ESS - CISA - Artigos
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
- Use of Medicinal Plants for Treatment and Prophylaxis of Canine Parasitic Infections: A Literature ReviewPublication . Santos, Patrícia; Sousa, Mariana; Cruz, Agostinho; Cruz, AgostinhoDogs have been perceived as providing companionship to all members of the family, yet they can act as a vector for the transmission of parasitic agents to humans, particularly those who own or care for them. Traditional medicine seem to demonstrate effects in the treatment of diseases in animals; however, it is necessary to prove their effectiveness using more recent scientific evidence.
- Exploring methodologies from Isolation to excystation for Giardia lamblia: A systematic reviewPublication . Sequeira, Susie; Sousa, Mariana; Cruz, Agostinho; Cruz, AgostinhoGiardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoan and the etiological agent of giardiasis, a leading cause of epidemic and sporadic diarrhoea globally. The clinical and public health relevance of giardiasis underscores the need for robust methodologies to investigate and manage this pathogen. This study reviews the main methodologies described in the literature for studying the life cycle of G. lamblia, focusing on isolation, purification, axenization, excystation, and encystation. A systematic literature review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) statement. Searches were performed in MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science Core Collection databases. A total of 43 studies were included, revealing 58 methods for isolation and purification, 7 for excystation, 2 for axenization, and 5 for encystation. Isolation and purification methods exhibited significant variability, often involving two phases: an initial separation (e.g., filtration and centrifugation) followed by purification using a density gradient for faecal samples or immunomagnetic separation for water samples. Method effectiveness differed depending on the sample source and type, limiting comparability across studies. In contrast, methods used for other life cycle stages were more consistent. These findings underscore the need for standardised methodologies to enhance the reproducibility and reliability of research outcomes in this field.
- Identification of barriers that can influence older adults in community pharmacies: A systematic reviewPublication . Pedro, Rita; Mateos-Campos, Ramona; Cruz, Agostinho; Cruz, AgostinhoThis systematic review examines the barriers that may influence the proper care and counseling for people who are 65 years or older, in community pharmacies. Also, we attempt to identify potential strategies to mitigate these barriers. The research question addressed is “What kind of barriers influence older people in community pharmacies?”. Five electronic databases were used: Medline from Pubmed, Core collection of Web of Science, Science direct, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) through EBSCO and RCAAP (Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal). This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The protocol was prospectively published in PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Review) having the following identification number: ID CRD42024516422. The original articles about individuals over 65 years of age and about barriers to counseling in community pharmacies were included. The Critical Appraisal tool made by Joanna Briggs Institute was chosen. From a total of 919 articles identified, 9 were included in this systematic review. The identified barriers were categorized into four typologies: centered on the pharmacy profession, centered on older adults, centered on the pharmacy layout and infrastructure, and centered on society. Other than this, some facilitators were identified during the research and were also categorized into the same four typologies. The classification of the identified barriers and facilitators has significant importance as it provides essential insights for responsible bodies of community pharmacies. Comprehending these barriers and facilitators is crucial to transforming community pharmacies into a more accessible and supportive environment for older patients.
- Exploring alternative potentialities of portuguese and spanish craft beers: antioxidant and photoprotective activitiesPublication . Pereira, Maria João; Santos, Diana; Cruz, Agostinho; Jesus, Ângelo; Martins, João P.; Moreira, Fernando; Santos, Marlene; Pinho, Cláudia; Oliveira, Ana Isabel; Cruz, Agostinho; Santos, Diana; Pereira, Maria João; Pinho, CláudiaCraft beer has gained popularity due to its unique sensory characteristics and complex matrix with nutritional and potential health benefits. Studies linking beer consumption to skin conditions are limited, however, the high content of bioactive compounds is related to biological activities such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-carcinogenic. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant, photoprotective and metabolic activity in human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Eighteen craft and four industrial beers were analyzed after dealcoholizing, degassing and freeze-drying. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity were determined. The most promising craft beer was studied for its photoprotective and metabolic activity. An India Pale Ale beer (ALM-IPA) presented the second best TPC (8.96 ± 0.64 mg of GAE/g) and promising antioxidant activity by ABTS (IC50 = 55.21 ± 4.68 µg/mL), H2O2 (IC50 = 23.54 ± 1.53 µg/mL) and FRAP (53.74 ± 1.27 µmol TE/g) assays. Regarding photoprotective activity, a solar photoprotection factor of 48.85 ± 0.39 was obtained. ALM-IPA showed no cytotoxicity up to a concentration of 250 µg/mL after 24 and 48 h of incubation. The potential benefits of beer extracts on skin can be seen, but further studies are essential to corroborate the findings and guarantee the safety of the extracts.
- Knowledge of vulvovaginal candidiasis characteristics, signs, symptoms, and appropriate treatment among portuguese pharmacy professionalsPublication . Oliveira, Tiago; Jesus, Ângelo; Martins, João P.; Correia, Patrícia; Moreira, Fernando; Moreira, Fernando; Oliveira Martins, João Paulo; Correia, Patrícia Carla dos Santos CorreiaVulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common cause of vaginitis. Over-the-counter drugs are usually dispensed by pharmacy professionals to treat this condition without prior medical consultation. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge of Portuguese pharmacy professionals regarding VVC. An online questionnaire including questions about the symptoms and treatment of VVC was distributed between March and April of 2024. A total of 376 professionals participated in this study. There was a significantly lower proportion of men (p = 0.007) and pharmacy technicians (p = 0.005) who correctly identified the main causative agent of VVC when compared to women and pharmacists. Only 30% of women correctly identified the number of VVC episodes in the same year they classified as complicated, but this was significantly higher (p = 0.038) than the proportion of men who identified complicated VVC (20%). Topical clotrimazole preparations were the more frequently identified medicines for the treatment of uncomplicated VVC, and fluconazole-containing medicines were the preferred choice for the treatment of complicated VVC. This study highlights the need to improve education and training for pharmacy professionals. By addressing these knowledge gaps, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can provide more accurate and effective advice to patients.
- Safeguarding patients, relatives, and nurses: A screening approach for detecting 5-FU residues on elastomeric infusion pumps using HPLC-DADPublication . Cardoso, Andreia; Jesus, Ângelo; Barreiros, Luísa; Carvalho, Daniel; Sá, Maria dos Anjos; Carvalho, Susana; Correia, Patrícia; Moreira, Fernando; Moreira, Fernando; Correia, Patrícia Carla dos Santos ; Barreiros, Luisa; Jesus, ÂngeloThe leakage of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) from elastomeric infusion pumps used in cancer therapy poses a potential risk of unintentional exposure to multiple individuals, including patients’ relatives and healthcare professionals, and may also compromise the accurate administration of 5-FU dosages to patients. This study aimed to develop, validate, and apply an analytical method to detect and quantify 5-FU residues on the external surfaces of infusion pumps. A high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) method was optimized for the quantification of 5-FU contamination across different components of the infusion pump, including the hard casing, infusion tubing, and catheter connection port. A mobile phase containing 5% acetic acid was used to obtain more efficient separation of 5-FU and the detection was performed at 260 nm. The method was evaluated for linearity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, selectivity, robustness, and stability. The method demonstrated linearity within the range of 0.150 to 3.000 µg/cm2, with limits of detection and quantification of 0.05 µg/cm2 and 0.14 µg/cm2, respectively. Relative standard deviations ranged from 1.8% to 12.7%, and accuracy exceeded 85%. In real sample analysis, detectable residues were found around the catheter connection port. This screening-oriented method addresses an existing gap, as previous contamination reports were based solely on self-reported user observations. The detection of 5-FU residues highlights the critical need for safe handling practices and the consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect healthcare workers, especially nursing staff involved in the removal of the infusion pumps, after treatment.
- Factors influencing the prescription of first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic reviewPublication . Moreira, Helena Silva; Moreira, Fernando; Jesus, Ângelo; Soares, Matilde Monteiro; Santos, Paulo; Moreira, FernandoUnderstanding prescribing patterns for type 2 diabetes mellitus, a complex condition affecting over 10% of the global adult population, can optimise prescribing practices, guide policymakers in promoting evidence-based medicine, and help tailor first-line treatments to individual characteristics or specific subgroups, improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the prescription and non-prescription of metformin, the recommended first-line therapy in Western guidelines, and to evaluate whether these prescribing patterns align with evidence-based recommendations. It also explores factors associated with initial combination therapy, a more recent and controversial approach compared to stepwise therapy. We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on 25 August 2023, without language or time restrictions, to identify observational analytical studies assessing factors associated with the initiation of metformin or combination therapy in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were naïve to antidiabetic medications. Studies involving pregnant or breastfeeding women were excluded. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists (PROSPERO registration number CRD42023438313). Thirty studies were included, evaluating 105 variables, most of which (62%) were assessed in one study. The 25 variables using combination therapy as the outcome were mostly (72%) evaluated also in one study. Initial metformin prescription was strongly and positively associated with younger age, lower glycated haemoglobin levels, higher body mass index, and absence of renal impairment. Initial combination therapy was associated with higher HbA1c levels and a lower burden of comorbidities. Findings also highlighted a discrepancy between clinical practice and evidence-based recommendations. However, concerns were raised regarding both the internal and external validity of the included studies. Our systematic review, which offers insights into real-world clinical practices, indicated that there is a misalignment between clinical practices and evidence-based recommendations, supporting the need for interventions in this field.
- Nano versus bulk: Evaluating the toxicity of lanthanum, yttrium, and cerium oxides on Enchytraeus crypticusPublication . Santos, Joana; Neca, Inês; Capitão, Ana; Nogueira, João; Santos, José A. S.; Pinto, Edgar; Barreto, Angela; Silva, Ana L. Daniel da; Maria, Vera L.; Pinto, EdgarConsidering the increase in demand for rare earth elements (REEs) and their accumulation in soil ecosystems, it is crucial to understand their toxicity. However, the impact of lanthanum, yttrium and cerium oxides (La2O3, Y2O3 and CeO2, respectively) on soil organisms remains insufficiently studied. This study aims to unravel the effects of La2O3, Y2O3 and CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and their corresponding bulk forms (0, 156, 313, 625, 1250 and 2500 mg/kg) on the terrestrial species Enchytraeus crypticus. The effects on survival, reproduction (21 days (d)), avoidance behavior (2 d) and DNA integrity (2 and 7 d) of E. crypticus were evaluated. No significant effects on survival were observed. For La2O3, the bulk form affected more endpoints than the NPs, inducing avoidance behavior (1250 mg/kg) and DNA damage (1250 mg/kg - 2 d; 2500 mg/kg - 7 d). The Y2O3 NPs demonstrated higher toxicity than the bulk form: decreased reproduction (≥ 1250 mg/kg); induced avoidance behavior (≥ 625 mg/kg) and DNA damage (≥ 156 mg/kg - 2 d; 2500 mg/kg - 7 d). For CeO2, both forms exhibited similar toxicity, decreasing reproduction (625 mg/kg for bulk and 2500 mg/kg for NPs) and inducing DNA damage at all tested concentrations for both forms. REEs oxides toxicity was influenced by the REEs type and concentration, exposure time and material form, suggesting different modes of action. This study highlights the distinct responses of E. crypticus after exposure to REEs oxides and shows that REEs exposure may differently affect soil organisms, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment.
- Evaluation of the potential of annatto seed powder to reduce the formation of heterocyclic amines in charcoal-grilled and pan-fried beef pattiesPublication . Gonçalves, Thaís de Moura Neves; Braga, Anna Rafaela Cavalcante; Pinto, Edgar; Viegas, Olga; Mesquita, Leonardo M. de Souza; Ferreira, Isabel Maria Pinto Leite Viegas Oliveira; García-Jares, Carmen; De Rosso, Veridiana Vera; Domene, Semíramis Martins Álvares; Pinto, EdgarVarious strategies are being explored to reduce the formation of undesirable compounds during the thermal processing of foods. This study investigates the impact of incorporating annatto seed powder (Bixa orellana L.) into beef patties to reduce the formation of heterocyclic amines (HAs) during charcoal-grilling and pan-frying. A three-level full factorial design was used to assess the effect of both annatto seed powder concentration and cooking times on HAs formation. The results showed that HA formation increased with longer cooking times and decreased with higher concentrations of annatto seed powder. A significant reduction in HA content was observed in both charcoal-grilled and pan-fried beef patties when annatto seed powder was added, with a particularly notable 91 % reduction at the 1 % addition level. These findings demonstrate that the addition of annatto seed powder is a highly effective strategy for reducing HA formation in beef patties. Chemical compounds studied in this article: 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) (PubChem CID: 62275); 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (4,8-DiMeIQx) (PubChem CID: 104739); 2amino-3,7,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (7,8-DiMeIQx) (PubChem CID: 104855); 2-amino-1-methyl-6phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) (PubChem CID: 1530); 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (TrpP-1) (PubChem CID: 5284474); 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2) (PubChem CID: 5284476); 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (A α (MeA α C) (PubChem CID: 62805); 2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole C) (PubChem CID: 62244); Bixin (PubChem CID: 5281226).
- Stock structure of the gulf hake urophycis cirrata (Teleostei: Phycidae) in south-western atlantic using Otolith shape and elemental analysesPublication . Santificetur, César; Rossi-Wongtschowski, Carmen Lúcia Del Bianco; Ruperti, André; Almeida, Agostinho; Pinto, Edgar; Correia, Alberto Teodorico; Pinto, EdgarUrophycis cirrata is an important demersal fish species targeted by Brazilian industrial fisheries. With high exploitation rates, its stock(s) is(are) currently deemed fully exploited or overexploited. While basic ecological information, such as length at first maturity, exists, knowledge of its population structure is limited. A sub-sample of 90 sagittal otoliths of U. cirrata juveniles (300–411 mm total length) collected during the Program for Assessment of the Sustainable Potential of Living Resources in the Exclusive Economic Zone (REVIZEE) in 2001/2002 was analyzed. Samples came from the outer continental shelf and upper slope of the southeast-south Brazilian coast, divided into three regions: northern (Cabo São Tomé to São Sebastião), central (São Sebastião to Cabo Santa Marta Grande), and southern (Cabo Santa Marta Grande to Chuí). Otolith shape (elliptic Fourier descriptors) and elemental (element:Ca) signatures were examined using univariate (ANOVA, Tukey) and multivariate (MANOVA, LDFA) statistical methods. An overall reclassification success rate of 86% was achieved using both signatures. However, individuals from the three regions were not fully separable, indicating a single, albeit not homogeneous, population unit for fisheries management. As fish stocks are dynamic, contemporary studies should be conducted to verify whether this population structure persists.