Flores edíveis como novo conceito de novos alimentos para a promoção da saúde

Trabalho Complementar apresentado à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de licenciada em Ciências da NutriçãoAtualmente muitas espécies de plantas que produzem flores já fazem parte da alimentação humana, em particular, as pétalas e sépalas edíveis. Habituais na cozinha desde a Antiguidade, em países como China, México, Brasil, Canadá, França, EUA e Grécia, o uso das flores não têm sido usual no nosso país. No entanto, com as novas tendências de recuperar os sabores agridoces e das múltiplas variantes da cozinha de fusão, as flores tornam-se ingredientes muito apreciados. É importante ter em consideração que nem todas as flores são comestíveis e para além da identificação das mesmas, é importante saber como foram produzidas pois, por exemplo, as flores para decoração ornamental não devem ser utilizadas para consumo humano, uma vez que não têm em consideração as regras de segurança alimentar. Por esses motivos, este trabalho experimental teve como objetivo estudar o teor de compostos não-nutrientes de diferentes flores cultivadas para consumo: calêndula (Calendula officinalis L.), camélia (Camellia japonica L.) e rosa (Rosa canina L.) bem como avaliar a atividade antioxidante das mesmas. Os resultados obtidos, no que respeita aos teores de compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante (DPPH•) mostraram-se correlacionados e promissores, verificando-se diferenças significativas entre as amostras (p <0,001). A C. officinalis apresentou o teor superior de fenólicos totais e carotenoides (35,4 mg GAE/ g e 15,6 mg/g, respetivamente). Em contrapartida, o maior teor de flavonoides foi observado nas pétalas de rosa (94,5 mg ECE/ g). Relativamente à correlação entre os compostos bioativos e a atividade antioxidante, foi observada uma forte correlação entre a atividade antioxidante e os fenólicos totais (rs = 0,917, p = 0,001) e carotenoides (rs = 0,900, p = 0,001), sendo que para os flavonoides, a mesma não foi tão relevante. Estas descobertas podem ter aplicações práticas no que diz respeito ao aproveitamento das flores edíveis, como ingredientes em géneros alimentares.Currently many species of flowering plants are already part of the human diet, in particular, the edible petals and sepals. Usual in the kitchen since ancient times in countries like China, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, France, USA and Greece, the use of flowers have not been usual in our country. However, with the new trends to recover the bittersweet flavors and multiple variants of fusion cuisine, the flowers become highly prized ingredients. It’s important to note that not all flowers are edible and beyond their identification, it’s important to know how were produced as, for example, flowers for ornamental decoration, should not be used for human consumption, since they do not take into account the food safety rules. For this reasons, this experimental work aimed study the content of non-nutrients compounds of different flowers grown for consumption: calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), camellia (Camellia japonica L.) and rose (Rosa canina L.) and evaluate the antioxidant activity of them. The results obtained with regard to the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity (DPPH•) showed promising and correlated, verifying significant differences between the samples (p <0.001). C. officinalis showed higher carotenoid content and total phenolics (35.4 mg GAE/ g and 15.6 mg/ g, respectively). In contrast, the higher flavonoid content was obtained in rose petals (94.5 mg ECE/ g). Regarding to the correlation between bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, a strong correlation was observed between antioxidant activity and total phenolics (rs = 0.917, p = 0.001) and carotenoids (rs = 0.900, p = 0.001), and for the flavonoids, it was not so relevant. These findings may have practical applications regarding the enhancement of edible flowers, such as ingredients in foodstuffs.N/

Is there an association between postural balance and pulmonary function in adults with asthma?

OBJECTIVE: Asthma may cause systemic repercussions due to its severity and the effects of treatment. Our objective was to compare posture, balance, functional capacity, and quality of life (QOL) according to the severity of disease, as assessed by pulmonary function levels. METHOD: This cross-sectional study evaluated fifty individuals with asthma. We compared two groups of adult individuals who were divided according to the median of the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) as follows: group A  =  FEV1>;74% predicted; group B  =  FEV

Absence of Tau triggers age-dependent sciatic nerve morphofunctional deficits and motor impairment

Dementia is the cardinal feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet the clinical symptoms of this disorder also include a marked loss of motor function. Tau abnormal hyperphosphorylation and malfunction are well-established key events in AD neuropathology but the impact of the loss of normal Tau function in neuronal degeneration and subsequent behavioral deficits is still debated. While Tau reduction has been increasingly suggested as therapeutic strategy against neurodegeneration, particularly in AD, there is controversial evidence about whether loss of Tau progressively impacts on motor function arguing about damage of CNS motor components. Using a variety of motor-related tests, we herein provide evidence of an age-dependent motor impairment in Tau-/- animals that is accompanied by ultrastructural and functional impairments of the efferent fibers that convey motor-related information. Specifically, we show that the sciatic nerve of old (17-22-months) Tau-/- mice displays increased degenerating myelinated fibers and diminished conduction properties, as compared to age-matched wild-type (Tau+/+) littermates and younger (4-6months) Tau-/- and Tau+/+ mice. In addition, the sciatic nerves of Tau-/- mice exhibit a progressive hypomyelination (assessed by g-ratio) specifically affecting large-diameter, motor-related axons in old animals. These findings suggest that loss of Tau protein may progressively impact on peripheral motor system.The work was supported by grants 'PTDC/SAU-NMC/113934/2009,' 'PTDC/SAU-NSC/118194/2010,' 'SFRH/BPD/97281/2013,' PTDC/SAU-NSC/118194/2010,' 'SFRH/BPD/80118/2011,' 'SFRH/BD/89714/2012' funded by FCT-Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and project DoIT-Desenvolvimento e Operacionalizacao da Investigacao de Translacao (No do projeto 13853), funded by Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) throughout the Programa Operacional Fatores de Competitividade (POFC). In addition, this work was also co-financed by European Union FP7 project SwitchBox (NS) and the Portuguese North Regional Operational Program (ON.2 - O Novo Norte) under the National Strategic Reference Framework (QREN), through the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Predictors of cardiac involvement in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies

Copyright © 2023 Bandeira, Dourado, Melo, Martins, Fraga, Ferraro, Saraiva, Sousa, Parente, Soares, Correia, Almeida, Dinis, Pinto, Oliveira Pinheiro, Rato, Beirão, Samões, Santos, Mazeda, Chícharo, Faria, Neto, Lourenço, Brites, Rodrigues, Silva-Dinis, Dias, Araújo, Martins, Couto, Valido, Santos, Barreira, Fonseca and Campanilho-Marques. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.Objectives: Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a group of rare disorders that can affect the heart. This work aimed to find predictors of cardiac involvement in IIM. Methods: Multicenter, open cohort study, including patients registered in the IIM module of the Rheumatic Diseases Portuguese Register (Reuma.pt/Myositis) until January 2022. Patients without cardiac involvement information were excluded. Myo(peri)carditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, conduction abnormalities, and/or premature coronary artery disease were considered. Results: 230 patients were included, 163 (70.9%) of whom were females. Thirteen patients (5.7%) had cardiac involvement. Compared with IIM patients without cardiac involvement, these patients had a lower bilateral manual muscle testing score (MMT) at the peak of muscle weakness [108.0 ± 55.0 vs 147.5 ± 22.0, p=0.008] and more frequently had oesophageal [6/12 (50.0%) vs 33/207 (15.9%), p=0.009] and lung [10/13 (76.9%) vs 68/216 (31.5%), p=0.001] involvements. Anti-SRP antibodies were more commonly identified in patients with cardiac involvement [3/11 (27.3%) vs 9/174 (5.2%), p=0.026]. In the multivariate analysis, positivity for anti-SRP antibodies (OR 104.3, 95% CI: 2.5-4277.8, p=0.014) was a predictor of cardiac involvement, regardless of sex, ethnicity, age at diagnosis, and lung involvement. Sensitivity analysis confirmed these results. Conclusion: Anti-SRP antibodies were predictors of cardiac involvement in our cohort of IIM patients, irrespective of demographical characteristics and lung involvement. We suggest considering frequent screening for heart involvement in anti-SRP-positive IIM patients.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

TROMBOCITOPENIA IMUNE: FISIOPATOLOGIA E DIAGNÓSTICO DIFERENCIAL NA PRÁTICA CLÍNICA

Immune thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys blood platelets, leading to complications such as excessive bleeding. This review aims to explore current strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of immune thrombocytopenia, aiming to improve the understanding and management of this challenging hematological condition. Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to immune thrombocytopenia, highlighting current trends and knowledge gaps. The methodology involved systematic literature search using health science descriptors and careful selection of relevant studies for analysis.&nbsp; Methodology: Descriptors such as "Immune Thrombocytopenia," "Pathophysiology," "Diagnosis," and "Treatment" were used in various combinations to identify relevant articles in electronic databases. Inclusion criteria were defined based on relevance to the topic and methodological quality of selected studies. After identifying relevant studies, available diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in clinical practice were analyzed. Results: Analysis of selected studies revealed a variety of diagnostic strategies used, including laboratory tests and imaging. Regarding treatment, therapeutic options such as corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and spleen-directed therapies were identified. Additionally, new therapeutic approaches under development, such as targeted biological therapies, were explored as promising alternatives. Conclusion: In conclusion, immune thrombocytopenia represents a significant clinical challenge that requires a multidisciplinary and individualized approach to its management. Understanding underlying mechanisms, early identification of patients at risk, and access to effective treatments are crucial for improving clinical outcomes and patients' quality of life. Continuity of research and medical education are essential to advance knowledge and treatment of this complex hematological condition.A trombocitopenia imune é uma condição na qual o sistema imunológico ataca e destrói as plaquetas sanguíneas, levando a complicações como sangramento excessivo. Esta revisão tem como objetivo explorar as estratégias atuais no diagnóstico e tratamento da trombocitopenia imune, visando melhorar a compreensão e o manejo dessa condição hematológica desafiadora. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica da trombocitopenia imune, destacando as tendências atuais e as lacunas no conhecimento. A metodologia adotada envolveu a busca sistemática na literatura utilizando descritores de ciências da saúde e a seleção criteriosa dos estudos relevantes para análise. Metodologia: Foram utilizados descritores como "Trombocitopenia Imune", "Fisiopatologia", "Diagnóstico" e "Tratamento" em combinações variadas para identificar artigos pertinentes em bases de dados eletrônicas. Os critérios de inclusão foram definidos com base na relevância ao tema e qualidade metodológica dos estudos selecionados. Após a identificação dos estudos relevantes, foram analisadas as abordagens diagnósticas e terapêuticas disponíveis na prática clínica. Resultados: A análise dos estudos selecionados revelou uma variedade de estratégias diagnósticas utilizadas, incluindo exames laboratoriais e de imagem. Quanto ao tratamento, foram identificadas opções terapêuticas como corticosteroides, imunoglobulina intravenosa e terapias direcionadas ao baço. Além disso, novas abordagens terapêuticas em desenvolvimento, como terapias biológicas direcionadas, foram exploradas como alternativas promissoras. Conclusão: Em conclusão, a trombocitopenia imune representa um desafio clínico significativo que requer uma abordagem multidisciplinar e individualizada no seu manejo. A compreensão dos mecanismos subjacentes, a identificação precoce dos pacientes em risco e o acesso a tratamentos eficazes são cruciais para melhorar os resultados clínicos e a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. A continuidade da pesquisa e educação médica são essenciais para avançar no conhecimento e no tratamento dessa condição hematológica complexa

MAMMALS IN PORTUGAL : A data set of terrestrial, volant, and marine mammal occurrences in P ortugal

Mammals are threatened worldwide, with 26% of all species being includedin the IUCN threatened categories. This overall pattern is primarily associatedwith habitat loss or degradation, and human persecution for terrestrial mam-mals, and pollution, open net fishing, climate change, and prey depletion formarine mammals. Mammals play a key role in maintaining ecosystems func-tionality and resilience, and therefore information on their distribution is cru-cial to delineate and support conservation actions. MAMMALS INPORTUGAL is a publicly available data set compiling unpublishedgeoreferenced occurrence records of 92 terrestrial, volant, and marine mam-mals in mainland Portugal and archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira thatincludes 105,026 data entries between 1873 and 2021 (72% of the data occur-ring in 2000 and 2021). The methods used to collect the data were: live obser-vations/captures (43%), sign surveys (35%), camera trapping (16%),bioacoustics surveys (4%) and radiotracking, and inquiries that represent lessthan 1% of the records. The data set includes 13 types of records: (1) burrowsjsoil moundsjtunnel, (2) capture, (3) colony, (4) dead animaljhairjskullsjjaws, (5) genetic confirmation, (6) inquiries, (7) observation of live animal (8),observation in shelters, (9) photo trappingjvideo, (10) predators dietjpelletsjpine cones/nuts, (11) scatjtrackjditch, (12) telemetry and (13) vocalizationjecholocation. The spatial uncertainty of most records ranges between 0 and100 m (76%). Rodentia (n=31,573) has the highest number of records followedby Chiroptera (n=18,857), Carnivora (n=18,594), Lagomorpha (n=17,496),Cetartiodactyla (n=11,568) and Eulipotyphla (n=7008). The data setincludes records of species classified by the IUCN as threatened(e.g.,Oryctolagus cuniculus[n=12,159],Monachus monachus[n=1,512],andLynx pardinus[n=197]). We believe that this data set may stimulate thepublication of other European countries data sets that would certainly contrib-ute to ecology and conservation-related research, and therefore assisting onthe development of more accurate and tailored conservation managementstrategies for each species. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite thisdata paper when the data are used in publications.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Goodbye Hartmann trial: a prospective, international, multicenter, observational study on the current use of a surgical procedure developed a century ago

Background: Literature suggests colonic resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) instead of Hartmann's procedure (HP) for the treatment of left-sided colonic emergencies. We aim to evaluate the surgical options globally used to treat patients with acute left-sided colonic emergencies and the factors that leading to the choice of treatment, comparing HP and RPA. Methods: This is a prospective, international, multicenter, observational study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. A total 1215 patients with left-sided colonic emergencies who required surgery were included from 204 centers during the period of March 1, 2020, to May 31, 2020. with a 1-year follow-up. Results: 564 patients (43.1%) were females. The mean age was 65.9 ± 15.6&nbsp;years. HP was performed in 697 (57.3%) patients and RPA in 384 (31.6%) cases. Complicated acute diverticulitis was the most common cause of left-sided colonic emergencies (40.2%), followed by colorectal malignancy (36.6%). Severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3b) were higher in the HP group (P &lt; 0.001). 30-day mortality was higher in HP patients (13.7%), especially in case of bowel perforation and diffused peritonitis. 1-year follow-up showed no differences on ostomy reversal rate between HP and RPA. (P = 0.127). A backward likelihood logistic regression model showed that RPA was preferred in younger patients, having low ASA score (≤ 3), in case of large bowel obstruction, absence of colonic ischemia, longer time from admission to surgery, operating early at the day working hours, by a surgeon who performed more than 50 colorectal resections. Conclusions: After 100&nbsp;years since the first Hartmann's procedure, HP remains the most common treatment for left-sided colorectal emergencies. Treatment's choice depends on patient characteristics, the time of surgery and the experience of the surgeon. RPA should be considered as the gold standard for surgery, with HP being an exception

Mammals in Portugal: a data set of terrestrial, volant, and marine mammal occurrences in Portugal

Mammals are threatened worldwide, with ~26% of all species being included in the IUCN threatened categories. This overall pattern is primarily associated with habitat loss or degradation, and human persecution for terrestrial mammals, and pollution, open net fishing, climate change, and prey depletion for marine mammals. Mammals play a key role in maintaining ecosystems functionality and resilience, and therefore information on their distribution is crucial to delineate and support conservation actions. MAMMALS IN PORTUGAL is a publicly available data set compiling unpublished georeferenced occurrence records of 92 terrestrial, volant, and marine mammals in mainland Portugal and archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira that includes 105,026 data entries between 1873 and 2021 (72% of the data occurring in 2000 and 2021). The methods used to collect the data were: live observations/captures (43%), sign surveys (35%), camera trapping (16%), bioacoustics surveys (4%) and radiotracking, and inquiries that represent less than 1% of the records. The data set includes 13 types of records: (1) burrows | soil mounds | tunnel, (2) capture, (3) colony, (4) dead animal | hair | skulls | jaws, (5) genetic confirmation, (6) inquiries, (7) observation of live animal (8), observation in shelters, (9) photo trapping | video, (10) predators diet | pellets | pine cones/nuts, (11) scat | track | ditch, (12) telemetry and (13) vocalization | echolocation. The spatial uncertainty of most records ranges between 0 and 100 m (76%). Rodentia (n =31,573) has the highest number of records followed by Chiroptera (n = 18,857), Carnivora (n = 18,594), Lagomorpha (n = 17,496), Cetartiodactyla (n = 11,568) and Eulipotyphla (n = 7008). The data set includes records of species classified by the IUCN as threatened (e.g., Oryctolagus cuniculus [n = 12,159], Monachus monachus [n = 1,512], and Lynx pardinus [n = 197]). We believe that this data set may stimulate the publication of other European countries data sets that would certainly contribute to ecology and conservation-related research, and therefore assisting on the development of more accurate and tailored conservation management strategies for each species. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications

Is there an association between postural balance and pulmonary function in adults with asthma?

OBJECTIVE: Asthma may cause systemic repercussions due to its severity and the effects of treatment. Our objective was to compare posture, balance, functional capacity, and quality of life (QOL) according to the severity of disease, as assessed by pulmonary function levels. METHOD: This cross-sectional study evaluated fifty individuals with asthma. We compared two groups of adult individuals who were divided according to the median of the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) as follows: group A  =  FEV1>74% predicted; group B  =  FEV1<74% predicted. All patients underwent the following tests: spirometry, whole-body plethysmography, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco), respiratory muscle strength, posture assessment, stabilometry, six-minute walking distance (6MWD), and QOL. RESULTS: All pulmonary function variables exhibited statistically significant differences between the two groups, except for the DLco. The maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and 6MWD were lower in group B. The maximal mediolateral velocity and the mediolateral displacement were significantly different, while the postural changes and QOL were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In adult individuals with asthma, the pulmonary function is associated with balance control in the mediolateral direction but does not influence the postural changes or QOL