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- Metabolic dysfunction biomarkers as predictors of early diabetesPublication . Luís, Carla; Baylina, Pilar; Soares, Raquel; Fernandes, RúbenDuring the pathophysiological course of type 2 diabetes (T2D), several metabolic imbalances occur. There is increasing evidence that metabolic dysfunction far precedes clinical manifestations. Thus, knowing and understanding metabolic imbalances is crucial to unraveling new strategies and molecules (biomarkers) for the early-stage prediction of the disease’s non-clinical phase. Lifestyle interventions must be made with considerable involvement of clinicians, and it should be considered that not all patients will respond in the same manner. Individuals with a high risk of diabetic progression will present compensatory metabolic mechanisms, translated into metabolic biomarkers that will therefore show potential predictive value to differentiate between progressors/non-progressors in T2D. Specific novel biomarkers are being proposed to entrap prediabetes and target progressors to achieve better outcomes. This study provides a review of the latest relevant biomarkers in prediabetes. A search for articles published between 2011 and 2021 was conducted; duplicates were removed, and inclusion criteria were applied. From the 29 studies considered, a survey of the most cited (relevant) biomarkers was conducted and further discussed in the two main identified fields: metabolomics, and miRNA studies.
- The impact of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes Mellitus on prostate cancerPublication . Sousa, André P.; Costa, Raquel; Alves, Marco G.; Soares, Raquel; Baylina, Pilar; Fernandes, RúbenProstate cancer (PCa) remains the second most common type of cancer in men worldwide in 2020. Despite its low death rate, the need for new therapies or prevention strategies is critical. The prostate carcinogenesis process is complex and multifactorial. PCa is caused by a variety of mutations and carcinogenic events that constitutes the disease’s multifactorial focus, capable of not only remodeling cellular activity, but also modeling metabolic pathways to allow adaptation to the nutritional requirements of the tumor, creating a propitious microenvironment. Some risk factors have been linked to the development of PCa, including Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). MetS is intrinsically related to PCa carcinogenic development, increasing its aggressiveness. On the other hand, T2DM has the opposite impact, although in other carcinomas its effect is similar to the MetS. Although these two metabolic disorders may share some developmental processes, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, their influence on PCa prognosis appears to have an inverse effect, which makes this a paradox. Understanding the phenomena behind this paradoxical behavior may lead to new concepts into the comprehension of the diseases, as well as to evaluate new therapeutical targets. Thus, this review aimed to evaluate the impact of metabolic disorders in PCa’s aggressiveness state and metabolism
- Which role plays 2-Hydroxybutyric acid on Insulin resistance?Publication . Sousa, André P.; Cunha, Diogo M.; Franco, Carolina; Teixeira, Catarina; Gojon, Frantz; Baylina, Pilar; Fernandes, RúbenType 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) is defined as a chronic condition caused by beta cell loss and/or dysfunction and insulin resistance (IR). The discovering of novel biomarkers capable of identifying T2D and other metabolic disorders associated with IR in a timely and accurate way is critical. In this review, 2-hydroxybutyric acid (2HB) is presented as that upheaval biomarker with an unexplored potential ahead. Due to the activation of other metabolic pathways during IR, 2HB is synthesized as a coproduct of protein metabolism, being the progression of IR intrinsically related to the increasing of 2HB levels. Hence, the focus of this review will be on the 2HB metabolite and its involvement in glucose homeostasis. A literature review was conducted, which comprised an examination of publications from different databases that had been published over the previous ten years. A total of 19 articles fulfilled the intended set of criteria. The use of 2HB as an early indicator of IR was separated into subjects based on the number of analytes examined simultaneously. In terms of the association between 2HB and IR, it has been established that increasing 2HB levels can predict the development of IR. Thus, 2HB has demonstrated considerable promise as a clinical monitoring molecule, not only as an IR biomarker, but also for disease follow-up throughout IR treatment.
- A influência dos fatores psicossociais de risco no desenvolvimento de lesões músculo-esqueléticasPublication . Correia, Josefina; Barros, Carla; Baylina, PilarOs profissionais de saúde e, mais concretamente, os enfermeiros realizam diariamente uma atividade de trabalho desgastante e emocionalmente exaustiva, o que a torna suscetível à exposição de riscos ocupacionais, nomeadamente, riscos psicossociais. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os fatores psicossociais de risco e explorar os preditores no desenvolvimento de lesões músculo-esqueléticas. Participaram neste estudo 105 enfermeiros e os resultados identificaram o elevado ritmo e intensidade de trabalho, os tempos de trabalho, as relações de emprego e os níveis altos de exigência emocional, fatores significativos, ao nível da saúde. Foram identificados preditores de lesões músculo-esqueléticas, mais concretamente: Gerir instruções contraditórias (OR=20,43), depender dos pedidos diretos dos doentes (OR=39,948); ultrapassar o horário normal de trabalho (OR=4,822), e ter que simular boa disposição e/ou empatia (OR= 7,359). É importante desenvolver melhores práticas organizacionais para diminuir este problema de saúde que afeta uma elevada percentagem de enfermeiros.
- GLP-1R and IL-6 expression in the gastrointestinal tract of a murine model of metabolic syndromePublication . Costa, José; Oliveira, Sofia; Pereira, Ana Cláudia; Soares, Raquel; Baylina, Pilar; Guerreiro, Susana G.; Fernandes, Rúben; Luís, CarlaGlucose homeostasis is a critical cornerstone in both health and disease. It is described to be regulated by the balance of insulin and glucagon secretion but, this bi-hormonal perspective is long overdue, since glucose homeostasis is now known to be a multi-hormonal process. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic features which includes impaired glucose metabolism and obesity. Obesity promotes a low chronic inflammation state due to release of bioactive molecules like cytokines, ultimately contributing to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT), namely stomach and intestine, has a vital role not only in the food uptake and absorption, but also in the production of incretin hormones, such as GLP-1. We aim to evaluate the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in the GIT of a MetS animal model, and to assess whether it correlates with inflammatory levels. The expression of GLP-1R and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was evaluated in the stomach and intestine of mice subjected to Normal Diet (ND) and High Fat Diet (HFD) by immunohistochemistry. We observed that HFD fed animals presented lower levels of GLP-1R in stomach and intestine when compared with animals fed with ND. Concomitantly, these mice expressed increased levels of IL-6. GLP-1R expression is inversely correlated with the expression of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6.
- Workplace violence in healthcare settings: Work-related predictors of violence behavioursPublication . Barros, Carla; Meneses, Rute F.; Sani, Ana; Baylina, PilarHealthcare workers are exposed to workplace violence such as physical assaults, psychological violence and threats of violence. It is crucial to understand factors associated with workplace violence to prevent and mitigate its consequences. This study aims to identify work-related factors that might influence workplace violence in healthcare settings. A cross-sectional study was developed between March and April of 2022 with healthcare workers. The Aggression and Violence at Work Scale was used to assess workplace violence, and psychosocial risks were assessed through the Health and Work Survey—INSAT. Statistical analysis using bivariate analysis was performed to identify the psychosocial risk factors related to physical violence, psychological violence and vicarious violence. Subsequently, a multiple linear regression was performed to identify the models that better explained the relationship between psychosocial risk factors and the three dimensions of violence. Psychological violence was frequently experienced by the healthcare workers. Significant associations were found between psychosocial risk factors and physical, psychological and vicarious violence, namely working hours, work relationships, employment relations, high demands and work intensity. These findings highlight the importance of taking into consideration work-related factors when designing interventions to prevent and address workplace violence in healthcare settings.
- Cutibacterium acnes dysbiosis: Alternative therapeutics for clinical applicationPublication . Sá, Sara; Fernandes, Ruben; Gestoso, Álvaro; Macedo, José Mário; Martins-Mendes, Daniela; Pereira, Ana Cláudia; Baylina, PilarCutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is a Gram-positive anaerobic facultative bacterium that is part of the human skin commensal microbiome. It colonizes various regions of the body, including the face, back, and chest. While typically a harmless commensal, under certain conditions, C. acnes can become pathogenic, leading to or promoting conditions such as acne vulgaris (AV), post-surgical infections, prostate cancer, and sarcoidosis. Current treatments for C. acnes infections often involve antibiotics, but the rise of antibiotic resistance has raised concerns. This review presents the virulence factors, clinical relevance, and current treatments of C. acnes, highlighting its association with AV, postsurgical infections, and other diseases. It also explores alternative innovative therapies such as phage therapy in development/research that are gaining prominence, with a growing focus on personalized medical approaches. To enhance C. acnes treatment while minimizing side effects and antibiotic prescription concerns, numerous clinical studies have been undertaken. These investigations span various pathological profiles and employ diverse strategies, such as utilizing bacterial extracts and compounds to restore healthy skin flora. The limitations and challenges of current and innovative treatments are also addressed, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary strategies to combat C. acnes infections effectively.
- Disclosing strain: How psychosocial risk factors influence work-related musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare workers preceding and during the COVID-19 pandemicPublication . Barros, Carla; Baylina, PilarHealthcare workers, particularly nurses, engage in a daily work routine that takes a toll on their emotional well-being, rendering them vulnerable to psychosocial risk factors. This research seeks to analyse the influence of psychosocial risk factors on the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses. An additional analysis was performed to understand the role of age in work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the perception of psychosocial risk factors. The study was conducted during two separate periods—pre-pandemic and pandemic times—involving a sample of 456 nurses from both public and private hospitals in Portugal. The INSAT—Health and Work Survey—was used as measuring instrument. The primary observations indicated a consistency between psychosocial risk factors and the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The findings revealed a significant exposure to psychosocial risk factors, with work pace, intensity, work relationships, and emotional demands exhibiting higher global average percentages during both periods, pre-pandemic and pandemic. Nonetheless, we find that the psychosocial risk factors change when we analyse the pre-pandemic and pandemic results. During the period before the pandemic, the psychosocial risk factors that were most commonly reported included the demanding pace of work, long working hours, and emotional demands. Through the pandemic, the most pronounced psychosocial risk factors were work relationships, employment relationships, and ethical and values conflicts. Therefore, research in this domain is essential to understanding psychosocial risk factors and assessing the less obvious links between work and health.
- Na arte de abençoar e diabolizar: as sálvias, as papoulas, os cannabis, as pragas, as vaidades, as ânsias, as ganâncias, as invejas, as vidas e as respostasPublication . Rodrigues, Ricardo Alexandre CardosoRessonante, da argila humana, um profundo e fundamental vazio, uma carência real (nem sempre objetiva), um excesso de futuro, uma frustração insuperável, um desligamento essencial do “eu”, quer no tempo, quer no espaço, ora, pela constante de reivindicações perniciosas, a partir das perceções dos “eus” do outro, seus sucessos, suas conquistas, pela eterna objetificação dos propósitos, etc., revisitada, assim, a corrupção do espírito humano. Entre véus, espelhos, perdido, solto, desconectado, por entre os sonhos, vaidades, narcisos, ânsias, ganância e invejas, numa (a sua) eterna busca pela consoladora matriz, referência, graal, o princípio, a verdade, a (sua) fonte legitimadora, ora, tão perfeita, quão humana, quão sua, ora, tão imaculada, quão inútil, inacessível, plástica, sempre volúvel aos olhos de quem nela se percebe/ observa/ nutre.
- Diálogo(s) com a(s) liberdade(s)Publication . Rodrigues, Ricardo Alexandre CardosoA espécie humana apresenta um marcador intrínseco primário identitário, de operacionalização e realização (do “eu” individual e do “eu” coletivo) a partir de células de conjuntos multiformes, amplamente complexas (v. núcleos (convencionais) de pertença). Assume-se, (re)define-se, projeta-se, nutre-se (pelos campos de existência) através das mais diversas interações e vínculos que estabelece, visando a superação da incompletude essencial. Perpassando ciclos vitais, gerações, eras, as relações assumem, desta forma, especial centralidade, como motor e sentido do “eu”, do “nós”, do “outro”, dos “outros”, do todo, assim, do(s) eu(s), dos grupos, das comunidades, das sociedades, das culturas e das civilizações. Da experiência relacional, em todo o seu esplendor, o amplo reconhecimento de todo o seu potencial, entre olhares, leituras, significados, expectativas, tão flagrantes, quão irresistíveis.