Artigos em revistas internacionais
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Browsing Artigos em revistas internacionais by Field of Science and Technology (FOS) "Ciências Médicas::Ciências da Saúde"
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- The allergenic potential of green urban areas in the Macaronesian islands: the case of Funchal City (Madeira)Publication . Camacho, Irene; Macías-de-la-Rosa, Álvaro; Camacho, Roberto; Agnieszka Grinn-Gofroń; Cariñanos, PalomaPublic gardens are elements that constitute the urban green infrastructure. Such units provide ecosystem services that are becoming a key concern in urban planning strategies. In this survey the allergenic potential of two public gardens in Funchal, a city exhibiting sub tropical and Mediterranean climatic features, was assessed. Different allergenic risk scenarios were considered, and the Allergenicity Indexes recalculated. Results show that the Municipal Garden exhibits an IUGZA (Index of Urban Green Zone Allergenicity) of 0,39 and Santa Catarina Park an IUGZA of 0,16, which are considered spaces of moderate and low allergenicity level, respectively. Among the tested scenarios that could aggravate the IUGZA values, the worst would be an extension of the pollen season for all species. This might represent an issue considering the overall trend towards an earlier start and later end of the pollen season from important allergenic plants in Europe. The assessment of the IUGZA should include all plant biotypes of an urban green area in subtropical regions as they allow us to infer more precisely on the real risk population is exposed to. It seems that increasing species diversity can improve the allergenic indexes, but novel invasive species should be studied to assess their allergenicity level.
- Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity from spent coffee grounds as a powerful approach for Its valorizationPublication . Andrade, Carolina; Perestrelo, Rosa; Câmara, José S.Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages, and its consumption generates copious amounts of waste. The most relevant by-product of the coffee industry is the spent coffee grounds, with 6 million tons being produced worldwide per year. Although generally treated as waste, spent coffee grounds are a rich source of several bioactive compounds with applications in diverse industrial fields. The present work aimed at the analysis of spent coffee grounds from different geographical origins (Guatemala, Colombia, Brazil, Timor, and Ethiopia) for the identification of bioactive compounds with industrial interest. For this purpose, the identification and quantification of the bioactive compounds responsible for the antioxidant activity attributed to the spent coffee grounds were attempted using miniaturized solid-phase extraction (µ-SPEed), combined with ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (UHPLC-PDA). After validation of the µ-SPEed/UHPLC-PDA method, this allowed us to conclude that caffeine and 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) are the most abundant bioactive compounds in all samples studied. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity are highest in Brazilian samples. The results obtained show that spent coffee grounds are a rich source of bioactive compounds, supporting its bioprospection based on the circular economy concept closing the loop of the coffee value chain, toward the valorization of coffee by-products.
- Case report: human dermatitis linked to Ornithonyssus bursa (Dermanyssoidea: Macronyssidae) infestation in PortugalPublication . Waap, Helga; Aguin-Pombo, Dora; Maia, Maria; Aguin-Pombo, DoraOrnithonyssus bursa (Berlese, 1888), also known as the tropical fowl mite, is a blood-feeding ectoparasite of domestic and wild birds. It is considered a serious pest to poultry in warm and tropical climates and has been reported to attack humans, causing gamasoidosis. Avian-mite dermatitis may be difficult to recognize and misdiagnosed as bites from other arthropods. The present report describes two cases of human dermatitis linked to O. bursa infestation. Both cases occurred in an apartment in a residential area in Oeiras, Portugal, where two members of the same family presented with pruritic erythematous skin eruptions disseminated over their body over a period of 4 months. The lesions were located mostly in the pelvic, gluteal, coccygeal, and perineal regions, and also on the neck, wrists and torso. On inspecting the mattresses and the covers of the bedrooms, three mites ~1 mm long by 0.5 mm wide were found. The three specimens were identified as O. bursa. Investigations tracing back the source of infestation, revealed that the mites were carried over from chickens raised 45 km away (Sesimbra, Setúbal) that, after being slaughtered for consumption, had been transported by car to the apartment in Oeiras. The chickens were farmed in an open backyard henhouse that allowed free access to several species of wild birds, including pigeons (Columba livia), turtle doves (Streptopelia decaocto), and sparrows (Passer domesticus). Recent reports suggest that O. bursa may be established in Mediterranean countries, increasing the risk of gamasoidosis. This is the first record linking O. bursa infestation of chickens with human dermatitis in continental Portugal. More research is needed to assess the extent of poultry infestation and evaluate the possible implications for the poultry industry, as well as for human health in Portugal.
- A comparative study of the biological properties of Eugenia uniflora L. fruits and leaves related to the prevention of cardiovascular diseasesPublication . Gonçalves, Jéssica; Hontman, Nance; Perestrelo, Rosa; Câmara, José S.; Hontman, Nance; Perestrelo, Rosa; Câmara, JoséCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death globally, emphasizing the need for effective preventive strategies. Plant-based foods, rich in phytochemicals, offer a promising potential in CVD prevention. This study investigated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive properties of two Eugenia uniflora L. varieties (orange and purple pitanga) and their leaves. Their antioxidant activity was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation scavenging activity assays, while their antihypertensive activity was evaluated through angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition. Their anti-inflammatory potential was determined via protein denaturation inhibition. Both fruit varieties exhibited similar bioactivities, with the purple variety showing a slightly higher activity, except in the DPPH and ABTS assays. The leaves consistently demonstrated the lowest activities across all assays. Free polyphenols, dominated by gallic acid, were quantified using µ-QuEChERS followed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-PDA). The orange variety contained the highest concentration of gallic acid (13.1 mg/100 g DW). These findings highlight the potential of Eugenia uniflora L. extracts as natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive agents, suggesting their value in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications for promoting human health and preventing CVDs.
- Gelatin-based ballistic gel formulated with phytosynthesized nanocellulose from Arundo donax for alpha-amylase enzyme inhibition activityPublication . Jeevanandam, Jaison; Castro, Rita; Rodrigues, João; Castro, Rita; Rodrigues, JoãoArundo donax, an indigenous plant in the Mediterranean region, has affected the growth of native vegetation as an invasive plant, ultimately reducing soil quality and affecting the food chain in several areas of the world. Thus, the present work aims to obtain cellulose from the A. donax leaf extract via organosolv fractionation and bleaching method, followed by centrifugal fractionation to yield nanocellulose of moderately monodispersed (0.428 PDI) 91.2 nm in size and a zeta potential of -35.5 mV of high stability in aqueous medium (water). In addition, the resultant nanocellulose was formulated in ballistic gelatin hydrogel, and their antidiabetic effect via alpha-amylase enzyme inhibition activity was also investigated. Systematic characterization of the hydrogel samples (different volume ratios of gelatin and nanocellulose) revealed that the sample with 18:2 (v/v) gelatin: nanocellulose content is thermally stable until 152 ◦C, releasing nanocellulose for three days from hydrogel until 45 ◦C. This study confirms the feasibility and potential of utilizing invasive plant species to extract nanocellulose for medical purposes. Furthermore, the gelatin-formulated nanocellulose, with its demonstrated alpha-amylase inhibition activity at a dosage of 80 µg/mL, holds the promise of being a potential revolutionary medical gummy for sustained reduction of blood glucose levels.
- Lower limbs strength variations between injured and non-injured professional soccer playersPublication . Martins, Francisco; França, Cíntia; Hugo Sarmento; Ricardo Henriques; Krzysztof Przednowek; Marcelo de Maio Nascimento; Adilson Marques; Andreas Ihle; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; Sarmento, Hugo; Marques, Adilson; Ihle, Andreas; Gouveia, Élvio RúbioDue to its physical demands, professional soccer is becoming a real challenge regarding players’ exposure to high injury risk. Given its tight correlation with high-intensity actions, muscular strength is a crucial physical characteristic for soccer players. Therefore, the aims of this study are (a) to compare the vertical jumping performance during the season according to the injury profile, and (b) to investigate differences in isokinetic strength performance at the beginning and the end of the season. Twenty-one male professional soccer players (age: 26.0 ± 4.1 years, height: 181.0 ± 6.9 cm, body mass: 73.7 ± 6.9 kg) were assessed in isokinetic strength (Biodex System 4 Pro Dynamometer), and Optojump Next (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy). Isokinetic strength analyses considered the peak torque scores of knee flexors and knee extensors, according to the player's preferred and non-preferred limb. The countermovement and squat jump maximum height were assessed as lower body explosive strength indicators. No significant differences were found when comparing injured and non-injured players in vertical jump and isokinetic strength assessments. However, significant results were found when comparing both groups’ initial and final evaluation in isokinetic strength assessment, with both groups significantly improving their performance. Our findings indicate that the overall lower body strength performance was not a discriminant factor between injured and non-injury players. Thus, muscular strength assessment performance increased throughout the season independently of the injury profile. Future research needs to integrate other variables related to sports injuries since they seem to result from multifactorial causes.
- Microalgae and cyanobacteria as natural sources of antioxidant enzymes and enzyme inhibitors for Alzheimer's and diabetesPublication . Odenthal, Kilian; Nunes, Emmanuel; Nunes, Nuno; Fernandes, Tomásia; Fernandes, Igor A.; Carvalho, Miguel A. A. Pinheiro de; Nunes, Nuno; Fernandes, Tomásia; Almeida Pinheiro de Carvalho, Miguel AngeloMicroalgae and cyanobacteria biomass can be cultivated in large amounts, producing a variety of bioactive compounds. As a result, various industries have begun to study the potential of this biomass in a wide range of applications such as biofuel production, environmental remediation for contaminated soil and water, food supplements, and as a source of feed for aquaculture. The cultivation conditions have a profound impact on microalgae biochemical composition. Therefore, the culture conditions must be tailored to the specific appli cation of the biomass. This entails careful control of factors such as light exposure, nutrient concentration, and the application of stress conditions. To further enhance the value of microalgae biomass beyond its nutritional analysis, this review aims to explore the potential of the biomass as biofactories for producing antioxidant en zymes and inhibitors targeting Alzheimer's and diabetes diseases. Both chronic diseases are a growing concern due to an aging population and an increase in obesity rates. Microalgae when exposed to stressful conditions enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes. However, further studies in the isolation and storage of these en zymes need to be performed. From the literature reviewed microalgae exhibited great potential in inhibiting key enzymes involved in Alzheimer's and Diabetes. The inhibitory potential was observed both in vitro and at a cellular level making them a promising natural alternative to current medication used to inhibit these enzymes.
- Narrative therapy as an innovative approach to anorexia nervosa treatment: a literature reviewPublication . Santos, Petra José Pereira; Soares, Luísa; Faria, Ana Lúcia; Soares, Luísa; dos Santos Faria, Ana LúciaABSTRACT Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by a morbid fear of gaining weight, excessive restriction of food and intense and exaggerated practice of physical exercise. There are two subtypes of anorexia: restrictive and purgative. Its prevalence is mainly in female adolescents aged 15 to 19 and entails multiple harmful physical, psychological, social, and emotional consequences. Anorexia is portrayed as a multifactorial disorder, requiring a biopsychosocial perspective and a multidisciplinary intervention to address all the affected areas of the individual. In this article, we approach the appliance of Narrative Therapy by White and Epston ((1989). Literate Means to Therapeutic Ends. Dulwich Centre Publications), which advocates that the psychotherapeutic treatment can be carried out together – psychologist, client and family – with the literature supporting it. Anorexia is an egosyntonic disorder associated with a high mortality rate. It should be noted that the cure for anorexia is not granted since there is an increased number of relapses and treatment dropouts. For this reason, an innovative approach like narrative therapy can be approached with promising results.
- Polystyrene microplastic particles in the food chain. Characteristics and toxicity: a reviewPublication . Siddiqui, Shahida Anusha; Singh, Shubhra; Bahmid, Nur Alim; Shyu, Douglas J.H.; Domínguez, Rubén; Lorenzo, Jose M.; Pereira, Jorge A. M.; Câmara, José S.; Augusto Machado Pereira, Jorge; Câmara, JoséPolystyrene (PS) is a crucial material for modern plastic manufacturers, but its widespread use and direct discard in the environment severely affect the food chain. This review provides a detailed study on the impact of PS microplastics (PS-MPs) on the food chain and the environment, including information on their mechanism, degradation process, and toxicity. The accumulation of PS-MPs in organisms' different organs leads to various adverse reactions, such as re duced body weight, premature deaths, pulmonary diseases, neurotoxicity, transgenerational issues, oxidative stress, metabolic alterations, ecotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and other dysfunctions. These consequences affect diverse ele ments in the food chain, spanning from aquatic species to mammals and humans. The review also addresses the need for sustainable plastic waste management policies and technological developments to prevent the adverse im pacts of PS-MPs on the food chain. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of developing a precise, flexible, and effective methodology for extracting and quantifying PS-MPs in food, considering their characteristics like particle size, polymer types, and forms. While several studies have focused on the toxicity of polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) in aquatic species, further investigation is required to understand the mechanisms by which they are transferred across multiple trophic levels. Therefore, this article serves as the first comprehensive review, examining the mecha nism, degradation process, and toxicity of PS-MPs. It presents an analysis of the current research landscape of PS MPs in the global food chain, providing insights for future researchers and governing organizations to adopt better ap proaches to managing PS-MPs and preventing their adverse impacts on the food chain. As far as we know this is the first article on this specific and impactant topic.