Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2023-03"
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- Quantificação da carga viral de HPV de alto risco e associação com o desenvolvimento de lesões cervicaisPublication . Oliveira, Telma; Fernandes, Sílvia; Alves, Daniela; Frutuoso, José Amaro; Silva, Regina A.O desenvolvimento de métodos quantitativos para estimar a carga viral tem vindo a melhorar a capacidade de controlar a progressão de doenças e avaliar a eficácia dos tratamentos. Com o presente estudo pretende-se estimar a carga viral em mulheres infetadas com o Vírus do Papiloma Humano (HPV) de alto risco, e avaliar a sua associação com os dados clinicopatológicos para determinação da sua utilidade como fator de prognóstico. Foram consideradas no estudo 365 mulheres seguidas em consulta de ginecologia da Unidade Local de Saúde de Matosinhos, com resultado positivo para infeção por HPV de alto risco, determinada por PCR semi-quantitativo. A carga viral foi estimada usando retas de calibração construídas com base em amostras padrão.
- Avaliação do método histoquímico GASMoC para demonstração de micobactériasPublication . Cunha, Rute; Silva, Susana; Silva, Regina A.O método histoquímico Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) é o método eleito em Anatomia Patológica e Microbiologia para a demonstração de micobactérias em tecidos e amostras citológicas. É usada uma solução corante de carbol-fuscina que contém fenol, um composto muito corrosivo e tóxico, que provoca efeitos adversos quando em exposição crónica. Recentemente, foi desenvolvido um método alternativo e isento de fenol (GASMoC), testado apenas em amostras de tecido infetado por duas espécies de Mycobacterium.
- Molecular techniques for the neonatal screening of spinal muscular atrophyPublication . Oliveira, Renata; Granja, Sara; Silva, Regina A.; Rocha, HugoSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is neurodegenerative disease mainly caused by the homozygous deletion of the functional telomeric survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1) exon 7. This absence causes a lack of the ubiquitous SMN protein which selectively destroys alfa motor neurons. Due to the disease severity, it is the leading genetic cause of infant death. The copy number of the centromeric SMN2 gene has an inverse correlation with the phenotype. SMA is currently classified in 5 types – Type 0 (lethal in womb or in the first weeks of life), Type I (approximately 50% of cases), Type 2 (children can sit alone), Type 3 (children can walk independently) and Type 4 (mildest form that appears in adults). Diagnosis is only made when symptoms arise and, by then, motor neurons are already irreversibly lost. Three therapies are now available, but they are most effective in the asymptomatic phase. To achieve this objective, the strategy is to include SMA in the panel of diseases screened in the Neonatal Screening (NS) Programs. In this sense, we describe the implementation of an in-house assay, that detects the absence of exon 7 of the SMN1 gene through the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique, adapted to NS. Normal controls and pathological samples collected from Guthrie cards were used. Our results show 100% concordance with the known genotypes (100% sensitivity and specificity). This method is a reliable, simple and affordable way to screen for this lethal disease.
- Salt replacement by Salicornia ramosissima to reduce biogenic amines formation in fishPublication . Ramos, Ana Gabriela; Viegas, Olga; Pinto, Edgar; Ferreira, Isabel M.P.L.V.O.Salicornia ramosissima is frequently used as a salt replacer due to its high salt content. Its richness in phenolics, organic acids, minerals, and fiber make it an interesting natural preservative. The impact on biogenic amines formation from replace salt by seasoning fish products with salicornia has not been explored. Biogenic amines (BA), including histamine (HIM), cadaverine (CAD), putrescine (PUT), 2-phenylethylamine (2-FEN), tryptamine (TRI) and tyramine (TIR) are a group of undesirable compounds that can arise in foods, such as fish during its shelflife. Their consumption by susceptible individuals can lead to poisoning, especially histamine [1]. Therefore, reduction of their formation during shelf-life of fish products is of major relevance. The objective of this work was to explore the possibility of using Salicornia ramosissima in the formulation of fish hamburgers (salmon and hake) to replace salt seasoning (1%) and protect against biogenic amines formation. Biogenic amines were analysed by reverse phase HPLC with fluorescence detector, after acid extraction and derivatization with dansyl chloride. On the day of fish acquisition (day 0), salmon presented 5.0, 1.7 and 1.2 mg/kg of HIM, PUT and CAD, respectively and hake presented 8.3, 0.6 and 0.3 mg/kg of HIM, PUT and CAD, respectively. In both fishes tryptamine was detected but not quantified (< 0.487 mg/kg) and 2-FEN and TIR were not detected. On day 2, a considerable increase of all BA was observed in salmon burgers (∑BA control salmon = 257 mg/kg). The salicornia seasoning led to a mild inhibition of BA formation in those hamburgers, without statistical significance (∑BA 226 mg/kg). On days 5 and 8, a considerable increase in BA continued to be observed. However in hake, on day 2, the increase in BA was negligible (∑BA control: 12.6 mg/kg), and no significant effects could be observed by the addition of salicornia (7.9 mg/kg). However, on day 5 (∑BA control = 56.0 mg/kg), a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of the total BA content was observed in the hamburgers seasoned with salicornia (∑BA = 42.6 mg/kg), especially by inhibition of cadaverine formation (38.2 mg/kg vs 18.0 mg/kg). By day 8, the ∑BA of the control burgers increased to 117 mg/kg, whereas in burgers with salicornia BA content was similar to that observed on day 5 (42.9 mg/kg). Salicornia salt was not able to significantly prevent BA formation in salmon samples. Contrary to hake burgers, in which a strong inhibition of total BA was observed on days 5 (~ 50%) and 8 (~ 80%), this effect being greater than that observed by the addition of salt (~ 20% on day 8), and especially observed in cadaverine.
- Rastreio organizado do cancro do colo do útero açores – Perspetiva de um novo paradigmaPublication . Maciel, Débora; Fernandes, Sílvia; Silva, Regina A.O cancro do colo do útero é um dos cancros mais frequentes na mulher a nível global. Em 2010, foi implementado o programa de Rastreio Organizado do Cancro do Colo do Útero dos Açores (ROCCA) usando como teste primário o método de citologia líquida para a identificação precoce de lesões precursoras. Em 2020 foi implementada uma nova metodologia de rastreio, o teste de HPV mRNA - AptimaTM HPV Assay (Hologic), seguido de genotipagem. Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a eficácia da implementação do ROCCA, bem como a adequabilidade do método molecular enquanto ferramenta de rastreio.
- A implementação de estratégias de Marketing Digital numa marca de iluminação de luxo.Publication . Gomes, Ângelo Telmo MonteiroA rápida evolução das plataformas de comunicação digitais, promovem uma celeridade na implementação de estratégias de marketing digital nas marcas. As empresas que conseguirem realizar uma rápida leitura dos hábitos de interação dos consumidores com as marcas e produtos, conseguirão retirar um maior proveito da possível exposição. O tecido empresarial português direcionado para a exportação do setor de design de mobiliário e iluminação demonstra um potencial tremendo, e de forma a continuar a aumentar as suas oportunidades de negócio internacional, deve implementar uma transformação das suas estratégias de marketing digital. No setor de produtos de luxo os consumidores interagem com as marcas de uma forma mais democratizada, sendo que devem as marcas reinventar e atualizar as estratégias que as poderão levar a atingir os seus objetivos. O marketing de conteúdo assume um papel fulcral em dar corpo a uma representação dos valores da marca que inspire e promova uma interação com os consumidores. Foram desenvolvidas e implementadas estratégias de marketing digital, na marca de iluminação portuguesa Castro Lighting, que se insere no setor de marcas de luxo. As táticas apresentadas, relacionadas com a implementação de um novo website, estratégias de SEO, criação de campanhas, para dinamizar os conteúdos das newsletters, emails e das redes sociais, foram essenciais para levar até os consumidores, conteúdo relevante e de acordo com a identidade da marca. Foi possível concluir que, as estratégias apresentadas, são essenciais para direcionar uma empresa deste setor a gerar mais oportunidades de venda, a proporcionar uma maior rentabilidade financeira assim como, a potenciar a sua notoriedade no setor.
- Effects of seasoning with Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) seeds on the formation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in barbecued beef pattiesPublication . Neves-Gonçalves, T. M.; Viegas, O.; Pinto, Edgar; Ferreira, I. M.P.L.V.O.; Rosso, V. V. De; Domene, S. M. A.Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are ubiquitous compounds, however the highest PAH concentration in foods is usually described when grilled and/or barbecued, mainly when charred, which contribute significantly to the intake of these compounds. In view of their carcinogenic potential, mitigation strategies have been investigated, among them the use of condiments rich in bioactive compounds that could, owing to potential to modulate the oxidative system, suppress the reactive species involved in the formation of PAH. Despite this, no studies were found concerning the effect of annatto (Bixa orellana L.) seeds, a product of Brazilian biodiversity, source of bioactive compounds and used as a food coloring, on PAH formation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of annatto seedson the formation of PAH in barbecued beefpatties. Beef patties (80g) seasonedwith annatto seeds (0.5%, w/w), and unseasoned (control) were barbecued (n = 2), at well-done level, and 14PAHwere analyzed using an acetonitrile basedextraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLCFLD)[4]. The unseasoned samples showed a total ΣPAH of 140.1 ± 1.2 ng g-1, and a significant reduction(p < 0.05) were observed in patties with annatto(ΣPAH 106.2 ± 0.2 ng g-1). In relation to the EFSA most suitable indicator for the occurrence and carcinogenic potency of PAHin foods, ΣPAH4 (benz[a] anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and benzo[a]pyrene),the same trend was observed (ΣPAH4 1.88 ± 0.01 ng g-1 in unseasonedvs ΣPAH4 1.29 ± 0.01 ng g-1). In addition to the known natural coloring and antioxidant properties of annatto seeds, this study demonstrate its potentialas a seasoning in meat to reduce dietary exposure to PAH from charcoal grilled meat. Other cooking methods and conditions, as well as other food processing contaminants, deserve to be evaluated in further studies.
- Unveiling common molecular pathways linked to ILDs with progressive fibrosing phenotype: the role of MUC5BPublication . Santos, Rita F.; Gonçalves, Melany; Mota, Patrícia Caetano; Cardoso, Catarina Gouveia; Coelho, Andreia L.; Sokhatska, Oksana; Beltrão, Marília; Guimarães, Susana; Delgado, Luís; Soares, Miguel; Morais, António; Saraiva, Margarida; Bastos, Hélder NovaisProgressive fibrosing ILDs (PF-ILDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of lung disorders associated with high morbidity and mortality, that exhibit a continuous worsening phenotype despite standard treatment. Among PF-ILDs are pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), involving complex interactions between host genetics and different environmental triggers, shaping the immune milieu that ultimately drives the fibrotic cascade in a susceptible patient. The MUC5B promoter variant rs35705950 is the common genetic variant associated with the greatest risk of developing IPF. As IPF and fibrotic HP present phenotypic resemblances, we aim to analyze the role of rs35705950 MUC5B single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in common molecular pathways linked to PF-ILDs. Herein, taking advantage of our extensive ILD patients’ cohort, we found that MUC5B rs35705950 GT and TT genotypes frequency was dramatically increased in IPF and fibrotic HP compared to healthy controls.
- Nutrient adequacy of Nfuma, the flour from Strychnos Madagascariensis fruitPublication . Ribeiro, M.; Chemane, S.; Pinto, Edgar; Khan, M.; Ferreira, I.M.P.L.V.O.; Casal, S.; Pinho, O.; Viegas, O.African native fruits play a significant role in reducingmicronutrient deficiencies and increasing the income of poor rural communitiesin developing countries. In Mozambique, the fruit of Strychnosmadagascariensis is usually processed into flour, nfuma, and is consumed by local communities during staple food shortage.However, there is practically no data on its nutritional value. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition and adequacy of nfuma. Flours were collected from four districts of Mozambique and analyzed using AOAC methods for proximate composition, HPLC for sugars, vitamin E and carotene profiles and ICP-MS and FAAS for minerals. The estimated daily intake of nutrients, as % of EFSA dietary reference values (DRVs), was calculated assuming an average daily consumption of 100 g and 50 g of nfuma for adults and children, respectively. Nfumapresents high content of fat (~27%), fiber (> 6%), sugars (~10%), vitamin E (6.7 to 8.0 mg/100 g) and carotenes (2.2 to 2.6 mg/100 g). Oleic acid was the main fatty acid ofnfuma (~16g/100 g of flour). The mineral composition reveals K (~1200 to 1700 mg/100g) and Mn (~4 mg/100g) as the main macro-mineral and trace element, respectively. Regarding current DRVsfor adults, the consumption of 100 g of nfuma provides 30% of fiber, 27-48% of alpha-linolenic acid, 55-63% of vitamin A and 56-66% of vitamin E. Moreover, nfuma can contribute to the daily intake of Mg, K, and Mn (22 - 26%, 40% and > 100% of DRVs, respectively). Due to its high β-carotene content, the daily consumption of 50 g of nfuma provides 82% of vitamin A DRV for toddlers, representing a promising food-based strategy to alleviate the high prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in Mozambique. This fruit flour stands out for its high fat content, mainly composed by MUFA, delivering vitamin E and carotenes, together with naturally occurring sugars and high fiber content. Its local use to enrich maize-based porridges or to develop healthier new food products deserve to be technologically approached for wider valorization.
- Análise de gânglios sentinela em cancro da mama: O papel do ensaio OSNA® na caracterização das micrometástases e macrometástasesPublication . Teixeira, Catarina; Vieira, Ana Filipa Quintela; Santos, Marta; Frutuoso, José; Silva, Regina A.Em 2020, o cancro da mama foi o tumor maligno com maior incidência mundial e o segundo mais letal. O estado do gânglio axilar é um indicador chave no prognóstico deste tipo de cancro, sendo os métodos comumente utilizados para estudar o gânglio sentinela durante um exame extemporâneo o imprint ou corte de congelação. O ensaio OSNA® tem surgido como um método molecular mais sensível na pesquisa de metástases classificando-as micrometástases ou macrometástases. Este ensaio permite auxiliar a decisão terapêutica de realizar ou não o esvaziamento ganglionar axilar, com o objetivo de diminuir a morbilidade associada.