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- Acute effects of physical exercise with microcurrent in the adipose tissue of the abdominal region: A randomized controlled trialPublication . Noites, Andreia; Moreira, Anabela; Melo, Cristina; Faria, Miriam; Vilarinho, Rui; Freitas, Carla; Monteiro, Pedro; Carvalho, Paulo; Adubeiro, Nuno; Sousa, Maria; Santos, Rubim; Nogueira, LuisaIncreased abdominal fat and sedentary lifestyles contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. Low-intensity electrical current (microcurrent) on the abdominal region, associated with physical exercise, appears to be an innovative method to increase the lipolytic rate of abdominal adipocytes, in order to reduce abdominal fat. This study aimed to analyze the acute effects of microcurrent associated with an aerobic exercise program in healthy subjects in lipolysis. A double-blinded, randomized controlled trial was developed and conducted in a higher education school. Eighty-three healthy subjects, aged between 18 and 30 years old and with a 18.5 to 29.9 kg/m2 body mass index were randomly assigned either to an experimental or to a placebo group. Subjects received a trans-abdominal microcurrent stimulation for 40 min with (experimental group) or without (placebo group) electrical current, followed by a single aerobic exercise session (60 min at 45–55% VO2max intensity). Lipolytic activity (serum glycerol), abdominal fat (waist circumference, abdominal skinfold, ultrasonography), and serum lipid profile (serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were evaluated in all subjects. Physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) and dietary intake (food-frequency questionnaire) questionnaires were applied. After the intervention, lipolytic rate was significantly higher (p = 0.003) in the experimental group (mean = 0.15) than in the placebo group (mean = 0.09). Glycerol results showed a statistically significant increase between baseline and after the intervention for both experimental group (p = 0.001) and the placebo group (p = 0.001). Combined use of microcurrent and physical aerobic exercise had an acute effect enhancing lipolytic rate comparing to exercise alone, in young healthy subjects.
- An overview of the therapeutic potential of dimeric flavonoids for targeting cancer hallmarksPublication . Lopes, Inês; Meireles, Isabel; Rocha, Rafaela; Medeiros, Rui; Cerqueira, FátimaEvidence found in the literature indicates that dimeric flavonoids constitute important therapeutic options against cancer. Using these molecules to prevent cancer progression might be a novel and promising therapeutic approach with advantages like fewer side effects, easy access in nature, overall health benefits and overcoming drug resistance. Cancer is a complex disease and still not understood, but there are some common mechanisms and biological characteristics underlying tumor progression that have been scrutinized over the years. This information was summarized in a conceptual framework designated as hallmarks of cancer. Dimeric flavonoids exert biological effects in several pathways involved in cancer hallmarks including cell growth, cell cycle, apoptosis, metastasis and metabolism.
- Antimicrobial activity of dimeric flavonoidsPublication . Lopes, Inês; Campos, Carla; Medeiros, Rui; Cerqueira, FátimaDistributed throughout the environment are various microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Although many are part of the human microbiome, many are pathogenic and cause infections ranging from mild to severe. In recent years, the identification of multidrug-resistant microorganisms has become a serious public health problem. The resulting infections call into question the therapeutic capacity of health systems and lead to approximately 70,000 deaths annually worldwide. The progressive resistance to antibiotics and antifungals has been a major challenge for the medical and pharmaceutical community, requiring the search for new compounds with antimicrobial properties. Several studies have demonstrated the potential of natural and synthesized flavonoids, especially the dimers of these molecules. In this review are presented many examples of dimeric flavonoids that have demonstrated antimicrobial activity against viruses, like influenza and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), protozoal infections, such as Leishmaniasis and Malaria, fungal infections by Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, and bacterial infections caused, for example, by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In the pursuit to find potential safe agents for therapy in microbial infections, natural dimeric flavonoids are an option not only for the antimicrobial activity, but also for the low toxicity usually associated with these compounds when compared to classic antimicrobials.
- Application of cryolipolysis in adipose tissue: A systematic reviewPublication . Resende, Leonor; Noites, Andreia; Amorim, ManuelaCryolipolysis is characterized by localized and controlled cooling of the subcutaneous adipose tissue, in a non-invasive way, causing a localized panniculitis, followed by adipocyte death by apoptosis and, consequently, a decrease in adipose tissue in the treated area. To evaluate the scientific evidence and methodological qualities about effects, adverse reactions, and level of satisfaction of cryolipolysis for the reduction of sub cutaneous adipose tissue. A systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA recommen dation. Searches were conducted in different databases. We included studies that used a randomized control and self-control design and were carried out in humans. Articles published in English and Portuguese were screened, with no time limit regard ing the year of publication. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Rob2 scale. Of 381 articles, seven were considered eligible for inclusion. After applying the Cochrane Rob2 scale, five studies were included in the final sample. Most studies showed significant results for cryolipolysis in reducing localized fat. The incorpora tion of a dietary program into the treatment was shown to contribute to a significant improvement in the lipid profile and liver enzymes, which does not happen when cry olipolysis is applied in isolation. Rare adverse effects have been identified, but never persisting beyond a month. Cryolipolysis is an effective technique for reducing localized fat, safe, and well tolerated, with most participants satisfied at the end of the treatment. However, more randomized controlled studies should be carried out, since there is a limited number of articles with good methodological quality.
- Assessment of the presence of Acinetobacter spp. resistant to β-lactams in commercial ready-to-eat salad samplesPublication . Costa-Ribeiro, Ana; Azinheiro, Sarah; Mota, Sandra; Prado, Marta; Lamas, Alexandre; Garrido-Maestu, AlejandroAcinetobacter baumannii is a well-known nosocomial infection causing agent. However, other Acinetobacter spp. have also been implicated in cases of human infection. Additionally, these bacteria are known for the development of antibiotic resistance thus making the treatment of the infections they cause, challenging. Due to their relevance in clinical setups less attention has been paid to their presence in foods, and its relation with infection/ dissemination routes. In the current study commercial Ready-To-Eat (RTE) salads were analyzed seeking for antibiotic resistant Acinetobacter spp. A preliminary screening allowed us to recover Gram-negative bacteria resistant to β – lactams using cefotaxime, third generation cephalosporins, as the selective agent, and this was followed by identification with CHROMagar™ Acinetobacter and 16S rDNA sequencing. Finally, the isolates identified as Acinetobacter spp. were reanalyzed by PCR to determine the presence of nine potential Extended Spectrum β Lactamases (ESBL). Two commercial RTE salad brands were included in the study (2 batches per brand and 8 samples of each batch making a total of 32 independent samples), and compared against an organic lettuce. High concentrations of β – lactam, resistant bacteria were found in all the samples tested (5 log CFU/g). Additionally, 209 isolates were phenotypically characterized on CHROMagar Acinetobacter. Finally, PCR analysis identified the presence of different ESBL genes, being positive for blaACC, blaSHV, blaDHA and blaVEB; out of these, blaACC was the most prevalent. None of the isolates screened were positive for more than one gene. To conclude, it is important to highlight the fact that pathogenic species within the genus Acinetobacter spp., other than A. baumannii, have been identified bearing resistance genes not typically associated to these microorganisms highlight the importance of continuous surveillance.
- Atividade atípica do Vírus Sincicial Respiratório durante a pandemia de COVID-19 num hospital portuguêsPublication . Oliveira, Márcia; Martins, Nádia; Mota, Sandra; Sousa, MariaO Vírus Sincicial Respiratório (RSV) representa a principal causa de infeção aguda do trato respiratório inferior em crianças até aos 5 anos de idade. Após o início da pandemia da COVID-19 em 2020, foi necessário implementar medidas de controlo, que afetaram igualmente a atividade do RSV. Estudar o perfil epidemiológico do RSV em utentes pediátricos que recorreram ao Centro Hospitalar da Póvoa de Varzim - Vila do Conde, no período de 1 de setembro de 2019 até 31 de março de 2022. Estudou-se os resultados da pesquisa de RSV por Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase, através da consulta de registos existentes no SISLAB®. A sua sistematização realizou-se no IBM SPSS Statistics 28. A atividade do RSV na época sazonal de 2019/2020 iniciou na semana 49 de 2019 e terminou na semana 11 de 2020. Na época sazonal de 2020/2021 não se registaram casos de infeção. Registou-se atividade do RSV da semana 24 de 2021 até à semana 3 de 2022. Entre 2019 e 2020, as crianças com idade inferior a 13 meses representaram 57,1% dos casos de infeção, e entre 2021 e 2022, 24,3%. A ausência de atividade do RSV coincidiu com a implementação de medidas de controlo da COVID-19. O surto inter-sazonal registou-se após a flexibilização das mesmas, observando-se assim um perfil epidemiológico do RSV diferente do habitualmente registado em Portugal.
- Candida glabrata susceptibility to antifungals and phagocytosis is modulated by acetatePublication . Mota, Sandra; Alves, Rosana; Carneiro, Catarina; Silva, Sónia; Brown, Alistair J.; Istel, Fabian; Kuchler, Karl; Sampaio, Paula; Casal, Margarida; Henriques, Mariana; Paiva, SandraCandida glabrata is considered a major opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans. The capacity of this yeast species to cause infections is dependent on the ability to grow within the human host environment and to assimilate the carbon sources available. Previous studies have suggested that C. albicans can encounter glucose-poor microenvironments during infection and that the ability to use alternative non-fermentable carbon sources, such as carboxylic acids, contributes to the virulence of this fungus. Transcriptional studies on C. glabrata cells identified a similar response, upon nutrient deprivation. In this work, we aimed at analyzing biofilm formation, antifungal drug resistance, and phagocytosis of C. glabrata cells grown in the presence of acetic acid as an alternative carbon source. C. glabrata planktonic cells grown in media containing acetic acid were more susceptible to fluconazole and were better phagocytosed and killed by macrophages than when compared to media lacking acetic acid. Growth in acetic acid also affected the ability of C. glabrata to form biofilms. The genes ADY2a, ADY2b, FPS1, FPS2, and ATO3, encoding putative carboxylate transporters, were upregulated in C. glabrata planktonic and biofilm cells in the presence of acetic acid. Phagocytosis assays with fps1 and ady2a mutant strains suggested a potential role of FPS1 and ADY2a in the phagocytosis process. These results highlight how acidic pH niches, associated with the presence of acetic acid, can impact in the treatment of C. glabrata infections, in particular in vaginal candidiasis.
- Clinical and metabolic implications of obesity in prostate cancer: is testosterone a missing link?Publication . Duarte, Fernanda; Luís, C.; Baylina, Pilar; Faria, Isabel; Fernandes, Rúben; La Fuente, J. M.Objectives: To assess sex hormones in men with obesity and prostate cancer (PCa) and to study association between androgens and the pathogenesis biology of PCa in vitro. Subjects and methods: One hundred and eighty-one men older than 45 years selected from of a population attending to Urology departments screening for PCa, (78 participants without PCa and 103 patients with PCa). All participants were assessed for body mass index (BMI), age, Gleason score, and PSA. Endocrine profile was determined for LH, total testosterone (TT), 17β-estradiol (E2), prolactin and leptin. Biochemical profile (HbA1c, triacylglycerols and lipoproteins) was also determined. In vitro experiments were also performed, involving the study of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and E2 in the presence of adipocyte-conditioned medium (aCM). Results: All variables were continuous and described a Gaussian distribution unless mentioned. To determine the relation of aggressiveness, variable were transformed into categories. Thus, PCa aggressiveness is associated with the increase of age and BMI (p < .0001) but with is decreased with TT and E2 (p < .05). Moreover, adipocyte-secreted molecules increase aggressiveness of PCa cells in vitro. Lastly, DTH but not E2 enables invasiveness in vitro. Conclusions: It was observed a coexistence of hormone axis profile alteration with sex hormones and BMI in PCa patients, in accordance with the new perspective of PCa pathogenesis.
- Construção e validação de um instrumento para avaliar a satisfação e importância atribuída aos serviços de enfermagem prestados na área da saúde mentalPublication . Mota, Sandra; Araújo, Maria José; Trigueiro, Maria João; Leuchner, António; Amorim, ManuelaA avaliação da satisfação dos utentes é um indicador da qualidade e eficácia dos cuidados de saúde prestados, pelo que é da maior importância ter instrumentos válidos para a recolha desta informação. Na existência de poucos instrumentos que cumpram esses requisitos, procedemos à construção e validação de um que permitisse avaliar a satisfação dos utentes e a importância que estes atribuem aos cuidados prestados numa instituição de saúde mental. Avaliou-se as propriedades psicométricas do instrumento, através dos testes α de Cronbach, Ró de Spearman e análise fatorial, numa amostra de 95 utentes. Verificou-se que o instrumento cumpriu os critérios intermédios necessários para ser considerado um instrumento validado para os utentes de consulta externa de cuidados de enfermagem de uma instituição de saúde mental. Verificou-se ainda que os utentes se encontram satisfeitos com os cuidados prestados e consideram estes cuidados importantes.
- A cyclam salt as an antifungal agent: Interference with Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans mechanisms of virulencePublication . Cerqueira, Fátima; Medeiros, Rui; Lopes, Inês; Campos, Carla; Ferraz, Maria Pia; Silva, Fernando; Alves, Luís G.; Pinto, EugéniaThe importance of fungal infections, particularly those caused by yeasts, is increasing among the medical community. Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans are amongst the high-priority fungal species identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and are considered in the critical group, while Candida krusei is included in the medium-priority group. The cyclam salt H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 proved to be active against the growth of these three yeasts, and the aim of this work was to verify its interference with their virulence mechanisms, whether shared or unique. H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 significantly inhibited biofilm production and catalase activity, being able to interfere with C. albicans dimorphic transition and C. neoformans melanin production. At the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 had no antioxidant effect, as determined by the DPPH method. When using the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line, H4[H2(4-CF3PhCH2)2Cyclam]Cl4 reduced nitric oxide (NO) detection (the Griess reaction), but this effect was associated with a significant toxic effect on the cells.