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- Allergic rhinitis and work productivity: Preliminary analysis of data from the MASK-air applicationPublication . Ferreira, Laura; Pinto, Bernardo Sousa; Alves, Sandra Maria; Amaral, Rita; Alves, Sandra Maria; Amaral, RitaAllergic rhinitis is a health condition more prevalent in developed countries that can impact the activities and quality of life of affected individuals1. Although its impact on work productivity is recognized2, there is still a need for a more detailed understanding and quantification. This cross-sectional observational study investigates the relationship between allergic rhinitis and work productivity, using data from the MASK-air mobile designed for monitoring allergic rhinitis and related respiratory conditions3. To investigate the association between the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms and the impact on work productivity. Data was collected through the MASK-air mobile application4,5 that contains demographic, environmental and symptom variables on a daily basis, with users providing information on a scale of 0 to 100 each day. A sample of 1000 random observations of users from 30 countries, recorded between May 2015 and December 2023 was analysed. Participants were selected based on specifics criteria, including a minimum age of 15 or 16 (depending on the digital consent age in each country) and self-reported diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. Descriptive statistics and the Spearman correlation coefficient6 between symptoms and impact on productivity were calculated. The sample showed a balanced distribution between sexes, with 435 individuals identified as female (53.5%) and 378 individuals as male (46.5%). The mean age of participants was 41.41 ± 14.50 years. The data included participants from various countries; the most frequent was from Mexico with 141 participants (17.3%), followed by Lithuania with 91 participants (11.9%), and Germany with 79 participants (9.7%). Regarding comorbidities, 535 participants (65.6%) reported having conjunctivitis, and 310 participants (38.1%) reported being asthmatic. Additionally, 200 participants (20%) used immunotherapy. A strong positive correlation was observed between work impact and the severities of global allergic symptoms (ρs= 0.82, p < 0.0001) and nasal symptoms (ρs= 0.77, p < 0.0001); and a moderate correlation was observed between work impact and the severities of ocular symptoms (ρs= 0.69, p < 0.0001) and asthma (ρs= 0.48, p< 0.0001). This study offers an initial understanding of how symptoms of allergic rhinitis affect work productivity. Identifying other associated factors will allow targeting health interventions and policies to improve the well-being and performance of workers affected by this condition.
- Analyzing Total Hip Arthroplasty: Straight Stem vs Anatomical Stem with Different Materials and ActivitiesPublication . Queirós, Pedro; Gueiral, Nuno; González-Gómez, Carlos David; Gueiral, Nuno[Introduction] Total Hip Arthroplasty involves replacing damaged parts of the hip joint with a prosthetic comprised of an artificial acetabular cup and femoral head. These components, made of durable, low-friction materials, aim to restore mobility, and alleviate pain in patients with hip joint degeneration, such as osteoarthritis or fractures. Utilizing computational mathematical models, such as the finite element method (FEM), it is possible to predict the behavior of materials under simulated loads from common daily activities [1], thereby anticipating potential failures in the femoral stem or the material itself.
- Assessing the utility of the REVEL Score: A comprehensive evaluation across diverse genomic and clinical contextsPublication . Ribeiro, Inês; Abreu, Maria; Leão, Marta; Abreu, Miguel; Faria, Brigida Monica; Faria, Brigida MonicaInterpreting germline variant pathogenicity is challenging, even with increased access to genomic data and in silico prediction tools. The REVEL score, an ensemble method combining 13 prediction tools, has become a key resource for classifying missense variants. This study evaluates REVEL's accuracy using gnomAD data, focusing on three aspects: its agreement with ClinVar classifications, its reliability with variants of moderate-to-high prevalence in gnomAD 4.0 (which are generally benign), and its effectiveness across gene pathogenicity mechanisms, such as gain of function and loss of function. This analysis will determine REVEL's utility in diverse clinical settings. It was optimized data processing by selecting 20 genes from the OMIM-morbid database, representing a variety of disorders and disease mechanisms. To test the accuracy of REVEL, it was selected genes with varying features, focusing on pathogenicity mechanisms (such as gain of function, loss of function, or dominant negative), inheritance patterns (autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked), and disorder frequencies. This approach allowed us to evaluate REVEL's performance across diverse gene characteristics and clinical scenarios.It was mapped each gene's REVEL score to its gnomAD frequency, ClinVar classification, and canonical transcript position, and accuracy was tested using Python and Biopython. Our preliminary analysis showed that the REVEL score performed well for variants with medium-to-high prevalence in gnomAD. REVEL scores were generally consistent with ClinVar classifications, with high accuracy across most gene type, but some care should be taken upon analysing Clinvar classification, as some may have used REVEL or some of its components during interpretation. The tool was effective regardless of pathogenicity mechanisms, inheritance patterns, or disorder frequencies, suggesting broad utility in genomic analysis.
- Association between maternal cardiometabolic risk factors and oral health of infantsPublication . Pestana, Rebeca Saad; Baptista, Manuel; Magalhães, Inês; Morais, Juliana; Ferreira, Ana Filipa; Marques, Sofia Cameron; Jerónimo, Maria Luís; Pinto, Carla; Sousa, Marta; Falcão-Pires, Inês; Duister, Denise; Zaura, Egija; Azevedo, Maria João; Maia, Benedita SampaioMaternal health conditions during pregnancy influence infant health1-3. Cardiometabolic risk factors (CRFs), such as obesity, hypertension, and gestational diabetes, increase maternal and neonatal complications due to chronic inflammation, which disrupts immune and endocrine adaptation4,5. While the effects of CRFs on infant development are well studied, their impact on oral health remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to assess the association between maternal CRFs and oral health of infants at three years of age. The prospective OralBioBorn cohort follows pregnant women (healthy and with CRFs) and their children up to 36 months postpartum. At age three, oral hygiene habits, caries experience using ICDAS, and Quigley-Hein plaque index (PI) of children were assessed. PI was evaluated on buccal and lingual surfaces. Preliminary data from 36 children (26 from healthy mothers, 10 from mothers with CRFs) showed no cavitated, missing, or filled teeth due to caries, nor PUFA Index lesions, in either group. The PI did not differ significantly between children of healthy mothers and those of mothers with CRFs (0.17±0.32 vs. 0.49±0.72, p>0.05, Mann-Whitney U test). The lack of associations between maternal CRFs and child oral health may reflect multiple factors, including the small sample size, the young age of the children, and the possibility that maternal CRFs do not exert a strong early influence on oral health. Future work will focus on evaluating a larger cohort and considering additional determinants, such as oral hygiene and dietary habits, which may play a more prominent role in shaping early oral health outcomes. This will provide a deeper understanding of potential mediating factors influencing early oral health trajectories
- Association between placental weight and birthweight, adjusted for parity, sex and PAPP-A levels: a retrospective cohort studyPublication . Santos, Inês; Moreira, Rui; Gonçalves, Inês Sarmento; Dias, Cláudia Camila; Ramalho, CarlaPlacental weight has been studied as an indicator of placental function, correlating with birthweight and perinatal outcomes. The fetal-to-placental ratio (FPR) reflects the adaptation to hypoxemia and fetal growth needs. This study aims to assess the association between placental weight and birthweight, adjusting for parity, fetal sex and PAPP-A. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary university hospital. We included singleton pregnancies undergoing first-trimester screening and delivering at the same hospital between May 2013 and September 2024. Clinical data were gathered from electronic databases (SClínico®, ObsCare®, ASTRAIA®). Categorical data were analyzed using Chi-squared tests. Continuous variables were assessed through ANOVA or T test. Pearson or Spearman correlation was applied as appropriate. For significance, a p-value<0.05 was assumed. All data was processed with IBM SPSS v29.0. Results: Among 16492 singleton pregnancies, 54.9% women were nulliparous and 8.9% newborns were small for gestational age. Placental weight was positively correlated with birthweight (r=0.517,p<0.001), which increased by 1.77g per gram of placental weight, explaining 26.7% of the birthweight variation. Preterm deliveries (6.8%) had lower mean placental weight (493.1g versus 579.2g) and birthweight (900g difference, p<0.001) compared to term group. Mean male fetuses’ birthweight was 121.3g higher than female (p<0.001). Additionally, “female fetuses” and “nulliparity” were associated with decreased placental weight (p<0.001). On average, the FPR was 6:1, with male fetuses exhibiting greater FPR (p<0.001) as well as term deliveries (5.7) compared to preterm (4.8), p<0.001. FPR was also correlated with Apgar score at 5min (Apgar<7:5.0 vs. Apgar≥7:5.7, p<0.001) and PAPP-A levels (p<0.001). However, parity (p=0.121) showed no significant association with FPR. Placental weight correlates with birthweight. FPR reflects placental efficiency and perinatal outcome, influenced by fetal sex and gestational age.
- Beer enriched with “Lapins” cherry extracts: antioxidant activity and liver toxicityPublication . Santos, Diana; Pereira, Maria João Sequeira; Oliveira, Ana Isabel; Pinho, Cláudia; Pinho, CláudiaBeer can be considered a functional beverage and integrate innovative ingredients, namely sweet cherries, with different properties, such as antioxidant activity[1,2]. To evaluate the antioxidant activity, in vitro, and liver toxicity, in human hepatocarcinoma cells (HepG2), in beer after incorporation of aqueous (CAE) and ethanolic (CEE) extracts of cherry variety "Lapins". CAEand CEE(1mg/mL) were incorporated into commercial bottles of Imperial Stout beer (IS-N). The total phenolic content(TPC), expressed in mg of gallicacid equivalents (GAE)/g, was determined. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) neutralization and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) assays, both expressed in the concentration required to inhibit the activity by 50% (IC50). Also, the ferricreducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay was performed and expressed in μmol of trolox equivalent (TE)/mg. Cell toxicity was studied in HepG2 cells, with assessment of metabolic activity by the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Data were analysed using GraphPad Prism software, and significant differences were considered for p< 0.05.The incorporation of CEEto IS-N beer significantly decreased TPC (4.2±0.1mg GAE/g for IS-N+CEE; 8.3 ± 0.2mg GAE/g for IS-N;p<0.05).There was an increase in the antioxidant capacity by the ABTS assay(IC50= 80.1±1.1μg/mLfor IS-N; IC50= 60.5 ±1.5 μg/mLfor IS-N + CAE; IC50= 48.0 ±0.6 μg/mLfor IS-N + CEE); however, the incorporation of cherry extracts was not promising in the H2O2(27.0±1.5μg/mLfor IS-N; IC50= 58.7 ±0.4 μg/mLfor IS-N + CEE; IC50= 78.8 ±1.6 μg/mLfor IS-N + CAE;) and FRAP (44.4±0.0μmol/gfor IS-N; 42.7 ±0.0μmol/gfor IS-N + CAE; and 39.7 ±0.0μmol/gfor IS-N + CEE) assays. Further more, IS-N+CEE showed greater antioxidant capacity than IS-N+CAE. After the incorporation of cherry extracts, cytotoxicity was observed in concentrations higher than 10 mg/mL (for IS-N + CAE, 24h incubation) and at the concentration of 500mg/mL (for IS-N + CAE and IS-N + CEE, 48h incubation). IS-N + CEE showed the greatest increase in cell viability. The addition of cherry extracts to beer increased the antioxidant capacity by the ABTS assay, while TPC was reduced with the addition of CEE. The incorporation of both extracts showed promising potential, with low cytotoxicity in HepG2.
- Bioacessibility of zinc in pet food determined by a dynamic leaching methodPublication . Fernandes, Sara R.; Pereira, Ana Margarida; Matos, Elisabete; Castanheira, Francisco; Baptista, Cláudia S.; Cabrita, Ana Rita J.; Segundo, Marcela A.; Fernandes, SaraIn dynamic leaching methods, portions of extractant reagents are continuously provided to the solid sample contained in flow-through microcolumns or chambers, enabling the renewal of extracting fluid and avoiding saturation effects from fluid stagnation. These methods are also suitable for fast measurements in real time with small extract manipulation, especially when coupled online with suitable detectors [1]. In this work, the bioaccessible fraction and kinetic leaching profile of zinc in pet food was determined using a robust flow-through device, composed by two filters placed in polypropylene holders to entrap the solid sample, designed for dynamic leaching experiments [2]. Continuous extraction flow was ensured by a peristaltic pump connecting the extraction reservoir and the extraction chamber, at a flow rate of 0.5 mL min-1. Synthetic fluids simulating digestive compartments were applied as extractants. The kinetic extraction profile of fast leachable Zn was evaluated by flame atomic absorption. Operational conditions, including filters’ composition and pore size, were tested. Preliminary results have shown that different extracting fluids (with and without digestive enzymes) had an influence on the total amount and on the leaching kinetic profile of Zn. In fact, higher values were obtained when enzymes were present in the extracting fluids. The proposed dynamic leaching method was suitable for evaluation of bioaccessible Zn in pet food. This information will be applied for the improvement of Zn supplementation in dog foods and for designing new products with enhanced mineral delivery.
- Bioprospecting for cellulose-degrading microorganismsPublication . Almeida, Liliana; Alexandrino, Diogo; Oliveira, Rui S.; Carvalho, M. Fátima; Freitas, Marisa; Freitas, MarisaCellulose, a complex polysaccharide, is one of the main components of plant and algae biomass and therefore the most abundant polymer found in nature, serving as a significant carbon source in various ecosystems. Bioprospecting for cellulolytic microbes is a promising strategy for discovering potential biocatalysts for the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials, including residues. This work aims to assess the cellulolytic potential of microbial isolates (bacteria and fungi) sourced from diverse environments and to establish a synthetic microbial consortium capable to enhance the management of cellulosic waste. The experimental approach encompasses biodegradation assays coupled with optimized colorimetric methods, to estimate cellulose consumption (Congo Red assay) and the concomitant production of oligomeric/monomeric sugars (Dinitrosalicylic acid assay). For bacterial strains, these biodegradation assays involve batch incubations in minimal liquid medium supplied with cellulose as the sole carbon source, while solid medium is being used for fungi. Both assays are being run under mesophilic temperatures (28-30 ºC) and aerobic conditions. Upon achieving a final selection, strains exhibiting the best cellulose degradation performances will be assembled into a synthetic consortium that will be evaluated for their cellulose degradation capability. Future steps will also include phylogenetic identification of the cellulose degrading isolates through 16S and ITS rRNA gene sequence analysis. This study has the potential to identify novel cellulolytic microbes, highlighting the substantial role microorganisms play in ecosystem processes and their diverse applications in biotechnology.
- Blockingmethamphetamine-induced microglia reactivity by targeting glutamate receptorsPublication . Summavielle, Teresa; Canedo, Teresa; Silva, Ana Isabel; Andrade, Elva Bonifácio; Almeida, Tiago O.; Bravo, Joana; Terceiro, Ana Filipa; Canedo, Teresa; Silva, Ana Isabel; Magalhães, Ana; Relvas, João B.; Bonifácio Andrade, Elva; Bravo, JoanaExposure to psychostimulants has been classically associated with damage to neuronal terminals. However, it is now accepted that interaction between neuronal and glial cells also contributes to the addictive behavior. We have recently shown that acute methamphetamine (Meth), a powerful psychostimulant, causes microgliosis and increases microglia activation through astrocytic-TNF release1. We are now interested in clarifying the progression of neuroinflammation under chronic drug exposure and how different brain and immune cells contribute to this inflammatory process.To explore this, firstly, we performed a proteomic analysis, in different phases of the addictive process, in mice exposed to an escalating dosing of Meth for ten days (Meth10d). To validate the conditioning power of our model, mice were tested in a condition place preference (CPP) at 10d of Meth, and 2 or 10 days of withdrawal (WD). At all these time points, mice were seen to be strongly conditioned by Meth. Next, we conducted a proteomic analysis to compare the different time points (using the hippocampus, where we previously found robust microgliosis underMeth1). We found a proteome profile that varied substantially with exposure (Meth10d) and after a short- (WD2d)and long-term withdrawal (WD10d) periods. Interestingly, the most altered pathways were neuro transmitter-related.However, we also identified significant differences in Wnt signaling, which was previously linked to regulation of microglia reactivity. As such, we evaluated the microglia profile after chronic Meth exposure and at withdrawal. In the hippocampus, the number of microglia cells was significantly increased at Meth10d and remained also increased at WD2d. Microglia presented a more ameboid-like shape at Meth10d, but its ramified morphology was recovered at WD2d. Importantly, our proteomic data also revealed that during Meth withdrawal, several microglial receptors were down regulated, suggesting that microglia was in a “primed” state. In addition, as the crosstalk between neurons and microglia seems to be relevant for the behavioral expression of Meth, we are dissecting the modulation of microgliaby neurons under Meth exposure, to evaluate neuroimmune regulatory ligand-receptor pairs that seem to impact on the neuron-microglia interaction. Of note, some these ligand-receptor pairs seem to be down regulated by chronic Meth and during abstinence, which may be associated with reduced neuronal ability to down regulate microglia reactivity, and lead to increased neuronal damage. We fore see that these receptors may prove to be interesting therapeutic targets for the treatment of addiction, and therefore we will manipulate them to confirm their value in reducing relapse rates and improve addiction treatments.
- Breastfeeding and malocclusions: Characterization of a pediatric dentistry population enrolled in a birth cohort studyPublication . Marques, Sofia Cameron; Baptista, Manuel; Magalhães, Inês; Morais, Juliana; Ferreira, Ana Filipa; Pestana, Rebeca; Jerónimo, Maria Luís; Pinto, Carla; Sousa, Marta; Pires, Inês Falcão; Deuster, Denise; Zaura, Egija; Areias, Cristina; Maia, Benedita SampaioBreastfeeding plays an important role in the development of the craniofacial complex (1,2). However, the role of breastfeeding duration, non-nutritive sucking habits, and the timing of solid food introduction on the development of malocclusions is still in debate (25). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate these associations in a birth cohort. In the ongoing OralBioBorn birth cohort, occlusion of three-year-old children was assessed in maxiumum intercuspidation, examining the left and right sides, followed by a frontal assessment. In addition, the information on breastfeeding type and duration, solid food introduction, and non-nutritive sucking habits was collected through a parental questionnaire. Preliminary data from 39 children revealed a high prevalence of open bite (33.3%), crossbite (20.5%), and overbite (10.3%). Scissor bite, high/narrow palate, and crowding were observed in only one child each. The relationship between these occlusal characteristics and breastfeeding duration, non-nutritive sucking habits, and solid food introduction will be further explored. The preliminary findings suggest that malocclusions are frequent at an early age, reinforcing the need to investigate their potential early-life determinants. Future work will involve a more in-depth analysis of the associations between occlusal development and early feeding practices, considering additional factors such as genetic predisposition and environmental influences. Longitudinal follow-up of this cohort will provide valuable insights into the long-term impact of breastfeeding and oral habits on craniofacial growth, ultimately contributing to early preventive strategies.