Percorrer por autor "Sousa, Mariana"
A mostrar 1 - 10 de 13
Resultados por página
Opções de ordenação
- Adverse reactions mediated by 99mTc-tetrofosmin: Literature review and analysis of post-marketing reportsPublication . Martins, Sara; Costa, Sara Poças; Sousa, Mariana; Moreira, Fernando; Martín-Suaréz, A.; Jesus, Ângelo; Jesus, Ângelo; Moreira, Fernando99mTc-tetrofosmin is a diagnostic radiopharmaceutical used to evaluate cardiac pathologies. Despite the lower incidence of reactions compared to other drugs, radiopharmaceuticals can still cause adverse reactions. For this reason, pharmacovigilance plays a crucial role in detecting, understanding, evaluating and preventing them. This study aims to review the available literature,on the safety of99mTc-tetrofosmin, and to analyze spontaneous adverse drug reaction reports from the European EudraVigilance database. A literature review was conducted according to PRISMA methodology. An analysis of spontaneous notifications was carried out in EudraVigilance, until 2022. The review identified a selection of 7 articles. The most reported adverse reactions were skin irritation, strange taste in the mouth and nausea. Regarding the EudraVigilance analysis, 220 notifications were identified, accounting for 477 adverse reactions. The majority belong to males (51%), between 18-64 years (45%). Health professionals were the main reporters (84%). The most prevalent System Organ Class was “general disorders and administration site conditions” (21%) and the most reported adverse reaction was pruritus (10%). Approximately 67% of reactions were considered serious, with 6 fatal cases recorded. The results demonstrated that adverse reactions associated with99mTc-tetrofosmin do occur and should not be minimized. Over a period of 17 years, only 220 notifications were recorded, which may highlight potential challenges in pharmacovigilance for radiopharmaceuticals. Therefore, raising awareness about the importance of reporting adverse reactions is crucial.
- Assessment of radiation protection practices among Bachelor’s Radiology students of ESTSP- IPPPublication . Sousa, Mariana; Ventura, Sandra RuaWith the increasing use of ionizing radiation as a diagnostic tool in addition to the medical advances in the field of interventional radiology, a greater exposure by workers and students is expectable. For this reason, a greater focus should be given to the radiological protection measures used, in particularly for the students of Radiology Course, as well as a closer monitoring of radiation exposure. The main goal of our project was to investigate and characterize which are the radiation safety and protection practices adopted by the students during their practical internships at hospitals.
- A comprehensive analysis of viability assays for Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis trophozoites: a systematic reviewPublication . Sequeira, Susie; Sousa, Mariana; Cruz, AgostinhoGiardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis are flagellated protozoan parasites that often cause asymptomatic infections but may lead to gastrointestinal or genitourinary symptoms. Improved treatment options are needed due to emerging resistance. However, selecting an appropriate method for assessing the in vitro susceptibility of G. lamblia and T. vaginalis in the presence of potential therapeutic compounds remains challenging due to the variability in these methods. This study aimed to provide an overview of commonly employed methods for determining trophozoite viability in the presence of potential therapeutic compounds and to propose a standardized viability assay for susceptibility testing for G. lamblia and T. vaginalis. A systematic literature review was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement, using databases including MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science, with the following search equation: “in vitro” AND “method” AND (“susceptibility” OR “viability” OR “sensitivity”) AND (“giardia” OR “trichomonas”). The search identified 32 experimental studies with diverse viability assays. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, adherence inhibition assay, and [3H]-thymidine incorporation assay were prominent for G. lamblia. The trypan blue assay, motility assessment, and resazurin assay were frequently used for T. vaginalis. These findings underscore the diversity in viability assessment methods, highlighting the importance of standardizing viability assays to ensure accurate and reproducible results in drug susceptibility studies. The fluorometric resazurin assay has emerged as a suitable choice for standardization in both parasites, offering cost-effectiveness, reliability, and ease of use.
- A comprehensive analysis of viability assessment methods for Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis: a systematic reviewPublication . Sequeira, Susie; Sousa, Mariana; Cruz, AgostinhoGiardia lamblia (G. lamblia) and Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) are flagellated protozoan parasites responsible for giardiasis and trichomoniasis, respectively. These infections, often asymptomatic, can manifest with gastrointestinal and genitourinary symptoms. Metronidazole serves asthe primary pharmacological treatment for both diseases, but it has limitations, including adverse effects and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. In vitro models are essential for the development of novel treatment options[4]. However, the diversity of viability assessment methods has led to inconsistent results and challenges in comparing studies. This study provides a comprehensive overview of commonly employed methods for assessing the viability of trophozoites of these parasites in the presence of compounds with therapeutic potential. In September 2023, a literature search was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science using predefined search terms, including “in vitro", "method", "susceptibility", "viability", "sensitivity", "giardia" and "trichomonas". Research articles published in English or Portuguese were included, specifically focusing on in vitro methodologies for evaluating the viability of trophozoites in G. lambliaand T. vaginalis. Studies addressing cyst viability or lacking explicit method descriptions were excluded, as were reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. No temporal restrictions were imposed, and the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was followed. The search identified 29 experimental studies with multiple viability assays. Only five methods were common to both parasites: a colorimetric approach (dye exclusion test with trypan blue), two fluorometric methods (resazurin and SYBR green I), and two morphophysiological methods (cell count and cell motility). The fluorometric resazurin method emerges as the most suitable choice for assessing trophozoite viability in both parasites, offering cost-effectiveness, flexibility, reliability, and ease of use. This method shows promise for standardized assessments of potential therapeutic compounds for G. lamblia and T. vaginalis infections.
- Esquemas terapêuticos para a infeção por larva migrans provocada por Toxocara spp. em humanos e animais de companhia: Revisão SistemáticaPublication . Neves, Marta; Simões, Vasco; Jesus, Ângelo; Cruz, Agostinho; Sousa, Mariana; Jesus, Ângelo; Sousa, MarianaA toxocaríase, causada por Toxocara canis ou Toxocara cati, é uma zoonose com um impacto significativo na saúde pública (Felix, 2020). Os humanos podem desenvolver a forma visceral, ocular ou cutânea da infeção, enquanto os cães e gatos funcionam como hospedeiros definitivos e fontes de contaminação ambiental (Pawlowski, 2001). Apesar da existência de esquemas terapêuticos antiparasitários, existe uma lacuna de evidências consolidadas sobre a eficácia e segurança em diferentes contextos reais. Avaliar, de forma sistemática, a eficácia e segurança dos diferentes esquemas terapêuticos farmacológicos utilizados em humanos e animais de companhia infetados por larva migrans de Toxocara spp., identificando estratégias eficazes e lacunas na literatura. Pretende-se desenvolver uma revisão sistemática com base no Guia PRISMA 2020 (Page et al., 2021). Foram incluídos estudos primários com dados sobre a eficácia clínica/parasitológica e/ou a segurança de esquemas terapêuticos em humanos, cães e gatos. As informações foram extraídas e analisadas qualitativamente, agrupadas por população-alvo e forma clínica da infeção. Nos humanos, o albendazol associado a corticoterapia demonstrou os melhores resultados no controlo da infeção, embora as sequelas causadas permaneçam irreversíveis. Os estudos apresentam limitações relevantes, como a ausência de ensaios clínicos controlados, a heterogeneidade terapêutica e a escassez de informação relativa à população adulta. Nos cães e gatos, os fármacos como a milbemicina oxima, a emodepsida, a selamectina, o pirantel, a ivermectina e a nemadectina demonstraram elevada eficácia na eliminação parasitária e na prevenção de reinfeções. No entanto, há poucos estudos que abordam as manifestações clínicas, características demográficas e os efeitos adversos, e há também uma sub-representação dos gatos. Os tratamentos disponíveis são geralmente eficazes, mas foram detetadas lacunas relevantes quanto à padronização de protocolos, ao acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico a longo prazo e à avaliação da segurança, revelando-se necessário desenvolver novos estudos controlados e integrativos para orientar as práticas terapêuticas na medicina humana e veterinária.
- Exploring methodologies from Isolation to excystation for Giardia lamblia: A systematic reviewPublication . Sequeira, Susie; Sousa, Mariana; Cruz, Agostinho; Cruz, AgostinhoGiardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoan and the etiological agent of giardiasis, a leading cause of epidemic and sporadic diarrhoea globally. The clinical and public health relevance of giardiasis underscores the need for robust methodologies to investigate and manage this pathogen. This study reviews the main methodologies described in the literature for studying the life cycle of G. lamblia, focusing on isolation, purification, axenization, excystation, and encystation. A systematic literature review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) statement. Searches were performed in MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science Core Collection databases. A total of 43 studies were included, revealing 58 methods for isolation and purification, 7 for excystation, 2 for axenization, and 5 for encystation. Isolation and purification methods exhibited significant variability, often involving two phases: an initial separation (e.g., filtration and centrifugation) followed by purification using a density gradient for faecal samples or immunomagnetic separation for water samples. Method effectiveness differed depending on the sample source and type, limiting comparability across studies. In contrast, methods used for other life cycle stages were more consistent. These findings underscore the need for standardised methodologies to enhance the reproducibility and reliability of research outcomes in this field.
- Exploring the diverse properties of Mentha piperita L.: a systematic reviewPublication . Ferreira, Inês; Sousa, Mariana; Sequeira, Susie; Cruz, AgostinhoMentha piperitaL., widely recognized as peppermint, is globally renowned and popular due to its versatile applications in medicine, industry, and cuisine[1]. This perennial plant has a worldwide distribution, with origins in Europe and Middle East. As member of the Lamiaceae family it’s a natural hybrid of Mentha aquaticL. and Mentha spicataL.[1]. Traditionally, it has been used for alleviating gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms[2]. Currently, it is utilized in medicine tomanage respiratory diseases, in cosmetics for incorporation into toothpaste, and in food preservation or preparation purposes[3]. This review systematizes the known properties of Mentha piperitaL. based on the current literature, presenting its state-of-the-art. Based on PRISMA 2020 guidelines, the search involved three databases: Web of Science, PubMed, and Science Direct, using the search terms "Mentha piperita" and "properties"combined with Boolean operators “AND”. Inclusion criteria considered original research articles in Portuguese or English, without year restrictions. This search yielded 497 resultsof which 20 original articles were fully analysed. Peppermint can be characterised by its smooth stems, dark green leaves with pointed tips, coarsely toothed margins, bare fibrous roots and the presence of purple flowers. This botanical specimen can be recognised by its unique organoleptic characteristics, which include an aromatic odour and a pungent, fiery taste, culminating in a refreshing sensation. The literature suggests a wide range of properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-aging, antibiofilm, cytotoxic, larvicidal, fungicidal, fungistatic, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-Alzheimer, among others. This review underscores the remarkable versatility and diverse array of properties exhibited by Mentha piperitaL., shedding light on its potential applications across various domains. Peppermint's distinctive characteristics and wide-ranging utility position it as a species of significant relevance, with applications extending beyond health to various other study subjects.
- Innovative pedagogical tools for parasitology based on interactive learningPublication . Sequeira, Susie; Sousa, Mariana; Fernandes, Sara; Barreiros, Luísa; Cunha, Agostinho; Cruz, Agostinho; Fernandes, Sara; Barreiros, LuisaParasitic infections in children, in particular ectoparasitoses, remain a public health challenge within the school context in Portugal. As part of the curricular unit “Agentes e Vectores de Doença I” included in the first year of the Bachelor of Pharmacy, pedagogical tools have been developed to raise awareness on this issue among the various stakeholders involved in primary education. The developed activities, in addition to enable the consolidation of technical and scientific knowledge, promote the development of transversal competences, namely soft skills, essential for the training of future health professionals. The created instruments have been successfully applied in teacher training activities and in awareness-raising sessions for children. The adoption of interactive learning approaches has contributed to higher student engagement and better learning outcomes, while simultaneously promoting a culture of education and health promotion supported by innovative and collaborative pedagogical practices.
- Plants as antiparasitic agents: a review regarding Portuguese ethnobotanyPublication . Sousa, Mariana; Cruz, AgostinhoEthnobotany focuses on the communal use of plants, within this field, ethnobotanical studies play a crucial role identifying plants with potential therapeutic effects, preserving traditional knowledge and ancestral practices. These studies allow the development of alternative therapies, which are crucial to support modern medicine. Thus, the identification of plants with antiparasitic properties is vital for the development of new therapeutic options. Plants such as Allium sativumand Mentha spicatahave a history of use and serve as examples recognized for their antiparasitic properties. The objective of this study is to identify ethnobotanical studies conducted in Portugal, with the aim of creating a list of plants that have been documented to have antiparasitic properties. A literature review was undertaken using PubMed, ScienceDirect, RCAAP and Web of Science, with the search equation(“Ethnobotanical studies” AND “Portugal”). Eligible studies were required to meet the criteria of being authentic ethnobotanical studies conducted in Portugal, that weredigitally accessible and contain the list of plants along with their scientific names and documented purposes. The extracted information was summarized in tables. A total of 56 species with documented antiparasitic uses were identified within the community. These species were utilized for addressing both ectoparasites and endoparasites, serving purposes in human and veterinary applications. The most cited plants included Mentha spicata and Mentha piperita. Remarkably, the Autonomous Region of Madeira had the highest number of identified antiparasitic plant species, totaling 22 species. This study successfully compiled a list of plantswith antiparasitic properties within the community. The findings provide foundation for future research, including in vitro and in vivo studies, to validate and explore the efficacy of these plants as antiparasitic agents, and contribute to the development of alternative therapeutic options for managing parasitosis.
- Plants with anti-inflammatory properties: a review regarding Portuguese ethnobotanyPublication . Sousa, Mariana; Cruz, Agostinho; Cruz, AgostinhoEthnobotany represent a key element to identify plants with medicinal properties, gathering ancestral traditions with scientific inquiry. In Portugal, ethnobotany has contributed to the identification of plant species used to address various health concerns. In this context, the emergence of anti-inflammatory properties stands out. The search and collection of plants with these characteristics not only serves to preserve cultural knowledge and traditions but also opens doors to the development of natural therapies. Identify, based on ethnobotanical studies conducted in Portugal, plant species traditionally used for anti-inflammatory purposes. A narrative literature review was conducted using the ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science, and RCAAP databases. The search employed the keywords "ethnobotanical studies" and "Portugal" in both Portuguese and English. Studies were selected based on the following eligibility criteria: i) conformity with the definition of genuine ethnobotanical studies, based on field interviews; ii) being digitally accessible; and iii) include a list of species with scientific names and community uses. Nineteen eligible studies were selected, identifying plants used for anti-inflammatory purposes, totaling 101 species. The most frequently mentioned species were Malva sylvestrisL., Geranium purpureumVill., and Parietaria judaicaL. Regarding locations, the São Mamede Natural Park was the location where the highest number of species with anti-inflammatory potential was identified. The term most commonlyused by the population to describe anti-inflammatory properties was "inflammations". Notably, leaves were typically used as the plant part of choice for their anti-inflammatory properties. This study compiles a list of plant species traditionally used within the community for their anti-inflammatory properties. This list serves as a foundation for the development of in vitro and in vivo studies to validate the anti-inflammatory properties of these species. If the properties were confirmed, this study establishes a basis for the development of new therapeutic agents.