Evaluation of the Sigma Quality level for Serum Iron determination by two colorimetric methods, Ferrozine and Ferene S

Iron plays important functions in the body such as the formation and functioning of hemoglobin and it’s disorders are among the most common diseases of human1. It is essential to ensure that its levels determination through laboratory tests are accurate and precise. The participation of laboratories in the External Quality Assessment (EQA) allows the increases of the quality level of the laboratory results and improvement of its performance.2This study was developed in the Portuguese Nacional EQA Program (PNAEQ) concerning the laboratories results from the Clinical Chemistry Scheme. The main objective of this study was to evaluate and improve the sigma quality level regarding the Iron parameter and reduce the variability of the laboratories results participating in the EQA program of Clinical Chemistry of the Nacional External Quality Assessment Program (PNAEQ). The mean Sigma quality level indicated that the Ferrozine method had a better performance compared with Ferene S method. Half of the control samples had a sigma quality level higher than 3.0, which is set as the minimum acceptable quality.3 Despite of the improved of the Sigma quality level in the Pilot Test, the results demonstrated a need to improved the analytical process performance and to identified more potential causes and implement new improvement actions. It becomes necessary to raise awareness with the laboratories, improving the Pilot Test participation frequency, resulting in a recurrent and current assessment of the laboratory activity performance. Developing Six Sigma projects on a periodic basis is important for continuously and progressively increasing the level of Sigma quality in laboratory examinations. The main advantage of quality assessment on the sigma scale is providing evidence of overall laboratory performance, taking into account random and systematic errors.N/

The dynamic relationship between stock market indexes and foreign exchange

This empirical study analyses the dynamic relationship between the FTSE 100 Index and the Euro STOXX 50 Index and the USD/EUR and USD/GBP exchange rates, from January 2007 to April 2017. The Johansen co-integration tests suggest that these variables have a long-term relationship. The Granger causality test was conducted through the use of VECM equations, showing that the FTSE 100 and the Euro STOXX 50 Index both have a causal feedback relationship. A unidirectional relationship was found between the FTSE 100 Index stock prices and the USD/EUR exchange rate. The presence of a unidirectional relationship between the USD/GBP exchange rate and FTSE 100 and Euro STOXX 50 Index stock prices was also detected.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Modulation of the tumor microenvironment by microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids: impact in colorectal cancer therapy

Finding new therapeutic approaches towards colorectal cancer (CRC) is of increased relevance, as CRC is one of the most common cancers worldwide. CRC standard therapy includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, which may be used alone or in combination. The reported side effects and acquired resistance associated with these strategies lead to an increasing need to search for new therapies with better efficacy and less toxicity. Several studies have demonstrated the antitumorigenic properties of microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The tumor microenvironment is composed by non-cellular components, microbiota, and a great diversity of cells, such as immune cells. The influence of SCFAs on the different constituents of the tumor microenvironment is an important issue that should be taken into consideration, and to the best of our knowledge there is a lack of reviews on this subject. The tumor microenvironment is not only closely related to the growth and development of CRC but also affects the treatment and prognosis of the patients. Immunotherapy has emerged as a new hope, but, in CRC, it was found that only a small percentage of patients benefit from this treatment being closely dependent on the genetic background of the tumors. The aim of this review was to perform an up-to-date critical literature review on current knowledge regarding the effects of microbiota-derived SCFAs in the tumor microenvironment, particularly in the context of CRC and its impact in CRC therapeutic strategies. SCFAs, namely acetate, butyrate, and propionate, have the ability to modulate the tumor microenvironment in distinct ways. SCFAs promote immune cell differentiation, downregulate the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, and restrict the tumor-induced angiogenesis. SCFAs also sustain the integrity of basement membranes and modulate the intestinal pH. CRC patients have lower concentrations of SCFAs than healthy individuals. Increasing the production of SCFAs through the manipulation of the gut microbiota could constitute an important therapeutic strategy towards CRC due to their antitumorigenic effect and ability of modulating tumor microenvironment.This article is a result of the project EcoAgriFood NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-00009, supported by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Sara Gomes thanks FCT for her PhD grant SFRH/BD/140965/2018. This work was financed by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, FCT) within the scope of project PTDC/QUIQIN/28662/2017. This work was also supported by “Contrato-Programa” UIDB/04050/2020 funded by national funds through the FCT I.P

Prevalência do consumo de substâncias ilícitas em estudantes universitários portugueses

Publicado em "Gaceta sanitaria", vol. 29 (Espec. Congr.), p. 145-146O uso de substâncias psicoativas lícitas (bebidas alcoólicas, tabaco e medicamentos) e ilícitas (canábis, cocaí-na, ectasy, entre outras) (SPAs) está atualmente entre as principais preocupações em saúde, na sociedade. Os estudos sobre a prevalência de consumo na população universitária são escassos e sem representatividade nacional. Além disso, para se conhecer a dimensão do problema e delinear medidas preventivas para uma população é essencial conhecer a prevalência e fatores associados nesse público-alvo. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever a prevalência do consumo de drogas ilícitas, nos últimos 30 dias e nos últimos 12 meses, em estudantes universitários, em função do sexo e tipo de drogas.CIEC - Centro de Investigação em Estudos da Criança, IE, UMinho (UI 317 da FCT

Contribuciones a la adaptación ante la aparición de una situación de trastorno neurocognitivo en la familia

Background: The family is the main resource of patients, and family members take on the role of family caregivers. Objective: To identify the variables influencing the impact of a neurocognitive disorder (NCD) on family members and characterize the caregivers of people living with a NCD. Methodology: Quantitative, descriptive, and correlational study with a sample of 262 family members of people living with a NCD. Results: Caregivers revealed an association between the emotional dimension (r = 0.526; n = 102; p < 0.01), economic dimension (r = 0.292; n = 102; p < 0.01), support-seeking (r = 0.279; n = 102; p < 0.01), the healthcare-seeking dimension (r = 0.375; n = 102; p < 0.01) and a higher perceived burden. Among family members, the greater the impact of perceived family relations, the greater the perceived social support (r = 0.219; n = 104; p < 0.05); the greater the emotional impact, the greater the need to seek support (r = 0.303; n = 104; p < 0.01); and the greater the perceived impact on the economic dimension, the greater the need to seek support (r = 0.319; n = 104; p < 0.01). Conclusion: The family’s functioning, the patient’s level of dependence, the education level, the gender, and the degree of kinship seem to influence family adaptation.Enquadramento: A família é o principal recurso da pessoa que adoece, assumindo-se, os seus constituintes, como cuidadores familiares. Objetivo: Identificar as variáveis que influenciam o impacto da perturbação neurocognitiva nos familiares e caracterizar os cuidadores de pessoas com PNC. Metodologia: Estudo quantitativo, descritivo e correlacional, com 262 familiares de pessoas com perturbação neurocognitiva. Resultados: Os cuidadores evidenciam uma associação entre as dimensões impacto emocional (r = 0,526; n = 102; p < 0,01), económica (r = 0,292; n = 102; p < 0,01), procura de suporte (r = 0,279; n = 102; p < 0,01), prestação de cuidados (r = 0,375; n = 102; p < 0,01) com maior sobrecarga percecionada. Entre os membros da família, quanto maior o impacto das relações familiares percebidas, maior o suporte social percebido (r = 0,219; n = 104; p < 0,05); quanto maior o impacto emocional, maior a necessidade de procura de suporte (r = 0,303; n = 104; p < 0,01); e quanto maior o impacto percebido na dimensão económica, maior a necessidade de procura de suporte (r = 0,319; n = 104; p < 0,01). Conclusão: O grau de funcionalidade da família, a dependência da pessoa cuidada, a escolaridade, o género e o grau de parentesco parecem ter influência na adaptação das famílias.Marco contextual: La familia es el principal recurso de la persona que cae enferma y sus miembros se consideran cuidadores familiares. Objetivo: Identificar las variables que influyen en el impacto del trastorno neurocognitivo en los familiares y caracterizar a los cuidadores de personas con PNC. Metodología: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y correlacional, con 262 familiares de personas con trastorno neurocognitivo. Resultados: Los cuidadores observan una asociación entre las dimensiones impacto emocional (r = 0,526, n = 102, p < 0,01), económica (r = 0,292, n = 102, p < 0,01), búsqueda de apoyo (r = 0,279, n = 102, p < 0,01), prestación de cuidados (r = 0,375, n = 102, p < 0,01) con una mayor carga percibida. Entre los miembros de la familia, cuanto mayor es el impacto de las relaciones familiares percibidas, mayor es el apoyo social percibido (r = 0,219, n = 104, p < 0,05); cuanto mayor es el impacto emocional, mayor es la necesidad de buscar apoyo (r = 0,303, n = 104, p < 0,01), y cuanto mayor es el impacto percibido en la dimensión económica, mayor es la necesidad de buscar apoyo (r = 0,319, n = 104, p < 0,01). Conclusión: El grado de funcionalidad de la familia, la dependencia de la persona cuidada, la educación, el género y el grado de parentesco parecen influir en la adaptación de las familias.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Health literacy and cardiovascular complications in people with type 2 Diabetes

Background Cardiovascular complications are the main causes of death for type 2 diabetes. Their relationship to socioeconomic factors, such as health literacy, is not well known. Objectives To study the relationship between health literacy and cardiovascular complications (acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, transient ischemic attack and ischemic heart disease) in type 2 diabetes patients and to understand the relationship of type 2 diabetes mellitus associated cardiovascular disease with empowerment and therapy adherence. Material and methods A cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of people with type 2 diabetes in central Portugal. Socio--demographic and clinical characteristics (blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c and history of cardiovascular diseases) were collected, and validated scales were applied to assess health literacy, adherence to therapy, empowerment and quality of life. Bivariate inferential analysis between literacy, other variables and cardiovascular diseases, with subsequent Logistic Regression, was performed. Results A sample of n = 202, mean age 68.11 ± 10.19 years, n = 116 (57.4%) males was studied. Higher health literacy was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (p = 0.015). This relationship was independent of the remaining variables (OR = 0.947; 95% CI: 0.913–0.982; p = 0.003). Significant relationships were demonstrated between cardiovascular disease and quality of life (p = 0.001), adherence to total therapy (p = 0.045), general diet (p = 0.002), physical activity (p = 0.027), age (p = 0.004) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.036). Conclusions The independent relationship between health literacy and cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes, when confirmed, will indicate that health literacy promotion acts as an important health policy measure to be adopted.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Eco-friendly ZnO/chitosan bionanocomposites films for packaging of fresh poultry meat

UID/EMS/04077/2019 UID/QUI/50006/2019 UID/QUI/00100/2019 Contrato No: IST-ID/154/2018) under Decree-Law No. 57/2016 and 57/2017.The advances on the development of novel materials capable to enhance the shelf life of food products may contribute to reduce the current worldwide food waste problem. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and due to their good antimicrobial properties are suitable to be applied as active compounds in food packaging. ZnO NPs were synthesized to be tested in active bionanocomposites through an eco-friendlier route using apple peel wastes. This work aimed to develop bionanocomposites based on chitosan and incorporated with ZnO NPs to characterize its bioactivity via in vitro and in situ studies, using fresh poultry meat as the food matrix. Overall, bio-based biodegradable films presented good antimicrobial activity, being the intrinsic antimicrobial properties of chitosan enhanced by the ZnO NPs added on the system. When used as primary packaging of the meat, the samples protected with the films presented a decrease on the deterioration speed, which was represented by the preservation of the initial reddish color of the meat and reduction on the oxidation process and microbiological growth. The nanoparticles enhanced especially the antioxidant properties of the films and proved to be potential food preservatives agents to be used in active food packaging.publishersversionpublishe

Biodegradable chitosan films with ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using food industry by-products—production and characterization

UIDB/04077/2020 PTDC/BTM‐SAL/29335/2017 UIDB/04138/2020 UIDP/04138/2020 grant (2020.04441.BD) of C.R.This work aimed to produce bionanocomposites of chitosan incorporated with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized using food industry by-products and to characterize them. Such nanoparticles are highlighted due to their low cost, antimicrobial activity, accessibility, and sustainability synthesis. Four different levels of ZnO NPs (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% w/w of chitosan) were tested, and the bionanocomposites were characterized in terms of their hydrophobicity, mechanical, optical, and barrier properties. Overall, the incorporation of ZnO NPs changed the composites from brittle to ductile, with enhanced elongation at break and reduced Young Modulus and tensile strength. Thus, ZnO NPs acted as plasticizer, turning the films more flexible, due to the presence of organic compounds on the NPs. This also favored permeability of oxygen and of water vapor, but the good barrier properties were maintained. Optical properties did not change statistically with the ZnO NPs incorporation. Thus, the characterization presented in this paper may contribute to support a decision on the choice of the material’s final application.publishersversionpublishe

Differential Expression of miRNAs in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients

Funding Information: Open access funding provided by FCT|FCCN (b-on). This research was funded by Fundação de Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), grant numbers PTDC/MEC-NEU/31195/2017, UID/BIM/0009/2020 and UIDP/00009/2020. Publisher Copyright: © 2023, The Author(s).Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor neuron disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control, muscle atrophy and in later stages, death. Diagnosis has an average delay of 1 year after symptoms onset, which impairs early management. The identification of a specific disease biomarker could help decrease the diagnostic delay. MicroRNA (miRNA) expression levels have been proposed as ALS biomarkers, and altered function has been reported in ALS pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the differential expression of plasma miRNAs in ALS patients and two control populations (healthy controls and ALS-mimic disorders). For that, 16 samples from each group were pooled, and then 1008 miRNAs were assessed through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). From these, ten candidate miRNAs were selected and validated in 35 ALS patients, 16 ALS-mimic disorders controls and 15 healthy controls. We also assessed the same miRNAs in two different time points of disease progression. Although we were unable to determine a miRNA signature to use as disease or condition marker, we found that miR-7-2-3p, miR-26a-1-3p, miR-224-5p and miR-206 are good study candidates to understand the pathophysiology of ALS.publishersversionepub_ahead_of_prin