Browsing by Author "Silva, Diana"
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- Chemical characterization and in vitro studies on the impact of the 'Dream Herb' Calea zacatechichiSchltdl. upon neuronal cellsPublication . Garcia, Maria Rita; Mineiro, Tiago; Andrade, Paula B.; Ferreres, Federico; Gil-Izquierdo, Ángel; Seabra, Vítor; Silva, Diana; Gomes, Nelson G. M.An increasing number of psychoactive plants, particularly those with long history of use on ritualistic practices, are now being progressively used in recreational context, many of which remaining unregulated. Calea zacatechichiis traditionally used in divination rituals, due to its oneirogenic properties. Yet, considering the psychoactive effects of this ‘Dream Herb’and easiness of purchase, the potential for recreational use is high, with scarce information concerning its toxicity. We aimed to characterize C. zacatechichiaqueous extracts, mimicking those typically consumed, to identify bioactives that underlie the psychoactive or toxic effects, and evaluate their impact upon neuronal function, neurotransmission and radical stress. Chemical characterization was attained by HPLC-DAD-ESI(Ion Trap)/MSnand HPLC-DAD. Impact upon SH-SY5Y and BV-2 cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay and LDH release (up to 1000 μg/mL). Impact on neuromodulation and neuroinflammation was evaluated through acetylcholinesterase and 5-lipoxygenase inhibition, while antiradical properties were approached upon nitric oxide (•NO) and superoxide (O2•-). Statistical comparisons among groups performed by one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett post hoc test. Qualitative analyses enabled the identification of 28 compounds, the majority being hydroxycinnamic acid derivates, namely 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, followed by flavonoid derivates, particularly quercetin-3-O-rutinoside. Cytotoxic effects were verified at concentrations above 125 μg/mL with LDH leakage starting at 250 μg/mL. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition was recorded at 1000 μg/mL, and a concentration-dependent inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase was found (IC50= 71.12 μg/mL). Concentration-dependent scavenging effects upon •NO and O2•-were verified at concentrations higher than 62.5 μg/mL. Even though apparent antiradical and anti-inflammatory properties were attained with C. zacatechichi, thepronounced cytotoxic effects upon neuronal cells cannot be overlooked, requiring further investigation to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that might be involved, given the possible deleterious consequences thisplant can induce among its consumers.
- Comparison of antioxidant activity for Ginkgo biloba L. and Rosmarinus officinalis LPublication . Silva, Diana; França, Ana; Pinho, Cláudia; Oliveira, Ana I.; Oliveira, Rita F.; Cruz, AgostinhoNatural antioxidant products have gained popularity worldwide and are increasingly being used to treat various diseases. Leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Ginkgo biloba L. possess a variety of bioactivities, including antioxidant.
- Determination of maximum acceptable weight of schoolbag carriage in one shoulderPublication . Soares, Helena; Loureiro, Isabel; Silva, Diana; Rodrigues, MatildePain and discomfort are prevalent symptoms among children and adolescents in school age. Carrying heavily loaded schoolbags or carrying it improperly, such as in a single shoulder, has been related to this symptomatology. In view of this, it is important to better understand the students' perceptions about what they consider to be a safe weight to carry.
- EditorialPublication . Silva, Armando; Silva, DianaDidática é o tema deste novo número da Sensos. Pretende ilustrar a diversidade da investigação em Didática, designadamente quanto a contextos (níveis de ensino, instituições, países), abordagens, temas e conteúdos disciplinares. Foram submetidas para publicação catorze propostas oriundas de diversas comunidades de investigação e inovação em educação quer nacionais, quer internacionais. Do processo de revisão dupla e anónima a que todos foram sujeitos resultou a aceitação para publicação dos sete artigos que compõem este número.
- Eficácia e segurança do Brometo de Aclidínio na DPOCPublication . Silva, Diana; Jesus, Ângelo; Cruz, AgostinhoNo mundo estima-se que existam cerca de 600 milhões de pessoas afectadas pela DPOC, na sua maioria com historial de fumadores, sendo que o número tende a aumentar todos os anos. Os sintomas provocados pela doença são limitativos e podem requerer hospitalização. A medicação utilizada para o controlo e alivio da sintomatologia pode diminuir a sua eficácia com a progressão da doença, havendo necessidade de novas respostas. O brometo de aclidínio é um antagonista muscarínico de longa duração de ação (LAMA), que atua nos recetores da acetilcolina envolvidos na expressão dos sintomas da doença. Esta revisão sistemática da literatura tem como objetivo comparar a eficácia do brometo de aclidínio em relação ao placebo. Efectuou-se umarevisão sistemática através de pesquisa nas bases de dados Pubmed, Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science (CPCI-S) e Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-Expanded), onde foram recolhidos ensaios clínicos randomizados e controlados. A pesquisa forneceu 6 artigos sobre ensaios clínicos para análise, comparação do brometo de aclidínio com o placebo. De acordo com os resultados, o brometo de aclidínio na dosagem de 400µg administrado duas vezes por dia, demonstrou ter eficácia, segurança e melhorar o estado de saúde. Esta revisão permitiu concluir que o brometo de aclidínio apresenta eficácia na redução dos sintomas da DPOC em comparação com o placebo, segurança no seu uso e produz uma melhoria do estado de saúde dos doentes.
- Feasibility and acceptability of an asthma app to monitor medication adherence: mixed methods studyPublication . Jácome, Cristina; Almeida, Rute; Pereira, Ana Margarida; Amaral, Rita; Mendes, Sandra; Alves-Correia, Magna; Vidal, Carmen; Freire, Sara López; Brea, Paula Méndez; Araújo, Luís; Couto, Mariana; Antolín-Amérigo, Darío; Caballer, Belén de la Hoz; Castro, Alicia Barra; Gonzalez-De-Olano, David; Bom, Ana Todo; Azevedo, João; Pinto, Paula Leiria; Pinto, Nicole; Neves, Ana Castro; Palhinha, Ana; Bom, Filipa Todo; Costa, Alberto; Loureiro, Cláudia Chaves; Santos, Lilia Maia; Arrobas, Ana; Valério, Margarida; Cardoso, João; Emiliano, Madalena; Gerardo, Rita; Rodrigues, José Carlos Cidrais; Oliveira, Georgeta; Carvalho, Joana; Mendes, Ana; Lozoya, Carlos; Santos, Natacha; Menezes, Fernando; Gomes, Ricardo; Câmara, Rita; Alves, Rodrigo Rodrigues; Moreira, Ana Sofia; Bordalo, Diana; Alves, Carlos; Ferreira, José Alberto; Lopes, Cristina; Silva, Diana; Vasconcelos, Maria João; Teixeira, Maria Fernanda; Ferreira-Magalhães, Manuel; Taborda-Barata, Luís; Cálix, Maria José; Alves, Adelaide; Fonseca, João AlmeidaPoor medication adherence is a major challenge in asthma, and objective assessment of inhaler adherence is needed. The InspirerMundi app aims to monitor adherence while providing a positive experience through gamification and social support. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the InspirerMundi app to monitor medication adherence in adolescents and adults with persistent asthma (treated with daily inhaled medication). A 1-month mixed method multicenter observational study was conducted in 26 secondary care centers from Portugal and Spain. During an initial face-to-face visit, physicians reported patients’ asthma therapeutic plan in a structured questionnaire. During the visits, patients were invited to use the app daily to register their asthma medication intakes. A scheduled intake was considered taken when patients registered the intake (inhaler, blister, or other drug formulation) by using the image-based medication detection tool. At 1 month, patients were interviewed by phone, and app satisfaction was assessed on a 1 (low) to 5 (high) scale. Patients were also asked to point out the most and least preferred app features and make suggestions for future app improvements. A total of 107 patients (median 27 [P25-P75 14-40] years) were invited, 92.5% (99/107) installed the app, and 73.8% (79/107) completed the 1-month interview. Patients interacted with the app a median of 9 (P25-P75 1-24) days. At least one medication was registered in the app by 78% (77/99) of patients. A total of 53% (52/99) of participants registered all prescribed inhalers, and 34% (34/99) registered the complete asthma therapeutic plan. Median medication adherence was 75% (P25-P75 25%-90%) for inhalers and 82% (P25-P75 50%-94%) for other drug formulations. Patients were globally satisfied with the app, with 75% (59/79) scoring ≥4,; adherence monitoring, symptom monitoring, and gamification features being the most highly scored components; and the medication detection tool among the lowest scored. A total of 53% (42/79) of the patients stated that the app had motivated them to improve adherence to inhaled medication and 77% (61/79) would recommend the app to other patients. Patient feedback was reflected in 4 major themes: medication-related features (67/79, 85%), gamification and social network (33/79, 42%), symptom monitoring and physician communication (21/79, 27%), and other aspects (16/79, 20%). The InspirerMundi app was feasible and acceptable to monitor medication adherence in patients with asthma. Based on patient feedback and to increase the registering of medications, the therapeutic plan registration and medication detection tool were redesigned. Our results highlight the importance of patient participation to produce a patient-centered and engaging mHealth asthma app.
- FineFIX®: fixador alcoólico alternativo para a prática citológica?Publication . Silva, Diana; Carvalho, Cristina; Scigliano, Horácio; Fernandes, Sílvia; Silva, ReginaUm dos factores que contribui para a baixa sensibilidade da citologia urinária é a fixação em etanol. Neste trabalho foi avaliada a citomorfologia e as características tintoriais de lavados vesicais fixados pelo FineFIX® ou pelo RCL2® comparativamente aos fixados pelo etanol. A análise dos achados microscópicos revelou que as preparações fixadas pelo RCL2® apresentam qualidade inferior (p=0,001), enquanto as fixadas pelo FineFIX® apresentam qualidade semelhante às fixadas pelo etanol (p=0,204). Relativamente às características nucleares, o FineFIX® providencia qualidade superior ao etanol (p=0,027). O FineFIX® é um potencial fixador citológico por aumentar o detalhe nuclear, característica importante para o diagnóstico.
- Phytochemical screening from Rosmarinus officinalis and Ginkgo biloba leaf extractsPublication . França, Ana; Silva, Diana; Oliveira, Ana I.; Oliveira, Rita F; Pinho, Cláudia; Cruz, AgostinhoCurrently, drug therapy with oral antidiabetic agents, is capable of inducing normoglycemia levels able to decrease the risk of complications associated with diabetes mellitus. However, it is also known that the various existing oral antidiabetic agents may trigger a large number of adverse events, either alone or in combination. Some of these tolerability and security issues related to the oral antidiabetic are reported by patients and can influence negatively or satisfaction with treatment or glycaemic control, or the therapeutic adherence and maintenance. It is therefore very important the role of patients in monitoring of adverse events related to the use of the oral antidiabetic drugs in order to optimize treatment and improve the quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2).
- Schoolbag weight and the postural and psychophysical changes in young students: A pilot studyPublication . Rodrigues, Matilde; Silva, Diana; Silva, Diogo; Santos, Rubim; Monteiro, Pedro; Loureiro, IsabelThis study aims to analyse the applicability of a new experimental procedure to determine bio- mechanical and psychophysical changes in young students, during the schoolbag carriage over one and two shoulders. A pilot study was performed, involving eight male students aged between 12 and 13 years old. Ex- perimental tests were also performed. The students were requested to walk on a treadmill for 10 minutes, with and without the backpack. The load of the backpacks was 10%, 15% and 20% of the students’ body weight (BW). Biomechanical and psychophysical changes were found. The results obtained are interesting to better understand the problem of students carrying heavily loaded schoolbags or carrying them improperly. Still, some limitations to the experimental procedure were pointed out.