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- CGRP suppresses protective SiglecFhi Neutrophil development in Neonatal Group B Streptococcus PneumoniaPublication . Lorga, Inês; Teixeira, Ana Sofia; Carvalho, Bárbara; Soares, Joana; Ribeiro, Nuno; Cardoso, Marcos S.; Cunha, Joana; Santos, Joana; Silva, Regina A.; Vilanova, Manuel; Andrade, Elva Bonifácio; Bonifácio Andrade, Elva; Silva, ReginaNeonatal pneumonia, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, is frequently caused by Group B Streptococcus (GBS). The mechanisms underlying protective immunity to this pathogen in the neonatal lung remain incompletely understood. Using a clinically relevant neonatal mouse model of GBS pneumonia, we investigated the immune mechanisms influencing disease severity. We demonstrate that neutrophils are effectively recruited to the lungs of infected neonates, but their phenotype differs with disease severity. In pups with moderate disease, we observe significant infiltration of SiglecFhi neutrophils, a phenotype associated with enhanced phagocytic capacity and bacterial clearance. In contrast, pups with severe disease failed to develop SiglecFhi neutrophils, resulting in reduced bacterial clearance and worsened pathology. We further show that severity is associated with increased expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the lungs. CGRP suppressed neutrophil activation into the SiglecFhi phenotype, thereby limiting their antibacterial function. Our findings show that GBS exploits the neuroimmune axis to evade host immunity through CGRP-mediated suppression of neutrophil activation.
- A systematic review of indoor air quality in schools settings: Focus on microbiome and their relation to particulate matter and chemical pollutantsPublication . Ferraz, Mariana; Santos, Joana; Silva, Manuela Vieira da; Santos, Joana; Vieira da Silva, Manuela; Ferraz, MarianaIndoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is a growing concern due to its impact on children's health. Continuous exposure to indoor air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), and microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, can affect school performance, increase absenteeism, and trigger respiratory problems. This systematic review aimed to analyze the potential correlation between the presence of microorganisms and PM and chemical pollutants in school indoor environments. Study design: A systematic literature review was conducted using the methodology PRISMA and 25 articles were selected. The current systematic review follow the steps: definition of research objectives; selection of the science databases; definition of keywords; establishment of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, evaluation process and evaluation and management of selected studies. The findings highlight the significant presence of airborne microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, often associated with PM and chemical pollutants such as CO 2 correlations between CO 2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Positive and bacteria were observed in ten studies and were statistically significant in six of them. Both positive and negative correlations between fungi and CO 2 were reported. Fungal genera such as Aspergillus spp. And Cladosporium spp. Were associated with particulate matter (PM). In general, the concentrations of bacteria and fungi were often correlated with PM levels, with larger particles (PM 10 adhesion and transport of microorganisms, while smaller particles (PM 2 . 5 ) favoring the ) remain suspended in the air for longer periods, increasing exposure. Despite the methodological variations among the various studies, the results reinforce the need to create effective interventions to reduce pollutant concentrations to minimize health risks for occupants.
- Sustainable agriculture with cyanobacterial biomass: Soil experiments on spinach and radish plantsPublication . Massa, Anabella; Martins, Diogo; Azevedo, Joana; Prieto, Ana I.; Camean, Ana M.; Diez-Quijada, Leticia; Jos, Angeles; Reimão, Mariana; Azevedo, Rui; Pinto, Edgar; Almeida, Agostinho; Vasconcelos, Vitor; Campos, Alexandre; Freitas, Marisa; REIMÃO BORGES LOPES DA SILVA, MARIANATo support sustainable food production and improve crop yields, it is essential to explore bio-based plant growth- promoting products. Cyanobacterial biomass has shown potential to enhance soil quality and agricultural productivity. However, some cyanobacteria produce cyanotoxins, such as microcystins, cylindrospermopsin and anatoxin-a, which can adversely affect plant development depending on their concentration. This study evaluated the potential of cyanobacterial biomass as a soil amendment and plant growth stimulant by assessing growth, nutrient content and toxin accumulation in spinach and radish plants. Plants were cultivated in soil treated with no amendment, commercial fertilizer, or cyanobacterial biomass from Microcystis aeruginosa (microcystins-producer), Anabaena sp. (anatoxin-a-producer), Raphidiopsis raciborskii (non-cylindrospermopsin producer), and R. raciborskii (cylindrospermopsin-producer). While biomass additions supplied nutrients to the soil, spinach showed increased sensitivity to microcystins and anatoxin-a, with significantly reduced growth. Overall, mineral concentrations in plant tissues did not increase; most macro- and micronutrients declined, particularly in spinach shoots and radish roots (p ≥ 0.05). Vitamin C content also decreased in most treatments, except in plants treated with the non-cylindrospermopsin-producing R. raciborskii strain, where a significant increase was observed (p ≥ 0.05). Toxic biomass amendments led to the uptake of microcystins-LR and cylindrospermopsin in spinach, and cylindrospermopsin in radish, with cylindrospermopsin levels in spinach exceeding Word Health Organization's tolerable daily intake. These findings underscore the need for a previous detailed characterization of both nutrients and toxins in cyanobacterial biomass to ensure its safe and effective agricultural use, maximizing benefits while protecting food safety.
- Detection of physiological changes in knee cartilage using parametric T2 relaxation maps estimated with a dictionary methodPublication . Coelho, José M.; Fernandes, Tiago T.; Alves, Sandra M.; Vilaça, Adélio; Nunes, Rita G.; Nogueira, Luísa; Oliveira, António; Nogueira, Luisa; Alves, Sandra MariaTo investigate half-marathon running and recovery effects on knee articular cartilage (KAC) health in athletes, using dictionary-matching T2 maps, to detect changes and recovery patterns in KAC. Eleven asymptomatic volunteers (4 females, 7 males; mean age 40 ± 5 years, mean BMI 22.7 ± 1.4 kg/m2) completed a fixed-pace half-marathonwere studied. All were right-knee dominant and engaged in regular running. Sagittal T2-weighted Multi-Echo Spin-Echo images at 3 T were used to assess T2 values pre-run, post-run, and one week later for global and compartmental KAC. Recovery programme included low-intensity running, strength training and rest. Repeated measures ANOVA or equivalent non-parametric tests with post-hoc comparisons compared T2 values over time. Separate analyses were conducted based on laterality, gender and anatomical compartments. Significance was set at < 0.05. Post-run T2 values decreased significantly by 0.9 ms (− 2.0%, p < 0.001), with up to 5.3% reductions in medial tibial (MT) and femoral (MF) compartments. Recovery patterns varied by compartment, sex and laterality. Most compartments returned to baseline within one week; the lateral condyle (LatC) showed incomplete recovery (− 4.7%, Proportional Recovery Index (PRI) = − 0,1); the right knee’s MT exhibited overcompensation (6.3%, PRI = 2.6). Males showed higher baseline T2 values and more efficient recovery in the LatC compared to females (PRI = − 0.1 vs. − 0.4). Half-marathon running induces reversible reductions in KAC hydration, with most compartments recovering or overcompensating within one week. Dictionary-matching T2 mapping offers a robust approach for monitoring cartilage integrity and guiding individualised recovery strategies.
- Incorporação de algas em formulações cosméticas: Caracterização e fundamentos científicosPublication . Rodrigues, Renata; Oliveira, Ana Isabel; Oliveira, Ana IsabelA pele é o maior órgão do corpo humano e é responsável por funções de proteção e regulação (Quan, 2023). Nos últimos anos, tem-se verificado uma crescente procura por ingredientes naturais e sustentáveis. As algas, destacam-se, assim, como um dos exemplos mais promissores pela diversidade de compostos bioativos que produzem (Leong et al., 2024). Verificar e caracterizar a utilização de algas em formulações cosméticas, analisar as alegações cosméticas associadas às mesmas. Avaliar a fundamentação científica que sustenta a sua utilização, bem como a qualidade da informação disponibilizada no mercado de venda online. Estudo descritivo, transversal e observacional. Realizou-se uma pesquisa com as palavras-chave “comprar” E “cosméticos” E “parafarmácia” OU “farmácia” OU “loja de cosmética” OU “ervanária” e foram selecionados os cinco primeiros websites para pesquisar produtos cosméticos que contivessem algas ou seus derivados. Recolheram-se dados relativos à finalidade, local de aplicação, forma galénica, forma de apresentação e composição. A qualidade da informação apresentada nos websites foi avaliada através da ferramenta DISCERN, adaptada ao contexto cosmético. Foram identificados 129 produtos cosméticos contendo algas ou derivados. Os resultados encontrados têm suporte na literatura, onde diversos autores descrevem uma relação entre os grupos taxonómicos de algas e as finalidades cosméticas que lhes são atribuídas. As espécies mais frequentes foram Porphyridium cruentum e Chlorella vulgaris (14,0%). Quanto à finalidade, destacou-se a função hidratante (70,0%) e antienvelhecimento (30,2%). Observou-se uma predominância de produtos destinados ao rosto (72,1%) e as emulsões foram a forma galénica mais encontrada (58,1%). Verificou-se que 48,8% das formulações eram apresentadas sob a forma de cremes. A aplicação da ferramenta DISCERN revelou que 80% dos websites apresentavam qualidade de informação baixa, destacando-se a ausência de referências científicas e de dados sobre segurança e conservação. As algas afirmam-se como uma fonte natural com elevado potencial para formulações cosméticas, merecendo ser cada vez mais exploradas pela investigação científica e pela indústria. No entanto, é essencial uma comunicação mais responsável e sustentada, que combine clareza e rigor científico, permitindo ao consumidor fazer escolhas mais conscientes e informadas.
- Cost analysis of Multidose Drug Dispensing (MDD) system implementation in a community pharmacy in PortugalPublication . Reis, Ana; Jesus, Ângelo; Martín, Maria Luisa; Jesus, ÂngeloCommunity pharmacies are increasingly delivering structured services to support chronic disease management, such as Multidose Drug Dispensing (MDD). This strategy can improve adherence and safety, but evidence of its economic feasibility in Portuguese pharmacies remains limited. To estimate the cost of implementing and operating an MDD system in a community pharmacy, informing reimbursement models and policy. A micro-costing approach assessed fixed and variable expenses for serving polymedicated elderly patients. Costs were calculated in euros (2024/2025) and expressed per working day based on 253 annual preparation days. First-year costs totaled €70,985.68, including €8184.00 for setup, €21,579.00 for supplies, and €41,222.68 for staff salaries. The daily operating cost was €280.58, with labour representing the major expense. A break-even analysis indicated sustainability with around 700 users at €10/month. Although requiring significant initial investment, MDD can become financially viable through scaling, workflow efficiency, and supportive reimbursement strategies.
- 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.
- Adverse reactions by radiopharmaceuticals: Retrospective analysis of the Portuguese National Pharmacovigilance SystemPublication . Martins, Sara; Jesus, Ângelo; Andrade, Ricardo; Rocha, Mariana; Martín-Suarez, Ana; Jesus, ÂngeloRadiopharmaceuticals are essential in the field of nuclear medicine, but like any other medicinal product, radiopharmaceuticals can potentially cause adverse reactions in patients. To describe the adverse reactions to radiopharmaceuticals reported to the Portuguese National Pharmacovigilance System (SNF). Methods: We performed a retrospective, observational study by examining individual case safety reports (ICSRs) provided by the SNF related to all radiopharmaceuticals commercially available in Portugal from 2010 to 2023. The SNF received a total of 84 ICSRs. These reports resulted in a total of 224 adverse drug reactions (ADR), which involved a total of 15 different radiopharmaceuticals. The mean age of patients was 61.9 years old. Twenty-one different system organ classes (SOCs) were identified, with the most prevalent situations being “Gastrointestinal Disorders” (18.3%; n = 41) followed by “General disorders and administration site conditions” (16.5%; n = 37), “Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders” (11.2%; n = 25) and “Blood and lymphatic system disorders” (10.3%; n = 23). Fifty-seven reports (67.85%) showed at least 1 serious ADR. Most notified radiopharmaceuticals were, respectively, radium—223 (n = 36, 41.4%), lutetium-177 oxotreotide (n = 12, 13.8%) and iodide—131 (n = 9, 10.3%). Although the number of notifications is limited, these findings provide valuable insights into the types and frequencies of adverse reactions associated with radiopharmaceuticals used in Portugal between 2010 and 2023. The data highlight the importance of continued pharmacovigilance efforts to monitor the safety of these specialized medical products and inform clinical decision-making.
- Health effects of ergonomics and personal protective equipment on chemotherapy professionalsPublication . Reis, Ana; Silva, Vítor; Joaquim, João José; Valadares, Luís; Matos, Cristiano; Valeiro, Carolina; Mateos-Campos, Ramona; Moreira, Fernando; Moreira, FernandoChemotherapy drugs are vital for treating cancer, but the professionals who prepare and administer them may be exposed to small amounts that can harm their health over time. To stay protected, they use personal protective equipment like gloves, gowns, and masks, and must also work under ergonomic conditions that prevent strain from repetitive tasks and awkward postures. This review examined recent studies to see how these protective measures are applied and what risks remain. We found that use of protective equipment is often inconsistent and ergonomic challenges are common, especially for nurses and pharmacy technicians. These findings show the importance of better training, safer workplace design, and stronger institutional support. Improving protective practices and ergonomics can help protect healthcare workers, enhance their wellbeing, and ensure safer patient care.
- Rare but relevant: MDMA and hyponatraemiaPublication . Garcia, Maria Rita; Gomes, Nelson G. M.; Silva, Diana Dias da; Dias da Silva, Diana CristinaConventionally used for its stimulant, empathogenic and entactogenic effects,3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is one of the most commonlyused psychoactive drugs, specifically among young adults and in nightlife and recrea-tional party contexts. Often perceived as a safe drug, MDMA can display an array oftoxic effects on multiple organs, with hyponatraemia (a low blood sodium concentrationthat can cause an altered mental state) being increasingly reported. Although hypona-traemia per se is among the most common electrolyte disorders encountered in clinicalcare, acute MDMA-induced hyponatraemia was first described in 1993 and constitutes alife-threatening condition if left untreated, particularly among women, who presenthigher incidence rates and increased odds of developing severe clinical effects. The pre-sent review outlines the main clinical manifestations and prevalence of MDMA-inducedhyponatraemia, its pathophysiological mechanisms and the therapeutical approaches tocorrect this electrolyte imbalance.