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- Effectiveness of specific scapular therapeutic exercises in patients with shoulder pain: a systematic review with meta-analysisPublication . Melo, Ana; Moreira, Juliana; Afreixo, Vera; Gonçalves, Daniel Moreira; Donato, Helena; Cruz, Eduardo B.; Vilas-Boas, J. Paulo; Sousa, AndreiaTherapeutic exercise has been considered a useful tool to rehabilitate shoulder pain, namely through its influence on scapular dynamics. Accordingly, the effectiveness of scapular therapeutic exercise needs to be explored. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of scapular therapeutic exercises in shoulder pain and to identify the most effective exercise type (focal or multijoint) and ways of delivering them (as dose and progression). Search was conducted at EMBASE, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), and trial registration databases. The meta-analysis considered randomized controlled/crossover trials that compared the effect of scapular exercises against other types of intervention in the shoulder pain, shoulder function, scapular motion, and/or muscular activity. The risk of bias was assessed through the PEDro scale. From the 8318 records identified, 8 (high to low risk of bias– scoring from 4 to 8 on the PEDro scale) were included. The overall data, before sensitivity analysis, indicated that the scapular therapeutic exercises are: a) more effective than comparators in improving shoulder function (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.52 [95% Cl: 0.05, 0.99], P = .03, I2 = 76%); and b) as effective as comparators in reducing shoulder pain (SMD = 0.32 [95% Cl: −0.09, 0.73], P = .13, I2 = 70%). Subgroup analysis revealed that scapular exercises are more effective in improving shoulder function when the program duration is equal to or higher than 6 weeks (SMD = 0.43 [95% Cl: 0.09, 0.76] P = .01, I2 = 21%) and/or when the maximum number of exercise repetitions per session is lower than 30 (SMD = 0.79 [95% Cl: 0.15, 1.42], P = .01, I2 = 77%). Only 1 study considered scapular motion as an outcome measure, revealing therapeutic exercise effectiveness to improve scapular range of motion. Intervention programs involving scapular therapeutic exercises are effective in improving shoulder function, presenting benefits when performed for 6 or more weeks and/or when used up to a maximum of 30 repetitions per exercise, per session.
- Potential impact of packaging type material in beer qualityPublication . Santos, Diana; Pereira, Maria João; Oliveira, Ana Isabel; Pinho, CláudiaThe materials in which beverages are packed are crucial to maintain quality, nutritional properties, and safety of the final product. In what beer concerns, and even under optimal storage conditions, its quality deteriorates as the product approaches the expiration date, regardless of the container type in which it is packed. Therefore, a careful selection of packaging is imperative to maintain beer ́s integrity and quality, when tasted by the consumer. This work aims to discuss how the type of beer packaging influences the integrity and quality of this beverage during storage. A literature review was performed, using PubMed, b-on, and Web of Science databases. Articles related to the influence of packaging types on beer quality, in English, and published in the last 5 years were included. Plastic bottles (PB) proved to be the least suitable type of packaging for long-term storage, as beer exhibits significant changes in volatile compounds, turbidity, color, bitterness intensity, and decrease in CO2content, unlike glass bottles (GB), aluminum cans (AC), and stainless steel kegs (KG), where these parameters remain constant. Furthermore, Brown GB proved to be a more effective barrier against light compared to green GB and PB, as well as containing lower amounts of phthalates than beers in PB and AC. AC was capable of retaining all organoleptic characteristics, showing a slight increase in bitterness after 10 months of storage. However, beers stored in AC were characterized by higher aluminum contents compared to the products stored in glass bottles. The beer packaging material plays a crucial role in its quality. Thus, GB, AC and KG, due to their barrier characteristics and protection against external factors, generally outperform PB in preserving the integrity and quality of beer.
- Mapping of key bacterial species for Postmorteminterval calculationPublication . Ferreira, Ana Cláudia; Barbosa, Daniel J.; Campos, Carla; Oliveira, Ricardo Jorge Dinis; Freitas, Ana R.Estimation of the PostmortemInterval (PMI), the time elapsed since death, is one of the most challenging issues in forensic sciences. Most studies focus on extensive bacterial sequencing, but culture-based experiments for higher taxonomic resolution remain scarce. We aimed to analyze total bacterial counts and map Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureusand Escherichia coliin different organs and timepoints. Male C57BL/6J SPF mice underwent three independent assays during 11 postmortemtimepoints. Feces and organs (n=10: intestine/stomach/skeletical muscle/liver/spleen/kidney/bladder/lungs/ brain/heart) were collected and resuspended in buffered peptone water, then plated onto enriched nonselective and selective culture media (n=4). Following routine aerobic incubation, Colony Forming Units (CFU) per gram/tissue or per mL/sample were quantified for total/individual bacterial loads. Species were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and statistics were done in GraphPad-Prism v.10.0.1. Species (n=44) from 13 families and 3 phyla were identified, with notable consistency in the presence of Staphylococcus xylosus, E. faecalis, and E. coliacross all experiments. Particular families were consistently identified across all organs, including Enterococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae mostly in the later stages of decomposition, and Bacillaceae resisting often until the last timepoint, whereas Staphylococcaceae was variably detected. The early and substantial contamination observed in skeletal muscle, stomach, and intestine, makes them unsuitable for PMI calculations. E. faecalisappeared promising as a potential biomarker for kidney, liver, and, possibly, brain invasion at later timepoints, whereas E. faecalisand E. coliin the bladder, and E. coliin the spleen and heart, warrant further investigation for similar biomarker potential. This is one of the first quantitative cultural studies assessing how time elapsing postmortem affects the growth/evolution of key bacterial species, with E. faecalisand E.coliemerging as promising traceable biomarkers in real postmortem contexts. While recognizing the limitations of not considering the complex microbiota network, our pilot study brings an easy species-specific approach and offers a baseline for future human-oriented investigations.
- Stroke rehabilitation pathways during the first year: A cost-effectiveness analysis from a cohort of 460 individualsPublication . Barbosa, Pedro; Szrek, Helena; Ferreira, Lara Noronha; Cruz, Vítor Tedim; Firmino-Machado, JoãoStroke burden challenges global health, and social and economic policies. Although stroke recovery encompasses a wide range of care, including in-hospital, outpatient, and community-based rehabilitation, there are no published cost-effectiveness studies of integrated post-stroke pathways. To determine the most cost-effective rehabilitation pathway during the first 12 months after a f irst-ever stroke. A cohort of people in the acute phase of a first stroke was followed after hospital discharge; 51 % women, mean (SD) age 74.4 (12.9) years, mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score 11.7 (8.5) points, and mode modified Rankin Scale score 3 points. We developed a decision tree model of 9 sequences of rehabilitation care organised in 3 stages (3, 6 and 12 months) through a combination of public, semi-public and private entities, considering both the individual and healthcare service perspectives. Health outcomes were expressed as quality-adjusted life years (QALY) over a 1-year time horizon. Costs included healthcare, social care, and productivity losses. Sensitivity analyses were conducted on model input values. From the individual perspective, pathway 3 (Short-term Inpatient Unit » Community Clinic) was the most cost-effective, followed by pathway 1 (Rehabilitation Centre » Community Clinic). From the healthcare service perspective, pathway 3 was the most cost-effective followed by pathway 7 (Outpatient Hospital » Private Clinic). All other pathways were considered strongly dominated and excluded from the analysis. The total 1-year mean cost ranged between €12104 and €23024 from the individual’s perspective and between €10992 and€31319 fromthe healthcare service perspective. Assuming a willingness-to-pay threshold of one times the national gross domestic product (€20633/QALY), pathway 3 (Short-term Inpatient Unit » Community Clinic) was the most cost-effective strategy from both the individual and healthcare service perspectives. Rehabilitation pathway data contribute to the development of a future integrated care system adapted to different stroke profiles.
- Antioxidant profile of Portuguese and Spanish craft beersPublication . Pereira, Maria João; Santos, Diana; Oliveira, Ana Isabel; Pinho, CláudiaThe antioxidant potential of craft beer (CB) may be due to high quality of the raw materials (water, malt, hop and yeast) and traditional techniques. The scarcity of studies evaluating the antioxidant potential of CB highlights the relevance of thisstudy. In vitroevaluation of the antioxidant activity of aqueous extracts of Portuguese and Spanish CB. Experimental study using six CB with different styles: Milk Stout (EL-MS), India Pale Ale (EL-IPA, ALM-IPA), Imperial Stout (EME-IS), Oatmeal Stout (ALM-OS), Pilsner (EL-P), Munich Dunkell (B-MD) and two industrial beers, Pilsner (S-P) and Munish Dunkell (S-MD). The pH, acidity content (AC) and total phenolic compounds (TPC) were determined. The antioxidant capacity was assessed using 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) assays, expressed in concentration for 50% activity inhibition (IC50). One-way ANOVA and Student’s t-test were used for statistical analysis in GraphPad®Prism8.0 software, with a significance level of 0.05. The pH of the beers varied between 3.89±0.00-4.78±0.05 and AC between 0.13±0.01-0.44±0.01%. ALM-IPA had the highest TPC value (8.96±0.64mg gallic acid equivalents/g). IPA style presented the lower IC50values in H2O2(ALM-IPA with an IC50=23.54±1.53μg/mL, p<0.05) and ABTS (EL-IPA with an IC50=55.21±4.68μg/mL, p<0.05) assays. The industrial beers have lower TPC values compared to CB (same style, p<0.05), and lower capacity to neutralize the H2O2and ABTS radicals.For Omisore et al. (2005), samples with IC50>50μg/mL are classified as being moderately active, while samples with IC50<50μg/mL have high antioxidant capacity. Also, the results for IPA style are in line with Breda et al. (2022), in which light-colored beers had better antioxidant profiles. However, according to Silva et al. (2022) the best antioxidant profiles were associated with dark beers. The samples showed antioxidant potential, but further tests should be carried out considering the complex underlying antioxidant mechanisms.
- Development and validation of an analytical method to quantify cytotoxic drugs in gauze dressings used in luer-lock connection systems for a safer preparationPublication . Silva, Clara; Carmo, Helena; Oliveira, Vânia; Carvalho, Daniel; Moreira, FernandoDespite patient ́s benefits, healthcare professionals face occupational hazardous when handling cytotoxic drugs used for cancer treatment. Several organizations outline procedures, conditions, and equipment recommended for safe handling. The International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practice (ISOPP) standards are the guidelines recommended by the European Parliament but, unlike others (e.g. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)), they omit the recommendation of using dressings at luer-lock connections to contain cytotoxic leaks. This study aims to develop and validate an analytical method for cyclophosphamide (CP) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) identification and quantification in gauze dressings for monitoring real-life occupational situations. Gauze dressings (20x10 cm) containing varying concentrations of CP and 5-FU were placed in 15 mL falcon tubes containing acetonitrile:methanol:water (19:13:68). After stirring, the samples were filtered through a 0.22 μm filter and analyzed using HPLC-DAD, equipped with a C18 column (Hypersil Gold ™150mm x 4.6mm and 5μm particle size). The mobile phases employed were acetonitrile:methanol:water (19:13:68) (CP) and 0.5% acetic acid in water(for 5-FU), with detection set at 205 nm (CP) and 260 nm (5-FU). The mean of five calibration curves was calculated for each drug, each exhibiting R² > 0.997, confirming the linearity for both drugs. Regarding sensitivity, LOD of 0.006 μg/cm2(5-FU) and 0.11 μg/cm2(CP) and LOQs of 0.02 μg/cm2(5-FU) and 0.32 μg/cm2(CP), were obtained. Accuracy ranged between 93%-110%, while precision ranged between 91%-99%. At room temperature, gauze dressings deliberately contaminated exhibited superior stability for 5-FU compared to CP. The method has been successfully validated for analyzing CP and 5-FU residues in gauze, meeting essential validation criteria. Upon suitability verification, the method will be applicable for the evaluation of the importance of using gauze dressing when handling cytotoxic drugs, by assessing contaminations occurring during their real-life handling routine.
- 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.
- Algoritmos de inteligência artificial para diagnóstico do cancro da próstataPublication . Pinho, Bia; Vale, João; Malhão, Fernanda; Silva, ReginaO cancro da próstata (CP) é o segundo tipo de cancro mais incidente nos homens. O diagnóstico histológico está sujeito à subjetividade e variabilidade interobservador pois baseia-se no reconhecimento visual de padrões morfológicos. A Patologia Digital e a aplicação de algoritmos de Inteligência Artificial (IA) às imagens digitais podem auxiliar os patologistas, reduzindo a subjetividade, permitindo um diagnóstico mais célere e fiável.
- Exploring the biosurfactant potential of Actinobacteria isolated from Ruta graveolensPublication . Ferreira, Sílvia; Ribeiro, Inês; Oliveira, Rui S.; Carvalho, Maria de FátimaBiosurfactants are surface-active compounds known for their emulsifying properties and numerous advantages, including low environmental toxicity, eco-friendliness, biodegradability and acceptability. These molecules are amphiphilic, containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends, allowing them to interact at the aqueous-non-aqueous interface. Bacterial biosurfactants are interesting due to their various fields of applications, including biomedicine, cosmetics, food, pharmaceutics, water treatment and oil recovery. Actinobacteria are an important group of microorganisms with high potential for producing different bioactive metabolites including antimicrobial, anticancer and other pharmaceutical compounds. Medicinal plants,such as Ruta graveolens, are a rich source of bioactive compounds, and the association of actinobacteria endophytes with such plants are an attractive source for bioprospecting for novel compounds with biomedical and industrial applications. The purpose of this study was to explore the biosurfactant activity of actinobacterial strains previously isolated from R. graveolens. Fifteen previously isolated actinobacterial strains were inoculated into 100 mL Erlenmeyer flasks containing 30 mL of Kim’s broth supplemented with 3% filtered olive oil as a hydrophobic carbon source. After two weeks, biosurfactant productionwas analyzed by measuring the emulsification activity. Eight out of the 15 actinobacterial strains showed emulsification activity. All results were compared with a positive control consisting of Triton X100 (1mg/ml), and a negative control consisting in Kim’s broth. Almost all strains that revealed positive activity are affiliated to the actinobacterial species Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens (7/8), with one strain belonging to the species Microbacterium gisengiterae. Comparative analysis with the positive control (with an emulsification activity of 60%), indicated that 3/8 samples showed high emulsification activity (>40%), 1 showed moderate activity (37%) and 4/8 showed low/moderate activity (20-30%). The subsequent phases of this study will involve analyzing if the potential biosurfactant compounds can reduce the surface tension and if they can represent new molecules.
- Efeito da espessura do corte histológico na qualidade da impregnação argênticaPublication . Coelho, Carolina; Silva, Susana; Cardoso, Ana Rita; Almeida, João Carlos; Silva, ReginaO estroma hepático é constituído maioritariamente por colagénio do tipo III, formando uma complexa rede de fibras reticulares anastomosadas que fornece suporte aos hepatócitos e aos capilares sinusoides. Diversas condições patológicas provocam destruição, colapso ou alterações do padrão normal das fibras de reticulina, que podem ser evidenciadas por métodos de impregnação argêntica. A qualidade destes métodos pode ser afetada por diversos fatores, como a fixação, o processamento e a espessura dos cortes histológicos.
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