction and intent to leave. Job satisfaction positively correlated with a supportive work environment, recognition, and trust in supervisors, and negatively correlated with burnout, compassion fatigue, and distress. Higher levels of burnout and distress significantly increased the likelihood of nurses intending to leave their jobs, while greater trust in leadership and perceived organisational support were protective factors against leaving the job.
The project supports the effectiveness of evidence-based workforce engagement interventions in real-world healthcare settings to enhance the work environment, workplace mental health, and nurse outcomes. Interventions targeting emotional well-being, recognition, burnout reduction, and leadership trust may improve job satisfaction and reduce nurses' turnover intentions.
The program directly resulted in nurse leaders recognising the value of the WE CARE initiative and sustaining the team beyond the funding period. This project addresses a significant gap in the nurse well-being literature by demonstrating the effectiveness of a nurse-led, multifaceted wellness program designed specifically for nurses.
No patient or public contribution.
To evaluate whether information about patients' poor sense of security in hypothetical vignette scenarios increases nurses' projected intent to report safety events.
Quantitative, cross-sectional factorial survey vignette experiment administered online.
A convenience sample of 60 nurses from adult inpatient hospital units at a Midwest academic medical center participated in February 2025. Participants responded to demographic questions and eight factorial vignettes, each describing a patient-reported safety breach and incorporating four patient-related factors. Four vignettes included information that the patient had a poor sense of security, and four did not, presented in random order. Following each vignette, participants rated their level of concern about the patient's report, perceived harm to the patient, and likelihood of reporting the patient's concern. A linear mixed-effects modelling approach, accounting for clustering within participants, was used to estimate the effects of the sense of security information factor on nurses' responses.
The sense of security information was associated with higher ratings of (a) degree of concern, (b) perceived harm to the patient, and (c) intent to report the patient's concern, after adjusting for vignette- and participant-level covariates. The vignette patient's perception of physical harm was positively associated with all three ratings. Nurses' greater hospital experience was associated with lower ratings across outcomes.
Obtaining information that the patient felt insecure was associated with heightened concern about the safety event, greater perceived harm, and increased intent to report the concern.
Sense of security assessment may be a risk-agnostic, patient-centered intervention that nurses can routinely perform, regardless of the safety event circumstances.
Although a system of evidence-based practices within a safety culture is essential to hospital safety efforts, nurses' judgements of and responses to patient safety concerns play a critical role and should not be overlooked.
STROBE guidelines.
This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.
To explore the roles and training of advanced practice nurses specialised in acute pain management, as reported in the current literature.
Scoping review.
We searched PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL in December 2023 to identify relevant studies published from 1996.
Relevant literature was identified, screened, and analysed using a structured scoping review process. Two reviewers independently selected and extracted data from eligible studies, with a third reviewer resolving any disagreements.
A total of 1682 records were screened, and 36 studies met the inclusion criteria. Four main themes emerged: job titles, roles, training, and barriers. The review revealed substantial variation in job titles and role descriptions across clinical settings and geographic regions, with more comprehensive role definitions found in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. Training pathways, including postgraduate qualifications and certification, varied significantly and many low- and middle-income countries lacked structured training frameworks. Barriers identified included regulatory limitations, insufficient educational infrastructure and lack of legal authority to practice.
This review highlights significant international variation in the definition, training and regulation of advanced practice nurses in acute pain management. There is an urgent need to develop global standards, including unified competencies and certification pathways, to ensure consistent and effective care.
Standardising competencies and training will support role recognition, improve consistency in clinical practice and promote high-quality care for individuals experiencing acute pain.
This review addresses the global inconsistency in role definition and training of advanced practice nurses in acute pain management. Findings may inform educators, health professionals, policymakers and regulators, particularly in resource-limited settings.
This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR).
No patient or public contribution.
by Patricia Quintero-Rincón, Karina Caballero-Gallardo, Elkin Galeano, Oscar Flórez-Acosta
This study investigated the chemical and biological potential of Bidens pilosa and Croton sp., plants from megadiverse ecosystems in Colombia, collected in Santander de Quilichao (Cauca) and San Basilio de Palenque (Bolivar). The chemical profile was analyzed by UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-HRMS, and the total phenolic and flavonoid content was quantified using colorimetric methods. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using methods that evaluate reducing power and electron transfer mechanisms. The inhibition of key enzymes in skin aging, such as tyrosinase, hyaluronidase, and collagenase, was evaluated, as well as cytotoxicity in keratinocytes and human melanoma cells. Chemical characterization revealed distinctive phytochemical profiles: B. pilosa contained 21.1 mg GAE/g DT of phenolics and 64.6 mg RE/g DT of flavonoids, dominated by p-coumaric acid and rosmarinic acid, while Croton sp. exhibited higher levels of phenolics (169.4 mg GAE/g DT) and 54.1 mg RE/g DT of flavonoids, highlighting rosmarinic acid, p-coumaric acid and quercetin. Both extracts showed significant antioxidant capacity and enzyme modulation, including moderate collagenase inhibition (53.9–55.0%), high hyaluronidase inhibition (64.5–76.5%), and low tyrosinase inhibition (11.1–12.7%), suggesting protection of extracellular matrix and hyaluronic acid during skin aging. Sun protection factor was limited (SPF: 14.5 for B. pilosa and 11.6 for Croton sp.), with low ultraviolet absorption, consistent with low antityrosinase activity. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that B. pilosa was not toxic to HaCaT keratinocytes (IC₅₀ > 500 µg/mL) and displayed antimelanoma activity on A375 cells (IC₅₀ = 398.6 µg/mL), whereas Croton sp. showed moderate selectivity towards melanoma cells (IC₅₀ HaCaT = 329.5 µg/mL; IC₅₀ A375 = 189.0 µg/mL). The results suggest that both plants have potential in dermatological applications such as anti-melanoma agents, antioxidants, and modulators of skin aging enzymes, although highlight the importance of improving strategies to maximize their efficacy and safety.
FreshRSS 