A função do eixo hipofisário-adrenal em gatos com doença oncológica não-hematopoiética

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina VeterináriaA ocorrência de um processo patológico promove uma panóplia de efeitos metabólicos no organismo. Neste âmbito, a activação do eixo hipotalâmico-hipofisário-adrenal (HHA) constitui uma parte vital na resposta fisiológica ao stress, sendo um mediador essencial na manutenção da homeostase do organismo e na adaptação ao estado de doença. Diversos estudos têm documentado alterações na função deste eixo no decurso de afecções não adrenais, nomeadamente na doença oncológica, quer no ser humano quer em algumas espécies animais, as quais parecem contribuir para a morbilidade dos doentes. Na presente dissertação, após uma abordagem geral dos aspectos estruturais e funcionais do eixo HHA bem como dos efeitos da doença não-adrenal, principalmente da doença oncológica, na função deste eixo, é apresentado um estudo experimental acerca da função do eixo hipofisário-adrenal (HA) em felídeos com doença oncológica não-hematopoiética. O teste de estimulação pela hormona adrenocorticotrópica (ACTH) bem como o doseamento da concentração plasmática de ACTH endógena foram realizados em gatas saudáveis e em gatas com doença oncológica não-hematopoiética. Em algumas gatas saudáveis e com neoplasia não-hematopoiética as dimensões das glândulas adrenais foram avaliadas ecograficamente. Todas as medições foram efectuadas previamente ao início da terapêutica antineoplásica. Não foram detectadas diferenças estatísticas entre as gatas saudáveis e as gatas com doença oncológica relativamente às concentrações plasmáticas de cortisol basal e pós-estimulação com ACTH exógena bem como às concentrações de ACTH endógena. Contudo, das 5 gatas com doença oncológica, uma apresentou aumento da concentração plasmática de cortisol basal (6,80 μg/dl), uma teve resposta diminuída ao teste de estimulação pela ACTH (3,80 μg/dl) e três apresentaram concentração plasmática de ACTH endógena diminuída (5,00; 9,70 e 9,70 pg/ml). Todas as glândulas adrenais medidas encontravam-se normodimensionadas. A fisiopatologia e o significado clínico destes dados não foram determinados. Este estudo permitiu concluir que o clínico não deve subestimar esta problemática, uma vez que as evidências apontam para a existência de alterações na função do eixo HA no decurso de doença, devendo o clínico, estar atento a possíveis sinais e, caso existam, encorajar o recurso a uma abordagem diagnóstica adequada dos mesmos.ABSTRACT - Pituitary-adrenal axis function in cats with non-hematopoietic cancer - A wide range of metabolic effects occurs when a pathologic disease is installed in the body. In this context, the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is a vital part in the physiological response to stress being an essential mediator in the maintenance of homeostasis and adaptation to the disease. Several studies have documented changes in the biological function of this axis during non-adrenal disorders, particularly in cancer disease, either in humans or in some animal species, which appear to contribute to the morbidity in patients. This study presents a general approach to structural and functional aspects of the HPA axis and the effects of non-adrenal disease, particularly in cancer illness and the effect on the axis function, and an experimental study about the function of the pituitary-adrenal axis (HA) in felines with non-hematopoietic cancer. A stimulation test using the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) as well as the measurement of plasma concentration of endogenous ACTH were performed in healthy cats and in cats with non-hematopoietic cancer. In some healthy as well as cats with non-hematopoietic cancer, the size of the adrenal glands was evaluated by ultrasound. All measurements were taken prior the anti-cancer therapy. No statistical differences were found between healthy cats and cats with cancer in relation to cortisol plasma concentrations and post-stimulation tests as well as endogenous ACTH. However, concerning the five cats with cancer, one of these had increased cortisol plasma levels (6,80 μg/dl), one had decreased response to stimulation test for ACTH (3,80 μg/dl) and three had plasma decreased of endogenous ACTH (5,00; 9,70 e 9,70 pg/ml). All adrenal glands were normal in dimensional measures. The pathophysiology and the clinical significance of these data have not been determined. This study indicates that veterinary doctors should not underestimate this issue, since there are evidences that show changes in the function of HA axis on the onset of the cancer disease so there should be an awareness of possible signs and, when they appear, adequate diagnostic methods should take place

Improved glycemic control by acarbose therapy in hypertensive diabetic patients: effects on blood pressure and hormonal parameters

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was carried out on 44 hypertensive type 2 diabetic subjects previously treated by diet associated or not with sulfonylurea to assess the effects of acarbose-induced glycemic control on blood pressure (BP) and hormonal parameters. Before randomization and after a 22-week treatment period (100 to 300 mg/day), the subjects were submitted to a standard meal test and to 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and had plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile, insulin, proinsulin and leptin levels determined. Weight loss was found only in the acarbose-treated group (75.1 ± 11.6 to 73.1 ± 11.6 kg, P<0.01). Glycosylated hemoglobin decreased only in the acarbose group (6.4 ± 1.7 to 5.6 ± 1.9%, P<0.05). Fasting proinsulin decreased only in the acarbose group (23.4 ± 19.3 to 14.3 ± 13.6 pmol/l, P<0.05), while leptin decreased in both (placebo group: 26.3 ± 6.1 to 23.3 ± 9.4 and acarbose group: 25.0 ± 5.5 to 22.7 ± 7.9 ng/ml, P<0.05). When the subset of acarbose-treated patients who improved glycemic control was considered, significant reductions in diurnal systolic, diastolic and mean BP (102.3 ± 6.0 to 99.0 ± 6.6 mmHg, P<0.05) were found. Acarbose monotherapy or combined with sulfonylurea was effective in improving glycemic control in hypertensive diabetic patients. Acarbose-induced improvement in metabolic control may reduce BP in these patients. Our data did not suggest a direct action of acarbose on insulin resistance or leptin levels.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Divisão de EndocrinologiaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Divisão de NefrologiaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de Medicina PreventivaUNIFESP, Divisão de EndocrinologiaUNIFESP, Divisão de NefrologiaUNIFESP, Depto. de Medicina PreventivaSciEL

Projeto Jogos+Vida – Prevenção do Consumo de Substâncias Psicoativas

O JOGOS+VIDA é um projeto de prevenção do consumo de substâncias psicoativas (SPA’s) promovido pela Associação de Futebol de Viseu, sob a orientação do SICAD (Serviço de Intervenção nos Comportamentos Aditivos e nas Dependências). Pretende afastar os jovens de comportamentos de risco, através da adoção de estilos de vida saudáveis, aliando atividades desportivas ao Treino de Competências Pessoais e Sociais. Esta estratégia surge como forma de aumentar os fatores de proteção e diminuir o impacto dos fatores de risco. Integra ações dirigidas a alunos do 3º ciclo/Secundário e Profissional e a pais (questões relacionadas com SPA’s, estilos de comunicação adequados facilitadores da relação pais/filhos), de modo a proporcionar um atendimento personalizado aos jovens/famílias com fatores de risco (Gabinete de Atendimento “Checkpoint”); bem com a grupos-alvo estratégicos (formação), tais como assistentes operacionais e outros técnicos, de forma a aumentar os seus conhecimentos sobre SPA’s para que as suas intervenções futuras se revelem mais eficazes.Abstract: JOGOS+VIDA is a project to prevent the use of psychoactive substances promoted by the Viseu Football Association, under the guidance of Intervention Service in Behaviors Additives and the Dependencies. It aims to dissuade youngsters from risky behavior, through the promotion of healthy lifestyles, combining sports activities with personal and social training skills. This strategy comes up to increase the protective factors and reduce the impact of risk factors. The activities are aimed to young people in Middle/High School/ Vocational Courses and Institutionalized Youngsters (themes: psychoactive substances issues, sexuality and risk behaviors); Parents (questions about psychoactive substances, appropriate communication skills); Strategic target groups (Training), such as custodian and other technicians, so that they can intervene more effectively in their work context. The project has an office "Checkpoint”, as a support for the activities, which intends to provide personalized service to young people and families with risk factors

Chemical characterization of oleaster, olea europaea var. sylvestris (mill.) lehr., oils from different locations of northeast portugal

Oleaster (Olea europaea var. sylvestris), or the wild olive tree, has great interest as a source of genetic material for olive breeding programs. Nevertheless, information about its oil composition is scarce. In the present work, the characterization of oleaster fruit morphology and oil chemical composition from three different tree populations in Northeastern Portugal (Moncorvo, Alijó and Vila Nova de Foz Côa) was performed. The three studied populations presented some morphological differences in the fruits, but similar oil chemical composition. Oleic acid (68.9-70.6%) was the most abundant fatty acid. High variability was observed in total tocopherol content, ranging between 263 and 503 mg/kg. Additionally, high amounts of total sterols were found, from 1742 to 2198 mg/kg of oil. A rich composition in phenols was found with 14 phenolic compounds identified. The evaluated parameters for oleander oils allowed discriminating the oils according to the geographical origin and were consistent with those commonly found in olive oil, showing that they are particularly rich in antioxidants and can be exploited in breeding programs to increase the amounts of bioactive compounds in cultivated oils.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support by national funds FCT/MCTES to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020), and to REQUIMTE (NORTE- 01- 0145- FEDER-LAQV (UIDB/50006/2020). This work was also supported by PRODER project OliveOld—Identificação e caraterização de oliveiras centenárias para obtenção de produtos diferenciados” no. 53988. Nuno Rodrigues thanks to National funding by FCT—Foundation for Science and Technology, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Sustainability indicators of subsurface flow constructed wetlands in Portuguese small communities

The discharge of untreated domestic wastewater in the receiving waters creates a negative and environmental impact, inversely proportional to its autodepuration ability. Conventional wastewater treatment plants involve large capital investments and operating costs, and could be economically unsustainable for small-medium communities. So, constructed wetlands as natural low-cost systems can be an appropriate alternative, because they require low maintenance, give rise to good performances and provide a natural appearance. This work presents a synthesis of data obtained through an extensive survey performed in twenty Portuguese constructed wetlands utilities. Based on this information, some sustainable indicators and removal pollutant efficiencies were calculated. Besides identifying the main operational problems observed, it was also possible to detect inadequate monitoring procedures, aiming, with some proposed corrections, to improve the performance of these low-cost wastewater treatment utilities. The results obtained in this work encourage the development of future studies to increase the performance of these wastewater systems based on a better knowledge of the influence of hydraulic parameters, like flow, retention time and hydraulic application rate, in the pollutants removal efficiencies.(undefined

Performance evaluation of Portuguese constructed wetlands for municipal wastewater treatment

Constructed wetlands have been used as a technology appropriate for the treatment of municipal or domestic wastewater in some villages in Portugal. Most of constructed wetlands present a low cost (installation and maintenance), low energy requirements and technical skills of operators, environment friendly landscape, and good efficiency and reduced production of sludge. In a situation where is a need of appropriate wastewater treatment from a large number of rural villages, it is appropriate to evaluate the performance of some constructed wetlands systems operate in Portugal, in order to validate them as a credible alternative to conventional methods of wastewater treatment. This work presents a characterization of twenty constructed wetlands, an analysis of unit costs of treatment and the unit areas, and proceeds to the evaluation of their efficiency on the main wastewaters quality parameters. Moreover, the analysis identifies the major operational problems of these systems, suggesting a few mitigating measures and/or corrective to both the improvement of its operation, and the streamlining of its procedures for an accurate monitoring.(undefined

A potentiometric electronic tongue as a discrimination tool of water-food indicator/contamination bacteria

Microorganism assessment plays a key role in food quality and safety control but conventional techniques are costly and/or time consuming. Alternatively, electronic tongues (E-tongues) can fulfill this critical task. Thus, a potentiometric lab-made E-tongue (40 lipid sensor membranes) was used to differentiate four common food contamination bacteria, including two Gram positive (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Principal component analysis and a linear discriminant analysis-simulated annealing algorithm (LDA-SA) showed that the potentiometric signal profiles acquired during the analysis of aqueous solutions containing known amounts of each studied bacteria allowed a satisfactory differentiation of the four bacterial strains. An E-tongue-LDA-SA model (12 non-redundant sensors) correctly classified 98 ± 5% of the samples (repeated K-fold-CV), the satisfactory performance of which can be attributed to the capability of the lipid membranes to establish electrostatic interactions/hydrogen bonds with hydroxyl, amine and/or carbonyl groups, which are comprised in the bacteria outer membranes. Furthermore, multiple linear regression models, based on selected subsets of E-tongue sensors (1215 sensors), also allowed quantifying the bacteria contents in aqueous solutions (0.993 ± 0.011 R2 0.998 ± 0.005, for repeated K-fold-CV). In conclusion, the E-tongue could be of great value as a preliminary food quality and safety diagnosis tool.Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support by national funds FCT/MCTES to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020) and to CEB (UIDB/04469/2020), as well as to the BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020—Programa Operacional Regional do Norte. Ítala M.G. Marx also acknowledges the Ph.D. research grant (SFRH/BD/137283/2018) provided by FCT.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Ancient olive trees as a source of olive oils rich in phenolic compounds

Olive oil phenolic compounds are receiving increased attention due to its influence on sensory characteristics and to scientific evidences of positive health effects. In this work, 28 ancient olive trees were selected and, during four consecutive seasons (2014–2017), oils were extracted and their phenolic fraction characterized. Hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol secoiridoids were the predominant groups, with contents between 32 and 496 mg of tyrosol equivalents/kg. Based on principal component analysis it could be concluded that the individual phenolic contents enabled the unsupervised grouping of olive oils by crop year. Furthermore, linear discriminant analysis allowed achieving sensitivities greater than 90%. It was shown that some specimens consistently allowed obtaining oils with high phenolic contents (≥500 mg tyrosol equivalents/kg). The identification of centenarian specimens for breeding based on their potential to produce oils with high levels of healthy compounds is of utmost interest, contributing to preserve the genetic heritage.This work was financially supported by Strategic Project PEst-OE/ AGR/UI0690/2014 (CIMO), Project UID/QUI/50006/2013 (REQUIMTE-LAQV); and Project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006984 (Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM); all funded by Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) through COMPETE2020-Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI) and by national funds through Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Portugal. This work was also supported by PRODER project OliveOld – Identificação e caraterização de oliveiras centenárias para obtenção de produtos diferenciados” n° 53988. Nuno Rodrigues thanks FCT, POPHQREN and FSE for the Ph.D. Grant (SFRH/BD/104038/2014).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Monitoring fructooligossacharides production using Aspergillus aculeatus by HPLC ELSD

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are present in plants and fruits at low concentrations, thus their extraction from natural sources may not be economically viable for a large scale industrial application. Therefore, FOS production by fermentation using fungi can be an alternative. In this work, FOS were produced using Aspergillus aculeatus at different sucrose initial concentrations (88 to 265 g/L) and at temperatures from 22 to 32ºC. FOS production was monitored by HPLC-ELSD, allowing to confirm that the initial sucrose concentration significantly influenced biomass growth (a maximum value of 16 ± 2 g was achieved) although it did not significantly affect the maximum FOS yield (amount of FOS produced per initial sucrose) obtained, which varied from 51 to 59 g/g) obtained, which varied from 51 to 59 g/g. Finally, the preliminary results enabled verifying that depending on the fermentation conditions, slightly different FOS production profiles were obtained (Figure 1), revealing differences in the individual FOS concentrations (i.e., 1-kestose, nystose and fructofuranosylnystose), which could be of interest since it has been reported that the beneficial health effects of FOS may depend on the relative FOS composition.This work was also financially supported by Project POCI-01–0145-FEDER-006984–Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM, UID/AGR/00690/2013 –CIMO and UID/BIO/04469/2013 funded by FEDER - Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional through COMPETE2020-Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI) – and by national funds through FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio